日本語の記事はこちら
On Wednesday, April 29, 2026, mission leaders serving in the Asia North Area of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints gathered at the Tokyo Temple Annex for a three-day seminar. The meeting was convened under the direction of the Asia North Area Presidency—President J. Kimo Esplin and his counselors, Elder Christopher H. Kim and Elder Michael John U. Teh.
MP-Seminar-Group-Formal-Photo.jpg
Asia North Area Mission Leader Seminar Participants April 29, 2026.© 2026 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.Current Mission Leaders in the Asia North Area
- Japan Fukuoka Mission: President Roderick Boss and Sister Lori Boss
- Japan Kobe Mission: President Tsuyoshi Sano and Sister Tomomi Sano
- Japan Nagoya Mission: President Roger McConkie and Sister Sara McConkie
- Japan Tokyo South Mission: President Steven Tueller and Sister Laurie Tueller
- Japan Tokyo North Mission: President Reed Deshler and Sister Heather Deshler
- Japan Sendai Mission: President Bryan Ward and Sister Kathy Ward
- Japan Sapporo Mission: President Kenichi Toma and Sister Ruri Toma
- Korea Seoul Mission: President Alma Kim and Sister Jeonghyee Kim
- Korea Seoul South Mission: President Kil Hwan Baek and Sister Chaerim Kwak
- Korea Busan Mission: President Jae Song and Sister Mia Kang
- Mongolia Ulaanbaatar Mission: President Bryce Kunz and Sister Annie Kunz
- Micronesia Guam Mission: President Christopher Williams and Sister Teresa Williams
Three Days of Instruction, Reflection and Collaboration
The seminar opened Wednesday afternoon with a welcome from President Esplin, followed by instruction from members of the Area Presidency and their wives.
Thursday sessions were held in Yokohama at the historic Yamate Ward chapel, near the site where Heber J. Grant and his three missionary companions offered a dedicatory prayer to open missionary work in Japan in 1901. There, President Esplin reviewed the history of the Church in Japan, while Elder Teh led discussions on “Raising the Vision of the Missions” and effective goal setting and planning. Mission leaders also had opportunities to tour the historic area and strengthen relationships with one another.
On Friday, additional instruction was provided by Area leaders and support personnel. A highlight of the seminar was a videoconference with Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
An afternoon session addressed practical topics including language learning, missionary care, safety, legal and medical considerations, housing, and mission administration.
At the end of the Friday session, mission leaders nearing the completion of their service were invited to share lessons learned. In separate interviews following the meeting, all three couples kindly recapped and shared their thoughts.
Reflections from Mission Leaders
Ministering to “the One”
President and Sister Toma (Japan Sapporo Mission) reflected on the Friday morning instruction from Elder Bednar, who emphasized ministering to “the one.” President Toma recounted asking Elder Bednar how to better support discouraged missionaries who, despite their obedience and diligence, see little measurable success. Elder Bednar counseled that missionaries should recognize the positive influence they have on individuals, regardless of immediate outcomes.
The following day, Elder Esplin shared a follow-up message from Elder Bednar, who said that, after further thought, he wanted to add that missionary responsibility extends beyond those they teach to include companions, fellow missionaries, and themselves. President Toma said this experience demonstrated Elder Bednar’s personal commitment to caring for individuals, even amid significant responsibilities.
Sister Toma shared an example from their mission: a woman who had first been taught by missionaries 35 years earlier recently joined the Church after reconnecting with missionaries in her area. She later contacted the missionaries who had originally taught her to share the joy of her baptism.
President and Sister Toma encourage missionaries to invite those they teach to set both a baptismal date and a temple goal. They recently saw this principle fulfilled when a new member traveled six hours from Abashiri, on the northeast coast of Hokkaido, to attend the Sapporo Temple. “Their faces radiated joy,” Sister Toma said.
Sister Toma added that she tells missionaries nearing the end of their service, “Your mission starts now,” inviting them to continue as lifelong disciples of Jesus Christ.
“One by One” Ministry
President Deshler (Japan Tokyo North Mission) referred to 3 Nephi 11:13–15, where the Savior invites individuals to come forward “one by one” to know with certainty that He lives. He noted that while hundreds of missionaries serve during their time as mission leaders, each is a unique individual. Ministering to them “one by one,” he said, is both a sacred responsibility and a source of great joy.
President and Sister Deshler have sought to cultivate a mission culture centered on the principle that “Christ is the reason.” They noted that missionary work becomes more joyful when rooted in reverence for and love of the Savior.
Sister Deshler shared a personal experience from a 2011 visit to Tokyo, when she felt a powerful impression while observing the city’s vast population: “These are Heavenly Father’s children—my brothers and sisters.” When they were later called by President Henry B. Eyring to serve as mission leaders in Tokyo, she recalled that moment as part of their preparation. Throughout their service, they have seen daily evidence of God’s hand in individual lives.
They said their service has deepened their understanding of the gospel of Jesus Christ and strengthened their testimonies.
A Lifelong Desire to Serve
President Sano (Japan Kobe Mission) shared that serving as a mission president had long been a personal goal, inspired by his own mission experience and his admiration for his mission president.
During his second date with Sister Sano, he asked whether she would be willing to serve alongside him if called. Her answer—“yes”—became a defining moment. President Sano expressed deep gratitude for his wife, whom he described as his “best companion” and “best friend.”
Reflecting on their nearly completed three years of service, President Sano described it as “a sacred and wonderful experience.” Both he and Sister Sano expressed heartfelt gratitude for the support of members and leaders throughout the mission.
Their approach to leadership has been anchored in a deep love for missionaries and a firm belief that each is “called by God.” This perspective has shaped their efforts to teach, support, and inspire those under their care.
Sister Sano emphasized the importance of helping missionaries come to know the Savior personally. Drawing on 3 Nephi 11:14, she described this as a “simple and small” foundation that brings faith, joy, and lasting commitment. They have encouraged missionaries to build that same foundation, trusting it will guide them throughout their lives.
Returning to “the Work”
In the closing session, members of the Area Presidency shared final messages. President Esplin emphasized ministering “one by one,” while Elder and Sister Kim spoke on the importance of unity between missionaries and members. Elder Teh highlighted the importance of supporting new members in the first steps of their discipleship. Mission leaders also discussed the growing need to provide both spiritual and social support to converts from diverse backgrounds.
The seminar concluded with testimonies from the Area Presidency. Mission leaders then returned to their fields of labor with renewed faith in the Savior Jesus Christ and in His work. The teachings and experiences of the seminar strengthened their desire to follow His example—ministering “one by one” with care, patience, and love.