The Manila Temple Binds Mukah Families Forever

For what may have been their only opportunity to attend a temple, some members of the Mukah

Branch in East Malaysia recently traveled to the Manila Philippines Temple of the Church of

Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to do ordinances for themselves and for some of their kindred

dead.

Traveling by airplane, 28 members of the small Mukah Branch (or congregation) arrived in

Manila. There were 7 men, 9 women, 5 youth, and 7 children. They spoke little English, and

each carried only a small backpack for the entire trip. These church members stayed in patron

housing on the temple grounds for four nights and spent their days joyfully dedicated to

performing temple and family history work. Mormons believe that the work done in temples is

critical to complete happiness in their lives after death.

Their story, not unlike the early pioneers of the Church, is one of faith, of dedicated leaders, of a

desire to follow the Savior and keep His commandments, and the sacrifices required to come to

the House of the Lord. These are dedicated Saints sometimes written about in the news of the

Church, but seldom known by many others. Such was the privilege of two senior missionary

couples serving in the Singapore Mission.

Elder and Sister Hammer, Family History missionaries laboring in Kuching East Malaysia,

helped the Mukah Saints prepare their “My Family Booklets” with the information entered into

their family search accounts. Family Ordinance Records (FOR) cards were printed at the

Family History Center in Manila for the work to be done in the temple on that trip. The Hammers

noticed that these members were well prepared to experience the blessings of the temple.

They observed how family members watched the baptisms and confirmations of other family

members, and that they all truly enjoyed this blessing together.

Elder and Sister Kane, Humanitarian missionaries in Kuala Lumpur, accompanied the group as

well. Elder Kane said, “We were privileged to go through the temple with the humble Saints and

share in their tears as they were sealed as families. At one point, we met a man from Karachi,

Pakistan, who told us that he had flown in with his family and was alone with them. We (and the

Hammers) had the privilege of going through the same sacred process with them.” The Kanes

said this temple trip was a “memorable and tender experience. The Mukah members were a

quiet, humble and happy group.”

Another senior missionary couple serving in the Quezon City North Mission in the Philippines

surprised the Mukah group by being at the temple to see them all again. Elder and Sister Brady

had served formerly in Mukah for six months on their previous missionary service in the

Singapore Mission. Tears were shed and members were elated to have the Bradys share in

their special day.

Mukah is a small city in East Malaysia in a distant part of Borneo that has an average

sacrament meeting attendance of 80. Mukah Branch President Boney Anak Kinsun, the

outstanding young leader of the congregation, encouraged, strengthened and helped prepare

members for this temple trip. Sibu District President Chua, leader of the larger area

congregations spent hours on travel and housing arrangements made in advance. Preparations

took more than a year, and included instruction, interviews, financial assistance forms, and

follow through. There is no rest for these valiant leaders, as they are now working to prepare

another large group to get to the temple next year!

The small Manila, Philippines temple is a constant hive of activity as it serves people from all

over Asia. It must accommodate those who speak many different languages and have varied

needs. The temple grounds have patron housing, a Missionary Training Center, and a

Distribution Center, where members and non-members alike can purchase church materials. It

is a marvel to behold in its efficiency and effectiveness.

Why do members of the Church of Jesus Christ attend temples, some of whom exhaust life

savings to do so? Another name for a temple is The House of the Lord. It is only in the holy

temples that members can receive the ordinances necessary for salvation and exaltation,

ordinances that bind families together forever. President Howard W. Hunter said, “These are not

matters to be taken lightly. Once having been found worthy to enter the temple, we perform

ordinances that are the most sacred administered anywhere on earth. These ordinances are

concerned with the things of eternity.”

The five Mukah young adults in attendance at the temple said they wished that they did not

have to go home, but could stay at the temple. With such a powerful temple experience, they

will be ambassadors to encourage others to attend the House of the Lord, understanding for

themselves the importance of the work for both the living and the dead.