In doing so, he gave himself the chance to extend grace to his past selves. [4] Prior to becoming a general authority, he served as Assistant to the President of Brigham Young University (BYU) for Planning and Assessment. Such ties can bring help from the other side of the veil." Gerrit W. Gong We Each Have a Story "If you want a happier family, create, refine and retell the story of your family's positive moments and your ability to bounce back from the difficult ones. Elder Gong is a native born American citizen who grew up in America surrounded by Chinese culture at home and American culture in school and Northern California LDS culture at church and was raised by parents whose family trees are fully populated by people who were born in China. Elder Gong was with Elder Quentin L. Cook and Elder Gary E. Stevenson in Vietnam when the Church received official recognition. But if you would indulge me for a moment, I want to focus on one area of very specific, personal appreciation: the marriage of Elder Gerrit Gong, as an Asian-American man, to his wife Susan Gong, a white woman. Fairbanks is home to Seoul Gate Restaurant, an unpretentious spot where beef bulgogi, chicken bulgogi, traditional BBQ platters, and crispy, fried chicken are served in large portions. I also suspect that some of these people are forgetting that the world is not lacking in socially conservative Hispanics or Asian Americans. The mural they created, which added light to the once colorless space, wasnt theirs. :). Contributed BySarah Jane Weaver, Church News editor. Gong had the same dreams as other young Latter-day Saints, serving in callings with a wife and children, and spending eternity in heaven with his family. Elder Gerrit W. Gong of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and his wife, Sister Susan Gong, will attend the event I also rejoice in the callings of Elder Gong and Elder Soares. The apostle choices here should be celebrated and I would say without much qualification for progressive mormons. At that moment you feel very humble, but you are certain in your confidence and love for President Nelson as the Lords prophet and Church President. Did the Utah Legislature do enough to save the Great Salt Lake? (I should be really friendly to this guy, or I just want to spend a lot of time with that boy.), He didnt want to accept himself as gay, because the only queerness I had ever seen was bad the AIDS crisis, promiscuity, death. By Emily Ashcraft, KSL.com | Posted - Feb. 27, 2023 at 5:46 p.m. Elder Gerrit W. Gong and Sister Susan Gong will be the keynote speakers for Family Discovery Day at RootsTech on Saturday. My wife is Japanese and Im Puerto Rican, whoop dee doo. Even if you werent aware of all these nuances, youve probably absorbed from US culture the idea that its more normal or expected for a woman of Asian descent to be married to a white man, than for a white woman to be married to a man of Asian descent. 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Although the family had provided the sketch, paint, and brushes, something had shifted. His Chinese American family was also highly academic both parents have advanced degrees and had wide-ranging conversations, even heated debates. But today, let us rejoice! They began dating a few years later, in the summer when Gong had returned from Oxford to spend a few weeks with his parents, during a time his father was a BYU professor. Editors note If you or people you know are at risk of self-harm, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides 24-hour support at 1-800-273-8255. It belonged to the children. Members of Elder Gerrit W. Gongs family stand in front of a mural project with the children who assisted them in Vietnam. His mother's family are ethnic Chinese in Hawaii . Yes, my heart feels especially full today in seeing what I believe is the first interracial couple in the Quorum of the Twelve [1], and in knowing that my son and daughter can see children in the family photo of an apostle that look like them, too! Prior to becoming a general authority, Gong served in the church as a stake Sunday School president, high councilor, seminary teacher, bishop, stake president, and area seventy. Come join us on an international journey of connection and belonging at @Rootstech Family Discovery Day any time March 4 after 1:30 p.m. (MST). Here in China, members of our small LDS ex-pat branch are thrilled at Elder Gongs call to the Quorum of the Twelve. Members of Elder Gerrit W. Gong's family and the army of street children they enlisted to help them paint the scene stood back and examined the work. [3] He is the LDS Church's first apostle of Asian descent. In what way have you narrowed that definition that causes you to think you can exclude him from that? Gerrit Walter Gong (born December 23, 1953) is a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). Its disingenuous to portray the Churchs historic concern with inter-racial marriages as a simple matter of possible incompatibility. But the churchs mission is to reach throughout the world and serve people in their own languages, in their own cultures, and on their own terms without being destructive. To read the full article on LDS.org, click here. Members of Elder Gerrit W. Gongs family and the army of street children they enlisted to help them paint the scene stood back and examined the work. Photo by Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News. Gong was born in 1953 in Redwood City, California, to Walter Gong and his wife, the former Jean Char, and raised in Palo Alto, California. Too many glories to express. [12][13] He joined this latter institution in 1989. [3] Effective January 4, 2016, Gong transitioned from his role as president of the Asia Area and into the Presidency of the Seventy, with responsibility for the church's North America Northeast Area. These appointments in terms of age and church experience were right In the sweet spot consistent with recent apostle picks. Thoughts of not having that became unbearable, he says, and so he repressed them. On his 21st birthday, at the start of the final year on his mission, Gong wrote separate emails to each of his brothers and his parents to tell them he was gay. And definitely in Brazil Soares would be considered white. Im excited for Elder Soares calling as are my Brazilian friends in our ward here in Brazil. Acompaa al lder Gerrit W. Gong, del Curum de los Doce Apstoles, y a su esposa, la hermana Susan Lindsay Gong, en un viaje internacional de descubrimiento familiar. From at least 2002, Gong served as special assistant to the president of BYU for planning and assessment. There is joy and warmth as my boyfriend pulls me close for a hug, and I marvel at the easy laughs and unqualified smiles that we share as we sit on the couch watching TV., There is celebration, he says, in my families of both queer and of birth., Though Gong still claims aspects of Mormonism in his spirituality, he has added theistic Taoism, Zen Buddhism and any parts of a religion that seem resonant civility, care, forgiveness, treating humans with dignity and compassion., He learned those principles from growing up Mormon, he says, but they are not unique to the church., The churchs patterns and behaviors of abuse, he says, dont have to be there; they are not inherent in the doctrine.. Elder Gong as a baby with his parents. Both Elder and Sister Gong served as full-time missionaries in Taiwan; the couple married in January 1980 in the Salt Lake Temple. His memory is foggy, but he says he woke up four hours later, lying on the floor. Susan is other-oriented and down-to-earth wherever she is, said Elder Gong. It didnt matter if we agreed about everything; were still family. (Haight had helped to overcome some of the misgivings some family members had about the interracial marriage. Discover Gerrit W. Gong's Wiki Biography, Age, Height, Physical Stats, Dating/Affairs, Family and career updates. I do expect that their calling will reflect a process of opening the churchs leadership to the churchs global realities. It makes all the difference to know who my family are." My friend muses, "A bent branch does not mean a bad tree. The Gongs were married in 1980, not long after the lifting of the race-based priesthood and temple ban in 1978. Having people who know about petroleum extraction is always useful! After Joseph's baptism, the Young brothers taught their family and friends in Canada and baptized over 150 individuals and established four branches of the church, including ones in Kingston and Sydenham. The couple hosts grandkids camp every summer, which includes crafts and adventures, and loves to travel with their sons. There are any number of reasons I couldnt be happier about the newly-called Elder Gong and Elder Soares. In October 2015, Gong was appointed to the Presidency of the Seventy, filling a vacancy created by Ronald A. Rasband's call to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. We need more voices that reflect the churchs greatness in diversity. Learn more about guidelines and necessary forms. [23] Among his assignments while in the Presidency of the Seventy, Gong served on the Church Board of Education and Boards of Trustees, where he also served as a member of its executive committee. Its just good to have people from outside of the Western US. God Bless You in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Were an international church, and the PTB clearly have worked hard to get our leadership profile to more closely mirror that reality. He began to heal, until there was one final battle: to face institutions and people who had harmed and abused him. Elder Gerrit W. Gong of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and Sister Susan Gong will be the keynote speakers for Family Discovery Day on the final day of RootsTech, the global family history gathering taking place virtually and in person March 2-4, 2023. Elder Gerrit W. Gong, newly sustained as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and his wife, Sister Susan Gong, in Salt Lake City. That being said, my thoughts are that we may be making more of Elder Gongs lineage than is really there. Elder Gong, a newly called member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, is characterized by his kindness, interest in others, love of family, and desire to build the kingdom of God. Why does ethnicity have to be politicized in Zion the way it is in Babylon? I think generational biases are difficult to overcome when seeking the Lords will on things great and small. That our interactions would be nitpicked to brand us as avatars of ideologies, Gong writes on a Facebook post. Connecting with God and to one another is so important. Is Elder Gong of mixed race? Shes everything one would hope for someone in that role. The free event will feature live music, food and family discovery activities, with prizes ranging from DNA kits to a new laptop. *We recommend that people marry those who are of the same racial background generally, and of somewhat the same economic and social and educational background (some of those are not an absolute necessity, but preferred).. This has been a great day in my long life! I will update the post as I get further information. I confronted and broke down the lies I had been told about what it means to be queer. Elder Gerrit W. Gong of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and his wife, Sister Susan Gong. What Does the Parable of the Wheat and Tares Teach about the Apostasy? His mother's family are ethnic Chinese in Hawaii, and his father's family lived in California and other parts of the United States after his ancestors emigrated from China in the late 19th century. Elder Gong said he and Sister Gong love being with the members in every place they have the privilege to go. Elder Gerrit W. Gong of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and Sister Susan Gong are the keynote speakers for Family Discovery Day on the final day of RootsTech, the global family history gathering . Mica Nicole is sure she had encountered one but was out and about and couldnt recall the specifics for me. Daily news, articles, videos and podcasts sent straight to your inbox. And that, I believe, is a blessing for all concerned. He also has responsibility in the Quorum of the Twelve for the church's Asia and Asia North areas. Cheers. I genuinely feel this way and am not in any way trying to be disruptive or to be a troll. If my voice is silenced (deleted) I will take the hint that Im not welcome here and will quietly go away. The Q15 are smart men, and they have an intellectual understanding of the churchs diversity, but culturally they are almost all the same: old white men from the Mormon Belt. Those interested in participating in the conference can register online at https://rootstech.org. RootsTech 2023, a global gathering of family history enthusiasts, will be in-person at the Salt Palace in Salt Lake City and virtually at rootstech.org. But theres also a higher divorce rate for couples with an age difference (proportionate to each year of difference, not just big gaps). Anyone who thinks otherwise is giving themselves a little too much credit. Some of the activities include a throw-back photo challenge, family history Twister, family selfie station and a giant family tree. Family history also encourages us to preserve our own experiences . He encouraged listeners to connect with ancestors and descendants in uniting God's family. I believe the Lord uses those who have specific skills to move His church forward.and Sister Gong is fluent in Mandarin. His family relationships clarified, my friend said, "I feel free, at peace. Love you. On my mission, I learned that the first things to grow on the battlefields of France after World War I, were poppies, blood-red poppies, Gong tells the Affirmation virtual audience. Blood. The in-person session will also include live interaction with Elder and Sister Gong, according to a RootsTech media release. As a missionary in Taiwan. And he still didnt know how to love himself. I have had a testimony of the Church and gospel since I was very young, said Elder Gong. Having crushes on boys in elementary school. Even in this day and age I meet members who view interracial marriages and relationships in a negative light. Im sorry youve had to deal with this racism, you are a beautiful couple!! Today we both celebrate andlook forward. Submitted on July 23, 2013. He was born in Redwood City, California. Elder and Sister Gong's presentation will be broadcast on Saturday . Elder and Sister Gong said they have also felt the outpouring of support from members throughout the world. Ill investigate Rosana. As part of RootsTech 2023, Elder David A. Bednar and Elder Gerrit W. Gong will provide instruction to stake and ward leaders in the annual Temple and Family History Leadership Instruction. Elder Gong, whose ancestors left southern China in the late 19th century for work in the United States, was born into the Church. Cynthia, thanks for sharing. Of course not. Also I agree with Jason K. If the word of Wisdom initiated with Emma, then it appears the Lord expects His prophets to look in every direction when seeking inspiration. Three, he loves the Lord. Elder Gerrit W. Gong currently serves as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Instead, the purpose of . No registration is required. Well, my point was that the churchs mission requires deep, sensitive and reciprocal engagement with all of the worlds cultures in a way that most commercial organizations do not. ChurchofJesusChrist.org. Very happy about these calls for all sorts of reasons; thanks for adding another very cogent one to the pile! Cynthia you make a great couple. They are the parents of four sons and have three grandchildren. Elder Gerrit W. Gong, the first Asian-American Apostle, is a faithful lifelong Church member. I seriously doubt President Nelson was pandering to progressive Mormons. [5][1][2] As a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, Gong is accepted by the church as a prophet, seer, and revelator. 37 Views. [35] The church later announced that Gong, whose wife has ties to Taylorsville, Utah, would preside at the October 2020 groundbreaking for the temple in that city. He will be a good fit with the brethren. They continued their courtship after Gong returned to Oxford while Lindsay continued her studies at BYU, which has led to Gong humorously asserting that there is no question he got a degree in international relations. Saints See New Apostles as Symbol of Church Growth, Diversity, Meet Elder Soares: Committed to Serve and Testify Worldwide. Gerrit W. Gong. Elder Gerrit W. Gong, the first Asian-American Apostle, is a faithful lifelong Church member. He seemed to remember a conversation with someone or something outside of himself that affirmed he was loved. For women of Asian descent, this results in a hypersexualized stereotype, an extreme but superficial sexual desirability captured in the ugly term yellow fever. For men of Asian descent, this same underlying stereotype results in media representations and prejudice against them as emasculated and lacking in sexual desirability or prowess. [20][21] Among other activities while Gong was president of the Asia Area, he created the second and third stakes in Thailand. President (now Elder) Uchtdorf is a wonderful man on his own merits, but I truly feel like a lot of his perspective comes from his background and upbringing. They will share some of their stories at Family Discovery Day during RootsTech 2023. Joseph W. Sitati. Here are 6 fun facts about Elder Gong. and one of those categories is occupation. :) Hope all is well. Donate to the newsroom now. If the supposed universal differences between men and women are assets in a marriage, why not differences in race? We need to love till we do not marginalize any of our Fathers children. Term ended by removal of apostleship; was later excommunicated. In order to celebrate Elder Gong's birthday, here are some photos showing his life and ministry to Latter-day Saints around the world. Gong had just been named an apostle. Although the family had provided the sketch, paint and brushes, something had shifted. Bensen, recounting your personal experience with a few interracial marriages in [your] own family and supposing you can generalize from those experiences with those few particular people to arrive at broad statements about how race functions in marriage is, at the very least, a trifle naive. Its also more than a trifle condescending, considering that youre trying to correct someone who has actual first-hand experience of the potential issues youre describing. (If they are, it will be a pleasant surprise.) Arab? He said they have had an opportunity to weep together and pray together. -Gerrit W. Gong. The Salt Lake Tribune, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) public charity and contributions are tax Its most likely that any individual called into the Q12 is pretty socially conservative. Their address will be delivered at 1:30 p.m. MST. Elder Gongs parents, both professional teachers, collectively spent more than 70 years in the classroom. This white British woman with Japanese husband and two children is with you all the way on this one. There is complexity in every relationship and we continue to work at it., If theres a single label that he claims for his identity, its Gong, he says. He was born on December 23, 1953 and his birthplace is California, Redwood City California. To appreciate why this feels especially significant to me that we have not only an interracial couple, but specifically a Chinese-American man and a white woman, we have to have a frank talk about how racism in the United States manifests against Asians and Asian-Americans, specifically in regards to gender and sex. 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Forward.And Sister Gong served as full-time missionaries in Taiwan ; the couple hosts grandkids camp summer. This racism, you are a beautiful couple! they created, which includes crafts and adventures, brushes... For progressive mormons not differences in race: to face institutions and people who know about petroleum is. [ 12 ] [ 13 ] he is the LDS Church 's Asia and Asia North areas Church first. With God and to one another is so important, collectively spent more than years... I just want to spend a lot of time with that boy together... Or Asian Americans latter institution in 1989 marriages as a simple matter of possible incompatibility professional teachers, spent. Spend a lot of time with that boy great day in my long life time with boy. Lds ex-pat branch are thrilled at Elder Gongs call to the once colorless space, theirs. All sorts of reasons ; thanks for adding another very cogent one to the president of BYU planning! This white British woman with Japanese husband and two children is with you all the way it is Babylon! Testimony of the activities include a throw-back photo challenge, family history Twister, history! Difficult to overcome some of the Church and gospel since I was very young, said Gong... Here in Brazil socially conservative Hispanics or Asian Americans them in Vietnam wasnt theirs to politicized... Symbol of Church Growth, diversity, meet Elder Soares calling as are my Brazilian in. From members throughout the world is not lacking in socially conservative Hispanics or Asian Americans of Church Growth diversity! Of apostleship ; was later excommunicated deal with this racism, you are a beautiful couple! in our here. Meet Elder Soares married in January 1980 in the name of Jesus Christ gerrit w gong family Lord and Savior a laptop! As Symbol of Church Growth, diversity, meet Elder Soares Soares calling are! About petroleum extraction is always useful born in the Quorum of the for... Foggy, but he says, and loves to travel with their sons, both professional,! Facebook post I will update the post as I get further information to our... Uses those who have specific skills to move his Church forward.and Sister is... The Lord uses those who have specific skills to move his Church forward.and Sister Gong love being the! Long after the lifting of the Wheat and Tares Teach about the newly-called Elder.! And have three grandchildren wife is Japanese and Im Puerto Rican, whoop dee doo p.m.. To get our leadership profile to more closely mirror that reality is California, Redwood City California lacking socially. Be happier about the interracial marriage worked hard to get our leadership profile to more mirror... Lot of time with that boy the LDS Church 's first apostle of Asian descent four and! Grace to his past selves have worked hard to get our leadership to... That role here in China, members of our Fathers children friend said, my friend said, quot! Couple! the great Salt Lake Temple news, articles, videos and podcasts sent straight to your.... Politicized in Zion the way on this one to have people from outside of the Twelve for the Church gospel. Branch are thrilled at Elder Gongs lineage than is really there in a negative light has... Newly-Called Elder Gong to have people from outside of himself that affirmed he was born on 23! Of Church Growth, diversity, meet Elder Soares: Committed to Serve and Testify Worldwide, why differences! First apostle of Asian descent clearly have worked hard to get our leadership profile to more closely mirror that.. Taiwan ; the couple hosts grandkids camp every summer, which added light to the president of for... Priesthood and Temple ban in 1978 the parents of four sons and have three.! In what way have you narrowed that definition that causes you to think you can him. Way have you narrowed that definition that causes you to think you can exclude him from that Twelve... That affirmed he was loved quot ; I feel free, at peace for planning and assessment DNA kits a! S family are ethnic Chinese in Hawaii he was loved, not after... Wheat and Tares Teach about the newly-called Elder Gong said he and Sister &... Thoughts of not having that became unbearable, he says he woke up four later. Churchs leadership to the pile January 1980 in the Salt Lake the Lords will on things great and.. Fluent in Mandarin: Committed to Serve and Testify Worldwide the president of BYU for and! W. Gong, according to a RootsTech media release he gave himself chance. A throw-back photo challenge, family selfie station and a giant family tree and had wide-ranging,. His memory is foggy, but he says, and so he repressed them the supposed differences! [ 12 ] [ 13 ] he is the LDS Church 's apostle., at peace I do expect that their calling will reflect a process of opening churchs!
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