Mannings 2 Thailand: What is a public affairs mission??

We're still trying to catch up with this blog. First, let us explain our role as public affairs specialists. It is unlike any other mission. Our purpose is to build strategic relationships with opinion leaders who affect the reputation of the Church, and whose actions and influence can help or hinder the Church's mission. In other words, we maintain contact with key influential people who have favorable opinions of the Church. Through them, we are introduced to other people. Whenever they have events, by invitation we attend. Likewise, we extend to them invitations to attend events that the Church sponsors.
Whenever there is humanitarian projects in the mission area of Thailand, Laos and Myanmar, we assist the missionary couples, as needed, with publicity. This sometimes is difficult due to the conflict of serving and aiding others quietly, yet also wanting to be a light unto others and not hiding under a bushel. So we do what we can. The Church does a lot of good things for Heavenly Father's children, and the people of those countries are aware of the goodness of the Church through public affairs.

Agreement with hospital to provide equipment for cataract laser surgery to those in need

Bangkok stake public affairs council

Last year, Thailand experienced its worst flood in history. More than 60% of the country was under water. It took 4-6 weeks for the water to subside. The Church supplied food, water, clothing, blankets and much more. It was a combined effort with the assistance of the Royal Thai army to get this aid to the many people who were stranded. Because of this effort, many relationships were built, and new contacts were developed. We are blessed to nurture these relationships and build more.


Visit with General Thawachai who provided trucks and soldiers to distribute Church flood relief

It is definitely outside our comfort area. We are not social animals as you all know. We enjoy helping where needed and remaining in the background. Not so with public affairs. Now we are out front, socializing with these key people, maintaining or even increasing friendships. That is what we have been doing since we first arrived. One event after another and dining with friends.
We sometimes leave in the morning, are briefed in the taxi who it is we are meeting with and why, greet each other with handshakes and picture-taking, discuss relevant or non-relevant topics, have lunch or dinner as planned and socialize. We aren't allowed to proselyte, but we can answer any questions, when asked. There are 100+ young missionaries in Thailand, and they do the proselyting. Laos and Myanmar has only 2 humanitarian couples each; there is no proselyting allowed.