reed in Japan, David in Chile

June 15, 1990 GUIDElines contains a letter from reed h. who is serving in Japan:

Here you go.  A few thoughts have been passing through my mind lately about missionary work, but first a little thought:

“It will do men little good to

kneel down when it is no longer

possible to stand up.  For when

the author of the play comes on

stage, the play is over.”

The following begins a multiple volume set on my feelings about the most important work in the world (1^st of 16):

Vol I – The Worth of an Individual

Every morning I walk out on the balcony and look down at the people below.  Most people don’t even have an aim to shoot for in life, but wander around searching for the next temporary thrill.  Those that do have a plan are limited to any earthly scope, instead of an eternal perspective.  I ask myself – Why these, of God’s children, don’t recognize their potential?  The ability to become a God!  They are truly nature’s greatest miracle – to continue the eternal course of a Heavenly Family.

As we know, they have been taught these things.  All men have the Light of Christ.  The answer seems to be helping them remember 1) where they came from, 2) why they are here, and 3) where they are going.  We are the tools to help their hearts and minds be opened to rekindle the fire of an eternal light.

Man is nature’s greatest miracle.  Not one person is alike; everyone is unique.  Only man has unlimited potential.  Man has the ability to grow into a mountain – the highest mountain of all.  Only man has within his own power to completely control his own destiny – his ability to rise and soar with eagles.  Man is the only creature that is above animal nature; blessed with a mind that is the rudder of the body.  In this, a person’s thoughts lead to words, then to actions, to habits, to character, to destiny, and then to Godliness.  Man is truly the architect of his destiny.

The Kingdom of God is within us (Luke 17:20-21).  It is within our ability.  Remember that “He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.” (Rev. 20:7-8)

To become a God – the ultimate end of our existence.  An end of complete, rich happiness.  This promise is available to all men.  All will be able to inherit all things:  Kingdoms, Principalities, Thrones, Powers, and Dominions.  But and only if…

(More in the series to follow – I will send you 2/month)

Thanks – Give my Yoroskiku’s to everyone.

Love, reed

reed:  Thanx! for your letter and the first in you “Individual Worth” series.  It was totally unexpected and really gratifying to see you have such faith in the GUIDElines!  Getting the first few issues out has taken GOBS of time, which was a surprise to me.  I’m looking forward to your next Epistle.

Spent about a half an hour with your brother, Karl, this morning just after Eric Jarvis’ Farewell.  He loaned me his Mission Book and promised to come and talk to either the leaders of the Program or the SNTM before he leaves in 4 weeks.

It seems your refrigeration is down at home.  I tried to trade our broken washing machine with your Mom for her refer problems.  It seems one guy’s problem is another guy’s “so you think you got problems….”

I’m of to Brian Duffin’s Farewell. He made sure I would be there by asking me to offer the Invocation.  More about all the farewells later.  I have been taking copious notes.

(Many Japanese characters)  These are the 1^st 25 characters in my WordPerfect Character Map set.  I liked reading some of the stuff Karl gave me to see the Japanese words sprinkled in like we all knew them.

In that same issue are a couple of letters from David:

8 May 1990 - I am sorry I have not finished the letter for the Guides – I haven’t had time – You have no idea how powerful the GUIDElines is – I got it yesterday – It is so awesome – I don’t have time to write a long letter for it – take things out of my letter to you and Lance – I don’t have time to write Doug –

TELL MY BRETHREN I LOVE THEM ALL – Elder P.

P.S.  Tell my brethren to remember who they are!  GO FORTH IN FAITH!

30 April 1990 - Brother Parker –

I am laying on my bed looking out my window at the city of Puerto Montt.  It is overcast and the wind is blowing pretty good.  I love it here.  The past few weeks have been kind of tough as far as the work is concerned.  My comp had his appendix taken out last week and was sick for a while before that.  We haven’t had a chance to really work our sector yet, and our sector really needs it.  That is OK.  I have faith that the Lord will bless us with success when we can work.  I have also got some great ideas in the past few weeks to try when I can.  I love the mission.  Two nights ago my comp was in the hospital so I went to a family night that two other Elders in our district had set up.  One member family and one non-member family.  It was awesome!  We gave the lesson on the Savior, then the three of us sang, “I Know That My Redeemer Lives.”  The Spirit was really strong.  Afterwards we played some awesome games.  It was just like a good family night in the States.

I got the mail you sent to the MTC here in Chile.  It was awesome to hear everything that is happening.  My Mom told me you had 13 referrals in one night during Easter.  That is sensational!  It is amazing how the Lord blesses the youth of the Program.

The language is coming along.  The Lord has really blessed me.  I can understand the natives more and more.  I have had a little set back with my comp being sick.  When we aren’t working with members or investigators I don’t get to practice my Spanish that much.  That is OK – The Lord is really blessing me.

There is something I have been impressed to do that I think might be helpful to the Youth Guides that have mission calls or are getting very close to leaving.  I have learned a great deal in the past three months, particularly about being a Junior Companion.  One thing that is always hard for Youth Guides is to have a Senior Companion who doesn’t desire to work like they do.  You may use it how you wish.  I would suggest giving them a copy after they get their call.  All the Guides hear in one way or another that this is a challenge.  I have found the same, but just like in anything else the Lord will make (provide) a way for you to do that which you should.  If you could also take a copy to my house in an envelope and ask my Mom to put it in my “box.”  I plan on having my kids serve missions some day.

Tell the Youth Guides that Brother Bowden was right again.  Study the Star Test!  It is really what you need to know.  People have those questions.  Also, if it is possible for you to send me the most complete copy that you have in your computer I would appreciate it.

Things you might be interested in.  I live in a pension.  (Room and Board + Maid :0).  The food here is great!  You would love it.  The people are humble and I love them all.  So many times I wish I could communicate better so I could express my feeling to them.  God’s children are the same everywhere.  They all have a need for the blessings that the Gospel can bring to their lives.  We have the opportunity to serve the Lord to help bring about His Eternal Purposes.

I have enclosed letters that, if possible, I would like you to get addresses for.  Lance, and Doug.  I don’t have their mission addresses.  (I have Ben’s – I hope he is in Belgium because that is where I am sending it.)  I can’t believe that Lance has been out for more than a year.  I am already worried that the time is passing too fast.

Well, I need to begin another letter.  You are welcome to read the letters to Lance and Doug also.  I pray for you always.  The Guides are also in my prayers.  You can’t imagine how great it is to serve the Lord full time!

Your Brother, Elder P.

P.S.  The mission rules in our mission say we can only write non-family members once each month.  You should hear form me the middle of next month.

David:

Ben’s address is 11 Rue de Bastogne, 54500 Vandoeuvre, France.  Katina said if you mailed something to the mission office he will get it.  I certainly hope so, because that is where I sent May’s GUIDElines.  I have a letter of his to publish in this edition.  We’ve had some ups and downs at the farewells today.  Only 6-7 people showed up to sing at Brent’s Farewell this morning and consequently UB is upset.  It is Memorial Day Weekend, and it was the same time of Eric J.’s Farewell (who happens to be related to half the Guide Program), but I am afraid, through no fault of our own, we have let him down.  Claudia and I took the whole family to Eric’s because we have known Dan and Darlene since Eric was about 6 years old.

I know how busy you must be and appreciate any communication from you I get.  I will send Lance’s letter on to him, but I hope you don’t mind if I publish it in the GUIDElines this issue, also.  I have told the Guides to look forward to an Epistle from the Great David on Junior Companionships, and they are anxious to see what you have to say.  I met a young man getting his endowments who is headed for Osorno!  Of course, as you can imagine, sometimes the temple is so crowded you lose track of them.  Also met a guy going to Mexico Torreon, like Eric!  Soon we will have Guides in all the missions in the world!  Hope you enjoy the EXTRA!  I will send whatever I can find on the STAR Test.  Had a wonderful talk with Jeff R. in the Celestial Room yesterday.  You guys are all so awesome; I can’t believe my good fortune.  Geoff W., Jeff B., BARZ, Paul G., and I accompanied Kyle T. and his parents for his endowments last night.  It is so fun to go with them.  The Matron, Sister Allen, is usually at the front of the room as we enter and when she sees me she mimes, “Is one of your boys here tonight?”  And when I point to him she beams a big smile and goes over to meet him and shake his hand.  Next is Troy W. or Todd H.  Paul is getting so blasé he even sleeps during the session!  He sleeps, I cry, we’re a pair!!!

Well, I have to continue to edit and input, so I’ll leave this page as is.  Have a good day!

Bro. P.