My name is Eric Hyde. I was a member of the Branch in Potomac in 2001 and have returned whenever I could. In 2001, I was taking a 6-month training course and spent my Sundays with my Brothers and Sisters in the Montgomery branch. I was formerly a missionary in the Taichung, Taiwan mission in 1986-1987. While in the Branch, President Tsai asked me to be part of the Young Men's Presidency. I enjoyed my time working with the young men and also with John Huang, another member in the presidency.
As I said, I was a Taiwan Missionary. I also received a degree in Chinese and Asian Studies, lived in Shen Zhen EZ and in 2005-07 lived in Beijing. The reason I mention this is so you know I have seen the Taiwan/China situation from many different angles and because it gave me context for one of my most cherished spiritual moments which occurred in your lovely branch. A young woman from Xian who had joined the church in DC finished he time in the US and had to go home. Her last Sunday was a Fast & Testimony meeting. The outpouring of love for the departing members was incredible. At its pinnacle, I clearly to this day, remember the feelings of love I felt coming from the Sister from Taiwan giving the closing prayer and imploring our Father in Heaven to hold dear her sister who was going back to the PRC and who would most likely be alone and who needed Him. From all of my experience starting in 1986 until now, what I saw in your branch was, I know, true charity and love unfeigned.
I am married to Kathy Hyde, have a daughter at the Univ of Utah and a son in High School. I work for the US Government in Diplomatic Security. I first worked in Beijing, and then Kigali, Rwanda (where we started the first Branch in 2007) and now reside in Belgrade, Serbia.
