[This is from GUIDElines Vol. 1, No. 7, September 19, 1990 – Dedicated to Geoff Willis – For All Those Letters!]
This issue starts with the headlines: Barrett New President. “Trevor the Awesome” Called to Lead Program. Wisdom Teeth out on Friday, Mission Call to Brazil on Saturday, Sustained as President Sunday! He still holds record – Referrals every Monday night for two months!
A banner in the middle of the front page said: THIS ISSUE IS SPECIAL! We have a message from Elder and Sister Kimball to all those Guide/Missionaries around the world that they met in the MTC. Elder Brown tells a tale of ulcers and a baptism, Elder Duffin stays at MTC for six extra weeks and writes about the ordeal and next time wants to use MASTERCHARGE instead of waiting for VISA, Elder CAN-WIN Jensen is now assigned to Mission Office as AP (he may not think he’s an AP, but he is), Elder CHILE Jensen writes of joys and woes, Elder huish gives us a triple dose of wisdom, Elder Jarvis’ first letter from MEHICO, Elder Richardson from the MTC, Elder Murdock (ditto), Elder D. Porter on Comps., Elder Riggs’ faith is rewarded, Elder Thornton wakes up at MTC, Elder Turley clowns with GA’s wives, Elder Willams loves MTC & IDAHO, and ever faithful Elder (GETOUTAHEREIMONMYMISSIONFINALLYANDIT’SGRRRRR8!)
Willis says Greece ain’t so bad, what with a view form his window of the Parthenon and baptizing in the Aegean Sea! WOW A N D more ….
Persistence pays off! I usually don’t vaunt the President but this time I guess I am a little partial. (Leslie says, “Everyone knows you have your favorites, Dad.” What she doesn’t realize is that no father has a favorite among his children, and Brother Parker doesn’t have a favorite among the Guide/Missionaries. A father loves all his children the same. As it is with me in the Program. I understand why Helaman called the Ancient Warriors his “sons” and I hope you will understand if I do the same with the Guide/Missionaries!)
With that in mind, I still appreciate Trevor’s total dedication to working last Christmas at the entrance to the Visitors’ Center. (There was a good chance he was “scamming on the girls” at first, but didn’t all of you, at one time or another?) However, night after night he stood at the doors, just a lowly Ammonite, and helped where we really needed him. There were some Guides who goofed off while he served and I believe he is being blessed now for that. If serving as President is any kind of reward! Those of you who were here remember how hard it was to fill the Ammonite spots and still have Guides to give tours in the Gardens. I can remember Marlin Porter as ZL being the only person there at starting time and the look on his face of incredulity, and a little hurt. I told him, “Now you know what leadership is all about. Sometimes you’re the only one who shows up.”
In addition to all of that, I can’t tell you how much I admire a man who will drive 80 miles roundtrip many times a week to fulfill his assignments at the SNTM and the Center. In my youth, it was 20 miles to my high school and I can remember how much time it took and what a sacrifice it was for my parents to support me in all the activities I participated in. Come to think of it, it was the same 20 miles to church. That’s one of the reasons I appreciate living six minutes from the temple!
For Fast Sunday in August, six of us (Leslie, Evan Vance, Curtis Nielson, Eric Richardson, and Robin Roberts and myself) drove over and surprised Trevor and accompanied him to his Testimony Meeting. It was good for some of the youth who have lived in Mesa all their lies to go to a small Singles Branch and see how the other half lives. The number in the meeting was about the same as a SNTM. (Oh, you guys remember 200 at some of those meetings. Those days are long gone. For almost six months we averaged 46 in attendance!)
I had a beautiful temple session two weeks ago Saturday. During the session, I felt impressed to ask Heavenly Father to send Trevor to Brazil. For some reason, out of all the missions where we have Guides, I keep feeling like the ones in Brazil are in the hardest missions. Anyway, I asked Heavenly Father to send Trevor there, perhaps if only as a symbolic act of strengthening the testimonies of those already there.
Well, after the session I had made arrangements to go over to Barrett’s house to talk to his parents and make sure they really knew what he was getting into as President of the Program. Living 40 miles from the temple can put a real burden on a guy, and being President on top of that might create a real strain. I also wanted to chat with him and get him started out right. We were planning a Parent’s Night, the first one in ages, and I wanted to make sure it went well.
Anyway, after we had talked for awhile, he asked if I wanted to know where he got his call to. His mother couldn’t wait and said it was out of the country. I knew then where it was and told him I thought I had a good idea! Then he said Recife Brazil and he would be leaving on December 12th. That meant he could serve a full term as President, 2.5 months, and also that my prayer had been answered!
Now, you guys in Brazil need to write me and tell me that I am all wet. Otherwise, I will continue to believe that you’re having a rough time. Richard sent a good letter this month. It appears he’s having fun hobnobbing with the GA’s wives…then again, who wouldn’t?
PARENTS’ NIGHT A H U G E SUCCESS!
We hadn’t had a Parents’ Night for quite awhile and so I knew we could expect 50 parents…but this has been by far our largest meeting since last summer! We counted 150 people in attendance. Brother Bowden was in rare form doing his Baptist Minister impressions. Lots and lots of parents, many of Ammonites. It was fun!
I handed out a mall card, you know the ones they used to sell at the Center, to each person that came up until I ran out at 125. We are trying to decide if we want to sell them and make a nickel on each. (Barrett, a DJ, says in one dance he can help us make $800.00. Needless to say, the Presidency is leaning toward the dance. How many nickels are there in $800.00?)
Keith Bacon was released as President and Trevor’s ZL position was taken by Scott Simmons (way to go Jeff Richardson…you brought us someone as awesome as you as your replacement. He sends in his papers next week. Maybe we’ll have him through Christmas.) DLs all stayed the same: Paul Whetten, Jason Haws, Dan Roberts, Trent Allen, Derek Madsen, and Brent Moore. TSs called were Glade Smith and Jason Bagley. Tim martin changed nights and was called as a RS, along with Elijah Williams and Jamie Phelps. Catherine Pitts was released as Secretary and Leslie Bigler was called to take her place. Catherine will now Edit the Youth Guide Messenger (alias Jershon Journal, Brother Bowden changed the name). Brother Bowden wants us to have your parents pick it up each month at the Center. We’re still working out the details. He first wanted to pay for the postage on the GUIDElines and I flatly rejected that. I told him Claudia and I decided it could be my hobby!
TRI-STAKE FIRESIDE SCHDEDULED – OCT 21ST
Tuesday evening the Kimballs, Brother Bowden, myself, Eric Richardson, Trevor, Scott, Shaleigh Kimball, and Evan Vance met with the Stake Presidencies and all the Bishops for the Tempe South and Tempe West Stakes to outline the upcoming Tri-Stake Fireside and the Guide Program. It was good training for Guides and the Fireside will be a great deal of fun. Madsen is doing a video, like last year’s. I want to invite parents and have about 500 people there! Pray for us. This meeting will affect Tempe for ten years or more as those Bishops and their counselors counsel the youth about the Program. When Eric realized this, he got stressed out. He is the coordinator for the event, along with the Presidency.
MESSAGE FROM THE KIMBALLS
Dear Youth Guide Graduates in the Field:
Sister Kimball and I remember with nostalgia the time we spent with you at the MTC. We made it to the Arizona Temple Visitors’ Center and we love this land of “milk and honey.” Every time we talk, or bear testimony about the Youth Guide Program, we tell about how you “mowed ‘em down” at the MTC and what an AWESOME group you are. Keep it up! We’re proud of you! Our prayers are with you always.
Love, Elder and Sister Kimball
POTPOURRI
Richard Wright came to a meeting a week or two ago and played a piano solo of Nearer My God To Thee that was exquisite! He’s off to NAU … our loss for awhile.
Kathy Webb was back for awhile. She’s moving permanently to Utah. That’s sad for Tim Penrod.
Curtis Nielson is in a play at MCC and then will go on his mission. His Dad thinks he has that backwards.
Randy Morris and Jason Haws are as inseparable as ever. They have this mysterious plan for Christmas that is too long to tell about in a few minutes. Something about Eagles and a video. I can’t decide whether I am miffed or glad not to have to be behind everything.
The Mexican we prayed for (Paul Whetten) had his whole life changed. His parents have now moved the whole family from Mexico to Mesa! His grandparents (the DeWits) are back from their mission. It was sure good to see them. They are the first to come back of the ones I called as Adult Guides.
Dan Roberts got four (4!) referrals a week ago. It was grrrrr8!
Leslie Bigler is going to make a really good Secretary.
To make up for not thinking to let Catherine bear her testimony when she was released as Secretary, I have decided to ask Sister Kimball to work with Catherine in doing a Sisters’ Conference…or (since Sis. Kimball knows all the big boys) having them work on getting a GA to come speak to the Guides before Christmas!
Trent Allen, Derek Madsen, and Brent Moore are doing awesome as DLs. Brent has a 100% group working. Trent had 12 people down on his night last week.
Glade Smith is getting closer to having his papers go in.
Shaleigh Kimball is as faithful as ever and did an excellent job speaking to the Stake Presidencies and Bishops about the Ammonites and Star Test.
Haven’t heard much from James Boddy lately. Can you imagine him as a Training Specialist?
Jason Bagley is blossoming. He’s into this new thing called Nu Skin. Hopes to make a million dollars doing it.
Debbie Miner and Emily Good…the only word is AWESOME!
Katie Pospisil is hosting a Second Annual Halloween Party this year at her place. Wasn’t it AWESOME last year?
Heber Allen is fun. My latest assignment to him is to find out how Heber C. Kimball and Wilford Woodruff baptized 1,000’s in England so that we can teach it in the Program for Christmas.
Tim Martin, the ever faithful.
Elijah Williams and Jamie Phelps are “comers” as Brother Bowden would say.
Most of you have no idea who Brian Buell is. I can prophesy at this time that AWESOME will be inadequate to assess his performance when it is all said and done. He works as a model RS. His book is up to date and fabulous. Oh, I forgot to tell you that Brother Bowden has asked them to get all the applications, data sheets, and a bunch of other things done for each person in the Program and to have each person have a folder. The Records Specialists are working their buns off doing it. Brian is the best!
GTs are Kyle Smith, Jodi Reed, Nathan Nichols, Kayla Lane, Steve Jensen, Kent Power (he finally came back, David), Billy Miner, Danene Jarvis, Darren Sherwood, and Steve Boren. Steve Jensen was funny. I said are you related to the Jensens at Mountain View. He said no, but his personal hero was Joe Jensen! I asked if he knew the Jensen Twins. He said no. I said, Joe couldn’t hold a candle to our former AWESOME Zone Leaders. It was then that I realized that all our kids are grrrrr8!
Katina sacrificed her TS job so Glade could have it. She is one of the best I’ve known. So sincere and loving and devoted to the Program.
Doug Pospisil is under special assignment from Brother Bowden to update the Tour.
Steve Jones is as quietly wonderful as ever.
BARZ…more challenges than he knows what to do with.
Tiffini is working on her own “personal mission” while someone is away doing his.
Laurie Whitley is hanging in there. Needs a good job.
Evan Vance is my assistant and doing an excellent job. Up ‘til midnight last week getting everything done for Tempe Stake Thing.
Scott (not Scottie, thank you) faithful as ever. Fri & Sat nights every week. Our referral master.
Well, that’s everyone on the Roster in one form or another. Jason and Randy are fun. They know how the Program works and have been working it to their advantage. Lots of contact with Brother Bowden with ideas and excitement. Jason is loving ASU. Randy is loving working for Southwest Ambulance Service.
We are using each of the ten words in the second to the last verse in D&C 4 as our devotional themes from now until the week before Thanksgiving. Then we will be working on Thanksgiving and getting ready in earnest for Christmas. So, if you want to follow along with us, start the 9th of September with Faith, and add a word for each week after that. Hopefully, you’ll all have this before the first week in October.
I am currently transcribing Brother Vega’s Life Story. Hopefully, he will allow me to print some of it for you. There is more to that BIG man than meets the eye.
Also, I hope Sister Kimball will write a note to all of you she has met and all she hasn’t met.
I am going to try and include the graphs I did for the Kimballs. You will notice that although attendance is actually dropping, we are continually increasing our referral totals! Better training all around, plus being blessed by the Lord.
Talked to Sister Richardson this evening and it appears she read between the lines that Jeff may be having a little challenge with his comps. I saw some pictures that Elder Williams had sent Tiffini of the guys at the MTC. They looked like it was lots of fun. Jeff, pay particular attention to Elder Porter’s letter in this issue, as well as Elder Wayne Jensen’s. In fact. let’s start with Wayne’s.
Dear Bro. Parker, 7/23/90
Now I know the world is a small place, (or the Guide Program has expanded immensely). Because when I got the June GUIDElines I was able to read a letter of an ex-Guide who is also stationed here in the Vina Del Mar Chile Mission. (Elder Buchanan?! Wow!)
I would like to thank you dearly for your love and service to the Lord’s work. I suppose I can only imagine the good effects your efforts are going to have upon the world. (I want you to know that it has effected me greatly.)
There is so much to do here. Sometimes it’s hard to come home to eat and go to bed, because there is just so much we can do. I truly love my mission. I have been in awe with the changes I’ve seen in myself, since I’ve started. The Spirit can guide anyone to always be a little better.
I don’t want to sound pompous about anything, but I want to say that Tour Guides from AZ are better prepared to serve missions. It’s sad to say, but I’ve seen a lot of garbage in my mission. As missionaries we are in the world, and deal with things of the world everyday. And it pains my soul when missionaries can’t leave it behind. After having a comp. who really didn’t want to serve, I gained a tremendous love and desire to work harder. I cried as the bus was taking me away from the sector that I had grown to love dearly, knowing that my five months of work in that tiny branch wouldn’t have much change to carry on with the bad example and lack of work that this comp. had.
I don’t want to sound discouraging, because I am excited and happy. But I say these things because the reason there are problems in the mission w/missionaries is because they are not prepared! They are not prepared to serve God with all their heart, might, mind, and strength. And because they are not ”dedicated” to the Lord and His work, Satan has more power to lead.
It’s the Guide Program that gave me a head start. A head start in “Dedicating” my ALL to my Heavenly Father. I was lucky enough to have participated for more than one year in the Program, and I can say I had a head start. Sometimes now I laugh at myself as I used to think stupid things like, “It will be so great when my mission is through and I’ll have more time to myself.” How golden my mission is to me because it’s changing past knowledge into greater understanding. Understanding of how much better the path to Exaltation really is … Understanding much better where this path lies…and finally understanding that “Every” knee will bow and “Every” tongue confess that Jesus is the Christ. Not just members, but Everyone must progress! So now I ask myself, “How fast are you going to progress?” Well, I’ve truly learned that “service” is one of those saving principles that are necessary to possess, to obtain Exaltation! Now I think things like, “How great it would be to get together with all those ex-Tour Guides and create new ways of bringing souls to Christ!”
I love missionary work. I love receiving knowledge of many missionary friends around the world. Thank you. !TE AMO! (I Love You)
Love, Elder J. Wayne Jensen
P.S. I have a few things that maybe you could pass on to the others:
1. My Bro. David, in Canada. Hay bud, I love you! Did you like the tape?
2. An Example and Friend David Porter. !Oye, me Amigo! !Tengo una Referencia para ti! If you ever get transferred to Puntas Arena I want you to baptize someone for me! (and for the Lord too, hee hee!) This man is the father of an ex comp. I had (who is now AP in the mission). This missionary (Angle Munoz) has suffered much for his family’s sake. I know, for I cried with him when he got word that his only sister went inactive. It’s not an easy reference, but I have faith that if there were an elder on the earth that could lead someone to conversion best, it would be you. Plus he lives inside your mission. Direction: Lord Cochrane OSS6, Punta Arena, XII Region, Chile. 1. Note: Barrior “Rio de la Mano” because there are eight wards in this city. 2. Note: His Dad’s name is Juan Munoz.
3. My buds in the entire world. !Hola mis Amigos! Dot it for the Lord. !Te Amo! cada uno (I love you, each one)
Note: Sorry Bro. Parker for the poor handwriting and grammar, etc. Thanks for your Patience and Love.
Wayne: I just sat at my kitchen table and wept the day I got your letter. I was so happy you had finally written. Thanks for your letter. I, too, believe we are not really aware of all the GUIDElines can do for each of us. Your letters lift my soul to the heights, and the challenges you have plunged it to the depths. However, I am trying to use all you teach me about mission life to better prepare the Guides for their missions. Please, you guys, keep them coming. We need it so much. I’ve never been on a mission and have so much to learn.
Again, I just can’t write each of you individually, and I am so sorry. I try to add a note now and then, but I have to plead exhaustion. I even have to have a ten-minute nap before I go back to work each noon, if you can believe that! Unless you’ve served in the Presidency of the Program, I don’t think you would realize the complexity of keeping it all going.
Remember, I want to put out a special Christmas issue of what you have to say about the past years and what you learned and how it all might help each of you around the world and the Guides here at the Center. Thanks for getting it going, Elder (CHILE) Jensen.
I spoke with President Bailey this morning and advised him that there could be from 600-700 in attendance at our Temple Tri-Stake Fireside. He said in that case he would try to get out of the assignment he had scheduled in its place. This afternoon Sister Kimball agreed to co-host with Matrons at the temple a Morningside for the sisters in the Program. We’ll do that some Saturday soon.
I would appreciate hearing from Robert Allen, John Bushman, Aaron Vanderpool, Marlin Porter, Russell McElhaney, Mike Pospisil, Doug Birch and the rest of you Brazilians, except for Richard, Ben LeSueur missed last month. I’d like to hear from each of you each month, but realize that may be a little much. Suggestions for improvement are okay, too.
ELDER BROWN
Dear Brother Parker and Leslie,
I didn’t hear from you last month and I didn’t write because it has been a pretty hectic last two months. I’m having some difficulties with my comp. He doesn’t talk and doesn’t want to do anything; so being senior comp it’s my job to make sure that we go out and do what we were called to do. He has been out for 19 months and he’s decided that he is just too burned out on doing any missionary work. He likes it when we have teaching appointments, and baptisms, which we have one this Sunday. He doesn’t like to go tracting but there are a lot of things in this world that all of us don’t like to do but it has to be done.
How’s the Youth Guide Program doing? I sure do miss it a lot. I talked with a few youths a couple of weeks ago and they said that the Guide Program is Los Angles was doing great. I had forgotten that there was a program there.
They say that time goes by fast when you are doing the Lord’s work but no one said that it goes by this fast. I’ve been out for seven months almost and it goes by real fast.
Leslie, give me the update on who’s married or engaged that you know of. Do you have our Dear Sweet Lyrica’s address so that I can write her? Boy, if everyone keeps getting “hitched” there will be no one left for me to marry. I’ll have to go to Africa to get myself a wife. (Hee hee!)
Well, tell the Guides and everyone that I love and miss them a lot and can’t wait until we have a huge Guide reunion when everyone’s home again.
Love, Michael Brown
P.S. Came home today and found your letter in the mailbox.
Dearest Brother Parker and Guides, 6 Sept 90
I just re-read the August issue of the GUIDElines for the second or third time and I want to thank you for all the inspiring words of comfort and love sent to all the missionaries throughout the world. I’m sitting here eating my usual bagel and cream cheese for breakfast thinking of everyone at home. I want to thank the Guide Program for all their prayers for the missionaries, especially for me during July and August. I was suffering from ulcers and stress/depression of daily struggles of being a missionary. I would like to share with you a small but very effective situation that had occurred in that very same time that I was ill. We were teaching a young lady and her 12-year-old daughter. I didn’t get the chance to teach her all six discussions but I did have the privilege of baptizing them. We had scheduled the 5th ad 6th discussions in one night and I wasn’t feeling too great so I called the Stake Missionaries and Zone Leaders to go teach her cause her baptism was only two days away and there wasn’t any time left except for the interviews just before the baptism. The discussions went great and I received a call that night from the Ward Mission Leader to let me know that everything was going as planned. After I hung up the phone there was a knock at my door and to my amazement it was Holly, Judy Guen and their 4 children with gifts and goodies to make my day more “fattening” or comfortable. Both Holly and her daughter, Julie, asked me to baptize them that Sunday. I sadly told them that I just didn’t have the strength but they said they had had a prayer and fasted about it and they felt that I could do it. To make a longer story short the night of their baptism I had the strength to baptize them and to confirm them a member of the True Church of Jesus Christ. The whole Zone was in amazement to see me up and around that night. We went home and I started failing in strength again and I was in bed for four days afterwards. I know that their prayers were answered and that their prayers were answered and that I was blessed to witness those two daughters enter into those clean, blue waters of baptism. What joy filled my heart. I know that if it is the Lord’s will anything can be accomplished. To update you on my condition, so far is that I still have ulcers and have been taking five kinds of medication plus I’ve since found out I’ a borderline diabetic and allergic to Nutrisweet. (No more late night trips to the cookie jar.)
I have a new companion. He’s from Vernal, Utah and is a super guy. He stands 6’7” and everyone thinks we look like brothers. We don’t think so. I love my mission and the work here in San Diego. I haven’t heard from a lot of people that owe me a letter or two but I’m expecting that they won’t let me down too easily or forget me altogether. Well, I must come to a close for now but I’ll write again soon. Give my love to everyone.
Love, E. M. R. Brown, 3835 Avocado Blvd., #260, La Mesa, CA 92041-7383
Dear Brother Parker, August 14, 1990
I’m sure you have been wondering what happened to the Duffer. This letter should explain everything. I decided that I loved the MTC so much I wouldn’t leave. I signed up on the visa delay program. This means that my visa is still at the Brazilian Consulate in L.A. waiting to be sent out. There is a good chance my visa will arrive on Friday, the 17th about the time you will get this letter. If you want to find out for sure if I do receive my visa, I have established a visa hotline at my home. My mother would love to tell you that she is finally rid of me officially for two years.
I should be sending a letter next P-Day also with some more details. I’ve got to go now and get this out with the 5 p.m. mail.
Love, Elder Duffin
Dear Brother Parker, August 21, 1990
This letter is just for you. I decided to share my goal for baptisms on my mission. I figured you were a good person to share it with. I know you won’t run out and tell everyone. This is a very personal goal and was made with much prayer. I feel that there are _____ people that I can baptize. The Lord feels like I should do more, however, after I reach ____ I am going for _____. I can do even more if I try hard. Salvador is ripe for the missionary harvest. I just have to be a good missionary and teach with the Spirit. My Mission President wants a steak, no actually a “STAKE” by November. Wow! I’ve go to work hard. I feel confident that I can do it with the Lord’s help. Watch out Brazil, here comes the “Duffer!” I am so excited to leave. I just hope my visa arrives soon! Pray for me please. I sure could use the extra faith and prayers. I’ll write you and let you know when I get my visa. Thank you for all of the love and support. Give my love to UB and the rest of the crew.
Con Amor, Elder Duffin
Dear Brother Parker, August 21, 1990
I just got the latest issue of the GUIDElines! I was so excited I tore the letter open and read it for almost a half hour. I almost wish I were still serving as a Guide at the Visitors’ Center. It sounds as though July was a month of months! I really appreciate the great sacrifice of time that goes into the GUIDElines. It is so nice to hear from everyone around the world. I draw a great strength from those good brothers and close friends. I hope my letters are of some value to the others. I recognize that I lack much of experience seeing that I am still in the MTC. I do realize, however, that I will gain a lot of experience in a hurry when I arrive in Brazil. I guess you could say I’m still just in embryo.
I have experienced a lot of growth in many areas of my life here in the MTC. There is still much growth that awaits me and I look forward to the trying times ahead. After 11 weeks in the MTC, I’m even ready for the Amazon. Despite the fact that the Amazon is not in my mission I would go there if nothing else just to leave Provo. You have probably guessed I’m ready to leave. I am now in Alma 5 in my Portuguese Book of Mormon and moving ever onward. It is a great challenge to understand exactly what I’m reading but, I am learning. Having spent over 11 weeks at the MTC I have had more than enough time to learn a lot of Portuguese. I’m not fluent in Portuguese yet, but, the Spirit is.
I’ll keep this short so you don’t have to spend a lot of time typing this letter.
Thank you so much for the GUIDElines. I love you a lot Brother Parker. You have taught me a lot about life and the gospel. I can’t wait to go to the temple with you again in 2 years. Until then, “Lamb to the slaughter, let’s do it dude…” a famous twisted quote from Joseph Smith. Keep up the great work at the Visitors’ Center, and to my brethren already in the field…Vamos Baptizar! (Let’s Baptize!)
Love, Elder Brian Duffin
Yahoo! A IREGA E VERDAREIRO (‘Yahoo, the Church is True!)
ELDER CAN-WIN JENSEN
Dear Brother Parker! 8/23/90
My heart is very full at this time as I have just completed reading the last GUIDElines. And I wish to thank you for it from the bottom of my heart. We as missionaries and friends are eternally indebted to you for your service to us, in keeping us all knit together worldwide. Service and Charity are both on my topic of study at the present time and you exemplify both to an astonishing degree, and the Lord will bless you for it. I know you hear it a lot but I don’t think you’ll really know in this life how much good you’re doing. Thanks & I love you for it.
I guess you know I am in the Mission Office now. It will be a 5-6 month calling. My first impression when I got the call was what did I do wrong, but President assured me that much prayer he felt that’s where I was needed the most. The other 3 missionaries that almost got the assignment were ZONE LEADERS. It makes me feel good to know Pres. Keeler trusts me enough to give me the assignment he has for the responsibility is much greater than I ever would have volunteered for. The best part though is that I was able to perform the baptismal ordinance for the first time last week. The first week I was in the office we had a fast as the Office District that we would be able to baptize during the month of August. Not more than a few days later my comp. (Elder McCleve from Mesa) (Elder McCLeve is good friends with Ben, Mike, Nate, Nathan McClaws, etc.) (Picture of him and I enclosed) and I came in contact with a Golden Lady and we baptized her and her son last Saturday. We still get to proselyte in the evenings. The spirit at baptisms is truly sweet. Susan, after being baptized, said she felt she had to wait for 20 years for me to grow up so I could bring the gospel to her. That is such a sweet feeling. When I was performing the ordinance, I was directed to tell her to search for God’s will for her, to not only use it in her own life but to teach it to her family. The next day at church she gave me a note saying the only way she could repay me was by sharing the message w/others and that she will always search for God’s will for her. It was a neat experience. The Lord truly does bless you after a trial of your faith.
As for my stories of Christmas past! The Gardens at Christmas time are truly the best. The only regret I have about my Christmases past in the Gardens was that I wasn’t there more nights of the month than I was. One experience that stands out was during the Christmas of ’88. It was my night to be down and I was, but on this particular night I didn’t have the Spirit w/me. I was scared to ask people for tours and I had feelings in my heart that weren’t appropriate for a representative of the Lord. I know I couldn’t continue giving tours w/those kinds of feelings so I went to my car and started praying. It must have been 15-20 minutes that passed by while I was asking for comfort and the presence of the Holy Ghost. Then a feeling came over me that’s impossible to describe. The jealousies, bitterness, and Gentile feelings that were in me vanished and I had the calm assurance of our Father’s presence. The scripture I had read that morning (Alma 37:35-37) became a full reality for me and I was able to go and give tours the rest of the evening with a surety and confidence. I don’t believe I had any referrals, and I may not have even placed any books that night, but I had searched for the Lord’s presence that evening and had found it, and my testimony of prayer was strengthened ten fold. Prayer still remains of utmost importance and when you begin to feel relaxed in your callings, or your daily routines, call upon our Father because He will always be there for us. May God bless us as we find those seeking baptism for a remission of sins and may the Lord bless those elect and us with a continual retention of that remission.
W/Love Always, Elder J. David Jensen
P.S. I can’t wait to come home and see Wayne, Derek, Doug, Dave, Paul, Zane, Lance, Shad, Alan, You, Ben, UB, Aaron (Although I’ve seen him several times up here) and of course all those who I haven’t met yet! Hi Guys! Know that I think of you all often.
P.P.S. Tell Wayne I got his tape, loved it and am sending him one back ASAP. I love having brothers that I love so much!
P.P.P.S. The photocopy I did last time is just something I do to save time. I knew you’d understand.
Dear:
Nice stationary A! In my last area we were teaching a deaf boy through some members who knew sign language, and they taught us quite a bit of sign language as well as giving us this stationary. It was a neat experience. Probably the closest I’ll ever get to speaking a foreign language while on my mission. Anyway, I’m writing to let you know I’m doing great and I’ve been transferred. My new address is CAN-WIN Mission, 306-1661 Portage Ave., Winnipeg, MB R3J 3T7 Yes this is the mission office and I am now an official pencil pusher in the mission. Actually it made me feel good to know President trusts me enough to bring me into the office. I guess it was a decision he had to make. Either Elders Sutherland, Crossley, and Carrillo who are all Zone Leaders, or me. This mission is so huge that President is gone for 2 ½ weeks of the month and so he really needs people in the office he can trust and depend on while he is gone. I feel honored he has that trust in me. I am officially in charge of all the cars in the mission. Buying, selling, repairing, monthly reports, etc., etc., etc. It’s a big job and I can see why Pres. has made it a calling. This mission has 42 mission vehicles and 12 bikes over an area 500 miles north of here, 600 miles east and 500 miles west. Winnipeg is of course pretty centrally located. My last area in Regina was excellent. We scheduled a lady for bapt. last week, of course I won’t be there again for it, but as long as she gets baptized is the most important thing. I had lots of excellent experiences in Regina. I was sad to leave. The members in Regina were the best. I will really miss them. Know that all is well w/me. The office staff goal is to baptize each month, even though we don’t get as many proselyting hours as the other missionaries. TAKE CARE. Know I am doing well, and I think of you often.
W/Love Always, Elder J. David Jensen
ELDER HUISH
Dear Bob and Friends:
This last week, Elder Ballard from the Twelve visited in Japan here. His message was exciting. Remember the simple things of missionary work. Don’t forget!
The Quote of the Month:
Convince a man of what he wants, and he will move heaven and earth to get it.
and now on to…
VIII – Our Ability to Change People
Actually, as all missionaries know, the above is really a misnomer. Who really does the changing? It’s the spirit, of course. But is it that? What role do we really play in missionary work?
If we go to The Source (Missionary Guide), it describes our purpose excellently:
As an authorized servant of the Lord, your purpose is to bring people to Christ through repentance and the ordinances of baptism and confirmation.
It states that we are to bring people to Christ. I would suggest that as meaning we are the vessels, or the instrument to open their hearts up to the spirit, and to continue that channel until they have acquired the ability for themselves. In President Benson’s words (check your calling letter you received), we are to be an “effective advocate and messenger of the truth.” Our roles are critically important to this, the most important work we could ever do.
We are working as the fishers of men, the example of Christ to the world. When people look at us, they should see the countenance of Christ. This means we are Christ’s representative to our brothers and sisters here. To do what he would do. To say what he would say. To be an example in every aspect of our lives as the life that Christ led. What an adventure!
The principle is so important. We convert what we are. Look at a missionary’s investigators, and they generally follow as well as the missionary. If we are lax on keeping our own commitments, or in obedience, so our investigators usually are. We are the example unto a world of darkness.
Verily, verily, I say unto you. I give unto you to be the salt of the earth; but if the salt shall lose its savor wherewith shall the earth be salted? The salt shall be thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out and to be trodden under foot of men.
Verily, verily, I say unto you, I give unto you to be the light of this people. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid.
Behold, do men light a candle and put it under a bushel? Nay, but on a candlestick, and it giveth light to all that are in the house;
Therefore, let your light so shine before this people, that they may see your good works and glorify your father who is in heaven. (3 Nephi 12:13-16)
Through our teaching we are to be the conductor of the spirit. We teach through the spirit as the Apostle Paul explains in this way:
We speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. (1 Cor. 2:13-14)
We have within us the power to bring people to the light and knowledge we have received. How can we convert thousands? Just ponder upon this one: When you baptize one person they have the potential to become a God and create worlds with billions of people. We are working with worlds on end, galaxies.
Remember what a fountain of good we can be. Remind yourself of this little morsel:
I shall not pass this way again. Any good therefore that I can do, or kindness that I can show to any human being – let me do it now! Let me not defer nor neglect it. For I shall not pass this way again.
What also is our potential, especially as a group? Well, according to President Kimball, we “have hardly skimmed the surface!” At a Regional Representatives Seminar, President Kimball also said in the prayer that “May we improve the efficiency of our missionaries, each bringing thousands of converts into the Church.” Well, if we take the number of missionaries we have right now, 40,000, [latest report, reed, from MTC is 46,000] and multiply that by 1,000. Wow! It is impressive. We have the potential to bring 20,000,000 converts per year. The power is within us. We can baptize more. We can bring more souls to Christ. The day is here for this to happen. Today is the day of miracles.
You Never Know
You never know when someone may catch a dream from you.
You never know when a little word or something you may do may open up the windows of a mind that seeks the light.
The way you live may not matter at all, but you never know, it might.
And just incase it could be that another’s life, through you, might possibly change for the better with a broader and brighter view.
It seems it might be worth a try at pointing the way to the right.
Of course it may not matter at all, but then again, it might!
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