Call to Serve, pp. 4, 10, 66 Finding Courage in Natural Disasters, p. 22 Power p. inScriptures, the 54 toMessage All Christians, p. 44 The Christ We Revere: Elder Holland’s Savior’s Answering the THE ENSIGN OF THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS •AUGUST 2012 LATTER-DAY OF SAINTS CHRIST JESUS OF CHURCH THE OF ENSIGN THE
Ensign Five That Were Wise, by Rose Datoc Dall
Ten virgins went to meet the bride- groom. “Five of them were wise, and five were foolish.” The wise “took oil in their vessels with their lamps.” The foolish took their lamps but “no oil with them.” When the cry came that “the bridegroom cometh,” the foolish virgins left to buy oil. “The bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.” (See Matthew 25:1–13.) Contents August 2012 Volume 42 • Number 8
FEATURES 10 Thomas S. Monson: Answering the Call of Duty Heidi S. Swinton President Thomas S. Monson considers duty to be “something sacred.” Experiences from his life inspire us to follow his example. 16 Learn Your Duty Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin We are responsible for all our Creator has entrusted to us. 18 Cords of Love Les Whitmore Sometimes the greatest lessons our parents teach are the ones they let us learn on our own. 4 22 Natural Disasters—We Don’t Have to Be Afraid MESSAGES Elder Stanley G. Ellis The Holy Ghost can provide us comfort and FIRST PRESIDENCY MESSAGE help us prepare for natural disasters. 4 The Savior’s Call to Serve 26 Keeping the Faith in a World of Confusion President Thomas S. Monson Bishop Gérald Caussé Five principles to help us keep our VISITING TEACHING MESSAGE faith and testimonies strong. 7 Taking Action in Time of Need 30 Finding Faith at the Ends of the Earth Michael R. Morris Converts in Ushuaia, Argentina, begin a new life as they embrace ON THE COVER The e nsign of The ChurC h of Jesus ChrisT of LaTTer-day s ainT s • augusT 2012 Fishers of Men, by the gospel. Simon Dewey 30 34 Decisions That Make a Difference Answering the Savior’s Call to Serve, pp. 4, 10, 66 Melissa Merrill The Christ We Revere: Elder Holland’s Message to All Christians, p. 44 Power in the Scriptures, p. 54 Despite living 45 miles from their Finding Courage in Natural Disasters, p. 22 branch meetinghouse, the Crowthers decided to make the gospel a priority. 40Ensign How Could She Let Him Go? Name withheld When my sister placed her baby for adoption, I learned that the healing power of the Atonement can comfort us in our deepest sorrows.
August 2012 1 STOP IT!
8
44
DEPARTMENTS 42 I Thought It Was All Nonsense Umberto Gilardi APRIL CONFERENCE NOTEBOOK I went to church to support my wife, but inside I 8 hoped to prove the missionaries wrong. SERVING IN THE CHURCH Standing Together for the Cause of Christ 44 Serving the One Elder Jeffrey R. Holland 15 A call to Christians to stand together in convic- Al VanLeeuwen tion, compassion, and understanding. We are the Savior’s hands when we serve the one—regardless of our calling. 50 Treasure in This City Jane Nickerson WHAT WE BELIEVE I had never felt so lonely in my life. What was God’s purpose for us in this place? 52 The Sacrament—Remembering the Savior Taking the sacrament is a weekly opportunity 54 Finding Power in the Scriptures for introspection and rededication. Holly Van Woerkom Munson Members share how study of the 65 FAMILY HOME EVENING IDEAS scriptures has strengthened their lives. 70 LATTER-DAY SAINT VOICES Forgiveness and Making 58 NEWS OF THE CHURCH Up for Losses 74 Name withheld Understanding Christ’s Atonement helped me begin The articles with this icon contain an to forgive. “Answering Questions” feature that provides doctrinal answers to commonly asked questions. 62 That I May Heal You 58 • What do we believe about Christ? p. 44 Dean M. Rueckert • Why do we partake of the sacrament? p. 53 Repentance brings the healing power of the • Why do we give humanitarian service? p. 69 Atonement into our lives. 66 Celebrating a Day of Service Kathryn H. Olson Members throughout the world contributed to their communities in a day of service. 78 Answering Questions about Our Faith Michael Otterson Five ideas to keep in mind as you answer others’ questions.
2 Ensign moreOnline ENSIGN ONLINE A MAGAZINE OF THE CHURCH OF If you’re looking to get more from your JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS Church magazine experience, check out addi- August 2012 Volume 42 • Number 8 tional features at ensign.lds .org. The First Presidency: Thomas S. Monson, Henry B. Eyring, Dieter F. Uchtdorf VIEW SERVICE RENDERED ON The Quorum of the Twelve Apostles: THE DAY OF SERVICE, 2011 Boyd K. Packer, L. Tom Perry, Russell M. Nelson, Dallin H. Oaks, M. Russell Ballard, In commemoration of the 75th anniversary of Richard G. Scott, Robert D. Hales, the Church welfare plan, the First Presidency Jeffrey R. Holland, David A. Bednar, invited members worldwide to render service Quentin L. Cook, D. Todd Christofferson, Neil L. Andersen to the poor and needy. To view what some members did, go to lds.org/welfare/75years/ Editor: Craig A. Cardon Advisers: Shayne M. Bowen, Bradley D. Foster, search. Christoffel Golden Jr., Anthony D. Perkins Managing Director: David T. Warner MEET TODAY’S PROPHETS Director of Family and Member Support: AND APOSTLES Vincent A. Vaughn Visit lds.org/study/prophets-speak-today/ Director of Church Magazines: Allan R. Loyborg what-are-prophets? to read brief biographies Business Manager: Garff Cannon on the members of the First Presidency and Managing Editor: R. Val Johnson the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Assistant Managing Editor: LaRene Porter Gaunt WORKING TO OVERCOME AN Publications Assistant: Faith Watson ADDICTION? Writing and Editing Team: Susan Barrett, Ryan Carr, David Dickson, David A. Edwards, The Church’s addiction recovery workbook is Matthew D. Flitton, Hikari Loftus, a helpful resource for youth and adults who Lia McClanahan, Melissa Merrill, are struggling with an addiction. The work- Michael R. Morris, Richard M. Romney, Paul VanDenBerghe, Julia Woodbury book is available online in several languages Editorial Intern: Jennifer G. Jones at recoveryworkbook.lds.org. Managing Art Director: J. Scott Knudsen Art Director: Tadd R. Peterson DO YOU HAVE A STORY TO TELL? Design Team: Jeanette Andrews, The Ensign is interested in gathering family Fay P. Andrus, C. Kimball Bott, Thomas Child, home evening ideas. Share with us your family Kerry Lynn C. Herrin, Colleen Hinckley, home evenings that were: (1) most memo- Eric P. Johnsen, Scott Mooy, Brad Teare rable; (2) most successful; (3) helped solve a Intellectual Property Coordinator: Collette Nebeker Aune family challenge; (4) were the most fun; or Production Manager: Jane Ann Peters (5) were the most spiritual. Please label your Production Team: Connie Bowthorpe Bridge, article “Family Home Evening” and submit it Julie Burdett, Bryan W. Gygi, Kathleen Howard, Denise Kirby, Ginny J. Nilson, Gayle Tate Rafferty SUBSCRIBE TO OR RENEW THE ENSIGN online at ensign.lds.org by August 31. Prepress: Joshua Dennis Online: Visit store.lds.org. We welcome donated submissions show- Printing Director: Craig K. Sedgwick By phone: In the United States and Canada ing the gospel of Jesus Christ at work in your Distribution Director: Evan Larsen call 1-800-537-5971. life. On each submission, please include your © 2012 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights By mail: Send U.S. $10 check or money order name, address, telephone number, e-mail reserved. The Ensign (ISSN 0884-1136) is to Distribution Services, P.O. Box 26368, Salt address, and the name of your ward and published monthly by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 50 E. North Temple Lake City, UT 84126-0368, USA. stake (or branch and district). Street, Salt Lake City, UT 84150-0024, USA. Please submit articles through ensign Periodicals Postage Paid at Salt Lake City, Utah. TO CHANGE ADDRESS .lds.org, or send them to Ensign Editorial, 50 Copyright information: Text and visual Send both old and new address information E. North Temple St., Rm. 2420, Salt Lake City, material in the Ensign may be copied for incidental, noncommercial church or home use. to Distribution Services, P.O. Box 26368, Salt UT 84150-0024, USA. Authors whose work is Visual material may not be copied if restrictions Lake City, UT 84126-0368, USA. Please allow selected for publication will be notified. are indicated in the credit line with the artwork. 60 days for changes to take effect. Copyright questions should be addressed to Intellectual Property Office, 50 E. North Temple Street, Salt Lake City, UT 84150-0018; e-mail: cor-intellectualproperty@ldschurch.org. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Distribution Services, P.O. Box 26368, Salt Lake City, UT 84126-0368, USA. Canada Post Information: Publication Agreement #40017431.
August 2012 3 FIRST PRESIDENCY MESSAGE
By President Thomas S. Monson THE SAVIOR’S Call to Serve ll who have studied mathematics know what a in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is not a common denominator is. For Latter-day Saints, cloak of comfort but rather a robe of responsibility. Our A there is a common denominator that binds us duty, in addition to saving ourselves, is to guide others to together. That common denominator is the individual call the celestial kingdom of God. each of us receives to fill assignments in God’s kingdom By willingly walking the path of service to God, we will here upon the earth. never be in the position of Shakespeare’s Cardinal Wolsey. Are you ever guilty of murmuring when a calling comes Stripped of his power after a life of service to his king, he to you? Or do you accept with thanksgiving each oppor- sadly lamented: tunity to serve your brothers and sisters, knowing that our Had I but served my God with half the zeal Heavenly Father will bless those whom He calls? I served my king, He would not in mine age I would hope that we would not lose the real objective Have left me naked to mine enemies.2 of our cherished opportunities to serve. That objective, that eternal goal, is the same spoken of by the Lord and What kind of service does heaven require? “The Lord found in the Pearl of Great Price: “For behold, this is my requireth the heart and a willing mind; and the willing and work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and obedient shall eat the good of the land of Zion in these eternal life of man.” 1 last days.” 3 May we ever remember that the mantle of membership I pause when I think of the words of President John Taylor (1808–87): “If you do not magnify your callings, God will hold you responsible for those whom you might have saved had you done your duty.” 4 Like a glowing searchlight of goodness is the life of Jesus as He ministered among men. “I am among you as he that serveth,” 5 Jesus declared as He brought strength to the limbs of the cripple, sight to the eyes of the blind, hearing to the ears of the deaf, and life to the body of the dead. With the parable of the good Samaritan, the Master taught us to love our neighbors as ourselves.6 With His answer to the rich young ruler, He taught us to shed our
4 Ensign selfishness.7 With the feeding of the 5,000, He taught us to TEACHING FROM THIS MESSAGE see to the needs of others.8 And with the Sermon on the “[The Lord] will not permit us to fail if we do our Mount, He taught us to seek first the kingdom of God.9 part. He will magnify us even beyond our own In the New World, the resurrected Lord declared, “Ye talents and abilities. . . . It is one of the sweetest know the things that ye must do in my church; for the experiences that can come to a human being” (Ezra works which ye have seen me do that shall ye also do; for Taft Benson, in Teaching, No Greater Call [1999], that which ye have seen me do even that shall ye do.” 10 20). Consider sharing an experience when you or We bless others as we serve in the shadow of “Jesus of someone you know has felt the Lord magnify his or Nazareth . . . who went about doing good.” 11 God bless us her talents and abilities. Invite the family to share to find joy in serving our Father in Heaven as we serve His some of their own positive experiences as they have children on earth. ◼ responded to “the Savior’s call to serve.”
NOTES
BY HEINRICH HOFMANN, COURTESY OF C. HARRISON CONROY CO.; PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY MATTHEW REIER © IRI BY MATTHEW OF C. HARRISON CONROY CO.; PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY HEINRICH HOFMANN, COURTESY 1. Moses 1:39. 2. William Shakespeare, King Henry the Eighth, act 3, scene 2, lines 456–58. 3. Doctrine and Covenants 64:34. 4. Teachings of Presidents of the Church: John Taylor (2001), 164. 5. Luke 22:27. 6. See Luke 10:30–37; see also Matthew 22:39. 7. See Matthew 19:16–24; Mark 10:17–25; Luke 18:18–25. 8. See Matthew 14:15–21; Mark 6:31–44; Luke 9:10–17; John 6:5–13. 9. See Matthew 6:33. 10. 3 Nephi 27:21.
CHRIST AND THE RICH YOUNG RULER, 11. Acts 10:38.
August 2012 5 YOUTH CHILDREN
I Can Do Something for Others ach of us can do something to help others. EPresident Monson taught that we should love everyone and learn to see how we can help them. Look at the boy sitting by the tree. Can you see others around him he could help? When you have dinner with your family, suggest that each family member share one thing he or she did to serve someone that day. Write your own ser- vice experiences in your journal each day.
Serving in the Temple By Benjamin A.
hen I turned 17, I started thinking seriously about Wmy future, and I prayed to Heavenly Father about what I could do to prepare to go on a mission and receive the Melchizedek Priesthood. I felt that I ought to go to the temple more often because it is the house of the Lord and would be the place where I could feel closest to my Heavenly Father. So I set a goal to do 1,000 baptisms in a year. I truly felt the need to set this goal; I fasted to know if this was what I ought to do. Our Heavenly Father answered me, and I began to go to the Tampico Mexico Temple every Saturday. After I had done 500 baptisms, I set a goal to do fam- ily history research on my ancestors, and I liked doing the research so much that I could not sleep because I was looking for names. I found 50 names and eight generations of my family history; I helped do the temple work for all of them. I ended up doing over 1,300 baptisms, and I graduated from seminary, received the Melchizedek Priesthood, and am now serving as a full-time missionary, which was one of my biggest goals in life. PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF WENDY BENTLEY; ILLUSTRATION BY BETH M. WHITTAKER ILLUSTRATION OF WENDY BENTLEY; PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY
6 Ensign VISITING TEACHING MESSAGE
Prayerfully study this material and, as appropriate, discuss it with the sisters you visit. Use the questions to help Faith, Family, Relief you strengthen your sisters and to make Relief Society an active part of your own life.
Taking Action From Our History In the early years of in Time of Need the Church, membership was small and centralized. s visiting teachers, one of our Members could respond purposes is to help strengthen A quickly when someone was families and homes. The sisters we visit in need. Today our mem- should be able to say, “If I have prob bership is over 14 million lems, I know my visiting teachers will and is spread throughout help without waiting to be asked.” In the world. Visiting teaching order to serve, we have a responsibility is part of the Lord’s plan to be conscious of the needs of the sis to provide help for all His ters we visit. When we seek inspiration, children. we will know how to respond to the “The only system which spiritual and temporal needs of each sis could provide succor and ter we are assigned to visit. Then, using comfort across a church our time, skills, talents, prayers of faith, From the Scriptures so large in a world so and spiritual and emotional support, we Matthew 22:37–40; Luke 10:29–37; Alma varied would be through can help give compassionate service 26:1–4; Doctrine and Covenants 82:18–19 individual servants near during times of illness, death, and other the people in need,” said 1 special circumstances. NOTES President Henry B. Eyring, 1. See Handbook 2: Administering the Church Through the help of reports from (2010), 9.5.1; 9.6.2. First Counselor in the First visiting teachers, the Relief Society presi 2. See Handbook 2, 9.6.2. Presidency. 3. Henry B. Eyring, in Daughters in My Kingdom: dency identifies those who have special The History and Work of Relief Society (2011), 110. “. . . Every bishop and needs because of physical or emotional every branch president has illness, emergencies, births, deaths, a Relief Society president to disability, loneliness, or other challenges. depend upon,” he contin- The Relief Society president then reports ued. “She has visiting teach- her findings to the bishop. Under his ers, who know the trials and direction, she coordinates assistance.2 the needs of every sister. She As visiting teachers we can have can, through them, know What Can I Do? “great reason . . . to rejoice” because of the hearts of individuals and “the blessing which hath been bestowed 1. Am I using my gifts and talents to families. She can meet needs bless others? upon us, that we have been made instru and help the bishop in his 2. Do the sisters I watch over know call to nurture individuals ments in the hands of God to bring that I am willing to help them when about this great work” (Alma 26:1, 3). they have a need? and families.” 3
For more information, go to reliefsociety.lds.org. PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY BRADLEY SLADE PHOTO ILLUSTRATION August 2012 7 April Conference Notebook “What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken; . . . whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same” (D&C 1:38).
As you review the April 2012 general conference, you can use these pages (and Conference Notebooks in future issues) to help you study and apply the recent teachings of the living prophets and apostles and other Church leaders.
STORIES FROM CONFERENCE
Building Lasting Foundations
s a young man I worked with a In a similar way, the ground must be is the gospel of Jesus Christ, with all its A contractor building footings and carefully prepared for our foundation covenants, ordinances, and principles. foundations for new houses. In the of faith to withstand the storms that will One of the keys to an enduring faith summer heat it was hard work to prepare come into every life. That solid basis for a is to judge correctly the curing time the ground for the form into which we foundation of faith is personal integrity. required. . . . poured the cement for the footing. There Our choosing the right consistently That curing does not come automati- were no machines. We used a pick and whenever the choice is placed before us cally through the passage of time, but it a shovel. Building lasting foundations for creates the solid ground under our faith. does take time. Getting older does not buildings was hard work in those days. It can begin in childhood since every do it alone. It is serving God and others It also required patience. After we soul is born with the free gift of the Spirit persistently with full heart and soul that poured the footing, we waited for it to of Christ. With that Spirit we can know turns testimony of truth into unbreakable cure. Much as we wanted to keep the when we have done what is right before spiritual strength.
jobs moving, we also waited after the God and when we have done wrong in President Henry B. Eyring, First Counselor in the pour of the foundation before we took His sight. First Presidency, “Mountains to Climb,” Ensign,
May 2012, 24. ROOS BY MARYN ILLUSTRATION LOWER RIGHT: LIBRARY; OF CHURCH HISTORY PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY LEFT: away the forms. Those choices, hundreds in most days, And even more impressive to a novice prepare the solid ground on which our builder was what seemed to be a tedious edifice of faith is built. The metal frame- and time-consuming process to put work around which metal bars carefully inside the forms the substance of to give the finished our faith is poured Questions to Ponder foundation strength. • Can you remember a time when your personal integrity was tested? How did you respond? • How does serving God and others in faith strengthen your spiritual foundation? Consider writing your thoughts in your journal or discussing them with others.
Additional resources on this topic: “Faith” in Study by Topic at LDS.org; Richard G. Scott, “The Transforming Power of Faith and Character,” Ensign, Nov. 2010, 43–46. 1. “We can be delivered from the ways of evil and wicked- ness by turning to the teachings of the ” Fill in (L. Tom Perry, “The Power of Deliverance,” Ensign, May 2012, 97). the Blank 2. “We are not dimin- 4. “This life is train- ished when someone ing for eternal exalta- else is tion, and that process upon” means ”
(Jeffrey R. Holland, “The (Ronald A. Rasband, “Special Laborers in the Vineyard,” Lessons,” Ensign, May 2012, Ensign, May 2012, 31). 3. “The truths 80). and doctrine we have
TWO-WORD SERMON received have come and DO YOU: will continue to come by 1. Harbor a grudge? divine ” 2. Gossip? (D. Todd Christofferson, “The Doctrine of Christ,” Ensign, 3. Exclude others? May 2012, 86). 4. Envy another?
5. Wish to cause harm? 4. tests and trials. and tests 4.
INSTEAD: revelation; 3. added; 2. scriptures; holy 1. Answers: 1. Be kind. LEFT: PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF CHURCH HISTORY LIBRARY; LOWER RIGHT: ILLUSTRATION BY MARYN ROOS BY MARYN ILLUSTRATION LOWER RIGHT: LIBRARY; OF CHURCH HISTORY PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY LEFT: 2. Forgive. 3. Talk peacefully. Prophetic 4. Let the love of God fill Promise your heart. STOP “The Holy Ghost 5. Do good to others. has confirmed IT! Adapted from Dieter F. truth in this Uchtdorf, “The Merciful Obtain Mercy,” Ensign, conference and May 2012, 75, 76. will again as you seek it, as you listen, and as you later study the messages of the Lord’s authorized servants.”
President Henry B. Eyring, First Counselor in the First Presidency, “Mountains to Climb,” Ensign, May 2012, 26.
To read, watch, or listen to general conference addresses, visit conference.lds .org.
August 2012 9 DESERET NEWS, © AND CHRISTINA SMITH LEFT: PHOTOGRAPH BY CRAIG DIMOND; RIGHT, FROM TOP: PHOTOGRAPHS BY JED A. CLARK © IRI, JEFFREY ALLRED PHOTOGRAPH BY CRAIG DIMOND; RIGHT, LEFT: 10 Ensign
THOMAS S. MONSON Answering the Call of Duty
Long ago President Thomas S. Monson committed to fulfill his duty to do the work of the Lord and to follow the example of Jesus Christ.
By Heidi S. Swinton resident Thomas S. Monson has said inscription. His daily schedule as President many times, “I like the word duty.” of the Church is filled with meetings and PHe considers it “something sacred.” 1 appointments, but he always makes time Of fulfilling his duty as the 16th President for people—most often one at a time. In the of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- annals of Church history, he will be known day Saints, he said, “I pledge my life, my for his love of people and his expression of strength—all that I have to offer—in serving that love by giving them his time. [the Lord] and in directing the affairs of His Church in accordance with His will and by Jesus Christ’s Example of Duty His inspiration.” 2 President Monson’s actions are driven Known for his service to others, President by his testimony of the Lord Jesus Christ. From top: President Monson emanates love Monson has given away his suits and shoes He said: “Although He came to earth as for people as he shakes when on assignments abroad and returned the Son of God, He humbly served those hands with Boy Scouts, home in slacks and slippers. He has made it around Him. He came forth from heaven to accepts a gift (with his wife, Frances), guides a a practice to visit friends and acquaintances live on earth as mortal man and to establish young girl at a ground- who need encouragement. He has blessed the kingdom of God. His glorious gospel breaking, and waves 3 to the congregation at countless people at hospitals and care cen- reshaped the thinking of the world.” The general conference (with ters, followed the prompting to make phone Savior expressed His sense of duty when his wife). calls, and spoken at funerals too numerous He proclaimed, “I came into the world to do to count. He has delivered dinners, chickens the will of my father” (3 Nephi 27:13). With ready for roasting, and books with a tender determination and gentle kindness born of
August 2012 11
eternal perspective, He “went “The Savior One of the bish- about doing good, . . . for God was ever up op’s duties was to send was with him” (Acts 10:38). to every serviceman and about— President Monson notes a subscription to the that when the call of duty teaching, Church News and to the came to Jesus Christ in the testifying, and Improvement Era and to Garden of Gethsemane, He saving others. write a personal letter to answered, “Father, if it be pos- him each month. Since Such is our sible, let this cup pass from President Monson had me: nevertheless not as I will, individual duty served in the navy in but as thou wilt” (Matthew as members.” World War II, he appreci- 26:39). The Savior knew and ated the importance of a responded time and again letter from home. He had to His duty to guide, edify, 23 ward members serving and encourage all His Father’s children. in the military, so he called a sister in President Monson said of this: “The the ward to handle the details of mailing Savior was ever up and about—teaching, these letters. One evening he handed testifying, and saving others. Such is our her the monthly stack of 23 letters. individual duty as members.” 4 “Bishop, don’t you ever get discour- aged?” she asked. “Here is another letter Learning to Fulfill His Duty to Brother Bryson. This is the 17th letter President Monson grew up in the you have sent to him without a reply.” Sixth-Seventh Ward in the Temple View “Well, maybe this will be the month,” Utah Stake. There he learned about his he said. It was. The reply from Brother duty to fulfill his priesthood assignments Bryson read: “Dear Bishop, I ain’t much under the guiding hands of wise priest- at writin’ letters. Thank you for the hood leaders, and he gained knowledge Church News and magazines, but most and a testimony of the gospel of Jesus of all thank you for the personal letters. Christ from inspired teachers. I have turned over a new leaf. I have In 1950 at age 22, Thomas Spencer been ordained a priest in the Aaronic Monson was sustained as bishop of the Priesthood. My heart is full. I am a Sixth-Seventh Ward. He applied what happy man.” he had learned about duty to those who President Monson saw in that letter had taught him its meaning. He was the practical application of the adage Jesus Christ taught in the syna- father of the ward, the president of the “Do your duty, that is best. Leave unto gogue and at the well. He blessed little children and raised the Aaronic Priesthood, a provider for the the Lord the rest.” Years later, while daughter of Jairus from the dead. poor and needy, the keeper of proper attending a stake conference, he spoke records, and the common judge in Israel. of his experience of writing to the His duties were many, but he met them servicemen. After the meeting, a
with his characteristic optimism. young man came up to him and asked, MANN BY PAUL ILLUSTRATION BY DAN BURR; RIGHT: PAINTING BY SIMON DEWEY; ARISE AND WALK, BY SIMON DEWEY; LIVING WATER, FROM TOP: LIGHT AND TRUTH, BY SIMON DEWEY; LEFT,
12 Ensign
“Bishop, do you remember me?” Learning to Fulfill Our Duty Without a pause President Monson replied, “As we follow in [ Jesus Christ’s] steps “Brother Bryson! How are you? What are you today, we too will have an opportunity to doing in the Church?” bless the lives of others,” said President The former serviceman replied with great Monson. “Jesus invites us to give of ourselves: pleasure that he was fine and serving in his ‘Behold, the Lord requireth the heart and a elders quorum presidency. “Thank you again willing mind.’” 7 for your concern for me and the personal Our prophet’s view of duty requires letters which you sent and which I treasure.” 5 looking beyond personal ambition, success, Of events like these, President Monson convenience, or pleasure to seeing and said: “Often small acts of service are all that is responding to the greater good. “To find required to lift and bless another: a question real happiness,” President Monson said, “we concerning a person’s family, quick words must seek for it in a focus outside ourselves. As President Monson of encouragement, a sincere compliment, a No one has learned the meaning of living asked everyone to stand small note of thanks, a brief telephone call. until he has surrendered his ego to the whose life had been If we are observant and aware, and if we act service of his fellowmen. Service to others touched by the stake president, the congrega- on the promptings which come to us, we can is akin to duty, the fulfillment of which tion began to rise until accomplish much good.” 6 brings true joy.” 8 everyone was standing.
August 2012 13
He believes that friendship makes serving “Often small “None of us lives alone—in our city, our others easy. “A friend is more concerned about acts of service nation, or our world. There is no dividing line helping people than getting credit,” he said. between our prosperity and our neighbor’s are all that is “A friend cares. A friend loves. A friend listens. poverty.” 13 And a friend reaches out.” 9 required to “There are feet to steady, hands to grasp, Years ago President Monson attended a lift and bless minds to encourage, hearts to inspire, and 14 stake conference in Star Valley, Wyoming, USA, another.” souls to save.” with the assignment to reorganize the stake “Perhaps when we face our Maker, we presidency. But he did more than fulfill that will not be asked, ‘How many positions did duty. He touched the lives of all who attended you hold,’ but rather, ‘How many people did with a simple gesture of love as he released you help?’”15 the stake president, E. Francis Winters, who “As we go about our daily lives, we dis- had served for 23 years. cover countless opportunities to follow the example of the The day of the stake conference, the members filled Savior. When our hearts are in tune with His teachings, we the building. It seemed as if each one was saying “a silent discover the unmistakable nearness of His divine help. It is thank-you to this noble leader,” who obviously had done almost as though we are on the Lord’s errand; and we then his duty with whole-souled devotion. As President Monson discover that, when we are on the Lord’s errand, we are stood to speak, he stated how long President Winters had entitled to the Lord’s help.” 16 presided in the stake and had been “a perpetual pillar of “By learning of Him, by believing in Him, by following strength to everyone in the valley.” Then he was prompted Him, there is the capacity to become like Him. [Our] coun- to do something he has not done before or since. He tenance can change; [our] heart can be softened; [our] step asked everyone who had been touched by President can be quickened; [our] outlook enhanced. Life becomes Winters’s life to stand. The outcome was electrifying. Every what it should become.” 17 person in the audience rose to his or her feet. Like our prophet, President Thomas S. Monson, we can President Monson told the congregation, many of commit to fulfill our duty to do the work of the Lord and whose eyes were filled with tears, “This vast throng reflects follow the example of Jesus Christ. ◼ not only individual feelings but also the gratitude of God NOTES for a life well lived.” 10 1. Thomas S. Monson, “Happy Birthday,” Ensign, Mar. 1995, 59. 2. Thomas S. Monson, “Looking Back and Moving Forward,” Ensign, May 2008, 90. Our Prophet’s Testimony of Duty 3. Thomas S. Monson, “The Bridge Builder,” Ensign, Nov. 2003, 68. 4. Thomas S. Monson, “Anxiously Engaged,” Ensign, Nov. 2004, 56. President Monson has given us these encouraging 5. See Thomas S. Monson, “The Call of Duty,” Ensign, May 1986, 39. 6. Thomas S. Monson, “Three Goals to Guide You,” Ensign, Nov. 2007, teachings regarding duty: 120–21. “Whatever our calling, regardless of our fears or anxieties, 7. Thomas S. Monson, “The Gifts of Christmas,” Ensign, Dec. 2003, 2. 8. Thomas S. Monson, “The Lord’s Way,” Ensign, May 1990, 93. let us pray and then go and do, remembering the words of 9. Thomas S. Monson, “To the Rescue,” Ensign, May 2001, 50. 10. Thomas S. Monson, “Your Eternal Home,” Ensign, May 2000, 54. the Master, even the Lord Jesus Christ, who promised, ‘I am 11. Thomas S. Monson, “They Pray and They Go,” Ensign, May with you always, even unto the end of the world.’” 11 2002, 51. 12. Thomas S. Monson, “The Call to Serve,” Ensign, Nov. 2000, 47. “We can strengthen one another; we have the capacity 13. Thomas S. Monson, “In Quest of the Abundant Life,” Ensign, Mar. 1988, 3. to notice the unnoticed. When we have eyes that see, ears 14. Thomas S. Monson, “How Firm a Foundation,” Ensign, Nov. 2006, 68. that hear, and hearts that know and feel, we can reach out 15. Thomas S. Monson, “Faces and Attitudes,” New Era, Sept. 1977, 50. 16. Thomas S. Monson, “Windows,” Ensign, Nov. 1989, 69. and rescue those for whom we have responsibility.” 12 17. Thomas S. Monson, “The Way of the Master,” Ensign, Jan. 2003, 4.
14 Ensign SERVING IN THE CHURCH
SERVING THE ONE By Al VanLeeuwen
hen I started my freshman year of college, I quickly formed Wfriendships with two other freshmen, one a rancher and the other a farmer. We made an unlikely threesome—two wife one Sunday with her Primary class full of down-to-earth western US country boys and energetic seven-year-olds. As Primary sharing one fast-talking East Coast city slicker. After time started, I noticed one of the class mem- graduating from college, they returned home bers huddled on her chair and obviously not to ranch and farm, and I entered the corporate feeling well. The Spirit whispered to me that business world. she needed comfort, so I sat by her and quietly HOW MANY Annual Christmas cards and occasional asked what was wrong. She didn’t answer but PEOPLE DID phone calls kept us up to date as our lives seemed to be in real distress, so I began to sing YOU HELP? advanced. By the time I was in my mid-30s, I softly to her. “Perhaps when we had served twice as Scoutmaster. Later, as I fin- The Primary was learning a new song, and face our Maker, we ished my second “tour” as an assistant nursery when we sang, “If I listen with my heart I hear will not be asked, leader, my two friends were serving in bishop- the Savior’s voice,” 1 I began to feel the most ‘How many posi- tions did you hold?’ rics. As time progressed, I fell into the trap of incredible light and warmth fill my soul. I felt but rather, ‘How comparing my callings to my friends’ callings, wrapped in eternal arms of love. I understood many people did and I began to feel unwanted and ignored. that Heavenly Father had heard this young girl’s you help?’ In reality, By the time I was in my mid-40s, leadership prayer and that I was there to provide the com- you can never love callings extended to others would trouble my fort He wanted to give her. My spiritual under- the Lord until you thoughts for days. Each time someone was standing was opened, and I received a personal serve him by serving his people.” called to a ward or stake leadership position, testimony of our Savior’s love for her, for each President Thomas S. Satan would whisper to me that I was unwor- of His children, and for me. I knew He trusted Monson, “Faces and thy or lacked the faith necessary for such me to serve someone in need, and I was where Attitudes,” New Era, Sept. 1977, 50. callings. I could intellectually fight off such He wanted me to be. I learned that we are His thoughts through prayer and study, but I still hands when we serve the one. struggled with my self-worth. Being “just an I rejoice in any opportunity to serve, and elder” and refereeing youth basketball games I try to remain worthy to feel the promptings at age 50 while my friends were serving in of the Spirit and to be where Heavenly Father stake presidencies was not what I had envi- wants me to be when one of His children sioned I would be doing at that age. needs service. ◼ Then came an experience that changed my NOTE 1. Sally DeFord, “If I Listen with My Heart,” 2011 Outline
PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY CODY BELL PHOTO ILLUSTRATION understanding of the gospel. I was assisting my for Sharing Time, 28.
August 2012 15 GOSPEL CLASSICS
LEARN YOUR
and knowing that his life is in harmony with God and His commandments. . . . Every successful man and woman in the history of the world has known his or her duty and has had a firm desire to fulfill it. The Savior DutyDuty reminds us we are had a perfect sense of duty. Even though what stewards of all that our was required of Him surpassed the limits of Creator has entrusted to us. human capabilities, He submitted Himself to His Father’s will and fulfilled His divine duty Joseph B. Wirthlin was born on June 11, 1917, by atoning for the sins of mankind. in Salt Lake City, Utah. He was sustained to the Joseph Smith was true to his calling and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in 1986. The fulfilled his duty even in the face of severe following excerpt is from an address he gave persecution and great personal sacrifice. in general conference on October 5, 1980, as He persevered, he endured, and he accom- a member of the First Quorum of the Seventy. plished the Restoration of the true gospel of For the full text, see Ensign, Nov. 1980, at Jesus Christ. . . . ensign.lds.org. President Spencer W. Kimball [1895–1985] has accepted the charge to take the gospel to
By Elder Joseph B. ost of us don’t mind doing what we the ends of the earth. He faithfully pursues his BY CRAIG DIMOND PHOTO ILLUSTRATION Wirthlin (1917–2008) ought to do when it doesn’t inter- duty and is a wonderful example to us in all Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles Mfere with what we want to do, but that he does to spread the gospel of love. The it takes discipline and maturity to do what we result is a worldwide Church and the fulfill- ought to do whether we want to or not. Duty ment of latter-day prophecy. is too often what one expects from others and These great men . . . might have chosen not what one does. What people think and to follow a path easier than the one where believe and plan are all very important, but duty led. But they did not. Certainly their what they do is the thing that counts most. It duty did not always lead to personal com- is a call to throw out selfishness and to think fort or casual convenience. Their duty fre- of the common good of all. quently meant great sacrifice and personal We must always remember that duty hardship; but nevertheless, duty they chose, reminds us we are stewards of all that our and duty they performed. Creator has entrusted to us. When we accept Life requires us to perform many duties— duties willingly and faithfully, we find happi- some routine, others more meaningful and ness. Those who make happiness the chief important. An integral part of duty is to set objective of life are bound to fail, for hap- the proper example and to take every oppor- piness is a by-product rather than an end in tunity to bolster others along this uphill itself. Happiness comes from doing one’s duty road of life. This might be done with an
16 Ensign “Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like: “He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock. “But he that heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth; against which the stream did beat vehe- mently, and immediately it fell;
PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY CRAIG DIMOND PHOTO ILLUSTRATION and the ruin of that house was great” (Luke 6:43–49). encouraging word, a compli- doth a corrupt tree bring forth An integral “Be not weary in well-doing” ment, a handshake—any indi- good fruit. part of duty (D&C 64:33), my brothers and is to set cation of caring. And we need “For every tree is known by the proper sisters. Being true to one’s duty to keep in mind that as we his own fruit. For of thorns men example and is a mark of true disciples of the learn our duties well here, we do not gather figs, nor of a bram- to take every Lord and the children of God. Be opportunity also are preparing for the per- ble bush gather they grapes. to bolster valiant in your duty. Stay in step. formance of eternal duties. . . . “A good man out of the good others along Do not fail in your most impor- this uphill The absolute necessity to treasure of his heart bringeth tant task, that of keeping your road of life. do our duties at home, in the forth that which is good; and an second estate. Be true to your Church, in our daily work, and evil man out of the evil treasure duty, for it will bring you to God. also for our beloved coun- of his heart bringeth forth that I bear you my deep and try . . . is vividly and beauti- which is evil: for of the abun- sincere testimony that this is the fully described by the Master dance of the heart his mouth only way to obtain happiness Teacher, Jesus the Christ. He speaketh. and help the kingdom grow and declared: “And why call ye me, Lord, flourish. ◼
“For a good tree bringeth Lord, and do not the things Capitalization and paragraphing not forth corrupt fruit; neither which I say? standardized.
August 2012 17 By Les Whitmore Cords of Love I threw down my gloves and walked away. “Let Dad finish the work himself,” I thought.
n old log sits on my back porch. Over the years I looked through the window at the pile of wood in our it has served as a stool for me or other family backyard and argued that we had enough wood to get us A members to sit on while enjoying the evening through the winter—at least enough to put the chore off sun. At times it has been used as a stand for one of my for another day. I reminded him that there was going to wife’s potted plants. But mostly, the purpose of that log is be a good football game on TV that day. And wouldn’t we to remind me of the value of hard work, correct choices, both enjoy that? and the patient love of a father. Not persuaded by my argument for procrastination, my In the fall of 1972, we moved from the city to a small father loaded the chain saws and other equipment onto town in the Nevada (USA) desert. One of the first things our truck while I waited inside by the fireplace, hopeful my dad did was remove the gas furnace and install a that a taste of the cold morning air would dampen his wood-burning stove. He informed us that if we wanted to enthusiasm for the job. keep warm through the winter, we would cut wood. It didn’t. The most common firewood in that part of Nevada He beckoned me from the back door, and I gave one was mesquite, a thorn-covered, shrub-like tree with dark last pitch, arguing to wait at least until later in the day brown wood that is so dense that it can make a chain saw when it would be warmer. My father lowered his brow throw sparks. Turning it into firewood was hard, dirty work. and locked his eyes on me, his way of letting me know There were sharp thorns to contend with, joint-numbing that he was losing patience. vibrations from the chain saw, and logs that could weigh I put my coat on and shut the door behind me with an as much as 80 pounds (36 kg) each. The desert’s notori- angry grunt. I climbed into the pickup and turned the radio ously extreme climate made the chore even less pleasant. It to my favorite station, then settled into a well-practiced always seemed to be hot or cold, with little moderation. teenage sulk, a mood I maintained until we arrived at the mesquite patch about 30 minutes later. Time to Gather Firewood One cold Saturday morning, my father informed me A Few Painful Moments that we would need several more cords of I begrudgingly got out of the truck and slipped on the
ILLUSTRATIONS BY DAN BURR ILLUSTRATIONS wood to get us through oily work gloves. As I moved through the thicket toward the winter. the dead tree my father had begun cutting, a thorn caught me in the forehead. In my haste and fury, I grabbed the offending branch and punctured the leather glove with another thorn that ended up embedded a half-inch into my palm. My father saw what had happened. He stopped working and advised me to put ice on my hand
August 2012 19
like a mountain. I glanced back and could see my dad still laboring with the firewood in the distance. For a brief moment, guilt got to me and I thought of turning back. But pride pushed me forward. The walk turned into a climb. The hill was far steeper than I had originally judged, and the loose rocks beneath my feet made the ascent rather treacherous. I fell several As I reached the apex of the hill, the thrill times, bruising my knee and opening up a gash on my of a spectacular view and easy descent right hand, making the injury from the thorn seem minor turned into horror. by comparison. As I trudged up the hill, I began to notice that it was no longer cold. The sun was beating down on the blackish for a few minutes. But I didn’t want his sympathy. “We rocks, and sweat was dripping off the end of my nose. I didn’t have to be out here today!” I hollered. “In fact we stopped to catch my breath. My original estimate of an shouldn’t need to cut wood at all!” hour to get home had already passed, and I was only half- Although he remained calm, I could see that I had way up the “hill.” But I moved on, stopping every so often pushed my father about as far as I could. He suggested to wipe my brow and catch my breath. that I sit in the truck to cool down, which I gladly did. I looked back and could see that the truck was a mere But as I sat there, I didn’t cool down. I hated being out speck now. I smacked my dry lips together. I was now far there on a cold, miserable day, and I resented the fact enough that I could see the top of the hill. It was just a few that he had removed a perfectly good furnace from our hundred feet away, and I knew from there it would be all home over everyone’s objections—even my mother’s. My downhill. I moved forward, suddenly excited by the pros- teenage sense of fairness told me that it might teach him a pect of being at the top. lesson if he had to cut a load of wood by himself. Where My Pride Had Led Me Looking for the Easy Way Out As I reached the apex of the hill, the thrill of a spectacu I looked at a small hill to the east. I knew home was lar view and easy descent turned into horror as I realized over that hill—an easy hour walk, I figured. that the small mountain I had just climbed wasn’t the sole At first my conscience wouldn’t allow me to leave. I obstacle between me and home. There were two more climbed out of the truck and headed back to the work mountains, each at least as big as the one I had just climbed. site. But when my father began instructing me to pick up I looked back and could no longer see my father’s wood, move a branch, and get oil for the saw, my defiant truck. However, the dust trail rising in the distance told me attitude returned. I threw my gloves at his feet and told that he had finished and was on his way home. him to finish the job himself. I would be walking home. I sighed and my shoulders dropped. The promise of He stared in disbelief for a moment, then nodded his an easy walk home—an easy way out of a simple chore acknowledgment and got back to work. I had been hoping with my father—had already turned into a long, miserable for a stronger reaction—one that would justify my act of journey. The realization of what I had done hit me hard rebellion. Nevertheless, I turned and headed home on foot. and suddenly. I dropped to my knees and asked Heavenly It took me longer than I expected to get to the base of Father to forgive me for my rebellion, for acting so horribly the hill, and by the time I got there, it was looking more toward my father, and to help me make it home. Then,
20 Ensign
without any other options, I returned to the slog home. that I had learned a valuable lesson about diligent work I spent the rest of a long day trudging up and down and obedience—the very lesson he had been trying to hills and over desert terrain. During that trek, the guilt of teach me. abandoning my father tore at me. I also reflected on what Over the years, that day has become ingrained in my my choices had caused me to miss out on: I would have memory, perhaps because it taught me the value of hard already been home with my dad with a full load of fire- work and of making correct choices. But more than that, for wood, plenty to drink, and probably even time to watch me that one eventful day encapsulates so much of Heavenly the last half of the football game that had seemed so Father’s plan of salvation: God-given agency, temptation important to me that morning. with the false promise of an easier way, the possibility of By the time I stumbled into our driveway late that after- incorrect choices, the consequences of rebellion, repen- noon, I was dehydrated and near exhaustion. The anger I tance, and a patient and forgiving father. had exhibited toward my father earlier in the day was now Today, as I sit on my log, enjoying the evening sun, turned on myself. I am grateful for a loving and forgiving father and for a loving and forgiving Heavenly Father. ◼ Home at Last I trudged up the front steps, anxious to express my Without either of us regret and ask my father for forgiveness. However, when my mother met me at the door, she informed me that my saying so, I knew he father had been home only long enough to unload the fire- had forgiven me. wood. He explained to her what had happened and then left again—to spend the rest of the day looking for me. Although I was a 14-year-old boy who abhorred dis- plays of emotion, I fell into my mother’s arms and wept openly. My tears were not for what I had been through but for what I had put my father through, for my poor choices, for my wanton disobedience. I spent the next several hours praying for forgiveness and asking that my father make it home safely. My father made it back home just after dark, and I ran to embrace him as he walked through the door. “Feet hurt?” was all he said. I nodded, and we sat down to a quiet dinner. Without either of us say- ing so, I knew that he had forgiven me, and he knew DESERET NEWS
PHOTOGRAPH BY JEFFREY D. ALLRED © 22 Ensign By Elder Stanley G. Ellis Of the Seventy Natural Disasters WE DON’T HAVE TO BE AFRAID
he last days will be marked by many As we seek mission presidents, Church welfare and calamities and the rise of evil in the Heavenly Father’s humanitarian aid representatives, and emer- Tworld. Against these threats the Lord guidance, gency response leaders. We talked about all and His prophets have given us counsel kinds of things—whether the bishops’ store- on how to be righteous and avoid spiritual the Holy Ghost house was in order, where people could pitfalls and evil. However, calamities—such will help us evacuate, and how best to coordinate the as tornadoes, earthquakes, and tsunamis— prepare for, recuperation efforts after the storm. It was seem to strike randomly and devastate the endure, and a well-coordinated Church response and just as well as the unjust. These calamities recover from an inspirational experience. terrify many of us. But I have learned that we One of the stake presidents in the area was don’t have to be afraid of disasters. When we natural disasters. impressed eight or nine months before the are grounded in the gospel and when we are storm to encourage members of the stake to prepared, we can weather any storm. prepare. He indicated that he wasn’t claiming to be a prophet but that the promptings from Before the Storm: Make Preparation a Family Priority the Spirit had been clear. Members of the stake followed the In September 2005, I was an Area Seventy serving in the basic preparation strategies suggested by the Church. When North America Southwest Area, which included parts of the hurricane hit, no members of the stake were killed. DESERET NEWS
© the United States such as Houston, Texas. We learned that Furthermore, because members had gathered needed sup- Hurricane Rita—the most intense cyclone in recorded his- plies and had a plan in place, their circumstances were far tory that had ever been observed in the Gulf of Mexico— better than they might otherwise have been. They had paid was headed straight for us. I was asked to preside over the attention to that warning from the Spirit. Church’s emergency response in the area. We held daily A similar situation occurred to my family and me. About conference calls with priesthood leaders, stake presidents, three months before the storm, we were impressed to PHOTOGRAPH BY JEFFREY D. ALLRED August 2012 23 Do you want to talk have our generator serviced. Many people in ideas in family home evening. Then carry out to your children the area have small generators so that when those plans. about giving and storms come and electricity is lost, they can Moreover, the best thing parents can do is to receiving comfort provide power to keep the food in their refrig- live by these teachings. Someone once said that during disasters? erators and freezers from going bad. When we values are “caught” not “taught.” I found that to See the inspiring testi- had our generator checked, we discovered it be true. As children see their parents seeking monies of two young was not working. We were able to get it fixed and following the guidance of the Spirit, they survivors on pages well before the storm came. Our family, mem- will learn how the process of revelation works. 18–19 of this month’s bers of our ward, and neighbors all ended up issue of the Friend. using our generator after the hurricane hit. During the Storm: Follow the Revelation Fixing it turned out to be a great blessing. You Receive for Your Family Previous page: Workers This principle of preparation applies to As the storm approached, a major question sort through the rubble of an apartment that individuals as well as families. Parents, you we asked was whether or not people should PHOTOGRAPH BY CARMEN BORUP collapsed during the can have a powerful impact on your family by evacuate the area. The Spirit directed me not January 2010 earth- involving your children in preparation and in to make a general recommendation for the quake in Haiti. family prayers for the Lord’s guidance. In other whole area but rather to ask each stake leader, words, when your family considers its pre- each bishopric, and each family to prayer- People evacuating paredness, the question, what should we do? fully consider the situation and receive their Houston, Texas, USA, before the onslaught ought to be a major part of your family prayer. own inspiration as to what they should do. of Hurricane Rita. You can also talk about these topics and share As events unfolded, it became obvious that the Spirit knew what was best for each individual family. Leaders in one stake, for example, knew they were directly in the path of the hurricane and advised members to evacuate. The stake president and his wife evacuated to the home of his sister. Afterward, the hurricane veered, head- ing toward them once again. They had evacuated directly into the storm! You might ask yourself, “What kind of inspiration was that?” But consider what happened. This stake president and his wife knew how to prepare a home for a hurricane, whereas his sister did not. They were able to help their relatives get ready for the storm, and when it hit, the damage was minimal compared to what it would have been otherwise. The Lord had guided them to do what was best.
24 Ensign going. Because of this eternal perspective, the pain can be eased. Knowledge of the plan of salvation takes the sting out of death (see 1 Corinthians 15:55). Long ago, Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego did not know what would happen when they were tossed into the fiery furnace for refusing to worship a false god. They said to the king, “Our God . . . will deliver us. . . . But if not, we [still] will not serve thy gods” (Daniel 3:17–18). Likewise, many pioneers of the restored Church were willing to attempt crossing the North American plains in the mid-1800s, even with the possibility of
PHOTOGRAPH BY CARMEN BORUP death along the way. The Book of Mormon describes A Mormon Helping Hands volunteer sifts through rubble in good people being killed and teaches that they “are Joplin, Missouri, USA, after a tornado in May 2011. blessed, for they have gone to dwell with their God” (Alma 24:22). In our family’s case, we felt that we should not evac- In each case, individuals faced death with faith. For uate. So we stayed. Not only did we safely weather the them, because of the peace the gospel brings, the sting of storm, but we also were able to help other people in the death was taken away. Although it is painful to lose some- area. Some of our married children were impressed to one you love and though most of us would hate to die evacuate, so they left. Heeding the Spirit blessed each because we have so many great things to live for, the fact family, ward, and stake. of the matter is that everyone is going to die sometime. When you know the gospel plan, you know that death is After the Storm: Let the Gospel Remove the Sting not the end of the world. Your existence will continue, and Sometimes good people do suffer during calamities. family relationships can continue even after the grave has The Lord does not eliminate suffering—it’s part of the claimed our mortal bodies. In the overall scheme of things, plan. For example, a stake center in the central United death is not eternally devastating. As Elder Russell M. States was recently destroyed by a tornado. That tornado Nelson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught: “We also demolished the stake president’s home. He and his live to die, and we die to live again. From an eternal per- family lost all of their earthly possessions. However, that’s spective, the only death that is truly premature is the death all they were: earthly possessions. The loss was sad, but it of one who is not prepared to meet God.” 1 An eternal was not an eternally damaging disaster. Sometimes what perspective is part of the peace the gospel can give us. we think is important really isn’t important at all. This real- The Lord knows us. The Lord loves us. And the Lord ization is not necessarily easy to accept, but it is true, and wants to help us. Calamities will come, but we don’t understanding this provides reassurance. have to fear them. If we are willing to be guided and The worst-case scenario in one of these disasters is ask for His direction, the Lord through the Holy Ghost that someone might be killed. That’s a very sad thing. But will help us prepare for, endure, and recover from any since we know the truth, we know that even such loss is natural disaster. ◼ part of Heavenly Father’s plan. We know what life is truly NOTE all about; we know why we are here and where we are 1. Russell M. Nelson, “Face the Future with Faith,” Ensign, May 2011, 34.
August 2012 25 By Bishop Gérald Caussé First Counselor in the Presiding Bishopric Keeping the Faith IN A WORLD OF CONFUSION
was born in southwestern France To strengthen our testimonies and “of goodly parents” (1 Nephi 1:1) protect ourselves from error, we who, from the time I was young, I must constantly nourish and fortify helped me develop faith in Jesus Christ and a testimony of the restored our faith. gospel. At school, on the other hand, many of my professors expressed doubts about and even hostility toward any religious belief. On many occasions I heard the teachings of belief. I was petrified! However, my opinions and information invades Korihor from those who were be desire to be loyal to my faith was even our everyday lives. These contradic littling my beliefs: stronger. I glanced around to see that I tions can become disconcerting and “Behold, they are foolish traditions was the only one of those 40 students paralyzing. of your fathers. How do ye know of to raise a hand. The teacher, taken by How can we distinguish between their surety? surprise, changed the subject. truth and error? How can we avoid “. . . Behold, ye cannot know of All members of the Church at some becoming like those who are “kept things which ye do not see” (Alma time in their lives face moments that from the truth because they know not 30:14–15). test the sincerity and strength of their where to find it”? (D&C 123:12). When I was 17, I began taking testimonies. Braving these trials of our It is up to us whether we remain philosophy classes in high school. faith helps us stand firm in a world firm in our testimonies. When I One day the teacher said to the class, that is falling more and more into the think about my past, I realize that “Surely there isn’t anyone here who depths of confusion. This confusion the success of my personal journey believes that Adam really existed!” is evident in the barrage of messages depended on a few simple princi Then he scanned the room with the that surround us. With the advent of ples that kept me on course. These look of an inquisitor, ready to pounce the Internet, for example, an unin principles allowed me to develop
on whoever dared to admit to such terrupted avalanche of contradictory myself spiritually despite the “mists of REIER; JOSEPH SMITH SEEKS WISDOM FROM THE BIBLE, BY DALE KILBOURN © 1975 IRI BY MATTHEW PHOTO ILLUSTRATION
26 Ensign darkness” (1 Nephi 12:17) and snares that surround all of us.
Seek the Truth Continually To those who claim that “ye cannot know” (Alma 30:15), the Lord has answered, “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you” (Matthew 7:7). That is a marvelous promise. Disciples of Christ hunger and thirst every day after spiritual knowledge. This personal practice is founded on study, contemplation, and daily prayer. It allows us to follow the example of Joseph Smith, Disciples of Christ who “came to the conclusion that hunger and thirst [he] must either remain in darkness JOSEPH SMITH SEEKS WISDOM FROM THE BIBLE, BY DALE KILBOURN © 1975 IRI every day after and confusion, or else . . . ask of spiritual knowledge. God” ( Joseph Smith—History 1:13). This personal practice Studying the word of God protects allows us to follow us from the influence of false doc the example of trines. The Lord said, “For unto him Joseph Smith. that receiveth I will give more; and
PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY MATTHEW REIER; BY MATTHEW PHOTO ILLUSTRATION from them that shall say, We have
August 2012 27
We must exercise works. We cannot hope to receive enough, from them shall be taken personal revelation away even that which they have” unless we conduct (2 Nephi 28:30). ourselves like faithful disciples of Christ. Accept Unanswered Questions In our search for truth, we can be tempted to want to understand everything right away. However, the intelligence of God is so infinite that “it is impossible that man should find out all his ways” ( Jacob 4:8). We must accept living for a time without answers to all of our questions. Like Nephi, we faithfully acknowledge that God “loveth his children; neverthe less, [we] do not know the meaning of all things” (1 Nephi 11:17). The Lord, nevertheless, supplies us with the knowledge necessary for our salvation and exaltation. He prom ises, “Whatsoever ye ask the Father in my name it shall be given unto you, that is expedient for you” (D&C 88:64). We receive these answers progressively, “line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little” (2 Nephi 28:30), depending on our needs and our capacity to comprehend. It is up to us to distinguish between questions that are truly essential to our eternal progress and those that result from intellectual curiosity, need for proof, or desire for personal satisfaction.
Seek the Testimony of the Spirit Each of us may experience moments of personal doubt. These
28 Ensign doubts are rarely alleviated by the disciples. The Prophet Joseph Smith therefore constantly nourish and for search for rational explanations. For declared, “The fundamental principles tify our faith. To begin with, we need example, some scientific or archaeo of our religion are the testimony of to have pure hearts and great humil logical discoveries may reinforce our the Apostles and Prophets, concern ity. Jacob warned the people of Nephi testimonies of scripture, but spiritual ing Jesus Christ, that He died, was about the pride of those who “when knowledge cannot be proven by logic buried, and rose again the third day, they are learned . . . think they are or physical evidence. and ascended into heaven.” 1 wise, and . . . hearken not unto the Knowledge of the truth is based For the many long centuries of counsel of God, for they set it aside, on the testimony of the Spirit. As the the Apostasy, the world did not lack supposing they know of themselves” Apostle Paul said, “The things of God experts, but it had lost the witnesses (2 Nephi 9:28). knoweth no man, but [by] the Spirit of of Christ. As a result, human rea Next, we must exercise works. The God” (1 Corinthians 2:11). son replaced the strength of divine Apostle James taught that “faith [was] We have the assurance that “the revelation. wrought with . . . works, and by works Spirit speaketh the truth and lieth When we are troubled, our first was faith made perfect” ( James 2:22). not” ( Jacob 4:13). The Spirit can have reflex must be to search the scriptures We cannot hope to receive personal an even more powerful effect on us and the words of the living prophets. revelation unless we conduct our than our physiological senses. To the Their writings are beacons that cannot selves like faithful disciples of Christ. Apostle Peter, who had just declared deceive us: “Wherefore, we search Respecting the covenants we have his faith, Jesus replied, “Blessed art the prophets, and we have many made with God qualifies us to receive thou, Simon Bar-jona: for flesh and revelations and the spirit of prophecy; the companionship of the Holy Ghost, blood hath not revealed it unto thee, and having all these witnesses we who enlightens our intelligence and but my Father which is in heaven” obtain a hope, and our faith becometh causes our spirits to blossom. (Matthew 16:17). After all, how many unshaken” ( Jacob 4:6). I testify of the truthfulness of these of Christ’s contemporaries did not rec principles. I know by experience that ognize Him despite seeing Him with Nourish Your Faith when we apply them in our lives, their own eyes! We do not receive a “witness until they ensure our protection in a con after the trial of [our] faith” (Ether fused and disoriented world. They Seek the Words of Prophets 12:6). Faith has the power to unlock harbor a marvelous promise: “And and Apostles knowledge of eternal truths. Pushed because of your diligence and your I recently had a discussion with a to its fulness, knowledge becomes faith and your patience with the word dignitary of another church. Desirous an absolute and perfect certitude. Of in nourishing it, that it may take root to determine if we were a Christian the brother of Jared, Moroni wrote in you, behold, by and by ye shall church, he suggested organizing a that “because of the knowledge of pluck the fruit thereof, which is most debate between the doctrinal experts this man he could not be kept from precious, . . . and ye shall feast upon of our two religions. beholding within the veil; . . . and this fruit even until ye are filled, that The strength and truth of the he had faith no longer, for he knew, ye hunger not, neither shall ye thirst” doctrine of Christ, however, rest not nothing doubting” (Ether 3:19). (Alma 32:42). ◼ upon the debate of experts but upon To strengthen our testimonies and NOTE 1. Teachings of Presidents of the Church:
BY HARRY ANDERSON © IRI; PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY JERRY GARNS BY JERRY ANDERSON © IRI; PHOTO ILLUSTRATION CHRIST WITH THE CHILDREN, BY HARRY the sacred testimonies of His chosen protect ourselves from error, we must Joseph Smith (2007), 49.
August 2012 29
atFINDING the Ends of the Earth FAITH
By Michael R. Morris Church Magazines
es Éclaireurs Lighthouse rises like a sentinel from its islet perch in the chilly Beagle Channel. French L for “the Scouts” or “the Enlighteners,” Les Éclaireurs emits a flash of light every 10 seconds from its isolated post. Five nautical miles (8 km) to the north is Argentina’s southernmost city, Ushuaia, located on the tip of the archi- pelago of Tierra del Fuego. Ninety miles (145 km) to the south is Cape Horn and beyond that, the frozen Antarctic. For those who have embraced The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints here at what locals call “the end of the earth,” Les Éclaireurs serves as a metaphor for the restored gospel. Like a lighthouse, the gospel is a beacon that has brought them from the spiritual darkness of the world and landed them safely on the shores of faith and fellowship.
I Found Answers Guillermo Javier Leiva remembers the pain of his divorce in 2007. He had to find his own apartment and was no longer able to return home every evening to his young son, Julian. He felt empty and alone. “I was very unhappy,” he says, “and in moments of anguish, I looked for God.” Guillermo began praying for answers and help. “I said, ‘Father, I’m not worthy for Thee to enter my house, but a word from Thee will be enough to heal me.’” The answer to that prayer came a short while later when two young men in white shirts and ties stopped Through the Book of Mormon, God “answered the most to talk with him while he was playing with his son important prayer I ever said,” says Guillermo Leiva (above, center), who serves as a branch president in Ushuaia. Above outside his new apartment. right: Les Éclaireurs Lighthouse and photos of Ushuaia. “One of them greeted me and asked if I had faith,” he recalls. “I told him yes but that I wasn’t the best Christian. He then asked if I would
30 Ensign
read a book if he left it with me. I told him yes.” As Guillermo began reading the verses in Alma 32 that the missionaries had marked for him, he says, “I immedi- ately felt a great joy in my soul that I hadn’t felt in a long time. The book touched my heart. I couldn’t stop reading.” Ushuaia, Argentina, may be located Guillermo no longer attended his previous church, but at the end of the earth, but for those he told the missionaries that he had no intention of being who have embraced the gospel here, it baptized again. Nevertheless, he welcomed their visits and their reading assignments in the Book of Mormon. is the beginning of a new life. As he read, his soul grieved with Nephi when he learned how that prophet had sorrowed “because of the temptations and the sins which do so easily beset me” (2 Nephi 4:18). “I knew that I too had sinned,” Guillermo says, “and I felt bad about it.” As he read, he felt that he was being rescued from dark- ness and despair and brought into “the light of the glory of
PHOTOGRAPHS BY MICHAEL R. MORRIS; MAP © ISTOCKPHOTO.COM God” (Alma 19:6).
August 2012 31
And as he read of the baptismal covenant set forth Amanda, “and we knew we needed a church to help us.” at the Waters of Mormon, he realized the importance of In the early 1990s the Robledos moved with their baptism by proper priesthood authority. “If I recognized four children from Mendoza, in northwest Argentina, to that the seed was good, what did I ‘have . . . against being Ushuaia. When they were introduced to the Church two baptized in the name of the Lord’?” (Mosiah 18:10), he years later, they perceived immediately that there was asked himself. something different about both the spirit and the teachings “Every time I read, I felt peace and I found answers,” of the full-time missionaries. Guillermo says. “I realized that the Book of Mormon was Amanda knew little of Latter-day Saints. “And what I the word of God I had asked for in my prayers.” had heard wasn’t good,” she says. But she, Ricardo, and When he was baptized in March 2009, he experienced their children resonated to what they were learning. a spiritual rebirth and a renewed hope for the future. “I felt the Spirit when the missionaries taught us,” says
Right: For Amanda and Ricardo Robledo (with daughters Bárbara and Irene), learning that their family could be together forever was the crowning doctrine that helped them accept the restored gospel.
“Baptism was a chance to start over,” Guillermo says. their daughter Bárbara, who was 11 at the time. “And I liked “I have changed my life. I am very happy now. I know it when they taught us that we could pray as a family.” that this is the true Church of Jesus Christ and that God Taking the missionary discussions, reading the Book of answers prayers because He answered the most important Mormon, and attending church, Ricardo says, “gave us all prayer I ever said.” the answers we were seeking—answers about baptism, pre-earth life, the divinity of Christ, the immortality of We Needed a Church man, gospel ordinances, marriage, and the eternal nature As a child, Amanda Robledo had no spiritual remedy for of the family.” the physical pain she suffered after her mother died. And For the Robledos, learning that their family could her husband, Ricardo, could find no answers to his heart- be together forever was the crowning doctrine of the felt religious questions following the death of his brother. restored gospel. One of those questions was, Is there a church on earth “My conversion came at that moment,” says Ricardo, that follows the teachings of Jesus Christ? Their search for who was baptized less than three weeks after the first dis- that church and for answers to their questions ultimately cussion and now serves as second counselor in the district prepared them to accept the restored gospel. presidency. “I suffered when I lost a brother at age 49, but As they searched, they attended different denominations I understood that I could reclaim him by doing his temple and investigated various religious beliefs. They looked for work. This assurance gave me peace and happiness.” a church that not only conformed to Christ’s teachings but Amanda, baptized a short while later with one of their would also strengthen their family. sons, says, “I haven’t had my mother since I was very “This was a difficult time for our family,” recalls young. I always thought I had lost her, and this caused
32 Ensign
asked him to read several verses and pray that night about their message. He did so but felt nothing. During a subsequent discussion, however, Elder Zanni asked him, “Would it be all right if we prayed so you can ask Heavenly Father if what we have been teaching you is true?” As he prayed, Marcelino says, “my heart began to burn fervently within me. Nothing like that had ever happened to me before. I couldn’t even finish my prayer, and I arose Ushuaia may be located at the end of the earth, but for those like Marcelino Tossen who have found the gospel from my knees.” here, “it’s the beginning of everything.” Elder Zanni asked Marcelino if he had felt anything during his prayer. When Marcelino told him no, the mis- sionary said, “I felt the Spirit very strong. It’s strange that me a lot of pain. But when the missionaries told us that a you didn’t feel anything.” family can be together forever, it really touched my heart. When he admitted what he had felt, Marcelino says, It is wonderful to think that I will see her again.” “the elders read from the Doctrine and Covenants, telling After Ricardo and Amanda were married for eternity in me that when the Lord wants us to know if something the Buenos Aires Argentina Temple, their children were is right, He will send His peace or make our heart burn sealed to them. Being sealed as a family, completing within us [see D&C 6:23; 9:8]. That day was a turning point ordinance work for many deceased family members, and for me.” sending three of their children on full-time missions have From then on, the Spirit labored with him and testified brought Ricardo and Amanda great joy. of the truth through numerous spiritual experiences. “I’d “One of the greatest blessings we have received as feel the burning again while I was alone in my apartment,” members of the Church,” Amanda says, “is that our chil- Marcelino says. “When I would open the window, I’d see dren obey God.” the elders nearby on a corner teaching people about the Church. I could feel when they were close, and I began The Beginning of Everything to take seriously what they were teaching me.” Marcelino Tossen believed in God, read the Bible, Marcelino received a warm welcome when he began and enjoyed talking about religion, so when the full-time attending church. He was baptized a short while later on missionaries knocked on his apartment door one warm April 22—the exact day the missionaries had named three January day in 1992, he invited them in. That decision months earlier. Today, after serving nine years as president changed his life. of the Ushuaia district, he serves as the second counselor “Elder Zanni and Elder Halls worked under the impres- in the presidency of the Buenos Aires north mission. sions of the Spirit,” recalls Marcelino. Before that first dis- “When we read that the Lord will ‘send forth [His] word cussion had even ended, the elders told him that he would unto the ends of the earth’ [D&C 112:4], that’s Ushuaia,” be baptized into the Church, even telling him the exact says President Tossen. “Ushuaia is the end of the earth. day he would be baptized. But for those like me who found the gospel here, it’s the “I’m not going to get baptized,” Marcelino countered. “I beginning of everything. Here you’ll find the lighthouse at want only to talk to you.” the end of the world. But here is where I found faith and The missionaries gave him a Book of Mormon and the lighthouse of the Lord.” ◼
August 2012 33 Decisions
STAKE CENTER 70 MILES BRANCH 45 MILES
34 Ensign
That Make a By Melissa Merrill Church Magazines Difference DOCTRINAL Seventy miles to the stake center. Forty-five CONNECTIONS miles to the branch meetinghouse. For this How are the following Kansas family, living far away brought them doctrines addressed in closer to God—and each other. the article? • Family relationships can last for eternity. • Divine bonds Centralia between family members are forged as they do positive things together. KANSAS • A Christ-centered home is a place of refuge, healing, defense against sin, and love.
hen Tommy and Mickie Crowther and their two-year-old daughter moved to Centralia, W Kansas, USA, in 1988, they were surprised to learn that the nearest branch of the Church, with some 25 members, was 45 miles (72 km) away. Both Tommy and Mickie had grown up in the western United States in areas where there were large Latter-day Saint populations, and they hoped to return there and live near their extended family. But they quickly began to feel that their branch in Kansas was exactly where their family was supposed to be, so they stayed. The Crowthers have now lived in Centralia nearly 25 years and have raised their four children—Heidi, Katie, Jake, and Jenny—in the small, rural community. And while living in an area somewhat isolated from other Church members has been challenging, the Crowthers say it has also been an amazing opportunity.
FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF CROWTHER FAMILY; BACKGROUND © ISTOCKPHOTO.COM OF CROWTHER FAMILY; PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY FAMILY The branch that the Crowther family belongs to
August 2012 35 The Crowther fam- ily puts priority on attending activities that are not only fun but spiritually enriching as well, such as a youth conference trek the children participated in (right).
currently has about 30 people attending. That number school loans, and we didn’t have the money to make the has ranged from 20 to 70 over the years and continues to trip more often than that, such as for weeknight Relief change. Distance and branch size have created challenges Society meetings,” Mickie explains. “But as time went on, and required the family to make sacrifices, as such cir- as our children got older and our finances improved, we cumstances have for many Latter-day Saints. But no matter decided to have them at every activity that we could.” how small the unit or how remote the location, Tommy “Making the effort to be there has made a huge differ- and Mickie believe that several key decisions have been ence,” Tommy says. “One of the major blessings of living essential in raising their family to be strong in the gospel. in this area has been our stake, which has always been fantastic about supporting the youth. Our children have Decide to Participate developed friendships with other teens in the stake, and For the first few years of living in Kansas, the Crowthers the stake leaders have loved and supported them.” could make the trip to the meetinghouse only once a The stake has also provided meaningful, spiritual activi- week, for their Sunday meetings. “We were paying off ties that bless the lives of the youth. “We wouldn’t drive as far as we do just for a fun activ- ity,” Mickie says. “We can find fun activities closer to home. But we go to Church activities because the stake provides things that feed our children spiritually, build them, and help them be stronger. That means a lot.” Stake leadership has also been considerate in ways that facilitate participation, Tommy says. “Stake leaders have been sensitive to our situation and have done things like scheduling a seminary meeting just before a stake dance so that those of us traveling long distances don’t have to make extra trips,” he continues. “But none of those things would have happened if we hadn’t decided to participate and make participation a possibility for our children.”
36 Ensign
Teach Your Children in the Home The Crowthers are grateful to be part of a branch that is “small but strong,” as Tommy describes it, but he and Mickie admit that they have sometimes worried about how their children may face the influences of the world when they don’t have a large youth group in IT BEGINS AT their branch to lean on. HOME “I remember as a young mother being “The responsibility of concerned about my children being taught building leadership in Strong Church programs like Young Women the Church belongs the gospel when our branch was so small camp (above) and Mutual activities (below) to the father and the and programs were sometimes limited,” she have strengthened the Crowther family, but mother. As youth grow says. “Then I realized that it was our—my Tommy and Mickie realize that the primary and mature through and Tommy’s—responsibility to make sure responsibility for teaching their children lies their teenage years that our family learned the gospel. It wasn’t in the home. and move toward Church leaders’ responsibility—it was ours. adulthood, the Church What our children learned at church could picks up an important role in this process of support what we were teaching in the home; giving youth an oppor- we made sure we were reading the Book of tunity to lead, but it Mormon, holding family home evening, and begins in the home.” teaching the gospel consistently.” Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, in “Tending the Follow the Guidelines of the Church Flock: Teaching Leadership Skills to Youth,” Ensign, June Mickie takes comfort in reading the New 2008, 16. Testament and seeing how Paul wrote to dif- ferent branches of the Church “to make sure everyone was still on track,” as she says. Sometimes it’s a struggle. Sometimes the child “Even though we’re in a small branch, we doesn’t like mornings. But I take the time and want to have the true gospel for our children effort to teach as I would teach at church, here. To do that, it’s very important for us to with preparation and visual aids and scrip- follow the guidelines of the Church as found ture mastery. I’ve tried to give them the full in the Church handbook. The handbook is experience.” for us today what those epistles were for In following the policies of the Church, members in the time of the New Testament.” the Crowther family has been blessed by its Seminary is one area where following programs. “The projects and programs our official Church guidelines has been important children have participated in have given them for the Crowthers. “We have had seminary in opportunities to stand out in positive ways our home,” explains Mickie, who was called in our community, where we’re very much a and set apart as a seminary teacher. “Every curiosity as members of the Church,” Mickie morning, it’s me and one of our children. adds.
August 2012 37 Sunday meetings are held many miles away from the Crowthers’ home, but the sacri- fices the family makes to attend their meet- ings with their branch (pictured here in 2005) bring them together as a family and strengthen their faith in Jesus Christ.
Use Your Time Well they let down their guard, others will question them.” “Our children knew that anytime we were going to the One difficult decision for the Crowther children stake center, it would be 70 miles each way,” says Tommy. involved participation in athletic events. “One of our “Going to a Church meeting could take the whole day or daughters is a good volleyball player and wanted to play at least the whole afternoon. That was a challenge at first, club volleyball, which is held on Sunday afternoons,” but then we decided to use that travel time for good. I Tommy explains. “We talked about the decision and the would drive, and Mickie would read. Our children came consequences with her and even went to tryouts. We told to love that and even look forward to that family time, that her we would support her in her decision. It was probably teaching time.” one of the hardest decisions she had made at that point in “I used to worry that we were participating in Church her life, so when she told us that she had decided not to things at the cost of family things,” Mickie remembers. “But participate, that meant a lot. I knew how much she wanted now we’ve realized that the Church things have become it. I also knew why she didn’t do it, and that told me that the family things. With careful planning, our times together her priorities were right. coming and going from Church meetings and activities “When you have that kind of experience or walk by have been some of our best family experiences.” your child’s room at night and see them reading their scriptures—not because you’re making them but because Maintain Standards they’re doing it on their own—that helps you as a parent For a long time, the Crowthers were the only members of know that the things you’re doing are working.” the Church in their county. “None of our children have ever had another member attending their school with them,” says Build Family Unity Mickie. “They’ve had to stand on their own. But because Ultimately, no matter how supportive Church lead- of the decisions they’ve made to maintain their standards, ers are or how meaningful activities may be, for the others have looked to them to maintain those standards. If Crowthers, the efforts—and the payoff—are most signifi- cant at home. Efforts in the home involve not only consistency but also creativity, Mickie says. “We play a lot of games with our family,” she explains. “When there’s going to be a big party that our teens know they shouldn’t go to, we plan something special. By doing something fun at home, we help them feel like they’re not missing out.”
38 Ensign
The fun activities are complemented by are centered on the family. “Being together shared spiritual experiences, Tommy says. forever with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ “When our oldest daughters were attending is our biggest goal. That’s why we do every- Brigham Young University, we went to visit thing we can to have the gospel in our home them. Our youngest was then 12, so we went and in our lives,” Tommy says. “Being together forever to the Provo Utah Temple to do baptisms. That “Yes, there are sacrifices involved in liv- with Heavenly Father was a special experience we shared,” he recalls. ing the gospel and in Church participation and Jesus Christ is our Such activities build family unity, and as a when you live in a remote area, as we do,” biggest goal. That’s why result, Tommy and Mickie have watched their Mickie says. “But we’d do anything we can to we do everything we children become each others’ best support. make it possible for us to be together forever. can to have the gospel Both Tommy and Mickie believe that all When it comes down to it, this is the only in our home and in our of these efforts and important decisions thing that really matters.” ◼ lives,” Brother Crowther says.
HOW SENIOR They’ve been grandparents MISSIONARIES HAVE to the children and youth. MADE A DIFFERENCE They’ve been good friends “Senior missionaries have to the adults and have made a huge difference offered support and encour- in the lives of our branch agement. They’ve been able members and especially our to reach less-active members family,” Mickie Crowther in ways no one else could. says. Often the elders And after their service is have served in the branch complete, they remain presidency and the sisters lifelong friends with the have served in an auxiliary says. She recalls one sister in went had a great experi- members from their mission. presidency. But wherever particular who made every- ence. In fact, the choir grew “They are wonderful,” they have served in the thing—no matter what it so big that when we sang says Mickie. “We know branch, Mickie says, “they was—a lot of fun. This sister on Sunday, we didn’t have that they come at great have been so much help.” encouraged branch mem- anyone to sing to—all of us sacrifice, both family-wise Several couples have bers to socialize more and were in the choir! and emotionally. We know served in the community in know one another better. “We all felt we would that they come at personal the last 20 years, and their “She started a ward choir do anything for this sister expense. I can’t say enough influence has been lasting. and even brought cinnamon because of what she did how much we would like “When you’ve been here rolls when we rehearsed,” for us.” to have senior missionaries so long and the group is so Mickie recalls. “Before that, These couples, Mickie in our area all of the time. small, it’s really nice to have we didn’t have a choir. And says, have lifted many They’ll never know what a someone fresh come in with even though we weren’t burdens for individuals, fam- difference they have made new enthusiasm,” Mickie very good, those of us who ilies, and their small branch. in our lives.” RIGHT: PHOTO ILLUSTRATION © IRI; PAINTING BY HEINRICH HOFMANN, COURTESY C. HARRISON CONROY CO. INC. BY HEINRICH HOFMANN, COURTESY PAINTING PHOTO ILLUSTRATION © IRI; RIGHT:
August 2012 39
How Could She Let Him Go? I learned a surprising lesson when my sister placed her baby for adoption. Name withheld
hen my younger sister, Lauren,* One Day with Ryan told me she was pregnant, I couldn’t A GREATER Ryan—that was what Lauren had decided to have been more upset for her. She OPPORTUNITY call him. We would get only one day with him W “When marriage had just come from telling the baby’s father, who before his adoptive parents took custody. had abdicated any responsibility, and she was dev is not possible, It was almost noon by the time we got every experience has astated. All I could do was hold her while she cried. thing situated at the hospital the day Lauren and shown that adoption, difficult Ryan were released, and we only had him until Lauren’s Decision though this may six o’clock that evening. We had decided to After talking to our mother, Lauren decided to be for the young pack a picnic lunch and take him to the park. see a counselor at LDS Family Services and begin mother, may It was a lovely day, and we enjoyed watching procedures to place her baby for adoption. I was afford a greater him eat and stretch and sleep. He was so con opportunity for appalled. How could she think about giving up tented and sweet. I kept thinking there was no the child to live a her baby? He had a family! Her decision split our life of happiness. way I could go through with this. I had never family down the middle. My parents and one Wise and experi- known love like I felt for that tiny baby. He sister supported the adoption, and my other two enced professional wasn’t even mine, but how could I let him go? sisters were as opposed as I was. I was so angry counselors and When we arrived at LDS Family Services, that most days I stayed away from our apartment. prayerful bishops I lifted Ryan out of his car seat and eased him How could she possibly feel good about aban can assist in these into Lauren’s lap, and she cuddled him. We sat circumstances.” doning her baby to strangers? there drinking in these last precious moments President Gordon B. My mother and sister Jennifer arrived to be Hinckley (1910–2008), that would have to last a lifetime. with Lauren the day before her due date. There “Save the Children,” Lauren handed him to me so she could get Ensign, Nov. 1994, 53. was no one else to take them to the hospital out of the car. I had the impulse to run, but the next morning, so despite my resolve not to before I could, the door to the office opened participate, I found myself walking down the long, sterile and a social worker came to greet us. Then something corridors of the maternity ward. amazing happened. I stepped out of my dark world, over The doctor looked somber as he came out of the opera the building threshold, and into the warmth of what I ting room. He said, “Lauren will be back to her room in imagine heaven will be like. That’s the only way I can about half an hour, but the baby was sent to the intensive explain it. The room was enveloped in the sweetest, care unit. He is having difficulty breathing.” warmest spirit I have ever felt. The adoptive parents had My mother and I headed to the intensive care unit while an aura about them that melted my heart. I knew they Jennifer waited for Lauren to come out of recovery. A nurse were meant to be Ryan’s parents. motioned us to an incubator where I looked into the face My sister made the right choice. She would have strug of my new nephew. He looked just like Lauren. I had been gled just to put food on the table if she had kept Ryan. praying that she would change her mind and keep him, but She loved him but could not have given him the choicest now I just prayed he would live. gift—that of a temple sealing to his parents. I’m thankful As my mother and I stood vigil the third morning, the my sister’s vision saw beyond her loss, that her ears heeded nurse said, “You know it’s not too late to back out of the a prophet’s counsel, and that the healing power of the adoption.” I saw a steady stream of tears falling down my Atonement can comfort us in our deepest sorrows. ◼ mother’s cheeks. For the first time I realized I wasn’t the For additional information about adoption services, contact LDS Family only one hurting. “I don’t know how we’ll be able to do Services at 800-537-2229, or visit www.ldsfamilyservices.org.
ILLUSTRATION BY ANNIE HENRIE ILLUSTRATION this,” she said. *All names have been changed.
August 2012 41
I Thought It Was All Nonsense I thought if I could just prove the elders wrong, I could get Sundays back for me and my family.
By Umberto Gilardi
hen I met the Latter-day Saint woman who it bothered me to leave it there. I picked it back up, and as would become my wife, I wasn’t very inter- I sat there looking at it, I thought, “If it’s true, then it will W ested in church—any church. But I was change my life. If it’s not true, I will have lost only a small interested in Angie, so I sometimes attended services with amount of time trying to find out.” her. This continued after our marriage, although I usually I had never been a reader. My family moved from Italy attended only sacrament meeting. I rarely stayed for priest- to Scotland when I was young, and I often mixed up hood meeting because I couldn’t be with my wife and I Italian and English, which made learning to read difficult. didn’t have any idea of what was going on. Even when I By the time I got to secondary school, it seemed a lost did understand, I thought it was all nonsense. During that cause. part of the meeting block, I sat in the car. So it was with some apprehension that I picked up the One Sunday the missionaries approached me after book and read several passages the elders had marked, sacrament meeting. I knew about the missionaries because including the promise in Moroni (see Moroni 10:3–5). To my wife’s parents often had them over for dinner. Wanting my astonishment, I read with perfect clarity and under- to be supportive of Angie, I invited them to our home standing. I read Moroni’s promise and then reread it. I for dinner. Over the next month, the elders and I became decided I must “ask God” (Moroni 10:4). friends. One day they invited me to participate in the mis- I went upstairs and prayed. “God, if you tell me this sionary discussions. I agreed, but only because I planned book is true, then I’ll join this church and I’ll be the man to quickly prove them wrong. you want me to be.” I didn’t see any lights, but some- When we met, I bickered with them and picked at thing went through me. The Holy Ghost confirmed that things they said. Finally, Elder Wilkins closed the Book of the Book of Mormon was true and that I should join the Mormon he was holding and said, “We can’t teach you if Church. And then this clear thought entered my mind and you’re just going to argue with us.” heart: “I want you to have the priesthood.” I didn’t know I was thrilled. I had won! They were giving up, I what the priesthood was (other than that meeting I habitu- thought. I expected that within two weeks, tops, Angie ally skipped), but I was determined to find out and seek it. would stop going to church and our family’s Sundays I called the missionaries and told them I wanted to be would no longer be taken up with religion. baptized. They were understandably shocked. I told them The next day, I drove Angie to work and then returned of my experience and asked them about the priesthood. home. As I sat down, I spotted a copy of the Book of As I met with them over the next few weeks, my questions
Mormon on the coffee table. I threw it under the table, but were answered and my testimony grew. BY MICHAEL MALM ILLUSTRATION
42 Ensign
One time the missionaries brought over a video of a conference address by President Gordon B. Hinckley (1910–2008). In the video, President Hinckley addressed every single point on which I had argued with the mis- sionaries before. I felt as though the prophet were speaking directly to me. This experience further confirmed my decision to be baptized. When I was baptized and then received the Holy Ghost the next day at church, I recognized my depen- dence on Heavenly Father and on faith in Jesus Christ. I was filled with a warm, wonderful feeling, as though I was being given a reassuring hug. I later received the priesthood. I learned that it came through Jesus Christ and that by living a virtuous life, I would be able to exercise the power of the priesthood whenever He needed me to. I have had powerful experiences in exercising the priesthood authority that have blessed my life and the lives of my family and friends. I can attest that in very real ways, holding the priesthood has made me a better man. My wife, our daughter, and I were sealed May 27, 2000, in the Preston England Temple, and a son was later born to us in the covenant. By allow- ing Christ to be the focal point of my life, I am able to be a better husband and father than I would have been had I not joined His Church. I am so grateful that the Lord led me to His restored gospel through the Book of Mormon and a desire to learn about
ILLUSTRATION BY MICHAEL MALM ILLUSTRATION the priesthood. ◼
August 2012 43 By Elder Jeffrey R. Holland Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles STANDING TOGETHER for the Cause of Christ
This article is excerpted from an address delivered in ANSWERING I truly believe that if across the world we Salt Lake City, Utah, USA, on March 10, 2011, to a QUESTIONS can all try harder not to separate each other group of national Christian leaders. Are Latter-day from the “love of Christ,” we will be “more riends, you know what I know—that Saints Christians? than conquerors through him that loved us” there is in the modern world so much Of course we are. (Romans 8:32, 35, 37). sin and moral decay affecting every- As Elder Holland F explains, “We one, especially the young, and it seems to be Theological Dialogue believe in the getting worse by the day. You and I share so historical Jesus Evangelicals and Latter-day Saints have not many concerns about the spread of pornog- who walked the always met on peaceful terms. From the time raphy and poverty, abuse and abortion, illicit dusty paths of in the early 19th century when Joseph Smith sexual transgression (both heterosexual and the Holy Land came from his youthful revelatory epiphany homosexual), violence, crudity, cruelty, and and declare that and made his bold declaration regarding it, He is one and temptation, all glaring as close as your daugh- our exchanges have too often been anything the same God ter’s cell phone or your son’s iPad. as the divine but cordial. Surely there is a way for people of goodwill Jehovah of the And yet, strangely enough—and I can- who love God and have taken upon them- Old Testament.” not help but believe this to be a part of selves the name of Christ to stand together for a divine orchestration of events in these the cause of Christ and against the forces of troubled times—LDS and evangelical aca- sin. In this we have every right to be bold and demics and church figures have been drawn believing, for “if God be for us, who can be together since the late 1990s in what I think against us?” (Romans 8:31). has become a provocative and constructive You serve and preach, teach and labor in theological dialogue. It has been an honest that confidence, and so do I. And in doing so, effort to understand and be understood, an I believe we can trust in the next verse from endeavor to dispel myths and misrepresenta- Romans as well: “He that spared not his own tions on both sides, a labor of love in which Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall the participants have felt motivated by and
he not with him also freely give us all things?” moved upon with a quiet force deeper and OF C. HARRISON CONROY CO. CHRIST’S IMAGE, BY HEINRICH HOFMANN, COURTESY
44 Ensign
Surely there is a way for peo- ple of goodwill who love God and have taken upon themselves the name of Christ to stand together for the cause of Christ and against the forces of sin.
August 2012 45
more profound than a typical interfaith Realizing that Latter-day Saints have quite a exchange. different hierarchal and organizational struc- The first of those formal dialogues took ture than the vast evangelical world, no official place in the spring of 2000 at Brigham Young representative of the Church has participated University. As the dialogue began to take in these talks, nor have there been any eccle- shape, it was apparent that the participants siastical overtones to them. Like you, we have were searching for a paradigm of some sort, a no desire to compromise our doctrinal dis- model, a point of reference. Were these to be tinctiveness or forfeit the beliefs that make us confrontations, arguments, debates? Were they who we are. We are eager, however, not to be to produce a winner and a loser? Just how misunderstood, not to be accused of beliefs candid and earnest were they expected to We would be we do not hold, and not to have our commit- be? Some of the Latter-day Saints wondered: eager to join ment to Christ and His gospel dismissed out hands with Do the “other guys” see these conversations of hand, to say nothing of being demonized our evangel- as our “tryouts” for a place on the Christian ical friends in the process. team? Is it a grand effort to “fix” Mormonism, in a united Furthermore, we are always looking for to make it more traditionally Christian, more Christian effort common ground and common partners in acceptable to skeptical onlookers? to strengthen the “hands-on” work of the ministry. We In turn, some of the evangelicals won- families and would be eager to join hands with our evan- marriages, to dered: Are those “other guys” for real, or gelical friends in a united Christian effort to demand more is this just another form of their mission- strengthen families and marriages, to demand morality in ary proselytizing? Can a person be a New media, to provide more morality in media, to provide humane Testament Christian and yet not subscribe humane relief relief effort in times of natural disasters, to to later creeds that most of traditional effort in times of address the ever-present plight of the poor, Christianity adopted? A question that con- natural disasters, and to guarantee the freedom of religion that tinued to come up on both sides was just to address the will allow all of us to speak out on matters ever-present how much “bad theology” can the grace of of Christian conscience regarding the social plight of the God compensate for? Before too long, those poor, and to issues of our time. In this latter regard the kinds of issues became part of the dialogue guarantee the day must never come that you or I or any itself, and in the process, the tension began freedom of other responsible cleric in this nation is for- to dissipate. religion that bidden to preach from his or her pulpit the The initial feeling of formality has given will allow all doctrine one holds to be true. But in light of us to speak way to a much more amiable informality, a of recent sociopolitical events and current out on matters true form of brotherhood and sisterhood, legal challenges stemming from them, partic- of Christian with a kindness in disagreement, a respect for conscience. ularly regarding the sanctity of marriage, that opposing views, a feeling of responsibility to day could come unless we act decisively in truly understand (if not necessarily agree with) preventing it.2 those of other faiths—a responsibility to rep- The larger and more united the Christian resent one’s doctrines and practices accurately voice, the more likely we are to carry the day and grasp that of others in the same way. The in these matters. In that regard we should 1 dialogues came to enjoy “convicted civility.” remember the Savior’s warning regarding “a BY RUTH SIPUS © IRI PHOTO ILLUSTRATION COLLETT © IRI; RIGHT: PHOTOGRAPH BY HOWARD LEFT:
46 Ensign
For more information about Latter-day Saints being Christians, see “About Mormons” under Frequently Asked Questions at Mormon.org; “Christianity: Following Jesus in Word and Deed” under News Releases at MormonNewsroom.org; and Gordon B. Hinckley, “A Prophet’s Testimony,” Ensign, May 1993, 93.
house divided against [itself]”—a house that finds it cannot We bear witness of every sermon He ever gave, every stand against more united foes pursuing an often unholy prayer He ever uttered, every miracle He ever called down agenda (see Luke 11:17). from heaven, and every redeeming act He ever performed. In this latter regard we testify that in fulfilling the divine The Christ We Revere plan for our salvation, He took upon Himself all the sins, Building on some of this history and desirous that we sorrows, and sicknesses of the world, bleeding at every not disagree where we don’t need to disagree, I wish to pore in the anguish of it all, beginning in Gethsemane and testify to you, our friends, of the Christ we revere and dying upon the cross of Calvary as a vicarious offering for adore in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. those sins and sinners, including each of us. We believe in the historical Jesus who walked the dusty Early in the Book of Mormon a Nephite prophet “saw paths of the Holy Land and declare that He is one and the that [ Jesus] was lifted up upon the cross and slain for the same God as the divine Jehovah of the Old Testament. We sins of the world” (1 Nephi 11:33). Later that same Lord declare Him to be both fully God in His divinity and fully affirmed: “Behold I have given unto you my gospel, and human in His mortal experience, the Son who was a God this is the gospel which I have given unto you—that I and the God who was a Son; that He is, in the language of came into the world to do the will of my Father, because the Book of Mormon, “the Eternal God” (title page of the my Father sent me. And my Father sent me that I might be Book of Mormon). lifted up upon the cross” (3 Nephi 27:13–14; see also D&C We testify that He is one with the Father and the Holy 76:40–42). Indeed, it is a gift of the Spirit “to know that Ghost, the Three being One: one in spirit, one in strength, Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and that he was crucified one in purpose, one in voice, one in glory, one in will, one for the sins of the world” (D&C 46:13). in goodness, and one in grace—one in every conceivable We declare that three days after the Crucifixion, He rose form and facet of unity except that of Their separate physical from the tomb in glorious immortality, the firstfruits of the embodiment (see 3 Nephi 11:36). We testify that Christ was Resurrection, thereby breaking the physical bands of death born of His divine Father and a virgin mother, that from the and the spiritual bonds of hell, providing an immortal age of 12 onward, He was about His true Father’s business, future for both the body and the spirit, a future that can be that in doing so, He lived a perfect, sinless life and thus pro- realized in its full glory and grandeur only by accepting vided a pattern for all who come unto Him for salvation. Him and His name as the only “name under heaven given
August 2012 47
It is a gift of the Spirit “to know that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and that he was cruci- fied for the sins of the world.”
among men, whereby we must be saved.” Neither is there, “faith in the Lord Jesus Christ” (Articles of Faith 1:4)— nor can there ever be, “salvation in any other” (Acts 4:12). by trusting in and relying upon “the merits, and mercy, We declare that He will come again to earth, this time and grace of the Holy Messiah” (2 Nephi 2:8; see also in might, majesty, and glory, to reign as King of kings and 2 Nephi 31:19; Moroni 6:4). For us, the fruits of that faith Lord of lords. This is the Christ, whom we praise, in whose include repentance, the receipt of gospel covenants and grace we trust implicitly and explicitly, and who is “the ordinances (including baptism), and a heart of gratitude Shepherd and Bishop of [our] souls” (1 Peter 2:25). that motivates us to deny ourselves of all ungodliness, to Joseph Smith was once asked the question, “What are “take up [our] cross daily” (Luke 9:23), and to keep His the fundamental principles of your religion?” He replied, commandments—all of His commandments (see John “The fundamental principles of our religion are the tes- 14:15). We rejoice with the Apostle Paul: “Thanks be to timony of the Apostles and Prophets, concerning Jesus God, [who] giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ, that He died, was buried, and rose again the third Christ” (1 Corinthians 15:57). In that spirit, as one Book of day, and ascended into heaven; and all other things which Mormon prophet wrote, “We talk of Christ, we rejoice in pertain to our religion are only appendages to it.” 3 Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ . . . that As a rule, Latter-day Saints are known as an industrious our children may know to what source they may look for people, a works-conscious people. For us, the works of a remission of their sins . . . [and] may look forward unto righteousness, what we might call “dedicated disciple- that life which is in Christ” (2 Nephi 25:26, 27). ship,” are an unerring measure of the reality of our faith. I hope this witness I bear to you and to the world helps We believe with James, the brother of Jesus, that true faith you understand something of the inexpressible love we always manifests itself in faithfulness (see James 2). We feel for the Savior of the world in The Church of Jesus teach that those Puritans were closer to the truth than they Christ of Latter-day Saints. realized when they expected a “godly walk” (D&C 20:69) from those under covenant. A Call to Christian Conscience Salvation and eternal life are free (see 2 Nephi 2:4); Given our shared devotion to the Lord Jesus Christ and indeed, they are the greatest of all the gifts of God (see given the challenges we face in our society, surely we can D&C 6:13; 14:7). Nevertheless, we teach that one must pre- find a way to unite in a national—or international—call to
pare to receive those gifts by declaring and demonstrating Christian conscience. Some years ago Tim LaHaye wrote: ANDERSON © IRI; HE IS RISEN, BY DEL PARSON THE CRUCIFIXION, BY HARRY
48 Ensign
“If religious Americans work together in way. Do you believe in Jesus Christ and the the name of our mutually shared moral con- Gospel of salvation which He revealed? So cerns, we just might succeed in re-establishing do I. Christians should cease wrangling and the civic moral standards that our forefathers contending with each other, and cultivate the thought were guaranteed by the [United principles of union and friendship in their States] Constitution. . . . midst; and they will do it before the mil- “. . . All of our nation’s religious citizens lennium can be ushered in and Christ takes need to develop a respect for other religious possession of His kingdom.” 5 people and their beliefs. We need not accept I close with the love for you expressed by
their beliefs, but we can respect the people “Do you believe two valedictories in our scripture. First this and realize that we have more in common in Jesus Christ from the New Testament author of Hebrews: with each other than we ever will with the and the Gospel “[May] the God of peace, that brought again secularizers of this country. It is time for all of salvation from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shep- religiously committed citizens to unite against which He herd of the sheep, through the blood of the revealed?” our common enemy.” 4 everlasting covenant, asked the To be sure, there is a risk associated with Prophet Joseph “Make you perfect in every good work learning something new about someone else. Smith. “So do I. to do his will, working in you that which is New insights always affect old perspectives, Christians should wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; and thus some rethinking, rearranging, and cease wrangling to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen” restructuring of our worldviews is inevitable. and contending (Hebrews 13:20–21). with each other, When we look beyond people’s color, eth- And this from the Book of Mormon, a and cultivate nic group, social circle, church, synagogue, father writing to his son: the principles of mosque, creed, and statement of belief, and union and friend- “Be faithful in Christ . . . [and] may [He] lift when we try our best to see them for who and ship in their thee up, and may his sufferings and death what they are—children of the same God— midst; and they . . . and his mercy and long-suffering, and the something good and worthwhile happens will do it before hope of his glory and of eternal life, rest in within us, and we are thereby drawn into a the millennium your mind forever. can be ushered in closer union with that God who is the Father “And may the grace of God the Father, and Christ takes of us all. possession of His whose throne is high in the heavens, and Few things are more needed in this tense kingdom.” our Lord Jesus Christ, who sitteth on the and confused world than Christian convic- right hand of his power, until all things shall tion, Christian compassion, and Christian become subject unto him, be, and abide with understanding. Joseph Smith observed in you forever. Amen” (Moroni 9:25–26). ◼ 1843, less than a year before his death: “If I NOTES 1. A term introduced in Richard J. Mouw, Uncommon esteem mankind to be in error, shall I bear Decency: Christian Civility in an Uncivil World (1992). them down? No. I will lift them up, and in 2. See Dallin H. Oaks, “Preserving Religious Freedom” (speech, Chapman University School of Law, Feb. 4, their own way too, if I cannot persuade them 2011), newsroom.lds.org/article/ elder-oaks-religious- BY HARRY ANDERSON © IRI; HE IS RISEN, BY DEL PARSON BY HARRY freedom-Chapman-University. my way is better; and I will not seek to com- 3. Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith pel any man to believe as I do, only by the (2007), 49. 4. Tim LaHaye, The Race for the 21st Century (1986), 109.
THE CRUCIFIXION, force of reasoning, for truth will cut its own 5. Joseph Smith, in History of the Church, 5:499.
August 2012 49 50
was related to to was related everyone else. else. everyone Ensign there forever. Protestant Protestant new town new town churches. had lived Everyone Everyone Everyone Everyone Everyone attended attended the local but us. in our in our
I my husbandcamehomefrom work andfor and thenfeel like afool. Ilived for thehour store oratthecirculationdesk ofthelibrary long atthecheckout counter ofthegrocery their life. Iwould catchmyselfchattingtoo but itfelt like nooneneededanyone new in children athousesthathadtoys intheyard, neighborhood by introducingmyselfandour community was closed tous. everyone butus. Itwas easytofeel like the and attendedthelocalProtestantchurches— there forever, was relatedtoeveryone else, in mytown. Itseemedlike everyone hadlived ofmakingfriends and Icouldseenoprospect day Saintfamilieslived nearlyanhouraway, each others’ children. Here, theclosestLatter- ers tovisitwithandtake babysitting turns happy network ofotherLatter-day Saintmoth- I couldhardlybearit. Iwas usedtohaving a for ourthreeyoung childrenandwas solonely and hewashome. rarely I, meanwhile, cared job. Hewas busywithhisnew responsibilities, town inMississippi, USA, for myhusband’s than heavenly. I was feeling, however, springseemedless soms billowing everywhere. Duetotheway with itstreesdrippingwisteriaandblos- I had tried to reach out to people in the I hadtriedtoreachoutpeopleinthe Our familyhadrecentlymoved toasmall Mississippi lookscelestialinthespring, single momentonaMississippihilltop. did agreatdealofgrowing upina Treasure IN THIS CITY THIS IN Church history, butnow itleapedintomy attention, thinkingofitonlyasappliedto morning. Ihadreaditwithout reallypaying andCovenantsin Doctrine 111:2earlier that messages”! those “high happening tome, andoh, Iwanted tohear messages shallreachhim.” Ifelt thatthiswas “makes himlonelysothatonlyGod’s high mold aperson “to play thenoblestpart,” He By JaneNickerson Man.” used toquotetitled GodWants“When a was thewords ofapoemmygrandfather knew—I I prayed, warmth flooded over me,I and the very topofahill. Ifell tomyknees. As untilatlastIstoodexhausted at and farther around ourhome. Oneday Iclimbedfarther and praying asIhiked thewoods andhills for work, Iwould gofor longwalks, thinking slowly growing closerandtoHim. away fromfriendsandfamily, Ifelt myself was someoneIcouldalways talkto. Sofar moments inprayer becauseHeavenly Father andguidance.seeking comfort I spentlong searched thescripturesmorethanever before, by teachingandplaying withourchildren. I to churchandIcouldtalkotheradults. Sundays, whenwe would make thelong drive
The other thought was what I had read The otherthoughtwas whatIhadread Two thoughtscameintomymind. One Early each morning before my husband left beforeEarly eachmorning myhusbandleft I triedtofilltheemptyacheofloneliness 1
Itsays thatwhentheLordwants to knew —that Godwas withme.
ILLUSTRATION BY STEVE KROPP Treasure
ILLUSTRATION BY STEVE KROPP never me. left ◼ tender merciesandthepower ofprayer has tofillmyneeds.my heart ThatlessonaboutHis me. into andinspiration Hepoured comfort I was finallyready tolistenHismessage for in prayer toHimthatspringmorning, Heknew hand, gentlyleading. AsIpouredoutmy heart as Iwas wading, Heavenly Fatherheldmeby the my own lonelinesstofindit. Andallthewhile, but inthoseearlydays Ihadtowade through aroundusduringourdifficult time. its arms help pouredintoourhome. The wholetown put our familyduringtheirSunday services. Offers of years ago, several ofthe localchurchesprayed for involved automobileaccidentafew inaterrible family.”big Mormon Whenourteenagerswere as southerners, andwe were known as “that many wonderfulpeople. Ourchildrengrew up few weeks earlier. quickly thanIwould have thoughtpossiblea From there, friendshipsdeveloped muchmore for playdates sothatIcouldmeettheirmothers. a preschoolandtheninvitedhisclassmatesover people thatway. Ienrolledmyfour-year-old in churches duringtheirBibleSchoolweek andmet offered towork for acoupleofthe inthenursery historical society, andalocalhomemakers’ club. I itable organization calledtheJuniorAuxiliary, a wasthe socialbarriers toserve. Ijoinedachar people. Idecidedthatthekey tobreakingdown and thatIwould beequaltothetask. town, thattheLordhadsentusherefor areason, that momentIknew thatwe would befineinthis mind: “I have muchtreasureinthiscityfor you.” In NOTE 1. There was indeed “much treasure” inthatcity, We lived inMississippifor 24years andmet immediatelytogetknow I tookaction
Angela Morgan, 24–28. Poems for andDominion(2009), Hardship, Sacrifice inScott T. Brown, ed.,
August 2012 It Can Be Done: It CanBeDone:
-
51 WHAT WE BELIEVE The Sacrament REMEMBERING THE SAVIOR
he sacrament is a sacred to follow the Savior, and having a Worthily partaking of the sacra- priesthood ordinance per- “broken heart and a contrite spirit” ment brings great blessings, such Tformed each Sunday. Jesus (3 Nephi 9:20). Taking the sacrament as forgiveness of sins, the com- Christ instituted this ordinance when is a weekly opportunity for intro- panionship of the Holy Ghost, and He was on the earth and restored it in spection and rededication. Reverence sanctification—being made holy— our day through the Prophet Joseph and prayer enhance the experience. through the Atonement. ◼ Smith. “The ordinance of the sacra- Individuals who have committed seri- NOTE 1. Dallin H. Oaks, “Sacrament Meeting and ment,” said Elder Dallin H. Oaks of ous sins should not take the sacrament the Sacrament,” Ensign, Nov. 2008, 17. the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, until they have repented, including “makes the sacrament meeting the confessing to their bishop or branch
most sacred and important meeting president (see 3 Nephi 18:28–30). THE LAST SUPPER, BY CARL RIGHT: THE LAST SUPPER, BY SIMON DEWEY; in the Church.” 1 BELOW: BELOW: HISTORIC MUSEUM HEINRICH BLOCH, USED BY PERMISSION OF THE NATIONAL NOT BE COPIED; PAINTING FREDERIKSBORG IN HILLERØD, DENMARK, MAY AT MILNE, BY EDWIN REDRINO, ROBERT PHOTO ILLUSTRATIONS BY DEL PARSON; AND CHRISTINA SMITH The Lord has commanded us to meet together and take the sacra- ment each Sunday (see D&C 20:75). Aaronic Priesthood holders bless and pass the bread and water to members of the congregation, who take the sacrament in remembrance of the body and blood of Jesus Christ. In doing so, they recommit to live the covenants they made with God when they were baptized. Specifically, they promise to always remember Jesus Christ, to take His name upon them, and to keep His commandments (see D&C 20:77). Proper preparation to take the sacrament includes repenting, desiring
For more information, see 1 Corinthians 11:23–30; Doctrine and Covenants 27:2.
52 Ensign 3. Holders of the Aaronic Priesthood prepare, bless, and pass the sacrament under the direction of the bishop or branch president.
1. Jesus Christ instituted the sacrament among His Twelve 2. After His Resurrection, Apostles on the night before the Savior instituted the His Crucifixion (see Luke sacrament in the Americas 22:19–20). (see 3 Nephi 18:1–11).
“We acknowledge that all of us make mistakes. Each of us has a need to confess and forsake our sins and errors to our Heavenly Father and to others we may have offended. The Sabbath provides us with a precious opportunity to offer up these—our 4. During sacrament 5. We remember the sacraments—to the Lord.” meeting, we concentrate Savior’s life, example, Elder L. Tom Perry of the Quorum on worship and refrain from teachings, and Atonement of the Twelve Apostles, “The Sabbath and the Sacrament,” behavior that would distract as we reverently take the Ensign, May 2011, 8. others. sacrament.
ANSWERING QUESTIONS Those who are not familiar with our Sunday meetings might wonder if those of other faiths can attend our worship services and take the sacrament. All are welcome to attend church with us. The sacrament is intended to help members renew their covenants, but if taking the sacrament helps visitors worship, they are welcome to do so.
August 2012 53 By Holly Van Woerkom Munson FINDING POWER IN THE SCRIPTURES These members testify that scriptures pages of scripture every day, he obeyed—but struggled. have the power to change lives. “Despite my efforts to read, I never really enjoyed the scriptures,” he says. “A few months after I returned from rophets and apostles have assured us that as we the mission field, I married and started working and going face the trials of mortality, we can find strength, to school. With my busy schedule, I stopped reading the Pcomfort, and peace in the gospel of Jesus Christ. scriptures regularly. I knew I should be reading them President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Second Counselor in the more, but I rationalized that I had read them already and First Presidency, said, “I testify as an Apostle of the Lord had a good understanding of them.” Jesus Christ . . . that the gospel is true, and that it offers About 10 years later, President Spencer W. Kimball the answers to all personal and collective challenges the (1895–1985) encouraged Church members to read the children of God have on this earth today.” 1 scriptures daily.2 Our individual circumstances may vary, but we can “I decided that I would read the scriptures every day each turn to a divine source of power—the scriptures. from that day on,” Wayne says. “At least, I thought, it Below, Church members share their testimonies of the would be a good way to practice my reading.” power they have felt by “feasting upon the word of Christ” Wayne began by reading a chapter a day, and as he (2 Nephi 31:20). progressed, he would often read more. Within a few years, he had read the entire standard works of the Church. Overcoming Weakness Later, when he heard the counsel of President Ezra Taft Since he was a child, Wayne Hales of Florida, USA, Benson (1899–1994) to read the Book of Mormon regu- has had a learning disability. In seminary he read the larly,3 he redoubled
assigned scriptures, and he managed to read the his efforts. STOKER BY DAVID PHOTO ILLUSTRATIONS Book of Mormon before his mission. When his mission president asked him to read 10
KEY POINTS Scripture reading can give us power by helping us: • Invite the Spirit into our personal lives and our homes. • Find feelings of reassurance during hardship. • Recognize the Lord’s hand in our lives.
54 Ensign FINDING POWER IN THE SCRIPTURES
THE POWER OF SCRIPTURE “I suggest that you memorize scriptures that touch your heart and fill your soul with understanding. When scriptures are used as the Lord has caused them to be recorded, they have intrinsic power that is not communicated when paraphrased. Sometimes when there is a significant need
PHOTO ILLUSTRATIONS BY DAVID STOKER BY DAVID PHOTO ILLUSTRATIONS in my life, I review mentally scriptures that have given me strength. There is great solace, direction, and power that flow from the scriptures, espe- cially the words of the Lord.” Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, “He Lives,” Ensign, Nov. 1999, 87–88.
August 2012 55
Counselor in the First Presidency, President Benson said: “I feel certain that if, in our homes, parents will read from the Book of Mormon prayerfully and regularly, both by them- selves and with their children, the spirit of that great book will come to permeate our homes and all who dwell therein. The spirit of reverence will increase; mutual respect and con- sideration for each other will grow. The spirit of contention will depart. . . . Faith, hope, and charity—the pure love of Christ—will abound in our homes and lives, bringing in their wake peace, joy, and happiness.” 7 “I wanted—and our family needed—those promised blessings,” Nancy says. “I immediately began thinking of how we could begin reading scriptures as a family.” Nancy “I had come to love the ‘keystone of our religion,’” 4 he discussed her ideas with her husband, and they decided says, “and I had learned to appreciate the other books of that dinnertime was their best option because it was the scripture too, particularly the Old Testament. So I decided to only time everyone was home regularly. read the Old Testament each day in addition to the Book of “The first time we tried, it was not a success,” Nancy Mormon.” says. “As soon as the prayer was over, the kids just wanted Wayne says he was also inspired by the challenge given to eat. And for a while, things didn’t seem to improve—the by President Gordon B. Hinckley (1910–2008) in 2005 to children continued to be uncooperative.” read the entire Book of Mormon by the end of the year.5 But the family persisted, and over time they began to “I was reading in Helaman at the time, but I started over, have more meaningful experiences. Nancy says, “The most and I enjoyed being able to read along with my ward and exciting part was that dinner conversations began to contain my family,” he says. “As we did, we received the ‘added mea- gospel-related questions and discussions. By the end of the sure of the Spirit’ 6 the prophet had promised us.” year, the children not only were willing participants, but also Wayne says his commitment to scripture study has were eager to bring friends home for dinner. Once, when a brought many blessings—including improved reading friend of one of the children was visiting, I heard a hurried skills. “With every reading,” he says, “I get a little better.” whisper in the hall saying, ‘In our family, we kneel for family prayer before dinner, and then we read from the scriptures. Conquering Contention You can kneel next to me.’ Nancy del Plain of Washington, USA, was also inspired “Certainly, all was not rosy and perfect from then on, but by prophetic counsel to read the Book of Mormon. as the quality of our scripture reading improved, so did the “Many years ago, my husband and I struggled to put an quality of our relationships. There was a decrease in con- end to the bickering and complaining among our young tention in our home. When the family faced a challenge, we children,” says Nancy. “All of our efforts to prevent conten- were united in working out solutions. I also noticed that our tion were failing.” children had more confidence. The promises of increased Nancy says that when she listened to the words of love, harmony, and respect were fulfilled.” President Benson in his memorable talk “The Book of Mormon—Keystone of Our Religion,” she knew she had Trusting in the Lord found her answer. For JoLyn Brown, of Utah, USA, a love of the scriptures Quoting President Marion G. Romney (1897–1988), First began with a small, green piece of paper she received in
56 Ensign
Primary. On it was written a simple scripture: see the tender mercies of the Lord in my life.” Proverbs 3:5. JoLyn displayed the paper on a She says she was inspired by the words of bulletin board in her bedroom. She enjoyed Nephi in the Book of Mormon: “But behold, reading the scripture and the verse that fol- I, Nephi, will show unto you that the tender lowed: “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; mercies of the Lord are over all those whom and lean not unto thine own understanding. he hath chosen, because of their faith, to In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he make them mighty even unto the power of ADDED shall direct thy paths” (Proverbs 3:5–6). deliverance” (1 Nephi 1:20). REVELATION “I can still remember lying in bed at night “I knew that to move forward, I needed to “Because they and looking up at that scripture reference,” find strength, courage, and faith in the Savior,” expound the doctrine of Christ, the scrip- she says. “I eventually memorized the scrip- Stephanie says. She made a goal to diligently tures are accompanied ture, and over the years I have added others study the Book of Mormon throughout that by the Holy Spirit, to my collection of quotes.” year, hoping it would help her better recognize whose role it is to bear JoLyn says memorizing scripture passages tender mercies in her life. witness of the Father has been a powerful tool in working through “As the months passed,” Stephanie says, and the Son (see 3 a longtime battle with depression and anxiety. “I often wrote in my journal, recording my Nephi 11:32). . . . She says, “When I begin to feel overwhelmed, thoughts and any inspiration I received while Study the scriptures carefully, deliberately. the Holy Ghost brings the sweet words of reading the scriptures. Soon I began to recog- Ponder and pray over the scriptures to my mind. There have been nize the Lord’s hand in my life each day. I real- them. Scriptures are many times when I have turned to Heavenly ized that although I still had trials, my life was revelation, and they Father for reassurance. I am learning to trust full of blessings. Each day I found a scripture will bring added His greater understanding, and I have been led that uplifted and taught me, and the prompt- revelation.” along a path perfect for me. ings of the Spirit helped me understand how I Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve “How grateful I am for my Primary teacher could apply the scriptures in my life. Apostles, “The Blessing of Scripture,” Ensign, May 2010, who gave me that small piece of paper that led “Studying the scriptures helped me change 35. me to what is now my favorite scripture. She from feeling downtrodden and weary to opened the scriptures to me and planted a few feeling hopeful, joyful, and grateful. I have poignant words in my heart. I am grateful for learned that to truly know and under- the simple, beautiful truths of the scriptures.” stand the Savior, we must read the Book of Mormon, for its pages are filled with Seeing Tender Mercies messages of Him.” ◼ Stephanie Andersen, a mother of two in NOTES 1. Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “Christlike Attributes— Utah, USA, was feeling discouraged. She the Wind beneath Our Wings,” Ensign, longed to have more children but struggled Nov. 2005, 101. 2. See Spencer W. Kimball, “How Rare a with infertility and other health problems, Possession—the Scriptures!” Ensign, Sept. 1976, 2–5. and she felt stretched thin by her many 3. See Ezra Taft Benson, “The Book of responsibilities. Mormon—Keystone of Our Religion,” Ensign, Nov. 1986, 4–7. “I wanted life to go according to my own 4. Ezra Taft Benson, “The Book of Mormon,” 4. will and lacked the ability to see what the Lord 5. See Gordon B. Hinckley, “A Testimony had in store for me,” she explains. “I felt alone, Vibrant and True,” Ensign, Aug. 2005, 6. 6. Gordon B. Hinckley, “Testimony,” 6. angry, and frustrated. I had forgotten how to 7. Ezra Taft Benson, “The Book of Mormon,” 7.
August 2012 57 Forgiveness AND MAKING LossesUP FOR Name withheld
I wanted to let go could not keep my mind on undiagnosed learning disorder, so she of the anger and hurt, the Relief Society lesson about struggled with reading and mathe but something always IJesus Christ’s Atonement and the matics. When she made mistakes, Resurrection. My mind kept returning this teacher made Kaylee an example held me back. to my need to forgive. I longed to of poor performance. When I sent feel the peace promised those who notes from home asking for help in do. Instead, my emotions clamored coordinating her studies or to express whenever I thought of three indi- a concern, he’d scoff and read them viduals who had hurt my daughter aloud so that Kaylee’s classmates Kaylee 1 and me. I wanted to let go of could hear—a mortifying experience the angry and resentful feelings I still that brought teasing from her peers. harbored, but something always held In dismay, I watched my confident, KEY POINTS me back—my sense that we could happy child slowly crumble. Her love • Our Savior wants us never regain what we had lost as a of learning evaporated. By the end of to let go of anger and result of their actions. the school year, she resented school hatred. and believed she was too stupid to • To be fully healed Kaylee’s Loss of Confidence ever do well. from abuse, we need I stewed about Kaylee’s second- Once Kaylee was diagnosed with to forgive. grade teacher, whose insensitive attention deficit disorder and she • We can find hope in behavior had caused long-term dam- began the right treatment, her ability Christ. He will restore age to her sense of self-worth and to learn skyrocketed and she was all that we have lost. had torpedoed her desire to attend eventually able to earn high grades. school. Throughout most of her ele- But she was still convinced that she
mentary school years, Kaylee had an was unintelligent and inferior. Every BY SCOTT GREER ILLUSTRATIONS
58 Ensign ILLUSTRATIONS BY SCOTT GREER ILLUSTRATIONS
August 2012 59
FULL HEALING COMES school day my husband and I had be fully healed, I needed to forgive. THROUGH THE SAVIOR to persuade her to attend another I longed to let go of my hatred for “There are many ways to begin day of classes. We mourned Kaylee’s those two people because I knew healing, but remember that a full loss of confidence, and we struggled it was what my Savior wanted. I cure comes through the Savior, for years to help her to see her true craved the peace He promised. But the Lord Jesus Christ, our Master and Redeemer. Have faith that worth and to believe in herself. how could I forgive those perpetra- with effort His perfect, eternal, tors who had created so much pain? infinite Atonement can heal your My Loss of Close Relationships Their abuse had caused decades of suffering from the consequences My resentment toward Kaylee’s for- emotional instability and inner tur- of abuse. mer teacher was minuscule, however, moil that had negatively impacted “As impossible as it may seem compared to my feelings toward the my relationship with my husband to you now, in time the healing man and woman who had sexually and children. The betrayal of my you can receive from the Savior will allow you to truly forgive the abused me decades earlier. trust and innocence had created a abuser and even have feelings of Through counseling with LDS fear of ever becoming emotionally sorrow for him or her. When you Family Services, I had been able to close to another person, including can forgive the offense, you will work through much of my grieving and members of my own family, so I had be relieved of the pain and heart healing process. I had learned to dispel built invisible walls around my heart ache that Satan wants in your life my skewed belief (common to many through which others could not enter. by encouraging you to hate the abuser. As a result, you will enjoy victims) that I could never be “good I grieved the lost decades of close greater peace. While an important enough” to be loved by others. But to relationships. part of healing, if the thought of forgiveness causes you yet more pain, set that step aside until you have more experience with the Savior’s healing power in your own life. . . . “I pray that you, as one abused or one who has caused it, will act now to avail yourself of the healing power of the Atonement I had built of Jesus Christ. I testify that your invisible walls faith and obedience will assure that He will help you.” around my heart Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the through which Twelve Apostles, “To Heal the Shattering Consequences of Abuse,” Ensign, May 2008, others could 42–43. not enter.
60 Ensign Christ’s Redeeming Atonement Resurrection, for as Joseph Smith THE SAVIOR CAME TO HEAL I wanted to follow the Savior’s said, “What can [these disasters] do? THE BROKENHEARTED merciful example and genuinely Nothing. All your losses will be made “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, forgive those who had hurt my up to you in the resurrection, pro- because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he daughter and me, but it was hard to vided you continue faithful.” 3 As I hath sent me to heal the broken set aside my anger at losing so much. read that last sentence, understanding hearted, to preach deliverance to For months I had prayed fervently for came: The Lord would make up all the captives, . . . to set at liberty help and read many scriptures about my losses, all of Kaylee’s losses. I them that are bruised.” forgiveness, trying to determine how no longer needed to be angry. I no Luke 4:18 to forgive. longer needed to mourn. Because As I sat in the Relief Society room of Him—because He would restore that day, I prayed earnestly, silently, all that I’d lost—I could forgive! My that Heavenly Father would help me. heart surged with hope, and I smiled Suddenly my attention was drawn through tears of gratitude. to the instructor as she invited us to Kaylee’s former teacher lived read a quotation from the Prophet nearby, and I encountered him often. Joseph Smith about the Resurrection. In these encounters, he seemed The quote began, “I am glad I have unaware of the pain he had caused, the privilege of communicating to and I tried to hide my resentment. you some things which, if grasped Not long after the Relief Society les- closely, will be a help to you when son that touched me so deeply, I ran earthquakes bellow, the clouds into him again and caught his eye. gather, the lightnings flash, and the The forgiveness I’d been longing for storms are ready to burst upon you washed through me. I forgave him. like peals of thunder.” 2 My burden of animosity fled. As I pondered on this sentence, I am still working to completely For more on abuse, the I looked for parallels between the forgive those who abused me. I con- Atonement, and forgiveness, see Prophet’s words and my own life tinue to focus on the Lord’s promise the entries for these topics in the (see 1 Nephi 19:23). “My emotions that all my losses will be made up Study by Topic section of LDS.org are stormy and broken,” I thought. to me, and forgiveness is growing in (lds.org/study/topics ). Study by “Because of others, I feel like my and my heart. I am confident that as I try Topic provides articles, definitions, Kaylee’s lives have been wrenched my best, the Lord will heal me of all scriptures, and prophetic state- and divided by earthquakes.” resentment, and I will be free. ◼ ments on a variety of subjects for
As I read further, I found hope NOTES personal study and learning. in the Prophet Joseph’s exhortation 1. Name has been changed. For more information about 2. Teachings of Presidents of the Church: to “lay hold of” hope in Christ and Joseph Smith (2007), 51. counseling through LDS Family 3. Teachings: Joseph Smith, 51, emphasis the joy that we anticipate in the added. Services, visit ldsfamilyservices.org.
August 2012 61
That I May
HeRepentance a brings l the healingYo power uof the Atonement into our lives.
Dean M. Rueckert
uring the calamities experienced by “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of the inhabitants of the American con- me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and Dtinent at the time of the Crucifixion ye shall find rest unto your souls” (Matthew of our Lord Jesus Christ, the people felt a 11:28–29). “vapor of darkness” so profound that no light or fire could be kindled (3 Nephi 8:20–21). Step by Step The voice of the Savior was then heard When we are baptized and confirmed, among all the inhabitants of the land, implor- we have entered into the gate, and there lies ing, “Will ye not now return unto me, and before us a “strait and narrow path which repent of your sins, and be converted, that I leads to eternal life” (2 Nephi 31:18). may heal you?” (3 Nephi 9:13). Baptism is the gate that opens the path These words may also be applied to those leading back to the presence of God. Yet of us who have not properly repented of our we are not saved at baptism as is some- sins and are experiencing feelings of guilt times taught and believed in the world. and darkness. Carrying the burden of past Repentance is not a one-time phenomenon sins can darken the mind and create stum- that occurs only before baptism; it is bling blocks to peace and joy and spiritual something we do over and over again as growth. we make progress along the strait and From the gospel of Matthew we read a narrow path. similar plea: We progress along this path step by step. “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are With each step we take, the Lord, by the heavy laden, and I will give you rest. power of His Spirit, sheds forth light upon O MY FATHER, © SIMON DEWEY O MY FATHER,
August 2012 63
The Atonement our lives, for “the Spirit enlighteneth every President Boyd K. Packer, President of Brings Healing, Hope, man through the world, that hearkeneth the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, assures: and Peace to the voice of the Spirit” (D&C 84:46). “The gospel teaches us that relief from “I was only a young child, and we had lost However, if we do not continue to progress torment and guilt can be earned through all material belongings and take the next step as the Light of Christ repentance. Save for those few who defect to twice within only seven illuminates our way, we may lose the light we perdition . . . , there is no habit, no addiction, years. We were refu- once possessed (see D&C 1:33). no rebellion, no transgression, no offense gees with an uncertain In Doctrine and Covenants 93:39, the Lord exempted from the promise of complete future. However, during tells us, “That wicked one cometh and taketh forgiveness. . . . those same seven years, we gained more than away light and truth, through disobedience, “Restoring what you cannot restore, heal- any amount of money from the children of men, and because of the ing the wound you cannot heal, fixing that could ever buy. We tradition of their fathers.” which you broke and you cannot fix is the found a supernal refuge, Then in the resultant darkness we stumble. very purpose of the atonement of Christ.” 1 a place of defense from We lose spiritual insight. Reality is distorted, In the Book of Mormon we read: “[Christ] despair: the restored and we lose the perspective of the truth we doeth not anything save it be for the benefit gospel of Jesus Christ once understood. of the world; for he loveth the world, even and His Church, led by a true and living prophet. When we hear the words “Come unto that he layeth down his own life that he may “The good news that me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden,” draw all men unto him. Wherefore, he com- Jesus Christ has made we sometimes judge ourselves as unworthy mandeth none that they shall not partake of the perfect Atonement and fear that the Lord wouldn’t want us to his salvation. for mankind, redeeming approach Him in our state of corruption. “Behold, doth he cry unto any, saying: all from the grave and Depart from me? Behold, I say unto you, rewarding each indi- vidual according to his Come unto Christ Nay; but he saith: Come unto me all ye ends or her works, was the Some may feel that God is displeased of the earth, buy milk and honey, without healing power which with them or doesn’t love them because they money and without price” (2 Nephi 26:24–25; brought hope and are still plagued with painful memories and emphasis added). peace back into my life. bad feelings even though they are striving to “Whatever our serve Him. Following this line of thinking, Trust in the Lord challenges in life may they may feel rejected by God and then may May we have full trust and confidence in be, our burdens may become light if we not reject Him. They may stop praying. They may the Redeemer’s power to heal us. The Savior only believe in Christ but continue to go through the motions of serv- implores us today, just as He implored the also in His ability and His ing, but they stop believing. inhabitants of the American continent shortly power to cleanse and Those negative thoughts and ideas after His Crucifixion, “Will ye . . . now return console our lives. Our about rejection by God do not come from unto me, and repent of your sins, and be lives are healed as we Him. His plea to us states, “For I am meek converted that I may heal you?” (3 Nephi accept His peace.” and lowly in heart.” Webster’s New World 9:13). Let us return to Him, for truly He lives President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Second Counselor in the First Dictionary defines meek as “patient, mild, and loves us. ◼ Presidency, “Heeding the Voice of the Prophets,” Ensign, July not inclined to anger or resentment.” The NOTE 2008, 5–6. Lord is not angry with us when we sincerely 1. Boyd K. Packer, “The Brilliant Morning of
come unto Him. Forgiveness,” Ensign, Nov. 1995, 19–20. PHOTOGRAPH BY CRAIG DIMOND, © IRI
64 Ensign FAMILY HOME EVENING IDEAS
Long-Distance Family Home Evening
y sister-in-law and each Monday we would both read it ahead of time. advance so we can coor- MI felt like we were discuss a different Sometimes the person dinate the treat. We often missing out on the bless- general conference leading the discus- finish by playing a few ings of having family home talk (though we sion will e-mail in rounds of Internet Scrabble. evening with family; she have deviated We have been holding
The e had recently divorced and from that plan nsign of The Chur these family home evenings C h of Jesus Chris
T of La my husband was inactive, a few times). TTer-day for over three s ain T s • May 2012 and our children were We alternate years now, and grown and had families who chooses it has been our of their own. My sister- the talk, sweetest and in-law suggested we hold and we most rewarding a monthly family home time together. ◼
General evening together on the Conference Penelope Jensen, Addresses
Washington, USA CASEY PHOTOGRAPH BY ROBERT New Seventies, Presiding Bishopric, phone since she and I and Relief Society General Presidency Called live several hundred miles apart. I thought that was a great idea. We decided that
HELPS FOR HOME EVENING
“Natural Disasters: We Don’t Have to Be Afraid,” “Finding Power in the Scriptures,” on page 54: on page 22: Read the article beforehand and prayerfully As you read the article, invite family members to listen ponder what your family can do to better prepare for natural for the blessings that come from reading the scriptures disasters in your area. Then, as Elder Ellis suggests, utilize regularly. Afterward, you may want to make a list of the family home evening to put the inspiration you receive into blessings everyone heard. Together, evaluate your family action. You may decide to put together emergency packs, scripture study habits and make a plan for improvement if replenish your home food storage, or discuss how to be spiri necessary.
tually prepared. Emphasize Elder Ellis’s reassuring message By Holly Van Woerkom Munson that “when we are prepared, we can weather any storm.” Finding Power in the ScriPtureS “Keeping the Faith in a World of Confusion,” on pages of scripture every day, he obeyed—but struggled. These members testify that scriptures have the power to change lives. “Despite my efforts to read, I never really enjoyed the scriptures,” he says. “A few months after I returned from rophets and apostles have assured us that as we the mission field, I married and started working and going page 26: Consider sharing Bishop Caussé’s classroom face the trials of mortality, we can find strength, to school. With my busy schedule, I stopped reading the Pcomfort, and peace in the gospel of Jesus Christ. scriptures regularly. I knew I should be reading them President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Second Counselor in the more, but I rationalized that I had read them already and The Power of First Presidency, said, “I testify as an Apostle of the Lord had a good understanding of them.” ScriPTure Jesus Christ . . . that the gospel is true, and that it offers About 10 years later, President Spencer W. Kimball “I suggest that you the answers to all personal and collective challenges the (1895–1985) encouraged Church members to read the memorize scriptures experience found at the beginning of the article and then that touch your heart children of God have on this earth today.” 1 scriptures daily.2 and fill your soul Our individual circumstances may vary, but we can “I decided that I would read the scriptures every day with understanding. each turn to a divine source of power—the scriptures. from that day on,” Wayne says. “At least, I thought, it When scriptures are Below, Church members share their testimonies of the would be a good way to practice my reading.” used as the Lord has asking family members what they would have done in power they have felt by “feasting upon the word of Christ” Wayne began by reading a chapter a day, and as he caused them to be (2 Nephi 31:20). progressed, he would often read more. Within a few years, recorded, they have he had read the entire standard works of the Church. intrinsic power that is not communicated Overcoming Weakness Later, when he heard the counsel of President Ezra Taft when paraphrased. Since he was a child, Wayne Hales of Florida, USA, Benson (1899–1994) to read the Book of Mormon regu- Sometimes when there that situation. You may want to review the principles Elder has had a learning disability. In seminary he read the larly,3 he redoubled is a significant need
assigned scriptures, and he managed to read the his efforts. stoker by david Photo illustrations in my life, I review Book of Mormon before his mission. mentally scriptures When his mission president that have given me strength. There is great asked him to read 10 Caussé follows to remain firm in his testimony (i.e., seek solace, direction, and power that flow from Key PoinTS the scriptures, espe- Scripture reading can give us power by helping us: cially the words of the • Invite the Spirit into our personal lives and our Lord.” homes. Elder Richard G. Scott of truth continually, accept unanswered questions, seek the the Quorum of the Twelve • Find feelings of reassurance during hardship. Apostles, “He Lives,” Ensign, • Recognize the Lord’s hand in our lives. Nov. 1999, 87–88. testimony of the Spirit, seek the words of prophets and apostles, and nourish your faith). 54 Ensign August 2012 55
August 2012 65 London, England Bangalore, India Celebrating a Day of Service
By Kathryn H. Olson leaning buildings, mopping floors, Members also served at a children’s hospice, Welfare Services teaching students, collecting food, where they cleaned garden pathways and made C helping immigrants, visiting widows, the hospice grounds more accommodating to weeding grounds, and painting schools. These the children and their families. Charlotte Illera are just a few of the many service projects helped coordinate the project. “It was really carried out last year by Church members hard work, but it was really sort of joyful work responding to the First Presidency’s invitation as well,” she said. “Even a little thing like sweep- to perform a day of service in commemoration ing up can be such a benefit. You don’t need to of the 75th anniversary of the welfare pro- have any great skills. Just little things can make gram. These projects have profoundly affected a difference to other people.” those who served and those who were served. Rudi Champagnie shared his view on the Many communities around the world have inspiration behind the First Presidency’s invi- been changed for the better. tation to serve: “I think this revelation was to bring us closer together—to bring us out in London, England the community, to meet new people.” He con- Church members in London celebrated the tinued, “To see the Church getting involved in anniversary by helping clean up Tottenham, the community is a wonderful thing. To be a a city that experienced the August 2011 riots. part of it is even more special. It has strength- In a regional park, volunteers weeded, built ened my testimony, and it has given me the flower beds, and cleared litter. desire to do more.”
66 Ensign
Bujumbura, Burundi Celebrating a Day of Service
Hong Kong, China streets and gutters, and cleaning the grounds Adult leaders of the youth in the Hong around hospitals and clinics. Kong China Stake asked the youth council Emma Owusu Ansah of the Accra Ghana to choose their own service project. After the Christiansborg Stake was involved in plan- youth looked into their community’s needs, ning their day of service. “Coming together as they decided to teach children from low-income members of the Church unifies us and makes families at a local school. Around 125 youth a principle like service easier to obey,” she taught over 80 schoolchildren about developing said. At the end of the project, members gath- talents, making healthy food, holding family ered to share their testimonies. Sister Ansah gatherings, and creating true friendships. remarked, “After listening to the individual tes- “This was not just a one-time influence,” timonies, I realized how much we are missing said Anita Shum, stake Young Women presi- when not serving others.” dent. “What the youth have done with the kids When President Henry B. Eyring, First could have a lasting effect.” She added that the Counselor in the First Presidency, issued the youth now have good memories and experi- invitation to participate in a day of service, he ences that will bless them forever. spoke of the unifying effect the projects would have: “A . . . gospel principle that has been a Accra, Ghana guide to me in welfare work is the power and Members in Accra, Ghana, participated in a blessing of unity. When we join hands to serve 1 PHOTOGRAPH OF GLOVES © DANI VINCEK, 2011 UNDER LICENSE FROM SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; OTHER PHOTOGRAPHS BY CHARLOTTE ILLERA, CINDY CLARK, AND DALE EVANSON day of service by painting schools, sweeping people in need, the Lord unites our hearts.”
August 2012 67 with the work of the Church. Many did not know us, but they went away with good feelings,” said stake member Kátia Ribeiro. “Among the members, there was a spirit of unity and service, and among those who were served, there was a spirit of deep gratitude.”
Falls Church, Virginia, USA Members in Falls Church, Virginia, USA, felt the joy of serving together at two homeless shelters. Scrubbing Falls Church, Virginia, USA a wall, Adeana Alvarez told a fellow ward member, “I’ve had a frustrating Córdoba, Argentina week, and it feels good to just take out the Despite the rain on an October day, 1,601 frustration on this wall! We all need service at Latter-day Saints from five stakes in Córdoba, some time in our lives, and it’s good to do it FEELINGS Argentina, donated a combined 10,234 hours for other people.” OF CHARITY of service at a nursing home. Members deliv- Another ward member, Anne Sorensen, “The Lord is keeping ered previously collected clothing, food, and remarked, “It’s a great way to be connected His promise to you as hygiene kits. They also gardened, painted with your community. I now feel more you keep yours. As walls and benches, and performed talent invested in what is going on with that orga- you serve others for Him, He lets you feel shows. A number of sisters also volunteered nization. Every time I drive by here, I’ll think His love. And in time, hair, foot, and hand care services. about the people who attend classes here and feelings of charity “I know that project was a help not hope that the work we did gives them a tangi- become part of your only for them but for me too,” said 14-year- ble way to feel like they aren’t alone in what very nature. And you old Rocío B. after the project. “I knew I was they are doing to improve their lives.” will receive the assur- doing the right thing and that Heavenly ance of Mormon in Father was pleased with me.” Tokorozawa, Japan your heart as you persist in serving oth- At an elementary school in Tokorozawa, ers in life that all will São Paulo, Brazil Church members presented a seminar on food be well with you.” Members of the São Paulo Brazil Stake felt storage to 50 parents and educators. Because President Henry B. Eyring, inspired to collect sugar, oil, rice, and beans of the March 2011 earthquake, community First Counselor in the First Presidency, “A Witness,” and donate the food to two charities. Then members were eager to learn how to prepare Ensign, Nov. 2011, 68. they trained representatives from the charities for natural disasters, especially how to put in the basics of food storage. Members also together a long-term food supply. volunteered to present education, finance, and “Even though the great east Japan earthquake employment training to stake and community occurred, I hadn’t done anything to prepare,” members to help them develop the skills nec- said one participant. “I was glad I was able to essary to compete for available jobs. learn this. I want to find a place to store food,
“The community we invited was delighted and I want to do this to protect my dear family.” TOP: PHOTOGRAPH BY TODD SCHVANEVELDT
68 Ensign Musashino Japan Stake member Akihito to helping somebody, I understood what power ANSWERING Suda observed that the Light of Christ touched sacrifice really has. We do not need to ask why QUESTIONS the community as members showed the or whether we could have done something else. eeing Mormon preparations they had made in case of a crisis. We just reach out and help. We help because SHelping Hands in “Christ is the Light of the World,” he said. “His we care. We help because we want to follow the community, some teachings illuminate the community.” Christ’s example.” may wonder if Church members are help- Tallinn, Estonia The Fruit of Your Labors ing fellow Latter-day Church members in Tallinn spent a day The testimonies of those who served their Saints only or those of helping needy community members perform communities around the world teach us that by other faiths as well. maintenance on their homes. Some partici serving, we feel better about ourselves and our We are, of course, pants chopped wood and shoveled coal, testimonies grow. President Eyring affirmed that helping both. We strive while others cleaned carpets, changed cur- we are blessed for our service: “For the Master I to follow the Savior’s tains, and washed windows and walls. extend thanks for your work to serve the chil- example in serving, Maila Chan went with her family to visit dren of our Heavenly Father. He knows you, whether that’s raking an older woman and chop wood for her. “As and He sees your effort, diligence, and sacrifice. leaves in a neighbor’s a mother I am so happy that our family had I pray that He will grant you the blessing of yard or sending and such a wonderful experience,” she said. “How seeing the fruit of your labors in the happiness distributing tons of great it is that while serving others, you forget of those you have helped and with whom you supplies to respond to your own problems completely. I know that have helped for the Lord.” 2 ◼ a natural disaster. We
while serving others, we only serve our God.” NOTES seek to help others, Margit Timakov also observed, “Putting aside 1. Henry B. Eyring, “Opportunities to Do Good,” regardless of their Ensign, May 2011, 25. my own duties and committing myself wholly 2. Henry B. Eyring, Ensign, May 2011, 26. faith or culture.
RECOGNITION IN COMMUNITIES ne of the common attributes of the worldwide day Of the service given by 300 members of the Church in the Oof service projects was the effect they had on local greater London area, the mayor, Boris Johnson, remarked, communities. Many passersby stopped to ask project par- “Now, more than ever, it is great to see community-minded ticipants questions about the Church, and members shared Londoners—volunteers—who turned out in droves.” their testimonies. Governor Dannel Malloy of Connecticut, USA, and In several parts of the world, government officials rec- Governor Robert McConnell of Virginia, USA, issued ognized the efforts of Church members. For instance, in proclamations to honor the days of service in their states. a radio interview about the day of service, the chief from Governor Malloy said in his proclamation, “We are thank- the Kisanga quarter of Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic ful to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for of the Congo, called on people of other religions to their service to others and [for their] invitation to all of the follow the example of “the Mormons” in serving residents of all faiths and backgrounds to join with them as the community. they celebrate their anniversary year of service.” TOP: PHOTOGRAPH BY TODD SCHVANEVELDT
August 2012 69 LATTER-DAY SAINT VOICES
LOOK AT THE voice: “The last page!” I decided to try name and saw that it stated where the last page again and read the now- and when he was born and baptized. LAST PAGE familiar text several times. I was astonished but filled with grati- hen I joined the Church, I was Then I noticed something I had tude that I had been led to the infor- Weager to get involved in family missed before: an extra page pasted mation I needed. history work. I began visiting local inside the back cover. As I read the Family history can be challenging archives to search for my ancestors’ handwriting scribbled across the at times, but I know that God guides information in public records. page, I saw the names of children and assists us in our efforts. ◼
I found the work fulfilling, but it born near the end of December. Natalia Shcherbakova, Ukraine, as told was not always easy. The old hand- There I recognized my grandfather’s to Pavlyna Ubyiko writing was often difficult to read, and some of the books were moldy, which agitated my asthma. Still, I con- I began skimming the book’s contents, tinued researching as best I could. hoping a familiar name would catch One day I was researching about my eye. my grandfather, looking for his date of birth. I found a 1,500-page book that might be helpful. But what if it didn’t have the answer I needed? I dreaded having to look through more big, dusty books. I began skimming the book’s con- tents, hoping a familiar name would catch my eye. Suddenly, I thought I heard someone say, “The last page.” I looked around, but it did not appear that anyone had spoken to me. I con- tinued and read several more pages. Then I heard the same words again: “The last page.” Somewhat hesitantly, I decided to check the last page. I found the text that is usually written there: a summary of children born and the total number of pages. Just in case, I checked the page that pre- ceded the last one but found nothing helpful there, so I turned back to the page I had been reading before. My thoughts were soon interrupted once more by the soft but persistent
70 Ensign I CHOSE THE GOOD PART s I prepared for my daughter’s A wedding, my mind was so occupied with wedding plans that I rarely thought of anything besides my checklist. One morning I looked at my long list of tasks. I was mak- ing progress, but I still needed to do some deep cleaning. I had been put- ting off cleaning the kitchen blinds, so I decided to tackle that chore. As I climbed on the counter with my rags, brushes, and cleaner, I could see that it was going to be a dirty job. While I worked, my mind wandered to the story of Martha and Mary, the sisters who had welcomed the Savior into their home. While Martha “was cumbered about much serving,” Mary “sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his I picked up the phone and dialed the number of an old friend I hadn’t talked to in word.” Martha asked Jesus to tell her years, planning to tell her about my daughter’s wedding. sister to help with the chores, but the Savior told her that “Mary hath chosen reminded me of their mother, an old was doing something as mundane as that good part” (see Luke 10:38–42). friend I hadn’t talked to in years. cleaning blinds. I marveled even more ILLUSTRATIONS BY G. BJORN THORKELSON ILLUSTRATIONS “Today I will just have to be At that moment I picked up the at the truth that He knows and loves Martha,” I thought. The truth was that phone and dialed her number to tell each of us enough to send help at the I had been Martha for several weeks, her about my daughter’s wedding. I very hour and moment we need it. “cumbered about” with mundane didn’t expect her to answer because That night I smiled as I put a check chores and wedding preparations. she taught school, but I happened mark on my list next to “clean the My mind wandered again, and I to call during her planning hour. We kitchen blinds.” Though I felt a sense tried to remember when my blinds spent the next hour laughing, crying, of satisfaction from completing the had last been cleaned so thoroughly. and sharing. She had recently been chore, I felt a greater sense of gratitude I thought of the two girls who had through a difficult divorce and had knowing I had been an instrument in come to help me get ready for a been feeling alone and abandoned. the Lord’s hands. He had shown me gathering at my house two years As we talked, our spirits were lifted how I could be a Mary who chose the earlier. Together they had scrubbed and our hearts were comforted. “good part” even as I was a Martha my kitchen from floor to ceiling, I marveled at the way the Lord was “cumbered about” my chores. ◼ including the blinds. That memory able to work through me even while I Jeanette Mahaffey, Missouri, USA
August 2012 71 Latter-day Saint Voices
THE RIGHT SCRIPTURE AT THE RIGHT TIME hile serving as an assistant chap- “natural man.” When she understood manner seemed affected by the Spirit. Wlain in the Maricopa County Jail the reference, she continued to read. I could see hope as she was taught system in Arizona, USA, I would visit Her voice gradually changed tone, by the Spirit what these words meant and share a scripture and prayer with and she slowed down as the words to her and how she should make the detainees who requested a Latter-day began to make sense to her. changes described in the scripture. Saint chaplain. On one occasion a When she started to read the list I said a prayer and then shook young woman made such a request. of childlike attributes of “a saint,” she the young woman’s hand warmly. I I went to her area of the jail, slowed down even more. I could tell left the jail on a spiritual high. I had which was behind several locked she was absorbing the meaning of never before seen such an immediate, doors. The reception area had two each attribute listed in the verse. When powerful, magnificent effect from the cafeteria-style tables with a bench she read “submissive, meek, humble, scriptures. I knew Mosiah 3:19 because on each side and one desk with a patient,” I began to feel the Spirit all I have frequently encountered it while guard. I gave the guard the request around us. As she read the words “full reading the scriptures, but never before slip, slid onto one of the benches, of love, willing to submit,” I witnessed a had I understood the depth of the and waited for the young woman. change in her. Her face brightened and impact it could have on someone. ◼ I arose as she entered the recep- her attitude, tone of voice, and general Allen Hunsaker, Arizona, USA tion area, greeted her, and suggested The young woman’s we sit at the table. She looked sad voice gradually and unkempt and was on the verge changed tone as of tears. As she discussed her situ- she read, and she ation, I considered what scripture I slowed down as would share. I listened carefully to the words began to her concerns, and as she disclosed make sense to her. the difficulties she had had with various compulsive behaviors and poor choices, I thought of the perfect scripture to help her: Mosiah 3:19. I opened the Book of Mormon to Mosiah 3:19, pushed it toward her, and asked her to read. She seemed a little disgruntled at first and began reading in a fast, singsong voice that seemed to express annoyance at being asked to read a scripture. As she finished the first phrase, “For the natural man is an enemy to God,” I interrupted to explain the meaning of
72 Ensign YOU HAVE NOT FASTED n 1998 I was enjoying being a young Imother. But I panicked one day when I realized that my six-month- old son made whistling sounds when he breathed and couldn’t swallow anything. The doctor immediately diagnosed bronchiolitis, a swelling of the smallest air passages in the lungs usually caused by a viral infection. He prescribed both medication and physical therapy. Despite the medi- The visits to the physical therapist cal treatment and were a trial for my son and me. My the therapy, my son was uncomfortable being moved son’s condition in every direction, and I worried that didn’t improve. the therapy caused him pain. I took courage, however, when the therapist explained the benefits of therapy. Despite the medical treatment and the therapy, my son’s condition Father that if His will was to take my the therapist looked surprised. didn’t improve. He ate little, and son, He would need to give me the “Madame,” he told me, “your son the whistling continued. The doctor strength to bear it. is fine. I don’t understand, but he prescribed 5 more sessions with the After my prayer I asked myself doesn’t need any more sessions.” physical therapist in addition to the what we could do in addition to the I couldn’t hold back the tears of joy. 10 we had already attended. prayers we had uttered and the priest- Returning home, I knelt to thank God While I waited during the 13th hood blessings our son had received. for His mercy and love. I called my session, I read an article posted in I glanced at the bookshelf and saw a husband to tell him the good news. the doctor’s office titled “Bronchiolitis copy of the Liahona (L’Étoile at the Then I ended my fast in peace, not Kills.” As I read, I realized that my time). I opened it at random, search- doubting the intervention of the Lord. son could die. I felt as though my ing for help, and found an article My son was healed thanks to heart was in a vise. At the end of the titled “I Fasted for My Baby.” Then I faith, prayer, priesthood blessings, session, the therapist told me that my clearly heard a voice say, “You have and fasting. I have no doubt that my son’s condition wasn’t improving. not fasted for your child.” Heavenly Father loves me and that He I’m not sure how I got home safely I had not, so I immediately also loves my son. I am confident that because tears blurred my vision. began to fast for him. At the ther- He will continue to help us overcome I called my husband and then apy session the next day, I was still our difficulties. ◼ began to pray. I told my Heavenly fasting. After examining my son, Ketty Constant, Guadeloupe
August 2012 73 News of the Church Visit news.lds.org for more Church news and events.
This month, the Church Magazines’ New Series to Highlight Church magazines For the Strength of Youth Standards are launching a series of articles By Lok Yi Chan that highlight the Church News and Events standards out- tarting this month, the Church magazines Menu, clicking on one of the 19 standards, lined in the newly will launch a series of articles that high- and clicking on Share Your Experiences. updated version of Slight the standards outlined in the newly Church members ages 12 to 18 can log in For the Strength updated version of For the Strength of Youth. with their LDS Account username and pass- of Youth. word and share their experiences. Content for Youth The Young Men and Young Women general Content for Adults and Children presidents are introducing the series in this Although the new series will mainly target month’s issue of the Liahona and New Era, youth, the standards apply to members of all and the series will appear in both magazines age groups in the Church, as Ann M. Dibb, each month thereafter, excluding the May and second counselor in the Young Women gen- November issues. eral presidency, recently taught. Each of the other 10 months, a different “One of the greatest ways we can arise and standard in the booklet will be featured in an shine forth is to confidently obey the com- article authored by a member of the Young mandments of God. We learn of these com- Men or Young Women general presidencies mandments in the scriptures, from modern-day or a member of the Seventy. prophets, and within the pages of the booklet Each article will also be accompanied by For the Strength of Youth,” she said during the specific experiences of youth around the 2012 general Young Women meeting. “Each world pertaining to For the Strength of Youth. of you should have your own copy. On my For this reason, the Church magazines are personal copy, I have circled the words for and soliciting content from youth. you [the first three letters of youth], as taught Young women and young men around to me by a respected friend. This simple act the world are encouraged to submit their reminds me that these standards are not just stories or experiences in living the standards general guidelines—they are specifically for from For the Strength of Youth to the Liahona me. I hope you will take the time to … read it or the New Era through their websites or cover to cover and feel the Spirit testify that the by e-mail at [email protected]. Youth standards are for you as well” (“Arise and Shine can also share brief experiences by leaving Forth,” Ensign, May 2012, 117). comments at youth.lds.org by clicking on A one-page article for adults about how For the Strength of Youth under Youth parents can teach that month’s standard to
74 Ensign their children will be included in the Ensign Church classes, and that the principles taught each month. And, when the topics in For the in them will go down into the hearts of the Strength of Youth correspond with topics in youth of the Church,” he said. My Gospel Standards for Primary children, To help the youth better understand and there will also be an article for children in apply the standards in their lives, additional the Liahona and the Friend. resources are provided online at youth.lds.org. David L. Beck, Young Men general president, Here, teens, their parents, and their leaders emphasized the significance of For the Strength can find statements and articles by General of Youth for youth, parents, and leaders. Authorities on each standard, as well as vid- “It is our hope that these standards will eos, posters, questions and answers, experi- be thoroughly studied in our homes and in ences from youth, and other resources. ◼
August 2012 75 Presidency of the Seventy New Area Leaders
Ronald A. Walter F. L. Whitney Donald L. Tad R. Richard J. Craig C. Assigned Rasband González Clayton Hallstrom Callister Maynes Christensen Assists in All 1. North 2. Utah North 5. North 6. North 7. North 9. Idaho Areas America 3. Utah Salt America America America 10. North he First Presidency Southeast Lake City Northeast Southwest Northwest America 4. Utah South 8. North Central has announced the America West Tfollowing changes in area leadership assign- ments effective on August 1, 2012. All members of Area Presidencies are members of the First or Second Quorums 7 of the Seventy. ◼ 5 10 9 2 3 4 8 6 1
11 13 11. Mexico 12. Central America
12
Benjamín Daniel L. José L. Carlos H. James B. Robert C. 14 De Hoyos Johnson Alonso Amado Martino Gay First President Second First President Second Counselor Counselor Counselor Counselor 15 13. Caribbean 14. South America Northwest
J. Devn Wilford W. Claudio D. Juan A. Rafael E. W. Christopher 16 Cornish Andersen Zivic Uceda Pino Waddell First President Second First President Second Counselor Counselor Counselor Counselor
15. Brazil 16. South America South 17. Middle East/Africa North
Carlos A. Claudio R. M. Jairo Jorge F. Mervyn B. Francisco J. Bruce D. Bruce A. Godoy Costa Mazzagardi Zeballos Arnold Viñas Porter Carlson First President Second First President Second Administered from Church Counselor Counselor Counselor Counselor Headquarters MAP BY THOMAS S. CHILD
76 Ensign 18. Europe 19. Europe East 20. Asia 21. Asia North
Patrick José A. Kent F. Randall K. Larry R. Per G. Gerrit W. Kent D. Larry Y. Kazuhiko Michael T. Koichi Kearon Teixeira Richards Bennett Lawrence Malm Gong Watson Wilson Yamashita Ringwood Aoyagi First President Second First President Second First President Second First President Second Counselor Counselor Counselor Counselor Counselor Counselor Counselor Counselor
19
18
21 20
17
22 24
23
25
22. Africa West 23. Africa Southeast 24. Philippines 25. Pacific
Joseph W. John B. LeGrand R. Ulisses Dale G. Carl B. Brent H. Michael John U. Ian S. Kevin W. James J. F. Michael Sitati Dickson Curtis Jr. Soares Renlund Cook Nielson Teh Ardern Pearson Hamula Watson First President Second First President Second First President Second First President Second Counselor Counselor Counselor Counselor Counselor Counselor Counselor Counselor MAP BY THOMAS S. CHILD
August 2012 77 ANSWERING QUESTIONS ABOUT OUR FAITH By Michael Otterson Managinag Director, Church Public Affairs Department
had been a member of The Church our faith encourages us to “live our important to establish some context of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints religion.” There is a sense of authen- from the outset. I just a few days when a casual con- ticity that comes as friends and associ- Rather than simply responding to versation among a group of friends ates see the connection between what a series of random questions, it might turned to my recent conversion. one says and what one does. be helpful to first take 30 seconds to Some were intrigued, even fasci- If a Latter-day Saint’s life is his or establish a foundation. That can be as nated. A few were indifferent. One her best sermon, then our conversa- simple as explaining that we embrace young woman my age simply and tions ought also to be open, genuine, Jesus Christ as our Savior and accept uncompromisingly refused to believe and engaged in with a spirit of kind- the Bible’s teachings about His I was Christian. ness, even if people ask inappropriate birth, life, ministry, Crucifixion, and It was my first taste of trying to questions or adopt a cynical tone. Our Resurrection. We also believe that explain my beliefs to those who did claims to be followers of Jesus Christ the Christian world departed from not share them. I remember feeling are most convincing when our actions the truths Jesus taught in the Bible utterly frustrated as I tried to pene- are in harmony with our beliefs. When and that the Church He established trate a mind so tightly shuttered that we are answering questions or even needed to be restored. no amount of reasoning could pry criticisms, there will be times when we Laying out the foundational beliefs it open. need a thick skin. We may also need a of the Church in this way supplies As the Church grows it will face sense of humor. a reference point as the discussion increasing scrutiny, like any major In 2007 at a commencement turns to other tenets of the gospel. faith, and that will lead to many more ceremony for BYU–Hawaii gradu- face-to-face or online conversations ates, Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Connect the Dots between our members and their fami- Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said, As members listen to questions, lies, friends, and associates who don’t “If you live the principles of the gos- they can discern the gospel principle share our faith. pel [rather than] just study them, that at the heart of the question and con- Paying attention to some basic special combination of knowledge nect the answer back to the Savior. principles can help members respond will allow you to feel comfortable and For example, why do we send to questions or comments with more prepared to teach what you know to missionaries to Christian countries? confidence. be true—in any setting.” Because in His day Jesus sent His messengers two by two “into all the Live Your Religion Set the Context world.” And we do the same today. One of the great advantages that When we are addressing questions Why do we frown on cohabitation faithful Church members have is that or comments about our faith, it is before marriage? Because Jesus and
78 Ensign Sharing personal experiences can be a more effective way to answer questions than reciting memorized answers.
His Apostles taught the sanctity of message into the listener’s heart. ONLINE RESOURCES marriage and all that goes with it. One of the greatest hindrances to he Church has created online We do not need complicated, sharing our faith is being afraid we Tresources that can be helpful for sophisticated secular arguments when don’t have the answers. Few people members to share with those who the principles we try to live by come in other churches are experts in their have questions. from the Son of God. own history or doctrine, and studies Mormon.org show that Latter-day Saints are incred- Mormon.org/Jesus Christ Share Personal Experiences ibly well educated in their own faith Mormonnewsroom.lds.org Answering our friends’ questions by comparison. LDS.org is not about reciting memorized When someone asks a question Liahona.LDS.org answers. Sharing genuine, personal about the Church’s doctrine or history experiences can invite the Spirit that we don’t know, it’s okay to say, to bear witness and carry the “I don’t know.” But we can all share
August 2012 79 Helpful Hints
Assume the Best It can be intimidating when someone asks probing questions about our faith. However, for the most part, people are just curious. Don’t be defensive.
Listen Carefully Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles has taught that the gift of discernment operates best when we are listening. To really understand the question and the intent, ask clarifying questions and When answering friends’ questions, be yourself. Who you are is often the reason be prepared to do as much listening they asked you the question. as you do talking.
Honor Agency personal experiences to explain how everyone due to differing back- All people have God-given moral we feel about our faith. grounds—religious, secular, and agency. So we may invite or even If we relate our own experiences otherwise. persuade—but we should not pres- about prayer or fasting or communicat- sure or coerce. ing effectively with our families, those Sharing What We Believe experiences can’t be challenged. They Members of the Church have an Avoid Church Jargon are ours, and no one understands them unprecedented opportunity to be a Avoid Latter-day Saint terminology better than we do. force for good in helping clear up or jargon that can sound foreign, like misconceptions about what we are “ward,” “family home evening,” or “Word of Wisdom.” If you use these Be Aware of Your Audience not and to increase others’ under- terms, explain them without waiting Some people won’t approach a standing of who we are and what to be asked. member with questions because they we believe. fear being roped into a half-hour lec- As people learn more about Latter- Use the Church’s Full Name ture. If they ask a casual question, be day Saint beliefs, they may see some Whenever possible, use the full sensitive to their interest, comfort, and distinct differences and yet find some name of the Church at least once, level of understanding. Signaling our unexpected common ground on and early in the conversation. There sensitivity at the outset can put those which to build better relationships. is a power in the name of the Church, who are curious at ease. For more on this topic, listen to a Mormon so explain it. It says a great deal about Understand that the same con- Channel interview with Brother Otterson who we are. versation isn’t going to work for at mormonchannel.org. ◼
80 Ensign COURTESY CHURCH HISTORY MUSEUM CHURCH HISTORY COURTESY Oliver Cowdery Ordains Joseph Smith, by Walter Rane On April 6, 1830, in the home of Peter Whitmer Sr. in Fayette, New York, USA, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was officially organized. As presiding officers of the Church, Joseph Smith Jr. and Oliver Cowdery ordained each other to the office of elder in the Church—first Joseph laid his hands on the head of Oliver Cowdery and ordained him an elder of the Church, and Oliver similarly ordained Joseph (see D&C 21, section introduction). They were following the pattern given to them by John the Baptist when he conferred the keys of the Aaronic Priesthood on Joseph and Oliver on May 15, 1829 (see D&C 13:1). Joseph wrote of the event, saying that John the Baptist “commanded us to go and be baptized, and gave us directions that I should baptize Oliver Cowdery, and that afterwards he should baptize me. Accordingly we went and were baptized . . . after which I laid my hands upon his head and ordained him to the Aaronic Priesthood, and afterwards he laid his hands on me and ordained me to the same Priesthood—for so we were commanded” ( Joseph Smith—History 1:70–71). “As we go about our daily lives,” teaches President Thomas S. Monson, “we discover countless opportunities to follow the example of the Savior. When our hearts are in tune with His teachings, we discover the unmistakable nearness of His divine help. It is almost as though we are on the Lord’s errand.” President Monson is himself an example of one who seeks divine help in his daily life and answers the call to serve. See “Thomas S. Monson: Answering the Call of Duty,” page 10.