Apostle Heber J. Grant and three companions left Salt Lake City on July 24, 1901, bound for Japan. They had been called by President Lorenzo Snow to open the Church's first mission in northern Asia. They traveled by ship from Vancouver, British Columbia, to Yokohama, Japan. Their voyage took about two weeks.

There was no warm welcome awaiting these four eager elders as they stepped ashore in Japan. Rather, they were immediately confronted by an extremely difficult language and a hostile culture. Before learning the language or adapting to the culture, Elder Grant was released. He did, however, witness the first two baptisms in Japan.

While in Japan, Elder Grant studied the scriptures more earnestly than he had ever done before. He no doubt grew in testimony and spirit — traits which would serve him well when he later became president of the Church.

Approximately half a century later, in 1954, I was called to serve a mission in Japan. Like Elder Grant's group, I traveled by ship over a period of two weeks. I had received no advance training in the Japanese language or culture. Each missionary developed his own teaching plan, and each was called for three years because of the language difficulty. There were very few priesthood leaders or Church buildings where the saints could meet. There were few converts.

Without having had the opportunity to attend seminary or institute before my mission, I quickly realized that my knowledge of the scriptures was deficient. While sitting on the tatami floor of the rented room where my companion and I lived, I began to read the Book of Mormon. As I prayerfully searched those inspired pages over a period of several weeks, I gained a testimony which has never left me. With spiritual strength and greater faith, I gained confidence and joy in proclaiming the gospel to the people of Japan.

Almost a full century after Elder Grant's early efforts, I was called again to Japan. From 1996 to 1999, I served as president of the Japan Hiroshima Mission. The almost 300 missionaries who served in that mission during those three years arrived by airplane or, in the case of locals, by bullet train. They came well prepared from the Church's missionary training centers — knowing at least the first of the six standard discussions and having a basic knowledge of beginning Japanese. As do all missionaries today, they followed a daily schedule which calls for individual and companionship study of the scriptures.

While they arrive in the mission field much better prepared to proclaim the gospel and teach its principles than earlier missionaries, today's missionaries still must hone their testimonies and learn to heed the prompting of the Spirit. I have thrilled as I have seen these young men and women grow in obedience and diligence, in testimony and ability. The refining process remains the same. While environments and conditions may vary from generation to generation, the availability of spiritual guidance and power from heaven has always been extended to Church missionaries.

Another unchanging aspect of Church activity lies in its fulfillment of the scriptural mandate to spread the gospel. "For behold, thus said Jesus Christ, the Son of God. . . . Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature." (Mormon 9:22.)

Within just a few years following its organization, the Church organized missions in England and other areas of Europe, the islands of the Pacific, and various states in the United States. Today there are 318 missions in the world, with some 60,000 missionaries engaged in proclaiming the doctrines of Jesus Christ in hundreds of different languages and dialects.

There are still areas of the world which are not receptive to proselyting activity. To help in opening those doors, and to bring about understanding and create friendships, the Church promotes service missionaries, BYU touring groups, Tabernacle Choir broadcasts, humanitarian assistance and various diplomatic efforts. These activities help to fulfill another scripture: ". . . I shall gather in, from their long dispersion, my people, O house of Israel, and shall establish again among them my Zion." (3 Nephi 21:1.)

From small and sometimes interrupted beginnings, the Church has seen steady growth throughout the world. In 1996, the Church reported more members outside of the United States than within. Just recently, the Church announced that a majority of its members were not natively English speakers.

In Japan, which may be typical of many nations, there are 317 units of the Church. They meet in 177 Church-owned meetinghouses and additional rented facilities. The Church's buildings, and surely its temples, are often showcase structures in their areas. My son served in the Guatemala Quetzaltenango Mission, and wrote that the simple cinder block, rectangular building erected by the Church was the finest in a city of Tsutujil Indians with whom he worked.

Indeed, the Church has become established in the world. While there is yet much work to be done, the growth of the Church does represent significant change from its status at the beginning of the century.

During the 100 years which have elapsed since Heber J. Grant's entry into Japan, many constant factors have been evident: The growth of missionaries through the guidance of the Holy Ghost; the commitment of the Church to bring its divine message to all the world; the effect of the Spirit in touching the hearts of Heavenly Father's children, and in manifesting to them the joy of gospel living. The doctrines of Jesus Christ will remain as an influence for good in the world. The work of the Church will be as seen by Daniel, "a stone was cut out without hands . . . and the stone . . . became a great mountain, and filled the whole earth." (Daniel 2:34-35.)

Elder Norman D. Shumway, a former U.S. Congressman from California, is currently serving a mission with his wife, Luana, in the Asia North Area.