News Story

President and Sister Hicken Bid Farewell to Kenya and Tanzania 

President and Sister Gary C. Hicken will return to the United States at the end of June, ending 3 years of service as Mission President of the Kenya Nairobi Mission of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

At the end of June President Gary C. Hicken and his wife Kathryn will end their 3 year church service as the President of the Kenya Nairobi Mission.  President and Sister Hicken were smiling as they reviewed the many accomplished they have been a part of while serving as Mission President.  President Hicken said “I have tried to teach obedience in the mission”.  He mentioned a quote from Elder Boyd K Packer who said that obedience is the most powerful spiritual medicine and comes close to being a cure all.  President and Sister Hicken have enjoyed their 3 years with missionaries and a highlight for them has been teaching lessons with them each week and spending time on the streets handing out Article of Faith cards.  With a twinkle in his eye President Hicken told of introducing a waitress in a local restaurant to the gospel and he later was able to baptize her.

During his service as Mission President, President Hicken has dedicated 3 buildings in Kenya.  He has presided over 5 Districts and 36 branches and has enjoyed the company of over 30 Senior Missionary Couples.  The Hicken’s have had over 300 missionaries serve in the mission under their direction.  There has been significant growth in Kenya with the division of a Stake and the creation of 2 new Districts of the Church. 

The Hicken’s commented about how much they have enjoyed serving together in a calling in the church.  Most couples they said, are always in different callings and this has been a time when we could serve together in a common cause.  President Hicken sees a bright future for the Church in East Africa.  Many stakes will be formed here and more missionaries and many converts, he said.  He sees more families going to the temple and an increase in Family History.  The Hicken’s are anticipating a family reunion with children and grandchildren when they get home.  President Hicken is looking forward to working again in law enforcement.  President and Sister Hicken have made a huge impact in the mission and will be missed by members and missionaries in this part of the world.   President Hicken’s final advice to member in Kenya and Tanzania is, “Always follow the brethren, and follow the spirit and always be obedient and everything will work out.”

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