The Wongwiraphab family

Photo setup for couple kneeling in prayer

Bro. Wisit and his son, Jo

We met a remarkable young man and his father last week.  Our apartment was used for a photo shoot for a new pamphlet the Church is preparing for the Asian area, and this young man was a translator for the participants.  His name is Terachad but he goes by Jo.  Most Thais have American names that they use because their Thai names are too hard for non-Thais to pronounce.  His father's name is Wisit.  Bro. Wisit had such a fascinating story that we decided to share it on our blog:
Bro. Wisit was sitting at the family corner store (prior to advent of the 7/11s found on every corner today) that they operated more than 30 years ago.  He saw two young men walking toward him wearing name badges and noticed the badges had the name of Jesus Christ on it.  He had been raised as a Buddhist but always wanted to know about this Jesus whom he had heard of.  He told one of the young men that he would like to learn more about Jesus, and ask if he had any written material on Jesus. The young elder unzipped his backpack, showed the many pamphlets and Book of Mormon, said yes and quickly zipped it shut.  The Elder then turned and walked away.  But before judging the Elder too harshly, continue reading the story!
As the Elder walked down the road, a voice whispered to him to turn and go back.  He ignored it and kept walking.  The voice was in English which at that time none of the Thai people spoke. He thought it was his companion but he was too far away. Only after the third time, did he realize he was being prompted by the Spirit.  (how many of us have experienced similar experiences in our lives?).  You see, the young Elder had had many disappointments that day in trying to teach the gospel and his spirit wasn't very high at that point.  But when the spirit prompted him the 3rd time, he told his companion he felt they needed to go back.  They returned and began talking to Bro. Wisit and that visit with him created an eternal family!  Bro. Wisit began taking the discussions from the Elders.  He and Sis. Wisit were never taught together because one of them always had to be at the store.  Bro. Wisit accepted the gospel, and he and his 2 older children were baptized (Jo is 2nd oldest - the remaining 2 were too young to be baptized at that time). Jo's sister, Jennie, works at the mission office.  It took Sis. Wisit a little longer to accept it, but she finally did.  They have been sealed in the temple and all 4 of their children have graduated from college and have served a full-time mission for the Lord.  Bro. Wisit said they have received countless blessings from the Lord as a result of that simple conversation more than 30 years ago.  He still stays in touch with "his missionary" and has even visited him in the U.S.
Isn't it wonderful that converts develop such ties to the missionary that brings them the gospel, which changes their lives forever?  Mike and I feel the same about "our" missionaries!  Thank you to Sis. Johnson and Eld. Cooper - because of you, the Mannings are an eternal family like the Wongwiraphabs; and because of that blessing, we are here in Thailand serving these wonderful people - and being served by them!  They have taught us much already about love and humility.  The members here are such beautiful, warm people who have a strong desire to follow the Savior.  Our little branch of Bangken just celebrated the first temple marriage of two of its members in the Hong Kong temple!  Everyone is excited and are looking forward to the day when they won't have to travel out of the country to attend a temple.  What a magnificent day that will be for these dear members!!