Keywords

missionary perseverance, gospel foundation, pioneering sacrifice, faithful legacy

Abstract

Elam Luddington, the first Latter-day Saint missionary to Siam (modern Thailand), faced tremendous hardships in his pioneering proselyting work. Almost killed at sea numerous times, stoned twice, poisoned once, and finally mobbed, he left the Thai people after little more than four months. No further formal missionary work was attempted for over one hundred years in the ancient land of Siam. His sacrifice, however, laid the foundation for the future work of bringing the fullness of the gospel to Thailand. His efforts were not in vain. His legacy of faithfulness would be followed by other modern-day pioneers who would also show tremendous bravery and faithfulness in the face of forbidding odds.

Original Publication Citation

Elam Luddington: First Missionary to Thailand, Goodman, M.A. (2012). in Go Ye Into All the World: The Growth and Development of Mormon Missionary Work, Neilson, R & Woods, F. (Eds.) (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book/Religious Studies Center), 111-129.