A series of video’s have been added to lds.org with the title “Unto All the World: Travels of the Apostles“. There are a few videos on Asia. Watch below.
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Tuesday, April 15, 2014 will be the Fourteenth Annual Mormon Studies Conference @ Utah Valley University.
The conference theme is: Mormonism and the Asian Traditions
Speakers will include: Jessie Embry, Reid Neilson, Lanier Britsch and many others.
There will also be an interfaith dialog between a Buddhist priest and a member of the LDS Church. I had the opportunity to listen to their dialog at a previous conference and the dialog was very interesting.
The Conference info is listed below.
http://www.uvu.edu/religiousstudies/mormonstudies/conferences/mormonstudies.html
Schedule of Events
8:30 – 9:45 a.m.
“Practicing Zazen, Sitting through Church: Boredom as a Fruit of the Spirit”
Adam Miller
Professor of Philosophy at Collin College
“Mormonism and Buddhism: Where Do Questions Begin and End”
Wayne Hanewicz
Director of Integrated Studies Program at Utah Valley University
10:00 – 11:15 a.m.
“The Trappings of Religious Culture and Ritual: Buddhism and Mormonism”
Ken White
Instructor, Department of Philosophy & Humanities, Utah Valley University
“Bridging Cultures: Asian American Mormons”
Jessie Embry
Assistant Director of the Charles Redd Center for Western Studies at
Brigham Young University
11:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Lunch Break
2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
“Interfaith Dialogue, Buddhism and Mormonism”
Jerry K. Hirano
Minister, Salt Lake Buddhist Temple
Elizabeth Ann Takasaki
former member of the Young Women General Board of The Church of
Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
“A Mormon and a Buddhist Debate Plural Marriage:
The Letters of Elder Alma O. Taylor and the Reverend
Nishijima Kakuryo, 1901”
Reid Neilson
Managing Director, Church History Department, The Church of Jesus Christ
of Latter-day Saints
“Historical and Cultural Challenges to LDS Missionary Work in Japan”
Lanier Britsch
Emeritus Professor of history at Brigham Young University
for more information, contact Boyd Petersen at boyd.petersen@uvu.edu
Here is an article about Elder Holland’s recent visit to Taiwan, Hong Kong and other parts of Asia.
Also a Deseret News Article.
Watch the Video.
Yesterday, Thursday the 6th of March was the first day of a two day conference on “The Worldwide Church: The Global Reach of Mormonism“.
We were privileged to hear from John Hilton III and Felipe Chou on the first few years of the Church in Taiwan.
You can see the full schedule here.
Adam Mears reported on the presentations in the Daily Universe.
John Hilton III presented on the first four missionaries to Taiwan. He spoke on the difficulties they experienced including the death of Elder Madsen and the small growth in the beginning. It wasn’t long before growth surpassed Hong Kong as the church established itself on the island.
John Hilton III presenting on early missionary work in Taiwan.
Felipe Chou then spoke about the rapid growth during the 1970’s as the missionaries increased and as Chinese language material became more available. The Doctrine & Covenants in 1974 and the Pearl of a Great Price in 1976. The first stake was established in 1976 as well.
Felipe Chou presenting on the growth of the church in Taiwan during the 1970’s.
This Sunday the 23rd of February there will be a devotional commemorating the 65th anniversary of the Church in Hong Kong, China. Elder Holland will be speaking. It was in July 1949 Elder Matthew Cowley dedicated the land to the preaching of the gospel.
Global Crossroads: Mormonism and Asia in the Twenty-First Century on Saturday, 22 March 2014
Asian Mormon Conference Flyer
The Asian Mormon Studies conference will be held in the Chapel of the Great Commission,Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley, California. The PSR is a member of the Graduate Theological Union.
Conference details at: http://asianmormonstudies.org/program/
Or visit the Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/asianmormonstudies
A link to a Deseret News article.
There is a great article on the Deseret News website about one of the first missionaries in Taiwan in the 1950’s. 
Enjoy.
The Church History Library recently launched a new series on their website site entitled “Pioneers in Every Land”. One of the first articles is about the missionary Vernon Poulter and his experiences in the Southern Far East Mission.
https://history.lds.org/article/chinese-book-of-mormon-translator?lang=eng
The LDS Church announced a new website today specifically for Chinese member living outside of China.
This website seeks to answer “Frequently Asked Questions” by PRC Church members outside China and by Church leaders who work around the world with those members. It gives needed basic information for PRC Chinese members returning to China, including whom to contact for information, attending Sunday Church meetings and encouragement to observe relevant Chinese laws. Also provided are links to online Church resources in simplified Chinese.
You can read the Press Release here:
http://www.lds.org/church/news/new-church-website-will-help-chinese-nationals-church-leaders?lang=eng
http://www.mormonnewsroom.org/article/china-website-mormons
Elder Dallin H. Oaks also speaks on video about the new site.
I have recently heard a rumor from a couple reliable sources that they knew of a mission call recently given to a couple different young men. This rumor states they would be called on a three year mission with the first year served in Taiwan and the remaining 2 years in Mainland China.
I remember hearing this rumor while I was in the Missionary Training Center back in 1998. I was excited for the possibility then but alas never happened.
Elder Nelson recently spoke to the missionaries at the Missionary Training Center and encouraged them to not spread rumors. He wanted to ensure everyone knew the Church always goes through the front door.
Leaders of this Church enter countries new to the Church through the front door. We do not go in through the back door or via the alley. Our relationships are based on honesty, openness, integrity and complete compliance with local law.
You can read Elder Nelson’s full talk on ldschurchnews.com
