This story was originally published by LDS Living in December 2018 and has been updated in honor of his birthday.
Elder Gerrit W. Gong was born on December 23, 1953, in California. In order to celebrate Elder Gong's birthday, here are some photos showing his life and ministry to Latter-day Saints around the world.
Elder Gong as a baby with his parents.
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As a missionary in Taiwan.
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With the grandson of a family he baptized on his mission.
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President Hinckley at Elder Gong's wedding.
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With His Eminence Francis Xavier Cardinal Kriengsak Kovithavanij, the Catholic Archbishop of Bangkok.
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Elder Gong and his family beautifying a school in Asia, a tradition his family carried out in Cambodia, Nepal, Malaysia, and Vietnam.
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WIth Sister Gong at a BYU devotional.
Scott G. Winterton, Church News.
Ministering to Latter-day Saints around the world.
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Waving at students during a BYU devotional.
Scott G. Winterton, Church News
With Latter-day Saints in Suva, Fiji.
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Greeting guests at a pioneer-themed devotional.
ChurchofJesusChrist.org
Greeting guests at a pioneer-themed devotional.
ChurchofJesusChrist.org
President and Sister Nelson and Elder and Sister Gong being greeted by Latter-day Saints in Fiji.
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Greeting Latter-day Saints.
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Elder Gong with the Crosby family.
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Elder Gong and Elder Soares during general conference.
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Elder and Sister Gong.
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President and Sister Nelson with Elder and Sister Gong while ministering to Latter-day Saints around the world.
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