When Richard Minen routinely answered the door one fall day in 1959, he did not expect to see a pair of LDS missionaries. But on June 14, the last person he expected to see was Richard Campbell, one of those same missionaries who brought him the gospel nearly 50 years earlier.

Unsure how to react to the surprise visitor, he was only able to mutter, "This is so fun. I just don't know what to say."

Approaching the 50th anniversary of his missionary service in the Northern California Mission, Brother Campbell of the Hurricane 5th ward, Hurricane Utah Stake, thought it would be interesting to look up past converts and missionary companions he had lost touch with over the years.

Six months ago, he happened upon one of those addresses quite easily.

During a routine home teaching visit to a sister in his Hurricane ward, Brother Campbell discovered that the sister formerly lived in Tracey, Calif., the same town in which they tracted into Brother Minen. In fact, the sister not only knew the Minens but Brother Minen was once her bishop. The Minens had since moved to the Salt Lake Valley and she had their contact information. After receiving the information, Brother Campbell's focus shifted to planning a reunion.

Wanting to make it a surprise, Brother Campbell got in touch with Brother Minen's wife, Connie. He then made contact with Claron Headman, his companion at the time who now lives in Logan, Utah. Plans were made to once again knock on Brother Minen's door, similar to their original missionary effort.

Unfortunately, Brother Headman was unable to attend, but that only took away slightly from the occasion.

"As soon as I heard about Brother Minen's faithfuless I immediately thought of the joy promised in Doctrine and Covenants 18," Brother Headman said. "I felt so much joy already and that's just the reward here. Imagine later. It was overwhelming to me."

Hearing of the surprise reunion, two of Brother Minen's daughters, Stefanie and Angela, ventured over to the Minen home, wanting to meet the missionaries who brought their father the gospel.After the initial surprise, Brother Campbell and his wife, Sarah, entered the house and a pleasant visit ensued. Armed with old pictures and recollections from their shared past, all were smiling as they reminisced.

"The visit was great," said Brother Campbell. "It was something we wanted to do for a long time, kind of a dream come true."

Though it had been years since their last visit, the two, only one week apart in age, seemed to pick up right where they left off. There was a tangible chemistry between the pair since their first visits.

"We must have known each other in the pre-existence," said Brother Campbell. "There was a chemistry there when we met [Brother Minen]. We just felt like we needed to finish the job."

The chemistry was a point that Brother Minen certainly agreed on.

"There was a chemistry. We were the same age. There was an affinity there because of age as well as the message they had. I was looking for something in my life and they were there at the right time," Brother Minen said.

Brother Minen was baptized on Jan. 24, 1960. Like many others, his baptism was the beginning of a new journey. In March 1960, just weeks after his baptism, he began a three-year stint in the U.S. Army. Brother Minen considered his Church membership a great blessing.

"I'm glad I joined the Church before being in the Army. Even though it was a peace time, it gave me a lot of faith while I was in the service."

Brother Minen later attended the University of Utah, where he first noticed Connie Brady. Having a French class and an institute choir class together, they struck a romantic melody and the two were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple on Dec. 18, 1969.

Photo by David Packard

Richard Minen greets Richard Campbell at his Salt Lake City home on June 14. Nearly 50 years ago, Brother Campbell helped Brother Minen find the Church.

The gospel has helped the two enjoy a happy marriage. Even with the gospel, however, they have had their fair share of challenges. Sister Minen has given birth to nine children but tragically, four of them have passed away.

"I think of my dad like Job," said Angela Minen. "He has had a lot of challenges but has made it through."

Photo by David Packard

While visiting with Richard Minen and his family, the look of joy was very apparent on the face of Richard Campbell. Together with his companion, Claron Headman, Brother Campbell helped introduce Richard Minen to the Church nearly 50 years ago.

Brother Minen credits his knowledge of the Plan of Salvation for the hope they have mustered even in such trying circumstances.

"The Plan of Salvation has strengthened us and given us a lot of faith and hope that we will see our children again. Knowing that families are forever and that our children have simply been called home has helped us find peace."

Through the feelings of joy and sorrow that have transpired over the nearly 50 years since his conversion, Brother Minen credits that first meeting with the missionaries as a manifestation of the Lord's hand.

"The Lord has His hand in things. [Brother Campbell and Brother Headman] coming to my house, me being baptized and then raising my family in the Church. It is the Lord's hand."

davidp@desnews.com