SAPPORO, JAPAN
Sandwiched between two tropical storms, the Sapporo Japan Temple was dedicated by President Russell M. Nelson, president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, on Aug. 21.
Typhoon Chanthu made landfall on Hokkaido, Japan’s second largest island, and brought heavy rains to Sapporo in the days before the Aug. 20 temple youth cultural celebration and Aug. 21 dedication.
But as thousands of members from around Hokkaido gathered in Sapporo for the temple dedication on Sunday, the rain stopped and the sun shone brightly.
Tropical Storm Mindulle ripped through Japan the day after the dedication on Aug. 22 — which caused the cancellation of flights out of Tokyo.
The Associated Press reported scattered damage in the area where Mindulle hit. Japan’s Fire and Disaster Management Agency said that 11 people were injured during the storm.
“We watched the hand of the Lord stay the elements in answer to our prayers that the dedication might be held under favorable circumstances,” said President Nelson.
sarah@deseretnews.com @SJW_ChurchNews
