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By Mark Wright
Provo Chinese Ward Celebrates First Anniversary
Provo Chinese Ward Celebrates First Anniversary
PROVO, UTAH -- BYU has a strong international flavor and is known as a place
where people from all around the world can find someone else who understands
their culture. This is due in large part to the many returned missionaries
for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who have served missions
in all parts of the world. These missionaries typically return to BYU with
a deep love and respect for the culture and the people of the countries
where they served. Additionally, there are significant numbers of foreign
nationals pursuing their educational objectives at BYU.
One noteworthy collection of international students is found in the BYU
Chinese Ward. The only ward at BYU of its kind, this ward conducts all
weekly meetings in Mandarin Chinese. The Chinese Ward was formed from three
Asian wards that had originally been created for students from China, Japan,
Korea, Mongolia, Vietnam and other Asian countries. Having been created just
one year ago, the Ward is currently celebrating it's first birthday with a
month-long celebration.
While there are 47 Chinese-speaking wards located outside of Asia proper,
the BYU Chinese ward is the largest group with about 140 members. The
purpose of the Chinese Ward is simple. The Ward is designed to give native
Chinese members from mainland China an opportunity to see how the Church
runs and to prepare them for future leadership positions in their native
country. According to Alan Cheung, a doctorate student from Hong Kong and
first counselor in the Chinese Ward, "We need to take care of the new
Chinese members because as mainland China opens (to the Church), these
members will be able to return and build the Church there."
In addition to serving as a training ground for future Church leaders, the
Chinese Ward is fertile ground for making new friends and nourishing
converts. Membership in the Ward is up more than 50% from one year ago and
the membership roster includes both native Chinese members and returned
missionary couples (husbands and wives) like the Robinsons, who both served
missions in Taiwan. "Because we both speak Chinese, we want to serve the
Chinese people," Robison said. "We can't serve in China yet, so I guess this
is the next best thing." Interestingly, not all of the regulars in
attendance are baptized members of the Church. For example, Xing Kan, 30,
an MBA student at the Marriott School of Business, said his wife is a
non-member who "is more active than many of the members." Kan explained his
wife's enthusiasm for Church meetings by noting that "She really enjoys
being with the other Chinese members."
Hopefully, the Chinese Ward will continue to serve as a gathering place for
those who share the common heritage of the Chinese language, no matter where
they're from.
Source:
Chinese Church of Jesus Christ members find haven in Provo
BYU NewsNet 20Mar01 D1
By Stephen Snow: NewsNet Staff Writer
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