Missionary Farewell Fireside

Over six years have passed since the Montgomery Chinese Branch had three missionaries serving at the same time. After Elder Richard Huang entered the MTC on October 14, the Montgomery Chinese Branch now has three full-time missionaries. Last year October, Elder Kevin Wu started his mission in the Massachusetts Boston Mission. In September 2020, Sister Megan Tsai also begin her MTC training. By the way, these are the first three missionaries from our Branch receiving virtual training from the MTC.

Sister Tsai has been called to the Taiwan Taichung Mission but will first go to the Utah Layton Mission to await her visa to Taiwan. Elder Huang has been called to California Arcadia Mission. Both will finish their training and leave for their missions in about ten days. President Nathan Sheets attended and presided at this fireside, but he had to leave early for another meeting. So after he left, President Charles Huang presided. Brother John Huang provided the translation for this evening.

Brother Da Zhao, first counselor in the Branch presidency, conducted the missionary farewell fireside tonight for the two missionaries.  After the opening hymn, “I Am a Child of God,” Sister Meiling Jiang offered the invocation. The Ly children in a prerecorded video performed “I Hope They Call Me on a Mission” with song, piano, and violin.  The following teachers and leaders spoke to and about Sister Tsai and Elder Huang: Brother Ben Tsai, Primary and Seminary teacher; President Nathan Sheets, Washington DC Stake President; Sister Shanshan Ward, Young Women President; Brother Matt Ward, Young Men 1st Counselor; Sister Lauren Ning, Young Women President; and Brother Cary Ning, Young Men President.

We watched a slideshow showcasing Elder Richard Huang, after which Sister Sara Huang shared a few remarks about her son. We then watched a slideshow featuring Sister Megan Tsai, after which Sister Li-Fang Tsai shared a few remarks about her daughter.

Next, Sister Tsai and Elder Huang delivered their long awaited remarks and shared their testimonies with us.

Then President Huang addressed the missionaries as Elder Huang's father and as the father of our Branch. Finally, we listened to the Fugal children singing “I Will Be What I Believe," after which Isaiah Shen offered the benediction.

Many teachers and leaders have influenced our two missionaries, including 6 or 7 Young Men and Young Women presidencies, a couple of Branch presidencies, as well as leaders from the Kentlands Ward. A few of them offered words of tribute and advice for the two missionaries.

But the most influential person in the live of each missionary is undoubtedly his or her mother. Helaman’s stripling warriors testified, “We do not doubt our mothers knew it.” “... they had been taught by their mothers, that if they did not doubt, God would deliver them.” (Alma 56:48, 47) It was very touching to hear words from the persons closest to the missionaries.

The roles of the branch president and the stake president are very critical. Besides administrative duties, they have helped guide the missionaries spiritually in preparing for missionary service. We thank President Sheets for his remarks to and for his support of the missionaries. We are also grateful to President Charles Huang for all of the time and energy he has spent on behalf of the youth.

Much preparation have been exerted by these two missionaries for their missionary service. They have worked very hard to prepare mentally, physically, emotionally, socially, and spiritually throughout their lives. They have received intense high quality training from the Missionary Training Center. In ten days, they will depart for their mission fields to start sharing the gospel with others.

Congratulations, Sister Tsai and Elder Huang, on your callings to serve the Lord and His children. May the Lord bless you and protect you and guide you throughout your missionary service! May He bless with many sheaves, his peace and protection, and personal memorable experiences and lessons that will help you in your future service in His Kingdom. God speed!