Missionary Moments: Fears vanished
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In 1985, Min Lian Chan was introduced to the gospel while studying at the University of Toronto in Canada. After joining the Church, she was called as a Merri Miss teacher. One of the girls in her class was Joy Chan.
In July 1995, Sister Min Lian Chan, originally from Singapore, was called to serve in the Utah Salt Lake City Temple Square Mission.Sisters called to this mission are called for 18 months. During this time, they will be sent to another mission for a four-month proselyting assignment.
Following this policy, Sister Chan was sent to the California Oakland Mission and was assigned to work for four months with the Mandarin Chinese people in the Sunset area of San Francisco in July 1996.
Meanwhile, Joy Chan, now grown and studying at the School of Medicine at the University of Utah, made the decision to interrupt her studies and serve a mission. She was delighted when the school allowed her to take a two-year leave of absence so she could serve. On July 31, 1996, she began serving in the California Oakland Mission. She is fluent in Mandarin, French and English, and was assigned to work with the Mandarin Chinese people.
On her first day in the mission field, Sister Joy Chan arrived feeling a little lost. It just so happened on that very day the missionaries were gathering for a mission conference to hear Elder David B. Haight of the Quorum of the Twelve. Sister Min Lian Chan had learned that Sister Joy Chan was coming to the California Oakland Mission and began looking for her little Merri Miss as missionaries began arriving for the conference. As they caught sight of one another, Sister Joy Chan's fears vanished. Sister Min Lian Chan and Sister Joy Chan served as companions. They were affectionately called Tall Sister Chan (Sister Joy Chan) and Short Sister Chan (Sister Min Lian Chan). They loved serving together. They taught, strengthened and uplifted each other. The most wonderful thing they found was that they were one in their dedication and desire to serve God - true sisters in this great missionary work.
Sister Min Lian Chan completed her mission in January 1997. Her former companion continues serving in California. - Pres. Phil K. Smartt, California Oakland Mission
