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Two generations laboring in Korea share the bonds of missionary service

The lives of two missionaries serving in Korea three decades ago have intertwined once again with a new twist in this Asian Country.

Elder In Sang Han of the Seventy, a member of the Asia North Area presidency, was the first native Korean missionary to serve in the Korean Mission after it was formed out of the existing Northern Far Eastern Mission in July 1962.In 1964, his companion in Taegu was Ronald K. Nielsen, current president of the Korea Seoul West Mission.

Carrying on the tradition, the sons of Elder Han and Pres. Nielsen served as companions in the Korea Taejon Mission during May and June of this year, almost exactly 30 years after their fathers were companions.

Of his former companion, Pres. Nielsen reported: "He was a very dedicated, hard-working missionary, and I felt a little intimidated with my junior companion speaking better Korean than I did.

"One of our favorite proselyting activities was the street meeting. Four missionaries would sing a hymn at a busy intersection. This would gather a crowd, and then Elder Han would begin to teach in English and I would translate into Korean. This would keep the crowd spellbound while the other two missionaries would circulate among the crowd and make teaching appointments."

Pres. Nielsen added, "Probably the greatest achievement of Elder Han's mission was completing the translation of the Book of Mormon."

Elder Young Hee Han completed his mission in June, and Elder Micah Nielsen will continue serving until July 1995, when his release will coincide with that of his parents.

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