On a normal day at a CVS pharmacy a few months ago, a nice gentleman walked into pick up his prescription. Very naturally, he invited the lady working at the counter to visit the Washington DC Temple Visitors' Center, and she did. After her tour at the Visitors' Center, the missionaries referred the lady to the Mandarin speaking sister missionaries in our branch. And the rest is history, as they say. Today, this diligent lady, Suzy Hu (胡惠珠) was baptized by the nice gentleman, Brother Michael Seay from the Washington DC 3rd Ward. Brother Seay was accompanied by his wife, Frances.
What added more meaning to this true story is that Brother Seay has been a friend of the Montgomery Branch, even before its inception. Before the Montgomery Branch began in 1992, Michael Seay served as the Washington DC Stake Mission President and advised then Stake President Ralph Hardy to organize a Mandarin speaking branch because of the potential number of Chinese speaking people in the Greater Washington DC area. On April 12, 1992, President Ralph Hardy organized the Montgomery Branch (Chinese), which started meeting in the basement of the Potomac Chapel. Later in 2002, the branch moved to the Kentlands Chapel, where it meets today. Brother Seay has stayed connected to the Montgomery Branch. Today was another realization of that connection and friendship.
The baptismal service began at 11:30am in the Kentlands Chapel. Brother Benjamin Tsai conducted the baptism in front of a full Primary room. Sisters Betty Azucena and Charlotte Shen gave eloquent talks about baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost, respectively. Sisters Meili Shen and Dan-Ping Wang offered the invocation and benediction prayers, respectively. Suzy had requested Brother Michael Seay to perform her baptism, which he graciously accepted. President Da Zhao confirmed Suzy as the newest member of our Branch today. Sister Li-Fang Tsai and Brother Jason Liu welcomed Suzy to the Relief Society and the Branch, respectively. Another unique aspect of today's baptism is that Suzy chose Amazing Grace as the closing hymn. Brother Adam Fugal served as the accompanist, and Sister Michelle Zheng served as the chorister.
Several nonmember friends came to support Suzy's special big day today, as well as President Irvine from the mission presidency and Elder and Sister Stowell from the Visitors' Center. Although no food was provided due to Fast Sunday, the attendees were able to talk to each other a lot and to congratulate Suzy on her baptism. And we too, in this blog post, congratulate Sister Suzy Hu on her decision to be baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
What added more meaning to this true story is that Brother Seay has been a friend of the Montgomery Branch, even before its inception. Before the Montgomery Branch began in 1992, Michael Seay served as the Washington DC Stake Mission President and advised then Stake President Ralph Hardy to organize a Mandarin speaking branch because of the potential number of Chinese speaking people in the Greater Washington DC area. On April 12, 1992, President Ralph Hardy organized the Montgomery Branch (Chinese), which started meeting in the basement of the Potomac Chapel. Later in 2002, the branch moved to the Kentlands Chapel, where it meets today. Brother Seay has stayed connected to the Montgomery Branch. Today was another realization of that connection and friendship.
The baptismal service began at 11:30am in the Kentlands Chapel. Brother Benjamin Tsai conducted the baptism in front of a full Primary room. Sisters Betty Azucena and Charlotte Shen gave eloquent talks about baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost, respectively. Sisters Meili Shen and Dan-Ping Wang offered the invocation and benediction prayers, respectively. Suzy had requested Brother Michael Seay to perform her baptism, which he graciously accepted. President Da Zhao confirmed Suzy as the newest member of our Branch today. Sister Li-Fang Tsai and Brother Jason Liu welcomed Suzy to the Relief Society and the Branch, respectively. Another unique aspect of today's baptism is that Suzy chose Amazing Grace as the closing hymn. Brother Adam Fugal served as the accompanist, and Sister Michelle Zheng served as the chorister.
Several nonmember friends came to support Suzy's special big day today, as well as President Irvine from the mission presidency and Elder and Sister Stowell from the Visitors' Center. Although no food was provided due to Fast Sunday, the attendees were able to talk to each other a lot and to congratulate Suzy on her baptism. And we too, in this blog post, congratulate Sister Suzy Hu on her decision to be baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
