My dear fellow Taipei missionaries,

One time in a monthly president’s interview one of you asked me a question, “President how many times have you read the Book of Mormon?” I cannot remember my answer for sure, but I thought back and realized the first time I had read it through was for my freshman religion class. When I had completed the assignment I felt I had accomplished a big task. Over the ensuing years I am sure I had read parts of it several times, but I would get bogged down in the Isaiah parts and then there were all the wars! Some years ago President Ezra Taft Benson gave a talk where he severely chastised the church members for their neglect in reading the Book of Mormon. I made an attempt to repent at that time and established a goal of reading the Book of Mormon once a year. You may remember that President Hinckley recently invited each of us to read the book. I have gotten better with the Isaiah parts because I realized he is prophesying of the advent of the Savior coming to earth. I still have trouble with the war and fighting as we progress toward the end of the book. As this has been the subject of our Gospel Doctrine class this year I have just read the sad account of Moroni and the Nephite people’s annihilation. This has caused me to think, weren’t these the peoples that saw wonderus sights at Christ’s birth, weren’t their fathers miraculously saved from the awful destruction at his crucifixion, and who were able to live together in harmony for several hundred years? Slowly at first, they began to separate themselves from the teachings of the Lord. At the end, Moroni’s only hope was that the record he has hidden away will be read by future generations and used as motivation for good. I have been thinking how do we keep ourselves from repeating the mistakes of the Nephites of old? If you will remember your very last president’s interview I asked you a question, ” When you return home will you stay active in the church?” Each of you gave the same answer in the affirmative. Next I held up my outstretched hand and defined what I meant by my question. I numbered five things, one for each finger that I hoped that you would do: First, to continue to pray to your Father in Heaven, Second to read the scriptures, Third to attend church regularly, Forth to willingly take callings when asked, Fifth to attend the temple regularly. I hope and pray we are doing this. Life is difficult at times, but the Lord is always there to help us along the way.

This has been a wonderful year for our family. There is even a new Michael Harris (Archer) that we are very proud of. We have made great progress on our old house in Fillmore Utah and have continued our assignment at the Los Angeles Temple. We visited with several of you at October Conference time. We enjoy your letters and e-mail telling of your adventures and we look forward to times when we can see you again.

We love you each and all. President Harris

Dear Missionaries,

In Luke we discover a spectacular event following immense preparation for this earth, Jesus our friend was born. He came at a time and place that was full of turmoil, concerns, and need for new light. Jesus was announced and those of faith were made aware of his birth. The humble Sheppard and nobility came to give offerings to the child. Two who served the Lord in the temple were rewarded with seeing the Christ child before their sojourn here was complete. His chosen mother and stepfather took care to protect and instruct him. He learned of God through his earthly and heavenly parents. He gained in grace and stature. He knew work. He knew how to serve. He knew how to see and had compassion. He lived a meaningful life. He saw a need to make changed and went to work t make them. He saw need to lift, love, encourage, instruct, and pray. Through obedience he was able to affect the course of this world. We are indebted to him. Christmas is a wonderful time of reflection. What will be our gift to him this year? We have all taught of Christ. We have seen lives change. We have prayed for and with those seeking truth. I pray that we will each make changed that will affect for good those we associate with. I further hope we will note the wonders and the miracles that will follow through faith. You are loved. As I look back thinking of our association, my heart swells with joy for your goodness. Carry on in the work of this life as President taught us, “ Let’s move forward.”

We love you Sister Harris

We are planning for a Missionary Reunion at the next October Conference. We will give you more information as plans progress. We have a committee in the early planning stages. One of the most important things we need from you is a good current E-mail address. If you get this message directly from the mission website you should be good to go for any additional info, if not give us your info on that site, or contact President Harris at mghandlgh@hotmail.com and we will keep you posted.