BANGKOK, Thailand -- Many native Thais have served as missionaries in Thailand and in other countries over the years, but a new group of elders and sisters is the largest to actually be called to serve at the same time in their own country.

And that is not the only first: These eight Mormon missionaries are the first to have the opportunity to attend a missionary training center. They flew to the Philippines on Friday, Sept. 4, to attend the Manila Missionary Training Center. In the past, native Thai missionaries were assimilated into the mission without special training in an MTC if their call was to the Thailand Bangkok Mission.

The latest group, however, received "Teach My Gospel" training under the direction of Sister Wisuchalak Khanakham for 19 days in the Manila MTC. The MTC experience was recognized as a momentous and significant milestone for Thailand. After arriving in Bangkok from Manila, under the leadership of Thailand Bangkok Mission President Michael S. Smith, they attended a "moves" meeting on Thursday, Oct. 1, and learned with anticipation their exact assignments and met their new companions for the first time. Each of the new missionaries shared a few words about themselves and their commitment to the Mormon Church.

See the full story on ldschurchnews.com.

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This story is provided by the LDS Church News, an official publication of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It is produced weekly by the Deseret News.