Couples Teach English in Vietnam

The first Church service volunteers to serve in Vietnam since the end of the Vietnam War have begun teaching English to doctors, hospital staff members, teachers, and children.

Two couples—Elder James LaVar Bateman and Sister Helen Ream Bateman and Elder Stanley Glen Steadman and Sister Mavis Lynette Steadman—entered Hanoi during the first week in January and began teaching those affiliated with the Tran Hung Dao Hospital and the Hanoi Children’s Palace, a school for young children.

When the couples entered the country, they were accompanied by Elder John K. Carmack of the Seventy, first counselor in the Asia Area presidency. The five paid a courtesy call to the director of religious affairs for Vietnam, the Honorable Vu Quang, who welcomed them to the country and thanked them for their willingness to serve.

The couples were also warmly greeted by their future students in ceremonies at the hospital and school.

“It is a great honor to welcome Elder and Sister Bateman and Elder and Sister Steadman to Vietnam,” said Dr. Nguyen Huy Phan, a hospital faculty member. “We know that it is a sacrifice for them personally to come here, and we promise to take good care of them. We also appreciate The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for sending them.”

At the children’s school, young people dressed in bright costumes welcomed the group with a program that included dancing, music, and speeches.