In his first visit to Vietnam, Elder Ronald A. Rasband met with government leaders of that country on Oct. 19.

Visiting Vietnam “has left us deeply inspired by our interactions,” said Elder Rasband of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. “The faith and desire among pioneer members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints here to follow the Savior’s example is amazing to behold.”

Elder Rasband was accompanied on the trip by his wife, Sister Melanie Rasband, and Elder Benjamin M. Z. Tai, General Authority Seventy and president of the Church’s Asia Area. He visited Vietnam before dedicating the Bangkok Thailand Temple on Sunday, Oct. 22.

Vietnam Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang and Elder Rasband met together on Oct. 19. Elder Rasband shared his gratitude to the Vietnamese government for respecting religious freedom and allowing Church members to practice their faith in the country.

Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles presents a copy of the Book of Mormon to Vietnam Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang in Hanoi, Vietnam, Oct. 19, 2023,

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“During our discussion, we expressed our mutual appreciation, support, and shared desire to continue to bless the lives of the people of Vietnam,” Elder Rasband said.

The deputy prime minister gave Elder Rasband a piece of art of his own design, and Elder Rasband presented to him a copy of the Book of Mormon.

Elder Rasband also spoke with Chairman Vu Hoai Bac of the Government Committee for Religious Affairs. They first met earlier this month in Utah when Bac traveled to Brigham Young University’s annual International Law and Religion Symposium.

On Oct. 18, Elder Rasband met with members and young volunteers serving in Vietnam.

“Spending time with these wonderful followers of Jesus Christ has reminded me of how the gospel of Jesus Christ has the capacity to change nations by changing the hearts and lives of the individuals who live there,” Elder Rasband said.

Elder Ronald A. Rasband and his wife, Sister Melanie Rasband, take a picture with young volunteers in Hanoi, Vietnam, Oct. 18, 2023. Seated on the left are Sister Naomi Toma Tai and Elder Benjamin M. Z. Tai, a General Authority Seventy and president of the Church’s Asia Area, and seated on the right are President Larry K Hughes and Sister Janece Hughes.

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The Church has more than 60 young volunteers serving in Vietnam today, explained a news release from the Church’s Asia Newsroom. During the leaders’ meeting with the group, Elder Thai said that their call to Vietnam was not by accident. “The grass is never greener than where you are, because where you are is where the Lord wants you to be,” he said.

While speaking to more than 330 Church members at a devotional in Hanoi, Elder Rasband told them about how 54 years ago, he was drafted into the United States military to serve in the Vietnam War. U.S. troops started to be withdrawn from the country before he was to be deployed.

He the congregation, “Live your lives worthy that you can have a temple recommend. We need you brothers and sisters to form a strong foundation of the Church. Always remember you are not just living your life for yourself. You, the pioneers of this country, are paving the way for those that will follow you.”

Elder Ronald A. Rasband speaks to young volunteers in Hanoi, Vietnam, Oct. 18, 2023.

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Sister Melanie Rasband hugs a young volunteer in Hanoi, Vietnam, Oct. 18, 2023.

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Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles hugs a local leader in Hanoi, Vietnam, during a meeting with members on Oct. 18, 2023.

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Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles speaks to Church members at a devotional in Hanoi, Vietnam, Oct. 18, 2023.

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The Government Committee for Religious Affairs greets Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and a Church delegation in Hanoi, Vietnam, Oct. 19, 2023.

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