HONG KONG │June 12, 2008│ Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Hong Kong are always thrilled to have the visits of Church General Authorities coming from Church Headquarters. The Saints were particularly pleased this time of having Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Presidency of the Seventy making his trip to Hong Kong on June 11th.

Elder Rasband visited Hong Kong for no longer than 48 hours, but even with a tight schedule, he tried his best to meet as many members as possible, from church employees to full-time missionaries and temple workers. He greeted them with warmth and love, and also shared with each group a message that met their needs.

“I felt that Elder Rasband cares about the members the most,” said Elder Thrasher from Fauquier, Virginia, serving in the international zone. “He emphasized that we missionaries are the most valuable asset to the Church because [our work] strengthens members and helps the Church grow.”

“He responded to each of the questions raised [by missionaries] with interest and right perspectives,” Thrasher continued. “It was so good because his approach was so personal, and the spirit was very strong.”

Later when Elder Rasband visited the Hong Kong temple, the temple workers could feel his contagious love also.

“He showed his support with love and gratitude, and testified the sacredness of temple work,” said Choi Chung Lap, a temple worker who ushered at the devotional. “After his visit, I was motivated to do even better by letting all the patrons feel the Savior’s love when they come to the temple.”

Prior to his visit to Hong Kong, Elder Rasband visited Thailand and his last stop would be Taiwan.

The worldwide church that our prophets envisioned has come true. Managing such a large organization is not easy. Elder Rasband said the stake leaders now have more responsibility to help and encourage the members to fulfill their sacred duty as the Lord’s disciples.

“You are the Church,” Elder Rasband said. “When people deal with us, they experience the Church through us.”

Elder Ronald A. Rasband was called to the Presidency of the Seventy in October 2005. He oversees Utah North, Utah Salt Lake City and Utah South areas.