THE

JUNE 2004

COVER STORY: ROLLING OVER CHALLENGES, P. 20

DON’T LET DATING DRIVE YOU CRAZY, P. 4

WHAT TO DO ABOUT A BULLY, P. 3 4

WORK ON SUNDAYS? P. 1 6 The New Era Magazine Volume 34, Number 6 hen one June 2004 way Official monthly publication doesn’t for youth of WW The Church of Jesus Christ work, Kacey has of Latter-day Saints learned to try The New Era can be found another. See in the Gospel Library at www.lds.org. “Standing on Faith” on p. 20. Editorial Offices: New Era 50 E. North Temple Salt Lake City, UT 84150-3225

E-mail address: cur-editorial-newera @ldschurch.org

Please e-mail or send stories, articles, photos, poems, and ideas to the address above. Unsolicited material is wel- come. For return, include a self-addressed, stamped envelope.

To Subscribe: By phone: Call 1-800-537- 5971 to order using Visa, MasterCard, Discover Card, or American Express. Online: Go to www.ldscatalog.com. By mail: Send $8 U.S. check or money order to Distribution Services, P.O. Box 26368, Salt Lake City, UT 84126-0368.

To change address: Send old and new address information to Distribution Services at the address above. Please allow 60 days for changes to take effect.

Cover: Kacey McCallister of Keizer, Oregon, knows the Lord has a plan for his life. See “Standing on Faith” on p. 20.

Cover photography: Courtesy of the McCallister family (front) and Christina Smith (back)

I Chose the Sabbath, p. 26 How to Beat Bullying, p. 34 2 C ONTENTS The First Presidency: Gordon B. Hinckley, Thomas S. Monson, James E. Faust Quorum of the Twelve: Boyd K. Packer, L. Tom Perry, David B. Haight, Neal A. The Message: Idea List: Maxwell, Russell M. Nelson, You’re in the Driver’s Seat 4 Scripture Study Tips 33 Dallin H. Oaks, M. Russell Ballard, Joseph B. Wirthlin, President Boyd K. Packer Here are some ways to make scripture Richard G. Scott, Robert D. How would you like to lend your new reading into a positive and regular habit. Hales, Jeffrey R. Holland, Henry B. Eyring car to a complete stranger? That’s how Editor: your parents feel when you begin to date. How to Beat Bullying 34 Jay E. Jensen Rebecca M. Taylor Advisers: E. Ray Bateman, Monte J. Brough, Finding a Gem 10 With fists or words, bullying is just Stephen A. West Managing Director: Gilbert Ndala Mingotyi plain wrong. Some advice on how David Frischknecht We found a marvelous book, and studying to escape and forgive. Planning and Editorial Director: Victor D. Cave it together was a wonder. Graphics Director: The Extra Smile 39 Allan R. Loyborg Mission Made Possible 12 Magazines Editorial Director: Richard M. Romney Shanna Butler Of All Things 40 Managing Editor: Start early, work diligently, save, and R. Val Johnson Editorial Staff: the money will come for a mission. Soapbox Convert 42 Collette Nebeker Aune, Susan Barrett, Shanna Butler, Elder W. Rolfe Kerr Ryan Carr, Marvin K. Gardner, Q&A: I never dreamed that in that crowd was Jenifer L. Greenwood, Carrie Kasten, Sally J. Odekirk, Adam Questions and Answers 16 one person who listened to what I said. C. Olson, Roger Terry, Janet I need to earn money for a mission Thomas, Paul VanDenBerghe and college. The Church teaches that we Instant Messages 46 Managing Art Director: M. M. Kawasaki shouldn’t work on the Sabbath, but Planting a seed; a smile for eternity; Art Director: Brent Christison almost all the jobs I am qualified for learning to pray; two scriptures for Senior Designer: Fay P. Andrus require Sunday work. What should I do? comfort; family prayer is the best. Marketing Manager: Larry Hiller Printing Director: New Era Poster: What’s in It for You 49 Craig K. Sedgwick Distribution Director: Super! 19 Kris T Christensen

We’ve Got Mail 50 © 2004 by Intellectual Standing on Faith 20 Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved. Periodicals Postage Adam C. Olson Poem: Paid at Salt Lake City, Utah, and Kacey McCallister stands out in Colorblind 51 at additional mailing offices. The New Era (ISSN 0164-5285) everything he does even though he Kimberly Stotts Hinton is published monthly by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- can’t stand on his own two legs. day Saints, 50 East North Photo of the Month 51 Temple Street, Salt Lake City, UT 84150-3225. I Chose the Sabbath 26 Adam C. Olson Marlene Nolte POSTMASTER: Send address I liked riding horses more than anything, changes to Distribution Text and visual material in the New Era may be copied for inci- Services, Church Magazines, but my father had taught me to love P.O. Box 26368, Salt Lake City, dental, noncommercial church or home use. Visual material UT 84126-0368 USA. attending church more. may not be copied if restrictions are indicated in the credit line with the artwork. Questions should be addressed to Church Canada Post Information: Copyrights and Permissions Office, 50 E. North Temple St., Salt Publication Agreement Easier than You Think 28 #40017431. Ryan Carr Lake City, UT 84150; telephone: 801-240-3959; e-mail: [email protected]. Teens in Danville, California, have made missionary work a matter of friendship.

NEW ERA JUNE 2004 3 4 YYOOUU’’RREE IN THE DRIVER’S SEASEATT BY PRESIDENT BOYD K. PACKER Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

everal years ago I visited a large will come to me. automobile dealership and looked How you will enjoy that car! Think of SS at many new automobiles. One in driving it to school tomorrow. Think of all particular caught my eye—a convertible the new friends you will suddenly acquire. sports model with all of the fancy equipment Your parents may be hesitant to let you you could imagine. It had push-button every- use this car freely, so I will visit with them. I Imagine that I have thing and more horsepower than a division am sure they will be reluctant, but because decided to give you of cavalry. How I would have enjoyed a car of my position as one of the leaders of the a convertible sports like that when I was in high school! It Church, they will consent. car. I’ll pay for the occurred to me that you of high school age Let us imagine, then, that you have your gas, oil, tires, may be interested in owning such a car. car, everything to run it, and freedom to maintenance, use it. anything your car Lending Your Treasure Suppose that one evening you are invited will use. Will you imagine something with me? to attend a Church social. “There are just Imagine that I have decided to present to a enough of you to ride in my station wagon,” typical teenager a car such as this, and you your teacher says. “You may leave your car are the one who has been chosen. On the home.” When they come to take you to the evening of the presentation, I see that you party, you suddenly remember your new are not quite financially able to run such a convertible, with the top down, parked at car, so I generously include free gas, oil, the curb. You run back in the house and give maintenance, tires, anything your car will the car keys to your father, asking that he

ILLUSTRATED BY GREGG THORKELSON BY ILLUSTRATED use. I’ll give you all of this, and the bills put it in the garage, for it looks as if it may

LIAHONANEW ERA JANUARYJUNE 2004 2003 5 our parents rain. Your father, of course, obediently car that belonged to you. love you agrees. YY so deeply. Later you come home and notice your car Parents Lend Their Treasures They may become is not at the curb. “Dear old Dad,” you muse, I am sure that you have anticipated the vigorous as they “always willing to help out.” But as the sta- moral of this little illustration, you of high set their guidelines tion wagon pulls into the driveway and the school age. It is in these years that dating for you to follow. lights flash into the garage, you see it stands begins—this custom of two sets of parents But such discipline empty. lending their teenagers to one another for may set you on the You rush into the house, find Father, and the necessary and the important purpose path to greatness. ask where your car is. of their finding their way into maturity and “Oh, I loaned it to someone,” he eventually into marriage. Perhaps for the first responds. time you notice and begin to resent the Then imagine a conversation such as this. interest of your parents in and their “Well, who was it?” you ask. supervision of your activities. “Oh, that boy who comes by here regularly,” Dating leads to marriage. Marriage is a Dad says. sacred religious covenant and in its most “What boy?” exalted expression may be an eternal “Oh, that . . . well, I have seen him pass covenant. Whatever preparation relates to here several times on his bicycle.” marriage, whether it be personal or social, “What is his name?” concerns us as members of the Church. “Well, I’m afraid I didn’t find out.” If you are old enough to date, you are old “Where did he take the car?” enough to know that your parents have not “That really wasn’t made clear.” only the right but the sacred obligation, and “When will he bring it back?” they are under counsel from the leaders of “Well, there really wasn’t any agreement the Church, to concern themselves with on that.” your dating habits. Then suppose that your father should If you are mature enough to date, you say to you, with some impatience, “Now you are mature enough to accept without childish, calm down. He rushed in here. He needed juvenile argument their authority as parents a car. You weren’t using it. He seemed to be to set rules of conduct for you. in a frantic hurry over something, and he No sensible father would lend your new looked like an honest boy, so I gave him the convertible to anybody, to go anywhere, to keys. Now relax. Go to bed. Calm down.” do anything, to come back anytime. If you I suppose under the circumstances you are old enough to date, you are old enough would look at your father with a puzzled to see the foolishness of parents who would expression and wonder if some important lend their children on such an arrangement. connection had slipped loose in his thinking Don’t ask your parents to permit you—their mechanism. most precious possession—to go out on It would take a foolish father to lend such such flimsy agreements. an expensive piece of equipment on an Actually, the loan of the car would not be arrangement such as that—particularly a so serious as you suppose; for should it be

6 LIAHONANEW ERA JANUARYJUNE 2004 2003 7 completely destroyed, it could be replaced. There are some Dating should not be premature or without problems and some hazards with dating for which there is supervision. You should appreciate your parents if they no such fortunate solution. see to that. Young people sometimes get the mistaken notion that Some Dating Guidelines spirituality and the religious attitude interfere with youthful When you are old enough, you ought to start dating. growth. They assume that the requirements of the Church It is good for young men and young women to learn to are interferences and aggravations that thwart the full know and to appreciate one another. It is good for you expression of young manhood and young womanhood. to go to games and dances and picnics, to do all of the How foolish is the youth who feels that the Church young things. We encourage our young people to date. is a fence around love to keep him out. Oh, youth, if you We encourage you to set high standards of dating. could know! The requirements of the Church are the When are you old enough? Maturity may vary from highway to love and to happiness, with guardrails individual to individual, but we are convinced that dating securely in place, with guideposts plainly marked, and should not even begin until you are 16. And then, ideal with help along the way. dating is on a group basis. Stay in group activities; don’t How unfortunate to resent counsel and restraint. How pair off. Avoid steady dating. Steady dating is courtship, fortunate are you who follow the standards of the Church, and surely the beginning of courtship ought to be delayed even if just from sheer obedience or habit. You will find a until you have emerged from your teens. rapture and a joy fulfilled.

8 Parents Love You with them. Discuss with them your prob- hen you Be patient with your parents. They lems. Have prayer with them before a date. are old love you so deeply. They are emotionally Heed the counsels from your bishop, WW enough, involved with you, and they may become from your priesthood and auxiliary teachers, start dating. Go to too vigorous as they set their guidelines for from your seminary teacher. games and dances you to follow. But be patient. Remember, Young people, “Honour thy father and thy and picnics. Ideal they are involved in a big do-it-yourself mother.” This is the first commandment with dating is on a child-raising project, and this is their first a promise: “That thy days may be long upon group basis. time through. They have never raised a the land which the Lord thy God giveth child just like you before. thee” (Exodus 20:12). Give them the right to misunderstand and I bear witness that God lives. You are to make a mistake or two. They have old enough now to be told that we, your par- accorded you that right. Recognize their ents, are children also, seeking to follow the authority. Be grateful for their discipline. authority and to relate to the discipline of Such discipline may set you on the path to Him. We love you, our youth. But more than greatness. this, we respect you. NE Be open with your parents. Communicate From an April 1965 general conference address.

LIAHONA JANUARY 2003 9 FFIINNDDIINNGG AA

I taught others about Christianity, but feeling of joy—as if I were discovering a genuine gem it wasn’t until I met a man with a among thousands of imitations. special book that I became converted The next evening I joined five other people in a study myself. group at the home of Mr. Kasongo. He had been doing research when he came across a book about American churches. “My heart pounded as I read the name of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,” he said. After BY GILBERT NDALA MINGOTYI writing to the Church’s headquarters, he received some literature—including A Marvelous Work and a Wonder by am a native of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Elder LeGrand Richards (1886–1983) of the Quorum of the and my father felt that it was my duty as the oldest Twelve Apostles. II boy to master his Christian church’s doctrine. By the For two years, our group met twice a week. When time I was five years old, I was accompanying him when he missionaries, Elder Roger L. and Sister Simonne B. Dock, would preach door to door. arrived in March 1987, 50 people were studying together. When I was nine, my father took our whole family to a The Docks began teaching the missionary discussions region of high mountains. Often he and I would travel on in French in the public school. Because some people foot for days to reach villages where we were to preach. spoke only Swahili, I interpreted. I heard the missionary People were always amazed to see such a young child discussions for the first time myself while interpreting. preaching. But I kept telling my father I was not ready to On 9 May 1987 I was one of 80 people baptized in a be baptized myself. I was not convinced that his religion pool at an abandoned copper mine. For me, baptism was answered the most important questions. an outer confirmation of an inner conversion that had But I went on as an obedient son, converting people taken place years earlier. I had been waiting for this sacred to a church I was not converted to myself. When I turned ordinance so I could become a member of the Church. 18 I began looking for something more. I have received so many blessings—among them the One Saturday a schoolteacher knocked on our door to time I spent translating for couple missionaries. They are talk to my father about my nephew. I found myself as dedicated as if the Master Himself were physically looking at a book he held, A Marvelous Work and a beside them. Wonder. Seeing my interest, he offered to leave the book. I thank my Heavenly Father for these rich experiences He also said I could attend a study group. and for the opportunity my wife, Jolie Mwenze, and I have I spent almost the whole night scanning the book, to raise our son in the Church. And particularly I thank stopping to take notes whenever I came across some- Him for sending me the gospel—a gem beyond price. NE thing new. Although I did not fully understand the Gilbert Ndala Mingotyi is a member of the Lubumbashi First Ward,

doctrine, I felt no doubt about its truthfulness. I had a Lubumbashi Democratic Republic of Congo Stake. JOSEPH ALLEMAN BY ILLUSTRATED

10 GGEMEM

NEW ERA JUNE 2004 11 MADE

BY SHANNA BUTLER Church Magazines

Young men in Illinois are making their future missions possible through planning and saving in their own unique ways.

12 elcome to the New Era files. Go two years to help people come to the ahead. Walk into our make-believe gospel, and you will be blessed,” Adam says. dam Sessions room full of filing cabinets, and pull Along with his financial preparation, and Nathan Wopen a few drawers. You’ll notice some of Adam has also set a goal to finish reading the A Neeley do the drawers are labeled “Good Examples” or Book of Mormon by the time he’s 13. He odd jobs and babysit “Activity Ideas” or “How I Gained My reads every day. He’s also trying to magnify to earn mission Testimony.” Now go to the file drawer his calling as a deacon, so he will be pre- money. labeled “Saving Money for a Mission.” pared to receive the Melchizedek Priesthood It’s time to take a look into the files of a when the time comes. His dad went on a few Latter-day Saint young men in the mission, as did his grandpa and great- Chicago, Illinois, area. These young men grandpa Sessions. He’s looking forward to have two things in common with each other: following in their footsteps. They are saving for their missions, and they’re doing a great job. Name: Nathan Neeley Age: 15 Ward: Westchester First Ward, Chicago Name: Adam Sessions Illinois Stake Age: 12 Preferred Title: Babysitter Extraordinaire Ward: Morgan Park Ward, Chicago Illinois Stake Nathan started saving when he was even Preferred Title: Service Man Adam younger than Adam. When he was 10, he As you look in the first file you’ll see began delivering papers, shoveling snow, and Adam’s plan. It’s simple: “For every five mowing lawns. Now that he’s 15, he’s what dollars I get, I give two to my mission fund,” he likes to call a “Babysitter Extraordinaire” he says. He also always makes sure to pay his for some of the families in his ward. He loves tithing before he sets aside the 40 percent spending time with children, so it’s a great for his mission. job for him. After paying tithing, he puts Adam started saving while trying to fulfill away 10 percent of each paycheck for his his goals in the Duty to God program. One mission. of the goals is to start saving money for a mission. “I just opened a bag, stuck some money in, and started,” he says. He plans on opening a bank account right away. Starting at 12 might seem early, but Adam’s really excited that he has seven years to save for his mission. He’s not old enough to have a part-time job, but he does jobs for people in his neighborhood, such as empty- ing recycling bins, shoveling walks, and put- ting newspapers on the front doorsteps of a few elderly widows. He’s up early in the morning to get his jobs done, and he counts his jobs as small blessings that will one day help his mission fund add up. “A mission is one of the most important

PHOTOGRAPHY BY THE AUTHOR BY PHOTOGRAPHY parts of your life. Save up now, and go for

NEW ERA JUNE 2004 13 avid He’s had the desire to serve since Primary “Your mission starts way before your mis- Montoya’s when he sang “I Hope They Call Me on a sion,” David says, as he looks sage-like over money Mission” (Children’s Songbook, 169). “And the top of his glasses. He’s been preparing D when my brother went,” he says, “that made since he was 12, when he decided he wanted magically appears when he performs me want to go even more. It made a big to go on a mission. Sacrifice and discipline his magic shows. He difference for me. He set the example. He are what David credits with his successful also works as a really changed his attitude toward life mission-savings plan. He started putting bank teller. Anthony because of his mission.” away half his paycheck when he was 14. At Haga earned his Going on a mission is really important to 17, he almost has all his mission money mission money Nathan, not only because his dad thinks it’s saved. cleaning cars. His really important or because his older brother He’s been preparing in other ways, too, hard work will pay set the example. He says, “It’s a command- like staying fit, studying the scriptures, and off on his mission in ment. I really need to go on a mission. It’s an learning how to talk to people about the Boise, Idaho. important thing.” gospel. “Saving money is very important because it gets one thing out of the picture Name: David Montoya so you can focus on the spiritual things,” Age: 17 Ward: Orland Park Ward, Chicago Illinois Stake Preferred Title: Magician Monte Now you see it; now you don’t. David’s paycheck disappears into his mission fund so fast you’d think it was one of the coins he can make appear or disappear at will. A master of the sleight of hand, David turned his magic hobby into mission dollars when he started working at a magic store and later per- forming as “Magician Monte” at local restaurants and birthday parties on weekends. Now that he’s attending a local community college, he has a job as a bank teller and only does his magic show on the side.

14 David explains. He also tries to magnify his HOW MUCH callings and set an example. “I think it’s very DOES A important as a priest to set an example for MISSION the teachers and the deacons.” COST? David’s dad set the example for him. He Missionaries have a loves to hear his dad’s mission stories and set amount of money each enjoys setting an example for others. But month for rent, travel, food, etc. Besides the “even if they weren’t in my life,” he says, “I’m monthly cost, however, sure I’d want to go on a mission because it’s there are some other a commandment.” He also makes sure he expenses you might need fulfills another commandment by faithfully to consider as you plan for paying his tithing. your mission. (Amounts listed in U.S. dollars.) Name: Anthony Haga Monthly cost: $375 Age: 19 Ward: Rock Island Ward, Davenport (That adds up to $9,000 Iowa Stake for 24 months and $6,750 Preferred Title: Elder Haga for 18 months.) The last file we’ll look at is probably the Immunizations: biggest. It’s been around the longest. Anywhere from $50 to Anthony’s first job was as a bagger at a more than $200 grocery store on an air base. He saved 25 spiritually ready. He reads his scriptures Passport: $80 Emergency cash: $60 percent of his money for his mission fund at every night and morning, studies Church for Missionary Training first. He later got a job at a car wash through history, memorizes the scripture mastery Center, $100 for mission a friend in his seminary class. He’s been scriptures, and listens to advice from his par- working there ever since and has been sav- ents, among other things, all in preparation After you receive your ing half his earnings for his mission. A few for his mission. mission call, you will be months ago, however, Anthony realized he Like Nathan Neeley, Anthony also remem- sent a list of necessities wouldn’t meet his goal if he maintained this bers being inspired when he sang “I Hope such as luggage, a shoul- saving pattern. He would have to step it up. They Call Me on a Mission” in Primary. der bag, the missionary So he cut his other expenses and started Through his faith, diligence, and prepara- library, a first-aid kit, a putting away much more money. And he tion, the hymn he’s singing now is “Called to sewing kit, bedding, and counts it as a blessing of paying tithing that Serve” (Hymns, no. 249). clothing (for men: a suit or he also got a raise at work. He’s going to two, white shirts, ties, make it. Your Mission shoes, coat, work cloth- And it’s a good thing too, because he just As you close the filing cabinet on these ing, and baptismal cloth- ing; for women: dress got his mission call to Boise, Idaho. Because Illinois young men and walk out of the shoes, nylons, coat, work he’s been through saving for his mission, room, don’t forget their examples of hard clothes, and dresses or Anthony has some advice: “Be prepared to work as they prepare for their missions by shirts and skirts). work for your money, but I can testify that saving and becoming spiritually and physi- when you work to earn as much as you can, cally prepared. Oh, and on your way out, then the Lord will take care of the rest.” don’t try to peek in the “Tips for Finding an He also counsels other young men and Eternal Companion” files . . . they’re not women preparing for missions to be accessible until you come back. NE

NEW ERA JUNE 2004 15 Q UESTIONS & A NSWERS Q&A Q“I need to earn money& for a missionA and college. The Church teaches that we shouldn’t work on the Sabbath, but almost all the jobs I am qualified for require Sunday work. What should I do?”

most important consideration. When NEW ERA men and women are willing to work on recurring theme in the Book The Lord can bless you the Sabbath to increase their wealth, of Mormon is this: the Lord financially for keeping they are breaking the commandments; His commandments. AA will “prosper” the obedient (see for money taken in on the Sabbath, if 1 Nephi 2:20; 4:14; 2 Nephi 1:20; Jarom 1:9; On your mission you the work is unnecessary, is unclean money” Omni 1:6). won’t be able to testify (“The Sabbath—A Delight,” Ensign, about the blessings of This is not a guarantee that you will be Jan. 1978, 5). keeping the Sabbath wildly rich or that you will immediately ex- day holy if you don’t Let Heavenly Father know through perience financial success. But if you want keep it holy yourself. prayer and fasting that you want to keep to serve a mission and the Lord wants you His commandments, that you want to find Tell Heavenly Father to serve, He will help you find a way to pay you want to keep His honorable work, and that you want to keep for it if you keep His commandments. The commandments; then the Sabbath day holy. Then go to work same is true of any worthy goal. show Him by doing looking for that job. It might not be the job If you choose to work on the Sabbath day, your best to find a job you dreamed of, but we must be willing to that doesn’t require not only are you forfeiting blessings, but you Sunday work. sacrifice for the blessings we desire. won’t be prepared to testify about one of the Show the Lord through paying regular and most important commandments you will The Lord wants you to honest tithes and offerings that He can trust serve Him and be edu- teach on your mission. you with money. And whatever you do, don’t cated. He will help you Of course, some jobs require Sunday find a way if you have lose faith. As Nephi learned, “The Lord giveth work—jobs such as emergency or medical faith and do your part. no commandments unto the children of positions, police, security, and so on. But as men, save he shall prepare a way for them President Spencer W. Kimball (1895–1985) that they may accomplish the thing which he taught: “In such activities our motives are a commandeth them” (1 Nephi 3:7). NE

16 , POSED BY MODELS , POSED BY PHOTOGRAPH BY ROBERT CASEY BY PHOTOGRAPH

Maybe this is a trial to prepare you for the Lord and do my best, He will bless me READERS your mission, to prove that you will follow with the right job at the right time. One of God’s command- the commandments. Your Heavenly Catherine Leddin, 19, Lauenburg Ward, ments is to keep the Sabbath Father will help you find a job, and Hamburg Germany Stake day holy. If you put the Lord you won’t regret keeping the Sabbath and His commandments day holy. “He has promised you that first, there will be a way to Nahomie Lambin, 15, Epinal Branch, if ye would keep his com- go on a mission and get a good education. Nancy France Stake mandments ye should pros- If we trust in the Lord, everything will work per in the land; and he for our good (see Romans 8:28). I have had to search long to find a job. I never doth vary from that Elder Henricus Antonius Kroon, 20, have realized that I have to include the which he hath said” (Mosiah 2:22). A few Belgium Brussels/Netherlands Mission Lord in my decision. I know that if I trust weeks after I turned down my dream job,

NEW ERA JUNE 2004 17 another position opened, and I was given the job find first require Sunday work, but if we make without Sunday in my work schedule. the effort, we will find one that respects the day Elder Thomas George Haroldsen, 20, of rest. Sweden Stockholm Mission hat is worthy Cristina García Adum, 17, San Camilo Ward, or unworthy Quevedo Ecuador South Stake I looked for work for two summers, on the and every time I mentioned I WW My friend looked everywhere for wouldn’t work Sundays, my inter- Sabbath day will a job he liked, but all the jobs views ended. However, I trusted in have to be judged by required him to work Sundays. the Lord. Then an office job without each of us by trying Finally he realized that maybe he Sunday work was offered to me. The Lord watches to be honest with the needed to look for a job that wasn’t out for you when you obey His words. as “fun” as he had wanted. Once he did, he Lord. On the Sabbath Whitney Olson, 17, Queensland Ward, found a job and is now prepared for his mission. Calgary Alberta South Stake day we should do Amanda Lung, 16, Orchard View Ward, what we have to do Fresno California North Stake

I had to choose between a high-paying job and and what we ought New Era and readers’ responses are intended for keeping the Lord’s day holy. I chose to keep the help and perspective, not as pronouncements of to do in an attitude Church doctrine. Sabbath holy, because the Lord promises that if of worshipfulness we keep His commandments, we will prosper in the land. After a time, during which He proved and then limit our WHAT DO YOU THINK? my faith, I was blessed with a job not requiring other activities.” Send your answer to the question below, along Sunday work. —President James E. with your name, birth date, ward and stake Faust, Second Counselor Rafael Dias de Moura, 18, Matinhos Ward, in the First Presidency, (or branch and district), and a photograph to: “The Lord’s Day,” Ensign, Paranaguá Brazil Stake Nov. 1991, 35. Q&A, New Era 50 East North Temple Street, Floor 24 I had trouble finding a job that Salt Lake City, UT 84150-3220, USA didn’t require Sunday work. I often Or e-mail: got discouraged but knew I was [email protected] doing what the Lord would have me do. It took a while for me to see it, Please respond by 15 July 2004. but the Lord did provide a way for me to prepare financially for my mission without Sunday work. Elder Jeremy Gohier, 20, QUESTION Georgia Atlanta Mission “I try to read my scriptures every day, but I don’t really learn much. How can I get more out of my Golden nuggets aren’t found on the surface. We personal scripture study?” must dig to find them. Maybe those jobs that we

18 SUPER!SUPER!

CHOOSE TO BE A HERO. PREPARE TO SERVE A MISSION. (SEE D&C 71:3–6.) PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROBERT CASEY BY PHOTOGRAPHY NEW ERA JUNE 2004 19 STANDINGSTANDING

BY ADAM C. OLSON, Church Magazines

20 acey McCallister stands out. He’s the only person in his family with KKred hair. His laugh and can’t-get- me-down attitude are contagious. His smile has been outlawed at night in six states hough he because it’s so bright. lost both legs The handsome 17-year-old is broad-shoul- at age 6, dered and built like a rock. He recently grad- KaceyTT McCallister uated from McNary High School, where he has enjoyed stood out athletically in cross country, track, participating in and his beloved wrestling. In March he took cross country second in his weight class at the state (opposite page), wrestling tournament. track (left), But none of that is what makes this priest wrestling, and in the Keizer Ward, Keizer Oregon Stake, so other activities. remarkable. Kacey really stands out for two His positive attitude reasons. First is his unwavering testimony earned him the that God has a purpose for him. Second is opportunity to carry that, without his prosthetic legs, he techni- the 2002 winter cally can’t stand at all. Olympic torch in Oregon (below). Modern Miracles Kacey doesn’t remember the accident that took his legs and changed his life. He remembers attending a sacrament meeting

ALS BY CHRISTINA SMITH ALS BY as a six-year-old with his cousins in rural Utah. He remembers waiting to cross the highway between the church and his grand- mother’s house. And he remembers waking up in the hospital—without his legs. His parents, on the other hand, probably wish they could forget. As they waited for an , EXCEPT AS NOTED; PHOTOGRAPHY OF MED PHOTOGRAPHY AS NOTED; , EXCEPT 18-wheeler to pass so the family could cross, Kacey suddenly darted into the highway to catch up with his brother, who had crossed moments earlier. Kacey almost made it. “He shouldn’t have lived,” says Julene McCallister, Kacey’s mom. “He had zero blood pressure,” his father, Bernie, says. “He lost massive amounts of blood.” But then the miracles began. Amazingly,

PHOTOGRAPHY BY THE AUTHOR AND COURTESY OF THE MCCALLISTERS THE AUTHOR BY PHOTOGRAPHY local paramedics had recently learned

NEW ERA JUNE 2004 21 emergency procedures for treating critically injured children. And despite stormy December weather, Kacey made it—first by plane, then by helicopter—to one of the top children’s hospitals in the nation, where the medical staff was able to save him. “It’s most definitely a miracle, a modern miracle,” says Brother McCallister. “There’s some purpose Heavenly Father has him here for,” Sister McCallister says. “In the hospital, the Holy Ghost told me, ‘Sit back and watch Heavenly Father work.’ We’ve been watching the miracles ever since.”

Meeting Every Challenge Taking second place at the state wrestling meet without legs was a challenge. But so was learning to walk on prosthetics, and doing a hilly paper route in a wheelchair, and completing a 50-mile hike on his hands. Kacey can’t remember a time when there weren’t challenges. But if there’s anything “I am persuaded that he’s learned from wrestling, it’s that eating these extraordinary the mat isn’t any fun. He’d much rather challenges are, as the come out on top. Savior himself said, The first year Kacey wrestled, he won that ‘the works of God only once. Some thought he should give should be made mani- up. Others doubted he’d ever be very fest’ (John 9:3). How competitive. “I wasn’t very good at first,” these challenges are he laughs. “But I stuck with it and got a met can often be the little better every year.” After years of hard expression of the very work and a lot of time in the weight room, essence of the gospel he won 39 matches during his final year of Christ.” and lost only one. —President James E. Faust, Second Counselor “He’s finished everything I’ve seen him in the First Presidency, “The Works of God,” start,” says Kacey’s wrestling coach, Tony , Nov. 1984, 54. Ensign Oliff. “Kacey’s got that attitude. He’s upbeat, and a lot of kids lean on it. He’s positive about life and fun to be around.”

22 t McNary High, Kacey is known for his friend- linessAA off the mat (top) and his determination A Headlock on Discouragement on it (below). It’s rare to see Kacey discouraged. Ask his Kacey enjoys a family about the last time he was down, and challenge. After being there’s a long pause. carried for the first “There was that one time,” says 13-year-old few miles of his Scout Kirt, Kacey’s brother. “Oh, no, never mind.” troop’s 50-mile (80 km) “Oh yeah . . .” begins older brother, Keith, hike, he decided he’d 19. “Wait, no.” rather hike it himself Finally his mom remembers one. “He was (opposite page, top), discouraged about having to ride the handi- wearing through a pair cap bus when he was little,” she recalls. “He’d of gloves and four pairs rather wheel to school through the snow.” of pants. Kacey admits that sometimes discourage- He isn’t bashful ment tries to get him in a reverse body lock, either. Kacey made but he’s never been pinned. “There have regular appearances on been times I’ve imagined what it would be the sidelines as McNary like to run and jump. But being discouraged High School’s mascot about it wouldn’t help much. I still wouldn’t while his older brother, be able to do those things. Keith, appeared on the “When I start getting discouraged, it’s field (opposite page, usually when I haven’t been reading my bottom). THE OREGONIAN PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF OLIVIA NISBET AND PHOTOGRAPH

NEW ERA JUNE 2004 23 acey appreciates the support and KKlove of his family (below, left to right), Whitney; scriptures or saying my prayers, so I start Kirt; mom, Julene; again, and by the next day everything is better.” Keith; Kyle; and One scripture in particular has helped Kacey dad, Bernie. take down challenges. “Ever since I was little, my favorite scripture has been 1 Nephi 3:7. If the Lord says something needs to be done, there’s always, always a way to fulfill it. We just have to find it. That’s been my motivation.”

Never Give Up Driven by challenges, buoyed by a good attitude, and strengthened by faith, Kacey has been able to do just about anything he’s ever wanted to. Not having legs doesn’t keep him from playing roller hockey with the priests quorum (he laces the skates onto his hands). He gets around the kitchen by pulling himself up on the countertops. He climbs trees, acts in school plays (where he “lost his legs” during a battle scene in Shakespeare’s Richard III), and hopes to do a marathon soon. “After a while you realize he can do every- thing you can do and more,” says classmate and fellow priests quorum member, Chris Nelson. Along the way he has surprised everyone. “I didn’t think you could play baseball with- out legs,” laughs Eric Goesch, a friend and quorum member. “Pitchers hated pitching to him; there’s no strike zone.” “One time we had to go down two long flights of stairs,” recalls Brother McCallister. “He looked at it and took the whole thing in his wheelchair by himself. I thought, ‘Huh. I didn’t know you could do that.’ ” “He surprises me every day,” says Whitney, Kacey’s 14-year-old sister. “That’s because he fits under your bed,” laughs their dad, who explains, “He likes to scare her.”

24 Different Isn’t Bad How would you answer this question if it were on your next test: How does a six-year- acey doesn’t old survive being hit by an 18-wheeler travel- know all the ing at highway speed? Or better yet, why? reasons God If life is a test, then this is one of Kacey’s KKspared his life, so story problems. Your test may be different, he tries to do the but his answer may help you. best he can at “We came to earth to be tested,” he says. everything he can, “The point of coming was to grow and including school progress. I know it’s with the Lord’s help that plays (above and I survived because there’s no way a six-year- left) and roller hockey old kid is going to stand up to a semi. with his quorum Heavenly Father has a purpose for me here. (below). There’s more for me to learn and more for me to do for others.” Kacey has tried to live his life accordingly, looking for ways to grow and for people to help. He has spoken to youth groups and elementary school children about overcoming challenges. He has helped make a difference for people with disabilities in his community, fighting for the right to compete in sports. And he has tried to be a good example. His friends say almost everyone at McNary High knows him, and most people who know him know he’s a member of the Church. “His faith means a great deal to him,” says Coach Oliff. “His family has strong values. That’s a great building block for a good kid. The fact that he takes those values seriously is a big asset. I’ve learned a great deal from Kacey.” But Kacey characteristically shrugs off the praise because he understands he’s not better than anyone. He’s different, but that’s the way God made us. “Heavenly Father knows us and loves us. forward. His plan for me is different from I know He has a plan for each of us individu- everyone else’s. I don’t know everything ally,” Kacey says. “Each of us has different I’m supposed to do yet. But He’ll help me talents that will help move the kingdom figure out the details.” NE

NEW ERA JUNE 2004 25 have always loved horses. I grew up before, and we had BY MARLENE NOLTE riding them. My family owned a dairy so much fun. My IIranch where we had a few horses. When friend came I was seven years old we moved to the city. outside to tell Because we didn’t have horses there, I rode me that her I loved horseback them whenever I had the chance. family was riding more than When I was young, my father would take about to go anything, but did me to church. He and I were the only ones ride their I love it more than in my family who went to church. But my horses and church? father died when I was just 13 years old. wondered if I would I continued to go to church after his death, like to come along. but I didn’t have a lot of friends to go to Time seemed to stand church with, so I usually walked alone. still as I tried to decide I was walking to church one Sunday morn- what to do. I loved riding ing soon after my father died. I passed the and wanted to go with house of my friend whose family owned them. But I could see the some horses. I had been riding with them church building from

II CChho ossee 26 tthhee where I stood. As I looked at that decisions I have made in my life. It’s the good building, a voice seemed to say to me, choices we make that keep us on the straight “Marlene, if you choose to go horse- and narrow path. From that moment until this back riding this day, you will be making day, I can count on one hand the number of a wrong choice. You can go to church times I have missed church. even if your father is not here to take you.” Diligent church attendance is important I knew in my heart that going to me, so important that wild horses can’t riding would not be the right choice. keep me away. I love to associate with my At that moment I said to my ward family and find joy in serving in my friend, “Thanks for the calling. I am so thankful for the blessings offer, but I am I have received from attending my meetings going to church and from having the gospel in my life. I am instead.” grateful to be a member of The Church of I have Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and for the never regretted guidance of the Holy Ghost. NE that choice. It has turned out to Marlene Nolte is a member of the Gleneagle Ward,

be one of the most significant Colorado Springs Colorado North Stake. GREG NEWBOLD BY ILLUSTRATED

ee SSaabbbbaatthh NEW ERA JUNE 2004 27 THAN YOU THINK BY RYAN CARR Church Magazines EasierYou can succeed in sharing the gospel. Just follow the example of the teens in the Danville California Stake. You’ll find that missionary work is not as hard as you might think. fter work one evening, Kylie Laney said to her meet the missionaries. But that’s not reality. Even with all coworker Mike Comfoltey, “I’m speaking in the good experiences the youth in the Danville stake have A church tomorrow. Do you want to come?” had, they still feel nervous before asking a friend to come Mike, who is not a member of the Church, agreed to to church or take the missionary lessons. But any nervous- attend. ness they feel is overcome with joy when their friends Kylie gave her talk, but Mike didn’t make it to church accept their invitations. that Sunday. At work the next day, she joked with him, Vindie Rosdahl, a Mia Maid, remembers overcoming “You have to come next week then!” her nervousness to talk with a friend about the Church. He did. The priests made him feel welcome in their Vindie says, “I was so glad we talked about it. The times we quorum. He enjoyed church and kept going. Then Mike talk about the gospel and feel the Spirit strengthen our started going to Mutual with Kylie and his new friends friendship.” from the Danville (California) Second Ward. On Kylie’s Like Vindie, these Danville teens have worked for years invitation, he took the missionary lessons. at sharing the gospel. Some of their friends had to wait “I liked the feeling of being at church,” Mike says. “I until they were 18 to get baptized. In the meantime, the liked being with the missionaries. It just felt right.” He member friends of these converts have prayed and fasted prayed about the Church, received an answer, and was for them, sat with them at church and at activities, baptized last month. answered their questions, and offered encouragement. In the Danville Second Ward, it’s not just Mike They are happy to share the gospel with friends, even if Comfoltey who joined the Church because of a friend’s some of them don’t accept their invitations. But they keep invitation. Janie Hart, Nick Turpin, Beth Lancaster, Tenaya asking, and they keep being friends. Dunbar, and John Martin have all been baptized in the last

couple of years because their friends invited them to Being a Good Friend Y HILLER church, seminary, Mutual, youth conference, and to meet When Nick Turpin was 14, the only thing he knew with the missionaries. about the Church was that his friends Steve Andersen and Jason Farrell were members. That’s when they gave Success in Sharing the Gospel Nick a Book of Mormon with their testimonies written in It would be easy to do missionary work if you were fear- the front of it. Then they invited him to seminary, telling

less and all of your friends accepted your invitations to him their teacher was cool and they wanted Nick to learn AND LARR THE AUTHOR BY PHOTOGRAPHY

28 n the grounds of the OOOakland California Temple, Mike Comfoltey (center) visits with two of his member friends, Kylie Laney and Matt Peterson. Mike first attended church because Kylie invited him. Members of the priests quorum, like Matt, made Mike feel welcome in the ward.

NEW ERA JUNE 2004 29 ach of the recent converts in the EEDanville Second Ward has good friends in the ward. John Martin (right, center) visits with the missionaries and his friend, Matt Peterson. Nick Turpin (below, center) has known Steve Anderson and Jason Farrell for years. And Beth Lancaster (opposite page, left) was impressed with the good examples of more about the Church. That was February Inviting Your Friends her member friends like of 2002. Nick was baptized three months John Martin is one who had to wait until Jake Bromley and Vindie later. he was 18 to get baptized. Unlike most of Rosdahl. That may seem quick, but Nick’s testi- these recent converts, however, some of mony didn’t come from one overwhelming John’s family—his dad, grandmother, and spiritual experience. It came quietly, gradu- some cousins—are members of the Church. ally. He says, “It just felt right at seminary and With their support and the help of two at church.” He says he always figured there friends in the Danville Second Ward, Adam was a purpose to life, and the missionaries Broderick and Matt Peterson, John started explained what that purpose was. Reading the Book of Mormon also helped his testi- mony grow, and, pointing to Steve and Jason, he says, “These guys helped me to join the Church. When I was with them before I joined the Church, it was great to know that we were doing the right thing and still having loads of fun.” Steve says, “Our friendship wasn’t based on Nick taking the discussions. We just wanted him to know more about the Church. If he had said no, our friendship wouldn’t have changed.” Nick’s friends introduced him to the gospel, but it was the Spirit who converted him. Nick says, “In my heart, I know that if I didn’t believe that the Church was true, I wouldn’t have joined just because my friends wanted me to.”

30 going to church a couple years before he support him. At the first discussion, the mis- ON A MISSION was baptized. sionaries invited John to be baptized. Though . . . AT HOME John ran on the cross-country team with he wanted to say yes, his mom objected. But he teens in the Adam, who encouraged him to read the he was allowed to attend church and semi- Danville Book of Mormon. At school, John occasion- nary, where they studied the Book of California Stake ally talked to Matt about the Church. One Mormon that year. TT have found that sharing summer, they invited John to attend youth The Book of Mormon is the foundation the gospel not only conference. of John’s testimony. He says, “The mission- blesses the converts’ lives After the conference, John’s friends aries told me that if I have a testimony of but also strengthens their invited him to church. He went and kept the Book of Mormon, everything else falls friendships and testi- going because “it was a good atmosphere, into place.” John has a strong testimony of monies and gets them and I learned a lot,” John says. “They also the Book of Mormon, so he believes the excited to serve missions. talked about values I believed in, like not Church is true and that Joseph Smith was a Here’s how they do it: drinking or swearing.” prophet. ✿ Be a good example. That summer John was working at a gro- A month after he turned 18, John was Don’t be afraid to live the cery store until 10 p.m. each night. Before baptized. About 100 people were there, gospel and your standards and after work, he’d read the Book of including his friends in the ward and rela- around your friends. Mormon for an hour or two. He thought, tives from as far away as Michigan. ✿ Be a good friend. Enjoy “There’s something to this book, because it In addition to the gift of the Holy Ghost, friendships with those not gives me a good feeling.” During that sum- John has noticed some other blessings: of our faith. mer, he and Matt would talk about verses “Since I’ve been interested in the Church, ✿ Invite your friends to they liked. things have gone well, like school and family church, seminary, Mutual, The day before school started, John began and deciding everyday things. Most things or other Church activities. taking the discussions, with Matt there to have improved.” ✿ At Church meetings and activities, introduce yourself to visitors. Help them feel comfortable and welcome there. ✿ As a group of youth in your ward or branch, fast and pray for your friends who are taking the discussions.

NEW ERA JUNE 2004 31 y welcoming and The Blessings of the Gospel Being a Good Example befriending new John and the other new members in the These youth are good friends and good BBpeople in the Danville Second Ward are grateful for the inviters, but the best thing they’re doing is ward, Kelli and Brie Church in their lives. They’re happier now; living the gospel. Their lives show how Saunders (below) many of their questions about life have been happy they are, how much fun they can have help move answered; and they can have the Spirit’s while living high standards, and how much missionary work constant companionship. the gospel means to them. forward. Sharing the gospel also blesses the sharer. Beth Lancaster, a Mia Maid, had been Kylie Laney says, “The best feeling I’ve ever going to church for years with her member had is when friends accept an offer to hear friends before she was baptized. One day, the gospel. Sharing the gospel is not only a when Beth was 13, she asked her friend, duty, but it makes you happy too.” Megan Rasmussen, if she could take the Kelli Saunders, a Laurel, shares the gospel discussions. Beth says, “I wouldn’t have “because it makes me so happy. Some of my asked her if it hadn’t been for all my friends’ friends aren’t happy, but I know the Church examples and the joy they had in their can make them happier. We’re so blessed to lives.” be members of the Church.” “I saw the examples of the Rasmussen Clearly, the Danville teens don’t stop family and the Bromley family and how doing missionary work after one friend has happy they were and how much love they been baptized. Yet none of these teens calls had in their lives,” Beth says. “I decided I sharing the gospel “missionary work.” For wanted some of that.” them it’s not work—it’s a way of life, part of Sixteen-year-old Jake Bromley, one of being a good friend. Jason Farrell, remember- Beth’s good friends, says, “You never know ing Nick’s baptism, says, “It’s not that hard to when somebody will be looking at you, invite someone to take the discussions. Steve wondering why members of the Church are and I invited Nick because we thought he’d so good and what makes them so happy. Be enjoy learning more about the Church.” a good example 100 percent of the time.” NE

32 I DEA L IST SCRIPTURE SCStudyRIPTURETips resident Hinckley has asked “every boy and girl amount of time, and try to read when you’re alert. who is old enough to again read the Book of ☛ Mark your scriptures with pencil or something that PPMormon. . . . There is nothing we could do of won’t show through on the other side. Writing with greater importance than to have fortified in our individual something erasable is a good idea too. lives an unshakable conviction that Jesus is the Christ.” He ☛ You could color code your markings. You could use suggested putting a little red check mark in the margin one color for references to the Savior; select another color beside every reference to the Savior in the Book of for scriptures on repentance, and so on. Mormon. If we do, “There will come to you a very real ☛ Keep a scripture journal to record your inspiration and conviction as you do so that this is in very deed another what you learn as you read. witness for the Lord Jesus Christ” (Ensign, July 1997, ☛ Scripture chains link from one scripture to another on 72–73). the same topic and can help you pick out themes in the Here are some more scripture study ideas for you to try: scriptures. For example, to study obedience, see 1 Nephi PHOTOGRAPH BY CHRISTINA SMITH BY PHOTOGRAPH ☛ Read your scriptures daily for a set 2:20; then read 1 Nephi 4:14; 2 Nephi 4:4; and Jarom1:9. Write the reference of the next scripture beside each scripture as you go along. ☛ As you go through the Bible, circle the num- bers of the verses that have Joseph Smith Translations, then circle the correspon- ding JST note at the bottom of the page. The next time you read the Bible, you’ll already know where all the JSTs are. ☛ Study both sequentially and topically. You’ll always find new things in the scrip- tures as you look at them in new ways. ☛ Each time you read, find something to ponder. ☛ Use the tools provided for you in the Latter-day Saint edition of the scriptures: Topical Guide, Bible Dictionary, maps, foot- notes, Index, and Pronouncing Guide. ☛ Finally, remember that no matter what system you use to study your scriptures, it is the Holy Spirit who brings us light and understanding. Remember to pray for His guidance as you study. NE

NEW ERA JUNE 2004 33 HOW TO BEABEATT BULLBULLYINGYING BY REBECCA M. TAYLOR Church Magazines

t’s been many years since Greg [names and become bullying, a behavior that can have been changed] was in junior high have serious long-term effects? IIschool, but he can still vividly remem- Matt Watson, a therapist with LDS Family Bullying isn’t ber how it felt when his tormentors would Services, says a behavior can be called something you can chase him as he tried to walk home from the bullying “when there’s fear and intimidation just “get over.” It can school bus. If they caught him, sometimes or when someone says ‘Stop,’ but the make people feel they would grab his trombone case and worthless, friendless, throw it into the snow, or they would toss his and alone. homework into the pond by his house. Other times they would become more violent, pushing and hitting him, even knocking him to the ground. “I felt powerless and scared,” he says now. “I didn’t know what to do.” Bullying has received a lot of media atten- tion in recent years, but it continues to be a serious problem for many teenagers. What exactly is bullying? If you see someone being picked on, what can you do? And what if you’re the one being bullied?

What Is Bullying? Some people say being bullied is just a normal part of growing up. “Kids will be kids,” they say. “They’ll get over it.” Most teenagers like to joke around and tease each

other, but when does teasing cross the line DILLEEN MARSH BY ILLUSTRATED

34 behavior continues. There’s no acknowledgment of the victim’s feelings.” Bullying can make peo- ple feel worthless, friendless, and alone. Most experts agree that bully- ing is different among boys and girls. Boys tend to be more physically aggressive, while girls are more likely to use insults, to exclude other girls, or to spread rumors about them.1 Emily was bullied for several years while in middle school. “I got pushed into lockers and had spitballs thrown at me,” she says. “But mostly it was emotional—the girls would exclude me or call me names.” The effects of bullying can be devastat- ing. According to Brother Watson, some kids who have been bullied have night- mares and feel helpless and anxious. Not only that, but they may have trouble relating to other people, and they often have feelings of low self-worth and depression—challenges that may follow them into adulthood.

NEW ERA JUNE 2004 35 ullying is What Others Can Do own safety, tell a responsible adult: a parent, different If you see someone being bullied, it may teacher, principal, school counselor, or BBamong boys be tempting to walk away, hoping the anyone else in a position of authority. and girls. Boys tend situation will take care of itself. But Bob Brother Watson explains that telling to be physically Wiley, also a therapist with LDS Family someone in authority is not the same thing aggressive, while girls Services, says bullying rarely stops unless as tattling: “Tattling is to get someone in are more likely to someone else gets involved. “If you see trouble. Telling is trying to get some help or insult or exclude someone being bullied and you do nothing, to solve a problem.” other girls. in some ways you’re contributing to the Reach out. Brother Watson points to the bullying,” he says. example of the good Samaritan, who cared So what can you do to help? for a man who had been beaten (see Luke Say something. If you are in a position to 10:30–37). “He wasn’t in a position to do so, say something like “Hey, knock it off” or “Leave him alone.”2 Of course, you must always look out for your own personal safety. Tell an adult. If you say something but the bullying continues, or if you feel that telling a bully to stop might endanger your

36 confront the attackers, but he certainly dealt know them.4 with the aftermath,” he says. Don’t blame yourself. No one deserves to Similarly, we can reach out in kindness to be bullied. “Because you are a victim of bul- those who are bullied. “Usually the bully lying does not mean you are a bad person,” picks on someone who’s alone and isolated,” says Brother Wiley. “The person who has the says Brother Wiley. “If you see someone in problem is the bully, not the one being that situation, try to be a friend.” Not only do bullied.” friends decrease a teen’s chances of being Forgive. Forgiving a bully does not mean bullied, but they likely will help the teen feel thinking that what he or she did was okay. better about himself or herself. Nor does it mean you shouldn’t stick up for yourself or that you should pretend the bul- THE If You’re Being Bullied lying never happened. Forgiving does mean ADVERSARY’S What should you do if you are the one letting go of feelings of bitterness and TACTICS being picked on? anger—feelings that will damage you far “It should come as no Try to appear calm and confident. Try not more than they will affect the bully. The Lord surprise that one of the to react, because a reaction is what most said, “I, the Lord, will forgive whom I will adversary’s tactics in the bullies are hoping for. First try to simply walk forgive, but of you it is required to forgive all latter days is stirring up away. “To walk away from trouble is not a men” (D&C 64:10). hatred among the children sign of weakness,” says Brother Wiley. Rely on the Savior. His love, and the of men. He loves to see us Stay calm and act confident, even if you knowledge that you are a child of Heavenly criticize each other, make don’t feel confident. Stand up straight, and Father, is your greatest source of self-worth. fun or take advantage of make eye contact. Firmly tell the bully to The Savior knows what it’s like to be beaten our neighbor’s known stop. And don’t lash out physically unless and spit upon, but He never forgot who He flaws, and generally pick absolutely necessary to protect yourself. is—the Son of God. Because of the on each other. . . . “Retaliating physically may make a bully feel Atonement, He understands perfectly the “When we truly justified in his or her behavior,” says Brother hurt you feel, and He can heal you. become converted to Watson. Emily says that gaining a greater under- Jesus Christ, committed Tell an adult. Many kids who are bullied standing of the Atonement helped her heal to Him, an interesting feel that they should handle the situation by from the effects of the bullying. She found thing happens: our atten- themselves. But bullying often does not stop comfort in Alma’s words: tion turns to the welfare of until an authority figure gets involved. A “And [Jesus] shall go forth, suffering pains our fellowman, and the trusted adult can help you plan a way to and afflictions and temptations of every kind; way we treat others avoid being bullied and help provide sup- and this that the word might be fulfilled becomes increasingly port along the way. Keep telling until the sit- which saith he will take upon him the pains filled with patience, kind- uation improves. If the bullying is severe, it and the sicknesses of his people. ness, a gentle acceptance, may be appropriate to inform the police.3 “ . . . And he will take upon him their and a desire to play a Avoid being alone. Bullies are more likely infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with positive role in their lives.” to pick on people who are by themselves, so mercy, according to the flesh, that he may —Elder Marvin J. Ashton (1915–94), of the Quorum try to stick with friends as much as possible. know according to the flesh how to succor of the Twelve Apostles, “The Tongue Can Be a If you feel threatened and friends are not [help] his people according to their Sharp Sword,” Ensign, May nearby, follow a group, even if you don’t infirmities” (Alma 7:11–12). 1992, 19, 20.

NEW ERA JUNE 2004 37 Today, both Greg and Emily agree that the think of them, for the worth of every soul “is damage caused by bullying doesn’t have to great in the sight of God” (D&C 18:10). NE last forever. Both have gone on to have NOTES successful careers and families of their own. 1. See Barry E. McNamara and Francine J. McNamara, And while neither would wish for such a Keys to Dealing with Bullies (1997), 24, 37–38; Michael Thompson, Lawrence J. Cohen, and painful experience again, they agree that in Catherine O’Neill Grace, Mom, They’re Teasing Me (2002), 128–29. some ways they are better people as a result: 2. See SuEllen Fried and Paula Fried, Bullies and they are more understanding of those who Victims (1996), 122. 3. See National Youth Violence Prevention Resource are struggling and are more anxious to reach Center, Internet, www.safeyouth.org. 4. See “You Can Beat Bullying—A Guide for Young he Savior out and help. And they know that their People,” Kidscape, Internet, understands worth does not depend on what others http://ericcass.uncg.edu/virtuallib/bullying/1063.html. TThow it feels to be mistreated. Because of the THE HAZARDS OF HAZING Atonement, He can help and He can Hazing is what older or more experienced kids • Could the activity be considered unsafe or heal. sometimes do to initiate new kids into a group. You dangerous? might not think of hazing as a form of bullying— • Would you be embarrassed to describe the after all, even the most popular teenagers can be activity to a parent or teacher? victims of hazing. And some people claim that haz- • Would you not want the activity to be featured ing is “fun” and is a “bonding experience.” But, like in your school newspaper or on the local news? traditional bullying, hazing is an act of control over • Is alcohol involved? others; can result in feelings of humiliation, fear, and • Is the activity illegal? distrust; and is sometimes physically dangerous.1 If you are a member of a group that is going to Hazing activities include making people wear initiate new members, suggest planning positive embarrassing clothing in public, perform dangerous alternatives to hazing such as a fun social or athletic or ridiculous stunts, or participate in other activities event that will help old and new members of the that are degrading or humiliating. An activity is group get to know each other. probably hazing if the answer to any of the following If you fear you or a friend might be hazed, or if questions2 is yes: you have already been hazed, contact an adult— • Will more experienced members of the group either a parent or school official. Hazing can have refuse to do what the new members are being serious effects. Saying nothing could mean the asked to do? activity continues—and someone might get hurt. NE • Does the activity involve physical or NOTES emotional abuse? 1. See Kevin Bushweller, “Brutal Rituals, Dangerous Rites,” American School Board Journal, Aug. 2000, www.asbj.com/2000/08/0800coverstory.html. 2. Questions adapted from Death by Hazing (pam- phlet), Sigma Alpha Epsilon (1988), cited on www.stophazing.org.

38 T HE E XTRA S MILE

“Mom! Billy’s been playing ‘Ammon’ with my dolls again!”

“Don’t worry about it, Son. Growth spurts are normal at your age.”

VAL CHA DWIC K BA GLEY

EN “Elder, when you LASBERG cook, it’s like eating at RANDY G a fine restaurant—I get reservations!”

“Okay. Let me do all the explaining.”

RYAN STOKER

KEN CHANDLER

NEW ERA JUNE 2004 39 O F A LL T HINGS Tithing “develops and tests our faith. By sacrificing to the Lord what we TEST YOUR LDS I.Q. he Prophet Joseph Joseph Smith scribes, which one may think Smith spent many started this recorded most of the JST? TTmonths translating, 11translation in a. Oliver Cowdery by revelation, the King June 1830. When did he b. John Whitmer we need or James Version of the Bible. finish most of it? c. Sidney Rigdon We now have part of the a. December 1831 Joseph Smith Translation b. June 1832 Which article want for (or JST) included in the c. July 1833 of faith states, Latter-day Saint version of 44 “We believe the King James Bible, along How many the Bible to be the ourselves, with the book of Moses and pages was the word of God as far as Joseph Smith—Matthew in 22JST manuscript it is translated the Pearl of Great Price. when completed? correctly; . . .”? we learn to While he was translating a. 213 a. Fifth the Bible, the Prophet also b. 477 b. Eighth received many revelations c. 628 c. Eleventh rely on that are in the Doctrine and

Covenants (see sections 76, The Prophet

77, 86, 91, 107, and 132). had at least three 717.) Translation,” Smith Him.

See if you can answer scribes help him “Joseph Dictionary, Bible —Elder Robert D. Hales, of the Quorum of 3 see JST, the about more learn 3 the Twelve Apostles, “Tithing: A Test of these questions about the as he was translating. Of Faith with Eternal Blessings,” Ensign, Joseph Smith Translation. the following three (To 4b. 3c, 2b, 1c, Answers: Nov. 2002, 27.” 40 FAMILY TIME CAN YOU ack in the CAN YOU year 2000, BBChristina DIG IT? Jenkins’s family had DIG IT? a grand idea for family scripture study: why not read occurred and the whole Book of the lessons we learned Mormon in a month?! The became so much clearer,” family, from Yorktown, Christina says. “Reading Virginia, started the month the Book of Mormon per- before the school year sonally and with my family started, and her dad calcu- each year has strength- lated they would need to ened my testimony of the read at least 17 pages a day Book of Mormon and of to meet their goal. To help the gospel of Jesus Christ.” them feel the true spirit of Christina’s family the Book of Mormon, the enjoyed their month-long Jenkins family also decided reading of the Book of not to watch television for Mormon so much they that month. have done it every year “The events that since. LEADING WITH HUMILITY uring the early all returned again diligently years of the reign unto their labors; and the DDof the judges, priest, not esteeming him- Alma and the other Church self above his hearers, for leaders worked hard to the preacher was no better lead and guide the people than the hearer, neither was of Nephi. Their examples of the teacher any better than leadership still apply today. the learner; and thus they THERE’S A WEALTH OF INFORMATION ...... You can read about them in were all equal, and they did IF YOU KNOW WHERE TO DIG. Alma 1:26: all labor, every man accord- ou already know you can find the scriptures and lots of “And when the priests ing to his strength.” study helps at www.lds.org. But if you dig a little left their labor to impart the Being an effective leader YYdeeper in the Gospel Library, you’ll discover a lot more. word of God unto the peo- takes great humility and Click on one of the links under Church Publications to access: ple, the people also left hard work. As you read the ■ The New Era, Friend, Ensign, and Liahona magazines their labors to hear the Book of Mormon, notice ■ For the Strength of Youth word of God. And when the the qualities of successful ■ Personal Progress and Duty to God guidelines priest had imparted unto leaders, and try to bring them the word of God they them into your life.

NEW ERA JUNE 2004 41 BY ELDER W.. ROLFEROLFE KERRKERR Of the Seventy

t was a cold winter night in London, England, and my first night in the IBritish Mission. Our group of new missionaries was taken to Speakers’ Corner in London’s Hyde Park to experience our first “street meeting.” By the time we sang a hymn and heard a rousing speech by one of the more experienced missionaries, about 100 people had gathered to hear what we reluctantly got had to say. In this crowd were several on the soapbox. hecklers with strong anti-Church and IThere, in front of anti-American sentiments. The atmosphere that large, agitated was very hostile. crowd in London, I Each new missionary took his or her turn bore my testimony of declaring the gospel, standing on a collapsi- the gospel. I declared ble box, called a soapbox. As a new mission- that God had spoken ary, I was scared to take my turn. I was fresh again and that there off the farm in northern Utah and frightened was a living prophet by the hecklers in the crowd. on the earth. The missionary who spoke before me was

a wonderful new sister missionary from AMILY England. She was verbally attacked by a heckler about a world event that affected the United States but had nothing to do with the Church. The crowd became quite inflamed and unruly.

As she stepped down, the atmosphere COURTESY OF THE KERR F PHOTOGRAPHS

42 was electric. It was my turn to speak. I reluc- lder Kerr tantly took her place on the soapbox. There, taught the in front of that large, agitated crowd in Egospel to London, I bore my testimony of the gospel. I many crowds in declared that God had spoken again and that England, sometimes there was a living prophet on the earth. I on a soapbox and added a few other basics of my testimony, sometimes just on a and in a state of shock, quickly stepped wall like this one in down before the hecklers could ask me any Nottingham (opposite questions. I would not have dreamed that page). During one of among that crowd was even one person who those outdoor had listened to what I said, but I was soon to meetings, a young find out differently. man (below, center, with Elder Kerr, right) The Holy Ghost Shall Bear Record was touched, and he A young man had been doing his school felt something that I had never felt before in was baptized. Elder homework in his family’s apartment located my life. I can only describe it as if I were and Sister Kerr visited not far from Hyde Park. For some reason, he floating about a foot off the ground. I didn’t this man many years felt prompted to go to Speakers’ Corner. know what it was, but I felt something, and I later in England (top). This was not his usual hangout, so the feel- needed to know more.” ing was a little surprising to him, but he went I was still recovering from my frightening anyway. Once he got there, he was drawn experience when this young man came up to immediately to our particular street meeting me and asked, “Do you mind if I ask you a just as I began to speak. He listened to my question?” I could hardly believe that he simple testimony. As he explained later, “I wanted to ask me, a brand-new missionary, a

NEW ERA JUNE 2004 43 ven though the street meetings EElder Kerr and his companions held were inspired and well received by some, the meetings usually drew hecklers (right). Elder Kerr found friendship, though, with the members in Edinburgh, Scotland (opposite page). question. Of course I was more than happy productive. There were only two missionar- to talk to him. We began a conversation that ies in all of Edinburgh, a city of about a half a led to an invitation for him to come to the million people. We went about our work in mission office and an opportunity for me to other areas of the city, but we had a feeling teach and ultimately baptize him. that there may be someone we needed to I opened my mouth that night, and this teach who lived in the area in which we had young man felt something. The Spirit had chosen not to proselyte. We decided to set touched his heart. This was evidence of the aside a certain day to fast and pray for that Lord’s promise in D&C 100:5–6 and 8: area and to proselyte there. We prayed that “Therefore, verily I say unto you, lift up we would find someone who was prepared your voices unto this people; speak the for the gospel. thoughts that I shall put into your hearts, On that day we knocked on the door of and you shall not be confounded before Alex and Lilly Clark, a young couple who men; invited us in right away. We taught them the “For it shall be given you in the very hour, first discussion and gave them a copy of the yea, in the very moment, what ye shall say. . . . Book of Mormon. We asked them to read it “And I give unto you this promise, that and pray about it. We asked if we could inasmuch as ye do this the Holy Ghost shall return to share more of our message. be shed forth in bearing record unto all They told us that Alex was leaving the things whatsoever ye shall say.” next day for a six-month military assignment. Feeling it inappropriate to meet with Lilly in The Power of Prayer Alex’s absence, we gave them each a copy of Probably the most significant thing I the Book of Mormon and repeated our chal- learned while on my mission, other than the lenge to read and pray about it. We also gave gospel, is the importance and power of them the address of our chapel. prayer in missionary work—prayer plus My companion and I were impressed by appropriate and timely fasting. them and hopeful for them, but we were not While serving in Edinburgh, Scotland, optimistic, knowing what often happens my companion and I had decided not to when investigators go for such a long time proselyte in a certain area of the city because without contact with the missionaries. we thought other areas would be more In the meantime I was transferred from

44 Edinburgh to Nottingham, England. About she followed this prompting, her family’s EXTRA! EXTRA! six months after our visit with the Clarks, the lives were changed forever. And so was mission president asked me to travel back to mine! o learn more Edinburgh to handle some mission business. As the Lord states in D&C 31:7: “Yea, I will about succeeding While there, my companion and I attended open the hearts of the people, and they will Tin missionary Sunday services at the Edinburgh branch. receive you. And I will establish a church by work, read these scrip- You can imagine my surprise and thrill when your hand.” tures: D&C 43:15–16; I saw Alex and Lilly Clark walk into the Truly the Clark’s hearts were opened that 50:13–14; 100:4–8. chapel. day by the power of prayer in missionary In site: Also read the Alex had just returned from his military work. following talks on this assignment, and the two of them were soon topic in the Gospel Library on their way to baptism. The Clarks became Out Doing the Work at www.lds.org: “Realize active members of the Church in Edinburgh. There is no substitute for hard work on a Your Full Potential,” by When the Edinburgh Scotland Stake was mission, whether it means speaking at a Elder Richard G. Scott created, Alex Clark was called to be its first street meeting, knocking on doors, or help- (Ensign, Nov. 2003), stake president. ing members to prepare friends to be taught. “Sharing the Gospel,” by Forty-one years later, Lilly told my wife Nothing happens while sitting in an apart- Elder Dallin H. Oaks and me and two of our grown children that ment. Missionaries have to be out doing the (Ensign, Nov. 2001), and when my companion and I knocked on their work. “Young Men—Holders of door that day, she and Alex were busy get- I had a testimony before I went on a Keys,” by Elder Monte J. ting him ready for his assignment. They mission, but a greater spiritual witness and Brough (Ensign, Nov. didn’t think they had time for one more a greater grasp of the scriptures and the 2003). thing. But when she opened the door, she gospel came as a part of my missionary expe- was overcome with the thought: “You’ve riences. Those experiences shaped my testi- come! It’s you, and you’ve come.” mony, my lasting commitment to the gospel, Alex and Lilly were not looking for reli- and my goal of an eternal family. Without my gion that day, but when we knocked on their mission, my life would not be what it is door, Lilly knew she had to let us in. Because today. NE

NEW ERA JUNE 2004 45 I NSTANT M ESSAGES

uring my first year away from TEACHING home, I roomed with a girl DDnamed Joanne [name has BY EXAMPLE been changed]. She insisted that BY CHRISTINE SMITH she did not believe that God existed. Our beliefs could not have been more different.

46 Everything I did amazed Joanne. She wondered how I could fast on S.M.I.L.E. Sundays and sit through hours of BY RYAN MEYERS Church meetings, why I dressed modestly, why I studied my scrip- o commemorate they would really tures, and why I woke up early to the beginning stand out. attend early-morning institute classes. TTof another With six of us She asked me lots of questions, and year of early- wearing those we had many late-night discussions morning semi- shirts in the about my beliefs. nary, a friend same school, Joanne started to change. She and I decided we got odd started dressing more modestly when- to extend looks. During ever she went with me to a Church a challenge the day many activity or out with my friends. She to the eight teachers and didn’t swear as much. She started students in our students asked attending activities with my singles seminary class. The questions about the ward. She talked about how welcome challenge was for all of us shirts, which gave us she felt and how kind my friends to wear our youth conference an opportunity to explain our were. She wanted to know everything T-shirts on the first day of school. values and beliefs. about their lives and our beliefs. She Our youth conference theme had By the day’s end, I think we loved how we were able to have a been S.M.I.L.E., which stands for were all standing a little taller. After great time without alcohol or drugs. “Spiritually Minded Is Life Eternal” spending a whole day of standing up Joanne, however, still didn’t under- (see 2 Nephi 9:39), and the youth for what we believed, we all had stand my faith in God. One night she conference leaders had given us smiles on our faces— like the ones suddenly spoke up and asked, “What yellow shirts with smiley faces on on our shirts. would you do if someone came up to them. We knew that wearing the you with absolute proof that God T-shirts would be difficult for some Ryan Meyers is a member of the Valley Forge First Ward, Valley Forge does not exist?” of our seminary classmates because Pennsylvania Stake. No one had ever asked me that before. I said, “No one could prove to me that God does not exist any more evening. I agreed but informed her I wish I could say that this story than I could prove to you that He that we were having a testimony meet- ends with her baptism, but it doesn’t— does. That is what faith is for.” I told ing and that she might be uncomfort- at least not yet. Joanne never talked to her that I feel strongly that my Father able. She insisted on attending. That me about that night. In fact, she avoided in Heaven is there and that I can night, Joanne listened intently as my the subject of religion altogether for never deny my faith. As I bore my tes- friends and I bore our testimonies the rest of the year. However, I know timony to her, I felt the calming spirit about our faith in Jesus Christ. When I planted a seed in her heart by living of the Holy Ghost come over me. I we talked about what life meant to my standards, bearing my testimony, also shared some of my spiritual us and talked about the sacrifice that and letting the Holy Ghost work. experiences with her and read her Christ made for us, I saw that she Christine Smith is a member of the Carson Valley some scriptures. recognized that we were speaking Second Ward, Carson City About a week later Joanne asked if the truth. Her eyes filled with tears, Nevada Stake.

ILLUSTRATED BY KEITH LARSON BY ILLUSTRATED she could go with me to family home which she quickly wiped away.

NEW ERA JUNE 2004 47 I know that when we pray to God, LEARNING He will make Himself known to us. MESSAGES If He answered me, He can likewise TO PRAY answer you. OF COMFORT BY KUFRE ETIM Elder Kufre Etim is serving full-time in the BY SYLVIA BELT Nigeria Uyo Mission. was raised in a family of 11, scripture that I use for comfort including my mom and dad. is Isaiah 53:4: “Surely he hath IIWe were well disciplined and AAborne our griefs, and carried religious, but we often fell short of FAMILY our sorrows.” Jesus Christ not only praying as a family. suffered for our sins but for our pains When I was seven years old, my PRAYER as well. If we cast our burdens on the aunt took me into her home. There BY MICHELLE GUECK Lord, He will sustain us (see Psalm I was taught the gospel because she very night my family and I have a 55:22). These two scriptures have and her husband were members of family prayer. This has helped me never failed to comfort me. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- to stay close to the gospel and the Sylvia Belt is a member of the BYU—Idaho EE 26th Ward, Brigham Young University— day Saints. Savior. When we have challenges to Idaho Second Stake. One night I was invited to pray with overcome, we talk about them before them before we went to bed. At first, our prayer and then pray about them. INSTANT MESSAGES features personal experiences, favorite I was a bit offended because prayer Michelle Gueck is a member of the Hobble Creek Seventh Ward, Springville Utah Hobble hymns and scriptures, and other was not part of my life, but I found it Creek Stake. uplifting thoughts. If you have a personal experience that has easy to pray with them. After the strengthened your testimony and prayer, my uncle taught me how to you’d like us to consider it for Instant Messages, please send it to pray and helped me to understand the importance of praying. He explained New Era Instant Messages that prayer is communication with 50 E. North Temple God and that a relationship with God Salt Lake City, Utah 84150 is impossible without prayer. He Or e-mail it to taught me that God knows our cur-editorial-newera@ needs, but we need to ask first. ldschurch.org Talking to my uncle really Please limit submissions gave me the desire to learn to 400 words. They may be how to pray. The first time I edited for length and clarity. prayed, I learned that I am a child of God and that He cares about me and wants me to talk to Him always. After that, I knew that when I am looking for God, I must keep calling on Him, even if I am not sure how He will answer.

48 W HAT’ SINITFORY OU Index of Topics adversity 20, 34 bullying 34 choice 26 Mutual Activity dating 4 • Plan an activity night devoted to gaining example 46 SUNDAYSUNDAY LESSONLESSON faith 20 an understanding of the needs of those who forgiveness 34 are dealing with a disability. Borrow crutches, HELPSHELPS friendship 28 a wheelchair, or other equipment such as a n addition to the Resource Guides honoring parents 4 cane used by the blind or earplugs to (printed in May and November in the Jesus Christ 20, 46 Ensign and Liahona), Young Women and member missionaries 28 replicate hearing difficulties. Try maneuvering II missionary preparation 12, through doors, up and down stairs, or in and Aaronic Priesthood teachers may find these 19 out of classrooms or restrooms as well as additional resources helpful in enhancing missionary work 42 participating in a teaching situation. Under lessons 22–25. obedience 4, 26 prayer 48 the guidance of your youth leaders, invite Sabbath observance 16, 26 several ward members, either who deal with Young Women Manual 2 scriptures 33 study 10, 33 a disability personally or who take care of Lesson 22 Counseling with the Lord testimony 28, 42 someone with a disability, to talk about what Q&A: “How can I feel peace . . . ?” New Era, work 12, 16 is helpful and comforting and what is not. Apr. 2004, 16. Bobby Thurman, “Kneeling to Know,” New Era, Mar. 2004, 9. Richard G. Scott, “Recognizing Answers to Prayer,” New Era, Aug. 2003, 4. Service Project Suggestion Lesson 23 Fasting Brings Blessings • As a quorum or class, ask the bishopric if Esther Hansen, “The Real Fast,” New Era, May 2002, 11. there is any way the youth of the ward can Q&A: “Do I really need to pay a fast offering . . . ?” New Era, May 2003, 16. help other members of the ward in getting to Lesson 24 Revelation in Our Daily Lives Keith Crockett, “Follow the Trail,” New Era, Mar. 2004, 42. church. Perhaps the quorum or class could Marged A. Kirkpatrick, “I Didn’t Want to Die,” New Era, Jan. 2004, 15. arrange rides or make calls when meeting Lesson 25 The Law of Sacrifice times change or when special meetings such Taylor Woodruff, “Getting the Point,” New Era, Oct. 2003, 46. as stake conference or general conference are Poster: “Love God with All Your Might,” New Era, July 2003, 19. held instead of regular Sunday meetings. Kristen Winmill Southwick, “Birthday Temple Trip,” New Era, Feb. 2003, 28.

Aaronic Priesthood Manual 2

Family Home Evening Ideas Lesson 22 Patriarchal Leadership in the Home Boyd K. Packer, “You’re in the Driver’s Seat,” New Era, this issue, 4. • Read together the article “Mission Made Q&A: “What can I do to stay close to my dad . . . ?” New Era, Feb. 2004, 16. Possible” on page 12. Brainstorm some ways Lesson 23 Practical Preparation for a Mission to help members of your family earn and save Shanna Butler, “Mission Made Possible,” New Era, this issue, 12. money for their missions. Consider donating Ryan Carr, “Easier than You Think,” New Era, this issue, 28. the cost of the evening’s treat to either the Richard G. Scott and Charles Didier, “Be One of the Greatest,” New Era, Mar. 2004, 10. Church’s mission fund or to a person who is Lesson 24 The Blessings of Work saving for a mission. Q&A: “Almost all the jobs I am qualified for require Sunday work . . .” • Using the article “How to Beat Bullying” New Era, this issue, 16. on page 34 as a guide, talk about how to Gordon B. Hinckley, “Put Your Shoulder to the Wheel,” New Era, handle a bully and how not to bully others. July 2000, 4. Lesson 25 Personal Purity through Self-discipline Be sure to include a discussion of forgiveness. Jeffrey R. Holland, “How Do I Love Thee?” New Era, Oct. 2003, 4. Neal A. Maxwell, “Reasons to Stay Pure,” New Era, Mar. 2003, 42.

NEW ERA JUNE 2004 49 W E ’ VE G OT M AIL

RECEIVE MY PATRIARCHAL BLESSING? that Heavenly Father truly does love us. I was reading the March 2004 New Era “I can always turn Thank you so much. when I came across an article titled “About to that article to Brynn Pehrson, Slate Canyon Third Ward, Provo Utah Stake Patriarchal Blessings.” Earlier in the month, remember the power I had been asking Heavenly Father if I was QUESTION ANSWERED prepared to receive my patriarchal blessing. of prayer.” Being married with young children, I couldn’t wait to see what tribe of Israel I thought my days of receiving I am in and what blessings I could receive insight from the New Era were in my life. That article helped me to realize over, but I was wrong! The that I am not quite ready to receive my Q&A for March 2004 hit a deep patriarchal blessing, but now I know some chord with me, especially the opening ways to help me get ready to receive it. It paragraph and the quote from Elder also made it very clear to me that no matter Bruce R. McConkie. Just days before receiv- what, Heavenly Father will answer my ing the issue, I was talking with a woman prayers in some way, whether it be a small about what I believe in. No matter how feeling or through a magazine article. much I could explain the doctrine, Kristina Davis, Santa Clara Second Ward, she just could not understand. I prayed Eugene Oregon Santa Clara Stake about more ways I could help her understand, but several times I felt that maybe I should THE RIGHT PATH just let this one go. I really struggled with that Thank you for writing “Where Is My prompting, but Q&A helped me to under- Iron Rod?” (Jan. 2004). It really helped me stand why I should follow that prompting. through a trying time because I felt like Name withheld the person in the story, and it helped me find the right path to take. HOW TO WIN Name withheld I liked the story “Church-Ball Champ” (Feb. 2004). It reminds me that you can be a A SMILE CAME winner even though you lose the game and I would like to thank you and tell you that you need to act like a witness of God at how much I enjoyed the story “I Didn’t Want all times and in all places. I also liked the story to Die” (Jan. 2004). Just a few weeks before, “Monday, Monday” (Feb. 2004) because family I was struggling with a problem like the one home evening should be a priority above all described in the article. When I opened the other things. The Extra Smile is a favorite of magazine, I turned right to the story and mine too. Keep printing these great articles. felt like I needed to read it. For a few days Chris Rae, Victor Falls Ward, Puyallup Washington Stake I read it and studied it, and then I prayed. I poured my heart out, and the next day I felt We love hearing from you. Write us at the following address. Please include the names of your ward an answer come. I felt a smile immediately and stake (or branch and district). come to my face, and I couldn’t stop smiling. New Era We’ve Got Mail I felt warmth and love, and I knew my 50 E. North Temple worries about this problem were over. Salt Lake City, Utah 84150 Or e-mail us at I know I can always turn to that article [email protected] to remember the power of prayer and Submissions may be edited for length and clarity. BILL MAYER BY ILLUSTRATED

50 P HOTO OF THE M ONTH

BY ADAM C. OLSON

COLORBLIND BY KIMBERLY STOTTS HINTON

Color blindness is not a disability. It is the ability to see clearly opinions, beliefs, traditions, talent— to view a colorful world.

NEW ERA JUNE 2004 51 “Ever since I was little, my favorite scripture has been 1 Nephi 3:7. If the Lord says something needs to be done, there’s always, always a way to fulfill it. We just have to find it. That’s been my motivation.”

See “Standing on Faith,” p. 20. 4 24 46000 02249 24946 Jun 04 1