For the past several years I have been going to China as a Tour Director. My main guide in Beijing has been Henry Amoy. For years he has taken our groups to church in Beijing and waited outside for us to finish.
Henry has often expressed a desire to come to America but has always been afraid to apply for his visa as he was concerned that he might be turned down by the U.S. government. It costs about $175 dollars per person to apply and if you are turned down you do not get the money back. Henry wanted to bring his wife Iris and son Dennis.
A Courageous Decision: Henry’s Family Visa Approval
Finally this year Henry got the courage to fill out his papers and apply. One day last fall I receive the exciting email that they had receive their visas. The day after Christmas they arrived in the USA. Henry emailed me and said that they wanted to visit the Arches and the “Great Canyon.”
A Road Trip Across Six National Parks
Two days after they landed we were in the car and on our way to see six national parks. When you live so far away it is hard to imagine all the beauty we have here in the West. Henry would often ask me if they would all look alike. I assured him that each one had its own special beauty.
After a 2,400-mile road trip, and six national parks later, we arrived in Salt Lake. It was not long before Henry and his family met the missionaries at Temple Square. Henry had been the guide to hundreds of Mormons from the West. He always shared with me how nice he thought people were and how impressed he was with their kindness.
It was not long before the Chinese missionaries were giving this lovely Chinese family the missionary lessons in Mandarin. After five weeks of lessons and many trips to the Chinese Branch in Salt Lake, Henry was baptized on Monday.
Returning Home: Continuing Their Faith Journey in China
The examples of all the people on the tours had drawn Henry and his family to listen to the gospel. Henry’s wife Iris expressed to me several times that she believed in God and how important she felt it was for their family to be able to pray together. It was impressive to see each one of them bless the food in Mandarin. When they return to China they will be able to attend the Chinese branch in Beijing.
