As members of the Asia Area Presidency, we often ponder how the gospel is established in an individual life, in a family, in a country, and indeed throughout the world. The words of the Lord to the Prophet Joseph Smith give us comfort and hope. “Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great” (D&C 64:33).

The Lord, of course, understands the process of a developing testimony, and of the combined force of sincere and righteous people that are needed to build His Church in every area of the world.

There are two ways the Church grows. One, by conversions through what is termed the “balanced effort,” which is members and missionaries working together in conversion, retention, and activation; and two, multi-generationally. Both are essential to the future of the Lord’s kingdom and complement one another, as the conversion of today is the multi-generational growth of tomorrow.

To understand the principle “…out of small things proceedeth that which is great” I share the experience of the Suzuki family of Machida, Japan.

In the middle of the accompanying photograph, you will see a diminutive, older woman. That is Sister Masako Suzuki, formerly Masako Kato. In 1951, when Masako was in her early twenties, she met the missionaries in her hometown of Yokohama, Japan when she attended an English conversation class being taught by them. When the missionaries began to speak of spiritual things, she felt something and allowed them to begin teaching her about the Church and the restored gospel. During this time, Masako’s older sister and then her mother died, within 30 days of each another. She was emotionally devastated, but still attended the little branch of our Church in the Area; even the week after her mother died. When the opening hymn was sung, the power of the Spirit brought her to tears and she understood for the first time the eternal nature of life.

Masako wanted to be baptized, but her father would not give his permission. Although she was of legal age, her respect for her father caused her to not proceed. However, she continued to attend Church and participate like a member.

The missionaries suggested it would be wonderful for her to share the glorious message she had come to know. Seemingly unafraid, even though the Church had little presence in Japan in 1951, she invited co-workers and even bosses at her company to come to Church with her. Some came to MIA, which was more socially oriented; but one, Shozo Suzuki, a very new employee of the company, came to Sunday meetings. He had a good feeling about what he heard and consented after a time to receive the missionary discussions. Masako also joined in for her second time through the lessons. After several months, Shozo accepted the challenge to be baptized. Masako again went to her father to seek permission, which he then gave because of the devotion he witnessed in her. On August 4, 1952, Shozo and Masako were baptized in the same service.

One day, a few months later, a young missionary approached Shozo and Masako after MIA and suggested they think about marriage—to each other! This surprised them, especially Shozo as he had a non-member girlfriend. However, it prompted him to think about Msako, the person who introduced him to the gospel, in a different way than ever before. On April 29, 1953, they were married in a civil hall in Tokyo by the mission president. In 1965, they went to the Hawaii Temple to be sealed as there was no temple in Japan until 1980.

Brother and Sister Suzuki were blessed with nine children, six daughters and three sons. Seven of their children served full-time missions for the Church. Of the nine, eight married, all in the temple, and seven of their spouses served full-time missions. The Suzukis have 35 grandchildren, with all, eight years of age or older, having been baptized members of the Church. Now, members of the third generation are serving missions for the Church. Brother Suzuki has served as a branch president, district president, mission president, Japan Missionary Training Center president, regional representative, and a patriarch in three stakes. With the singular beginning of Masako, and now 54 righteous members of the Suzuki family, indeed “…out of small things proceedeth that which is great.”

This same miracle is found everywhere in the world where the Church is established. It has happened, in your own family.

We are grateful for all the good that is happening throughout the Asia Area. In every one of the 17 countries in which the Church has a presence, we see righteous Latter-day Saints. From Hong Kong and Taiwan, where the Church has been established for over 50 years; to countries like Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam where we are in the early stages and have no proselyting missionaries; we have members who are diligently trying to establish the gospel in their lives and to establish the Church. Constantly, and in every country, we are inspired by the “pioneers,” those who are making a new path for others to follow. You are an essential part of the work of the Restoration.

Section 1 of the Doctrine and Covenants, known as the “preface to the doctrines, covenants, and commandments given in this dispensation” states:
“And the voice of warning shall be unto all people…” (Verse 4)
“Prepare ye, prepare ye for that which is to come…” (Verse 12)
“That mine everlasting covenant might be established” (Verse 22)
“That the fullness of my gospel might be proclaimed by the weak and the simple…” (Verse 23)
“And also those to whom these commandments were given, might have power to lay the foundation of this church, and to bring it forth out of obscurity a and out of darkness, the only true and living church upon the face of the whole earth…” (Verse 30)

It is our profound blessing to know of the doctrines and principles of the restored gospel that allow us to “come unto Christ” (Moroni 10:32) and through His atoning sacrifice gain eternal life, “the greatest of all the gifts of God” (D&C 14:7). This process may start “small,” with an individual; and then grow into something that is “great,” an eternal family that establishes a righteous pattern for generation upon generation.