THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS • FEBRUARY 2007

COVER STORY: The Temple The Blessings of Temples, pp. 12–23 The Good Samaritan and Salvation, p. 40 MAY NOT BE COPIED NOT MAY Ice Skating in the Park, by Eric Dowdle Overlooking the town of Logan, the Logan Temple was dedicated on May 17, 1884. Ninety-five years later, on March 13, 1979, the was rededicated after extensive remodeling. This painting shows townspeople skating by moonlight at the turn of the century. FEBRUARY 2007 Contents VOLUME 37 • NUMBER 2

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Our experiences in the temple are more meaningful when we understand how the Lord teaches us.

THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS • FEBRUARY 2007

COVER STORY: The Temple The Blessings of Temples, pp. 12–23 The Good Samaritan and Salvation, p. 40

4 18

ON THE COVER MESSAGES FEATURE ARTICLES San Diego California Temple by Jonas Otsuji FIRST PRESIDENCY Tell Me It Isn’t True MESSAGE 9 ANTHONY ATKINS Inspirational Thoughts If what these young missionaries had taught me were true, 4 PRESIDENT GORDON B. then things I had always believed about God’s church were HINCKLEY in question. Could they be right? The prophet encourages members to stand as wit- Why Symbols? nesses of Jesus Christ and 12 Just as Adam needed help in understanding the challenges families to par- principle of sacrifice, we may need guidance in under- take of temple blessings. standing the methods the Lord uses to teach us in the temple. Sweet Is the Peace the Temple Brings VISITING TEACHING Four members describe times they have experienced MESSAGE 18 peace and joy in the temple. Strengthening Your 67 Personal Testimony Sacred Spires of Jesus Christ 20 Modern-day prophets bear testimony of the importance of temples. 26 40

What’s in the Cart? “My Ways Are Not 24 ALFRED W. KOCH 54 Your Ways” Just after World War II, our branch in Germany received a ELDER CLAYTON M. CHRISTENSEN food shipment from the U.S. Now I feared the police would When the forces of evil seem to block our path, we confiscate the supplies my family needed. can prayerfully consider solutions that are God’s ways, not man’s. Ten Axioms to Guide Your Life 26 ELDER ROBERT D. HALES Never Alone Your greatest success will come from the wise use of agency 60 ANNE GRENZEBACH to make sound decisions, many of which can and should be Being the only Church member in the family is not easy, made now. but Heavenly Father blesses us with His help and the righteous desires of our hearts when we are striving to do His will. A Foundation for the Future in San Antonio 32 ERICA LAYNE NIELSEN Prayer of Thanks The Shaw, Pedraza, and Turley families were among 63 LARRY HILLER the first Latter-day Saints in their . Now descendants I realized that I needed to make one request of the Lord— build on the faith established by their pioneering parents that He open my eyes to my blessings. and grandparents. Reaching Out to Those Who Mourn The Power of a Promise 64 LARENE HALLING PETERSEN 37 ELDER RICHARD G. PETERSON We often include in our prayers a plea for the Lord to “comfort Today simple trust between parties to an agreement may those that stand in need of comfort.” But how often do we take seem rare. Fortunately, there is One on whom we may the opportunity to be the ones to give the comfort? depend absolutely to keep His word.

The Good Samaritan: Forgotten Symbols 40 JOHN W. WELCH DO YOU HAVE A STORY TO TELL? The parable of the good Samaritan encapsulates the plan The Ensign welcomes submissions that show the gospel of Jesus of salvation in ways few modern readers may notice. Christ at work in the lives of Latter-day Saints, especially articles with personal experiences and gospel insights. This month we invite you to share with us narratives about how your life is influenced by your Dealing with My Parents’ Breakup testimony of the Savior. How do you live because you believe in Christ? 50 NAME WITHHELD Please limit submissions to 500 words, and label them “Testimony.” The pain of my parents’ separation taught me of the power Send them by March 16 to [email protected] or Ensign Editorial, 50 E. North of the Atonement and of the relationship between justice, Temple Street, Room 2420, , UT 84150-3220, USA. Include your name, address, telephone number, e-mail address, and ward and stake (or branch love, and mercy. and district). Writers’ guidelines: Visit the link in the lower-right corner of the Gospel Library page at www.lds.org. Due to the volume of submissions, we cannot acknowledge receipt. Authors whose work is selected for publication will be notified. If you would like your manuscript, photos, art, or other material returned, please include a self- addressed, stamped envelope. FEBRUARY 2007 VOLUME 37 • NUMBER 2

AN OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS The First Presidency: Gordon B. Hinckley, Thomas S. Monson, James E. Faust Quorum of the Twelve: Boyd K. Packer, L. Tom Perry, Russell M. Nelson, Dallin H. Oaks, M. Russell Ballard, Joseph B. Wirthlin, Richard G. Scott, Robert D. Hales, Jeffrey R. Holland, Henry B. Eyring, Dieter F. Uchtdorf, David A. Bednar Editor: Jay E. Jensen Advisers: Gary J. Coleman, Yoshihiko Kikuchi, Gerald N. Lund, W. Douglas Shumway Managing Director: David L. Frischknecht Editorial Director: Victor D. Cave Senior Editor: Larry Hiller Graphics Director: Allan R. Loyborg Managing Editor: Don L. Searle 63 68 Assistant Managing Editor: LaRene Porter Gaunt Senior Editors: Linda Stahle Cooper, USING THIS ISSUE Michael R. Morris, Judith M. Paller DEPARTMENTS Assistant Editor: Melissa Merrill Recognizing blessings. Editorial Staff: Susan Barrett, Ryan Carr, Read “Prayer of Thanks” (p. 63), LESSONS FROM RANDOM Monica L. Dickinson, Jenifer L. Greenwood, THE NEW TESTAMENT SAMPLER R. Val Johnson, Adam C. Olson and then listen to or read the 72 Editorial Intern: Marla Sowards words of “Count Your Blessings” Turning the Love-focused family Senior Secretary: Christy Banz Other Cheek celebrations, family history Publications Assistant: Sally J. Odekirk (Hymns, no. 241). How do you 48 Marketing Manager: Larry Hiller ELDER H. BRYAN RICHARDS storybooks, questions at experience the Lord’s hand Managing Art Director: M. M. Kawasaki in your life? How might you When we find ourselves Sunday dinner, and family Art Director: J. Scott Knudsen experiencing contention, home evening surprises. Senior Designers: C. Kimball Bott, express more gratitude? Colleen Hinckley let us turn the other cheek Design and Production Staff: Replacing strife with service. by asking, “What can I do NEWS OF THE Cali R. Arroyo, Collette Nebeker Aune, Thomas S. Child, Eric P. Johnsen, Consider the story of the for you?” 74 CHURCH Jane Ann Peters, Randall J. Pixton, missionaries in “Turning the Scott Van Kampen p. 48 Printing Director: Craig K. Sedgwick Other Cheek” ( ). In family LATTER-DAY SAINT Distribution Director: Randy J. Benson VOICES home evening, identify situations 68 © 2007 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. in which you might ask, “What An answer to prayer at All rights reserved.The Ensign (ISSN 0884-1136) is published monthly by The can I do for you?” Follow up the stake conference, truth in Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, next week to find out whether a picture book, and water GOSPEL TOPICS IN THIS ISSUE 50 E. North Temple Street, Salt Lake City, that never ran out. UT 84150-3220, USA. Periodicals Postage the question came up, and Agency, 26 Jesus Christ, 4, Paid at Salt Lake City, Utah. discuss how you felt as a result. Arts, 12, 40 37, 40, 67 To subscribe: By phone, call 1-800-537- Book of Mormon, Leadership, 54 5971 to order using Visa, MasterCard, Feeling more peace. Discover Card, or American Express. Have 9 Love, 72 Online, go to ldscatalog.com. By mail, you felt emotions similar to Callings, 54 Missionary Work, send $10 U.S. check or money order to Charity, 64 9, 32, 72 Distribution Services, P.O. Box 26368, Salt those described in “Sweet COMING IN MARCH Lake City, UT 84126-0368. Look for articles on: Comfort, 68 New Testament, Is the Peace the Temple Brings” Compassion, 64 40 To change address: Send both old and (p. 18)? How has attending the new address information to Distribution • Forgiving “all men”—including Contention, 48 Obedience, 26 Services at the above address. Please allow temple or preparing to do so Conversion, 9, 68 Peace, 18 60 days for changes to take effect. yourself. strengthened you? Courage, 24 Perseverance, 26 The Ensign can be found on the Internet at Covenants, 37 Pioneers, 68 www.lds.org, under Gospel Library. • Preparing prospective - Death, 64, 68 Prayer, 24, 63 Text and visual material in the Ensign may aries physically and mentally. Divorce, 50 Resource Guide, be copied for incidental, noncommercial Example, 4, 32 72 church or home use. Visual material may not be copied if restrictions are indicated • Finding confidence in the Lord’s Faith, 67, 68 Sacrament in the credit line with the artwork. Copyright timeline for you—whether Family, 50, 60, 72 Meeting, 72 questions should be addressed to Intellectual Family History, 72 Service, 54 Property Office, 50 E. North Temple Street, you’re single or married. Salt Lake City, UT 84150-3011; e-mail: Family Home Symbolism, 12, 40 [email protected]. Evening, 72 Temples, 12, 18, POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Forgiveness, 50 20 Distribution Services, P.O. Box 26368, Salt Gratitude, 63 Testimony, 4, 67 Lake City, UT 84126-0368, USA. Healing, 68 Trust, 37 Canada Post Information: Publication Hope, 60 Unity, 48, 54, 60 Agreement #40017431

ENSIGN FEBRUARY 2007 3 FIRST PRESIDENCY MESSAGE

Inspirational Thoughts

BY PRESIDENT GORDON B. HINCKLEY all my heart, and I live for it, and I bear wit- ness of it this day. Of all of the events of Testimony human history, none other approaches the “I want to give you my testimony. I know Atonement of the Savior in its meaning and that God our Eternal Father lives, that He is in its results. God be thanked for the gift the great Governor of the universe, and that of His precious Son, to whom we all owe we are His children, and that somehow He thanks for His sacrifice in our behalf” hears and answers the prayers of His chil- (member meeting, Copenhagen, Denmark, dren. I want you to know that I know that May 22, 2004). Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God, Each of you has the that He left His royal home on high and came Divine Mission of Jesus Christ responsibility of down among men—hated and abused of “We are a great family bound together in standing as a witness men—and that He went about doing good a unity of love and faith. Our blessing is great, of the everlasting [see Acts 10:38]. He was crucified out of as a people and as individuals. We carry in

truth of the gospel the hatred of the people; He rose the third our hearts a firm and unshakeable conviction Y CO. of Jesus Christ. Your day—‘the firstfruits of them that slept’ of the divine mission of the Lord Jesus Christ. responsibility is to (1 Corinthians 15:20). I want you to know “He was the great Jehovah of the Old open the eyes of that the Father and the Son appeared to the Testament, the Creator who, under the direc- others “and to turn boy Joseph Smith and ushered in this mar- tion of His Father, made all things, ‘and with- them from darkness velous dispensation—the greatest dispen- out him was not any thing made that was to light.” sation in the history of the entire world” made’ (John 1:3). He was the promised (member meeting, Seoul, South Korea, Messiah, who came ‘with healing in his wings’ July 31, 2005). (Malachi 4:2). He was the worker of miracles, the great healer, the Resurrection and the BY HEINRICH HOFMANN, COURTESY OF C. HARRISON CONRO HEINRICH HOFMANN, BY His Sacrifice in Our Behalf Life. His is the only name under heaven “I am so profoundly grateful for the whereby we must be saved [see Acts 4:12]. . . . gospel of Jesus Christ, for a testimony of the “He came as a gift of His Eternal Father.

Atonement of the Savior. I believe in it with ‘For God so loved the world, that he gave his CHRIST IN GETHSEMANE,

4 ENSIGN FEBRUARY 2007 5 only begotten Son, that Stand as a Witness whosoever believeth in him “I think tonight of the should not perish, but have great occasion when Paul everlasting life’ (John 3:16). describes his experience “He condescended to on the road to Damascus. leave His throne on high and He saw a light from heaven come to earth to be born in and heard a voice speaking a stable, in a conquered unto him. And he fell to the nation. He walked the dusty ground and said, ‘Who art roads of Palestine, healing the thou, Lord?’ sick, teaching the doctrine, “And Jesus said, ‘Rise, blessing all who would accept and stand upon thy feet: for I Him. . . . have appeared unto thee . . . “On Calvary’s hill He gave to make thee a minister and a His life for each of us. That is witness . . . , the greatest gift that any of us “‘To open their eyes, and can ever receive. It is the gift to turn them from darkness of the Resurrection and eter- to light, and from the power nal life [see D&C 14:7]. of Satan unto God’ (Acts “We honor His birth. 26:15–16, 18). But without His death that “Now, I believe that same birth would have been but injunction given by the Lord one more birth. It was the to Paul applies to each of us. Redemption, which He ‘Rise,’ He says, ‘and stand worked out in the Garden of upon [your] feet: for I have Gethsemane and upon the appeared unto thee . . . to cross of Calvary, which made e live in terribly complex times. Our make thee a minister and a His gift immortal, universal, refuge, our peace, our well-being witness.’ and everlasting. His was a Wlie in walking in the way of the Lord. “Each of you has the great atonement for the sins responsibility of standing as of all mankind. He is the Resurrection and the Life, a witness of the everlasting truth of the gospel of Jesus ‘the firstfruits of them that slept’ (1 Corinthians 15:20). Christ. Your responsibility is to open the eyes of others Because of Him all men will be raised from the grave. ‘and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the “We love Him. We honor Him. We thank Him. We wor- power of Satan unto God’” (member meeting, Nairobi, ship Him. He has done for each of us and for all mankind Kenya, Aug. 4, 2005). that which none other could have done. God be thanked for the gift of His Beloved Son—our Savior, the Redeemer Our Refuge, Our Peace of the world, the Lamb without blemish who was offered “We live in terribly complex times. We are confronted by as a sacrifice for all mankind” (missionary devotional, Salt very serious problems. Some of us are faced with sickness, Lake City, Utah, USA, Dec. 15, 2002). with economic difficulties, with worry and concern over

6 many matters. Our refuge, our peace, our Example of Righteous Living e’re coming well-being lie in walking in the way of the “We’re coming to be recognized as a good to be Lord” (Australia stake conference satellite people, a people of kindness, of love and will- Wrecognized broadcast, Feb. 12, 2005). ingness to reach out and help and bless those as a good people, all around us. Heaven is smiling upon us, and willing to reach out Worthy to Attend the Temple it behooves every one of us to reciprocate and help. “I challenge every father and husband to with the living of a righteous life and doing see that he is worthy to take his wife and chil- the will of the Lord” (stake conference, dren to the temple. There is nothing in all St. George, Utah, USA, Feb. 27, 2005). this world that will substitute for it. It is the greatest blessing that can come to any cou- Stand Taller ple. Don’t put it off. If you need to repent, “We live in a world of filth and immorality begin today and qualify to receive a temple and trouble. Rise above it, stand taller, leave recommend” (member meeting, Santiago, the world behind you, and walk as the Lord Chile, Mar. 11, 2006). would have you walk. . . . TOGRAPHS POSED BY MODELS POSED BY TOGRAPHS : PHOTOGRAPH BY ROBERT BY : PHOTOGRAPH PHO CASEY; LEFT: PHOTOGRAPH BY MATTHEW REIER; RIGHT MATTHEW BY PHOTOGRAPH LEFT:

ENSIGN FEBRUARY 2007 7 “We have so much to offer. of times, when He has restored Just think of what we have to His work with all of its powers, offer. Other people do not under- with all of its glory and all of the stand the true nature of God. truth and all of the authority They are still bound by the old of all previous dispensations Nicene Creed of the fourth cen- in this great and final period tury, which I cannot understand. of time. . . . But we have a perfect knowledge “I know that God our Eternal BY GARY KAPP GARY BY of the nature of God that has Father lives and loves us; that come through the First Vision of Jesus is His Beloved Son, our

the Prophet Joseph. He saw God. THE FIRST VISION, Redeemer, our Savior, our Lord, He heard Him speak. He saw His Son. He heard Him our Friend; that Joseph Smith was and is a prophet; that speak, and he could speak to Them. There was no ques- this Church is true; that it is Their work restored to the tion in his mind about the true nature of God. What a earth for our blessing and our happiness” (regional tremendous thing that is. The scripture says, ‘This is life conference, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA, May 4, 2003). ■ eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent’ (John 17:3). “That is a great and marvelous gift, which we have to give to the world—a true understanding of God. We are IDEAS FOR HOME TEACHERS His children. It does not matter our nationality. It does not After prayerfully studying this message, share it using a matter where we were born. It does not matter whether method that encourages the participation of those you teach. our hair is light or dark. It does not matter the shape of Following are some examples: our eyes. Each of us is a child of God. He is the great God 1. Have a family member read aloud one or two paragraphs of the universe, but He is also our Father, to whom we about the Savior from each of the first three sections. Invite may go in prayer. We know, I know, you know, that He family members to share their feelings about the Lord, His hears and answers our prayers. . . . What a wonderful and sacrifice, and His mission. Also share your own testimony. marvelous thing that is” (member meeting, Vladivostok, 2. Share with family members the selections that contain Russia, July 31, 2005). a challenge from President Hinckley. Have family members listen for and identify each challenge given from the prophet. Preach the Gospel Invite the family to choose one challenge to work on together. “Go out and preach the work. The first obligation laid 3. Show the family one picture from the article. Ask them upon this Church, even before it was organized, was the what is happening in the picture, why it is important, and what obligation to go out and teach the gospel. That obligation we can learn from it. Read the words from President Hinckley has never been lifted. It has been with us ever since” that relate to the picture. Conclude with your testimony. (missionary meeting, Columbia, South Carolina, USA, Nov. 20, 2004).

This Last Dispensation “How wonderful it is that [God] has smiled with favor in this the last dispensation, the dispensation of the fulness

8 Tell Me IT ISN’T TRUE BY ANTHONY ATKINS

ome life-changing Elder Spencer said they days take you by sur- would like to visit with me Sprise. April 19, 2003, again and teach me more. was one such day for me. I agreed, thinking that an I was working as a chaplain hour spent with me was one for the Church of England less hour they could spend in South Yorkshire and was with some unfortunate per- happy in my work. I had son who might be taken in been a priest for nearly 14 by their misguided ideas. years and imagined I would remain so until I died. “By Their Fruits It was the day before Ye Shall Know Them” Easter Sunday, and since we The following Thursday, did not have special services the elders met with me as in the chapel of the hospital planned. They taught me where I worked, I went to about the Savior, and I the local parish church. knew it was the same Jesus During the service, two I had loved all my life. The Latter-day Saint missionaries phrase “by their fruits ye entered the building. It was shall know them” (Matthew obvious that they were mis- 7:20) went round in my sionaries because of their At first I was resistant to the message head. I could not find fault haircuts, suits, and badges. of the restored gospel. with anything they said. I knew no one would speak They gave me a Book of to them after the service, as If it was true, I would lose my job, Mormon and asked me to many Christians in England my house, and many friends. pray about Moroni’s prom- view Latter-day Saints with a ise (see Moroni 10:4). I great deal of suspicion. But I wondered why they had come agreed. To my surprise, I also agreed to a return appoint- to the service, and I wanted to let them know what true ment, even though that was not part of my plan. Christianity was like. From that day forward I began to read the Book of I chatted with them for a while, and they told me a little Mormon. I felt guilty doing so. For every page I read, I also about their beliefs. As the conversation came to an end, read a page from the Bible to offset it. As promised, I did ILLUSTRATIONS BY SAM LAWLOR BY ILLUSTRATIONS ENSIGN FEBRUARY 2007 9 s I read the scriptures, A I saw a cow drinking from a small, stagnant pond. A voice seemed to be telling me that the pond was like my present beliefs. Hang gliders soaring in the sky above me seemed to represent an offer pray about the book, but I the message of the restored gospel. If it was true, I would from the Lord to go asked Heavenly Father to reveal lose my job, my house, and many friends. to a higher place. to me that it wasn’t true. I did What also made it difficult was that the Savior was not receive that answer. I found already part of my life. It is hard to see the light when one the Book of Mormon to be a deeply spiritual book that testi- is already in the light. I needed to be sure. I had good days, fied of the Savior. Yet I struggled with many of the book’s and I had bad days when I wished I had never met the eld- teachings, as well as the belief that there are prophets today ers. But even though I did not yet have a testimony of the and that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God. Restoration, I could not stop reading the Book of Mormon. Elder Spencer and Elder Stefan continued to teach As I continued to read the Bible, it supported all the me. I asked them many questions, and I felt the Spirit as elders had taught me. What they taught challenged many they taught, although I did not recognize it at the time. I of my beliefs but also confirmed many others and clarified enjoyed their visits but thought it was because they were some of my beliefs that I had not fully understood. nice people. It was humbling to be taught eternal truths by two 20-year-olds. They had spent three weeks in the “The Lord Is on Thy Side” Missionary Training Center, and I had spent three years This was a challenging time for me. Facing such huge in theological college. But Heavenly Father had prepared changes was not easy, but I knew Heavenly Father had taken Elder Spencer to love the Bible and to use it, along with care of me before and would continue to do so. The words the Book of Mormon, to teach me. Still, I was resistant to of the hymn “Be Still, My Soul” became special to me:

10 Be still, my soul: The Lord is on thy side; hang gliders soaring in the sky above me, and I sensed With patience bear thy cross of grief or pain. that the Lord was offering to take me to a higher place. Leave to thy God to order and provide; I began to suspect that the Church was indeed true. In ev’ry change he faithful will remain. . . . Two days after this experience in the country, I attended Be still, my soul: Thy God doth undertake my first baptism. The Spirit was so strong that it was the To guide the future as he has the past.1 greatest spiritual experience I had ever had. My tears flowed. I was so overwhelmed that I wanted to leave, but I had planned to spend some time at a monastery in I had given a ride to the elders, so I had to stay. France, but due to a train strike I was unable to go. I was Even after all this, the thought of leaving my job and disappointed, as I thought that was where I would get the my home was almost too much to contemplate. I visited answer to my searching. I decided to have a spiritual day a ward where I was introduced to a friend who helped me in one of my favorite places in the countryside. After lunch explore possible careers. After much prayer and reflection I was driving and listening to a general conference talk by I eventually settled on seeking training as a social worker, President Gordon B. Hinckley called “The Marvelous and I obtained a place at a university. Foundation of Our Faith.” It ends with an invitation to those willing to listen to the message of the Church: “To A New Life these we say in a spirit of love, bring with you all that you Finally I ended my service as a priest and went off into have of good and truth which you have received from the unknown. I moved into a new flat and started at the whatever source, and come and let us see if we may add university. I entered the waters of baptism and became a to it.”2 At this point my heart began to pound, and I felt ill. member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I parked the car and stood outside till the feelings sub- It was the greatest day of my life. Words can never describe sided. I felt impelled to walk down a country lane. There what an amazing occasion it was. was nowhere to sit other than on a gatepost, but I knew I have since been ordained to the Aaronic and that was where I should stay. I opened Melchizedek priesthoods and have my Bible and there saw the account received my endowment in the temple. of the Apostasy in Thessalonians (see I know the Lord’s Church has been 2 Thessalonians 2). I tried again and got restored through the Prophet Joseph Smith Peter’s account (see 2 Peter 2). This was and that it has the true priesthood not what I wanted, so I read from the authority. I love the missionaries

BY KENNETH RILEY BY Doctrine and Covenants and the Book of the Church for the work they of Mormon. do. I am eternally grateful for all As I read, I noticed a small, algae- those who taught me and who covered pond across the road. A cow came did not give up on me, knowing and began to drink from it. It seemed as what was in my heart even when though an inner voice were telling me that I know the Lord’s Church has I did not know myself. ■ the pond was like my present beliefs, been restored through the NOTES 1. Hymns, no. 124. which gave me sustenance, but they were Prophet Joseph Smith and 2. Ensign, Nov. 2002, 81.

THE RESTORATION OF THE MELCHIZEDEK PRIESTHOOD, THE RESTORATION not the springs of living water the Savior that it has the true priesthood

INSET: INSET: was now offering me. I looked up and saw authority.

ENSIGN FEBRUARY 2007 11 Why Symbols? The Lord uses symbols to teach eternal truths in the temple. Here’s why.

emple worship offers the opportunity Only Begotten of the Father” (Moses 5:7). Just to learn in ways we are not used to. as Adam needed help in understanding the T “Each temple is a house of learning,” symbolism of sacrifice, we may need some explains Elder Russell M. Nelson of the guidance in understanding the “ancient and Symbolism as a Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. “There we rich” method the Lord uses to teach us the mode of teaching are taught in the Master’s way. His way differs highest priesthood ordinances of the gospel. is as ancient as the from modes of others. His way is ancient and The following information from the scrip- Lord’s instructions rich with symbolism. We can learn much tures, Church leaders, and Latter-day Saint to Adam and Eve. by pondering the reality for which each scholars can help us better understand the 1

symbol stands.” rich symbolism found in the temple. BE COPIED NOT , © IRI, MAY A gospel symbol can be an object, event, action, or teaching that repre- Why Does the Lord Use Symbolism? sents a spiritual truth. The “Behold, all things have their likeness, bread and water of the sacra- and all things are created and made to bear ment, for example, represent record of me, both things the body and blood of Jesus which are temporal, and Christ. Symbolism as a mode things which are spiritual; of teaching is as ancient as things which are in the Adam, who was heavens above, and things taught by an angel which are on the earth” that the firstlings (Moses 6:63). of his flocks, “Symbols are the univer- which he was sal tongue. . . . Symbols commanded to bring color and strength sacrifice, were “a to language, while deep- similitude of the ening and enriching sacrifice of the our understandings. PHOTOGRAPH BY CHRISTINA SMITH, POSED BY MODEL; DETAIL FROM LOS ANGELES CALIFORNIA TEMPLE GARDEN ROOM BY ROBERT LORENZO SHEPHERD ROBERT LORENZO ANGELES CALIFORNIA TEMPLE GARDEN ROOM BY FROM LOS MODEL; POSED BY DETAIL CHRISTINA SMITH, BY PHOTOGRAPH ENSIGN FEBRUARY 2007 13 rom the Symbols enable us to give conceptual form to the companion of our choice in the ordi- clothing worn ideas and emotions that may otherwise defy nance of eternal marriage, every covenant in the temple the power of words. They take us beyond we make will be written in the language of F 2 to the decor to words and grant us eloquence in the expres- symbolism.” the ceremonies sion of feelings. Symbolic language conceals “Essential ordinances of the gospel symbol- performed there, certain doctrinal truths from the wicked and ize the Atonement. Baptism by immersion is symbolism plays thereby protects sacred things from possible symbolic of the death, burial, and Resurrection a central role in ridicule. At the same time, symbols reveal of the Redeemer. Partaking of the sacrament teaching us about truth to the spiritually alert. renews baptismal covenants and also renews our true nature “. . . Symbols are the language in which all our memory of the Savior’s broken flesh and the divine plan gospel covenants and all ordinances of salva- and of the blood He shed for us. Ordinances God has for our tion have been revealed. From the time we of the temple symbolize our reconciliation exaltation. are immersed in the waters of baptism to the with the Lord and seal families together time we kneel at the altar of the temple with forever.”3

What Are Some Symbols Used in the Temple? “In the temple all are dressed alike in white. White is the symbol of purity. No unclean person has the right to enter God’s house. Besides, the uniform dress symbolizes that before God our Father in heaven all men are equal. The beggar and the banker, the learned and the unlearned, the prince and the pauper sit side by side in the temple and are of equal importance if they live righteously before the Lord God.”4 “There is [a] . . . special under- clothing known as the temple garment, or garment of the holy priesthood, worn by members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who have day, and the job of putting them together was begun, as we received their temple endowment. This garment, worn have seen, only in the latter half of the nineteenth century. day and night, serves three important purposes: it is a Even when they are available, those poor fragments do not reminder of the sacred covenants made with the Lord in come together of themselves to make a whole; to this day His holy house, a protective covering for the body, and a the scholars who collect them do not know what to make symbol of the modesty of dress and living that should char- of them. The temple is not to be derived from them, but the acterize the lives of all the humble followers of Christ.”5 other way around. . . . That anything of such fulness, consis- tency, ingenuity, and perfection could have been brought Why Is Some of the Symbolism Connected with the forth at a single time and place—overnight, as it were—is Temple Found Elsewhere in the World? quite adequate proof of a special dispensation.”7 “Let me suggest that the reason why temple building and temple worship have been found in every age, on How Do We Learn What God Would Have Us Learn every hand, and among every people, is because in His Holy House? the gospel in its fullness was “We are to receive in temples, through temples, from revealed to Adam, and that all temples, ‘power from on high’ (D&C 95:8). Christ is the religions and religious prac- source of that power. The temple is His. Every symbol in tices are therefore derived and out of that sacred structure points toward Him and,

ROOM, WORLD ROOM, AND CELESTIAL ROOM BY WELDEN C. ANDERSEN, © IRI, MAY NOT BE COPIED; PHOTOGRAPH NOT © IRI, MAY WELDEN C. ANDERSEN, ROOM, WORLD AND CELESTIAL ROOM BY 8 LEX, EGYPT (RIGHT), BY RICHARD CLEAVE LEX, (RIGHT), BY EGYPT from the remnants of the truth as a cup carries water, transmits the Holy Spirit.” given to Adam and transmitted “No man or woman can come out of the by him to the patriarchs. The temple endowed as he should be, unless he ordinances of the temple in has seen, beyond the symbol, the mighty so far as then necessary, were realities for which the symbols stand. . . . given, no doubt, in those early days, “To the man or woman who goes through and, very naturally, corruptions of them the temple, with open eyes, heeding the sym- have been handed down the ages. Those bols and the covenants, and making a steady, who understand the eternal nature of the continuous effort to understand the full mean- gospel—planned before the foundations of ing, God speaks His word, and revelations the earth—understand clearly why all history seems to come. The endowment is so richly symbolic that only a fool revolve about the building and use of temples.”6 would attempt to describe it; it is so packed full of revela- “The same comparative studies that discovered the tions to those who exercise their strength to seek and see, common pattern in all ancient religions—a phenomenon that no human words can explain or make clear the possibil- now designated as ‘patternism’—have also demonstrated ities that reside in temple service. The endowment which the processes of diffusion by which that pattern was was given by revelation can best be understood by revela- spread throughout the world—and in the process torn tion; and to those who seek most vigorously, with pure to shreds, of which recognizable remnants may be found hearts, will the revelation be greatest.”9 in almost any land and time. . . . “Balance the interpretation of symbolism with other “Did Joseph Smith reinvent the temple by putting all the revelation and gospel knowledge. . . . Fit the interpre- fragments—Jewish, Orthodox, Masonic, Gnostic, Hindu, tation of any symbol into the overall scheme of gospel Egyptian, and so forth—together again? No, that is not how knowledge. No matter how clever, or how logical, or how

LEFT: PHOTOGRAPH OF BAPTISTRY BY TAMRA RATIETA; PHOTOGRAPHS OF NAUVOO ILLINOIS TEMPLE CREATION ROOM, GARDEN ILLINOIS TEMPLE CREATION OF NAUVOO PHOTOGRAPHS RATIETA; TAMRA BY TEMPLE BAPTISTRY OF VERNAL UTAH PHOTOGRAPH LEFT: TEMPLE COMPLEX, (LEFT), AND KARNAK TEMPLE COMP EGYPT OF LUXOR PHOTOGRAPHS MODELS; POSED BY RIGHT: CHRISTINA SMITH, OF COUPLE BY it is done. Very few of the fragments were available in his ingenious our interpretation of a particular symbol may be,

ENSIGN FEBRUARY 2007 15 if it contradicts what is revealed in other glory would rest upon it and His presence places, we can assume it is wrong.”10 would be here and He would come into it, “If you will go to the temple and remem- and all the pure in heart that should come ber that the teaching is symbolic, you will into it should see God on one condition. never go in the proper spirit without com- That condition was that they ‘do not suffer ing away with your vision extended, feeling any unclean thing to come into it, that it be a little more exalted, with your knowledge not defiled.’ ([D&C] 97:15–16.) Obedient increased as to things that are spiritual. to that instruction these holy temples are The teaching plan is superb. It is inspired. carefully safeguarded, not because of the The Lord Himself, the Master Teacher, necessity of secrecy but because of the taught His disciples constantly in parables— sacredness of the work performed therein, a verbal way to represent symbolically by forbidding those who by the measure things that might otherwise be difficult to of the Lord’s standards may be considered understand.”11 ‘unclean’ in that they do not keep His “Temple attendance is not a guarantee commandments.”13 that we will become better, but it provides a “The ordinances [of the temple] are powerful and pointed invitation to become not deep, dark secrets to be kept as such better. The ways of the world receive constant from the world. . . . The basic idea of the reinforcement—should not the ways of ordinances from Moses back to Adam is heaven? separation from the world. The endow- “Temple work is not an escape from the ment represents steps by which one disen- efore we enter world but a reinforcing of our need to better gages from a corrupt, secular, imprisoned the temple, the world while preparing ourselves for environment. . . . Bwe must be another and far better world. Thus, being in “. . . The important thing is that I do prepared spiritually the Lord’s house can help us to be different not reveal these things; they must remain to appreciate and from the world in order to make more differ- sacred to me. I must preserve a zone of understand the ence in the world. . . . sanctity which cannot be violated. . . . For education we will “Teachings in the temples take us beyond my covenants are all between me and my receive. Consequently, present time and space. We learn of special Heavenly Father.”14 a process exists things therein, sometimes ‘things too wonder- “We do not discuss the temple ordi- by which Church ful for [us]’ (Job 42:3) which require repeated nances outside the temples. But it was leaders can assess attendance and prayer before meanings never intended that knowledge of these our worthiness emerge.”12 temple ceremonies would be limited to a and readiness to select few who would be obliged to ensure participate. Why Do People Say the Temple Ceremony that others never learn of them. It is quite Is Sacred, Not Secret? the opposite, in fact. With great effort we “In one of the early revelations in this urge every soul to qualify and prepare for dispensation, it was made known by the the temple experience. . . . Lord that it was His will that a holy House “The ordinances and ceremonies of the should be built with the promise that His temple are simple. They are beautiful. They

16 are sacred. They are kept confidential lest they be given to an Inward Commitment,’” Liahona, Sept. 1999, 35; Ensign, Aug. 1997, 20. those who are unprepared. Curiosity is not a preparation. 6. John A. Widtsoe, “Symbolism in the Temples,” in Archibald F. Deep interest itself is not a preparation. Preparation for Bennett, ed., Saviors on Mount Zion (1950), 163. 7. Hugh Nibley, “What Is a Temple,” in The Collected Works of Hugh the ordinances includes preliminary steps: faith, repen- Nibley: Volume 4—Mormonism and Early Christianity, ed. Todd M. Compton and Stephen D. Ricks (1987), 366–67, 383. tance, baptism, confirmation, worthiness, a maturity and 8. Truman G. Madsen, The Radiant Life (1994), 118. dignity worthy of one who comes invited as a guest into 9. John A. Widtsoe, “Symbolism in the Temples,” 168. 10. Gerald N. Lund, “Understanding Scriptural Symbols,” Ensign, .”15 ■ Oct. 1986, 24. 11. Boyd K. Packer, “The Holy Temple,” Tambuli, June 1992, 18; NOTES Ensign, Feb. 1995, 34. 1. “Personal Preparation for Temple Blessings,” Liahona, July 2001, 38; 12. Neal A. Maxwell, “Not My Will, But Thine” (1988), 133–34. Ensign, May 2001, 33. 13. Harold B. Lee, Decisions for Successful Living 2. Joseph Fielding McConkie and Donald W. Parry, Guide to Scriptural (1973), 137. Symbols (1990), 1. 14. Hugh Nibley, “Return to the Temple,” in The Collected 3. Russell M. Nelson, “The Atonement,” Ensign, Nov. 1996, 35. Works of Hugh Nibley: Vol. 12—Ancient History, Temple 4. John A. Widtsoe, “Looking toward the Temple,” Improvement Era, and Cosmos, Don E. Norton, ed. (1992), 61, 64. Oct. 1962, 710. 15. Boyd K. Packer, “The Holy Temple,” Tambuli, June 1992, 5. Carlos E. Asay, “The Temple Garment: ‘An Outward Expression of 17; Ensign, Feb. 1995, 32.

SEN; RECOMMEND DESK; RIGHT: PHOTOGRAPH OF BY CRAIG DIMOND LAKE TEMPLE BY OF SALT PHOTOGRAPH TEMPLE RECOMMEND DESK; RIGHT: UTAH MONTICELLO SEN; A Sanctuary of Service “Inside the temple . . . the world is left behind with its clamor and rush. In the house of the Lord there is tranquillity. Those who serve here know that they are dealing with matters of eternity. All are dressed in white. Speech is subdued. Thoughts are elevated. “This is a sanctuary of service. Most of the work done in this sacred house is performed vicariously in behalf of those who have passed beyond the veil of death. I know of no other work to compare with it. It more nearly approaches the vicarious sacrifice of the Son of God in behalf of all mankind than any other work of which I am aware. Thanks is not expected from those who in the world beyond become the beneficiaries of this consecrated service. It is a service of the living in behalf of the dead. It is a service which is of the very essence of selflessness.” President Gordon B. Hinckley, “The Salt Lake Temple,” Tambuli, Nov. 1993, 5–6; Ensign, Mar. 1993, 5–6. LEFT: PHOTOGRAPH BY CHRISTINA SMITH, POSED BY MODELS; PHOTOGRAPH OF COLONIA JUÁREZ CHIHUAHUA MEXICO TEMPLE BY SHAUNA JONES NIEL SHAUNA MEXICO TEMPLE BY JUÁREZ CHIHUAHUA OF COLONIA MODELS; POSED BY PHOTOGRAPH CHRISTINA SMITH, BY PHOTOGRAPH LEFT: Sweet Is the Peace the Temple Brings Members share the peace they have found through temple attendance.

The Joy of Temple Marriage Far from the World ordinances for the first time. I Since childhood, we both have When I lived in Argentina, I traveled sat with eyes wide open, soaking up had a desire to be married in the twice to the Buenos Aires temple— everything I learned. My soul truly temple. We had prepared and kept once to receive my own endowment thirsted for everything being taught. ourselves worthy to enter into a holy and once to perform ordinances for It was breathtaking to think about the temple one day. When we decided to the dead. Words cannot express what blessings promised to this sister and get married, a great blessing came: I feel when I am in the temple. What I her posterity through the temple another couple made it possible for can tell you is how far away from the ordinance. The feelings of joy and us to go to the Hong Kong China world I feel there and how happy it gratitude that I had are almost impos- Temple, so far away from our home makes me to think about going back sible to describe. I wept openly. I in Indonesia, and we were sealed to the temple. I can testify of the com- wanted to shout for joy and hug there on February 17, 2004. panionship, love, and comfort of the everyone I saw! We felt a great joy as we kneeled Holy Ghost. I know for a surety of the As I returned to the dressing room, before the altar and had a surety love our Heavenly Father has shown I hugged a surprised temple worker that our love was eternal and that for me and my brothers and sisters and told her of my feelings. I was sur- we would be a couple for time and by giving us the gospel and the prised how literally I had been an eternity. We are grateful for experi- prophets. instrument in bringing eternal truths encing the blessings of the temple. Norma Rodríguez, Israel to someone who had passed on. We are grateful for being able to Ritva Hokkanen, Finland be baptized in behalf of our ances- Breathtaking Blessings tors and making it so that they can While I lived with my husband and Miracles in the Temple receive the endowment and be two little boys in San Diego, California, In August 2002, President sealed as eternal families. There I had the marvelous opportunity to Gordon B. Hinckley unexpectedly is no other happiness that can re- visit the temple weekly. One time, came to New York City and spoke place the joy of performing temple as I was participating in temple ordi- to us, saying, “Today we want to ordinances. nances on behalf of a deceased sister, announce to you that in two years Edi and Lisa Rochadi, Indonesia I felt as if I were experiencing the you will have your temple. I hope

18 to be here to see it.” Time went One day I met a young lady the missionaries to tell her more by, and our expectations grew. Finally, from Chile working as an usher dur- about the Church. After being it was announced that the open ing the open house. She was very taught, she made the decision to be house would begin in early May 2004. excited and offered to help wherever baptized. She had come here on I put my name on every volunteer list she was needed. She told me she was vacation, and the Lord prepared a I could find, and because I had accu- in the United States sightseeing for way for her to hear the gospel. And mulated vacation days at work, I was only a few weeks, and she would soon even though she wasn’t a member able to work for 11 uninterrupted be returning to her country. I asked yet, she had asked to work as an days in the temple. her how long she had been a member usher for the open house! As a tour guide, I felt the Spirit on of the Church and was astonished Without a doubt, miracles go on each tour, and the best reward was when she told me she hadn’t been in the temple, every time someone hearing visitors’ comments. I remem- baptized yet. receives the endowment or is bap- ber one stout man, who walked with She must have noticed I was tized on behalf of a deceased ancestor a cane. After the tour, with eyes shin- speechless, so she told me her story. or a loving young couple are sealed ing, he said, “I never thought I would On the second day of her vacation, for time and eternity. And even before find a place that emanated as much she had seen an ad in the newspaper the Manhattan New York Temple peace as I have felt here today.” The announcing the temple open house. was dedicated, the Spirit dwelt there. temple open house brought many She was curious and decided to visit. In the words of President Hinckley: miracles like this one. It moved many During the tour she felt so moved “This is a place of light, a place of hearts and caused many to reflect by the beauty and peace she felt that peace, a place of love, where we and feel the very special spirit that she could not hold back her tears. deal with the things of eternity.” Carlos González, Mexico ■ PHOTOGRAPHS: HANDS BY JOHN LUKE; HONG KONG CHINA TEMPLE BY CRAIG DIMOND; BUENOS AIRES ARGENTINA TEMPLE BY NESTOR CURBELO; NESTOR CRAIG DIMOND; BUENOS AIRES ARGENTINA TEMPLE BY CHINA TEMPLE BY HONG KONG JOHN LUKE; HANDS BY PHOTOGRAPHS: SAN DIEGO CALIFORNIA TEMPLE BY STEVE TREGEAGLE, MAY NOT BE COPIED; MANHATTAN NEW YORK TEMPLE BY MATTHEW REIER MATTHEW TEMPLE BY NEW YORK BE COPIED; MANHATTAN NOT STEVE TREGEAGLE, MAY SAN DIEGO CALIFORNIA TEMPLE BY reigns there. When the tour was over, she asked

ENSIGN FEBRUARY 2007 19 acred SSpires Modern-day prophets bear testimony of the importance of temples.

Bountiful Utah Temple by Jonas Otsuji

Salt Lake Temple by Alan Yorgason St. George Utah Temple by Jonas Otsuji Joseph Smith (1805–44) Wilford Woodruff (1807–98) “The main “We have object was to blessings which build unto the have never been Lord a house given to any whereby He other generation OF CHRIST ARCHIVES

COURTESY COMMUNITY could reveal since the days of unto His people Jesus Christ and the ordinances the Apostles. . . . of His house and the glories of His You hold the keys of the destiny kingdom, and teach the people of your fathers, your mothers, the way of salvation; for there are your progenitors, from generation certain ordinances and principles to generation; you hold the keys that, when they are taught and of their salvation. God has put practiced, must be done in a place that power into your hands” (in or house built for that purpose” Conference Report, Oct. 1897, 47). (History of the Church, 5:423). Lorenzo Snow (1814–1901) (1801–77) “We feel when “We are trying we go into these to save the living temples that and the dead. we enjoy the The living can Spirit of the have their Lord more fully choice, the than in any dead have not. other place. Millions of them They are the Lord’s buildings, died without the Gospel, without and His most important work is the Priesthood, and without the carried on within their walls” opportunities that we enjoy. We (The Teachings of Lorenzo Snow, shall go forth in the name of ed. Clyde J. Williams [1984], 96). Israel’s God and attend to the ordinances for them. . . . We will Joseph F. Smith (1838–1918) build temples and officiate therein “We hope to see for those . . . who would have the day when received the truth if they had had we shall have the opportunity” (Discourses of temples built Brigham Young, sel. John A. in the various Widtsoe [1954], 404). parts of the land where they are (1808–87) needed for the “We have now convenience of the people: for finished this we realize that one of the greatest temple, and responsibilities that rest upon the some people people of God today is that . . . inquire, what is they may be joined together it for? For many fitly in the bond of the New things: that our and Everlasting covenant from sealings and generation to generation” (in ordinances may be performed in Conference Report, Oct. 1902, 3). a manner that will be acceptable before God and the holy angels; Heber J. Grant (1856–1945) that whatsoever is bound on the “One of the earth according to the laws of the great works Nuku’alofa eternal priesthood shall be bound in this Gospel Tonga Temple in the heavens; that there may be of salvation, by William a connecting link between the devolving upon Floyd Holdman living and the dead” (in Daniel H. us as Saints, Ludlow, ed., Latter-day Prophets is to labor in Speak [1948], 134). the temples of God for the salvation of our dead” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1913, 87).

ENSIGN FEBRUARY 2007 21 George Albert Smith (1870–1951) Spencer W. Kimball (1895–1985) Idaho Falls Idaho “Each of [the “Having in mind Temple by Steve temples] has the importance Tregeagle been built to of temple work, one great eternal wouldn’t it be purpose: to wonderful if serve as a House every Latter-day of the Lord, Saint home had to provide a in the bedroom place sacred and suitable for the of each boy and each girl, or on performing of holy ordinances the mantle of the living room, that bind on earth as in heaven— a fairly good-sized picture of a ordinances for the dead and for the temple which would help them living that assure those who receive recall, frequently, the purpose of them and who are faithful to their these beautiful edifices” (“The covenants, the possession and Things of Eternity—Stand We in association of their families, worlds Jeopardy?” Ensign, Jan. 1977, 7). without end, and exaltation with them in the celestial kingdom of Ezra Taft Benson (1899–1994) our Father” (“The Tenth Temple,” “I hope you Improvement Era, Oct. 1945, 561). would teach this truth about David O. McKay (1873–1970) the temple to “Temples are your children built for the and your performance grandchildren. of sacred Go to the ordinances— temple—our Father’s house— not secret, but to receive the blessings of your sacred. A temple fathers that you may be entitled is not a public to the highest blessings of the house of worship. It is erected for priesthood” (“What I Hope You special purposes” (The Teachings Will Teach Your Children about the of David O. McKay, comp. Mary Temple,” Ensign, Aug. 1985, 10). Jane Woodger [2004], 180). Howard W. Hunter (1907–95) Joseph Fielding Smith (1876–1972) “Truly, the Lord “Marriage for desires that eternity can be His people performed only be a temple- in the temples. motivated It cannot be people. It performed would be the anywhere else. deepest desire Authority by of my heart to have every member which such marriages are of the Church be temple worthy. solemnized must be vested in the I would hope that every adult one who performs the ordinances, member would be worthy of— by virtue of appointment by the and carry—a current temple one who holds the keys” recommend, even if proximity to a (Doctrines of Salvation, comp. temple does not allow immediate Bruce R. McConkie, 3 vols. or frequent use of it” (“The Great [1954–56], 2:73–74). Symbol of Our Membership,” Ensign, Oct. 1994, 5). Harold B. Lee (1899–1973) “In these Gordon B. Hinckley (1910– ) temples, as in “A temple is a all others, Saints house of God, receive sacred and he is ordinances and Everlasting. It additional gifts was he who and blessings of required that the Lord Jesus special houses Christ. Young people go for be built in baptismal work for the dead, which to administer these eternal and their parents go to perform ordinances. There is no adequate the essential endowment work. substitute on all the face of the Attendance at the temple can earth” (“Temples and Temple always be a great spiritual ex- Work,” Ensign, Feb. 1982, 4). perience” (“Your Light to Be a Standard unto the Nations,” Ensign, Aug. 1973, 4). Nauvoo Illinois Temple by Welden C. Andersen

Above left: Mount Timpanogos Utah Temple by Jonas Otsuji

Above right: by Jonas Otsuji

Left: Washington D.C. Temple by Jonas Otsuji

ENSIGN FEBRUARY 2007 23 t was a cold, sunny winter day in war-devastated cart, we struggled. I exerted all my nine-year-old strength, Germany. Though it was nearly 60 years ago, I and we somehow reached the top—only to be confronted Iremember it like it was yesterday. by a gruff policeman. The policeman, wearing a dark over- My mother, grandmother, brother, and I worried about coat and a helmet with the police insignia, seemed to have the welfare of my father, who was in a appeared from nowhere. Russian prisoner-of-war camp. Other families “What’s in the cart?” he demanded. in our small Latter-day Saint branch also Mother pulled back the blankets covering prayed for their missing and imprisoned the wagon to reveal our precious load. He men. Widespread poverty and the resultant WHAT’S immediately wanted to know how we had lack of provisions compelled our family to IN THE obtained such an array of supplies, for carefully maintain a garden and raise animals none of them were to be found anywhere for our use. Despite our best efforts at self- in the area. Mother explained that our reliance, our economic situation at war’s end church had sent the food and that she had left us in need of basic food supplies. I didn’t authorization papers at home to prove it. know until that winter day that Church CART? Unfamiliar with our religion and suspi- members halfway across the world would BY ALFRED W. KOCH cious of how we had obtained the food, help answer our fervent prayers. he insisted that we bring the wagon and President Ezra Taft Benson (1899–1994), Unfamiliar with our religion accompany him to police headquarters. then of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and suspicious of how we I started to cry. I knew they were going to came to Europe to counsel and encourage had obtained the food, take our food away. But we did as we were the Saints and to give us donations of food. the policeman insisted that told. Mother received permission to return Our brothers and sisters in the United we leave it behind. home for the papers, and I went with her, States had reached out to us in heartfelt kindness, despite the tragedies of World War II. When we received food authorization papers from our branch president, I could hardly believe it. I eagerly agreed to help Mother push our two-wheeled handcart to the branch president’s home, where the food shipment awaited us. The seven-mile journey on foot was a small price to pay for the load of canned and bagged goods we received for our household of four. I can still vividly recall the Welfare Square logo on the cans and the pictures indicating the contents—peaches, pears, and applesauce. There were also sacks of cracked wheat, flour, sugar, and many other items, including something called pumpkin pie filling. We marveled at the abundance of goods as we tried to pro- nounce the English words on the labels. With our cart loaded, we embarked on our return jour- ney, soon to discover we would need the Lord’s help to safely arrive home with our supplies. In the late afternoon hours, the weather had turned even colder, and the cobble- stone road had become very slick. Part of the trek involved going under a railroad overpass. Going down was manage-

able, but when we tried to ascend the slick slope with our BARRETT ROBERT T. BY ILLUSTRATION

24 remaining at home while she went back to police headquar- pull the cart home in exchange for a few cans of food. ters with the authorization papers. I was upset, discouraged, We enjoyed the food for a long time, and later, when I and afraid. But I had been taught to pray, so I prayed that moved to the United States as a teenager, I realized that the somehow we would be able to keep our food. mysterious pumpkin pie filling we had received years ago— Close to midnight we were elated when Mother finally which we reluctantly ate after all the other food was con- came home—with the loaded handcart. As the events of sumed—actually makes a delicious holiday pie. the evening unfolded, I realized my prayer had been Since my youth in Germany, I have had many opportuni- answered in many ways. Mother said the police reviewed ties to be on the giving end of Church welfare assignments, her official papers, issued from Salt Lake City and endorsed helping with a variety of tasks at local welfare farms and at a by the Church. She surmised that they saw the English Church-owned cheese plant and cannery. labels on the food items as additional proof of our legal Looking back, I am still warmed by the sunshine ex- procurement of the goods. After Mother was allowed to perience of that winter day. I am grateful that the Lord has leave headquarters, the handle on our loaded cart broke, blessed me with opportunities to making it impossible for her to pull it by herself. A kind return the service rendered to my man saw her predicament and helped her push and family. Having come full circle, I know firsthand what a blessing it is to give and to receive. ■

ENSIGN FEBRUARY 2007 25 TenAxioms toGuideYour Life

BY ELDER ROBERT D. HALES 10Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles ecent events tell us that we are living in Rthe last days. The increasing perplexi- ties of nations recall the words of our Savior Jesus Christ: “Ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: . . . for nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against king- dom” (Matthew 24:6–7). It is a challenging but also an exciting time. Here are 10 axioms, The gospel is rolling forth as a stone cut out distilled from my own of a mountain without hands. It is filling the experience of living earth. (See Daniel 2:44–45.) And now, it is the gospel. I hope they your privilege to help move it forward. are helpful to you As you go forth to serve, you will find that Axiom1 in determining the your greatest success and influence won’t It’s not the obstacle that counts, but how you principles that should come solely from the knowledge you’ve overcome it. guide your life. gained. It will come from what you do with Consider, for a moment, that you are the that knowledge—the wise use of agency to engineer of a train. As your locomotive races make sound decisions. down the tracks, you look out the window. Of course, there are some decisions that In the distance you see a great pile of debris must wait until circumstances change and blocking your way. What do you do? Radio your understanding develops. But many of ahead for help? Stop the train and take care the most important decisions can and should of the problem yourself? Pour coal into the be made now. For example, you can decide engine and plow on through? the principles, or axioms, that will influence Now it’s axiomatic that we will all encounter your decision making in the future. obstacles in our lives. Temporal obstacles Here are 10 axioms, distilled from my own make eternal development possible. So we experience of living the gospel. I hope they must decide how to meet those obstacles. are helpful to you in determining the princi- Like the engineer, we can call for help.

ples that should guide your life. By prayer, fasting, and diligent study, we can GREER AND BRANDON DORMAN SCOTT BY ILLUSTRATIONS

26 obtain the assistance of our Heavenly Father. He will com- “Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness fort us, strengthen us, and enlighten us by His Holy Spirit. in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love Often He will give us inspired counsel through parents and of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, priesthood leaders. Sometimes He will smooth our path by feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, removing the obstacle. Sometimes, like a switchman, He behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life” will help us get on a different track. But from time to time, (2 Nephi 31:20). the only way to clear debris from the track is to stop the train and remove the problem. This is always true when the obstacle is of our own mak- ing, such as when we violate the Lord’s commandments. Repentance is the only way to clear the debris of sin and move forward in our lives. “By this ye may know if a man Axiom2 repenteth of his sins—behold, he will confess them and Pursue your goals with all your heart, might, mind, and strength. forsake them” (D&C 58:43). You are doomed to failure if you pursue them in a vacillating manner. Finally, there are times when Heavenly Father directs us to So often we are tentative and don’t move forward with pour on the spiritual coal of faith and hope and plow ahead. conviction. We feel our way along, as if we were afraid in the Or, to use the more scriptural phrase, “press forward”: dark. It is so much better to turn on the light of faith and

ENSIGN FEBRUARY 2007 27 move ahead with energy and commitment. Don’t criticize. What you say about others If our course is wrong, we will quickly may (and usually does) get back to them. See t is so much recognize it and make the necessary adjust- the good in people, and develop that good- Ibetter to turn on ments. But if we pursue a course tentatively ness by your unwavering friendship, accept- the light of faith and indecisively, it is difficult to know whether ance, loyalty, trust, and love. and move ahead it is right or wrong in time to correct it. with energy and The Lord said, “I would thou wert cold or commitment. hot” (Revelation 3:15). We should decide now to make our deci- sions prayerfully and then move forward with faith, energy, and determination. 4 Axiom Our greatest strengths can become our greatest weaknesses. You may be skilled and well prepared in some areas of your life, but that can also become a great weakness if you rely solely 3 on these abilities. If you are not careful, the Axiom From a tiny spark can come a large fire. skills you have gained can be very self-serving In the course of moving forward, it is when not properly balanced, and they may normal to generate a few sparks. Misunder- become very limiting. standings, differences of opinion, and diverse For instance, if you cannot get along with personalities and styles can produce friction. other people, you will fail. You must now Remember, if we are not careful, little things apply the knowledge you have gained to can easily become big things. strengthen the Church, your family, your Decide now to extinguish the sparks of work, the community, and your friendships. conflict by thinking well of others. As the Lord Our greatest strengths can become weak- taught, “Agree with thine adversary quickly while nesses to us whenever we forget that our thou art in the way with him” (3 Nephi 12:25). gifts, talents, and intellect are given to us by

28 God—whenever we rely on the “natural man” (Mosiah “My country did not send me 7,000 miles [11,200 km] to 3:19) and forget that God is the giver of all the gifts of life. start the race; they sent me 7,000 miles to finish the race.” If we would keep our strength from turning to weakness, In life, we are not brought to earth just to be born into we must “confess . . . his hand in all things, and obey . . . mortality. We came with a mission and a purpose, and that his commandments” (D&C 59:21). is to endure to the end. Remember the parable of the laborers in the vineyard. All of them served the Master, and all received an equal wage. It did not matter that some arrived after others, only that each one finally came. (See Matthew 20:1–16.) If you have taken missteps in your youth, don’t let dis- Axiom5 couragement overcome you. The Lord’s judgments are not Failure is one of the greatest teachers if we have the faith spiritual grade-point averages—with past sins and mistakes to learn from it. averaged into the final grade. He has promised that “he The Savior said, “In the world ye shall have tribulation.” who has repented of his sins, the same is forgiven, and I, But because He has overcome the world, we can “be of the Lord, remember them no more” (D&C 58:42). good cheer” (John 16:33)—we can overcome our failures. So, if you are not where you want to be, decide today to Therefore, we should embrace the opportunity to learn get there. from our mistakes, analyze where we could have done bet- Our lifetime degree will be graded on how well we ter, and make plans to improve. live up to the covenants made in our saving ordinances— In doing so, we discover that setbacks and disappoint- baptism, receiving the Holy Ghost, washings, anointings, ments are “but for a small moment” and “shall be for [our] endowments, and sealings. good” (D&C 122:4, 7). With faith, we can take seriously You can cross the finish line with everyone else. the Lord’s counsel to “search diligently, pray always, and “Go forward and not backward. Courage, . . . and on, be believing, and all things shall work together for [our] on to the victory!” (D&C 128:22). good” (D&C 90:24).

Axiom7 6 “If you wish to get rich, save what you get. A fool can earn Axiom It is not how you start the race or where you are during the race. money; but it takes a wise man to save and dispose of it to his own It is how you cross the finish line that matters. advantage.” 1 John Stephen Akhwari, a marathon runner from Tanzania, It is to our advantage to cultivate genuine happiness competed in the 1968 Summer Olympics. Even though he in our lives. The Prophet Joseph Smith taught that this suffered along the way from fatigue, leg cramps, dehydra- “happiness is the object and design of our existence.”2 tion, and disorientation, a voice called from within to go on, Unfortunately, we live in an age of greed—an insatiable, and so he went on. Exhausted and staggering, John Stephen enslaving appetite for temporal things. was the last man to enter the stadium. When asked why he Remember, temporal means “temporary.” And tempo- would complete a race he could never win, Akhwari replied, rary things cannot bring eternal happiness.

ENSIGN FEBRUARY 2007 29 So look ahead. Take the long view. Be patient. Pay your “And the world is moving farther and farther away.” At that tithes and offerings. And save your money. Do not try to time, I imagined the world’s ways as being hundreds of have now what it took your parents years of patient saving miles away from the ways of the gospel. Then, referring to acquire. to my left hand, I said, “But the Church is still here.” Happy are the individuals who can live within their That was almost 32 years ago. Today, the world is a great means today and enjoy it. deal farther away than that. From my perspective, I’d say it is thousands of miles away—maybe farther—but, again, the Church has not moved. As a member of that Church, you should expect to be different from your peers in the world. You should expect the distance will increase. But don’t be dismayed. Those Axiom8 with eyes to see will recognize you as a light on a hill, and You cannot learn the Lord’s will without exercising your agency they will come through the darkness of these last days to and becoming accountable for your decisions. be with you and bask in your light. Too often we think that with little or no effort on our part, the Holy Ghost will give us answers to our questions. Like Oliver Cowdery, we take “no thought save it [be] to ask” (D&C 9:7). And, regrettably, sometimes we don’t even pray. But this is not the way of the Lord. He has commanded us to “study it out in [our] mind[s]; [and] then . . . ask 10 Axiom [Him] if it be right” (D&C 9:8; emphasis added). The temple of God is the greatest university. For example, when choosing an eternal companion, we The knowledge of the truths of the restored gospel of do not present a list of names to the Lord and ask Him to Jesus Christ is the most valuable knowledge you will ever decide. Instead, we exercise our agency by participating possess. in dating experiences. We get to know the other person’s Go to the temple. The endowment is the eternal cur- inner attitudes and outward behavior. Then we make a riculum. In it we are taught where we came from and why decision and take it to the Lord. we are here on earth, and we are given the promise of In this way, we become accountable for our decisions achieving life eternal in the celestial kingdom if we obey and responsible to prayerfully resolve any challenges that the commandments and covenants. may arise. With these 10 axioms in mind, I want to bear a per- sonal testimony to you and give you a promise. In striving to be a successful son or daughter of God, you will never have to compromise the things of the kingdom. Where your divinely appointed mission is concerned, you will never be penalized for living the gospel. However, if you Axiom9 compromise God’s eternal principles for your own tem- The more things change, the more they stay the same. poral gains, you will lose the eternal blessings that are In 1975 I spoke to students at Brigham Young rightfully yours. University. I held up my left hand and said, “We are here.” As a New York boy, I grew up as one of only two or three Then, moving my right hand away from my left, I said, members of the Church in a high school of a few thousand.

30 At a recent 50-year reunion, my former class- act accordingly; if you will return with mates remembered how I lived according to honor from every calling, task, and assign- my values and beliefs. I realized then that one ment; if you will be true to the Savior’s ave your money. infraction of the Word of Wisdom or trans- name and worthy of His eternal blessings, SDo not try to gression of moral values would have meant I you will always have the light of the Holy have now what could never say, “This is what I believe” and Ghost to be with you, to lead you, to guide it took your parents be trusted by my friends. you, and to buoy you up. You will never years of patient We can share the gospel only to the extent want for what to say or how to act. It will saving to acquire. we live it. During my life at college, in the mil- be given you. itary as an adjutant and fighter pilot, in gradu- How you live, what you represent, how ate school, or in my professional career in you treat your associates, and how you honor sales and marketing, as president of a divi- and revere your companion and your family sion, or as a group vice president at corpo- will spread the influence of our Savior Jesus rate headquarters—I was never required to Christ. For there is no greater Christian ser- compromise my values or beliefs. vice than to become like Him, heed the coun- Was it easy? sel of His Spirit, and do His will. I don’t know. I wasn’t looking for easy. As the years go by, you will discover more Was it hard? axioms that reflect your own experience of I wasn’t looking for hard either. That is just living the gospel. Learn them and live your the way it was. life accordingly. Were there men and women who chal- May the Lord bless you and keep you that lenged me on my beliefs at times? you may have a good life, be what you want Certainly. to be, and fulfill your dreams now, returning When I held to my beliefs, did they respect with honor in the eternities. ■ and honor the commitment I had made to From a commencement address given on August 14, 2003, at Brigham Young University. live the gospel? NOTES In every instance. 1. Brigham Young, in Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Brigham Young (1997), 229. If you will remember who you are and 2. History of the Church, 5:134.

ENSIGN FEBRUARY 2007 31 A Foundation for the Future in SAN ANTONIO BY ERICA LAYNE NIELSEN herever the Church spreads, it often begins with a handful of stalwart Saints who are willing to Like others who have been pioneers Wstand alone in their beliefs until others join them. for the Church throughout the world, These pioneers know the significance of the name they bear as members of Christ’s restored Church, and thus they are three families in San Antonio, Texas, willing to endure isolation and, in some cases, persecution. gave all they had to the building In spite of these challenges, they befriend their neighbors of Zion in their area. and other members of the community, and through word and example they help bring many unto Christ.

32 This was the beginning of the Church in south Texas, particularly San Antonio, where a few strong families reached out to their neighbors and helped lay a foundation for the future. The Shaw, Pedraza, and Turley families were among the first Latter-day Saints in the San Antonio area. Three generations later,

their descendants recognize their ances- Above: John Richard and tors’ contribution to the eventual establish- Jemima Murphree Shaw. ment of four stakes in San Antonio. From two Left: John Richard Shaw (seated) tiny branches established in San Antonio in 1921, with two missionaries, Elders Nancy this area has blossomed into the home of thousands (standing, left) and Beckstead, about of members and of a temple of the Lord. Through 1926. Opposite page: One of the old

GES the sacrifice and dedication of these early pioneers, Spanish missions in San Antonio. people throughout south Texas now enjoy the blessings of the gospel. inside the house, resolutely refused Rooted in the Gospel their offer. But the next morning,

LEFT: PHOTOGRAPH BY GETTY IMA BY PHOTOGRAPH LEFT: In response to glowing reports about farming Jemima, in agony, begged her hus- in south Texas, John Richard Shaw and Jemima Catherine band to let the missionaries admin- Murphree Shaw made the trek from Mississippi to ister to her, and he finally acquiesced. Yorktown, Texas, in 1892. A few years later they moved Within minutes of the blessing, she found that the lump 15 miles away to Cuero, where they made a name for had decreased noticeably. It disappeared entirely by the themselves as hardworking farmers who were staunch next day. Having faith in the power that healed her, members of their Protestant church. Jemima wished to be baptized. Her husband refused to When two hungry, tired Latter-day Saint missionaries consider it at first, but his heart soon softened. John and turned up on the doorstep, John Shaw almost didn’t take Jemima agreed to have the missionaries teach them, and pity on them because of the strong anti-Mormon senti- they were both baptized on August 28, 1900, in a river near ment in the region at the time. However, John had never Cuero. All of their nine living children were baptized over been one to put too much stock in rumors, so he relented, the years, but because there wasn’t an organized branch showed them to the barn, and allowed them to drink of anywhere nearby, the Shaws had to wait for missionaries to his water and rest on the hay. come to town to perform the baptisms for their children. Over the next couple of days, the young men im- Georgia Williams, a great-granddaughter of John and pressed John with their constant friendliness and their Jemima Shaw, lives in San Antonio and treasures the family readiness to help out on the farm. When they learned that heritage that began in south Texas with her great-grand- Jemima Shaw was suffering with a lump the size of a canta- parents. “It was my great-grandmother’s faith that brought loupe that had grown on her side, they told the family [the family] to the gospel,” says Sister Williams. “With faith about priesthood blessings and offered to give her one. they endured whatever life handed them and made their John, who wouldn’t even allow the missionaries to step way through it.”

ENSIGN FEBRUARY 2007 33 Top: Members of the first Spanish branch in San Antonio. Above: José Pedraza (right) and a friend during the period when he was a migrant worker. Right: José as a missionary, and the pamphlet that introduced him to the Church.

In fact, John and Jemima’s faith sustained them through watched years of persecution for their membership in the Church. and, more “Neighboring families became bitter and tried to run important, them out of the country,” says Sister Williams. “Trouble- participated makers shot holes in their home. The Shaws were perse- as the Church cuted by family friends and sometimes family members has taken root and who just didn’t understand why they had joined the flourished in the area. Church.” Despite the hostility, John Shaw taught the gospel when- Taking the First Steps ever he could and even helped convert several neighbors. Frank Pedraza Jr. says John and Jemima Shaw were never able to travel to a his grandfather José temple during their lifetime, though their descendants Pedraza left behind a performed their temple ordinances for them after they legacy of sacrifice and dedication to spreading the passed away. Since the was dedi- gospel—a legacy Brother Pedraza is now trying to in- cated in 2005, Georgia Williams has cherished the oppor- still in his own children. tunity to attend often. She knows what having a temple in When José Pedraza first heard the Latter-day Saint mis- their area would have meant to her great-grandparents. sionaries preaching on the street in 1921, his heart immedi- She now serves as a temple worker in the San Antonio ately recognized the power of their words. Yet the taunting temple, along with six of her cousins, each of whom crowd that stood between José and the missionaries kept descends from a different child of John and Jemima. him from contacting them. But several days later, José came The number of John and Jemima’s descendants now in from the fields where he worked as a laborer and found exceeds 1,000. While not all are active Church members, a pamphlet the missionaries had left on the porch. Sister Williams says many of the descendants who still live The Spirit touched him as he read, and he decided in south Texas have gone on missions and have served in to write a letter to the only contact he could find on the bishoprics, on high councils, and in many other leader- pamphlet—the author, Ben E. Rich of Salt Lake City. ship positions in the Church. The Shaw family has Though Brother Rich had passed away, the letter went

34 through several hands and eventually reached the mis- his insatiable love for missionary work. sionaries in the San Antonio area. They searched San As the father of four, Frank Pedraza Jr. shares the legacy Antonio until they finally found José, who unreservedly of his great-grandfather with his children by trying to live embraced the gospel and became one of the first mem- the same way. “I tell them about their grandfather and his bers of the Church in south Texas. sacrifice,” he says. “They all know his story.” “He was one of the first Frank Pedraza’s oldest son, Brandon, served a mission Mexican-American members of in Boise, Idaho, where he often the Church in San Antonio,” says used the stories of his

GETTY IMAGES Frank Pedraza. “There was no great-grandfather as he example to follow. He had to taught many of the migrant take the first step.” workers in the area. His sec- After his conversion, José ond son, Ryan, is now serving immediately began spreading in the Argentina Bahia Blanca BACKGROUND PHOTOGRAPH BY PHOTOGRAPH BACKGROUND the gospel in any way he Mission. could. He helped bring many The third generation of his fellow Mexican- to descend from José and Americans to the Church. Cresencia Pedraza, these young Frank Pedraza says his people are not only strengthen- grandfather’s example, even in times of trial, ing the Church in San Antonio, showed his steadfastness in the gospel and they are taking José Pedraza’s thus led many people to investigate and join legacy and sharing it with the world. the Church. “He was a laborer, so if he didn’t work, he didn’t get paid and couldn’t feed his Willing to Give family. But he still gave everything he could to Henry Eyring Turley grew up surrounded Top: Henry Eyring the Church.” by members of the Church in the Latter-day Turley (second from José’s dedication to spreading the message of Saint colonies in Mexico, but a series of left, back row) with the restored gospel had an impact on hundreds events landed him in San Antonio, where he President Heber J. of people, especially those in his own family. joined the ranks of the few but steadfast Grant (third from In his later years, after the death of his wife, Saints in south Texas. right, back) and other Cresencia, José lived with his son and daugh- After being injured earlier in a logging members and mission- ter-in-law, Francisco and Horténcia Pedraza. accident in Mexico, Henry sought help from aries at a San Antonio José stayed with Horténcia in San Antonio a chiropractor in El Paso, Texas. He quickly branch conference in while Francisco—Frank Jr.’s father—was sta- decided that life as a chiropractor appealed to 1924. Above: Henry tioned with the military in Japan. Because him, so he moved in 1922 to San Antonio to Turley and wife, Louise, Horténcia was not a member of the Church, attend the Texas Chiropractic College. He in the 1950s. He was José began teaching her the gospel. After she completed his degree and returned to the called as patriarch in accepted it, José baptized her while Francisco colonies, where he married Louise Robinson. 1958 when a stake was still in Japan. Upon his return, Francisco When the Texas Chiropractic College offered was organized in was delighted to learn of his wife’s conversion. Henry a position on the faculty in 1927, he San Antonio. The story now reminds José’s descendants of and his young family moved to San Antonio.

ENSIGN FEBRUARY 2007 35 The efforts of pioneering families laid a groundwork for growth that brought a temple to San Antonio. PHOTOGRAPH BY JOHN LUKE BY PHOTOGRAPH

Henry taught at that college for 38 years while also fulfill- was engaged in and the impact it had on so many people ing various leadership callings in the Church. in south Texas. “I don’t know that I’ve ever met a man any Henry’s son, Herbert Turley, was one year old when better than my dad,” he says. “I never heard him say a bad his family moved to San Antonio. He said it was an adjust- word about anyone. He was loved by everyone.” ment for his parents to go from being surrounded by Henry and Louise’s posterity—nearly 150 descendants—are members of the Church in the colonies to meeting with now spreading that same love as they serve in many Church a handful of Saints in people’s homes in San Antonio. capacities. They are following the example of Henry and “Nobody even knew what a Mormon was, except for Louise by doing all they can to strengthen the stakes of Zion. the stories they had heard,” Brother Turley says. He also “We’ve got four stakes in San Antonio now. We used says his parents were excluded from many community to get along with 10 or 12 people,” says Herbert Turley. activities primarily because of their religion. In a place where the Church was just beginning to Strengthening the Stakes of Zion establish itself, Herbert Turley said his mother and father The Shaw, Pedraza, and Turley families were willing to taught their four children to be loyal to the standards of stand alone at first. But they wouldn’t allow feelings of the gospel, to love the Church and the way it functions, exclusion or even moments of persecution to keep them and to be dependable in any capacity. standing alone for long: they extended their love to neigh- While Henry was a district president in what was bors and taught the gospel by the way they lived. Like hun- then called the Texas Louisiana Mission, his loyalty, love, dreds of others who have been pioneers for the Church and dependability kept him traveling to different parts throughout the world, these families and a few others liv- of his district every weekend. The district over which he ing in south Texas in the early 1900s willingly gave all they presided was about 300 miles long and 250 miles wide, had to strengthening the stakes of Zion in their area. ■ so travel was inevitable. Information for this article was obtained from author interviews “We had to go with him sometimes just to be able to with Georgia Williams, Frank Pedraza Jr., and Herbert Turley; see him,” Herbert says now. family records from Georgia Williams and Frank Pedraza Jr.; microfilm records of the Kenedy Branch; microfilm records of the But Brother Turley recognized the great work his father Mexican Mission; and mission records of the Central States Mission.

36 THE POWER OF A PHOTOGRAPH BY CHRISTINA SMITH BY PHOTOGRAPH

BYPROMISE ELDER RICHARD G. PETERSON men he takes to be his enemies. May each of us emulate Area Seventy Zoram begins to tremble and turns to the Lord’s example in Utah North Area flee, but Nephi physically restrains him while always keeping our n one of the most dramatic events attempting to reason with him. “I spake with commitments, that in the Book of Mormon, Nephi slays him,” Nephi wrote later, “that if he would others may trust us and ILaban and then, masquerading as Laban, hearken unto my words, as the Lord liveth, that we may merit the orders the slain man’s servant to accompany and as I live, even so that if he would hearken Lord’s approbation. him into the wilderness. The deception is unto our words, we would spare his life” short-lived, however, lasting only until Zoram (1 Nephi 4:32). and Nephi overtake Nephi’s brothers. At that Nephi assures Zoram, “even with an oath, point Zoram realizes he has fallen in with that he need not fear; that he should be a free

ENSIGN FEBRUARY 2007 37 hen the Savior Wreturns at the time of His Second Coming, one of the things that man like unto us if he would go down in the today’s world, such a thing is rare. Gone are will bring us to our wilderness with us” (v. 33; emphasis added). the days when business deals consisted of a knees, I believe, Nephi’s oath and words of explanation verbal agreement and a handshake. The rule will be not only a have their desired effect on Zoram. He now is to get everything in writing. Heads of recognition of His responds with an oath of his own that corporations, celebrities, entertainers, sports grandeur but also he will not attempt to flee (see vv. 35–36). figures, and politicians haggle publicly over an acknowledgment Commenting on this passage, Hugh breached contracts and agreements. And of His absolute Nibley explains, “The reaction of both parties court dockets are clogged with litigation honesty. makes sense when one realizes that the oath aimed at sorting out broken promises. is the one thing that is most sacred and in- Fortunately, there is One on whom we may violable among the desert people and their depend absolutely to keep His word—the descendants.”1 Lord Jesus Christ. “For I will fulfil my promises The oaths having been exchanged, Nephi which I have made unto the children of men,” says, “Our fears did cease concerning him” He assures us (2 Nephi 10:17). He invites us (v. 37). to enter into covenants with Him, secure in What a simple and wonderful custom— the knowledge of His word: “I, the Lord, am for the parties to an agreement to simply bound when ye do what I say” (D&C 82:10). give their word and then trust that each is The Lord’s constancy is one of the things duty bound to do what he has promised. In that enables us to love and trust Him, and it is one of the attributes that compels us to worship Him. For instance, though I find it difficult to entirely comprehend what Jesus Christ revealed about Himself to the Prophet Joseph Smith, the concept humbles me: “Hear, O ye heavens, and give ear, O earth, and rejoice ye inhabitants thereof, for the Lord is God, and beside him there is no Savior. “Great is his wisdom, marvelous are his ways, and the extent of his doings none can ANDERSON HARRY BY find out. “His purposes fail not, neither are there any who can stay his hand. CHRIST IN GETHSEMANE, “From eternity to eternity he is the same, and his years never fail” (D&C 76:1–4; emphasis added).

As mortals, we are so unlike that. RIGHT: JOHN SCOTT; BY When He returns at the time of His Second Coming, one of the things that will

bring us to our knees, I believe, will be not THE LAST JUDGMENT,

only a recognition of His grandeur but also LEFT:

38 an acknowledgment of His absolute honesty. “Here am I, send me,” He said in the premor- tal world (Abraham 3:27), promising in that moment that He could be trusted to perform the Atonement and thereby become the Redeemer and the Savior of mankind. It is unthinkable that He would have failed us. In the Garden of Gethsemane, He was confronted at last by the immensity of that awful task, “to suffer, bleed, and die!”2 Matthew records that the Savior “fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: neverthe- less not as I will, but as thou wilt” (Matthew Lord’s approbation. For “they that deal truly he resurrected 26:39). The resurrected Lord tells us that He are his delight” (Proverbs 12:22). ■ Lord tells us kept His word: “Glory be to the Father, and I NOTES that He kept 1. An Approach to the Book of Mormon, 2nd ed. T partook and finished my preparations unto (1964), 104. His word: “Glory be 2. “How Great the Wisdom and the Love,” Hymns, no. 195. the children of men” (D&C 19:19). to the Father, and I One of the greatest blessings of my life is partook and finished the covenant into which my wife and I entered my preparations when we were sealed in the temple. Blessings unto the children were pronounced upon us having to do with HELPS FOR HOME EVENING of men.” the years we would spend in mortality, and we are grateful that many of those have already Most Ensign articles can be used for family been realized. But if we are faithful, the things home evening discussions, personal reflections, we will most treasure lie in the future, be- or teaching the gospel in a variety of settings. yond this life—sanctification, resurrection, a 1. Show the family a legal document. Point reunion with parents who are now gone but to out some of the careful wording that is neces- whom we have been sealed, the joy of a grow- sary to make it binding. Read the scripture refer- ing progeny, including not only our children ences in the article, and compare the promises and beloved grandchildren but also descen- of the Lord to the promises of men. Testify of dants who are yet unborn, and the hope of a how we can depend on the promises of the Lord. glorious eternal inheritance in the kingdom of 2. Ask family members if they made any our Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. promises during the past week. If they cannot How do we know these things will come think of any, tell them you know of at least one to pass? Because the Lord has given His promise made every Sunday. Ask them to think word, and on that we may depend. to themselves how well they have kept their May each of us emulate His example in sacramental covenant. Using the last part of the always keeping our commitments, that others article, testify that the Lord perfectly upholds may trust us and that we may merit the His part of the covenant.

ENSIGN FEBRUARY 2007 39 Stained-glass windows from three cathedrals in France: Chartres (center, with exterior view top right); Bourges (left); and Sens (opposite page). In each window, the parable of the good Samaritan is depicted together with representations of the plan of salvation.

40 The Good Samaritan Forgotten Symbols

BY JOHN W. WELCH Deeper Levels of Meaning This parable Brigham Young University professor, The Savior spoke often in parables J. Reuben Clark Law School, and can be viewed editor in chief of BYU Studies because each has a deeper meaning as an impres- understood only by those who have sive allegory ne of the most influential “ears to hear” (Matthew 13:9). The of the Fall and stories told by Jesus Christ Prophet Joseph Smith affirmed that Redemption Ois the parable of the good unbelievers did not understand the Samaritan. Jesus recounted this Savior’s parables. “Yet unto His dis- of mankind. parable to a man who had asked, ciples [the Lord] expounded [the “Master, what shall I do to inherit parables] plainly,” and we can eternal life?” Jesus responded understand the parables, taught by asking, “What is written in the Prophet, “if we will but open the law?” our eyes, and read with candor.”1 The man answered, referring Knowing this principle invites to Deuteronomy 6:5 and Leviticus reflection on the symbolic message 19:18, “Thou shalt love the Lord of the good Samaritan. In light of thy God with all thy heart . . . and the gospel of Jesus Christ, this mas- thy neighbour as thyself.” terful story brilliantly encapsulates the plan of When Jesus promised, “This do, and salvation in ways few modern readers may thou shalt live,” the man challengingly have noticed. replied, “And who is my neighbour?” In This parable’s content is clearly practical answer to this man’s questions, Jesus told and dramatic in its obvious meaning, but a the parable of the good Samaritan. (See time-honored Christian tradition also saw the AND J. P. ELIE (DETAILS); PHOTOGRAPHS OF BACKGROUND AND BANDAGES BY MATTHEW REIER MATTHEW BY AND BANDAGES OF BACKGROUND PHOTOGRAPHS ELIE (DETAILS); P. AND J. PHOTOGRAPHS BY JOHN W. WELCH, EXCEPT AS NOTED; SENS IMAGES COURTESY OF CL. SENS IMAGES MUSÉES DE SENS (FRANCE), E.(GENERAL VIEW), BERRY AS NOTED; EXCEPT WELCH, JOHN W. BY PHOTOGRAPHS Luke 10:25–35.) parable as an impressive allegory of the Fall

ENSIGN FEBRUARY 2007 41 victim, wounded with sin. A few years later, Clement’s pupil Origen stated that this interpretation came down to him from earlier Christians, who had described the allegory as follows: “The man who was going down is Adam. Jerusalem is para- dise, and Jericho is the world. The robbers are hostile powers. The priest is the Law, the Levite is the prophets, and the Samaritan is Christ. The wounds are disobedi- ence, the beast is the Lord’s body, the [inn], which accepts all who wish to enter, is the Church. . . . The manager of esus the [inn] is the head of the Church, to whom depicts the its care has been entrusted. And the fact that person as the Samaritan promises he will return repre- J 4 going down not sents the Savior’s second coming.” from any ordinary and Redemption of mankind. This early This allegorical reading was taught not only place but from Christian understanding of the good by ancient followers of Jesus, but it was virtu- Jerusalem. Because Samaritan is depicted in a famous eleventh- ally universal throughout early Christianity, of the sanctity of century cathedral in Chartres, France. One being advocated by Irenaeus, Clement, and the holy temple-city, of its beautiful stained-glass windows portrays Origen, and in the fourth and fifth centuries early Christians the expulsion of Adam and Eve from the by Chrysostom in Constantinople, Ambrose readily saw in this Garden of Eden at the top of the window, in Milan, and Augustine in North Africa. This element the idea and, in parallel, the parable of the good interpretation is found most completely in that this person Samaritan at the bottom. This illustrates “a two other medieval stained-glass windows, in had come down symbolic interpretation of Christ’s parable the French cathedrals at Bourges and Sens. from the presence that was popular in the Middle Ages.”2 Seeing of God. this window led me to wonder: what does A Type and Shadow of the Plan of Salvation the Fall of Adam and Eve have to do with the Readers gain much by pondering the parable of the good Samaritan? scriptures, especially as these writings testify I soon discovered the answer.3 The roots of Jesus Christ (see John 5:39). The parable of this allegorical interpretation reach deep of the good Samaritan testifies of Christ. It into early Christianity. In the second century teaches of the plan of salvation, the Savior’s A.D., Irenaeus in France and Clement of atoning love, and our journey toward inherit- Alexandria both saw the good Samaritan as ing eternal life. It can be read as a story not symbolizing Christ Himself saving the fallen only about a man who went down from

42 Jerusalem to Jericho, but also about all who come down sumptuous vacation palace. Yet one should note that the from the presence of God to live on earth. This meaning traveler in the parable had not yet arrived in Jericho when becomes most visible in the light of the gospel of Jesus the robbers attacked. That person was on the steep way Christ restored through His latter-day prophets. down to Jericho, but he had not yet reached bottom. Let us examine the story, starting in Luke 10:30. Fell. It is easy to see here an allusion to the fallen mortal “A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, state and to the plight of individual sinfulness: “Yea, all are and fell among thieves . . .” fallen and are lost” (Alma 34:9). A certain man. Early Christians compared this man Among thieves. The early Christian writers variously saw to Adam. This connection may have been more obvious the thieves (or robbers) as the devil and his satanic forces, in ancient languages than in modern translations. In evil spirits, or false teachers. The Greek word for “robbers” Hebrew, the word adam means “man, mankind,” “the used by Luke implies that these thieves were not casual plural of men,” as well as “Adam” as a proper name.5 operators. The traveler was assailed by a band of perni- Thus, Clement of Alexandria rightly saw the victim in cious highwaymen in a scheming, organized society that this allegory as representing “all of us.” Indeed, we all acted with deliberate and concerted intent. have come down as Adams and Eves, subject to the risks “. . . which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded and vicissitudes of mortality: “For as in Adam all die . . .” him, and departed, leaving him half dead.” (1 Corinthians 15:22). Stripped him of his raiment. Early Christians sensed Went down. The early Christian that Jesus spoke of something important writer Chrysostom saw in this phrase here. Origen and Augustine saw the loss the descent of Adam from the garden of the traveler’s garment as a symbol for into this world—from glory to the mankind’s loss of immortality and incor- mundane, from immortality to mortal- ruptibility. Chrysostom spoke of the loss ity. The story in Luke 10 implies that of “his robe of immortality” or “robe of the man went down intentionally, obedience.” Ambrose spoke of the trav- knowing the risks that would be eler being “stripped of the covering of involved in the journey. No one forced Early Christian spiritual grace which we [all] received him to go down to Jericho. He appar- writers Irenaeus [from God].” ently felt that the journey was worth (above), Clement The attackers apparently wanted the the well-known risks of such travel (above, right), and traveler’s clothing, for no mention is on the poorly maintained roads in Ambrose (right). made of any wealth or commodities Jesus’s day.6 he might be carrying. For some reason, From Jerusalem. Jesus depicts the person as going the robbers seem interested in his gar- down not from any ordinary place but from Jerusalem. ment, something brought down from Because of the sanctity of the holy temple-city, early the holy place and something they envy and want to take Christians readily saw in this element the idea that this away. person had come down from the presence of God. Wounded. This term was seen as a similitude of the To Jericho. Jericho was readily identified with this pains of life, travails of the soul, and afflictions due to world. At more than 825 feet (250 m) below sea level, diverse sins and vices. Indeed, the enemies of the soul Jericho is the lowest city on earth. Its mild winter climate leave wounds (see Jacob 2:8–9). Transgression has real made it a hedonistic resort area where Herod had built a effects (see Alma 41:10).

ENSIGN FEBRUARY 2007 43 Half dead. The robbers departed, leaving the person representation of Christ. Chrysostom suggests that a precisely “half dead.” We may see in this detail an allusion Samaritan is an apt depiction of Christ because “as a to the first and second deaths. The person had fallen, Samaritan is not from Judea, so Christ is not of this world.” had become subject to sin, and had suffered the first Jesus’s audience in Jerusalem may well have recognized death, becoming mortal. But the second death, the here a reference by the Savior to Himself. Some Jews permanent separation from God, could still be averted in Jerusalem rejected Jesus with the insult, “Say we not (see Alma 12:32–36). well that thou art a Samaritan?” (John 8:48). Because “And by chance there came down a certain priest that Nazareth is across the valley north of Samaria, these two way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other locations could easily be lumped together. And just as the side. And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, Samaritans were viewed as the least of all humanity, so it came and looked on him, and passed by on the other was prophesied that the Messiah would be “despised and side.” rejected of men” and “esteemed not” (see Isaiah 53:3). By chance. The arrival of the Jewish priest was “by As he journeyed. It would appear that the Samaritan chance,” not the result of a conscious search. His presence (representing Christ) was purposely looking for people there was not by anyone’s plan. in need of help. The text does not say that he arrived by A certain priest . . . and likewise a Levite. The early happenstance. Origen noted that “he went down intending Christian commentators all saw the priest as symbolizing to rescue and care for the dying man.” The Savior came the law of Moses. In their minds the problem was not that purposefully with oil and bandages “to bring redemption bearers of the Old Testament priesthood did not want to unto the world” (3 Nephi 9:21). help fallen man, but that the law of Moses did not have the Compassion. This important word speaks of the pure power to save him. Indeed, the law of Moses was only a love of Christ. The Greek word says that the Samaritan’s type and shadow of the Atonement that was yet to come, bowels were moved with deep, inner sympathy. This word not its full efficacy (see Mosiah 3:15–17). is used in the New Testament only when authors wish to The Levite was seen as representing the Old Testament describe God’s divine emotions of mercy. It appears prophets, whose words the Lord came to fulfill (see Matthew 5:17; 3 Nephi 15:2–5). A lesser class of priests, the Levites did chores in the SYMBOLS FROM THE PARABLE OF THE GOOD SAMARITAN temple. At least this Levite came close to Symbol An Early Christian Interpretation helping; he “came” and saw. He may have wanted to help, but perhaps Good Samaritan Jesus Christ he viewed himself as too lowly Victim Man wounded with sin to help; he also lacked the Jerusalem Paradise power to save the dying person. Jericho World “But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and Priest Law of Moses when he saw him, he had compassion on Levite Prophets him, and went to him, and bound up his Beast Christ’s body wounds, pouring in oil and wine . . .” Inn Church Samaritan. The early Christian writers Manager of the inn Head of the Church unanimously saw the good Samaritan as a

44 prominently in the parables of the unmerciful servant, in which the Lord (representing God) “was moved with compassion” (Matthew 18:27), and of the prodigal son, in which the father (again representing God) saw his son returning and “had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him” (Luke 15:20). Likewise, the Samaritan repre- sents the divinely compassionate Christ, who suffered so “that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people” (Alma 7:12). Bound up his wounds. Some early Christians said that the bandages represented love, faith, and hope, “ligatures of salvation which cannot be undone.” Others saw the bands as Christ’s teachings, which bind us to or some righteousness. Latter-day Saints would add reason, that the rescued person is bound to the Lord rendering physical help, a truly good Fthe robbers through covenants (see D&C 35:24; 43:9). Samaritan administers the saving principles seem interested Oil. An olive oil lotion would have been and ordinances of the gospel as well. The in the traveler’s very soothing. While most of the early atoning wine may sting at first, but its effects garment, some- Christian writers saw here a symbol of soon bring healing peace. thing brought Christ’s words of consolation, Chrysostom “. . . and set him on his own beast, and down from the saw this as a “holy anointing”—which may brought him to an inn, and took care of him.” holy place and refer to several priesthood ordinances, the Set him on his own beast. Christ, fulfill- something they healing of the sick (see James 5:14), the gift ing prophecy, bears our infirmities (see envy and want of the Holy Ghost (often symbolized by olive Isaiah 53:4; Alma 7:11). The Samaritan’s to take away. oil), or the anointing of a king or a queen. beast was thought to symbolize Christ’s Wine. The Samaritan also poured wine body. Being placed on his beast is to believe onto the open wound to cleanse it. Late that God became flesh, bore our sins, and Christian writers saw this wine as the word of suffered for us. God—something that stings—but the earlier Inn. For the early Christians this element Christian interpretation associated the wine readily symbolized the Church. An “inn” was with the blood of Christ, symbolized by the “a public house open to all.” A public shelter sacrament (see Matthew 26:27–29; 3 Nephi is comparable to the Church of Christ in sev- 18:8–11). This wine, the atoning blood, eral ways. A wayside inn is not the heavenly washes away sin and purifies the soul, allow- destination but a necessary aid in helping ing God’s Spirit to be with us. In addition to travelers reach their eternal home.

ENSIGN FEBRUARY 2007 45 After His Ascension, He left the traveler to be cared for by the Church. The host. Accordingly, early commentators saw the host, or innkeeper, as Paul or the other Apostles and their successors. If the inn refers to the Church in general, how- ever, the innkeeper and his staff can represent all Church leaders and workers who are entrusted by the Lord to nurture and care for any rescued soul who seeks healing. When I come again. The Christ- figure openly promises to come again, eeing the a ready allusion to the Second Coming of parable in Christ. The Greek word translated “to come Sthe light of again” appears only one other time in the the gospel invites New Testament, in Luke 19:15, referring to readers to identify the parable of the Lord who would return to with virtually every judge what the people had done with the character in the money they had been given. That linkage story. markedly strengthens this allusion to the Second Coming. Took care of him. The Samaritan stayed Repay or reward. Finally, the innkeeper is with the injured person and cared for him promised that all his costs will be covered: “I personally the first night. He did not turn will reward you for whatsoever you expend.” the injured person over too quickly to the Perhaps more than any other element in innkeeper but stayed with him through the the story, this promise—in effect giving the dark hours. As Origen commented, Jesus innkeeper a blank check—has troubled mod- cares for the wounded “not only during the ern commentators who understand this story day, but also at night. He devotes all his simply as a real-life event. Who in his right attention and activity to him.” mind would make such an open-ended com- “And on the morrow when he departed, mitment to a strange innkeeper? But when he took out two pence, and gave them to the story is understood allegorically, this the host, and said unto him, Take care of promise makes sense, for the Samaritan him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, (Christ) and his innkeeper already know and when I come again, I will repay thee.” trust each other before this promise is given. On the morrow. Early commentators saw here the idea that Jesus would rise on An Eternal Imperative Resurrection morning. Christ ministered in Because of our difficulty in comprehend- person to His disciples for a short time. ing His infinite nature and divine fulness,

46 God speaks to us in similitudes (see Moses 5:7). Symbols bring to pass the salvation and eternal life of mankind. draw our finite minds to sacred truths that are embedded Disciples will also want to think of themselves as in the mystery of Christ’s incomparable gospel, and an alle- innkeepers who have been commissioned by Jesus gorical understanding of the parable of the good Samaritan Christ to facilitate the long-term spiritual recovery of adds eternal perspectives to its moral imperatives. injured travelers. In His parables, Jesus taught the essentials of the Or again, readers may see themselves as the traveler. As Father’s plan of salvation. As a type and shadow of this the parable begins, everyone sympathizes and identifies plan, the good Samaritan places our deeds of neighborly with the lone and weary traveler. We all need to be saved. kindness here in As the story ends, all travelers can feel safe, mortality within the Elements from this window in Sens are organized by having learned that, according to this inter- eternal context of the themes they represent. The parable of the good pretation, He who “was neighbour unto him where we have come Samaritan (digitally isolated on the right) uses the that fell among the thieves” (Luke 10:36) is down from, how we three central panes of the window, while themes none other than the merciful Christ. He is have fallen into our from the plan of salvation, including the Fall of the most exemplary Neighbor. present plight, and Adam and Eve and the Crucifixion of the Savior This realization answers the lawyer’s sec- how the binding ordi- (digitally isolated on the left), surround the parable ond question: “And who is my neighbour?” At nances and healing to complete the window. the same time, it also answers the first: “What love of the prom- shall I do to inherit eternal life?” Eternal life ised Redeemer comes by loving God “with all thy heart, and and the nurture with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, of His Church can and with all thy mind” (Luke 10:27) and by rescue us from our loving His Son (thy neighbor) as thyself. And present situation, that is done by going and doing as the Savior as we serve and did, in loving our fellow beings, for when we live worthy of serve them we are only in the service of our reward at His God (see Mosiah 2:17). ■ Second Coming. NOTES Seeing the 1. History of the Church, 2:266. 2. Malcolm Miller, Chartres Cathedral (1985), 68. parable in this 3. For a full discussion of and sources for the quota- light invites read- tions in this article, see John W. Welch, “The Good Samaritan: A Type and Shadow of the Plan of ers to identify with Salvation,” Brigham Young University Studies, spring 1999, 51–115. Other Latter-day Saints, includ- virtually every ing Hugh Nibley, Stephen Robinson, Lisle Brown, character in the and Jill Major, have interpreted parts of the parable of the good Samaritan in similar ways. story. At one level, 4. Origen, Homily 34.3, Joseph T. Lienhard, trans., Origen: Homilies on Luke, Fragments on Luke people can see (1996), 138. themselves as the good Samaritan, acting as physical res- 5. R. Laird Harris, Gleason L. Archer Jr., and Bruce K. Waltke, eds., Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament (1980), cuers and as saviors on Mount Zion, aiding in the all- “adam,” 1:10. 6. See Anchor Bible Dictionary (1992), “Travel and Communication,” important cause of rescuing lost souls. Jesus told the 6:644–46. Because of the high risk of being attacked by robbers while Pharisee, “Go, and do thou likewise” (Luke 10:37). By traveling in the ancient world, people would rarely travel alone as the characters in the parable do, which is another clue that the doing as the Samaritan, we join with Him in helping to account is well understood as a similitude.

ENSIGN FEBRUARY 2007 47 LESSONS FROM THE

NEW TESTAMENT Turning the Other

BY ELDER H. BRYAN RICHARDS missionaries in his zone to ask the members Served as a member of the Seventy and priesthood leaders, “What can we do for from 1998 to 2006 you?” As the days went by, it was amazing ew of the Savior’s teachings have how quickly the contention began to ease, been so often repeated as this coun- how the Spirit of the Lord returned to the F sel from the Sermon on the Mount: “Who- work, and how the love and unity between soever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, members and missionaries increased. The turn to him the other also” (Matthew 5:39). work began to prosper again, and miracles On numerous occasions I have observed how happened because the zone leader chose to this principle can bless lives and heal hearts. help the missionaries turn the other cheek , DENMARK In following the For example, some time ago when I was and put others’ eeds before their own. Savior’s counsel, serving as a mission president, there was Long after the zone leader left that area, we will become His considerable contention among priesthood the missionaries continued asking that same true disciples. leaders, members, and missionaries in one question, and the work continued to flourish area of the mission. Harsh words were spo- as never before. ken, unity in the work vanished, and keys After a year passed, the local stake presi-

to Church buildings were withheld from dent said to me, “We have more full-time mis- FREDERIKSBORG IN HILLERØD ORIC MUSEUM AT missionaries. The situation became so sionaries serving from our stake now than we intense that the Spirit of the Lord had have ever had.” I asked him what he thought withdrawn, and the work was at a standstill. was the reason for this. I shall never forget his I met with the zone leader in this area to response: “It is the example of the full-time discuss what needed to be done to resolve missionaries. Our young people want to be the situation. We made it a matter of fasting just like them.” HIST Y PERMISSION OF THE NATIONAL and prayer. A few days later the zone leader In our own lives, when we find ourselves called me. “I was reading about Ammon and feeling offended or experiencing contention his experience with King Lamoni,” he said. and strife, let us consider turning the other “Ammon asked one very significant question cheek by asking the question “What can I do of King Lamoni, and I believe that question for you?” In many cases miracles will happen, USED B CARL HEINRICH BLOCH, BY will resolve our situation.” The question: peace will replace contention, and the Spirit “What wilt thou that I should do for thee, of the Lord will be in our hearts. In following O king?” (Alma 18:14). the Savior’s counsel, we will become His true

The zone leader began encouraging the disciples. ■ THE SERMON ON MOUNT,

48 Cheek

HELPS FOR HOME EVENING

Most Ensign articles can be used for family home evening discussions, personal reflections, or teaching the gospel in a variety of settings. 1. Ask everyone to complete the phrase “Turning the other cheek means ___.” Ask fam- ily members to think of times when it would have been wiser to turn the other cheek. Challenge family members to apply the Savior’s counsel. 2. Read the article to find how missionaries in one mission learned to turn the other cheek. Make missionary tags with the phrase “What can we do for you?” to help remind family members to always seek to serve.

ENSIGN FEBRUARY 2007 49 Dealing with My Parents’ Breakup NAME WITHHELD Even as an adult, I found my parents’ separation surprisingly painful and difficult.

om, why isn’t Grandpa at Grandma’s house as a result, I often felt there was no one I could lean on. anymore when we go to visit?” I’d known for While adult children of divorced parents don’t have to Msome time the question would eventually come, experience custody disputes, visitation arrangements, or yet I still wasn’t prepared with an answer. Failed marriages financial-support issues, they may still face painful emotions are not uncommon, but the topic had now become more and difficulties caused by changing family relationships. personal as I struggled to understand and deal with my Although some couples are able to go their separate ways parents’ breakup. amicably, many divorces leave parents feeling like enemies As a happily married wife and the mother of several on opposite sides of a battlefield. Adult children are often young children, I was surprised by the intensity with which expected to traverse the difficult middle ground with ease. this experience was taking hold in my life. Divorce is a life- In reality, trying to maneuver between the intricate lines transforming experience, not just for the couple who divorce and boundaries of our parents’ now separate lives can but for their children as well. Researcher and author Judith be a difficult and painful experience regardless of our age. Wallerstein, whose landmark studies have followed the chil- Just as we grieve at the death of a loved one, we will dren of divorced parents over a 25-year period, made the fol- grieve at the death of an important relationship. When a lowing statement: “One might think that the grown children loved one dies, we have the hope that our family ties will of such couples might feel sad but not devastated. After all, continue beyond the grave. However, when our parents’ they’re adults. They’re not losing the protection of an intact marriage ends, we can lose hope for that eternal family family, familiar surroundings, and other supports. But when bond. There is no mortal relationship that is more intri- we talk to them, they’re profoundly distressed.”1 cately tied to who we are, and when it ends, grief in all its At the time my parents separated, my husband was ex- stages is to be expected. periencing serious health concerns, and I quickly became Fortunately, there is help available to us if we must pass aware that my parents were so enveloped in their own tur- through this experience. While I found great benefit in the moil that they were unable to offer me the emotional sup- help of professional counselors, the most complete and last- port I desperately needed. Instead, their needs were added ing peace has come gradually, through the whisperings of the to my already heavy concerns. I wasn’t yet ready to confide Spirit of the Lord as I have prayed, attended the temple, stud- in anyone about the difficulties my parents were having, and ied the scriptures, and counseled with an inspired bishop. ILLUSTRATIONS BY CARY HENRIE, POSED BY MODELS HENRIE, POSED BY CARY BY ILLUSTRATIONS

50 Fighting Satan’s Attacks Church leaders have repeatedly warned us that Satan is ac- tively attacking the family. Using parental divorce to drive wedges of doubt into children’s marriages is one of Satan’s tactics. When my parents separated, I felt doubt and discouragement about the security of my own marriage. After all, if this could happen to my parents, wasn’t it extremely naive to believe it could atan is actively never happen to me? I also felt guilty and unjustified in my pain Sattacking the because I still had a loving companion. When I finally recognized family. The Satan as the source of the doubts, discouragement, and unjus- wedge that had tified guilt, I was able to put those feelings behind me. I also come between my realized that my husband and I have the power to protect our parents caused marriage by making a conscious effort to strengthen the love doubt and and commitment we have for each other. We who are married discouragement can be proactive in fighting Satan’s attacks on our families. to enter my own President Spencer W. Kimball (1895–1985) counseled that marriage. happiness in marriage comes “when a husband and wife go together frequently to the holy temple, kneel in prayer together in their home with their family, go hand in hand to their religious meetings, keep their lives wholly chaste,

ENSIGN FEBRUARY 2007 51 mentally and physically, . . . and both are working to- trayed if we are able to have a comfortable relationship gether for the upbuilding of the kingdom of God.”2 Judith with the former spouse—our other parent. Wallerstein’s research convinced her that a good marriage, We may feel overwhelmed by “rules” or expectations that more than any other adult relationship, has great healing have no basis in reason but are determined entirely by our potential.3 As I struggled to find peace, I was fortunate to parents’ emotions. President Howard W. Hunter (1907–95) have the powerful support and reassurance of a loving hus- gave valuable counsel when he said, “Measure whatever any- band whose shoulders were frequently wet from my tears. one else asks you to do, whether it be from your family, loved ones, your cultural heritage, or traditions you have inherited— Dealing with Challenges measure everything against the teachings of the Savior. Where In many cases, divorce will change the relationship be- you find a variance from those teachings, set that matter tween parents and their children. These changes can disrupt aside and do not pursue it. It will not bring you happiness.”5 our personal and cultural expectations of what a family is or As Latter-day Saints, we face a particularly difficult how a family should act. One evening as my husband and I challenge if a parent has adopted a new lifestyle contrary took a walk through our neighborhood, we watched as an to our own standards. We may feel that including this par- older couple in our ward welcomed their grandchildren into ent in our lives compromises our principles. Will contact their home. That simple experience sent me into an emo- with the parent and his or her lifestyle confuse our children tional tailspin as I realized that taking my children to see my about the standards we are trying to teach them? President parents would never be like the scene we had James E. Faust offered some counsel that we just witnessed. I had to accept the reality that can use in answering these questions: my parents did not fit the role I had always en- “There are three sources of guidance for visioned for them. Elder Neal A. Maxwell of the making moral judgments. First is the guid- Quorum of the Twelve Apostles (1926–2004) ance of the Holy Ghost. This is always a sure has said, “Within what is allotted to us, we can compass for those who have been baptized have spiritual contentment.”4 Once I changed and received this supernal gift. The second my expectations, I was able to accept with source is the wise counsel of priesthood gratitude whatever time and attention my par- Healing and peace are not leaders whom the Lord has put in place to ents were able to give to me and my children. possible until we are able guide us. Third, the constant demonstration Another challenge is the celebration of spe- to forgive completely. of love should temper all our judgments.”6 cial family occasions. In addition to the ques- tion of where to spend the holidays and with Healing through the Atonement whom, gatherings such as weddings, birthdays, baptisms, Perhaps one of the greatest challenges many children and baby blessings can sometimes be spoiled by tension be- face when their parents’ marriage ends is a deep feel- tween parents. We have a right to expect that at these times ing of anger. Often this anger continues long afterward. all involved will put aside their differences and not allow the Complete healing and peace are not possible until the contentious spirit of the adversary to mar special events. A anger is cleansed from our hearts and we are able to parent’s unwillingness or inability to respect our desires in forgive completely. While a counselor in the Presiding this matter may create a need to change long-standing tradi- Bishopric, Bishop H. Burke Peterson wrote, “No one can tions in the celebration of special occasions. We may need be classed as a true follower of the Savior who is not in the to reconsider which family members will be invited or ex- process of removing from his heart and mind every feeling pected to attend. of ill will, bitterness, hatred, envy, or jealousy toward an- It is likely that no matter what our course of action in other.”7 It is impossible for us to feel the complete peace dealing with changing relationships, someone in the family the Savior offers His followers unless we are willing to is not going to agree with us. A parent may feel hurt or be- let go of anger and other negative feelings and seek the

52 hisperings of W the Spirit are a sure compass and can bring peace as we pray, attend the temple, study the scriptures, and counsel with inspired priesthood leaders. healing that can be found through His Atonement. Where there is darkness, light; The pain of my parents’ separation has taught me of the And where there is sadness, joy. power of the Atonement and of the relationship among jus- O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek tice, love, and mercy. On one occasion an inspired bishop re- To be consoled as to console; minded me that justice is not my job. The Savior said, “Leave To be understood as to understand; judgment alone with me, for it is mine and I will repay” (D&C To be loved as to love. 82:23). The temple has truly become a place of revelation A wonderful feeling of peace flowed through me. I have for me, and I have felt the whisperings of the Spirit clearly realized that as I follow the teachings of the Savior and seek telling me that it is neither my right nor my responsibility the gift of charity in my life, I can respond with love to all of to punish my parents for their decisions. All I need to do is my family members regardless of their situation. As I have to love them as my parents. The scriptures clearly give the done my best to be an instrument of peace, I have experi- same message: “I, the Lord, will forgive whom I will forgive, enced the healing power of the Atonement. Anger and pain but of you it is required to forgive all men” (D&C 64:10). have been replaced by forgiveness, love, and understanding. As I tried to match my actions to my acceptance of my I know for myself that Jesus Christ bore my grief and carried parents’ now separate lives, I fervently prayed and studied my sorrow and that through Him I have been healed. ■ the teachings of the Savior. One day I found myself listen- NOTES 1. Judith Wallerstein and others, The Unexpected Legacy of Divorce ing to a beautiful piece of music which included the fol- (2000), 83. lowing words from St. Francis of Assisi: 2. Marriage and Divorce (1976), 24. 3. See Legacy of Divorce, 261. 4. “Content with the Things Allotted unto Us,” Ensign, May 2000, 72. Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace; 5. “Counsel to Students and Faculty,” Church College of New Zealand, 12 Where there is hatred, let me sow love; Nov. 1990; as quoted in Richard G. Scott, “Removing Barriers to Happiness,” Ensign, May 1998, 85. Where there is injury, pardon; 6. “The Weightier Matters of the Law: Judgment, Mercy, and Faith,” Ensign, Nov. 1997, 54. Where there is doubt, faith; 7. “Removing the Poison of an Unforgiving Spirit,” Ensign, Nov. 1983, 60. Where there is despair, hope;

ENSIGN FEBRUARY 2007 53 “MYWAYS ARE NOT YOURWAYS” BY ELDER CLAYTON M. CHRISTENSEN nine, leaving those who are lost to continue Area Seventy wandering from the Church. In every sacra- North America Northeast Area ment meeting, for example, our clerks count any of the Savior’s most profound the number of sheep who returned to the fold. teachings are counterintuitive. They store this number in a safe place for the M“Love your enemies” is an example. quarterly report, and then we go home. If we The solutions that our minds are prone to conformed our ways to God’s ways, we’d list develop are often different from those the the names of the individual members who Lord would have us pursue. “For my thoughts could have returned to the fold on that Sunday are not your thoughts, neither are your ways but didn’t come. Then we’d go find them.

When we encounter my ways, saith the Lord” (Isaiah 55:8). My friend who served as mission president roadblocks in our When we encounter roadblocks in our in France instituted a practice like this in one efforts to build the efforts to build the kingdom, the reason particular district. At the end of Sunday meet- kingdom, the reason often is that our solutions are grounded in ings, the branch councils and missionaries often is that our the wisdom of men—which is foolishness to together named the members and investiga- solutions are God (see 1 Corinthians 3:19). In this article tors who could have been there but didn’t grounded in the I will highlight five of the Savior’s teachings come. They each took an assignment to con- wisdom of men— that seem counterintuitive to the wisdom of tact one of those individuals that same day men but that have the potential to help the with this message: “We sure missed you today. which is foolishness DEL PARSON BY to God. Church and its Saints grow even stronger. Are you OK? It’s not the same for the rest of us when you can’t come. Can I help? Can you “If a man have an hundred sheep, come next Sunday?” Within two years, sacra- LAMB, THE LOST 1and one of them be gone astray, ment meeting attendance in the district doth he not leave the ninety and nine, increased from 540 to 725—in a region where and goeth into the mountains, and convert baptisms are infrequent. seeketh that which is gone astray?” We should be careful not to offend mem- (Matthew 18:12). bers who deliberately do not want to attend. The Savior taught that good shepherds go But helping each member who only occa- after individual sheep that don’t return to the sionally returns to the fold on Sunday to feel fold. Yet we frequently focus on the ninety and needed and feel our love is a simple practice

54 he Savior taught that good shepherds go T after individual sheep. Helping each member who only occasionally returns to the fold feel needed and loved is a simple practice that every ward and branch can begin.

that every ward and branch can begin. Many less-active people to fill key callings, denying others experiences in members got that way because they didn’t return to the which personal growth can occur. When a branch is just fold one Sunday and nobody seemed to notice. emerging and there are no alternatives, leaders extend call- ings to people who don’t fit the traditional mold of talented, “ . . . by the weak and the simple” (D&C 1:23). 2 capable leaders and invite them to assume important responsibility. During such periods, the branch and its mem- Some wards and branches suffer from inadequate leader- bers often grow in exciting ways. Many times, however, ship. The reason is often that we rely on the same qualified there comes a point when a group of talented, experienced

ENSIGN FEBRUARY 2007 55 leaders and teachers has coalesced. When raised the bar to improve our missionary there are capable people available to ensure work. But this doesn’t solve the underlying that Church programs run efficiently, we often problem, that we’re preparing only a small stop drafting people from the periphery of fraction of the young people on our mem- BY JAMES TAYLOR HARWOOD JAMES TAYLOR BY capability into the positions of responsibility , bership rolls to become committed, coura- in which they can grow. Because they seem geous missionaries. less qualified than those in the experienced Why are we not doing better in this crucial core, we leave them on the periphery. The area? One reason may be that the focus of experienced leaders and teachers play musical many parents and youth leaders is to help

chairs, exchanging positions of responsibility. CHRIST CALLING PETER AND ANDREW our youth find their lives. Too often we This is not the Lord’s way. Building His one of define strong youth programs as those with Church on the backs of the simple and weak Jesus’s a large “critical mass” of youth, well-planned (see D&C 1:19) was not a temporary, stop-gap Noriginal activities, and opportunities for Latter-day staffing plan to tide the Church over during its Twelve Apostles had Saint friendships. These are good things to early years until enough experienced, com- evidenced adequate have. But while we work so hard to provide mitted, qualified leaders had arrived on the experience or enriching experiences for our youth, we scene. The Lord deliberately weakened commitment when sometimes deny them the most important Gideon’s army so that Israel wouldn’t get He called them. opportunity of all—the chance to lose their confused about whose power had led them to lives for the sake of the gospel. victory (see Judges 6; 7). None of Jesus’s original Twelve The Savior’s formula for converting our hearts to His Apostles had evidenced adequate experience or commit- cause is unambiguous. He instructs us to lose our lives in ment when He called them. Enoch, Moses, Samuel, David, His service. I recently asked a stake Young Women presi- Jeremiah, Amos, and Joseph Smith were unqualified by the dent how she kept her girls active, given the lack of a “criti- world’s standards when the Lord put them to work. But cal mass” in some branches in her stake. She responded: God transformed them. “Their faithfulness has little to do with how many girls there We will build greater strength and our wards and are. What matters is whether they learn to love serving branches will grow when we stop relying solely on the God. I grew up in a little branch. When I was 12 our branch strongest members—when the experienced and most tal- organist moved, and though I could barely play the piano, ented of our leaders are called to supporting roles, to train I was called to be the branch organist. I practiced and prac- and help those who can become strong as they serve in ticed those hymns. I wouldn’t have thought of missing positions into which they can grow. sacrament meeting, because the branch needed me. At 15 I was called to teach Primary. I loved those kids. Do you “For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but think I’d have missed church or done something that 3 whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the would have been a bad example? Never. They needed me. gospel’s, the same shall save it” (Mark 8:35). My transition from Young Women to Relief Society was easy The percentage of potential missionaries who serve and natural because I had learned to love serving the Lord.” missions is considerably less than it should be. Mission A strong youth program is not defined by the numbers presidents also find that many of those who accept mis- of youth. Nor is it defined by the charisma of youth lead- sion calls are not prepared for the rigors of the work or to ers. Rather, it is one that gives every young person the

teach the gospel with competence and conviction. We’ve opportunity to lose his or her life for the sake of the Savior. ROBERT CASEY BY PHOTOGRAPH

56 n one stake, leaders began Ia concerted effort to give their young men opportunities A few years ago the Young Men leaders were actively attending the ward’s Sunday to lose their lives in a ward in the Boston Massachusetts Stake, meetings. Each had a calling that made it in serving the Lord. were troubled. Only 3 of 35 young men on important for him to be there. the membership rolls were attending church, Children whose families provide opportuni- and it had been years since anyone from the ties to lose their lives for the sake of the gospel ward had served a mission. Attempts to reacti- generally aren’t those at risk. The youth whose vate and retain these young men through lives leaders need most urgently to influence interesting activities fell short, as activities in are those whose parents do not regularly enroll Boston’s schools and community proved to them in the Savior’s service. A strong youth be formidable competitors for these young program isn’t one that coddles these at-risk men’s interests. The stake and ward Young youth. Rather, it will give them opportunities to Men leaders then began a concerted effort sacrifice in the service of God, to feel needed in to give their young men opportunities to lose the Church and feel the Spirit as they serve. their lives in serving the Lord. The active If the reason for attending church between young men were given assignments each ages 12 and 18 is fellowship and fun, then week to contact quorum members who Relief Society and elders quorum can be a missed Sunday meetings and to arrange trans- portation for them to come the next week. The boys who began attending church again were given assignments to contact others who weren’t attending. Some were called to take the sacrament to shut-in members each Sunday. One was called to set Duty to God Award goals with each young man and to follow up by tracking progress weekly. Within two years 16 young men becoming like a child in the context of mis- sionary work. Long ago I had concluded that it was quite simple to administer the mechan- ics of missionary meetings, but I could not lead that work with passion and credibility unless I could speak in present-tense verbs and first-person pronouns about finding people for the missionaries to teach. I have learned to use terms that associate me with Mormonism in my conversations—comments about my mission to Korea, my children’s PHOTOGRAPH BY CHRISTINA SMITH BY PHOTOGRAPH missions, my assignments in the Church, my here is a shock: they aren’t very fun. The burden of having attended Brigham Young University, calling far adult discipleship looms heavy if young peo- and so on. These comments open the door T higher than ple have never shouldered the Savior’s yoke. for a conversation about the Church. Most that of stake His message “For my yoke is easy, and my who notice that I have opened this door president, bishop, burden is light” (Matthew 11:30) runs choose not to walk through it. A few do, how- or Relief Society counter to the wisdom of man. More of ever, usually saying, “So you’re a Mormon?” I president. It is to be our young people will serve missions and then ask if they’d like to learn more about us. a doer of good, a become faithful adults if our ward leaders In my attempt to lead by example a few disciple of Christ, spot the riskiness of their situation when they years ago, I had set October 15 as a goal by an intermediary are young and invite them to try the yoke which I hoped to find someone for the mis- through whom God on—not just in once-a-year service projects sionaries to teach. By mid-September, how- answers others’ but in serving side-by-side with adults on a ever, I had not been able to find anyone who prayers. weekly basis in callings where they will feel expressed any interest. I was extremely busy the Spirit as they do the Lord’s work. with my employment and my Church calling and simply could see no way to meet any new “Ye must . . . become as a little child, or people by my date of October 15. I began to 4 ye can in nowise inherit the kingdom of feel that because I was doing all I could to God” (3 Nephi 11:38). serve in the Church, it would be OK if just Few of the Savior’s statements are as that once I didn’t find someone for the counterintuitive to the wisdom of man as missionaries to teach. this one—which invites adults to abandon Rather than accept this impossibility, how- much of what they have learned about the ever, I felt impressed instead to follow the impossible and to trust in God as innocently Savior’s command and seek the faith of a lit- as little children do. A factor that often seems tle child. I shifted the focus of my prayers and to restrain the Church’s progress is the fasting, pleading that because I had no more reluctance of some of our best and busiest time to find someone, I needed someone leaders to do this. who wanted to know about the Church to I learned an important lesson about cross my path. I pledged that when I met that

58 person I would invite him or her to come to But God has an infinite mind. He needs no our home and meet with the missionaries. statistics above the level of the individual in On October 12 my wife, Christine, and I order to have a perfect understanding of spoke at an institute fireside. A sweet, warm what is happening. This means, I realized, spirit was present. Afterward, a Harvard grad- that the way God will measure my life is not BY PAUL MANN PAUL BY uate student approached me and asked: by the numbers of people over whom I have “Professor Christensen, I understand that presided but by the individual people whose sometimes when someone wants to learn lives I have touched with His love and with about your church they can meet with mis- the gospel of Jesus Christ. sionaries to take lessons. Is there any way I NAAMAN CURED OF LEPROSY, With this sense of my most important could do this in your home?” I stood there ust as calling, I began to fast and pray that God stunned. It was all I could do to not start cry- Naaman had to would give me opportunities daily to bless ing. She had no idea how directly God had Jovercome initial and help people. As I acted upon the answered my pleadings through her. skepticism when promptings I received, it was as if God When Moroni foresaw that many in the last Elisha prescribed a spoke to me more frequently because He days would believe God had ceased to be a simple cure for his knew I was listening. This period in my life God of miracles (Mormon 9:15–20), perhaps leprosy, we need proved to be one of extraordinary spiritual he had in his view not just those of other faiths faith to follow God’s growth. There is a calling far higher than but some of us as well. When we are doing all simple instructions— that of stake president, bishop, or Relief we can and our leaders ask us to do even to believe. Society president. It is to be a doer of good, more, miracles are the only option. That is why a disciple of Christ, an intermediary through the Savior asked us to forsake the rational limits of our whom God answers others’ prayers. adult minds and employ the faith of little children instead. We Need Faith “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto the least of Just as Naaman had to overcome initial skepticism when 5 these my brethren, ye have done it unto me” Elisha prescribed a simple cure for his leprosy (see 2 Kings (Matthew 25:40). “Out of small things proceedeth 5:1–14), we need faith to follow God’s simple instructions— that which is great” (D&C 64:33). to believe, for example, that if we call upon our youth to Despite the Savior’s assurances that the small things are lose their lives in the service of the Savior, it will cement the big things, many in the Church feel inferior for never them in the Church and not drive them from it. It takes faith having served in presidencies or bishoprics. Others who to expect that if we call the humblest and weakest to posi- have served in leadership positions feel “put out to pas- tions of responsibility, God will magnify them to succeed. ture” when given a less-prominent calling. Can leaders with no free time find people for the missionar- I once felt passed over when another man was called to ies to teach? Will great things result if we release some of the a leadership position I had felt I might receive. In the crisis most talented members and call them to bring the love and of self-confidence that ensued, I realized that because our blessings of God to those of His children who need truth minds are finite, we create hierarchies and statistically and comfort? It takes faith to take God at His word. But aggregate people. We perceive stake presidents to be when the forces of evil seem to be standing in our way as we higher than bishops and Primary presidents higher than serve in the kingdom of God, may we prayerfully consider Primary teachers because they preside over more people. solutions that are God’s ways and not man’s. ■

ENSIGN FEBRUARY 2007 59 Never Alone

BY ANNE GRENZEBACH magine that you have decided to join a church different My grandmother had tears in her eyes when she said, from the one you were raised in. Now imagine telling “Annie girl, if you serve this mission, you will break my Iyour family. How would they react? Would they be sup- heart.” I told her that a mission was something I had portive or disappointed in you? If you were to lose their been prompted to do, and if I didn’t serve, I would be friendship, would converting to another faith be worth it? disobeying Heavenly Father. These are some of the concerns I faced a While I prepared for my mission I found few years ago when I was investigating the s the only comfort and strength within my ward family. Church. A friend advised me to follow my Church They did an amazing job of helping me heart and believe that the Lord would help A member adjust to the lifestyle changes that come me overcome my fears of rejection by family in my family, with being a Church member, and they gave and friends. With that simple faith, I moved I’ve found several me support in coping with the opposition forward and was baptized in April 2002. pillars of strength of my family. I found it easier to persevere Being the only Church member in your in the gospel. despite the frustrations by immersing myself family is not an easy path. There is no family in the Church through callings, activities, support to help you keep your covenants, and going on exchanges with the mission- read your scriptures daily, and do the little aries. Also, I lived close to Palmyra, New things to continue building your testimony. Staying moti- York, so I often found myself sitting in the Sacred Grove, PHOTOGRAPH BY KIMBERLY WEBB, BACKGROUND BY WELDEN C. ANDERSEN BY BACKGROUND WEBB, KIMBERLY BY PHOTOGRAPH vated falls squarely on your shoulders. As the only Church pondering my situation and seeking peace. member in my family, I’ve found my pillars of strength to be immersing myself in the Church, sharing the gospel with Serving Families others, focusing on temple work, and never losing hope Although I had support from my ward, I still felt frus- that my family will someday join the Church. trated and misunderstood by my family. Everything they knew about the Church they had learned from outside Support amid Opposition sources, and they would not accept anything I told them. Until I joined the Church, I had never seriously disap- I tried to discuss the gospel with them and correct their pointed my family. When I joined, I knew they felt betrayed, misconceptions, but I never seemed to succeed in reach- and I felt horrible for hurting them so much. I continued in ing common ground. The gap separating me from my the Church because I knew in my heart that it was what the loved ones was widening, and I did not know how to Lord wanted for me—and for them. narrow it. By the time I left on my mission to Virginia, I had I was not living close to home at the time. Whenever almost lost hope that my family would ever show interest in I visited, I was met with accusations and insults. The the Church. situation worsened when I decided to serve a mission. Through my letters home, I continued my efforts to

60 y ward family Msupported me in coping with the opposition from my family, and I found additional peace by pondering share the gospel. I remember inviting my Blessings through the Temple my situation while father to meet with the missionaries. He said When Elder Henry B. Eyring of the Quorum in the Sacred Grove. frankly that he was not interested. Reading his of the Twelve Apostles got up to speak at the response was one of the hardest experiences April 2005 general conference, I felt a strong of my mission, but it gave me a greater drive impression that I needed to pay close atten- to work hard and share the gospel with any- tion to what he was about to say. He started one willing to listen. I came to realize that his talk with these words: “My message is to everyone is someone’s family member and those who are converts to the Church. . . . that by helping one person I might be answer- You are not the exception in the Church. To ing someone else’s prayers. I strive to con- you I wish to say how much the Lord loves tinue in my efforts in sharing the gospel, even you and trusts you. And even more, I wish to though I am no longer a full-time missionary. tell you how much He depends on you.”1

ENSIGN FEBRUARY 2007 61 ven though I He spoke of how converts should never Continuing in Hope am no longer stop trying to share the gospel with their fam- My mom came to pick me up from my mis- Ea full-time ilies. He then explained that another impor- sion, and it happened to be October general missionary, I strive tant aspect of missionary work within the conference weekend. She watched three of to continue sharing family is temple work. the conference sessions with me and enjoyed the gospel. Family Elder Eyring’s words inspired me to make them so much that she asked for them on history work and goals about temple attendance and family DVD for Christmas. To me, this was a miracle service in the temple history work. I have found much fulfillment to let me know that I need not lose hope. also bring peace and in taking family names to the temple and At the present time, no one in my family happiness. have received some amazing, unexpected has shown much interest in joining the blessings in the process. It has greatly Church, but I feel it will happen one day— increased my connection with those on the whether in this life or the next. Our relation- other side of the veil. I have seen miracles ship has improved so greatly that I know it as I’ve tried to find their names, and I have was not through my own efforts but through felt their presence while performing their the workings of the Spirit. Heavenly Father ordinances. blesses us with miracles and the righteous Another blessing came when I saw my desires of our hearts when we are striving to grandmother for the first time after my mis- do His will. I have felt His strength and sup- sion. She gave me a list of names to take to port to move forward, and I know that I will the temple. She also talked about how she never be alone in His true Church. ■

wanted to read the “Mormon book” because NOTE she remembered her father reading it. She 1. “Hearts Bound Together,” Liahona and Ensign, May 2005, 77. now calls me every week to talk about what she has learned from the Book of Mormon. Prior to leaving on my mission, I had WHEN YOU’RE THE ONLY ONE felt an impression that my grandmother’s • Find comfort and strength in your ward or husband—who died in 1996, before I joined branch family. the Church—was striving to help soften her • Seek peace and direction through prayer. heart. While I was in the Missionary Training • Share the gospel with others. Remember that Center, the elders in my district did his tem- everyone has a family, and you may be the ple work. Sitting in the celestial room, I was answer to someone else’s prayer. overwhelmed with the idea of my entire fam- • Participate in family history and temple work. ily being there together. I like to think that • Never give up hope that your family may some my grandfather is doing all he can to help day accept the gospel. our family accept the gospel. PHOTOGRAPH OF SKY © GETTY IMAGES; PALMYRA NEW YORK TEMPLE BY CRAIG DIMOND TEMPLE BY NEW YORK PALMYRA © GETTY IMAGES; OF SKY PHOTOGRAPH

62 Prayer of Thanks BY LARRY HILLER Church Magazines What began as a simple prayer of thanks opened my eyes to the immeasurable blessings I have received from the Lord.

here I was on my knees beside the bed, ready to say and the great-great-grandmother in England who accepted my personal prayers—prayers that were so often full the message of the restored gospel. Tof petitions and pleas. Now, however, the thought Grateful for my testimony and Church membership, I came into my heart that I needed to offer a prayer of thanks then found myself thinking of how much I owed Joseph only. How long would such a prayer take? I didn’t know, but Smith and the great prophets before and since. And then I did know that if I offered the usual short list of thanks, came thoughts of my own humble teachers in Primary and there would be little risk of falling asleep on my knees. Sunday School, in Aaronic Priesthood and seminary, who

PHOTOGRAPH BY ROBERT CASEY, POSED BY MODEL POSED BY ROBERT CASEY, BY PHOTOGRAPH I paused for a while before starting and realized that I patiently taught the gospel to this smart-mouthed kid. did need to make one request of the Lord—that He open I’m no Enos (see Enos 1:4), but for me this turned into my eyes to my blessings. a fairly long prayer because the Spirit continued prompting Beginning to pray, I found myself expressing thanks for me. I am also no Enoch, who beheld all the inhabitants of the same things I always acknowledge in my prayers—my the earth (see Moses 7:21). But in my own limited way, I wife and children, my testimony and Church membership, saw more clearly than ever how my life has been blessed and my health. But this time I found myself contemplating by the goodness of countless others. each of those blessings, pausing, allowing the Spirit to I was also left with the distinct impression that the flow of deepen my understanding. A pattern of prayer mingled blessings into my life was deeper and broader than I could with meditation began. comprehend. As I gave thanks for my health, I understood Giving thanks for my wife, I was led to a deeper realiza- that I had been protected and preserved innumerable times, tion of how much I owed to her deceased parents for the that I had been blissfully unaware of the harmful infections I nurture that had produced this woman who is, in turn, never contracted and the accidents that never happened such a blessing to me. because the hand of the Lord was over me. In how many Expressing gratitude for my own parents brought other ways had I been blessed without even knowing? thoughts of my more distant ancestors. Understanding Perhaps the answer won’t come until I stand to be flowed into my mind that they had endured lives much judged and I see my life with penetrating clarity. Then, harder than mine. They had lived according to the light despite my present attempts to be gratefully aware, I available to them in their time. Family traditions of good- expect to be astonished and overwhelmed. All of these ness and honor produced the grandparents in Germany lessons I learned from a prayer of thanks. ■

ENSIGN FEBRUARY 2007 63 REACHING OUT MournTO THOSE WHO

64 BY LARENE HALLING PETERSEN more neighbors, a young couple, stopped by and invited my children and me to go with them for ice cream. By After the loss of my husband, I learned the time we got home, I felt I could face the next day. what it means to comfort those These charitable people didn’t feel the need to bring food or a gift when they visited me. They didn’t feel the who stand in need. need to know me well in order to come. Some of my n April 15, 1981, Russ, my husband of 11 years, choicest experiences have been these spur-of-the-moment was killed in a car accident on his way home from visits, when people knocked on my door unannounced Owork. I was left with four small children, ages 10, and simply said, “I’ve been thinking about you and just 7, 3, and 2. Looking back on the days and weeks following felt I should come.” I don’t suppose these people know the accident, I can almost feel the cold numbness inside how much their visits helped, but I do know the Lord sent me that I felt then. I don’t remember much about those them in answer to my prayers. days, but I do remember the love and compassion I received from others. It made those dark days bearable. A Helpful Hand Extended We often include in our prayers a plea for the Lord to I found that the little things people did for me meant “comfort those that stand in need of comfort” (see Mosiah so much: neighborhood fathers who played soccer and 18:9). But how often do we take the opportunity to be the baseball with my sons; the neighbor who took all three one who gives the comfort? So many times we feel uncom- of my sons on a fathers and sons’ outing; the many invita- fortable around someone who is suffering a loss because tions I received to lunch or to go shopping; offers to stay we don’t know what to say or do. I too have arrived at a with my children so I could get away for a while; neighbors viewing or funeral wondering what I would say. However, who tilled and planted my garden; the handshakes and through my own experience I learned about what someone cheery hellos from ward members at church; and the very in mourning needs, as well as what others can do to help. special friend who said, “Call me anytime, day or night, and I’ll be there.” And she was. Visitors When I Needed Them During the days before and after my husband’s funeral, Compassionate Communication I had so many people visit, and I truly felt the love of Christ Through my experience I also gained insight into the from those who came. But, inevitably, the day came when communication between one who mourns and one who visitors had to leave, friends had to return home to their gives comfort. As friend after friend came through the line own families, and I was alone. When some of the numbness at Russ’s viewing, too overcome to speak, all we could do wore off and reality began to sink in, I realized how alone was hug each other—no words were necessary. Others I was. As I knelt by my bed on one occasion, the tears flow- I didn’t know as well would simply squeeze my hand or ing freely, I cried over and over to my Heavenly Father: pat my shoulder. If they spoke at all, the simple words “Please send someone to me. I can’t be alone tonight.” “I’m so sorry” were all I needed to know they cared. Five minutes later a sister in my ward, whom I didn’t Then during the following weeks and even months, know well, knocked on the door. She said she had been I often needed to talk. I found that those who helped the thinking about me and decided to drop by. She stayed for most were those who let me talk instead of talking to me. about 30 minutes, and as she was leaving a neighbor came They didn’t tell me to feel a certain way, or to be grateful for

ILLUSTRATIONS BY DIXON LEAVITT DIXON BY ILLUSTRATIONS over just to see if I was all right. Before this neighbor left, the blessings I had. I was grateful for the many blessings I

ENSIGN FEBRUARY 2007 65 THEIR LIVES MANIFEST LOVE had received, but I still struggled with had never existed. It was so much many emotions. I felt so much better “Those who journey to easier when they would mention when someone would say, “I under- higher ground love the his name in a natural way and allow stand that you feel that way, and Lord with all their me to take it from there if I wished. that’s OK.” This allowed me to open hearts. . . . They also Two weeks after Russ died, up and experience my emotions in love Heavenly Father’s I told the Lord I would accept order to effectively deal with them. children, and their Russ’s death and asked Him to I noticed many people were lives manifest that love. They care for guide me in what He wanted me afraid to mention Russ’s name for their brothers and sisters. They nur- to do and be. Though I was by ture, serve, and sustain their spouses fear it would remind me of painful myself at times, I was never really and children. In the spirit of love and things. But because I was already alone. I made steps toward dealing kindness, they build up those around thinking about him most of the with my husband’s death, and them. They give freely of their sub- time, what a relief it was when peo- Heavenly Father did His part to stance to others. They mourn with ple opened the subject and I was make sure I had the help I needed those that mourn and comfort those free to express my thoughts. The when I needed it. I am grateful to that stand in need of comfort.” hardest times of all were those when those who acted on those words so people would avoid talking about Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin of the Quorum of the often used in prayer: “Comfort those Twelve Apostles, “Journey to Higher Ground,” Russ, almost acting as though he Ensign, Nov. 2005, 19. who stand in need of comfort.” ■

found that the little things people did for I me meant so much, like the neighborhood fathers who played baseball with my sons. VISITING TEACHING MESSAGE

not . . . enough for us to be convinced of the gospel; we must act and think Become an Instrument in the Hands so that we are converted by it. In of God by Strengthening Your contrast to the institutions of the world, which teach us to know some- Personal Testimony of Jesus Christ thing, the gospel of Jesus Christ chal- lenges us to become something. . . . Prayerfully select and Jan. 2002, 101–3; Ensign, This is achieved not just by doing read from this message Nov. 2001, 87–88). what is right, but by doing it for the scriptures and Bishop Keith B. the right reason—for the pure teachings that meet the McMullin, Second love of Christ. . . . Charity, needs of the sisters you visit. Share Counselor in the ‘the pure love of Christ’ your experiences and testimony. Invite Presiding Bishopric: (Moro. 7:47), is not an those you teach to do the same. “Acquiring . . . a testi- act but a condition or mony does not . . . state of being. Charity is How Can I Strengthen My Testimony? come without personal attained through a succes- Alma 32:27: “Experiment upon my effort. One must desire sion of acts that result in a con- words, and exercise a particle of faith, to know, study to learn, version. Charity is something yea, even if ye can no more than desire live to merit, and pray to one becomes” to believe, let this desire work in you.” receive. When so pur- (“The Challenge Elder Richard G. Scott of the sued in humility and faith, to Become,” Quorum of the Twelve Apostles: the knowledge comes, Liahona, Jan. “Honestly evaluate your personal life. and with this knowledge 2001, 40–42; How strong is your own testimony? comes both the sweet assur- Ensign, Nov. 2000, Is it truly a sustaining power in your ance that all will be well and the 32–34). life, or is it more a hope that what you inner strength to make it so” Anne C. have learned is true? . . . Your testi- (“Jesus, the Very Thought of Thee,” Pingree, second counselor in the mony will be fortified as you exercise Liahona and Ensign, May 2004, 33). Relief Society general presidency: faith in Jesus Christ, “We can rejoice together in the in His teachings, How Can My Testimony Lead Me restored gospel of Jesus Christ, grate- PHOTOGRAPH BY HYUN-GYU LEE, POSED BY MODEL; PHOTOGRAPH OF TOOLS BY CRAIG DIMOND; BORDER © ARTBEATS BY OF TOOLS HYUN-GYU BY LEE, MODEL; POSED BY PHOTOGRAPH PHOTOGRAPH and in His limit- to Do God’s Will? fully acknowledging the blessing of less power. . . . Moroni 10:32: “Come unto Christ, having a testimony of the Savior and A powerful tes- and be perfected in him, and deny His Atonement for each of us. This timony distills yourselves of all ungodliness; and if I know—our individual efforts to from quiet moments ye shall deny yourselves of all ungod- become instruments in the hands of prayer and pondering. . . . liness, and love God with all your of God have not been easy and have A strong testimony comes line upon might, mind and strength, then is his stretched us spiritually, enriching our line, precept upon precept. It requires grace sufficient for you, that by his mortal journeys in the most personal, faith, time, consistent obedience, and grace ye may be perfect in Christ.” glorious ways” (“Knowing the Lord’s a willingness to sacrifice” (“The Power Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Will for You,” Liahona and Ensign, of a Strong Testimony,” Liahona, Quorum of the Twelve Apostles: “It is Nov. 2005, 114). ■

ENSIGN FEBRUARY 2007 67 LATTER-DAY SAINT VOICES

the number of members in the stake, During the Saturday evening stake conference was divided into two session of conference, we noted a A Last-Minute sessions. Our three sons who were change. Elder L. Whitney Clayton of Change attending a singles ward in the stake the Seventy had been assigned to our were assigned to the morning ses- conference at the last minute, replac- By Jackie Auman sion. The rest of the family was to ing the Area Seventy. n November 2001 my younger attend the afternoon session. My On Sunday afternoon Elder Clayton sister was diagnosed with a serious husband and I decided that attending began by saying he felt impressed to Iform of cancer. She was 45 years the morning session as a family would completely change his talk. The Spirit old and the mother of four sons, be best. Shortly after we made that told him he needed to speak to a one serving a mission in Portugal. decision, however, my husband and family present that day. I immediately Immediately, her ward and stake in I were invited to offer the sensed that he would be speaking , as well as her family, began to prayers for the afternoon to our family. He told of a stake presi- fast and pray in her behalf. But before session. So we dent whose wife was diagnosed with the end of May, the cancer had won changed our plans. cancer. After much prayer and fasting the battle, and she fell into a coma. After we received priesthood blessings and prayed fervently, we decided to remove her from life support. The doctors assured us that her passing would be quick. But eight days later her status had remained the same, making each day long and grievous. The previous few months had been a time of reflection for our family. We loved my sister, and although we understood the plan of salva- tion, it was difficult at times to have faith in the Lord that all would be well. Somehow we felt that if we had enough faith, my sister would be cured. So we questioned the power of that faith. We knew that Heavenly Father hears and answers prayers, lder Clayton began by saying but we were devastated by His he felt impressed to completely answer and unable to feel at peace. Echange his talk. The Spirit told Our stake conference in Utah him he needed to speak to a family was scheduled for June 2, with a visit present that day. from an Area Seventy. Because of

68 by family members, friends, and members of her stake, she had fully recovered. Elder Clayton then talked about another stake president, one whose Jesus Christ and hoped to find a wife had died of cancer during his church to strengthen my faith in Him. service as stake president. She left in such a One day there came into our house several small children in his care. way that he could hear the Spirit and a large picture book called Buffalo Many people had also fasted and respond accordingly. Our spirits were Bill’s Wild West Annual. I do not prayed for her recovery. This story touched in indescribable ways by know where it came from. At the time was particularly touching to Elder that experience. I thought that perhaps one of my Clayton because this woman was his The next day we received the call friends had brought it over and forgot- wife’s only sister. telling us my sister had passed away. ten to take it home. It had picture sto- Elder Clayton went on to explain Although we were saddened, a sweet ries of Buffalo Bill and Billy the Kid,

ILLUSTRATIONS BY SAM LAWLOR BY ILLUSTRATIONS that no matter how much faith is spirit of comfort was in our home as just the kind of information that was exercised at times like these, some- we prayed for her family—this time important to a boy who wanted to be times the answer is no. Then he read with full confidence that the Lord’s a cowboy. It also told the story in pic- what has become one of our family’s will had been done—and thanked tures of a persecuted people who favorite scriptures, Daniel 3:17–18: Him for His precious answer to our were expelled from a beautiful city by “If it be so, our God whom we prayers. ■ a lawless mob and forced to trek hun- serve is able to deliver us from the dreds of miles and endure endless tor- burning fiery furnace, and he will ment before they established a new deliver us out of thine hand, O king. home in a western “But if not, be it known unto thee, I Remembered wilderness. Each O king, that we will not serve thy little picture told gods, nor worship the golden image the Crickets which thou hast set up” (emphasis By Dennis Birks added). Elder Clayton did not speak of was born in England in 1942 into any doctrine that was new to us that a loving family of a mother, father, afternoon. But a miracle happened I and sister. When I was seven, that left us in awe. The Lord made we were blessed with another sure we would be in attendance dur- addition to our family—a baby boy. ing the afternoon session by inspir- My mother loved the Savior but ing someone to ask us to pray. He was not a member of any also arranged for one of His servants, particular church. She would one who had had an experience attend the nearest church and similar to ours, to speak to us. And encourage my sister and me to finally, He gave us someone wise attend with her. Consequently, and obedient who had lived his life I learned a great deal about

ENSIGN FEBRUARY 2007 69 lessons before she could be baptized! So we all joined the Church—first my brother, then I joined a week a dramatic story later, and my mother was baptized of suffering and faith, and the story and confirmed a week after that. My included a few pictures of a miracle father held out for 21 years but finally involving crickets eating crops and undertake joined in 1985. We were all sealed in seagulls eating crickets. a series of discussions. the Sydney temple a year later. I read the story several times I listened to the missionaries I have been to Salt Lake City sev- before I realized that the poor, per- but had no intention of joining the eral times and have visited Church secuted people were members of a Church, especially when I learned historic sites in Palmyra, Kirtland, and church. Then it slowly dawned on about tithing. One day, however, one Nauvoo. In all the places I go, I am me that this church was the one that of the missionaries started talking reminded of the story in the Buffalo I was looking for. I wanted to join about some pioneers who had been Bill picture book and never cease to that church. Unfortunately, I was pre- forced to make a long march to a place thank the Lord for bringing it into my sented with a problem. The last pic- called Salt Lake City. I pricked up my life when I was a boy of 10. ■ ture in the story described Salt Lake ears and started to ask questions. Was City, Utah. From another source I this the church with the crickets and was able to learn that Utah was in the seagulls? When he mentioned Brigham United States of America. Since I had Young, I immediately recognized the One Person, no hope of traveling from England name and realized I had arrived at a to Utah, I would have to give up my major crossroads in my life. If I was to One Bucket plan of joining the Church. It never join any church, this was the one. By James W. Ritchie occurred to me that the Church The problem of tithing was solved might be located anywhere other when I learned about the Word of n July 12, 2004, I awoke at than the United States. Wisdom. I calculated that I spent 10 about 5:20 a.m. and took my And so matters rested until 11 percent of my income on cigarettes O regular peek out the window. years later. By that time my family and alcohol. So by paying tithing I The guard at our compound gate was had immigrated to Australia and set- would not be any worse off financially, very much awake. A lady was shaking tled in Sydney. There my brother and the money would be put to a far her fingers in his face, and another began investigating a new religion. better use than clogging my lungs 25 women were standing against the He brought home a few pamphlets with black tar and poisoning my liver. fence, each carrying one or more that interested me and said he would In the meantime, my brother empty buckets or basins. I quickly got ask the elders to call. I agreed, think- had also given the pamphlets to my dressed and went out. ing I would be visited by a couple of mother. She agreed to read them on The water had been shut off distinguished old men. I was quite the train to work that day. When she the day before in Tema—a city of surprised when two young men came home in the evening, she was 100,000—and for miles around. about my own age called and taught totally converted to the Church. She No one had had water for about 24 me the basics of the plan of salva- was disappointed to hear that she hours, and panic was beginning to tion. I was intrigued and agreed to had to have a series of missionary brew. We hadn’t noticed the problem

70 LATTER-DAY SAINT VOICES

because the Ghana Missionary custodian. I asked the custodian what producing water for these very thirsty Training Center, where I was serving the Savior would do. I asked him to people. The tap never stopped. And as MTC president, has a large storage ponder the good or the bad will that the people were so grateful. tank, and we pumped from that stor- our decision would generate. I told Another wonderful thing happened age whenever we needed water. Even him that the water might very well run during this crisis. We checked the MTC though no fresh water was being out in our tap, but it would be better if storage tank, and it was only half full. added, we were living off our storage. it ran out with a neighbor’s bucket We didn’t want to advertise that we Also, for some reason, there was catching the last drop. He agreed, and still some water in our meetinghouse’s we opened the gate and tried to outdoor tap (in the same guarded create order among the ever- compound), and someone had alerted increasing crowd of people who the masses that the Mormons had were running to get in. We water. They were coming from all over begged them to limit their with their pails to fetch it. The custo- take to “one person, one had this water because dian had beaten me to the meeting- bucket.” It was now about we thought we could save it house and was opposed to letting 6:15. The line was long and for real emergencies if the anyone in. He was sure it was only a the water pressure low, but crisis went on for days. But matter of a very short time before we the tap kept producing. then a pickup truck with sev- would also be without water. We believed the water eral large barrels in the back I summoned the would stop. Nowhere else in pulled into the compound. It omeone had guard and the town was anyone getting was from the Tema General alerted the water. We had everyone Hospital. They also had a large Smasses that join us in prayer and ask storage tank for emergencies, the Mormons had Heavenly Father but it was already empty, and water. They were to let this one tap they had thirsty patients. So we coming from all continue let them back their truck up to over with their the MTC tank and fill their bar- pails to fetch it. rels from our emergency supply. We told them to come back for more if needed. We would share until our cache was gone. They were grateful. At about 3:00 p.m. that after- noon, the water in the city was restored, and those in line took their empty buckets and ran home. But the good feelings still linger. ■

ENSIGN FEBRUARY 2007 71 RANDOM SAMPLER

encourage “We Love You” days than the special activities and decora- “We Love You” throughout the year to honor each tions, however, is our time spent family member. Some of our favorite together as a family, telling our loved Days activities for making our loved ones ones how much they mean to us. feel special include writing loving Erica Farr, Nevada e Love You” days began messages and hiding them in plastic when our family decided eggs or holding treasure hunts with Wto help our then three-year- similar “treasure” notes. We have also Our Family old who was struggling with temper made posters, service coupons, treats, tantrums. One particular day we and favorite Storybook filled our home with thoughtful meals. And oloring pictures and reading expressions of to “officially” stories are two things children our love for grant them roy- Clove. So why not combine him. His alty status, we’ve them with a bit of family history for a response was so even made paper creative, meaningful gift? My daughter- positive that we crowns and pillow- in-law, Katie, did just that while pre- decided to case capes. More serving some memories my son, important John, had of his grandfather. She printed one or two simple sen- tences per page to form a booklet highlighting events of my father’s life. After telling the story, John asked his children to illustrate each page. Since my grandchildren didn’t know their great-grandfather well, this was a special way for them to learn about him. With the fin- ished copy in hand, they then paid him a visit. My dad was visibly touched to receive this uniquely per- sonalized tribute. You could help your children or grandchildren to create a simi- lar book, featuring your own life ex- periences or singling out a specific incident. Remember to keep your storytelling simple. Then laminate the finished pages and bind them at a local copy center, or simply slip them into archival sheet protectors

72 LEFT: ILLUSTRATION BY JOE FLORES; RIGHT: ILLUSTRATION BY BETH WHITTAKER during sacramentmeeting. feel theinfluenceofHoly Ghost fromthetalksand prepared tolearn at church.Asaresult,wearebetter reverence has increasedourfamily’s trinal buffet.Butplayingthisgame tures thatwouldalsoapply?” topic?” “Canyouthinkofotherscrip- her talk?”“Howdidtheyapplytothe scriptures didSisterSmithquotein required moreunderstanding:“What Later weadvancedtoquestionsthat passed thesacramenttoourfamily?” isthenameof deacon who “What saidtheopening prayer?” or like “Who we beganbyaskingsimplequestions discussions athome. also sparked meaningfulgospel sacrament meeting,buttheyhave closer attentiontowhat’ssaidin only helpedourchildrentopay years ourfriendlyquizzeshavenot at theSundaydinnertable.Over simple gameourfamilylikes toplay a These andotherquestionsform Brad Snell,California W Dinner Quiz Sunday Judy Graham,Utah waytosay“Iloveyou.” a wonderful make greatbedtimestoriesandare and placetheminabinder. They Not every Sundaydinnerisadoc- Not every When ourchildrenwereyounger, topics didtheyaddress?” meeting today?”“What ho spoke insacrament Guide, one article caughtmyeyeand Guide, onearticle browsed throughtheResource the manual withmeandseveral copiesof extra time,Ihadbroughtmy lesson squad. BecauseIknewwouldhave Fourth ofJulyfund-raiserforherdrill assisting mydaughter, Katie,with a week inthesummerof2005,Iwas to updatemylessons.Oneparticular A to theRescue Resource Guide the firstsurprise to cooperate.Though and theywereeager immediate attention, first. Thatgottheir listen tothelesson activity” iftheywould all enjoya“surprise announced thatwewould attention, Isuddenly when noonewouldpay a momentofdesperation the elementofsurprise.In for us—untilIdiscovered interests wasarealchore varied hold everyone’s family homeeveningsthat and fosterchildren.Having W Family NightSurprise Ensign s aYoung Women leaderinmy ward, I often felttheneedto ward, Ioften search outextraresources FAMILY HOMEEVENINGHELPS logical, adopted, family withbio- e haveablended and the New Era. but was fited everyone an activitywhichbene- spelling gametogether, One timeweplayeda a quiltforfosterfamily. a familymove,andmade cleaning theyard,helped assisted aneighborin others. on serving majority ofwhichfocus successful activities,the planning severalother impromptu, Ihaveenjoyed activity wasadmittedly As I We havemadebread, Kerry Reed,Kerry Utah in theResourceGuidetoanyone. I wouldrecommendthesuggestions a teacherinanyChurchorganization. as resources hasledtomybest efforts Resource Guideandotherapproved for outsidematerials,usingthe thansearching callings aswell.Rather Young Women callingbutinother notonlyinmy found thistobetrue well.Ihave girls respondedvery given totheseyoungwomen.The the mosteffectivelessonsIhadever guide, Iwasabletoprepareoneof suggestedin the using thearticle my lessonthisweek!”Sureenough, for I thought,“Thiswouldbeperfect together whiletheyhelp enjoy doingnewthings it up.”Ourchildrensimply matters ashowyou“serve so muchtheactivitythat promise nottotell).It’s helping(ifthey take turns easily letyourchildren the planning,youcould lar childwithhomework. planned tohelpaparticu- Though Idomostof ENSIGN others. FEBRUARY 2007 Samantha Licurse, Arizona 73 PHOTOGRAPH BY CRAIG DIMOND BY PHOTOGRAPH

The First Presidency, bottom right, listens as the Mormon and Orchestra on Temple Square perform during the 2006 First Presidency Christmas Devotional. First Presidency Focuses on the Savior at Devotional f all the seasons of the After recounting the loss time for remembering, it is a “In our homes today we year, there is none so of his mother shortly before time for gratitude. have rooms for eating, rooms Obeautiful as Christmas,” Christmas in 1930 and the dif- “The spirit of Christmas is for sleeping, rooms for recre- said President Gordon B. ficult loss of his wife in 2004, the spirit of love and of gen- ation. Do we have room for Hinckley during the annual President Hinckley said: erosity and of goodness. . . . Christ? We have time for . . . First Presidency Christmas “Shining through all of the The spirit of Christmas is activities that are part of our Devotional held in the darkness is the sublime figure something I hope all of us daily lives. Do we have time Conference Center in Salt of the Son of God, who gave would have within our hearts for Christ?” Lake City and broadcast His life that we might live. and within our lives, not only President James E. Faust, around the world. This is the true meaning of at this particular season but Second Counselor in the First “Our hearts reach out to Christmas, the reality of the throughout the year.” Presidency, taught that “at those in need. Love overcomes Atonement wrought by the President Monson said this time of year when we hate. . . . Love grows a little Redeemer of the world.” that when we keep the spirit commemorate His birth, we stronger, hearts are a little President Hinckley testified of Christmas, we keep the should also take time to con- more generous. We are more that Christ offers the hope of Spirit of Christ. template with deep reverence inclined to strengthen feeble salvation to all men, even in “The salutation ‘no room’ His death and transcending knees and lift up the hands these times of war, conflict, was not only heard by Joseph sanctification of the that hang down. Children’s and difficult problems. and Mary before the birth of Resurrection.” hearts are made glad. There President Thomas S. Jesus, but was also endured In his remarks, President comes an added magic in the Monson, First Counselor in the by Him on frequent occasions Faust focused on one of the air. There is a deep underlying First Presidency, said Christmas in His ministry,” President Savior’s “great and profound current of happiness.” is “a time for families, it is a Monson said. teachings . . . to do for others

74 that which they cannot do for contribute anonymously Christensen, choir president, It will perform concerts in themselves.” have sweet inner feelings of and Craig Jessop, music direc- Toronto, Canada; Anonymous giving reflects the Spirit that swell inside tor, who accepted it on behalf Chautauqua, New York; the Savior’s love, said Presi- when we do something of the choir. Cleveland, Ohio; Chicago, dent Faust. “I wish to express for others that cannot be “We are honored to accept Illinois; Cincinnati, Ohio; and appreciation and thanks to all traced back to ourselves. this award on behalf of all the Nashville and Memphis, who open their hearts and Anonymous giving gives volunteers who make up our Tennessee. Sixty-five members give to others. the gift a higher form of choir. We are also honored of the Orchestra at Temple “Those of us who sanctification.” ■ to be remembered by an Square will accompany the award named after this saintly 360-voice choir on tour. woman, Mother Teresa,” noted Craig Jessop, music direc- Tabernacle Choir Honored Scott L. Barrick, choir general tor of the Mormon Taber- manager. nacle Choir, said: “We look with Mother Teresa Award The St. Bernadette Insti- forward to bringing the choir he late Mother Teresa St. Bernadette Institute of tute developed the award pro- and orchestra to these great once said, “The world is Sacred Art, which bestows the gram to “rightfully acknow- music festivals and venues. Thungry not only for Mother Teresa Award. “There ledge spiritual accomplish- Our repertoire will include food but also for beauty.” In are a lot of choirs out there, ments in this secular world.” works from the masters of November 2006, the Mormon but none so remarkable. It’s a Previous recipients of the classical composition to Tabernacle Choir was pre- gift of God, and it should be honor include Pope John famed Broadway tunes, and sented with an award named shared with the world.” Paul II, Maya Angelou, Nelson there should be something in her honor, recognizing Choir members were hon- Mandela, Jimmy Carter, Braille to please everyone who “the achievments of those ored in a simple ceremony without Borders, and many attends.” The concert pro- who beautify the world, espe- following the weekly broad- others. gram will also feature selec- cially in the fields of religion, cast of Music and the Spoken tions from the choir’s spring social justice, and the arts.” Word on Sunday, November Choir Announces 2007 Tour 2007 CD release entitled “This is the only choir 19, 2006. The Very Reverend The Mormon Tabernacle Showtime! Music from that has touched the entire Joseph Mayor, Rector of the Choir will tour Canada and the Broadway and Hollywood. world with its beauty,” said Cathedral of the Madeline, midwest United States from The choir and orchestra Dan Paulos, director of the presented the award to Mac June 21 through July 3, 2007. will perform at the Roy Thomson Hall in Toronto on June 22, followed by the Chautauqua Amphitheater on June 23. The choir will perform at three prestigious outdoor summer venues beginning with the Blossom Festival in Cleveland on June 25, followed by the Ravinia Music Festival in Chicago on June 27 and an appearance at DESERET MORNING NEWS the Riverbend Music Center in Cincinnati with the Cincinnati Pops on June 29. The tour will conclude with shows at two large Tennessee venues: the Gaylord Entertainment Center in Nashville on June 30 and the FedEx Forum in

PHOTOGRAPH BY JEFFERY D. ALLRED/COURTESY D. JEFFERY BY PHOTOGRAPH Memphis on July 2. The Very Reverend Joseph Mayo, right, presents the Mother Teresa Award to Craig Jessop, The tour will mark a left, and Mac Christensen after the Choir’s Music and the Spoken Word performance. return to Chicago—the site of

ENSIGN FEBRUARY 2007 75 the choir’s first tour outside Spoken Word, which cele- I am a child of God. work, drank of the message of Utah, to the Chicago brated its 4,000th weekly Rich blessings are in store; of the words, and returned to Exposition in 1893—as well broadcast in April 2006, is the If I but learn to do his will, my bedroom where I knelt as first-ever visits to Cincin- world’s longest continuously I’ll live with him once more. before my Father in Heaven nati and Memphis. Since that running network broadcast. It to say ‘Thank you!’ ” (in first Chicago appearance, the currently airs on over 2,000 Naomi W. Randall, who Karen Lynn Davidson, Our choir has toured extensively radio, TV, cable, and satellite served as a member of the Latter-day Hymns [1988], across the United States and stations worldwide. Primary general board and as 303–4). abroad. It has performed Tickets for the 2007 a counselor in the Primary Sister Randall sent the throughout Europe and in concerts, except for the per- general presidency, wrote the words to Sister Pettit, who music capitals from Israel and formances in Chautauqua, words at the request of the spent many hours working on Russia to Japan and Australia. went on sale on December 15, Primary general board. the music. Its travels have also included 2006, at all concert venues, Mildred T. Pettit, who also The words in one line of performances at the inaugu- through various online ticket had served as a Primary gen- the chorus originally read, rations of six U.S. presidents. agencies, over the phone, and eral board member, com- “Teach me all that I must The Choir’s weekly 30-minute also online at www.mormon posed the music. know.” After the song was broadcast, Music and the tabernaclechoir.org. ■ Sister Randall described written, President Spencer W. the process of writing the Kimball attended a confer- words to the song: ence where a Primary chil- Beloved Song Turns 50 “I got down on my knees dren’s chorus sang the song. By Abbey Olsen, Church Magazines and prayed aloud, pleading He later asked if Sister that our Heavenly Father Randall would agree to he hymn “I Am a Child [Chorus] would let me know the right change “Teach me all that I of God” (Hymns, Lead me, guide me, walk words. must know” to “Teach me all Tno. 301) has rung across beside me, “Around 2:00 a.m., I awak- that I must do,” and so the the earth, its music played Help me find the way. ened and began to think line reads today. and its words sung by adults Teach me all that I must do again about the song. Words “To know isn’t enough,” and Primary children around To live with him someday. came to my mind. . . . I imme- President Kimball said. “The the world since 1957. diately got up and began to devils know and tremble; the As it reaches its 50th anni- I am a child of God, write the words down as they devils know everything. We versary in 2007, the song, And so my needs are great; had come to me. Three have to do something” (“New published in more than 90 Help me to understand his verses and a chorus were Verse Is Written for Popular languages, continues to touch words soon formed. Song,” Church News, Apr. 1, the hearts of many. Before it grows too late. “I gratefully surveyed the 1978, 16). The message of the three-verse hymn teaches the gospel truths that each person is a son or daughter of God and has been sent to this earth with eternal potential. Parents and teachers are asked to help each child make righteous choices in a mortal experience that can lead to eternal life and happiness. The hymn reads:

I am a child of God, And he has sent me here,

Has given me an earthly ROBERT CASEY BY PHOTOGRAPH home Now 50 years old, the beloved hymn, “I Am a Child of God,” is sung around the world in With parents kind and dear. more than 90 languages.

76 A fourth verse of the song I am a child of God. Am a Child of God” is one of 1978: “Our Father in heaven was written for a Primary cho- His promises are sure; the first hymns received. loves us more deeply than we rus to sing at general confer- Celestial glory shall be mine Scriptures; manuals; can understand. He has said ence in April 1957. When the If I can but endure. instrumental, choir, or other that He ‘numbereth his peo- current hymnbook was pre- adaptations; CDs; General ple’ (Alma 26:37) and that pared, the General Music The hymn was first Authority talks; “I Am a Child each one of us is important to Committee and the Corre- included in Sing with Me, a of God” stickers; and other Him. He wants us to return to lation Department decided children’s songbook pub- materials all herald the mes- live with Him and Jesus again. the extra verse was not offi- lished in 1969, and then in sage contained in the words He wants us to communicate cially part of the song and did the Children’s Songbook in and music of the beloved with Him in prayer, to tell not include it. 1989 with the music arranged hymn, which has reached out Him of our love, and to show Later, when the Children’s by Darwin Wolford. across cultures, backgrounds, our love by obeying His com- Songbook was created, the “I Am a Child of God” is and traditions to instill in mandments. Through obedi- Primary general board one of the 45 hymns and chil- people the gospel truth that ence we can become more decided to include it. The dren’s songs found in the each person is a child of God. like Him, developing those four-verse version has been Gospel Fundamentals and Elder Robert D. Hales of qualities of character that He translated into the 20 lan- Gospel Principles manuals. the Quorum of the Twelve wants His children to have” guages of the international This means that when Apostles, then a member of (“I Am a Child of God,” Children’s Songbook. The Church material is first intro- the Seventy, elaborated on Tambuli, Nov. 1978, 21; verse reads: duced in a new language, “I the theme of the song in Friend, Mar. 1978, 8). ■

approved by the First Four New Translations Completed Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, for Book of Mormon, Triple Combination the Church’s Translation he Church continues to stated in letters announcing translation supervisor. Division begins the transla- make editions of the the release of the new edi- In Armenia Brother Berlin tion process, communicating Tscriptures available to tions. “As they prayerfully gathered with a group of with local priesthood leaders members in many languages. learn and teach from the about 20 people, and each to find and recommend In 2006 speakers of Armenian, scriptures, their testimonies person shared a scripture candidates from the area Latvian, Lithuanian, and will grow, their knowledge from the new publication and as scripture translators. Malagasy received word that will increase, their love told why it had touched his “The Lord prepares the triple combination of the of family and others will or her heart. souls in all these lands, and scriptures, along with new expand, their ability to serve “It is so powerful as 15 one thing that we as supervi- editions of the Book of others will enlarge, and to 20 people hold in their sors see very clearly is that Mormon, was available in they will receive greater hands their own copy of the this is the Lord’s work and their language. strength to resist temptation Book of Mormon—marked He has His hand on it,” said The release of the new and defend truth and up, loved, cherished,” he Brother Berlin, who super- triple combinations continues righteousness.” said. “They shared their vised the translation process a push by Church leaders to love for scripture passages for Armenian and initiated give every member the oppor- Member Response and for the Lord.” and later finished the process tunity to own his or her own Whenever the scriptures Although some prepara- for Latvian and Lithuanian. copies of the scriptures, hope- are provided in a new lan- tory work was done before- Brother Berlin told the story fully resulting in an increase in guage, Church members hand, the translation of of a brother who had joined testimony and faith. respond enthusiastically. the scriptures in Armenian, the Church in St. Petersburg, “We encourage members Such was the case with the Latvian, and Lithuanian Russia, many years ago and felt to obtain their own copies of new triple combinations began in 1998. prompted to return home to the scriptures and to use released last year. Armenia to build up the king- them in regular, personal, “To see how people Translation Process dom. He did so, and a year and family study, and in receive the books when they After a new scripture later Brother Berlin arrived to Church meetings and assign- come out—it’s just fantastic,” translation is requested by begin the scripture translation ments,” the First Presidency said Jim Berlin, a scripture an Area Presidency and work.

ENSIGN FEBRUARY 2007 77 The man had helped in in 1937. Because the major- the translation of the Book of ity of Armenians speak a Mormon, published in 2000, different dialect today, a and after his English skills new Armenian edition of increased, he became the Book of Mormon the translator of was published in 2001. the Doctrine Located in southwest- and Covenants ern Asia, Armenia is and Pearl of Great home to more Price in the full than 2,000 triple combination. members of Brother Berlin said the Church. scripture translators in Membership Latvia and Lithuania have has almost similar experiences of how tripled in Armenia the Lord had prepared them. since 2000. “The Lord has prepared Latvia and Lithuania, people in all these countries Baltic States in Eastern and is currently preparing Europe, are home to more people to accomplish His than 800 and 750 members work,” he said. of the Church respectively. New translations of the Book of Mormon in Armenian, From 2000 to 2005, Church The Languages Latvian, Lithuanian, and Malagasy have been released, membership grew by 62 per- The first full edition of the along with new triple combinations in those languages. cent in Latvia and by 42.8 Book of Mormon in Malagasy percent in Lithuania. was published in 2000; selec- the first full edition of the of the Church. Church Copies of the triple com- tions from the book were Book of Mormon was membership there grew bination editions of the published in 1986. Malagasy published, the first stake was 86.3 percent from 2000 scriptures are available is a language spoken by the organized in Madagascar— to 2005. through local Church distri- people in Madagascar, an the Antananarivo Madagascar The first edition of bution centers and may be island off the east coast of Stake. Madagascar is home the Book of Mormon in ordered through local Africa. Just months after to more than 3,300 members Armenian was published Church leaders. ■ ASL Version of Church History DVD Now Available through Distribution ecently released is DVDs containing footage “It’s not just a collection of the American Sign from 29 videos and takes videos,” said Doug Hind, R Language (ASL) viewers on a visual journey development designer for the version of the DVD titled through a century and a half Curriculum Department. Church History, which was of Church history. Many of “We designed it to be a made available by the Church the segments are quite rare. teaching and learning tool earlier this year. This DVD set, One segment, LDS Leaders of for individuals, families, a compilation of Church his- the Past, includes black-and- and teachers.” tory videos, including footage white footage from the first Sold individually many members have never half of the twentieth century. for U.S. $6 (item no. seen before, is part of the The set contains almost 54116010), the Home and Family Collection eight hours of footage and is Church History DVD intended to enrich instruction packaged with a booklet that ASL version is avail- and learning in the home. includes ideas and questions able at distribution The set includes three for discussion. centers. ■

78 Hundreds of thousands of young women ages 12 to New for Families: 18 and their parents Two Conference Issues and leaders gather in meetinghouses hurch leaders have Distribution Center at 1-800- around the world to encouraged members 537-5971, Monday through participate in the Cto obtain their own Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. broadcast each year. copies of the scriptures for mountain time, or Saturdays This year the personal study and for use at from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Young Women church. Now members can Subscriptions can also be pur- general presidency receive two copies of the con- chased or renewed online at has invited the ference issues, allowing hus- www.ldscatalog.com. young women to band and wife to have a When current subscrip-

PAINTING BY HEINRICH HOFMANN, COURTESY C. HARRISON CONROY CO. INC CO. COURTESY C. HARRISON CONROY HEINRICH HOFMANN, BY PAINTING prepare themselves personal copy to study and tions are converted, an to be taught by the take to Relief Society and adjustment is made in the Spirit by doing the priesthood meeting for expiration date. For each con- following: fourth-Sunday lessons. ference issue remaining on a • Memorize A new 14-issue Ensign sub- current subscription, one reg- Doctrine and scription is now available in ular issue is converted to pro- Covenants 121:45. the U.S. and Canada through vide an additional conference • Memorize Distribution Services. For an copy, and the length of the “Dearest Children, God Is additional $2 per year ($12 subscription is shortened Presidency Near You” (Hymns, no. 96). total), subscribers can receive accordingly. For example, if a • Review the 13th two copies of each conference subscription were due to end Invites YW article of faith. issue. with the July issue, that July In addition, the presidency Subscribers who wish to issue would be converted to to Prepare has challenged the young convert their current sub- provide an additional May for Meeting women to read For the scriptions, purchase new conference issue and the sub- Strength of Youth and do one subscriptions, or give gift scription would end with the he Young Women gen- of the following: subscriptions can call the June issue. ■ eral presidency has in- • Circle each reference to Salt Lake Tvited the young women the Spirit. of the Church, their parents, • Highlight the and their leaders to prepare promises found in the themselves for the upcoming pamphlet. annual general Young Women • Choose one standard, meeting to be held on March study it, and make goals for 24, 2007. living it. “The general Young The theme for this year’s Women meeting is the First meeting is the 2007 Mutual Presidency’s meeting for theme taken from Doctrine you, the young women of and Covenants 121:45, “Let the Church,” the Young virtue garnish thy thoughts Women leaders stated in unceasingly; then shall thy announcing the meeting. confidence wax strong in the “It is a great opportunity for presence of God.” you to receive encourage- For broadcast informa- ment and hear testimony tion, including satellite from a member of the First or Internet schedules, con- Members in the United States and Canada may now Presidency and the Young tact local leaders or visit order two copies of each conference issue with their annual Women general presidency.” www.lds.org/broadcast. ■ subscription to the Ensign.

ENSIGN FEBRUARY 2007 79 broadcast or rebroadcast in The address will be and Mormon.org. Upcoming up to 32 languages. For infor- archived on the Church’s The sites receive just mation on broadcast times Internet site at www.lds.org/ under one million page views Broadcasts and locations, contact local broadcast by February 10. each month, providing a posi- priesthood leaders or visit Audio versions will be tive Church presence in the Worldwide Leadership www.lds.org/broadcast. available in 32 languages. ■ language of many countries. Training Broadcast Set Links to the country Web A worldwide leadership sites can be found at training meeting will be www.lds.org/countries. ■ broadcast over the Church’s Church Country Web Sites satellite system on Saturday, Spread around the World February 10, 2007. Those Comment attending will receive training ith the launch of its first country Web site, for focused on gospel teaching the new Ukraine Chile, in August 2003, fol- I Have Joy and learning. Wcountry Web site, lowed closely by Austria, I received the October Those invited to attend the Church now hosts 61 Denmark, Finland, Germany, issue, and what a huge differ- include General Authorities; sites unique to countries Norway, Sweden, and ence it has made. I’m still Area Seventies; stake, mis- around the world. These sites Switzerland of the Europe reading parts over again. The sion, temple, and district are places where members Central Area, where work on magazine has helped reaffirm presidencies; high councilors; can go to find information, country sites first began. what my heart felt but my stake, district, and ward or news, and resources in their The sites, which are man- tongue could not articulate. branch auxiliary presidencies; own language. aged locally under the direc- Heavenly Father blesses me bishoprics; branch presiden- Work first began on tion of Area Presidencies, daily, and even though I’m in cies; high priests group lead- country-specific Web sites in provide local news, history, prison for a while longer, I ers and assistants; elders 2001 as an effort to provide events, and other informa- have joy. I appreciate all you quorum presidencies; all more localized content that tion about the Church in the do for so many. Thank you for Church Educational System could be easily found by host country as well as links your efforts, and I look for- administrators, seminary search engines around the to content on the Church’s ward to future issues. teachers, and institute world. The Church launched Web sites, such as LDS.org Name Withheld instructors. Teachers in local quorums and auxiliaries may attend where distances and circumstances permit. DVDs will be sent to local units following the broadcast.

CES Broadcast to Feature Elder David A. Bednar Young adults worldwide will gather to listen to the counsel of an Apostle this month at a CES fireside to be broadcast on the Church’s satellite system on February 4. Elder David A. Bednar will address both single and mar- ried young adults ages 18 through 30 from the Marriott Center on the Brigham Young University campus in Provo, Utah. The new Ukraine country Web site is the Church’s 61st in a six-year-old project aimed at The address will be providing information and resources around the world.

80 MAY NOT BE COPIED NOT MAY Speakers’ Corner, Hyde Park, 1934–1935, by John Mason Elder Gordon B. Hinckley teaches a crowd gathered at Speakers’ Corner in London’s Hyde Park. During his mission to Great Britain, Elder Hinckley served with distinction and was called to be an assistant to Elder Joseph F. Merrill of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, who presided over the European missions. SAN DIEGO CALIFORNIA TEMPLE BY CHARLES M. BAIRD SAN DIEGO CALIFORNIA TEMPLE BY “Every temple that this Church has built has in effect stood as a monument to our belief in the immortality of the human soul, that this phase of mortal life through which we pass is part of a continuous upward climb, so to speak, and that as certain as there is life here, there will be life there. That is our firm belief. It comes about through the Atonement of the Savior, and the temple becomes, as I have indicated, the bridge from this life to the next. The temple is concerned with things of immortality.” President Gordon B. Hinckley, “Inspirational Thoughts,” Ensign, Apr. 2002, 4. 8 27902 Feb 07 02279 02000 4