By Larry McGuire, Council of Presidents of 70

May the Lord give strength to his people! May the Lord bless his people with peace!

I joined Sister Ui Ishikawa on my first visit to Japan, Korea, and Taiwan—an eye-opening journey of listening, learning, and relationship-building. In Japan, we visited our school and church property in Seijo. While the congregation’s presence has largely faded, the school remains active, and the campus still holds stories of faith, service, and community.

In Seijo, we met Keiko, a teacher who also manages finances, and Yoko, another teacher. Over time, Yoko and Ui became friends, and Yoko began asking thoughtful questions about the church—who we are, what we believe, and what kind of community we seek to be. Aware of past broken relationships, she was nonetheless drawn to the possibility of a faith community committed to peace.

As her curiosity deepened, Yoko began exploring baptism—not as an endpoint, but as a beginning. After prayer and reflection, she chose to take that step. Because there was no suitable space in Seijo, we traveled to Seoul, South Korea, where she could be baptized within an active congregational community.

This required real trust. Yoko had never met the leaders in Seoul, yet she journeyed there to join a community she was only beginning to understand. The congregation welcomed her warmly, sharing meals and conversation, and offering a glimpse of belonging to a global faith community that transcends language and culture. At the same time, we faced the reality that the church’s presence in her home region may soon diminish. We held both grief and gratitude together.

Ui and I reflected on how Living the Rhythm of the Mission Prayer might support meaningful gathering in Seijo, especially if small groups or home-based worship become more common. The next day, we were joined by Wakana Son, a spiritual seeker who had been asked to leave her former faith community because she asked too many questions. Wakana, who is hearing impaired, used a communication device to help us understand one another.

For nearly three hours, we responded to her questions about Jesus, scripture, sacraments, and community. As we concluded, Ui shared a mission prayer card in Japanese. The three women reflected on its meaning, and all expressed a desire to use and share the prayer.

Wakana, who had been facing health concerns, asked for a prayer for healing. In the quiet of the worship space, I positioned my phone so she could follow the words as they appeared on the screen. The moment was sacred—an expression of God’s presence beyond language.

Afterward, all three women asked for copies of the prayer. Even if buildings fade, the spirit of mission is alive—in a newly baptized member, a curious seeker, and a devoted Buddhist open to prayer. Even now, that Spirit moves forward with hope. God, where will your Spirit lead today?

Prayer Phrase

“a new community…is being born” (Doctrine and Covenants 164:5).

Spiritual Community

Meditate on a time when you experienced true belonging—a moment when someone welcomed you, listened to you, encouraged you, or reminded you that you were not walking the journey of faith alone. Prayerfully consider the qualities that help build a Christ-centered community: hospitality, compassion, forgiveness, patience, courage, joy, and a willingness to walk alongside one another. Offer a prayer of gratitude for the communities that have shaped you and a prayer of commitment to help create spaces where all people can experience the love, peace, and presence of Christ.

Today’s Prayer for Peace

Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.