Ten non-member students, six of whom are studying at BYU–Hawaii as part of the seven-month Asia Executive Management Program (AEMP), make up this semester’s Religion 100 class taught by Elder Lawrence and Sister Elaine Flake. The class covers the basics, including history, culture, and the teachings of the LDS Church, which are needed to pass the seven university-required religion courses.
“We feel like the Lord brings these kids from all over the world, handpicks them, because they each have a remarkable story about coming to BYU–Hawaii,” said Sister Flake.
Tong Lu is from China, and one of the six in the class who is a part of AEMP. A father of two five year-old twin boys, Lu said Elder and Sister Flake’s class changed his perspective on family. “In the past in China, I played with my kids, but I saw my kids as fun-killers. Now I cherish every moment,” said Lu. “I attach better importance to family... because Brother Flake said a lot about family. Family is very important in the Mormon mind.”
Before coming to the university, Lu knew little of the LDS Church. “Before I was chosen by my office to study in the university, I browsed Baidu (China’s version of Google), and found false information,” said Lu. “Also, a colleague told me to get a suit, and said I must go to Church. Although I am not a member, I thought it was a good opportunity to learn.”
Elder Flake explained it is common for students from Asia, particularly predominantly atheist China, to come to BYUH with very little accurate information about LDS teachings and often no Christian foundation. “The purpose of the class is to help these kids who have no background in Mormon anything, to give them a little head start,” said Elder Flake who taught this subject at BYU in Provo for 20 years, the last three with his wife.
“In a way, it's to make up for all those years of primary they missed, and to get them in a position to compete for grades.” The Flakes, who have been at BYUH for nearly four semesters, will return to their home in Springville, Utah at the end of this month, but said they were glad they got the opportunity to teach Religion 100 for the last two semesters.
“Brother Eric Marlowe teaches every other semester or so, and he knew I had done it in Provo,” said Elder Flake, “so he graciously let me do it, and I really appreciate it.”
“I like when something really strikes them, like some really important doctrine about why they are here,” said Sister Flake. “It really strikes them, and a lot of them light up and are very interested.”
As Elder Flake explained, however, the class is very different from missionary discussions. “We try to keep it a neutral environment, and just explain the curriculum,” he said. “Of course if they are interested we’re more than happy to point them in the direction of the missionaries, but we don't want to put a lot of pressure on them, and we promise them that from the start.”
Both Flakes agreed they hope their students can return to their home countries as unofficial “ambassadors of the Church” who will start conversations about Mormonism with their friends and neighbors.
“They are a good couple at teaching,” said Rui Xue, who is another one of the students involved in AEMP. “They are very patient, and help us feel comfortable. They help us not feel pushed.”
Besides lectures and discussions, the Flakes say they try to use videos and field trips whenever they can. Recently, they were able to take the class to the Visitors’ Center, and inside the foyer of the Laie Temple.
Xue said she found a video at the Visitors’ Center about family to be particularly intriguing. “Sometimes we make ourselves too busy. I tend to ignore others because there's so much technology. Sometimes when I'm with my husband I just watch my phone and he says, ‘can you just look at me?’” said Xue.
“One thing I learned and felt here is to change my ideas, and gain more respect and caring for my family members.”
Another reason for the class, said Elder Flake, is to provide them with a place where they are not outnumbered by Mormons like they are in every other class. “It's been a delightful experience,” said Elder Flake. “Although the shyness this semester makes it hard, they're diligent. They always come. They're not hard to teach, and we love to do it.”
“I read a book once where the author said that most conflicts are caused by cultural differences,” said Lu. “I think it's very important to know the differences so you can have a better understanding of other people, so that you can avoid conflict.”