Two More Area Seventies Called for Asia

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints received more strength to its local leadership in Asia with the appointment of two new Area Seventies. Elder Bun Huoch Eng is the first Area Seventy called from Cambodia, while Elder Nithiya Sunderraj’s call increases the number of Area Seventies in India to two. Both will be serving in their respective home countries to meet the growing needs of the Church and its members there. 

Seventies are traveling ministers called to preach the gospel and serve as “especial witnesses” of Christ to the world. They meet with and teach Church leaders, missionaries, and members of the Church in local congregations. Their authority is generally limited to the area where they serve, and they voluntarily dedicate their time and effort to serve the Church in addition to their own employment.

Elder Eng runs his own real estate business in Phnom Penh, Cambodia where he lives with his wife Dany Pen and five sons, aged four to 16. After serving their individual missions, they got married in 2005 and were sealed in the China Hong Kong Temple. Before this call, he was serving as president of the Phnom Penh North Stake. He shared that everyone in his family was surprised to know about his calling and excited for the opportunity he was given.

“Once we love to serve other people, the Lord will always give us the ability and opportunity to do so,” he said. “As the Lord has put His trust in me, I will bear witness of Him and how His gospel can bless the lives of people and their many generations.”

In Bengaluru, India, Elder Sunderraj’s family likewise were surprised and excited to learn about his call. His three daughters, aged five to 15, watched General Conference live and stayed awake till 2 a.m. in India to sustain him. “They have been a great strength and support to me,” he said, reflecting on his gospel journey since 2000. His wife Christina and him were married and sealed in the Salt Lake Temple in 2006.

Elder Sunderraj has served as a branch, district and most recently, stake president of the Bengaluru India Stake whilst being the owner and managing director of two information technology companies. “Now I clearly see my generation is blessed through the gospel of Jesus Christ. I am a living witness to testify how my life has transformed ever since I strived to live the gospel of Jesus Christ,” he shared.