China - Hong Kong

A crossroads for culture and commerce, the vibrant city of Hong Kong became the headquarters of Latter-day Saint missionaries of the Southern Far East Mission in 1955. Most early converts were refugees fleeing conditions of conflict and instability. Converts worked energetically to establish the Church while also pursuing a new life for themselves and their families. Church members and mission leaders worked together on several innovative employment, education, and healthcare projects aimed at helping people find security in daily life. Though many members had very little in the way of material possessions, they contributed time and talents to Church and mission callings.

The temple in Hong Kong has drawn Latter-day Saints from all over North and Southeast Asia since its completion in 1996. In the temple dedication, President Gordon B. Hinckley prayed, “May [the temple] be a sanctuary of peace amid the rush and roar of this great city. May those who enter to serve here leave the world behind and reflect on the things of eternity.” To fulfill the promise of this prayer, Church leaders in Hong Kong have flexibly accommodated Saints’ diverse life circumstances. To serve the large population of foreign domestic workers who have only one set day off per week, Church services are held every day of the week, and in 2014 the temple opened for special Sunday sessions. The Saints have deeply felt God’s love and trust as they have renewed sacred covenants in their own languages and circumstances.