THE ENSIGN OF THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS • A UGUST 2002

The Heart of Visiting Teaching, p. 64 Putting Power in Prayer, p. 52 Brigham Young, by James C. Christensen

President Brigham Young served as second President of the Church, from 27 December 1847 until his death on 29 August 1877. President Young’s practical, forthright, and decisive character contributed to his success as a leader and as one of the great colonizers of the American West. A UGUST 2002 • VOLUME 32, NUMBER 8

2 FIRST PRESIDENCY MESSAGE What This Work Is All About President Gordon B. Hinckley 8Accept the Challenge Elder L. Tom Perry 11 Me, a Pioneer? Mei Hsiang Moyer 14 Pushing on to Zion: Kanesville, Iowa, 1846–1853 William G. Hartley Accept the 24 The Mantle of Elijah Challenge Bruce L. Andreason 8 27 Naaman and Gehazi: A Contrast in Obedience Elder Ralph W. Hardy Jr. 30 The Prophet Joseph Smith’s Use of the Old Testament Grant Underwood 36 Children of Divorce Elaine Walton 42 Taking the Higher Road Elder W. Craig Zwick 48 My Battle with Same-Sex The Mantle Attraction Name Withheld of Elijah 52 Prayer: The Soul’s Sincere Desire 24 Enriching Our Prayers Dan B. Skoubye 56 Prayer in a Practical Vein Kayleen Silver 58 A Testimony of Prayer 60 Fitly Framed to Keep Out Rain Dianne Dibb Forbis 63 VISITING TEACHING MESSAGE Delighting in Service and Good Works 64 Visiting Teaching: Getting to the Heart 68 LATTER-DAY SAINT VOICES Children of RANDOM SAMPLER Divorce 72 Taking the 36 NEWS OF THE CHURCH Higher Road 74 42 THE FIRST PRESIDENCY: Gordon B. Hinckley, TEXT PROGRAMMER: Sally J. Odekirk at 1-800-537-5971. The Ensign Talking Book, for Thomas S. Monson, James E. Faust MAGAZINE GRAPHICS MANAGER: M. M. Kawasaki individuals with visual impairment or physical QUORUM OF THE TWELVE: Boyd K. Packer, ART DIRECTOR: J. Scott Knudsen disability, is available free of charge or through L. Tom Perry, David B. Haight, Neal A. SENIOR DESIGNERS: C. Kimball Bott, donations. Maxwell, Russell M. Nelson, Dallin H. Oaks, Fay P. Andrus, Tadd R. Peterson TO SUBMIT MANUSCRIPTS OR ART: Send submis- M. Russell Ballard, Joseph B. Wirthlin, DESIGNER: Thomas S. Child sions to the address above or via e-mail at Richard G. Scott, Robert D. Hales, Jeffrey R. PRINTING DIRECTOR: [email protected]. For re- Holland, Henry B. Eyring Kay W. Briggs DISTRIBUTION DIRECTOR: Kris T. Christensen turn delivery by mail, manuscripts and art EDITOR: Dennis B. Neuenschwander must be accompanied by a self-addressed, ADVISERS: J. Kent Jolley, W. Rolfe Kerr, © 2002 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights stamped envelope. Stephen A. West reserved. The Ensign (ISSN 0884-1136) is pub- TO CHANGE ADDRESSES: lished monthly by The Church of Jesus Christ Old address as well as MANAGING DIRECTOR: Ronald L. Knighton new is needed. Call the subscription helpline at EDITORIAL DIRECTOR: Richard M. Romney of Latter-day Saints, 50 East North Temple Street, Salt Lake City, UT 84150-3224, USA. 1-800-537-5971, or send changes to the address GRAPHICS DIRECTOR: Allan R. Loyborg below. MANAGING EDITOR: Periodicals Postage Paid at Salt Lake City, Utah, Brian K. Kelly POSTMASTER: ASSISTANT MANAGING EDITORS: and at additional mailing offices. Send address changes to Fitly Framed to Don L. Searle, Salt Lake Distribution Center TO SUBSCRIBE: Send $10.00 U.S. check or money Jonathan H. Stephenson Church Magazines, P.O. Box 26368 Keep Out Rain ASSOCIATE EDITORS: order for the Ensign (pronounced N’sign) to Judith M. Paller, Salt Lake City, UT 84126-0368, USA. 60 LaRene Porter Gaunt, Linda Stahle Cooper Church Magazines at address at right. Credit ASSISTANT EDITORS: Rebecca M. Taylor, card orders (American Express, MasterCard, CANADA POST INFORMATION Kerry G. Smith, Barbara Jean Jones Visa, Discover Card) are accepted by phone Publication Agreement #40017431 hen the young man had finished Wbuilding scenery for the road show production, the bishop insisted that he was still needed.

2 F IRST P RESIDENCY M ESSAGE

What This Work Is All
 About

B Y P RESIDENT got moved carefully as the road show moved from G ORDON B. HINCKLEY ward to ward. So I finally gave in again. “That bishop kept me busy for quite a while, and should like to share portions pretty soon I was involved and enjoying it. He then of a letter that came to my moved from our area and we got a new bishop, and desk several years ago. I have he picked up the challenge and kept after me. changedI the names to preserve “Bishop Smith had asked me to go on a mission, anonymity and have somewhat but I was undecided on that, and when Bishop abbreviated it, paraphrasing a Sorensen was put in, he asked me also, and I finally few words in the process. The letter reads: decided that I would go. “Dear President Hinckley, “Well, the bishop and I went to tell Mom and Dad “When I met you in the elevator at the hospital I about my decision. They told the bishop they couldn’t had the urge to write you and tell you of some of the pay for it. Dad told the bishop that if I was really things that have happened to me. sincere about going that I should work and save and “When I was 16 or 17 I cared nothing for the pay for the mission myself. Church and would not have anything to do with “My eyesight was not the greatest, as you know, it. But a bishop who was concerned about me came and when I went places I had to be taken. When I be- over to see me and asked me to help build some came 16, I wanted to drive a car more than anything, scenery for a road show production, and of course and Dad took me to several eye doctors, all with the I told him no. same result. The vision in my right eye was 20/800, “Well, about 10 days went by, and the bishop came and the vision in my left eye was 20/50, and I had back to ask me to build the scenery, and again I told astigmatism. So earning enough money to go on a him no. But then he went on to explain that he had mission was not an easy task. I worked in the sign asked others and they had told him they didn’t know shop at a department store for six to eight months to how. He indicated that I was needed. I finally gave in save some money. The bishop finally felt it was time and proceeded to build the scenery. for me to go, and we went to talk to my parents “When I got it done, I said, ‘There is your scenery,’ again. I had a thousand dollars saved, and the bishop and decided I had done my part. But the bishop in- told my dad that the elders quorum would support sisted that they needed me on the stage to move the me for the rest. Dad sat there for a while and said if

ILLUSTRATED BY MIKE MALM BY ILLUSTRATED scenery and make sure it got put up right and that it anybody was going to support his son, he would. I

THE ENSIGN/AUGUST 2002 3 filled out my papers and got my call. “I went to Japan, where I loved the peo- ple and the missionary experiences that I had there. My companions and I baptized several people into the Church. After I came home, I went to work again in the sign shop. During the time I worked there, whenever I went to lunch, I would see a young lady walking up the street, who evi- dently worked in the same gen- eral area. I knew I had met her somewhere before but could not place her. “Well, one of my missionary companions came home, and after some time we ran around together. Of course, he did all the chauffeuring because of my eyesight. One night he called and wanted to go out on a date, and so I frantically called around to find a date. Well, we went to a party, and guess who he took out. Right, he took out Sister Marilyn Jones, who also had been in Japan and whom I now remembered meeting briefly there on one occasion. She was the girl I had been passing on the street for several months and had not recognized. “A fter this party, I went to California with my family for two weeks, and when I got home I found that my missionary friend had been dating the girl I had taken to the party. I thought I’d fix him, urs is the responsibility so I called Marilyn to go out on a date. You have to of encouraging and realize that it’s not easy to do that when you don’t O drive, so my younger sister drove, and we had eight cultivating happy homes other youngsters accompany us to a ball game. That where fathers and mothers should have been enough to discourage any young love and respect one another lady from ever dating me again, but I tried again and children grow in an when my family went to the canyon to pick atmosphere of peace and chokecherries. affection and appreciation. “Finally came our date alone, and Dad had to drive me to pick up Marilyn, and then we drove him home and went out on our date and then back to our

4 house to pick up Dad, who drove us back to her and signs his name. I have shared this somewhat house, and then we went home. On the next date I lengthy letter because I feel it tells so simply and yet asked her to marry me, and she told me no. Well, I so eloquently what this work is all about. went out with her some more and asked her to marry me a couple more times, and I finally got a maybe. I OUR RESPONSIBILITY thought that was a step in the right direction and per- sisted. Six months after we started going together, we Under the sacred and compelling trust we have as were married in the Salt Lake Temple. members of the Church of Jesus Christ, ours is a work “President Hinckley, I thought that I loved this of redemption, of lifting and saving those who need young lady at that time, but 17 years later I find that help. Ours is a task of raising the sights of those of I love her more than I could ever imagine. We now our people who fail to realize the great potential that have five wonderful children. lies within them. Ours is the responsibility of building “I have held many positions in the Church: music self-reliance, of encouraging and cultivating happy leader, everything in the elders quorum, assistant homes where fathers and mothers love and respect ward clerk, ward mission leader, executive secretary, one another and children grow in an atmosphere of and now I am a counselor in the bishopric. peace and affection and appreciation. “I am still working in the sign shop at the depart- If you will recall what I have just shared, this man, ment store. I bought a small house about 13 years when he was a boy of 16 or 17, was drifting aimlessly ago, and as my family got larger my house got and dangerously as so many young men do at that smaller. I had to do something, so I added on to my age. He was walking the broad way which leads to house and made it twice the size. I started this a little destruction. Noting the course he was taking, his over three years ago and have been working on it bishop, a prayerful and dedicated man, recognized ever since. It is coming along really well. his creative talent as an artist and found a way to “Now for the most amazing piece of news ever. challenge him to use that talent in the service of the Two years ago in June, I went to a new eye doctor Church. That bishop was wise enough to know that who examined my eyes and asked me what restric- most young men will respond to a challenge when tions I had on my driver’s license. I told him that I they know they are needed. No one else in the ward didn’t have a license. He said that my eyesight was was quite capable of building the kind of scenery the probably acceptable. bishop wanted. This less-active boy was capable of “I sat there in shock, and my wife said, ‘Does this this, and the bishop complimented and challenged mean he could get a driver’s license?’ The doctor him with a request that his service was needed. said, ‘I don’t see why not.’ The next day my wife had Here is a great key to activation of many of those me signed up for a driver education course, and after who have fallen by the wayside. Each has a talent that I finished it I went to get my license and they checked can be employed. It is the task of leaders to match my eyes. The doctor had written a note explaining those talents with needs and then to offer a challenge. my eye problem and that maybe I should not drive The boy of this letter, whom I shall call Jack, responded, at night. The examiner put the letters up, and I read and he soon found himself moving in the direction of them right off. He went to talk to his supervisor and the Church rather than away from it. came back and approved my license with only a mi- Then came the challenge to go on a mission. Jack, nor restriction. who was now accustomed to saying yes rather than “President Hinckley, the Lord has blessed me no, responded affirmatively. The father was not fully more than I can ever deserve. People say how lucky I converted and responded that his son would have to am that my eyes have improved so much, but I know earn his own funds. That was not all bad. There was that it is the Lord’s doing. I feel it is because I have something of good in the requirement that he de- tried to serve the Lord and do what I can to build up velop self-reliance. He went to work, he provided His kingdom here on the earth. I am sure there are much of what he needed, he saved his money, and times He is disappointed in me, and I’m sure He when he had a thousand dollars, the bishop, again should be. But I will try to do my best and be worthy under inspiration, felt the time had come when he of His blessings upon me and my family.” should go. Jack’s brethren in the elders quorum He concludes with appreciation and testimony would assist, and that is proper. But the father, with

THE ENSIGN/AUGUST 2002 5 an awakened sense of pride and of responsibility marveled that this young man, with serious eyesight toward his own son, rose to the occasion, as men deficiencies, was able to grasp that difficult language usually do when properly confronted. and speak it with power. Behind that was a great ef- fort and a great sense of devotion, and above all, a THE ESSENCE OF THE GOSPEL certain humility and reliance on the Lord with anx- ious, prayerful pleadings for help. I first met Jack in Japan when he was serving as a I can tell you, for I witnessed it, that it was a mira- missionary there. I interviewed him on two or three cle in his case as it was in the case of many others. occasions. That was before we had the Missionary I also first met in Japan and interviewed on a Training Centers. Young men and women were then number of occasions the young lady he was later to sent with no language training and simply plunged marry. She had a wonderful spirit, a deep faith, and a in to work at the task when they arrived there. I moving sense of duty. Their acquaintance in the field was nothing more than having seen one another on one occasion. They worked in widely sepa- rated areas. But out of their experiences had come a common touchstone—a new lan- guage in which each had learned to share testimony with others while laboring in the great and selfless cause of service to our Father’s children. As he indicated in his letter, their marriage was performed in the Salt Lake Temple. Each knew that only in the Lord’s house under the authority of the holy priesthood could they be joined in marriage for time and for all eternity under a covenant which death could not break and time could not destroy. They wanted the very best for themselves; they would not be satisfied with any- thing else. Be it said to their credit that each has remained true to the sacred covenants they made in the house of the Lord. Five beautiful and

ach of those who have fallen by the wayside hasE a talent that can be employed. It is the task of leaders to match those tal- ents with needs and then to offer a challenge.

6 handsome children have graced that marriage. They from bishops and others. But there are many, many are a family with love and appreciation and respect more who need similar attention. one for another. They have lived in a spirit of self- This work of ours is a great work of redemption. reliance. A small home which has been enlarged All of us must do more because the consequences can is a home in which father and mother and children be so remarkable and everlasting. This is our Father’s gather together and counsel and learn one from an- work, and He has laid upon us a divine injunction to other. It is a home in which there is a reading of the seek out and strengthen those in need and those who scriptures. It is a home in which there is prayer: fam- are weak. As we do so, the homes of our people will ily prayer and individual prayer. It is a home in which be filled with an increased measure of love; the na- service is taught and exemplified. It is a simple home; tion, whatever nation it be, will be strengthened by it is an unostentatious family. There is not much of reason of the virtue of such people; and the Church wealth, but there is much of peace and goodness and and kingdom of God will roll forward in majesty and love. The children who grew up there grew in “the power on its divinely appointed mission. អ nurture and admonition of the Lord” (Eph. 6:4). The father is faithful in his service to the Church. For these many years he has responded to every call made upon him; the mother, likewise. They are good citizens of the community and the nation. They IDEAS FOR HOME TEACHERS are at peace with their neighbors. They love the Lord. They love life. They love one another. Preparation They have witnessed a miracle in the improve- After studying this message, think about an experi- ment of his eyesight. To a kind and gracious God goes ence you may have had helping someone become fully the credit. This too is of the essence of the gospel, the active in the Church. Prayerfully choose one or two power of healing and restoration, followed by ac- statements from President Hinckley you feel will most knowledgment and thanksgiving. benefit those you teach. Then think of a teaching method or activity for each statement that is appropriate for the INCREASED RETENTION NEEDED ages and circumstances of family members. A few exam- ples of how this may be done are provided below. Is not this what the work is all about? Said the Savior, “I am come that they might have life, and that Suggestions for Teaching they might have it more abundantly” (John 10:10). 1. Show the title of this message and ask if anyone Without great abundance of the things of the world, would like to guess what it is about. Read the first para- these, my friends, live abundantly. People such as graph under “Our Responsibility,” and share an experi- they are the strength of the Church. In their hearts is ence of how your life has changed because someone was a quiet and solid conviction that God lives and that doing “this work.” Read aloud the last paragraph, and we are accountable to Him; that Jesus is the Christ, bear your testimony of doing our Father’s work. the Way, the Truth, the Life (see John 14:6); that this 2. Discuss why some people are not active in the work is Their work; that it is true; and that gladness Church. Read together the letter Jack sent to President and peace and healing come in walking in obedience Hinckley (pages 2–3), or tell Jack’s story in your own to the commandments of God (see D&C 89:18), as set words. Make a list of the blessings Jack received and dis- forth in the teachings of the Church. cuss why Jack received them. I do not know whether the two men who served 3. Compare the work of the Church to the dropping as Jack’s bishops know what has become of him. If of a pebble in a still pond of water. Why was the Lord’s they know where he is, there must be sweet satisfac- work in Japan increased by the work of Jack’s bishops? tion in their hearts. There are thousands of bishops Read the last two paragraphs, and invite family mem- like them, who serve night and day in this great work bers to think of people who need to be brought back into of activation. And there are tens of thousands of Jacks activity. Ask what the family could do to help. Invite in this Church whose hearts are touched and who are them to imagine what could happen if even one of those brought back into activity by a great sense of concern, people were to become active. a quiet expression of love, and a challenge to serve

THE ENSIGN/AUGUST 2002 7 ACCEPT THE

It is our responsibility to participate in the ever-reaching destiny of the Church.

B Y E LDER L. TOM P ERRY and Savior. Our interests must surely be piqued as we Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles consider where we fit in this divine plan. As we look at the periods past and our own era in dam, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, the Church, it is our responsibility to participate in Moses, Jesus Christ, and the ever-reaching destiny of the Church. It would Joseph Smith each started seem to me that as we follow the direction of our aA new gospel dispensation, which is present prophet, this will be a time of declaring the a period of time in which the Lord word of the Lord to the people of the earth with has at least one authorized servant on the earth who more boldness and more courage than we have bears the keys of the holy priesthood. When the Lord ever known before. We have the doctrinal base; we organizes a dispensation, the gospel is revealed anew have the organization. We have built from centers of so that the people of that dispensation do not have to strength a leadership base to spread throughout the depend on past dispensations for knowledge of the world. In a talk given in the October 1995 general plan of salvation. The dispensation begun by Joseph conference, President Gordon B. Hinckley certainly Smith is known as “the dispensation of the fulness of sounded the cry for all of us as we approach this next times” (D&C 112:30). great period in this dispensation of the fulness of The dispensation which commenced with the times. He said: restoration of the keys of authority to the Prophet “We see some around us who are indifferent con- Joseph Smith will continue until the second coming cerning the future of this work, who are apathetic, of Christ. Although Father Adam holds the keys of all who speak of limitations, who express fears, who dispensations, Joseph Smith stands at the head of the spend their time digging out and writing about what dispensation of the fulness of times, which is a weld- they regard to be weaknesses which really are of no ing together of the keys, powers, and glories of all consequence. With doubt concerning its past, they previous dispensations. have no vision concerning its future. From the doctrines describing the importance of “. . . There is no place in this work for those who the dispensation of the fulness of times, one must believe only in the gospel of doom and gloom. The have a special feeling of being privileged to be part gospel is good news. It is a message of triumph. It is of this final dispensation, when all things are to be ac- a cause to be embraced with enthusiasm. complished in preparation for the return of our Lord “The Lord never said that there would not be

8 fter we learn all we can about the course we must follow and have D LYNN Aproceeded on the path to gain eternal life, we have an obligation to others BY DAVI of our Father in Heaven’s children who need help. THE ASCENT,

THE ENSIGN/AUGUST 2002 9 troubles. Our people have a knowledge of God’s plan leads to many conse- known afflictions of every quences—one of the most profound being an incredi- HEINRICH HOFMANN BY

, sort as those who have ble sense of incurred debt to the God of this world, opposed this work have Jesus Christ. The plan of salvation balances on the come upon them. But need for a redeemer. Jesus Christ performed this role. faith has shown through He atoned for our sins, and in the words of Isaiah all their sorrows. This and Peter, “With his stripes we are healed” (Isa. 53:5; work has consistently see also 1 Pet. 2:24). moved forward and has The Apostle Paul felt deeply this sense of incurred never taken a backward debt when he wrote this in his letter to the Romans: CHRIST AND THE RICH, YOUNG RULER CHRIST AND THE RICH, YOUNG aining a knowl- edge of God’s plan step since its inception. . . . “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of G “How glorious is the God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, leads to many conse- past of this great cause. holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable quences—one of the It is filled with heroism, service” (Rom. 12:1). most profound being courage, boldness, and I challenge you to use all of the power and enthusi- an incredible sense of faith. How wondrous is asm your souls can muster to move forward with this incurred debt to the the present as we move great opportunity which is ours. Let us again hear the God of this world, forward to bless the lives Prophet Joseph Smith’s words ring in our ears: “Shall Jesus Christ. of people wherever they we not go on in so great a cause? Go forward and not will hearken to the mes- backward. Courage . . . and on, on to the victory! Let sage of the servants of the Lord. How magnificent your hearts rejoice, and be exceedingly glad. Let the will be the future as the Almighty rolls on His glori- earth break forth into singing. Let the dead speak ous work touching for good all who will accept and forth anthems of eternal praise to the King Immanuel, live His gospel, and even reaching to the eternal who hath ordained, before the world was, that which blessing of His sons and daughters of all generations would enable us to redeem them out of their prison; through the selfless work of those whose hearts are for the prisoners shall go free” (D&C 128:22). filled with love for the Redeemer of the world. . . . We have prayed that the hearts of the leaders of “I invite every one of you, wherever you may be nations would be softened to the proclaiming of the as members of this church, to stand on your feet and gospel in their lands. We have literally seen doors with a song in your heart move forward, living the open to us that have been closed for generations. gospel, loving the Lord, and building the kingdom” The Church’s message is of joy and salvation, and (“Stay the Course—Keep the Faith,” Ensign, Nov. it must be presented to all of the inhabitants of the 1995, 71–72). earth. That same testimony Joseph Smith bore to You are a part of this special generation. It is not his neighbors in upstate New York must be heard in by chance that you are here at this important time many languages declaring that God lives, that Jesus in the history of the Lord’s work. It is your opportu- is the Christ, that His ancient gospel has been re- nity to declare this message of the Restoration with stored, and that the Church of Jesus Christ is again greater force and effect than any of the previous gen- available to all mankind. May we accept the chal- erations. You have been preserved and prepared for lenge that we have been called to assume in this your time on earth to be a part of this great army, to great day. អ make this the most exciting period in the history of mankind in declaring the gospel of our Lord and Adapted from a Church Educational System fireside address given at Savior to our Father in Heaven’s children. You are Brigham Young University on 5 May 1996. better educated and trained for this responsibility than any of the other generations which have inher- ited the earth. If your declarations are to have any LET’S TALK ABOUT IT force and effect, your words must be backed up by Most Ensign articles can be used for family home your actions. The Lord has established the standards evening discussions. The following questions are for that and values you must live by to receive His blessings. purpose or for personal reflection: The world is struggling today to understand the ben- 1. Why are we obligated to help further the work of the efits of living His standards. kingdom? After we learn all we can about the course we 2. What can we do to better prepare ourselves for oppor- must follow and have proceeded on the path to gain tunities to share the gospel? eternal life, we have an obligation to others of our 3. Amid all of the difficulties we face, how can we de- Father in Heaven’s children who need help. Gaining velop a greater vision of the future of the Lord’s work?

10 B Y M EI H SIANG M O YER generations, we had never heard of this church be- fore. I said, “Wait a moment. I need to ask my parents When I was baptized as a young girl for permission.” I went to my parents and explained why these Americans were at our front gate. To my in Taiwan, the first Latter-day Saint surprise, my parents let them into our home. in my family, I didn’t realize I had The missionaries taught us about the Prophet become a pioneer. Joseph Smith, who went into a grove of trees to pray to know which church to join. God the Father and was 14 in the summer of 1957. One morning at His Son Jesus Christ appeared to him. And he was home in Tainan, Taiwan, I heard the children only 14—just my age. I was impressed. The mission- outside yelling, “Mei Kuo Jen! Mei Kuo Jen!” aries taught me and my parents how to pray, and for (American!I American!) When I went out, two the first time in my life I began to pray. I felt warm in- Americans stood outside our front gate. They intro- side but didn’t know why. The missionaries continued duced themselves in Mandarin, saying they repre- sented The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and wanted to tell us about their teachings. My older sister, who lived 20 miles away, had given them my address, telling them I was interested in learning English and might be interested in their message. However, since my fam- ily had been

ILLUSTRATED BY GREGG THORKELSON BY ILLUSTRATED Buddhists for ME A PIONEER?

ne of the most heart- breaking things happenedO when my father tore apart my Bible. I cried for days afterward. Now I had no scriptures to read.

THE ENSIGN/AUGUST 2002 11 to come and taught us six discussions. Then one visit, Since I now knew Joseph Smith was a prophet, they asked my parents to accept the challenge to be I also believed the Book of Mormon was true. Even baptized. My parents were afraid of making a change though the Book of Mormon had not yet been trans- and asked the elders not to come back. lated into Chinese and my English wasn’t good enough to read it in that language, the missionaries THE ANSWER CAME had given me pamphlets in Chinese. I read them A few months later another set of missionaries again and again, and I knew what they said was true. came. My parents did not let them in our home but I made my decision. I was ready to be baptized. I accepted from them the address of the church build- prayed to Heavenly Father to help me, since I knew ing where they taught English lessons. This was a my parents had said that if I joined the Church I turning point in my life. I began to learn English, but I would not be their daughter anymore. was also able to hear the missionary discussions again. I prayed very hard, asking Heavenly Father to Eventually, my parents found out and forbade me to soften my parents’ hearts. He answered my prayers, go back. But by now I already had a happy feeling in and in September 1958 I was baptized. What a beauti- my heart when I thought about the Prophet Joseph ful day it was! I do not have the words to describe the Smith seeing God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ. joy I felt that day. My parents did not come, but when I asked Heavenly Father to help me know it was true. I came home, they did not scold me or get angry. I The answer came; my heart was full of joy. was grateful for that.

hen I walked inside the Tainan branch, WI saw my parents both dressed in white baptismal clothes.

12 GAINING A TESTIMONY Soon after my baptism, the “Logic itself affirms to let them know how I felt missionaries told me that Elder about the gospel. I wanted to Mark E. Petersen (1900–1984) that a loving bear my testimony to them and of the Quorum of the Twelve Heavenly Father tell them how much I loved Apostles was coming to Taipei. them in case I died. In the letter They asked me if I wanted to would not abandon His children I told them of my dream of my go. Right away I thought about without providing a way for them grandfather. However, I didn’t the Apostle Peter in the New to learn of Him. One of the great tell them how ill I was because I Testament and realized what a knew they would want me to great opportunity it would be for messages of the Restoration is that come home, and I didn’t want me to meet an Apostle. I went to the windows of heaven are open. to leave my mission. Ta i p e i. After the meeting, I met All who seek to know the truth may, I didn’t know it at the time, Elder Petersen and his wife. but my father was also very ill. They were very kind to me. I felt through revelations of the Spirit, He had been lying sick in bed my blessings were great, and I know for themselves.” for several months. He could wanted to shout for joy! Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin of the Quorum of the barely move. My mom asked all Twelve Apostles, “Pure Testimony,” Ensign, kinds of doctors for help. She SHARP WORDS Nov. 2000, 23. even went to the Buddhist tem- Unfortunately my parents ple to ask for help. Nothing grew upset again about my becoming a Latter-day happened. In fact, my father got even sicker. Two sis- Saint. If I blessed my food, my brother took it away ter missionaries talked to my mom about the healing from me. If I went to church too much, I got in trou- power of priesthood blessings, so my mom asked the ble. Except for my two younger sisters, it seemed elders to give my father a priesthood blessing. Right everyone in my family was against me and had after that, my father began to get well. It was during sharp words for me. It was very difficult. They that time that my letter arrived. My dad’s heart was even read my diary. One of the most heartbreak- softened as he read about my dream of my grandfa- ing things happened when my father tore apart ther coming to see me. He felt it was true. My testi- my Bible. I remember how I cried for days after- mony helped him to decide to join the Church, but I ward. Now I had no scriptures to read. Countless did not know that at the time. nights I lay on my bed facing the wall and praying During the following month, I got better. One to my Heavenly Father. day my companion told me we had an assignment My life at that time seemed very lonely. Mean- to go to Tainan. I was shocked. I told her I did not while my father was out of work. My older brother want to go home. She said, “We are not going to became the breadwinner, so every child had to obey your home. We need to visit the Tainan branch.” him. For this reason, I asked Heavenly Father to help I felt very strange. During the six-hour train ride, me find a job. When I did, it was a better-paying job my emotions were like a roller coaster as I wondered than my big brother’s, so our lives became a little bet- why. When we walked inside the Tainan branch, I ter. I was also able to help support my family. saw my parents both dressed in white baptismal In 1964 when I was called to be a missionary, I clothes. What a wonderful surprise! I thanked quit my job. Of course my parents were unhappy Heavenly Father for helping my parents gain a about it. My boss said I didn’t know what I was do- testimony of the gospel. ing. In fact, most of my friends thought the same way and tried to talk me out of it. But my two younger sis- BLESSINGS OF THE TEMPLE ters had grown to love the gospel, and before I left Today I have a family of my own. I have been home they were baptized. Within a week I was on my blessed with a loving husband who holds the priest- way to Taipei to report to the mission home. Soon I hood. Now Taipei has a beautiful temple. My hus- was out sharing the gospel with people. band and I have been sealed for time and all eternity. I have been sealed to my parents also. ILLNESS AND A DREAM My husband and I both realize that as the first in I was having the best time of my life, when our families to join the Church, we faced challenges suddenly I became very ill. One night I dreamed similar to the early pioneers. We have had to struggle my deceased grandfather came to see me. It was against the generations of tradition. It has not been so real. I thought I was going to die soon. My com- easy, but with our Heavenly Father’s help we have panion sat by my bed crying because I was so weak. been blessed. អ The next morning, I wrote a letter to my parents Mei Hsiang Moyer is a member of the Pekin Ward, Peoria Illinois Stake.

THE ENSIGN/AUGUST 2002 13 B Y W ILLIAM G. HARTLEY President Polk’s call for a battalion to march to ithout warning on 30 June 1846, U.S. army re- Santa Fe, New Mexico, and on to California was a cruiters from Fort Leavenworth (Kansas fron- government favor to the Church. In return for the tier) rode into the newly established camp of battalion’s service, the Church and its members WLatter-day Saints located at what is now Council Bluffs, would benefit from the soldiers’ pay. But the call Iowa, on the east bank of the Missouri River. These re- came at a very difficult time. cruiters were looking for President Brigham Young to present the Church with an invitation from U.S. presi- SETTLING IN (JUNE 1846–MAY 1847) dent James K. Polk to enlist a battalion to serve in the newly declared Mexican War. The encampment on the Missouri described Joining the recruiters on 11 July was Thomas L. by Kane had been set up in mid-June 1846. Kane, a Philadelphia lawyer from a prominent family President Young’s lead company from and a future lifelong friend and advocate for the Nauvoo established Church headquarters Latter-day Saints. He described the encampment that on what the Saints called Redemption Hill spread out before his eyes: on Mosquito Creek’s north side about “[The bottomlands] were crowded with covered carts and wagons; and each one of the Council Bluff hills opposite was crowned with its own great camp, gay with bright white canvas, 3 and alive with the busy 6–185 , 184 stir of swarming occu- WA pants. In the clear blue , IO LLE morning air, the smoke KANESVI streamed up from more than a thousand cooking fires. Countless roads and bypaths checkered all manner of geometric figures on the hillsides. Herd boys were dozing upon the slopes; sheep and horses, cows and oxen, were feeding around them, and other herds in the luxuriant meadow of the then swollen river. From a single point I counted four thousand head of cattle in view at one time. As I approached the camps, it seemed to me the children there were to prove still more numerous.”1 Kane could not know then that he was witnessing the start of a seven-year occupation of that location, and that shortly these Saints would build a town WILLIAM MAUGHAN 2 BY there and name it Kanesville in his honor. Soon the army recruiters found President Young. TTALION, TTALION, Enlisting in what became the Mormon Battalion were about 500 volunteers, more than one-fourth of the Saints’ best manpower in the area. To enlist was a test of loyalty, for the men did not want to march 2,000 miles or leave behind their homeless families to fend for themselves. Yet on 16 July they formally enlisted. On the 18th they received counsel from President Young and had a farewell ball before marching south.

Far right: A steamboat unloads passengers at Kanesville. Center: President Brigham Young encourages Latter-day Saints

BRIGHAM YOUNG RECRUITING MEN FOR THE MORMON BA to enlist in the Mormon Battalion. Oval inset: Thomas L. Kane.

14 A temporary outfitting post for Latter-day Saints going west, Kanesville played a vital role in Church history.

THE ENSIGN/AUGUST 2002 15 eight miles northeast of Sarpy’s post at Traders Point. soldiers. As Br. Wm. Hyde and I were approaching, They erected a bowery for meetings and socials. More President Young said to Prest. Kimball and others and more Saints arrived from Nauvoo, creating an (pointing to us), ‘These men were the salvation of eight-mile-long “grand encampment.” On 29 June the this Church.’ We all had a free dance and enjoyed it Church’s newly built ferryboat started moving Saints very much.”3 across the Missouri River, some 5,000 total, to Nebraska campsites (which became known as Winter Quarters). THE LOG TABERNACLE Another 8,000 or more founded camps throughout southwestern Iowa on lands being vacated by the President Young and others from Utah had re- Pottawattamie, Ottawa, and Chippewa people. turned temporarily to Winter Quarters by the fall As August 1846 waned, of 1847. On 4 December, while President Young gave trying to conduct an over- up plans for the Saints crowded conference on the to migrate to the Rocky Iowa side in the blockhouse, Mountains that year. President Young proposed that Facing a wait until the next Left: Replica of the Kanesville Tabernacle. spring, Saints on the Iowa Below: Etching of the Kanesville, Iowa, side fanned out and estab- valley by Frederick Piercy. lished dozens of tempo- rary cabin clusters by streams and groves within a 40-mile radius of present- day Council Bluffs. Daniel and Henry W. Miller founded Miller’s Hollow in what is now downtown Council Bluffs and held meetings in what once was an army blockhouse. Henry Miller served as a Latter-day Saint bishop there in what be- came known as the Blockhouse Branch. As family en- campments sprang up in the area, some took on unique names such as Little Pigeon (Allred family) and Macedonia (Perkins family). Elder Orson Hyde of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles settled into what came to be called Hyde Park. After establishing his home 10 miles southeast of Miller’s Hollow, he left in July 1846 with Elders John Taylor and Parley P. Pratt to give leadership to a large log house be built in Miller’s Hollow for tem- the Church in England. When he returned in May porary use. He told the congregation not to be sur- 1847, he found that President Young had gone west prised if a city should be built there.4 Henry W. Miller but left word for Elder Hyde to stay there and direct and about 200 workmen immediately went to work, Church matters. felling cottonwood trees, cutting them into logs, and fashioning them into a tabernacle—all within three RETURN OF THE MORMON BATTALION (JULY 1847) weeks’ time. Miller’s workmen finished the large building just in time for the historic conference held When their yearlong enlistment ended in July 23–27 December, which some 1,000 Saints attended. 1847, members of the Mormon Battalion returned by On the 24th Elder Orson Pratt dedicated the taber- various routes to meet their families in Utah, on the nacle as a house of thanksgiving. On the 25th the Mormon Trail, or back in the Council Bluffs area. congregation sustained 12 men as high councilors, Reddick Allred wrote of the joyous occasion of his giving them municipal power as well; approved that return: “Dec. 19, 1847. I crossed the Missouri River bishops’ courts serve as civil magistrates until Iowa and went 8 miles to Little Pigeon, Allred’s settlement, extended its jurisdiction over that frontier area; and where I found my wife and daughter living with fa- sustained two men to be marshals. Then on the 27th ther—all well and overjoyed at the safe return of their the conference dealt with a surprising and historic soldier boy and husband. . . . After we rested awhile matter of major Church business—reconstituting Prest. Young proclaimed a jubilee in the Log the First Presidency, which had not been established Tabernacle at Kanesville and invited the returned since the Prophet Joseph Smith’s death.

16 REESTABLISHING A FIRST PRESIDENCY (DECEMBER 1847) band and Elder George A. Smith leading the Saints in shouting: “Hosanna, Hosanna, Hosanna to God and Earlier, on 5 December, nine of the Twelve had met the Lamb. Amen! Amen! And Amen!”6 at Elder Hyde’s home. Elder Hyde later reported, The First Presidency reorganization received a “The voice of God came from on high, and spake to the sustaining vote at the Church’s next annual confer- Council [saying] Let my servant Brigham step forth ence held at Kanesville on 8 April 1848. At that point, and receive the full power of the presiding Priesthood some 10,000 Saints were in the Kanesville region com- in my Church and kingdom.” He affirmed: “This was pared to only 5,000 in Utah.7 Similar sustaining votes the voice of the Almighty unto us. . . . I am one that took place that August in England and in October was present . . . and did hear and feel the voice from in Salt Lake City. Orson Hyde, by seniority, became heaven, and we were filled with the power of God.” President of the Quorum of the Twelve. John Smith, It was moved and approved that President Brigham brother of Joseph Smith Sr., became Presiding Young be sustained as President of the Church. They Patriarch in the Church.8 approved his choice of counselors: Elders Heber C. Kimball and Willard Richards. Outside, people came to KANESVILLE TABERNACLE AS COMMUNITY CENTER the Hydes’ door and knocked, worried because they felt houses shake and the ground tremble and thought The log tabernacle served as Kanesville’s main there had been an earthquake. It was the Lord speak- meetinghouse. A Seventies Jubilee was held there on ing to His leaders, Elder Hyde assured them.5 16–21 January 1848. Latter-day Saints from both sides At the December conference, without saying any- of the river enjoyed a six-day gathering for worship- thing about the revelation, the Twelve put before ing, preaching, celebrating, and dancing. Mornings the people the proposal that the First Presidency be featured talks by General Authorities; in the after- reestablished, consisting of Elders Young, Kimball, and noons and evenings, dancing was interspersed with Richards. Voting by priesthood quorums in turn, atten- singing, band numbers, and other amusements. dees approved. “The spirit of the Lord . . . rested upon During the Jubilee, Saints signed two petitions. One the people in a powerful manner,” President Young urged the Iowa legislature to make the Pottawattamie said later. “This is one of the happiest days of my life. . . . tract a county, which happened later that year. The Nothing more has been done today than what I knew other encouraged the federal government to establish would be done when Joseph died.” After the vote he a post office in the area, which it did in March 1848, concluded, “The Lord’s will is my will all the with the name of Kane.9 time, as he dictates so I will perform.” His In April 1848, at a general conference speech was followed by music of the held in the log tabernacle, Elder Hyde

The First Presidency in December 1847— President Brigham Young (center); Elder Heber C. Kimball, First Counselor (left); and Elder Willard Richards, Second Counselor (right).

THE ENSIGN/AUGUST 2002 17 proposed and the congregation approved that the set- ABANDONMENT OF WINTER QUARTERS (APRIL 1848) tlement be renamed Kanesville, to honor Thomas L. Kane. Of Kane, Horace K. Whitney wrote, “This In April 1848 Winter Quarters closed down be- young man appears to be an instrument in the hands cause the government would not allow the Saints to of the Lord to bring about our salvation at the present stay any longer on Indian lands. Residents able to go time.”10 Kane felt deep sympathy for the plight of the west to Utah did; in addition, about 3,000 moved Latter-day Saint refugees. When he returned to the eastward across the river to Kanesville and other East, he served as an unofficial adviser to President communities in southwestern Iowa. Young. In 1850 he published a talk he had given to Despite constant departures of those going west, the Historical Society of Pennsylvania, titling it “The Kanesville actually grew in size because of new arrivals Mormons.” Kane helped negotiate a peaceful settle- from the eastern United States and Europe. By March ment to the Utah War and paid at least two other vis- 1849, to help Church communications, a six-times-a- its to Utah, where he and his wife, Elizabeth, were year mail service commenced between Kanesville and honored guests. Salt Lake City. A “downtown” developed near the tab- Elections, balls, socials, school graduations, tithing ernacle. Businesses included a hotel, a tinsmith, doc- collection, and meetings of the Blockhouse Branch tors, lawyers, a tailor, and a blacksmith. A two-story and the Pottawattamie Stake High Council were held building served as courthouse, concert hall, and regularly in the log tabernacle. Unfortunately, by school. An 1849 visitor described Kanesville as “a early 1850 damage from water seepage forced the scrubby town of 80 to 100 log cabins.” By 1850 there Saints to dismantle the tabernacle. Apparently, some were about 350 homes. The federal census that year of its logs were reused to help construct the Pigeon tallied 5,058 residents in the Kanesville precinct, and Creek Branch Tabernacle, whose exact location is Pottawattamie County was the sixth most populated unknown.11 in Iowa, with 7,828 residents.12 That fall and winter,

Oliver Cowdery’s Return to the Church and testified, “That book is true.” He added, “I was present with Joseph, when an holy angel from God came down liver Cowdery, who with the Prophet Joseph Smith re- from heaven and conferred or restored, the Aaronic ceived the Aaronic Priesthood from John the Baptist Priesthood,” and “I was present with Joseph when the Oand who was one of the Three Witnesses to the Book Melchizedek Priesthood was conferred by the holy angels of Mormon, fell out of fellowship with the Church in 1838. from God on high.” He never went to Nauvoo but became a lawyer in Tiffin, Ohio. On 30 October, he spent the evening talking with Friends, especially brother-in-law Phineas Elders Hyde and George A. Smith, and on Young (President Young’s brother), encour- 5 November he met with the high priests aged him to return to the fold. They succeeded. and the Pottawattamie High Council in the Phineas Young accompanied Oliver, wife log tabernacle. “I wish to come humbly and Elizabeth, and daughter Maria Cowdery from be one in your midst,” he said. “I only wish their home in Wisconsin to the bluffs. On to be identified with you; I am out of the Saturday afternoon, 21 October 1848, they ar- church, I am not a member of the church. rived during a local conference. One report I wish to become a member of the church says Elder Orson Hyde, who was conducting again. I wish to come in at the door. I the meeting, spotted Oliver, came down from know the door.” On 12 November Elder AINTING BY MIKE MALM AINTING BY P the stand and embraced him, took him by the Hyde baptized Oliver Cowdery in Mosquito arm, and escorted him to the platform. Elder Oliver Cowdery and Orson Hyde Creek. Brother Cowdery planned to go Hyde invited him to speak to the congregation of nearly 2,000 west the next year but did not, due to family situations Saints. He said: and lack of means. He decided to wait another year, but “Friends and Brethren, my name is Cowdery, Oliver then his health deteriorated and he died on 3 March 1850 Cowdery. In the early history of this church I stood identified in Missouri. អ with her, and one in her councils.” Then he bore testimony as (See Scott H. Faulring, “The Return of Oliver Cowdery,” in The one of the Three Witnesses: “I wrote with my own pen the Disciple as Witness: Essays on Latter-day Saint History and Doctrine entire Book of Mormon (save a few pages) as it fell from the in Honor of Richard Lloyd Anderson, ed. Stephen D. Ricks and others lips of the Prophet Joseph, as he translated it by the gift and [2000], 117–73; B. H. Roberts, Comprehensive History of the Church, power of God.” He stated, “I beheld with my eyes and handled 1:139, 146; Pottawattamie High Council 1846–1852, 5 Nov. 1848, Church with my hands the gold plates from which it was transcribed,” Archives; and Journal of Reuben Miller, Church Archives.)

18 principal T. S. Rucker operated the Kanesville on 31 January 1847, the Winter Quarters Municipal Academy, where children, for three dollars in tuition, High Council assigned Bishop Joseph Knight Jr. “to were taught in “the usual branches of learning and superintend and direct the cutting of timber on the science.”13 Now that Kanesville was the county seat, East side of the river & see that it be not needlessly de- the Saints took an active part in Iowa politics, electing stroyed.”17 By the end of 1848, Kanesville authorities from their own ranks a county commission, judges, a had some 40 branches to look after. Leaders sent high prosecuting attorney, sheriff, clerks, and justices of councilors, circuit riders, and other authorities to visit the peace. these places regularly. Twice a year leaders conducted general conferences. HUB FOR DOZENS OF SETTLEMENTS These gatherings provided religious instruction and motivation and also gave members a chance to Kanesville became a hub as the Saints see friends from other branches. In promot- made “heavy settlements in all directions ing one conference, the Frontier Guardian, on the good land that abounds in the edited by Elder Hyde, reminded the country.”14 Nearly 90 of these settle- members, “They can come with their ments existed in southwestern Iowa teams and covered wagons, and between 1846 and 1852, bearing such bring their bread and dinner, and a names as Zabriskie Hollow, Upper bed or two; and the friends residing Keg Creek, Harris Grove, and at and near this place should make Carterville. Most were not villages preparations to entertain strangers or even hamlets but just a handful from abroad.”18 In the fall of 1848 of settlers by a grove or stream. the high priests quorum held meet- Although very small, many had a ings on the first school, and some set up small water- Sunday, the seventies or horse-powered gristmills. Most on the third Sunday, Saints farmed. The rich Iowa soil pro- with attendees coming duced corn, potatoes, beans, turnips, from almost all of the and watermelons abundantly. In nearby branches. In Elder October 1851, Little Pigeon reported its Orson Hyde February 1851 the eld- farmers had grown a carrot weighing ers quorum was meet- three and one-half pounds, a beet weighing seven ing regularly and, pounds, and a six-and-a-half-pound radish.15 Farmers using a notice in the sold their surpluses in Kanesville to residents and to Frontier Guardian, in- gold seekers heading west. Jonathan Browning, whose vited all elders to join son John M. gained fame later as the world’s premier the quorum. In April 1851 the area’s conference was gunsmith, had a shop eight miles south of Kanesville. held “at the Grove.”19 Following Utah’s precedent set His advertisement in the local newspaper, the Frontier the year before, Saints in the North Pigeon Branch in Guardian, on 4 April 1849 said he would manufacture 1850 celebrated Pioneer Day on the 24th of July with to order “revolving rifles and pistols; also slide guns, music, orations, and a talk by an 1847 pioneer. from 5 to 25 shooters.” Just southwest of Kanesville, Church officials erected another tabernacle called the THE POOR WHO COULDN’T GO WEST Welsh Tabernacle, about which records offer little in- formation. We do know that a Fourth of July parade in Since Nauvoo, the Saints had worked actively to 1850 escorted Elder Hyde to that tabernacle. help their poor with the migration west. This resolve remained in place now that the Saints were on the ELDER HYDE AS A LEADER Missouri River. On 3 December 1846 President Young ordained Joseph Knight Jr. a bishop and set him apart When President Young and others went back to officiate “on the east side of the river near the to Utah in the spring of 1848, Elder Hyde became ferry”20 with the primary responsibility of caring for the “Presiding Elder of the church East of the Rocky the poor. By January 1847, men in his ward were Mountains.”16 He was assisted ably by the high coun- building houses for the Mormon Battalion “widows,” cil, which usually met every other Saturday. In the or wives left behind. “Br. Knight is as cunning as any Latter-day Saint settlements, bishops or branch presi- other man at begging . . . for the poor,” a colleague dents conducted Sunday meetings and cared for noted.21 Although harvest season 1848 was a “general members’ physical and spiritual needs. For example, time of health, peace, prosperity and plenty with us

THE ENSIGN/AUGUST 2002 19 Y © COUNCIL BLUFFS, IOWA, LIBRAR IOWA, © COUNCIL BLUFFS,

Drawing of the main street in Kanesville, Iowa, by resident as circumstances will permit, to assist in building 27 George Simons. up Zion.”

22 at the Bluffs,” by year’s end there were more needy EUROPEAN EMIGRANTS than the bishops could provide for. Elder Hyde in- formed President Heber C. Kimball in April 1849, Southwest of Kanesville, by a bend in the Missouri “We have had our hands full to keep soul and body River, Saints built the Council Point settlement to together among the poor.”23 serve as a landing place for steamboats. Between In June 1849 Elder Hyde complained that wealth- 1848 and 1852, more than 8,000 European Latter-day ier Saints were assisting the poor to reach Kanesville, Saints disembarked at the landing, which became then leaving them. “This is overburthening us here known as Emigrants’ Landing. They found shelter and if suffered to continue will destroy us. . . . To see and jobs until they could round up outfits and sup- the poor flocking here, having nothing to help them- plies to go west. selves with, and do not know how to make a hill of 24 corn or potatoes, is not agreeable.” In July 1849 KANESVILLE CEMETERY Bishop Knight stepped down as local presiding bishop because of poor health. Bishop Isaac Clark With so many Saints living in the Kanesville succeeded him. vicinity or passing through for six years, it is proba- ble that the burial ground on a hill north of the STOPOVER FOR SAINTS HEADING WEST Council Bluffs business district contains more Latter-day Saint graves than does the Winter To go west by wagon and teams was not cheap. Quarters cemetery across the river. In today’s People had to obtain their own outfits or pay to go Fairview Cemetery, the high east end is where with someone else. President Hyde reported in 1850 the Latter-day Saint graves were. No markers from that outfits that year cost about $600 each, equivalent the Kanesville period have survived. Hundreds of in today’s dollars to about $13,000.25 It was not wise Saints were buried there. for any to head for Utah unless they had “team and When Mary McKenzie, age 34, died in Kanesville wagon sufficient to come through without any assis- on 22 August 1850, her death prompted this poem to tance from the valley,” the First Presidency instructed be published in the Frontier Guardian: from Utah in June 1849. “And they should bring breadstuffs sufficient to last them a few months after Mary sleep on and now take your rest, their arrival.”26 Given cost and distances, Saints by May your swift spirit find ease and with the rest of the blest, the hundreds stopped in the Kanesville area for a Your troubles were great and your labors too, few days, weeks, months, or years, depending on In serving the Lord since you left Nauvoo.28 needs. When the trail season for 1850 opened, the First Presidency urged Elder Hyde to “push the A Latter-day Saint visitor to the cemetery in 1876 Saints to Zion and persuade all good brethren to said the Latter-day Saint section contained no carved come, who have a wheelbarrow, and faith enough headstones dating before 1850 because the elements to roll it over the mountains.” It was a “duty devolv- had obliterated any inscriptions on earlier 29 ing upon the Saints to gather to the Valley, as soon headstones.

20 ALE GROUP; COMPASS PHOTO © PHOTOSPIN COMPASS ALE GROUP; MAP USED BY PERMISSION OF THE G MAP USED BY

THE ENSIGN/AUGUST 2002 21 FLOODED BY GOLD SEEKERS (1849) Kanesville’s primary reason for being was to help Saints get to Utah. From 1848 to 1852 an estimated 46 In January 1848, gold was discovered in California, Latter-day Saint wagon trains left, involving about 32 launching the famous stampede of gold seekers to 2,900 wagons and more than 25,000 Latter-day Saints. California in 1849. For outfitting gold seekers, The Pottawattamie High Council vowed to “spare Kanesville vied for preeminence with St. Joseph and no pains to further, by all available means in their Independence. These men swarmed into Kanesville, power, the emigration to the Valley of the Great Salt practically buying out the Latter-day Saint settle- Lake.”33 Elder Hyde reported on 12 June 1850, “We ments’ wagons, draw animals, supplies, and food. have attended the organization of 350 wagons of Shortages sent prices skyrocketing, benefiting sellers Salt Lake emigrants.”34 Because cholera was so rampant but pricing many Saints out of being able to afford to that year—reports said 60 Saints had died from it while head west that famous first year of the gold rush. crossing Nebraska—the branches in Pottawattamie One estimate said that even with new ferries the County observed 14 July as a day of fasting and prayer. Saints built in 1849, some 5,000 wagons of gold seek- ers in 1850 had to wait weeks for their turns to cross 30 STOPOVER FOR UTAHNS HEADING EAST the river. Kanesville’s economy boomed. Gold seekers brought into Kanesville a scene of Kanesville was a transfer point for missionaries vices and virtues. But some travelers heading west and Church leaders from the Utah Territory going became exposed to the gospel and liked it. When the east to “the States” or abroad to their fields of labor. John Harris family reached Kanesville on their way The first band of missionaries ever sent out from Utah to Oregon, they stopped near Bishop Joseph made a stopover in December 1849. Local Saints held Knight’s place. John Harris was ill. Prompted that the “many parties and entertainments for us,” missionary Harrises needed help, Bishop Knight recruited an- Job Smith said, the proceeds paying for the missionar- other brother and visited them. They blessed the ies’ passages to St. Louis.35 man, who was instantly healed. Impressed, the fam- ily converted and went to Utah with a Latter-day CLOSING DOWN KANESVILLE AND Saint wagon train.31 IOWA LDS SETTLEMENTS (1852) Below: A drawing shows a camp area on the Elkhorn River. Inset: A California gold miner’s pan of gold. Far right: Saints In April 1852, six years after Thomas L. Kane de- leaving Kanesville, Iowa, in 1852. scribed the encampment that became Kanesville, the following description of the same area appeared in 3. Journal of Reddick Allred, 19 Dec. 1847, Family and Church the local newspaper: “It is a fine, flourishing town, History Department Archives, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (hereafter Church Archives). and contains about 300 houses; 16 mercantile estab- 4. See Journal History of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- lishments; 2 drug stores; 2 printing offices; 5 hotels; day Saints, 4 Dec. 1847. 4 groceries; 2 jewelers shops; 1 harness maker; 8 wagon 5. Quoted in Myrtle Hyde, Orson Hyde: The Olive Branch of Israel (2000), 221–22. shops; 2 tinsmiths; 2 livery stables; 2 cabinet shops; 6. Quoted in B. H. Roberts, Comprehensive History of the Church, 5 boot and shoe makers; 2 daguerrean rooms; 5 prac- 3:316–317. tical physicians; 9 attorneys at law; 1 gunsmith; 7. See Lynn Robert Webb, “The Contributions of the Te mporary Settlements Garden Grove, Mount Pisgah, and 1 cooper; several ministers of different denomina- Kanesville, Iowa, to Mormon Emigration, 1846–1852” (Brigham tions; 3 barber shops; 4 bakeries; 1 mill; 7 blacksmith Young University thesis, 1954), 120. shops; and about 1,000 to 1,500 inhabitants.”36 8. See Roberts, Comprehensive History of the Church, 3:317–18. 9. See Journal History, 16 Jan. 1848. Kanesville had become a thriving community; 10. Journal of Horace K. Whitney, typescript, 12 July 1846, thus many Saints were getting “too” comfortable. But Church Archives. 11. See Frontier Guardian, 19 Sept. and 31 Oct. 1849, and Richard E. Kanesville and its surrounding Latter-day Saint settle- Bennett, Mormons at the Missouri, 1846–1852 (1987), 219. ments were never meant to be 12. See Statistical View of permanent. They were only to the United States . . . Being a Compendium of the Seventh serve as stopover and recruit- Census [1850] (Washington, D.C.: ment places. “Abandonment, Supt. of the United States Census, not establishment, was the 1854); Bennett, Mormons at the 37 Missouri, 217; Gail George Holmes, watchword.” So, in an epistle “LDS Heritage Tour,” brochure. dated 21 September 1851, the 13. Frontier Guardian, 25 Dec. 1850. First Presidency instructed “all 14. Bennett, Mormons at the Missouri, 216–17. the Saints in Pottawattamie” 15. See Frontier Guardian, to come to Utah the next sea- 31 Oct. 1851. son “and fail not. . . . What are 16. See report of semiannual conference at Kanesville on 6 Oct. you waiting for? Have you 1850 in Frontier Guardian, 30 Oct. any good excuse for not com- 1850. ing? No! . . . We wish you to 17. Winter Quarters, Municipal High Council Minutes, typescript, 31 Jan. 1847, Church Archives. evacuate Pottawattamie, and the States, and next fall 18. “Conference,” Frontier Guardian, 20 Feb. 1850. be with us.” Those who make the sacrifice “shall be 19. Frontier Guardian, 11 Dec. 1850 and 21 Feb. 1851. blessed.”38 In response, during 1852 the Saints pulled 20. Journal History, 26 Nov. and 3 Dec. 1846. 21. Winter Quarters Municipal High Council Minutes, 7 Jan. out of Kanesville and western Iowa and formed into a 1847, Church Archives. massive stream of emigrants flowing to Utah. 22. Orson Hyde to Orson Pratt, 11 Dec. 1848, copied into The next year, 1853, the locals renamed the city Journal History of that date; Myrtle Hyde, Orson Hyde, 234–36. Y MIKE MALM 39 23. Quoted in Myrtle Hyde, Orson Hyde, 234. Council Bluffs. “The natural influx of Gentiles,” a 24. Orson Hyde to Orson Pratt, 24 June 1849, Journal History, county history states, “so changed matters that its 24 June 1849. character as a Latter-day Saint community was lost 25. Frontier Guardian, 11 Dec. 1850; Samuel Clark, comp., “Dollar Calculations Information Sheet,” 5-page task paper, copy in author’s forever. . . . Whether this change was morally benefi- possession. cial is debatable. Under the old dispensation the sa- 26. First General Epistle of the First Presidency, 22 June 1849, in James R. Clark, comp., Messages of the First Presidency of The Church A, LIBRARY; RIGHT: PAINTING B PAINTING RIGHT: A, LIBRARY; loon, gambling and bawdy house were not tolerated, of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 6 vols. (1965–75), 1:355. but now blossomed out in full vigor, and . . . the city 27. Frontier Guardian, 24 July 1850. was what would now be called a wide-open town.”40 28. “Died,” Frontier Guardian, 4 Sept. 1850. Other outfitting places for Saints heading west re- 29. James A. Little, From Kirtland to Salt Lake City (1890), 254–55. 30. Bennett, Mormons at the Missouri, 222. placed Kanesville in subsequent years, and wagon 31. See Zilla Mattice, “History of John Harris,” photocopy of train migration continued until 1868. In today’s typescript, in possession of Joyce Gale, Beaver, Utah. 32. Stanley B. Kimball, Historic Resource Study: Mormon Pioneer WING © COUNCIL BLUFFS, IOW WING © COUNCIL BLUFFS, Council Bluffs, several historic markers, along with National Historic Trail (1991), 134–41. the replicated log tabernacle and a main street called 33. “High Council,” Frontier Guardian, 20 Feb. 1850. Kanesville Boulevard, remind us of the vital roles 34. “Emigration,” Frontier Guardian, 12 June 1850. Kanesville once played in the epic story of the Saints’ 35. Journal History, 11 Dec. 1849. អ 36. Frontier Guardian, 15 Apr. 1852. efforts to gather to Zion in the Rocky Mountains. 37. Bennett, Mormons at the Missouri, 215. 38. Frontier Guardian, 14 Nov. 1851. NOTES 39. See Holmes, Ensign, Aug. 1999, 44–47. 1. The Mormons: A Discourse Delivered before the Historical Society 40. History of Pottawattamie County, Iowa (1883), 1:10. of Pennsylvania, 26 Mar. 1850 (1850), 25–26. 2. See Gail George Holmes, “The LDS Legacy of Southwestern LEFT: GOLD PAN PHOTO © PHOTODISC; DRA GOLD PAN LEFT: William G. Hartley is a member of the Riverside Third Ward, Murray Iowa,” Ensign, Aug. 1999, 44–47. Utah North Stake.

THE ENSIGN/AUGUST 2002 23 THElijah MANTLE OF

The story of the transfer of prophetic authority from Elijah to Elisha provides E a model for how Church callings are passed from one person to another. B Y B RUCE L. ANDREASON

magine your bishop, stake president, or other and went after Elijah, and ministered unto him” (see Church leader has just been released. In the space 1 Kgs. 19:19–21). of just a few moments, you have raised your hand Elisha served and matured spiritually under twice,I once to express gratitude and once to sustain a Elijah’s direction through several major events. First, new leader. During such a time it is common to expe- Elijah confronted King Ahab and Queen Jezebel and rience some sadness as well as anxiety. What will the reproved them for the murder of Naboth (see 1 Kgs. new leader be like? What changes are likely to come? 21:1–29). Then Elijah twice called down fire from Some youth and children may wonder if they will heaven to consume 50 soldiers sent by the king to ar- like their new leader as much as the previous one. rest him (see 2 Kgs. 1:1–12). Finally, Elijah rebuked The prophet Elisha and an Old Testament group Ahab’s son King Ahaziah for seeking counsel from known as “the sons of the prophets” (see Bible false gods, prophesying of Ahaziah’s imminent death Dictionary, “Schools of the Prophets,” 770) experi- (see 2 Kgs. 1:13–17). Elisha was an eyewitness to the enced a similar situation. The story of how the mantle power of Elijah’s priesthood keys. In like manner we of prophetic authority was passed from Elijah to can be assured that the Lord is preparing mighty Elisha offers helpful counsel when the Lord releases leaders today to move His latter-day kingdom for- one Church leader and calls a new one. ward through their service to the Master, Jesus Christ.

A NEW LEADER IS PREPARED THE MANTLE IS PASSED No danger or duty was too severe to shake the Chapter 2 of 2 Kings records the final dramatic confidence of the prophet Elijah. “His recorded events of Elijah’s mortal ministry. Elijah set out on a words are few but forceful, and his deeds are explicit journey with Elisha from Gilgal to Bethel, then from evidences of his strength of will, force of character, Bethel to Jericho, and finally from Jericho across the and personal courage” (Bible Dictionary, “Elijah,” Jordan River (see Bible Map 4). At each place Elijah 664). Perhaps you have known a bishop, stake presi- directed his faithful disciple, “Tarry here, I pray thee” dent, or other Church leader much like Elijah. (2 Kgs. 2:2, 4, 6). But each time Elisha refused to leave

WILLIAM HENRY MARGETSON WILLIAM HENRY Some six or seven years before the end of Elijah’s his master’s side. He was determined to follow his mortal ministry, the Lord revealed to him that Elisha leader until the very end of his ministry. VEN, BY would be his successor (see 1 Kgs. 19:16). So Elijah At each stopping place, Elisha was questioned by went to meet him and found Elisha plowing a field. the sons of the prophets, “Knowest thou that the Elijah approached him and threw his mantle (cloak) Lord will take away thy master from thy head to over Elisha’s shoulders, signifying Elisha’s call to be day?” (2 Kgs. 2:3, 5). Elisha’s simple reply each time his attendant and disciple. Elisha then kissed his par- was, “Yea, I know it; hold ye your peace.”

ELIJAH ASCENDING INTO HEA ELIJAH ents good-bye, gave away all he owned, and “arose, Elisha’s loyalty to Elijah and his response to the

24 s a chariot with horses of fire swept Elijah toward Aheaven, he dropped his well- worn cloak to his faithful follower, Elisha. sons of the prophets reminds us of the importance of men of many mighty miracles, of kindness, and of sustaining our leaders right up to the time they are for- mercy. mally released, even when we know this may be soon. When a newly called leader comes into our lives, As Elijah and Elisha approached the banks of the we need to recognize that no two leaders or their min- Jordan River, Elijah took his mantle, rolled it up, and istries are the same. Yet they have one thing in com- struck the water with it. Then something occurred mon: they each are expected to bring all that they are that hadn’t happened since the days of Joshua over and have to the altar of God and offer it for the benefit 450 years before: the water “divided hither and and blessing of those over whom they preside. thither, so that they two went over on dry ground” (2 Kgs. 2:8; see also Josh. 3:14–17). This was witnessed SUSTAINING OUR NEW LEADERS by 50 of the sons of the prophets. Once across the river, Elijah and Elisha continued Members of the Lord’s Church in every dispensa- their journey. Elijah asked his student-prophet what tion have been asked to sustain new leaders who have he would desire of him before his departure. “I pray been called to replace loved and trusted ones. President thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me,” Harold B. Lee (1899–1973) has said, “The measure of Elisha replied (2 Kgs. 2:9). The term double portion refers your true conversion . . . is whether or not you are so to Elisha’s desire for the special inheritance that be- living that you see the power of God resting upon the longs to the worthy firstborn male leaders of this church and that testi- in a family (see Bible Dictionary, mony goes down into your heart “Firstborn,” 675). Elijah deferred the like fire.”1 granting of this request to the will of The Lord has given us the course the Lord, saying, “If thou see me we are to follow, one faithfully when I am taken from thee, it shall marked by His ordained prophets. be so unto thee” (2 Kgs. 2:10). The Lord has also given us leaders They continued to walk and in our wards, branches, and stakes. talk, when suddenly a chariot with When we raise our hands to sustain horses of fire descended from them, we are solemnly promising

heaven, sweeping Elijah up off the BARRETT ROBERT BY ILLUSTRATED to uphold them by our faith and ground toward heaven in a whirl- prayers (see D&C 26:2). The Lord Approaching the Jordan River, Elisha wind. As they parted Elisha cried struck the water as Elijah had and richly blesses those who are true to out, “My father, my father!” Elijah walked through again on dry ground. the mantle of authority He gives His then dropped his well-worn cloak servants. to his faithful follower. When Elijah had disappeared President James E. Faust of the First Presidency has from view, Elisha was overcome with grief, tearing said, “In my lifetime, there have been very few occa- apart his own outer garment (see 2 Kgs. 2:12). The sions when I questioned the wisdom and inspiration sense of sadness over the release of a leader is often given by key priesthood leaders. I have always tried to felt deeply by those who have been most affected by follow their counsel, whether I agreed with it or not. I the leader’s ministry. have come to know that most of the time they were in Taking Elijah’s cloak, Elisha began the journey back tune with the Spirit and I was not. The safe course is to to Jericho. When he approached the Jordan River, he sustain our priesthood leaders and let God judge their struck the water as Elijah had and walked through actions.”2 again on dry ground. Witnessing this, the sons of the Like the sons of the prophets in Elisha’s day, we prophets who had seen the earlier miracle of parting may seek and obtain the reassuring comfort of the Holy the water exclaimed, “The spirit of Elijah doth rest on Ghost as a witness that we are led by a living prophet Elisha,” and paid appropriate respect to their newly and local leaders who have received the Lord’s mantle chosen leader (see 2 Kgs. 2:15). When we sustain a new of authority. We may assuredly know that the spirit of leader, it is our privilege to pray and come to know by the Lord “doth rest” upon the new one. អ revelation that those who have been called to lead us have indeed received authority from God. NOTES 1. The Teachings of Harold B. Lee, ed. Clyde J. Williams (1996), 520. Elisha’s ministry lasted more than 50 years and pre- 2. “Power of the Priesthood,” Ensign, May 1997, 42. sents similarities and differences to that of his master. Bruce L. Andreason is a member of the River Oaks Third Ward, West Elijah’s mission brought word of the Lord’s judgment Jordan Utah River Oaks Stake. upon Israel’s wicked kings, while Elisha’s ministry More on this topic: See Robert D. Hales, “The Mantle of a Bishop,” was primarily that of a supportive adviser to well- Ensign, May 1985, 28–30; Howard W. Hunter, “Elijah the Prophet,” intentioned kings. Both men were healers; both were Ensign, Dec. 1971, 70–72.

26 aaman and Gehazi ILLUSTRATED MANN PAUL BY A CONTRAST IN OBEDIENCE

An army commander and a prophet’s servant struggle Nwith physical and spiritual leprosy.

BY E LDER RALPH W. HARDY J R . ministry, His Atonement and literal Resurrection, Area Authority Seventy the great Apostasy, the Restoration, eternal marriage, the three degrees of glory, tithing, and the Word of uring my 11th-grade year at Wisdom. For me it was all there. I quickly proofed the a private high school, I took paper and turned it in. A few weeks later I was pleased a class titled “Religion and to receive it back with an A grade, but also with a nota- DWestern Culture.” I received an as- tion from the chaplain: “Ralph, please see me.” signment from our instructor, who The chaplain greeted me and asked that I sit down. was also the school’s popular chaplain, to write a He then told me that in all his experience of giving credo—a concise, thematic statement of my beliefs this assignment to high school boys, he had never on religious or spiritual matters. read a statement of theological doctrine so complete, At first I thought it was a daunting assignment. I and he wondered how I came to write such a paper. I then reflected on the many lessons I had learned as a responded that this was what I had been taught in my youthful member of the Church—lessons mostly ab- home and at church from the time I was a small boy. sorbed within the walls of my own home. Thoughts The chaplain was my friend until the day I graduated. and concepts flooded my mind. I went to my scriptures I believe most young Latter-day Saints today, if and began thumbing through the pages and making asked, would be able to express in like fashion what an outline. Soon I began to type, page after page, my they believe to be true and would be able to say that baseline beliefs: the Godhead, the great council and they are living what they believe. Unfortunately, war in heaven, the Fall, the need for a Savior, Jesus’ however, too many have experienced the serious

THE ENSIGN/AUGUST 2002 27 consequences of failing to be true to what they know the prophet that is in Samaria! for he would recover is right. him of his leprosy” (2 Kgs. 5:3). The contrasting Old Testament stories of Naaman King Jehoram sent Naaman to the prophet Elisha (nay-AH-man) and Elisha’s servant Gehazi (guh- to be cleansed of his leprosy. To Naaman’s pleading, HAY-zhigh) illustrate the importance of understand- Elisha said through his servant, Gehazi, “Go and ing the Lord’s will and then doing it. These Bible wash in Jordan seven times, and thy flesh shall come narratives also point out what can happen when our again to thee, and thou shalt be clean” (2 Kgs. 5:10). actions are inconsistent with what we know is true. Although it seemed like an unusual command, it was a clear instruction from the prophet of God. The NAAMAN THE SYRIAN mighty Naaman was taken aback and confused. He had anticipated that the Israelite prophet would work The nation of Syria, located mostly north of Israel, a miracle on the spot—calling on the name of the first came under the rule of the children Lord and, in a sweeping demonstration of Israel in the days of King David. When of great power, “strike his hand over the his son King Solomon died and Israel place” to cure his leprosy (2 Kgs. 5:11). was split into two kingdoms, Syria re- He became upset and in a fit of anger belled, thus initiating about 100 years of stormed away from Elisha’s house. tense political relations. Open warfare of- ten flared between the Syrian kings (Ben- NAAMAN OBEYS hadad, Hazael, Ben-hadad II, Rezin) and the kings of Israel (Ahab, Jehoram, Jehu, Naaman’s servants were the first to Jehoahaz, Jehoash, Jeroboam II). Between exercise faith in the words of the prophet. these two nations, however, there also To their captain they reasoned: If the existed periods of official peace, inter- Lord’s prophet had told him to do “some spersed with occasional skirmishes. great thing,” wouldn’t he have done it? Thus, when a letter from the king of How much easier, therefore, to do a small Syria (probably Ben-hadad II) arrived aaman humbled him- or simple thing, like bathing in the river for Jehoram, king of Israel, there was Nself, did strictly as he Jordan? (see 2 Kgs. 5:13). The now hum- great concern. Accompanying the letter had been commanded, and bled Naaman accepted his enlightened was a huge amount of silver and gold, was healed. servants’ advice and, in an act of great and 10 sets of clothing (see 2 Kgs. 5:5–7). faith, chose to obey. “Then went he down, Delivering it all was a man named Naaman, “captain and dipped himself seven times in Jordan, according of the host of the king of Syria.” He was a “great man to the saying of the man of God: and his flesh came with his master [the king], and honourable . . . : he again like unto the flesh of a little child, and he was was also a mighty man in valour” (2 Kgs. 5:1). The clean” (2 Kgs. 5:14). Returning to Elisha with his ret- presence of such a man in Jehoram’s court must inue of soldiers and servants, Naaman joined his testi- have stirred not only fear but pity, for Naaman was a mony with that of the little Israelite maid: “Behold, leper. His face most likely had reddish lesions, a few now I know that there is no God in all the earth, but knoblike swellings, and open sores. How miserable in Israel” (2 Kgs. 5:15). With his physical leprosy gone, he must have looked! Naaman was also healed of his spiritual leprosy by an Naaman was also suffering from a form of awakening of faith in the true God. spiritual leprosy: ignorance of the true and living God and His commandments, for Syrians were GEHAZI THE SERVANT worshipers of the false god Rimmon (see Bible Dictionary, “Rimmon,” 763) and had built a temple Gehazi was Elisha’s trusted representative and to his name at Damascus (see 2 Kgs. 5:18). messenger who had been with him for several years. Gehazi knew Elisha was a prophet of the one true NAAMAN LEARNS WHAT TO DO God. He had personally witnessed God’s power in the miraculous raising of the Shunammite woman’s son In Naaman’s home in Syria was a “little maid” from the dead (see 2 Kgs. 4:8–37), the neutralizing of taken captive out of the land of Israel during one poison in a vegetable soup (see 2 Kgs. 4:38–41), and of the military campaigns. She was a servant to the feeding of 100 men with but 20 loaves of bread Naaman’s wife, and it was her simple expression of (see 2 Kgs. 4:42–44). If anyone should have known and faith to her mistress that had led Naaman to Israel’s obeyed the commandments of God, it was Gehazi. king. She had said, “Would God my lord were with When a joyful Naaman stood before Gehazi and

28 Elisha, with skin clean and pure, Naaman pleaded, leaves us in captivity to Satan. To take upon ourselves “Take a blessing [gift] of thy servant.” But despite re- the yoke and burden of the Savior, we must exercise peated urgings, Elisha replied, “I will receive none,” faith in Him—even if we can just “exercise a particle and Naaman departed (1 Kgs. 15:15–16). of faith” (Alma 32:27). Then, in strict obedience, we After he had traveled some distance, Naaman no- must transfer the power of this faith into the habit of ticed Gehazi running to catch up with him. Naaman keeping the Lord’s commandments. got down from his chariot and went forth to meet Naaman and Gehazi both discovered, each in his him, saying, “Is all well?” Gehazi then said what own way, that strict obedience to the Lord’s com- he surely knew in his own heart was a lie: He told mands is the only way to avoid spiritual leprosy. As Naaman that Elisha had sent him to get some money Latter-day Saints we have the correct prescription for and clothing for two destitute young men who had happiness: “obedience to the laws and ordinances of just arrived (see 2 Kgs. 5:21–22). Naaman was pleased the Gospel” (A of F 1:3). អ with the request; he wanted to do something for the Elder Ralph W. Hardy Jr. is an Area Authority Seventy serving in the Lord and Elisha. He gave generously, even more than North America East Area. was asked, sending two servants to help Gehazi carry More on this topic: James E. Faust, “Some Great Thing,” Ensign, the goods back. As they arrived in sight of Elisha’s Nov. 2001, 46–49; Waldo P. Call, “Follow the Prophets,” Ensign, home, Gehazi dismissed the servants and hid the Nov. 1990, 82–83. goods in his house. ehazi lied when he told Soon the servant stood before his mas- Naaman that Elisha had sent ter, who asked where he had been. Gehazi G replied that he had not gone anywhere, him for money and clothing. compounding his deception. Elisha then revealed his divinely given knowledge of Gehazi’s lies. And for Gehazi’s disobedi- ence, Elisha cursed him: “The leprosy there- fore of Naaman shall cleave unto thee. . . . And [Gehazi] went out from his presence a leper as white as snow” (2 Kgs. 5:27).

STRICT OBEDIENCE Latter-day Saints know, as a people, what the Lord’s commandments are and, as never before, are able to hear them from apostles and prophets. We must listen to them. The commandments are relatively easy to understand and simple to follow if we are prepared to accept them with a childlike faith. Elisha did not ask Naaman to do “some great thing.” What was required? To humble himself and do strictly as he had been commanded. We are required to do the same. The Lord’s com- mands are clear, uncomplicated, and in many instances “adapted to the capacity of the weak and the weakest of all saints” (D&C 89:3). The Lord will prepare a way for us to keep all of His command- ments, even when they seem difficult. The words of a favorite hymn are instructive: How gentle God’s commands! How kind his precepts are! (“How Gentle God’s Commands,” Hymns, no. 125) Jesus said, “My yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matt 11:30). By contrast, sin brings misery and

THE ENSIGN/AUGUST 2002 29 THE PROPHET JOSEPH SMITH’S USE OF THE O ldTestament

B Y G R ANT U NDERWOOD teachings yields more than 400 refer- ences to the Old Testament. The top hurch members in the days of chart on page 32 identifies the Old the Prophet Joseph Smith were a Testament books most frequently quoted Bible-oriented people. Their heroes were as or alluded to in his speeches and writings. Clikely to be Abraham, Moses, and Joshua as Alma More than 200 references, or nearly half the and Captain Moroni. And phrases such as “to your total number, are drawn from just three books: tents, O Israel” (1 Kgs. 12:16) tended to fall more Isaiah, Psalms, and Genesis. Despite this clustering, freely from their lips than “wickedness never was it is noteworthy that only 6 of the 39 books in the happiness” (Alma 41:10). This was due in part to Old Testament are not found in his words, suggest- the fact that the United States of the Prophet’s day ing that the Prophet was well acquainted with the was a society immersed in the study and teaching entire Old Testament. of the Bible. The imagery and vocabulary of the The bottom chart on page 32 lists passages

AINTING BY SAM LAWLOR AINTING BY King James Version were often echoed in the repeated more than once in his teachings. speeches and writing of the period. These two charts provide a general sense of It is not surprising therefore that the Lord— what parts of the Old Testament the Prophet was who speaks to His servants through heavenly mes- inspired to use and offer a context for us to exam- sengers and tutors them “after the manner of their ine how he understood the book. The Prophet pri-

DALE KILBOURN; RIGHT: P KILBOURN; RIGHT: DALE language, that they might come to understanding” marily used the Old Testament to: BY (D&C 1:24)—inspired His latter-day prophet to 1. “Liken” or draw comparisons between events communicate in the religious expressions of the in his day and events in the Bible. Bible. 2. Affirm the literal meaning of its stories. The Prophet Joseph Smith’s use of the Old 3. Enrich his ordinary language by freely incor- Testament is a prime example of how early Latter- porating its phrases. day Saints relied on this book of scripture. An ex- 4. Shed new light on the meaning of its many JOSEPH SMITH SEEKS WISDOM, amination of the major published collections of his difficult passages. INSET: INSET:

30 n examination of the Prophet’s published teachings yields more Athan 400 references to the Old Testament, nearly half of which are drawn from just three books: Isaiah, Psalms, and Genesis.

THE ENSIGN/AUGUST 2002 31 OLD TESTAMENT BOOKS MOST FREQUENTLY QUOTED Haman was hanged upon his own gallows. So shall it come to pass with poor Haman in the last days. . . . I say unto you that those who have thus vilely treated OLD TESTAMENT NUMBER OF PERCENT OF us like Haman shall be hanged upon their own gal- 2 BOOK REFERENCES REFERENCES lows, or in other words, shall fall.” The Prophet also used examples of ancient Israel’s Isaiah 99 24 backsliding to teach that dissension within the modern Psalms 58 14 Church was not a sign of its imminent collapse; rather, Genesis 57 14 it was an indication of its divinity. When he received a Exodus 25 6 particularly cutting reproof from certain brethren in Malachi 24 6 Missouri, Joseph recited the story of how the Israelites Daniel 21 5 worshiped the golden calf while Moses was on the Deuteronomy 17 4 mount. He then asked his supporters, “Therefore, I say, Jeremiah 16 4 if we should suffer perils among false brethren, should Job 13 3 it be accounted a strange thing?”3 Zechariah 10 2 He linked episodes of apostasy during Israel’s 40 Proverbs 9 2 years in the wilderness to disaffections among his as- sociates. In the aftermath of the extermination order issued by Governor Boggs to expel the Saints from LIKENING OLD TESTAMENT STORIES TO HIS TIME Missouri, Joseph wrote that the dissenters who aided and abetted the mobbers, “like Balaam being greedy The Prophet saw biblical action as being similar to for a reward, sold us into the hands of those who what was happening in his lifetime but with different loved them, for the world loves his own.”4 Singling characters and settings. For example, immediately after out W. W. Phelps, the Prophet learning of the Saints’ expulsion from Jackson County continued: “This poor man in 1833, the Prophet wrote: “All Pharaoh’s host, or in who professes to be much of other words, all hell and the combined powers of earth a prophet has no other dumb are marshalling their forces to overthrow us. And we ass to ride but David Whitmer [are] like the children of Israel with the Red Sea before to forbid his madness when them and the Egyptians ready to fall upon them to de- he goes up to curse Israel. stroy them, and no arm could deliver but the arm of And this ass not being of the God. And this is the case with us.”1 same kind of Balaam’s, there- Several years later and shortly after his incarcera- fore the angel notwithstand- tion in Liberty Jail, Joseph comforted the scattered The Prophet once com- ing appeared unto him. Yet pared the dissenting Saints with these words: “Those who bear false wit- W. W. Phelps to Baalam. he could not penetrate his ness against us do seem to have a great triumph over understanding sufficiently, so us for the present. But we want you to remember but what he brays out cursings instead of blessings.”5 Haman and Mordecai. You know that Haman could Referring to all apostates, he also remarked, “We clas- not be satisfied so long as he saw Mordecai at the sify them in the error of Balaam and in the gainsaying king’s gate, and he sought the life of Mordecai and of Core [Korah].”6 the people of the Jews. But the Lord so ordered that Later, when Phelps repented and wished to return to the fold, the Prophet freely forgave him in the words of the couplet, “Come on, dear brother, since the 7 OLD TESTAMENT PASSAGE NUMBER OF war is past, for friends at first are friends again at last.” TIMES USED However, the Prophet also wanted to convey to him the seriousness of what he had done by likening it to Malachi 4:5–6 9 Obadiah 1:11–12: “In the day that thou stoodest on the Isaiah 29:21 6 other side, in the day when strangers carried away Isaiah 51:3 or 58:12 6 captive his forces, and foreigners entered into his Obadiah 1:21 5 gates and cast lots upon Far West [Obadiah 1:11 reads Genesis 1:26–27 4 “Jerusalem”], even thou wast as one of them. But thou Isaiah 2:2–3 4 shouldst not have looked on the day of thy brother, in Daniel 2:44 4 the day that he became a stranger; neither shouldst Daniel 7:9–10, 13–14 4 thou have spoken proudly in the day of distress.”8 The Prophet also used Old Testament stories as

32 fter the Saints’ expulsion from JacksonA County, the Prophet said, “We are like the children of Israel with . . . the Egyptians ready to fall upon them to destroy them.” ROBERT BARRETT ROBERT BY MOSES PARTING THE RED SEA, MOSES PARTING compelling models of behavior to instruct his brethren. Matthew 24, Joseph replied: “He has not seen the When John E. Page abandoned Orson Hyde on a sign of the Son of Man, as foretold by Jesus; neither mission to the Middle East and the case was brought has any man . . . for the Lord hath not shown me before the Church, Joseph Smith explained that the any such sign; and as the prophet saith, so it must problem was that they did not follow biblical prece- be––‘Surely the Lord God will do nothing but He re- dent. He said, “No two men when they [have] agreed vealeth His secret unto His servants the prophets.’ to go together ought to separate,” and he quoted the (See Amos 3:7.) Therefore hear this, O earth: The circumstance when Elisha “clung to [Elijah’s] gar- Lord will not come to reign over the righteous, in this ment until Elijah was taken to heaven” (see 2 Kgs. 2) world, in 1843, nor until everything for the Bridegroom and said that “Elder Page should have stuck by Elder is ready.”11 Of the Savior’s words that no man knows Hyde.”9 the day or the hour of the coming of the Son of Man (see Matt. 24:36), the Prophet asked: “Did Christ speak AFFIRMING ITS LITERAL MEANING this as a general principle throughout all generations? Oh, no, He spoke in the present tense. No man that The Prophet Joseph Smith believed in a rigorous was then living upon the footstool of God knew the adherence to the literal meaning of the biblical text. day or the hour. But He did not say that there was “What is the rule of interpretation?” he asked. “Just no man throughout all generations that should not no interpretation at all.” It should be “understood know the day or the hour. No, for this would be precisely as it reads.”10 in flat contradiction with other scripture. For the An example of this was his use of Amos 3:7 to prophet says that God will do nothing but what He refute speculation about the date of the Second will reveal unto His servants the prophets. Conse- Coming. In the early 1840s, Baptist William Miller quently, if it is not made known to the prophets, it stirred considerable national interest with his predic- will not come to pass.”12 tion that the Second Coming would occur in 1843. Such literalism prepared the Prophet’s mind for in- When one of Miller’s followers claimed to have spiration from heaven. William P. McIntire recalled the seen the “sign of the Son of Man” as predicted in Prophet’s words at a Nauvoo Lyceum lecture in the

THE ENSIGN/AUGUST 2002 33 HE SPOKE THE TRUTH “I have that absolute winter of 1841: “Joseph said in millstone,16 a simile borrowed answer to Mr. Stout that Adam confidence in every from Job 41:24. Another time he did not commit sin in eating the vision, in every prayed that his efforts to expose fruits, for God had decreed that manifestation, in the sins of certain of his enemies he should eat and fall. But in would be “like a nail in a sure compliance with the decree [see every revelation that place, driven by the master of Gen. 2:17] he should die. Only he has come to us through the Prophet assemblies,”17 a metaphor should die was the saying of the Joseph Smith. I know he spoke the drawn from Isaiah 22:23 and Lord; therefore, the Lord ap- Ecclesiastes 12:11. Using a pointed us to fall and also re- truth. . . . Everything has worked out phrase from both Psalm 72:8 and deemed us.”13 On this occasion harmoniously and according to the Zechariah 9:10, he talked of the Prophet Joseph offered the revelations we find in the Old spreading the light and truth of inspired meaning of the scrip- the everlasting gospel “from the tural phrase “in the day thou eat- Testament and in the New.” rivers to the ends of the earth.”18 est thereof thou shalt surely die” President Joseph Fielding Smith (1876–1972), Much of the imagery and as a decree rather than as a warn- “Joseph Smith’s First Prayer,” Improvement Era, phraseology he used when giv- June 1960, 401. ing. Since Mr. Stout apparently ing blessings also came from the took it the more traditional way, Old Testament. The Prophet told Joseph felt the need to correct him. Oliver Cowdery in an allusion to Genesis 9:12–17 that The Prophet was inspired to find support for the doc- Oliver would “be made like unto the bow which the trine of a premortal existence in the Lord’s question to Lord hath set in the heavens; he shall be a sign.”19 Job, “Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of Then borrowing a phrase from Isaiah, the Prophet told the earth?” (Job 38:4). The Prophet Joseph reasoned that Oliver that he would also be “an ensign unto the na- this verse was “evidence that Job was in existence some- tions.”20 In language reminiscent of Isaiah 49:2, he told where at that time.”14 Another inspired literal interpreta- Hyrum Smith that he would be “a shaft in the hand of tion that has had a far-reaching effect on our doctrine is his God . . . and he shall be hid by the hand of the the Prophet’s reading of Isaiah 2:3: “Out of Zion shall go Lord” and then promised him that “none of his secret forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.” parts shall be discovered unto his hurt” (see Isa. 3:17).21 He taught that the words Zion and Jerusalem, rather than One of the Old Testament passages he most fre- being an example of Hebrew poetic parallelism, which quently invoked in his day-to-day language was would make the terms synonymous, referred to two dif- Isaiah 29:21, especially the phrase “make a man an ferent places, suggesting that nearly every mention of offender for a word.” After a debating-school scuffle Zion in Old Testament prophecy points toward the New with his brother William, Joseph wrote, “Duty binds Jerusalem to be built in America. us not to make each other offenders for a word.”22 The Prophet wrote in 1840 to Oliver Granger that he ENRICHING HIS ORDINARY LANGUAGE hoped “even in Kirtland, there are some who do not make a man an offender for a word.”23 In the final The cadences of the King James Version were a pro- months before his death, he said that there were found part of the Prophet’s “manner of language” (see men “in our midst that are watching for iniquity D&C 1:24). Nearly 75 percent of his more than 400 ref- and will make a man an offender for a word.”24 And erences to the Old Testament fall into this category. He in a detailed allusion, he wrote to the members of the rarely quoted, with exactness, a complete passage; al- Church scattered in Caldwell County, Missouri, that most always it was a single striking phrase or a brief the problem mentioned in this passage was at the figure of speech. Those not intimately familiar with the root of their Missouri problems: “The old prophet Old Testament might not recognize that many of his verily told the truth. We have no retraction to make. expressions are biblical. A sampling of phrases he used We have reproved in the gate, and men have laid in his prose includes “perverse and crooked genera- snares for us. We have spoken words, and men have tion” (Deut. 32:5), “bind up the testimony, seal the law” made us offenders; and notwithstanding all this, our (Isa. 8:16), “weighed in the balance” (see Dan. 5:27), minds are not darkened but feel strong in the Lord.”25 “furnace of affliction” (Isa. 48:10), and “broken heart” and “contrite spirit” (Psalms 34:18). UNLOCKING THE MEANING On several occasions, Joseph remarked from Proverbs 25:11 that the words from a friend were “like Another dimension of the Prophet’s reliance on the apples of gold in pictures of silver.”15 He once de- Old Testament is manifest in the way the Lord worked scribed a man as having a heart as hard as the nether through him to shed new light on various passages of

34 the Old Testament. The Joseph Smith Translation is incorporated its passages into his daily conversations; the best example of this, but there is much more that and his commentary on its many difficult passages con- can be found in his speeches and writings. tinues to enlighten the Latter-day Saints today. Several brief examples from the King Follett dis- He once remarked, “God’s own handwriting” is course serve to introduce this aspect of the Prophet’s in this “sacred volume” and “he who reads it oftenest teaching. For example, we gain insight into the mean- will like it best, and he who is acquainted with it, will ing of the phrase “image of God” in Genesis 1:27 by know the hand wherever he can see it.”28 The Prophet this inspired comment: “If you were to see [Heavenly Joseph intimately knew, and therefore deeply loved, Father] today, you would see Him in all the person, the Old Testament. From it he learned, as we might, image, very form of man, for Adam was created in to discern the hand of God in his own life and in the the very fashion of God.”26 In a second example, events of God’s latter-day kingdom. អ Joseph’s revealed knowledge of the eternities led NOTES 13. Words, 63. him to replace the word create in Genesis 1:1 with 14. Words, 68. 1. The Personal Writings of the more appropriate word organize, thus dismissing 15. Personal Writings, 94, 528. Joseph Smith, ed. Dean C. Jessee 16. Personal Writings, 570. the idea of ex nihilo, or out-of-nothing, creation. The (1984), 285; spelling, punctuation, 17. Personal Writings, 120. Prophet further clarified that the phrase “in the be- and capitalization standardized 18. Personal Writings, 139. throughout. 19. Personal Writings, 23. ginning God created” is better rendered, “the head 2. Personal Writings, 375. 27 20. Personal Writings, 23–24. one of the Gods brought forth the Gods.” 3. Personal Writings, 317. 21. Personal Writings, 24. 4. Personal Writings, 376. 22. Personal Writings, 114. 5. Personal Writings, 376. 23. Personal Writings, 476. LEARNING FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT 6. Personal Writings, 377. 24. Words, 325. 7. Personal Writings, 473. 25. Personal Writings, 376. The Prophet Joseph Smith had a masterful com- 8. Personal Writings, 472–73. 26. Words, 357. 9. The Words of Joseph Smith, 27. Words, 345. mand of the Bible, particularly of the prophetic writ- ed. Andrew F. Ehat and Lyndon W. ings. As we contemplate this year’s focus on the Old 28. Teachings of the Prophet Cook (1980), 111; spelling, Joseph Smith, sel. Joseph Fielding Testament in our gospel study, we can take Brother punctuation, and capitalization Smith (1976), 56. Joseph as our example of what it means to have a grasp standardized throughout. 10. Words, 161. Grant Underwood is a member of of this book of scripture. He used it to liken its events 11. History of the Church, 5:291. the Hillcrest Sixth Ward, Orem to his time; he accepted it as historical fact; he freely 12. Words, 180–81. Utah Hillcrest Stake.

hedding new light on Isaiah 2:3, the Prophet Staught that Zion in Old Testament prophecies points toward the New Jerusalem to be built in America. SMITH ZION, BY GARY

THE ENSIGN/AUGUST 2002 35 Can you build a lasting marriage after seeing your parents’ union come apart? The answer is yes—and gospel principles can teach you how.

B Y E L AINE W ALTON ore and more we hear this sad lament: What parent, I watched do you do when an eternal marriage is the my children suffer deep desire of your heart, but you have al- and wondered at readyM witnessed the marriage most familiar to you— their chances for a that of your parents—come apart? What you dream happy marriage and of is “exaltation and glory . . . sealed upon their family life. As a profes- heads” (D&C 132:19). But what you have seen is mis- sional counselor and social ery, anger, distrust, and emotional wreckage as your work educator, I watch others struggle with parents went through a breakup. Maybe it happened this painful issue. Yet my testimony and my when you were so young you barely remember, or personal and professional experience teach maybe it scarred your teenage years. Maybe it hap- me that the gospel can help children pre- pened before you knew about the gospel, or maybe vent the bitter experience of their your parents were one of those couples sealed in the parents from determining temple who somehow let “forever” slip away. the outcome of their own If they couldn’t hold onto the dream, can you still lives. These children have attain a marriage relationship to endure “from ever- great potential for happiness. lasting to everlasting”? (D&C 132:20). Often, however, children of di- The answer is an emphatic “Yes!” vorced parents will have to overcome negative atti- You may not realize just how much you have in tudes or behaviors they have developed in trying to your favor. As you incorporate gospel principles into cope with their parents’ divorce. your life, you will find they teach all the truths you Jennifer,1 for example, is a 19-year-old college need to build your own eternal marriage. When student, serious minded and determined to succeed. you look within yourself, you will find surprising Her good grades often come at the expense of social strengths to meet the challenges that will come. life. She deflects attention from young men by tell- ing them, “Dating is bad for my grades.” She says THE DAMAGE OF DIVORCE she has good friends who are young men, and maybe one day she’ll marry her best friend. In the meantime, ASEY; POSED BY MODELS POSED BY ASEY; Research shows that children of divorced parents she has goals to complete a graduate program, then suffer in numerous ways, but one of the most pro- serve a mission. Jennifer’s confidence in the possibil- found effects is the impact on a child’s later marriage. ity of a happy marriage was shaken by her parents’ What children see and experience during the failing divorce. For her, happiness means taking control of marriage of their parents can become part of their her life, being successful in school and a career, and

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROBERT C ROBERT PHOTOGRAPHY BY view of themselves and of society. As a divorced keeping marriage in the distance.

36 THE ENSIGN/AUGUST 2002 37 Stephanie’s parents were also divorced, but her re- Damaged sense of self-worth. “A fter my parents’ sponse was different. Along with devastating loss, she divorce, I struggled to feel good about myself again. felt a desperate need for reassurance. Premature and Because I felt disconnected from the love that had cre- inappropriate intimacy with young men became a way ated and nurtured me, I was uncertain of who I really to compensate for the loss and to prove to herself that was,” recalls one child of divorced parents.2 Fragile relationships could be successful. After a series of heart- feelings may be further damaged by the stigma at- breaking romances, compromising her values in frantic tached to broken homes. Todd, a returned missionary attempts to feel loved, she finally saw the folly of selling and college student with a promising future, recently herself short, but she felt alienated from the Church. lamented to me that in the eyes of his girlfriend’s par- There are a number of reasons why people like ents, his own parents’ divorce tainted him. For Todd, Jennifer and Stephanie, children of divorced parents, overcoming that hurdle will require both the strength might have difficulty later with their own marriages. to forgive others and the faith that sustains us when Tr ust and intimacy. Being disappointed by the two we know we are living as the Lord commanded (see most important people in one’s life (parents) sets us up D&C 121:45). It also would have been easier for Todd if to be disappointed by others. Children of divorce may his girlfriend’s parents had valued him for who he was even believe that people will pretend to love them but and not held him responsible for his parents’ mistakes. eventually will leave. At one level, this attitude denies the hope we are taught in the gospel. THE QUESTION OF ETERNITY Fear of repeating the mistake. Children of di- vorce may naturally fear that they will grow up to be Knowing the eternal nature of families may bring too much like their parents in some ways. One stu- an added dimension to the suffering of Latter-day Saint dent explained: “It took a long time for me to finally children of divorce. One child of divorce poignantly be OK with the idea that someday I could get mar- recollected her father’s promise, “We’ll always be a ried. I really don’t want to make the same mistake family because we’re sealed in the temple.”3 The earthly my parents made.” dissolution of the family, coupled with the priority

oung adults who have dealt with the challenges of their parents’ divorce have often learned of their ownY great need for spiritual guidance.

38 HOPE FOR SINGLE PARENTS placed by the Church on families, “One Maturity, independence, and makes the breakup more devastating realism. Because they tend to ma- for most Church members. spiritually ture more quickly and are more in- In addition to damaged feelings motivated dependent and because of their less of self-worth, difficulties with trust parent can idealized view of marriage, children and intimacy, and fear of marriage, of divorce tend to be more realistic, Latter-day Saint children of di- successfully researchers have found.6 They are vorced parents may sometimes raise up a family to the Lord. familiar with possible difficulties struggle with questions that Some of the best men and and may be more likely to enter a threaten the core of their testi- marriage relationship with their monies. In a heartbreaking talk, a women I have known have eyes open. This need not mean they 10-year-old girl said it was difficult come from such families.” are cynical or doubting, only that for her to believe in God because Elder Gene R. Cook of the Seventy, they are aware of the need for char- what she prayed for most was that Raising Up a Family to the Lord (1993), xv. ity and cooperation in a marriage. her mommy and daddy would get Wisdom and determination. In back together again, and God hadn’t my conversations with Latter-day answered her prayers. Of course, Heavenly Father Saint young adults whose parents were divorced, I would not take away the agency of the divorced have found in some a maturity and common-sense parents. In situations such as this, sensitive family wisdom that we might hope would be evident in all of members, friends, teachers, and leaders can help our children, though none of us would want them to by making special efforts to share their faith and gain it through watching their parents’ marriage fail. knowledge that Heavenly Father loves us, and that One young woman said, “My parents’ divorce gave the power of the gospel for our own lives is still me the determination to do whatever it takes to make available. my marriage succeed.” Another noted that she finally Happily, not all children of divorce are represented realized she could find happiness in marriage when by this example. she envisioned eternal marriage with a young man Jamie also suffered a variety of losses because of who had been her friend for a long time. the divorce of her parents. As a young teenager she Young adults whose parents have been divorced worried about her future and wasn’t sure about the frequently see a long-term friendship as a way to present either—how to fit in socially, or whether she develop trust and to make wise decisions regarding even wanted to fit in. But she worked hard to find marriage. One young woman mentioned that because answers to her questions. She sought out teachers, of the divorce of her parents she was more keenly friends, and a bishop to confide in. She also received aware of the importance of communication in mar- help from trained counselors from time to time. She riage. She made extra efforts to strengthen her own was able to identify which concerns were rational and commitment to eternal gospel principles and sought which were not, as well as practical ways for ensuring opportunities to develop communication skills. the success of her own marriage, and she has now Growth through struggle. Lehi taught that without been happily married for several years. “opposition in all things,” righteousness and good can- not be brought to pass (2 Ne. 2:11). Young adults who THE OPPORTUNITY FOR STRENGTHS have successfully dealt with the challenges of their parents’ divorce frequently show great spiritual Life for children of divorce may sometimes seem growth. The difficulties they have faced often have depressing. But without question, divorce is like other taught them of their dependence on the Lord and crises of life in that danger almost always comes with their need for spiritual guidance. Through the prophet a companion—opportunity.4 So, what are the oppor- Moroni, the Lord said: “And if men come unto me I tunities—the factors that may become strengths—for will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men children of divorced parents? weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is Enhanced appreciation for enduring love. Losses sufficient for all men that humble themselves before associated with their parents’ divorce frequently me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have result in children placing an even higher value on faith in me, then will I make weak things become sustaining relationships and on love, fidelity, and strong unto them” (Ether 12:27). compassion. Although they may experience height- For example, after struggling with a childhood and ened anxiety in forming enduring attachments, most adolescence spoiled by the trauma of divorce, one are strongly committed to the ideals of a lasting mar- woman reported that her own marriage was surpris- riage and to morality.5 ingly comfortable and satisfying. To make it work well,

THE ENSIGN/AUGUST 2002 39 she identified principles that would be basic to any about assignment of blame or self-flagellation as it is successful marriage but had personal meaning for her. about making amends for the hurt, where possible. She emphasized: “The key to making marriage work is Learn to choose. Your individual accountability and having Heavenly Father with us in our home. That in- agency empower you to choose, and you need not be cludes consistent prayer, studying and pondering the imprisoned by damaging family patterns or relation- scriptures together, and effective communication.” A ships. You have the right to say no to manipulation or young woman looking forward to marriage noted that degradation, and it is not your responsibility to keep because of parental divorce, she focused on her own everyone happy, particularly if they are determined to individual choices and responsibilities. She shared a persist in unproductive or morally unacceptable behav- determination to “stay in tune and rely on the Spirit.” ior. When divorce has occurred, find in the new family structure a way of developing healthier and more en- IF THIS APPLIES, WHAT CAN YOU DO? joyable traditions and patterns for your own life and the family you will create by marriage. The effects of divorce unques- Acquire new interpersonal tionably can be damaging, but skills. Taking charge of your life they do not need to be crippling. e can strengthen is one of many skills such as You can overcome the pain and our own mar- communication, joint problem EL PARSON suffering, though you may feel Wriages by humbly solving, and conflict resolution BY D the situation has been devastating. relying on the atoning that are learned, not inherited. You can regroup, learn, and grow. sacrifice of our Savior Don’t be afraid to take a class, Tr ust in the Lord. Heavenly Jesus Christ and on the attend a seminar, or seek coun- Father is mindful of each of us in a principles He taught. seling to develop more effective

THE LORD JESUS CHRIST, JESUS CHRIST, THE LORD very personal way, and His divine and rewarding interpersonal re- plan includes a way for us to over- lationships. But be careful; the come the effects of opposition and enjoy eternal bless- training process in acquiring new skills should fit com- ings. There is great wisdom in the Lord’s counsel to the fortably within the guidelines of the Church. Be in tune Prophet Joseph Smith during a time of severe persecu- with the promptings of the Holy Ghost to know if the tion: “Be still and know that I am God” (D&C 101:16; schooling and counseling you are receiving are appro- see vv. 12–18). Talk to your Church leaders and close priate. In fact, there is no better schooling than the friends about their relationship to God. Read the guidance of that still, small voice as you try prayerfully scriptures and words of the Brethren, pondering and and lovingly to apply the teachings of the Master in praying sincerely. Reread your patriarchal blessing, re- your interactions with others. membering that the Lord has great blessings in store Identify compensating factors in your life. Every for you. Exercise and increase your faith in God and family has strengths. Every environment has sup- in the Atonement of Jesus Christ. portive resources. Instead of focusing only on losses Develop trust in friends and family. Your trust in or problems, find out what is good about your family a divine plan can generate trust in those around you and what resources are available to you. For example, who may be less than perfect yet are children of God. let yourself be open to receiving help and comfort Through Christlike charity, we can learn to love peo- from extended family members or friends who may ple despite some imperfections. There is no comfort be uniquely qualified as mentors. After spending time in freedom from heartache gained at the cost of free- with an aunt and uncle who were obviously happy, dom from loving others. Trust and disappointment one young woman realized for the first time that a are not necessarily mutually exclusive. happy marriage is possible. She said, “Somebody in Forgive your parents. Don’t let your parents’ mis- my family actually pulled it off!” takes be your excuses for error. Don’t be misled by bar- ren statistics; for every child who followed the path of THE PROMISED HOPE a misguided parent, you can find one who didn’t, go- ing all the way back to Abraham, whose father was Faithful Latter-day Saints are not disadvantaged willing to see him sacrificed to an idol (see Abr. 1:5–7). eternally because of their parents’ missteps. Presi- Repent of your own wrongdoings and forgive dent Ezra Taft Benson’s promise to a family of divorce yourself. If you grew up in a home where people makes that abundantly clear: “Please note that a can- were hurt, you may have picked up some harmful be- cellation of sealing of a wife to her husband does not haviors and caused pain to others. You can repent of affect children born in the covenant or previously this once you come to understand your mistakes. The sealed. Such children are entitled to birthright needed repentance for such mistakes is not so much blessings, and if they remain worthy, are assured

40 the right and privilege of eternal parentage regard- Elaine Walton is a member of the Edgemont Ninth Ward, Provo Utah less of what happens to their natural parents or the Edgemont North Stake. parents to whom they were sealed.”7 More on this topic: See “Building a Successful Marriage,” Ensign, Mar. 1998, 27; “Mending Our Marriage,” Ensign, Oct. 1996, 44; Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Theodore M. Burton, “A Marriage to Last through Eternity,” Ensign, Tw elve Apostles underscores that promise: “I testify June 1987, 12. that with unimaginable suffering and agony at an in- Visit www.lds.org or see Church magazines on CD. calculable price, the Savior earned His right to be our Intermediary, our Redeemer, our Final Judge. ET S ALK ABOUT T Through faith in Him and receipt of the requisite L ’ T I ordinances and covenants, you will earn your right Most Ensign articles can be used for family home to the blessings of eternal marriage made possible evening discussions. The following questions are for that through His infinite Atonement.”8 purpose or personal reflection. My first marriage ended 19 years ago, but I continue 1. As you prepare for temple marriage, what can you do to learn of ways in which my children and I were af- to assure that you understand the eternal covenants and fected by that divorce. Nevertheless, there have been blessings promised? growth opportunities for me and for them because of it. 2. What qualities can you seek in a marriage partner to I am a different person because of my struggle. I have help assure that he or she is committed to making and keep- been humbled; I understand what it means to have a ing eternal covenants of love and fidelity? broken heart and a contrite spirit (see D&C 97:8), and I 3. If you are already married, what can you do to see have learned something about patience in suffering. I that the inevitable challenges in a partnership will not affect have learned that a broken heart is not a crushed or de- your own commitment to eternal covenants and the ideal of stroyed heart; it is a heart broken open to receive inspi- everlasting marriage? ration, love, and service. I have learned that there is no easy road to the celestial kingdom and that there is no way to get through life untested. Divorce—even when it is our parents’— can be one of many stumbling blocks in life. Yet regardless of the struggle we face, we can strengthen our own marriages by humbly relying on the atoning sacrifice of our Savior Jesus Christ and on the principles of love and truth that He taught. អ NOTES 1. In most cases, names of people used as examples in this article have been changed. 2. Deborah Milne, Reflections from a Broken Mirror: Spiritual Values I Learned as an LDS Child of Divorce (1998), 139. 3. Milne, Reflections from a Broken Mirror, 61. 4. Two characters—one meaning danger and the other opportunity—have been used to repre- sent crisis in the Chinese, Japanese, and Korean languages. 5. Judith S. Wallerstein, “Children of Divorce: Recent Findings Regarding Long-term Effects and Recent Studies of Joint and Sole Custody,” Pediatrics in Review, Jan. 1990, 197–204; “The Long- term Effects of Divorce on Children: A Review,” Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, May 1991, 349–60. 6. See Wallerstein, “Children of Divorce”; Paul R. Amato, “Parental Divorce and Attitudes toward Marriage and Family Life,” Journal of Marriage and the Family, May 1988, 453–61. 7. Letter to Deborah Milne’s family, as quoted in Reflections from a Broken Mirror, 146–47. 8. “Receive the Temple Blessings,” Ensign, May 1999, 27. aithful members are not disadvantaged Feternally by parents’ mistakes.

THE ENSIGN/AUGUST 2002 41 TTAKINGAKING THETHE ROAD HIGHERHIGHER ROAD It is an eternal truth that through the choices we make we shape our own destiny.

B Y E LDER W. CR AIG Z WICK precisely where we were. We then got back onto the Of the Seventy Everett Turnpike so we could take the correct exit. We learned to depend upon our onboard naviga- ecently my wife and I rented tional instrument. Without it, we would have been a car and drove from Boston, lost and confused. We also would not have made a Massachusetts, to New timely connection with the mission president and his RHampshire. We were to meet wife. As it turned out, we arrived on time and were President and Sister Hunter of grateful for the help we received. the New Hampshire Manchester We each have our own onboard navigation system Mission. The president had given us instructions on to give us turn-by-turn instructions. However, it has how to get to the mission home. We also had a map nothing to do with finding a certain street or a specific of the area. Our rental car was location. It has everything to do equipped with a sophisticated in- with our eternal destination. Our strument called the Magellan vehi- destination is clearly defined, and a cle navigation system. It is the good navigation system will help us most advanced onboard system achieve exaltation and eternal life. ever engineered by experts e must choose one We all want to be on the right in satellite navigation tech- Wof two highways: road. We all desire to move effec- nology. It gives clear the lower road leading tively down that highway of life turn-by-turn voice to spiritual delays and with the least amount of detours prompts as well sorrow, or the higher and delays. We all have moments as visual directions. road leading to spiritual when we get slightly confused and We entered the city progress and happiness. need additional help in making cor- and street address of the mis- rect choices. We are frequently at a sion home into the Magellan sys- crossroads where we must choose tem and started our journey. The one of two highways: the lower instructions were precise and accu- road leading to spiritual delays and rate: “In one mile you will make a sorrow, or the higher road leading right hand turn”; then, after a mo- to spiritual progress and happiness. ment, “Get into the right lane and It is very important for us to always exit in two-tenths of a mile.” We choose the higher road. were instructed to exit the turnpike at the first toll- It is an eternal truth that through the choices we booth. We became confused because there were make, we shape our own destiny. Our success or fail- different tollbooths for different destinations, and we ure, peace or discontent, happiness or misery depends OLD weren’t sure which was the correct one. We chose the upon the choices we make each day. As members of one that we thought was the correct exit, but we made The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we a mistake. We actually got off the turnpike one exit have a built-in navigation system. We have been given too soon. It required us to stop the vehicle and then to the gift of the Holy Ghost to direct us in all things. reprogram the system based upon our new location. “Yea, behold, I will tell you in your mind and in your

With the help of our navigation system, we knew heart, by the Holy Ghost, which shall come upon you GREG NEWB BY ILLUSTRATED

THE ENSIGN/AUGUST 2002 43 and which shall dwell in your heart” (D&C 8:2). these heroes defy the laws of God and rationalize away For our navigation system to work effectively, sinful practices, seemingly with no ill effect. Don’t you we must have an understanding of where we are believe it for a minute. They are destroying their futures. and where we are going. This gives us the point of Satan doesn’t want you to reach your ultimate reference and the tracking system to move us along destination, and he doesn’t want you to fulfill your identified routes to our destination. For example, it divine roles, so he tries to lead you astray. He makes would be difficult for the navigation system to work things that are wrong appear right and even exciting. if we were in the Brazilian rain forest and there He wants you to destroy your bodies, and he encour- were no identifiable points of reference. This would ages you to break the commandments. He makes the present a challenge for even the most sophisticated wrong road look smooth and enticing. global positioning system. With permission, I share with you an excerpt from In order for an onboard navigation system to work, a letter I received from a father who is concerned you must stop, allowing the system to identify exactly with the welfare of his daughter: where you are by its global positioning system. Then “I have four beautiful daughters aged from 19 to you can program in your desired destination. It will 26. All of them have suffered to some extent from eat- then suggest the best route for you. ing disorders. They all relate this destructive tendency That is exactly what you must do in your own lives. to pressures from the outside world to conform to its You must stop and take time to eval- image of women. This has been uate precisely where you are. It is not reinforced with unfortunate com- an imaginary place. Look around at ments by young men. Three of my your true point of beginning, your daughters seem to have controlled precise location. The part that is the problem, but my youngest slightly more complicated goes be- daughter is in trouble. She is now yond your physical location. It has to consuming 300–500 calories per day do with where you are on your spiri- and shows no sign of overcoming tual highway. That is the part which her self-destructive habits. We are requires some honest introspection ven when you are at the threshold of placing her in and personal prayer to determine on the right road, an institution for help. We have your exact position. The Lord knows E nowhere else to turn. your precise spiritual location. He you may be assaulted “I am currently grasping for has said, “I know thy heart, and have from all sides with offers understanding of this disorder, heard thy prayers” (D&C 112:11). to take other roads. The which I think is one manifestation I assure you that He knows you adversary will do his best of women’s low self-esteem imposed and loves you. He is aware of your to lead you off course. by our society. It is Satan at work. precise physical and spiritual loca- At the moment, her body image, tion. He knows if you are well posi- imposed by the world, has control. tioned and if you are in need of some Does she understand that the most course correction. He knows your heart, and He knows important image she should have of herself is that of your desires to seek and remain on the higher road. a holy temple endowed with the power and love of God? Does she understand that she should do noth- SATAN’S TACTICS ing to desecrate her temple? I have not taught her this truth with enough consistency and clarity. Would Often you can be on the right road but will be as- it make a difference if I had?” saulted from all sides with offers to take other roads or I pondered the anguish and heartbreak of this father. more attractive travel itineraries. The adversary will be He loves his precious daughter. This is happening to doing his best to lead you off your desired course. He many of our young women. You must not let Satan is relentless in trying to catch your attention, and then, reduce your feelings of self-worth. Don’t let the world ever so craftily, he will lead you into dangerous blind pull you off course. Our Heavenly Father loves each canyons and dead ends. of you and wants you to return home, but He will not The other day my wife and I were in the grocery remove your agency. You must do your part and be store. While we were waiting in line at the check-out steady in making correct choices. counter, I glanced at the magazines. I saw portrayed on Satan’s desire is for you to not know where you the covers of many magazines the idols of the movie are and to not check in to confirm your location. He screen, the heroes of the athletic field, those faces and is the father of lies and will do all possible to lure you bodies that many young people try to emulate even as into his cunning snare. His desire is to throw enough

44 immediate pleasure your way that you never even study the scriptures, you will know what direction to worry about where you are. He even causes you to take, and you will be blessed in making correct choices. have moments of discouragement or lack of faith. Just because we have challenges or difficult decisions to make, just because sometimes it seems we take two OVERCOMING DISCOURAGEMENT steps forward and one step back, we must never allow Satan to pull us off course. When we begin to make incor- There may be moments when you are driven off- rect choices, we move further and further away from our course or have unexpected detours. Don’t allow your- true source of happiness. The Lord has made it clear to us selves to be discouraged by events you cannot control. that “wickedness never was happiness” (Alma 41:10). Too Overcome discouragement by trusting in the Lord and many try to serve two masters—the Lord and their own losing yourself in serving others. When your service is selfish interests (see Matt. 6:24). pure, you will be able to make adjustments in your own I have thought recently of one of my finest mission- behavior that will result in happiness and in a knowl- ary companions. He was an inspirational leader in our edge of your own self-worth. This will also qualify you mission. He had such unusual skills that everyone to receive more responsibility and to have added light wanted to learn from him. and understanding. He returned from his mission and made some There are times when it is hard, very hard. You excellent choices that resulted in his marrying a won- may be worrying about finances, health, work, or derful young woman for time and all eternity in the school. Relationships are sometimes difficult and family Los Angeles Temple. They were blessed with four out- problems are real, and sometimes it seems that no one standing children. understands. Immorality, dishonesty, immodesty, Part of his law enforcement and legal work required pornography, discouragement, and all kinds of evil close contact with individuals involved with drugs and influences are flaunted on every side. Self-discipline is a other sinful behaviors. He was caught in Satan’s subtle lifetime process, one that requires you to trust and act snare. One bad decision led to another and then another. upon the promptings of the Spirit. If you will pray and Within a short period of time he was caught in a spiritual

THE ENSIGN/AUGUST 2002 45 free fall. He lost his fine wife and children in the ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the process. Today he lives without the benefit of the priest- way, walk ye in it” (Isa. 30:21). hood or his temple blessings. His life has been one of We must each decide which of all the outside sadness, anger, and frustration. Seemingly small deci- voices we will listen to and believe. Throughout our sions resulting in the loss of the Spirit of the Lord have lives we must be steady in choosing that which comes now caused him to be bitter toward the very things from the Lord and avoiding that which comes from which were at one time his meaningful treasures. Satan. Our daily choices shape our character. My heart is troubled because of his present con- The Spirit’s voice is calm and peaceful. “And the dition in which he is without the blessings of the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of gospel in his life. righteousness quietness and assurance for ever” (Isa. I believe that my friend is saddened with all he 32:17). To have joy in this life, we are told to “give ear has lost by taking this unmarked trail of destruction. to the voice of the living God; and attend to the words I marvel that one of the very elect of God, with a spir- of wisdom which shall be given unto you” (D&C 50:1). itual destiny of excellence, has now fallen prey to the As we earnestly seek the Spirit in our lives by daily wicked influence of the adversary. It makes me sad to scripture study and by quiet moments in which we think that his wife, to whom he was once sealed, and connect with our divine source, we position ourselves those beautiful children born under sacred covenant to receive clear spiritual direction in our lives. will not be his eternally. Oh, how I I remember clearly the very mourn his loss! place I was at the University of My friends, be very cautious Utah when I made a decision not not to allow even a slight deviation to pursue architecture as a profes- from your course of happiness. If sional career and to focus my atten- you think you can procrastinate atan doesn’t want you tion on a different course of study. repentance, or if you are of the to reach your ultimate It came in subtle suggestions at opinion that personal prayer and Sdestination or to fulfill your first, which motivated me to pray daily scripture study are not impor- divine role. As the father of with the intent to know. After tant, just remember what happened all lies, he seeks to lure you prayerful consideration, it was per- to my fine missionary companion. fectly clear to me that I was not to I assure you there is no happiness into his cunning snare. be an architect. in what he is now going through. Since that time more than 30 years ago, I have worked with SEEK THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD many architects, and although I have great respect and admiration Our personal navigation system for their noble profession, it became has a detailed set of instructions clear to me that the satisfaction I re- with specific directions that must be ceived from actually building a followed in order for it to function structure was more satisfying for properly. These instructions in our personal lives are me than designing it. My own career as a builder was the holy scriptures. They are “the voice of the Lord, and a direct result of listening to the Spirit and following the power of God unto salvation” (D&C 68:4). There its whisperings. are so many blessings promised to those who know the Hearkening to the voice of living prophets is another scriptures. One of these blessings is that the scriptures, navigational tool that gives us “peace in this world, and like the iron rod, can help us pass safely through the eternal life in the world to come” (D&C 59:23). mist of darkness that surrounds us in this world. President Harold B. Lee (1899–1973) reminded us: If we catch hold of the scriptures and cling to them, “The most important thing you can do is to learn to talk if we increase our study and application, and if we to God. Talk to Him as you would talk to your father, for pray for understanding and live so the Spirit can teach He is your Father, and He wants you to talk to Him. He us, the scriptures will save us from temptations. The wants you to cultivate ears to listen, when He gives you scriptures can help us make good decisions. The scrip- the impressions of the Spirit to tell you what to do. If tures can keep us safe and lead us to salvation. When you learn to give heed to the sudden ideas which come we read the scriptures, we invite and make ourselves to your minds, you will find those things coming accessible to the communications of the Holy Ghost. through in the very hour of your need. If you will culti- Learn to ponder the things of the Spirit and to re- vate an ear to hear these promptings, you will have spond to its promptings; filter out the static generated learned to walk by the spirit of revelation” (The Teachings by Satan. As you become attuned to the Spirit, “thine of Harold B. Lee, ed. Clyde J. Williams [1996], 130).

46 President Gordon B. Hinckley has warned us: “You It is not possible for me to describe to you what a must find a place to commune with the Lord and feel of powerful force for good you are in the world. You are His Spirit. This must happen in our lives not occasion- powerful and can make a positive difference in the lives ally but constantly. The need is so great. We can be so of many. You must always know precisely where you much more effective. In the rush of our lives, we do not are, even when all that surrounds you is a background take enough time to ponder and meditate and go to the of darkness and confusion. Your responsibility is to con- Lord. We need the Lord’s help if we are to do His work.” tinue to generate a bright light and to even co-generate Our lives are extremely busy. We can all relate to light and knowledge as you link up with the Holy Ghost this. We run from one activity to another. We may wear as your source of inspiration. We are on a well-marked ourselves out in thoughtless pursuit of goals that are path that leads to our eternal home. អ highly ephemeral. We are entitled to spend some quiet From a devotional address given at Ricks College (now BYU—Idaho) on time alone, in introspection, in spiritual development. 13 February 2001. Blessings from priesthood leaders, fathers, and hus- bands are additional tools that allow us to stay on the ET S ALK ABOUT T higher road. Frequently review your patriarchal bless- LLET’ ’TS TALK ABOUTI IT ing for guidance. It will give you additional light and Most Ensign articles can be used for family home evening understanding. Be honest with your priesthood leaders discussions.Most Ensign The followingarticles questionscan be used are for for family that purpose home or when you meet with them. It is your opportunity for forevening personal discussions. reflection: The following questions are for that introspection and a progress review. It is a safety pre- 1.purpose Why is discouragementor for personal reflection: one of the adversary’s most caution that will prevent a costly detour along the criti- 1.effective Why is discouragementtools? one of the adversary’s most cal path of reaching exaltation and eternal life. 2. Howeffective can wetools? overcome it? The Lord Himself has said, “I will go before your 3.2. How How can can we we become overcome more it? receptive to the promptings of face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, 3.the How Spirit can ofwe the become Lord? more receptive to the promptings and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels of the Spirit of the Lord? round about you, to bear you up” (D&C 84:88).

THE ENSIGN/AUGUST 2002 47 48 I WAS CERTAIN HEAVENLY FATHER HAD But that wasn’t true—He loved me! He understood GIVEN UP ON ME. HOW WRONG I WAS! my challenges far better than I did, and He would help me repent and return to Him! I left the bishop’s here was a time in my life when I believed office with a lighter heart. there was no hope for me—no future—and I started coming back to church and taking the first that I would never come close to being a righ- steps of repentance. It wasn’t easy to break away teousT daughter of God. This resulted from the fact from the lifestyle I had been living for so long, and that I felt same-sex attraction and acted on it. I won- there were times I felt discouraged and overwhelmed, dered if I could ever be free of the bondage I was in. wondering if I could continue along this new path. I joined the Church at age 21 and was an active But I soon realized what had been missing from member until I started acting my life for quite some time— on the confused feelings I the influence of the Holy had experienced for many Ghost. Church became an years. I knew the Lord did anchor for me, a safe shelter. not approve of my actions, I followed the counsel my but I was not willing to give MY BATTLE bishop gave during my meet- them up, so I stayed away ings with him, and eventu- from the Church altogether. ally the Spirit was able to The turning point came WITH operate more fully in my life. when a friend visited me Many years have passed shortly after returning home since that first meeting with from her mission. She noticed SAME-SEX my bishop. I wish I could say that there seemed to be a that I never again struggled coldness in my home and or felt same-sex attraction, that I seemed different some- ATTRACTION but that would not be true. how. When she questioned N AME W ITHHELD What I have gained, how- me about this, I admitted my ever, is the strength not to problem to her. She urged act on those feelings, as well me to see my bishop. as the sense of peace I craved I resisted at first, but inside I knew I would never for so many years. Any desire I have had to act on be happy as long as I continued my behavior. I de- this temptation has been overshadowed by a stronger cided I wanted to be close to the Lord more than I desire to serve the Lord. I have come so far, and while wanted the lifestyle I was living, so I made an ap- I do not know if my healing will be complete in this pointment with my bishop. When the time for our in- life or in the next, I do know that God is aware of my terview arrived, I tried to act cool and nonchalant, but efforts, that He is actively involved in my life, and my heart was pounding. I felt humiliated, ashamed, that He will bless me with a complete and total heal- and frightened. I was sure the bishop would be un- ing when the time is right. comfortable with my disclosure and would ask a few Through my experience, I have learned key princi- cursory questions before ushering me out the door. ples that have helped me in my struggle. These prin- Instead, he listened to my story with compassion ciples can be applied by anyone seeking to overcome and concern. After we discussed my situation at a moral weakness: length, he urged me to attend all my Church meet- Tr ust in the Lord. In the world there is a debate ings and to meet with him regularly. He encouraged over the origins of same-sex attraction. Yet Elder me to spend time in fasting and prayer, and he said Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles he would do the same so that he would be prepared teaches that regardless of our personal susceptibilities, to offer me the counsel the Lord wanted me to re- we are responsible for our thoughts and behavior: ceive. What affected me most of all was when he told “Some kinds of feelings seem to be inborn. Others are Y me, “Sandra, Heavenly Father loves you. You are His traceable to mortal experiences. Still other feelings child, and He wants to help you.” seem to be acquired from a complex interaction of ‘na- The Spirit of the Lord confirmed the truth of those ture and nurture.’ All of us have some feelings we did words, and I was overcome. My understanding of the not choose, but the gospel of Jesus Christ teaches us gospel was relatively new at that time, and I had been that we still have the power to resist and reform our

ILLUSTRATED BY GREG HALL BY ILLUSTRATED sure Heavenly Father wanted nothing to do with me. feelings (as needed) and to assure that they do not

THE ENSIGN/AUGUST 2002 49 lead us to entertain inappropriate thoughts or to en- the Holy Ghost will speak to you in a still, small voice; gage in sinful behavior” (“Same-Gender Attraction,” listen to the promptings and obey them. Ensign, Oct. 1995, 9). Remember who you are. Remember that you kept To overcome this challenge, trust the Lord and obey your first estate; otherwise you would not be on earth Him. He knows how to succor you and will give you today. Remember that Heavenly Father loves you and the strength not to act upon your temptations, what- wants you to come home to Him and receive all the ever they may be (see Alma 7:12; 13:28; 34:39; 1 Cor. blessings He has in store for you. He will be your 10:13). Isaiah 29:16 asks, “Shall the work say of him great encourager if you will only give place in your that made it, He made me not? or shall the thing heart for Him. framed say of him that framed it, He had no under- Do not attach labels to yourself or others who strug- standing?” Know that your Creator understands you gle with this problem. We all have temptations, but perfectly, and He knows how to help you. As you turn they do not define who we are. Know that having this your heart over to Him and submit fully to His will, He particular challenge does not make you an “evil” per- will heal you in His own due time (see 3 Ne. 18:32). son. As you commit not to act on these attractions, and Fast and pray. Pray unceasingly and “with all the as you immerse yourself in righteous thoughts and ac- energy of heart” (Moro. 7:48). Fast and pray for pro- tivities, you can be worthy of all the Lord has to offer. tection against the adversary and for deliverance from The freedom you find will be sweet to you. unholy thoughts. Do not assume that the way will be Read and ponder the scriptures daily. Make this a easy, for no matter what you do, Satan will desire to priority. Through the words of the prophets, the Lord ensnare you. Be on the alert always (see Mosiah 4:30). will bear you up. Sincerely liken the scriptures to Invite the Spirit of the Lord to be with you constantly, yourself (see 1 Ne. 19:23). As you do so, you will make and strive to be worthy of it. The companionship of yourself more receptive to the promptings of the

y path has not been without struggles, M but at last I have found the peace I craved for so many years.

50 HELP IS AVAILABLE “Through Christ and his Spirit of the Lord, which will guide church, those and now I never miss what I have you in the paths of righteousness. forsaken. Change your environment. Gain who struggle Choose righteous associations. the strength to resist temptation by can obtain Most people tend to become like leaning heavily on Heavenly Father help. This help comes through the individuals they spend the and listening to the voice of the most time with. I urge you to dis- prophets. I made myself more re- fasting and prayer, through tance yourself from those who see ceptive to their counsel by cleansing the truths of the gospel, nothing wrong with same-sex at- my home of harmful influences. I through church attendance traction. Avoid places frequented stopped watching immoral televi- by those who are involved in this sion programs and gave up inap- and service, through the lifestyle. Quit your job if need be. propriate movies. I threw out tapes counsel of inspired leaders, This is a battle for your eternal exal- and CDs with suggestive lyrics and and, where necessary, through tation—and battle is a fitting word. books with immoral plots or profan- Lean on family and friends who ity. I removed anything and every- professional assistance with see what is best in you. The mem- thing that was not wholesome and problems that require such bers of my ward have been wonder- clean. I displayed pictures that re- ful friends to me. As I have reached minded me of who I really am, and help. Another important out to them, they have responded I immersed myself in the scriptures source of help is the in kind, and I have learned much and other edifying books. These strengthening influence of from their caring examples. things have enriched my life in Seek counseling from your ways I could not have imagined, loving brothers and sisters. bishop and, if necessary, a profes- All should understand that sional therapist who shares your persons (and their family values. They can offer support and help you through your challenges. members) struggling with the If needed, your bishop can refer burden of same-sex attraction you to LDS Family Services for are in special need of the love counseling or for information about local resources. and encouragement that is a Heavenly Father loves each one clear responsibility of Church of us and wants to rescue us. His members, who have signified arms are outstretched toward us “all the day long” (2 Ne. 28:32). He by covenant their willingness provided the Atonement of His ‘to bear one another’s burdens’ Son so that we might be released from our respective prisons. (Mosiah 18:8) ‘and so fulfil I cherish the peace I have the law of Christ’ (Gal. 6:2).” found in my own life as I have Elder Dallin H. Oaks, “Same-Gender emerged from the bondage that Attraction,” Ensign, Oct. 1995, 13–14. held me captive for so long. I have learned that Heavenly Father loves us more than we can imagine and that if we al- low Him, He will help us in our struggles. How grate- ful I am for that knowledge and for the freedom I have found as I have followed His counsel. អ LDS Family Services provides professional counseling to members as well as consultation to Church leaders assisting members. Contact your bishop or branch president for more information, or visit www.ldsfamilyservices.org. More on this topic: See A. Dean Byrd, “When a Loved One Struggles with Same-Sex Attraction,” Ensign, Sept. 1999, 51–55; Name Withheld, “Becoming Whole Again,” Ensign, Jan. 1997, 26–29; Dallin H. Oaks, “Same-Gender Attraction,” Ensign, Oct. 1995, 6–14. Visit www.lds.org or see Church magazines on CD.

THE ENSIGN/AUGUST 2002 51 The

Prayer helps us learn to bring our wills into harmony with the will of the Father. In the following articles, members share insights about prayer.

52 PRAYER: e Soul’s Sincere Desire

ENRICHING OUR PRAYERS PREPARING TO PRAY B Y D AN B. SK OUBYE Anciently, altars were built for the purpose of offering prayer. Building such altars required erhaps no commandment is re- worshipers to prepare the ground, gather unhewn peated in the scriptures more often stones (see Ex. 20:25), and fit the stones carefully than to pray. One of mortality’s into place. The considerable time and effort spent great lessonsP is to learn for ourselves the will of reflected reverence, respect, and preparation. God, and that knowledge comes largely as a result While we no longer physically build altars for of righteous, dedicated prayer. personal prayer, we can build figurative altars Y MODELS; BORDER BY DILLEEN MARSH Y MODELS; BORDER BY Elder Neal A. Maxwell of the Quorum of the through our faith. Some of the stones available to Tw elve Apostles explained the role of prayer: us include scripture study, meditation, temple “Petitioning in prayer has taught me, again and attendance, family history work, and service. When again, that the vault of heaven with all its blessings we kneel to pray, in a sense we offer up all our spiri- is to be opened only by a combination lock. One tual efforts and preparations. If we have not made tumbler falls when there is faith; a second when sufficient effort, it can be equivalent to carelessly there is personal righteousness; the third and final throwing stones into a pile for an altar. tumbler falls only when what is sought is, in God’s judgment—not ours—right for us. Sometimes PRAYING WITH REAL INTENT we pound on the vault door for something we want very much and wonder why the door does Moroni said it is “counted evil unto a man, if he not open. We would be very spoiled children if shall pray and not with real intent of heart; yea, and CRAIG DIMOND; ALL PHOTOGRAPHY POSED B PHOTO BY that vault door opened any more easily than it it profiteth him nothing, for God receiveth none does. I can tell, looking back, that God truly loves such” (Moro. 7:9). The question is, How do we deter- me by inventorying the petitions He has refused mine if we have real intent? Or perhaps a better to grant me. Our rejected petitions tell us much way to state the question is, What do we intend to about ourselves but also much about our flawless do with the answer God reveals to us? If the honest Father.”1 answer is “nothing” or “as little as possible,” we To help us each to improve the intentions, might expect Him to withhold our answer until approaches, and results of our prayers, we intend to willingly comply with all our heart. here are some scriptures and When we do receive answers, we need to be thoughts that have helped me. obedient if we expect further answers to come. EL PARSON BY D The Savior has given us the supreme example of be- ASKING FOR THE ing willing to do whatever our Father asks, even when IGHT HINGS the task seems painful or impossible. When faced with R T drinking the bitterest of all cups, His humble reply was, The Savior said,

PRAYER AT GETHSEMANE, AT PRAYER “O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: “Whatsoever ye shall ask nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt” (Matt. 26:39). the Father in my name, which is right, believing that ye shall receive, behold it

PHOTO BY JED CLARK; PHOTO BY shall be given unto you” (3 Ne. 18:20). Other scriptures enlighten us in this area: “Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts” (James 4:3); “Yea, I know that God will give liberally to him that asketh. Yea, my God will give me, if I ask not amiss” (2 Ne. 4:35); “Trifle not with these things; do not ask for that which you ought not” (D&C 8:10); “Whatsoever ye ask the Father in my name it shall be given unto you, that is expedient for you; and if ye ask anything that is not expedient for you, it shall turn unto your condemnation” (D&C 88:64–65).

54 It may be clear that we shouldn’t ask for the wrong Lord has already spoken clearly on that matter. It things, but sometimes it is not as clear how we deter- has been said that if we want to talk to the Lord, we mine what the right things are to ask for. Asking to pass pray. If we want the Lord to speak to us, we read the a test we didn’t study for or to win a lottery are clearly scriptures and the words of the living prophets. The on the “amiss” side of the equation. But what about scriptures can literally be a Urim and Thummim by praying for obstacles to be removed in our lives, relief which the Lord can answer our prayers. from afflictions, or help in directions we want to go? Often the Lord requires us to use our own judg- The entry under “prayer” in the Bible Dictionary ment, and therefore He lovingly and tutorially is insightful: “Prayer is the act by which the will of withholds an answer. Elder Richard G. Scott of the the Father and the will of the child are brought into Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said: “When we ex- correspondence with each other. The object of prayer plain a problem and a proposed solution, sometimes is not to change the will of God, but to secure for our- He answers yes, sometimes no. Often He withholds selves and for others blessings that God is an answer, not for lack of concern, but already willing to grant, but that are made because he loves—perfectly. He wants conditional on our asking for them.” us to apply truths He has given us. For How is our will brought into corres- s we seek us to grow, we need to trust our ability pondence with the will of the Father? The to do to make correct decisions. We need to scriptures answer: “He that asketh in the theA will of the do what we feel is right. In time, He will Spirit asketh according to the will of God; Father, the answer. He will not fail us.”3 wherefore it is done even as he asketh” Holy Ghost President Brigham Young stated, (D&C 46:30). As we grow in the principle can inspire “If I ask him [God] to give me wisdom of prayer, we come to recognize that the us with what concerning any requirement in life, or in Lord will guide our words by His Spirit, to pray for. regard to my own course, or that of my that the Holy Ghost will inspire us with friends, my family, my children, or those what we should pray for. As we pray by that I preside over, and get no answer the Spirit, we will find our minds lifted up as if on from him, and then do the very best that my judgment eagles’ wings, and our pleadings and praises will re- will teach me, he is bound to own and honor that trans- sound with the approbation of heaven because our action, and he will do so to all intents and purposes.”4 minds will be in harmony with the mind of the Lord. The scriptures say: “And if ye are purified and cleansed EXPRESSING PRAISE AND GRATITUDE from all sin, ye shall ask whatsoever you will in the name of Jesus and it shall be done. But know this, it Perhaps one reason we sometimes don’t seem to re- shall be given you what you shall ask” (D&C 50:29–30). ceive answers to our prayers is that we are so concerned Discussing why it is necessary for the Holy Ghost about our own needs that we fail to give thanks, praise, to prompt us in our prayers, Elder Maxwell said: and adoration. The scriptures are clear: “Thou shalt “God sees things as they really are and as they will thank the Lord thy God in all things. . . . And in nothing become. We don’t! In order to tap that precious per- doth man offend God, or against none is his wrath spective during our prayers, we must rely upon the kindled, save those who confess not his hand in all promptings of the Holy Ghost. With access to that things, and obey not his commandments” (D&C 59:7, kind of knowledge, we would then pray for what 21). President N. Eldon Tanner (1898–1982) of the First we and others should have—really have. With Presidency said, “The sin of ingratitude is grievous.”5 the Spirit prompting us, we will not ask I am grateful that this dispensation was opened ‘amiss.’ ”2 because a young man believed in God and asked in prayer for direction (see James 1:5–6). It is today as FINDING ANSWERS it has been from the beginning and will be until the end of time: God hears and answers prayers. He is THROUGH INSPIRED SOURCES willing to grant us wisdom and help as soon as we Sometimes we already have an answer are ready to receive.អ available before we kneel down to NOTES pray. The Lord expects us to search 1. “Insights,” New Era, Apr. 1978, 6. 2. “What Should We Pray For?” in Prayer (1977), 45. the scriptures and the words of 3. “Learning to Recognize Answers to Prayer,” Ensign, Nov. 1989, 31. living prophets. For example, a 4. Discourses of Brigham Young, comp. John A. Widtsoe (1954), 43. healthy Latter-day Saint young 5. Introduction to Prayer, 3. man does not need to ask if he Dan B. Skoubye is a member of the Parkway Fifth Ward, South should go on a mission. The Jordan Utah Parkway Stake. bypass often-repeated religious tasks. Yet they are the PRAYER IN A PRACTICAL VEIN very tasks that exercise my spiritual muscles and open B Y K A YLEEN S ILVER my understanding to the Lord’s communications. One habit that helps prepare me for receiving an- s a single mother, I have had many swers to prayers is service. Not only is our spirituality in- opportunities to pray for Heavenly creased when we are thinking of others and looking for Father’s help with all kinds of chal- ways to serve them, but we can receive blessings of our lenges, fromA fixing a broken furnace in subfreezing own. For example, one time a family member needed to temperatures to seeking a master’s degree so I could pick up a friend at the airport. She didn’t know the way, earn enough to support my family. Heavenly Father so I took time despite my busy schedule to drive her has always responded wisely and generously—though there. At the airport I happened to see a man I knew, not always as I have expected—and I have come to and it turned out he was able to give me the name and understand some practical things about prayer. address of another person I had been praying to find. I counted that episode a blessing of service. STARTING EACH DAY WITH PRAYER Other good habits that don’t necessarily seem spiri- tual can contribute to receiving Heavenly Father’s help I begin my day praying for Heavenly Father’s help in guiding my activities. I am then able to order my priorities correctly and set attainable goals. Many times I have so much to do that I know I can’t get it all done, and I feel overwhelmed. In prayer I choose a few of the most important things to do that day. Often what seemed so important in the daily grind of life takes its proper place during prayer. As I ponder choices and alternatives, the most important tasks seem to become more vivid in my mind, and the less important ones become dimmer (see D&C 9:8–9). When I have asked for Heavenly Father’s help and if I am receptive to promptings from the Holy Ghost, I am often guided in carrying out the day’s activities. Many times I have seen what I might once have called coincidences happen to help me meet my goals. I feel that beginning the day with prayerful planning, helps all things work together for our good (see D&C 90:24). Even when things don’t go as planned, I am satisfied that I have done my best to seek inspiration and wisdom and that other divinely approved opportunities and lessons are in store for me.

EXERCISING SPIRITUAL MUSCLES Inspiration often comes as we participate in everyday righteous habits. Tasks that can seem mundane are actually the foundation of inspiration, revelation, and miracles. Scripture reading, family prayers, church attendance, and all the things we do hundreds and thou- sands of times during our lives are stones that build mountains of spirituality. When I am deeply involved in doing a much-needed and worthwhile project, it is

PHOTO BY JED CLARK PHOTO BY easy to

56 and influence. For example, Doctrine and Covenants down. One summer morning, for example, I heard 88:124 has become my standard for work habits: “Cease beautiful flute music as I awoke. After I got up, I felt to sleep longer than is needful; retire to thy bed early, I should write down the tune, but it was so vivid in my that ye may not be weary; arise early, that your bodies mind that I thought I would never forget it. I got busy and your minds may be invigorated.” I have found with daily tasks, and when I finally made time to write that by retiring early and arising early, my understand- down the tune it was gone from my memory. ing is enhanced and my energy is increased. Often inspiration comes as a flood. Many times problems have more than one possible solution, and WRITING DOWN THOUGHTS AND EXPERIENCES some challenges have many facets to deal with. When we ask for help in prayer, inspiration may come then Writing down thoughts and experiences is an or later with many answers for many aspects of our excellent way to recognize and remember inspiration request. In such cases, writing down the flood of ideas that comes through prayer. I personally find it difficult becomes the only way to save all the ideas. Often I to take time to write things down, but I am always find myself needing to write in short sentences or rewarded when I do. On the other hand, I have lost sentence fragments, perhaps returning later to organ- ideas and insights when I have failed to write them ize and complete my notes after the flood is over. Our minds work on problems while we sleep, and sometimes when we wake up our minds will surge with ideas. It is wise to have paper and pen handy for such moments. In fact, many people who deal in ideas keep paper handy at all times. While we control when we pray, we cannot predict when the Spirit will speak ideas and inspiration to our minds.

BEING GRATEFUL Gratitude encourages a positive attitude that rayer is the enables inspiration to flow to us. Gratitude mir- Pmost powerful rors our priorities: what we are thankful for re- way I know minds us of what means the most to us. Gratitude to plan for life, influences our spiritual progress: what we are overcome grateful for tends to be increased, and what we problems, and are not grateful for is decreased or eliminated. grow closer to An attitude of gratitude helps us prayerfully Heavenly Father. use opportunities that would otherwise be a burden. For example, driving is a burden for me. During a special project at work, it was necessary for me to drive long distances. By directing my attitude into positive gratitude, I found those drives to be valuable for thinking without everyday interruptions. The long stretches often became a time to communicate my thoughts and feelings to God. We can find many other ways to turn seemingly wasted or irritating facets of life into opportunities that increase our prayerfulness and receptivity to inspiration. I am grateful that prayer can be a constant part of our lives if we so choose. Some people see the gospel as a religious compartment that is removed from the daily tasks and concerns of life, but in reality the gospel is a necessary component of every- day living. Prayer is the most powerful source I know of to plan and accomplish our goals and dreams, overcome or endure our problems and challenges, and grow closer to Heavenly Father each day. អ Kayleen Silver is a member of the Tabiona Ward, Duchesne Utah Stake. finished, I felt at peace. I returned home reassured A TESTIMONY OF PRAYER that Heavenly Father had heard my mother’s prayer. elieve in prayer,” said President Although my illness persisted, I dealt with it better. “ Gordon B. Hinckley. “I remind Months later, my daughter, then a senior in high you that the Church came out school, came to me with a difficult challenge. Still ofB an initial prayer offered by the boy physically weak, I wondered how I could help her. As Joseph Smith. . . . The Lord will hear the I pondered the situation, I remembered my mother’s prayers of faithful people as certainly as He heard the prayer for me. I took my daughter’s hand in mine and prayers of the boy Joseph. I believe that with all my knelt with her to pray. I thanked Heavenly Father for heart” (in Church News, 2 Oct. 1999, 2). Following are expressions by members showing the blessings and strength that come through prayer.

PRAYER WITH MOTHER Just before our family vacation to visit my parents, I became extremely ill. Not wanting to disappoint my husband and family, I told them I felt well enough to go. After we arrived, I spent most of my time in bed recuperating. While my family went with Grandpa to see the sights, I spent long hours talking with my mom. I told her my frustra- tions. In tears, I lamented that I felt powerless against my illness and I worried that I wouldn’t be able to care for my children. My mother paused, then took my hand in hers and offered a prayer for me. She explained my frus- trations to Heavenly Father and pleaded for my return to health. When she

58 her and explained her problem. I asked Father in did. After the prayer, I looked up. The children Heaven to help her. After our prayer, she hugged me were all looking directly at me, confident now that and expressed her feelings of comfort. I could take care of this problem. I wasn’t so sure, but As I reflected on the experience, a flood of memo- as I looked at the knob I felt an overwhelming urge ries came over me as I thought of all the times as a to give it just one more try. child—and as an adult—I had heard my parents pray It not only turned—it nearly bent from the strength for me. Humbled, I realized the heritage of prayer in in my fingers. my family. My ancestors, members of the handcart Veronica, our three-year-old daughter, said, companies, prayed for strength when they felt they “Heavenly Father did help you, huh, Mom?” could go no farther. Thanks to them and their descen- This was a beautiful learning experience to have dants, this tradition of prayer has been passed from such a prayer answered in the presence of my chil- one generation to the next—from my mother to me dren. We knelt again and offered a humble prayer of and now from me to my children. thanks.—JoAnne Colby, Carpinteria Jesus Christ prayed for us too, setting Ward, Santa Barbara California Stake the example of prayer for all (see John 17:20–21). And when He later visited the “ elieve in A PRAYER THAT I MIGHT TEACH Nephites, He wept as “he prayed unto the prayer,” Father, and the things which he prayed PreBsident A few years ago I taught an ex- cannot be written. . . . Hinckley has tremely difficult and troubled group “. . . And he took their little children, of children in school. I was upset by one by one, and blessed them, and prayed taught. Many my inability to reach them and found unto the Father for them. members testify myself depressed and tearful as I left “And when he had done this he wept of its help in school each day. again” (3 Ne. 17:15, 21–22). their lives. One day the woman working with Gratitude fills my heart for a loving me as an aide, who was not a Church Savior who would teach us to pray, and member, told me she had been pray- pray for us.—Paula Hunt, Nampa 16th Ward, Nampa ing for a calming influence to enter the classroom Idaho Stake so I could teach. She knew the power of prayer and was, I feel, prompted by the Spirit to tell me of her THE UNYIELDING KNOB prayers to remind me what I should do. I realized that I had been so involved with the The heat can be extreme in Coalinga, California, problem that I had neglected to go to Heavenly where my family once lived. On one particular day Father for help. From then on I frequently found my- the temperature was 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40 °C) self on my knees before school began, praying for in- and climbing. We had a good air conditioner in the spiration. As the weeks went by, a calming spirit did front-room window, but for some reason it stopped enter the classroom and I was able to see that some functioning. I decided to use our backup evaporative progress was being made with the children. There cooling unit, but, try as I may, I could not turn the were still moments of frustration, but I seemed better knob controlling the water. I became concerned be- equipped to deal with them. I learned from this that cause I was home alone with my three small children. the Holy Ghost influences us in simple ways to allow Desperate, I used a dampened cloth to assist in great things to happen in our lives.—Nadine C. gripping the knob; then I used a hammer to try to jar Doyle, Verdugo Hills First Ward, La Crescenta it loose. Neither attempt worked. California Stake I told the children we were going to say a prayer to our Father in Heaven and ask for help. This we President Thomas S. Monson, First Counselor in the First Presidency, has said, “We learn to pray by praying. One can devote countless hours to examining the experiences of others, but nothing penetrates the human heart as does a personal, fervent prayer and its heaven-sent response. “Such was the example of the boy Samuel. Such was the experience of young Nephi. Such was the far-reaching prayer of the youth Joseph Smith. Such can be the blessing of one who prays” (“Teach the Children,” Ensign, Nov. 1997, 17). អ B Y D IANNE D IBB F ORBIS When my husband was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, my future seemed cloudy. But I was about to discover a warm environment in place—my ward.

hen we first learned that my husband, Al, had Alzheimer’s, I felt as if I would suffer alone in fear, apprehension, and loneliness. We were livingW in Rexburg, Idaho, at the time. I cried a lot and could have been overwhelmed by feelings of sadness and hopelessness. But a tight and taut refuge prevented those feelings from pouring in and rising up to engulf me. Eventually, I realized I need not drown in sorrow because the Lord has provided a way to keep out the flooding rain in times like these: He has given us the structure of wards and branches. In my first Y MODELS reading of Ephesians 2:19— “Ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow- citizens with

ILLUSTRATED BY CARY HENRIE; POSED B CARY BY ILLUSTRATED the saints,

60 and of the household of God”— new ward. In time we became a part of it with a new I assumed that this statement group of caring ward members. In my panic and need to by Paul applied to people who be understood and nurtured, I developed a great appre- joined the Church and were ciation for the individuals who rallied to my support. embraced by fellow Saints. They made sure I didn’t feel like a “stranger” in affliction Then when our “household” or a frightened “foreigner” in a wilderness of pain. moved from one state to another, Nurturing in a ward is often a result of faithful mem- I realized the verse could also apply bers fulfilling Church assignments to the best of their to members becoming abilities. They are Saints in training.Their efforts combine integrated into a to create a Herculean achievement in shoring up one new ward after the who is badly listing with despair, showing how “the body uncomfortable cir- hath need of every member, that all may be edified to- cumstance of moving gether, that the system may be kept perfect”(D&C 84:110). from a much-loved I learned many lessons as my husband and I battled ward. At first we with the deterioration of his mind and the subsequent were strangers stress on our marriage relationship. One thing I came to in our firmly believe is that the organization of the Church on earth is of divine authorship. A structure exists to han- dle human response to the most tragic and devastating experiences one might imagine—“The building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord” (Eph. 2:21). I came to know that Christ’s restored Church is organized with every part fitted securely in place so all might join together, forming a safe haven similar to a temple. The parts that joined together to form an emotional and spiritual shelter for me included the following: An inspired bishop. From time to time I needed counsel badly. A bishop must be “given to hospital- ity, apt to teach” (1 Tim. 3:2). When I talked with our bishop, he was kind and caring. I respected his great efforts to fulfill his stewardship, and I was confident that he prayed in behalf of my family. Often he taught me gospel princi- ples I needed to recall, pon- der, and put into action. A compassionate Relief Society president. What a blessing it was to have a lov- ing Relief Society president, for “in her tongue [was] the law of kindness” (Prov. 31:26). The shift in responsibil- ity from one Relief Society president to

THE ENSIGN/AUGUST 2002 61 FITLY FRAMED “In the true another during my long period of af- stimulation at a time when my at- fliction made little difference. Both Church, Christ home circumstances gave no chance presidents had tender qualities that is the chief for insightful conversations. were enhanced and refined by their Hymns. The words of our Church callings. They listened to me. They cornerstone, the hymns seemed more poignant than dispensed love. It was the elixir that apostles and before. Although I am not particu- helped me turn many times from de- prophets are the foundation, larly talented as a singer, I sang more spondency to hope. readily. “I call to remembrance my Home teachers and visiting other officers and members are song in the night: . . . Hath God for- teachers. Home and visiting teachers fitly framed into the structure, gotten to be gracious? hath he in had many opportunities to serve. I let and the building itself becomes anger shut up his tender mercies? . . . them. I was too tired, emotionally and I will remember the works of the physically, to argue. As never before, I a holy temple where God dwells Lord” (Ps. 77:6, 9, 11). The eternal na- saw the beauty of these programs un- by the power of his Spirit.” ture of the gospel plan resounded in fold. My home and visiting teachers Elder Bruce R. McConkie (1915–85), hymn texts and reverberated in my went into action at the slightest indi- Doctrinal New Testament Commentary, mind. Singing hymns lifted my spir- cation of my need, ever “willing to 3 vols. (1966–73), 2:504. its and helped me trust in the Lord. bear one another’s burdens, that they The ward choir. Al had always may be light” (Mosiah 18:8). My home loved to sing and had a good voice. teachers were a constant in a household that seemed to As Alzheimer’s caused his abilities to dwindle, his in- be turned upside down and that was now largely charac- clination to sing lingered on. Our ward choir met two terized by unpredictability. Their testimony and hope needs: my husband could attend practices and have a brought infusions of support. My visiting teachers, with much needed social experience and gain some feeling the help of other sisters in the ward, washed the blinds in of worth, and I could have a break from the tending. my house, scrubbed sinks, and generally brightened my Choir members willingly took over the shepherding environment and my countenance. task during choir practice. As long as Al was able to Priesthood blessings. As my husband’s abilities live at home, he was a respected member of the choir fractured and scattered and mixed within his mind, I and was assisted so he could participate in all the choir could no longer call upon him for needed priesthood performances and activities. “Much more those mem- blessings. Other priesthood bearers in our extended bers of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are family lived far away. My home teachers came to de- necessary” (1 Cor. 12:22). Such seemed the saintly atti- liver comfort and strength. When they weren’t avail- tude of our choir members. able, other worthy priesthood holders within the ward After Al died, one lovely ward member in her late were ready and able as asked. 80s expressed her regret that she had not been of more The sacrament. Another source of strength came in help to me during the difficult times. With all honesty, I knowing that young priesthood bearers would never was able to tell her she did help. In her advanced years, fail to do their duty in preparing and passing the sacra- she came to all meetings each week. She has difficulty ment. As I meditated upon the Savior’s sacrifice, I re- hearing and sometimes has to be content with the unity ceived peace of mind and gained an assurance of the felt in the meetings when she cannot hear the mes- eternal nature of my sacred covenants with the Lord. sages. But her commitment to meet together with the Sunday meetings. I received nourishment from the ward group was a great example of endurance to those weekly lessons and talks that I had taken for granted like me who are relatively new at enduring. She gave for many years. Often the comments made by class prayers in church; she made comments in class. Her members had a great impact on me, and someone’s systematic contributions added to the total of a great personal experience would lighten my load. infusion of positive help from a strong ward. Church callings. I served as Gospel Doctrine teacher Usually individuals didn’t know what I needed. Most during this period, a calling which required much often I wasn’t able to specify a tangible need. But the preparation. As Al and I struggled with the specter of Lord, in His omniscience, made wards and branches, Alzheimer’s, I found it difficult to fit in preparation time church units with every part “fitly framed” to handle for the weekly class. I could have opted to “retire” for a even needs that are difficult to discern. “Let us cheerfully while from the calling, but I chose to remain and do my do all things that lie in our power; and then may we best. Although the going was tough at times, I received stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation more than I gave. Scripture study and prayer brought of God, and for his arm to be revealed” (D&C 123:17). អ me a new understanding of faith. Class members’ in- Dianne Dibb Forbis is a member of North Canyon Fifth Ward, volvement provided me with social and intellectual Bountiful Utah North Canyon Stake.

62 ILLUSTRATED BY DILLEEN MARSH MESSAGE TEACHING VISITING our own,and thatwe men isasimportant welfare ofourfellow- the spiritualandphysical go aboutdoinggood,that showed usthatwemust as Iam’[3Ne.27:27].He V of menoughtyetobe? way. ‘Therefore,whatmanner follow. Hiswayshouldbeour His lifeistheexample weshould Heavenly Father. HowHelived toour would beunabletoreturn for oursins.Without Hislove,we motivated Hisatoningsacrifice Seventy: Elder Robert J.Whettenofthe nowise losetheirreward.” much asmendogoodtheyshallin agents untothemselves.Andinas- power isinthem,whereintheyare pass muchrighteousness;forthe of theirownfreewill,andbringto good cause,anddomanythings should beanxiouslyengagedina D&C 58:27–28: such shallfindresttotheirsouls.” to bemeekandlowlyinheart;for ofgoodworks,but never beweary Alma 37:34: ofyourGod.” only intheservice ofyourfellowbeingsyeare service Mosiah 2:17: to dothesame. testimony, andinvitethoseyouteach and leaders. Share yourexperiences tures, andteachings visit, anddiscussthequestions,scrip- R Good Works and in Service Delighting erily Isayuntoyou,even ead thefollowingwithsistersyou “ Jesus’ .loveforus “Teach [thepeople]to “When yeareinthe “Verily Isay, men fromourChurch most significantactsofgoodness charity isgreaterthaneventhe charity neverfailsandthereason charity (see1Cor. 13).Thereason teaching abouttheimportanceof P the pureloveofChrist.TheApostle by doingitfortherightreason—for not justbydoingwhatisright,but life.Thisisachieved called eternal toward thatstatusandcondition through aprocessofconversion “We arechallengedtomove oftheTwelveQuorum Apostles: Elder DallinH.Oaksofthe May 1999,30). selves” (“True Followers,” our talents,means,andour- our lifeismadeupof—ourtime, lives ofothersbygivingwhat like theSavior, weshouldblessthe our lifeforothersasHedid,but forustolaydown not necessary love forothersatthatlastday. Itis found possessedwithHiskindof that weloveHim;mustbe not enoughtosaywebelieveand Christlike loveascharity. .It’s F compassion forallofourHeavenly and should showgenuineconcern ather’s children.Moronidefines ather’s aul illustratedthisinhisfamous Ensign, act love ofChrist’(Moro.7:47),isnotan cited isthatcharity,he ‘thepure Become,” sis added)”(“TheChallengeto of theFather (Ether12:34;empha- prepared fortheminthemansions ity theycannotinherit’theplace clared, ‘except menshall becomes. Thus,asMoronide- version. Charityissomethingone cession ofactsthatresultinacon- Charity isattainedthroughasuc- • Howcanwefindmore “delight” affectthereceiver? • Howdoesservice • Howisrenderingrelated service to Are?” works” (“WhoDoYou ThinkYou righteous principlesanddogood large measureuponhowyoufollow What youbecomewilldependin were Hisspiritsonsanddaughters. you fromthebeginningwhen can becomebecauseHehasknown Counselor intheFirst Presidency: Pr the AtonementofJesusChrist? in service? in service? How doesitaffectthegiver? esident JamesE.Faust, Second but a “ God knowsyouandwhat Ensign, condition Ensign, “ C អ or stateofbeing.” but a T Mar. 2001,2). HE is notan harity . E condition Nov. 2000,34). NSIGN or stateofbeing. /A act UGUST have 2002 63 char- GETTING TO THE HEARTVISITING TEACHING

VISITING TEACHING

A CHANGE OF HEART first met Martha* at a ward social many years ago. Martha blamed me for his absences, and it was always un- Well into her 70s, she was spunky and quite outspo- pleasant to explain that he was gone. In fact, one of our ken. I became better acquainted with her about a year conversations ended abruptly as Martha told me, “You’re laterI when Duane, a young renter who lived in our home, just stupid!” and hung up. was assigned as Martha’s home teacher. Martha didn’t That was one side of Martha. It would take me a full hesitate to call Duane to chat or request rides to the doctor, year later to discover another side. Inwardly I was en- so many of our conversations were conducted over the vious of the ward members Martha liked, those who telephone—sometimes before 5:30 A.M. Frequently she made her smile. Still, I was wary of her. I was sure she would call when Duane was not at home. As silly as it just didn’t like me, and more than anything I was may sound, I often had the uncomfortable feeling that afraid she would embarrass me by stating her feelings publicly at Church gatherings. * Name has been changed. For the better part of a year, we managed to stay

64 the door, warmly greeting us and apologizing pro- Three Latter- fusely for the wait. How could I not love Martha? A day Saint change of heart was starting. We spent our time discussing music and tatting women share (she absolutely could not believe I did not tat, let alone not know what it was). She proudly showed us a yel- how visiting lowed newspaper clipping about her volunteer work at teaching has a local school and politely listened to the visiting teach- ing message about our celestial potential. Then she ex- touched their pressed an interest in leaving this world and getting on with the next. “Does she always say what’s on her lives. mind?” I wondered. While I was thinking, out of the blue, Martha looked straight into my eyes and said, “You know, I thought you didn’t like me.” Momentarily taken aback, I re- sponded with, “Martha, I thought you didn’t like me!” Very seriously she said, “Well, I like you,” and gave me a smile, the one I had yearned for. At that instant, I more clearly understood what Alma meant by a change of heart (see Alma 5:14). All my ungodly feel- ings of dislike and uneasiness were quickly replaced with love and understanding. Fighting back tears, I told Martha how much I liked her too. I left that day feeling our visit was more than a success; it was the be- ginning of a real friendship. We never conversed face-to-face again. Within two weeks of our visit, Martha was admitted into the hos- pital for cancer surgery. She called me the night before the operation. She sounded unusually weak, not like the spirited little lady I was beginning to love. Not re- ut of the blue, Martha ally knowing what to say, I wished her well and prom- looked straight into ised to visit during her recuperation. myO eyes and said, “You In the weeks following her surgery, my companion know, I thought you didn’t and I went to the hospital to see Martha. I still remem- like me.” Momentarily ber sitting beside her bed in the ICU, stroking her arm, taken aback, I responded pleading for her to get well and go home so we could with, “Martha, I thought talk again. But she didn’t. A short time later, she passed away. I guess she really was ready to move on. you didn’t like me!” Without this experience, I would never have been able to catch a glimpse of the real Martha before she died. How grateful I am for the visiting teaching pro- gram and for the lesson I learned about looking on the clear of one another. Then, some of the visiting teach- heart. In doing so, my own heart was changed. ing assignments within the ward were changed, and —Sheila Anderson Bruce, Minneapolis First Ward, my companion and I were assigned to visit Martha. Minneapolis Minnesota Stake Because I was still intimidated by her, I tried to have her name removed from our list, suggesting a “person- CALL LORETTA ality conflict.” But the visiting teaching leader felt sure of the match. How grateful I am now that she was so For several years our young family lived in a stu- in tune with the Spirit of the Lord! dent ward while my husband, Evan, attended school. I wasn’t sure what to expect when my companion That meant that at every semester break, about a third and I approached Martha’s apartment complex for our of the ward would move in or out, and I would usually first visit. Several minutes later, as we wondered if she be assigned new visiting teachers.

ILLUSTRATED BY MITCHELL HEINZE; BY ILLUSTRATED JOHN LUKE PHOTOGRAPHY BY was purposely not answering her bell, she appeared at Each new set of visiting teachers would ask, “Are you

THE ENSIGN/AUGUST 2002 65 and your husband in school?” I would tell them how almost called her that same afternoon. much time Evan had left, and they would tell me about The months that followed were some of the most their husbands and their work or school. Most of them challenging of my life. We were poor, and Evan was were newlyweds without children, and even though going to school, working, and studying to the point they were very kind, I often felt we didn’t have much in where I rarely saw him. Being pregnant and doing common. baby-sitting to try to make ends meet was hard. The They would give me the visiting teaching message visits Loretta and her companion made were the bright and then hand me a little slip of paper with a cute sticker spot in my month. I promised myself that when I got and their telephone numbers on it. As they left, they really depressed, I would call Loretta and we would talk would say with a smile, “Call us if you need us.” I would and she would make me laugh and feel better. It was a smile in return, wave good-bye, and put the slip of paper treat I held out for. Many times I reached for the tele- on the refrigerator. Eventually I would get new visiting phone, and then I would think, “I don’t want to bother teachers, and a new slip would replace the old one. her with my problems.” And I wouldn’t call. When I was expecting our second child, I was as- That spring, Loretta told me she was moving. Her signed a new set of visiting teachers. This time we had husband had finished school, and they were on their so much in common! Like me, Ursula and Loretta had way. I was so happy for them. It wasn’t until after she small children to care for. Sometimes they would come left that I was saddened by the realization that now I when I was giving lunch to the children I baby-sat, and wouldn’t be able to call Loretta. they would sit at the kitchen table and laugh and talk I have had many visiting teachers since then: older with me as I spooned applesauce and cereal into little women, students, and mothers with children in tow. I mouths. They always lingered because they seemed to still try to be as self-reliant as possible, but when I gen- realize my need for company. uinely need help, now I don’t hesitate to ask. Some sis- Ursula moved after she had her second baby, and ters have brought me dinner after the birth of a child; I missed her so much. The next time Loretta stopped some have been emergency baby-sitters. The older by, she said, “Call me, please, if you need cheering up women have given me precious words of hope and or something.” I was nearly in tears at the time and comfort gleaned from their years of experience.

ometimes my visit- ing teachers would Ssit at the kitchen table and laugh and talk with me. They seemed to realize my need for company.

66 INSPIRED PROGRAMS “Home Not all of my visiting teachers have overcoming adversity. I began to become good friends, but each of them teaching look up scriptures and resources has given me some special part of and visiting pertaining to the topic, and I themselves. Those little slips of paper teaching quickly made Karla a special on the refrigerator have come to repre- handout with information I sent more to me than just a duty on are inspired found in the Family Home Evening their part. programs. They are designed Resource Book. It is important to serve, and there are to reach each member of the As I was putting the finishing many people who need our help and touches on my lesson, I ques- comfort. Yet I have learned that it is all Church each month, both tioned my choice of subject matter. right to need help ourselves sometimes. the active and the less active. Karla had seemed to be doing just When I have let my visiting teachers Please give home teaching and fine the last time I talked to her. serve me, our friendships have been With some misgivings, I gathered strengthened, and all of us have recog- visiting teaching an increased up my materials and quickly left nized our need for each other.—Ann emphasis.” for my appointment. Whitaker, Grandview First Ward, President Ezra Taft Benson (1899–1994), Arriving at Karla’s door, I took a Provo Utah Grandview Stake “Feed My Sheep,” Ensign, Sept. 1987, 4. deep breath before knocking. She greeted me with her usual smile and FOLLOWING A PROMPTING invited me in. We began chatting, and from all outward appearances she seemed happy. As a young newlywed—one of the few in my “Why did I have the feeling she needed this particular les- ward—I became a visiting teacher for the first time. I son?” I wondered. “She seems just fine. How can I talk to had visions of being inspirational, loving, and kind, her about overcoming discouragement?” and of doing great acts of service. In other words, I I feared my lesson might sound like a lecture or, wanted to be the perfect visiting teacher. Yet when I re- worse yet, that Karla might think I assumed she wasn’t ceived the names of the sisters on my route, I had feel- handling her life well. I hesitantly told her I had felt she ings of trepidation. One was a sister with nine children needed to hear about a particular conference address, and her own successful business. Another was a nurse but after talking with her, I wasn’t sure it was relevant to who had six children and had remarried after the her situation. I explained how I had been praying to be tragic death of her first husband. The third sister had in tune with the needs of the sisters I visited and how four children and a wonderful marriage and was ex- forcefully the inspiration had come to choose this partic- tremely talented. What did I have to offer these ular lesson. I related how, during the hour before my ap- women? I was inexperienced in life, and I felt inade- pointment with her, I had found scriptures and extra quate. I knew I could give them love, support, and resources that seemed to open up in just the right places. service, but I was searching for something more. Karla asked me what subject I had been impressed I loved the sisters I visited, and I let them know I was to discuss with her. When I told her, the smile slipped available when they needed me. But other than our away from her lips and tears welled up in her eyes. I monthly visits, my grand dreams of service were lim- listened as she opened up and told me how she had ited to an occasional loaf of bread or a plate of cookies. been struggling during the past couple of weeks. Her It seemed their service needs were usually met by their husband had been working out of town, and she was extended family members, most of whom lived nearby. feeling discouraged and alone as she dealt with some One morning, about an hour before I was scheduled challenging circumstances. to go visiting teaching, I began thinking about Karla, one I shared with Karla the message I had felt impressed of the sisters I visited. It was a month when the visiting to give. Before I arose to go, we knelt in prayer, and she teachers were to choose a message thanked Heavenly Father for knowing her needs. from a general conference talk. I will never forget that humbling moment when My companion wouldn’t be ac- Karla confirmed she needed to hear the lesson I had companying me this time, as she been prompted to prepare. I was ashamed that I had had just recently moved from doubted the necessity of my message, yet I was grateful the ward, so I had scheduled the for the opportunity to learn the importance of listening appointments and prepared the to the Lord’s promptings, no matter how inadequate I lesson on my own the night be- felt. That day I came to better understand the impor- fore. Yet that morning, my lesson tance of visiting teaching and of being an instrument in didn’t seem right. I felt impressed the Lord’s hands.—Claralyn C. Sant, Laguna Creek to choose a different talk—one on Second Ward, Sacramento California Stake អ

THE ENSIGN/AUGUST 2002 67 LATTER-DAY SAINT VOICES

Don’t Go through the Alley! By Polly Daw

he summer after I gradu- ated from high school, I took my first full-time job as Ta teller at a small thrift and loan office in Santa Monica, California. One morning two employees were sick, leaving only Jon, the manager, and me in the office. One of my usual morning duties was to take the deposits from the previous working day and walk them through the back alley to the bank. This particular day, Jon sug- gested that I take them over in the afternoon when he’d be able to cover the teller line for me. After lunch I grabbed the deposits and headed out the back door to the alley. I finished my business at the bank and started walking back to the office. When I reached the corner of the alley, an undeniably clear thought came to my mind: “Don’t go through the alley!” I stopped abruptly. The thought puzzled me, because the walk was much shorter through the alley and I always went that way. In a quick decision I thought, “Well, all right,” and turned to walk toward Fifth Street, thinking it would be a nice change of scenery anyway. I made it to the door of our small office sev- eral minutes later than usual, hop- ing my boss wouldn’t give me a bad time for taking too long. As I walked through the front door, one of our elderly customers was sitting at one of the front desks. He had a stunned look on his face. Concerned, I asked, “Mr. Reed, what’s the matter?” Mr. Reed’s voice was shaky as he replied that the office had just been

ILLUSTRATED BY BRIAN CALL BY ILLUSTRATED robbed! Apparently, as Mr. Reed

68 had walked in, the thief had de- manded what little money he’d Mom, You’re had before running out the door. After Jon completed the police report, he gave me an account of Singing! what had happened. He had been By Bernadene G. Gardiner alone in the office when a man wearing a ski mask and holding a everal years ago I began to gun came to the counter demand- feel severe pain in my neck, ing cash. He became very angry back, and legs. It soon be- upon learning that most of the cash Scame almost impossible for me to was en route to the bank. play the piano, type, crochet, or The robber had then forced do anything with my right hand. Jon into the back room near the I was diagnosed with dystonia, alley door, which we always kept a neurological disease that affects locked, and jerked him angrily to my entire right side as well as my the floor. Then he had shoved his neck and face. gun against Jon’s temple and I can no longer speak above a yelled profanities before finally whisper, which means I can’t sing deciding to leave. anymore. I was especially devas- Jon told me, “That guy was tated to be unable to sing or play so nervous that I kept thinking, the piano because I had served as ‘Please, Polly, don’t come through music leader or pianist among the the back door jingling your keys. Primary, the youth, the Sunday This man will shoot us both!’ ” School, and the Relief Society As Jon told me this, a sudden since I was 16 years old—a total calm enveloped me. In my mind of about 45 years! I replayed the alley scene and On 6 April 2000 I went with my realized I had received a divine son and daughter-in-law to our prompting at the corner of that al- stake center to watch the satellite ley from a loving Heavenly Father. broadcast of the dedication of the Jon was somewhat of an atheist, Palmyra New York Temple. When and when I told him why I had it came time to stand and sing changed my route that day he “The Spirit of God” (Hymns, no. 2), called it lucky or coincidental and I started mouthing the words as I then conceded that perhaps some- always do now. Suddenly my one was looking out for us. I knew daughter-in-law put her arm it went way beyond luck or chance. around me and said, “Mom, The scriptures give the promise you’re singing!” that if we are worthy, “The Holy It was true! I was singing the Ghost shall be thy constant com- way I used to sing! I sang all four panion” (D&C 121:46) and “will verses of the song. By the time the show unto you all things what ye dedication program was over, the should do” (2 Ne. 32:5). tightness returned to my throat t was my job I am extremely thankful for a and the miracle had ended. to take the most loving Heavenly Father who I will always be grateful to Ideposits to the has given us the gift of the Holy the Lord for allowing me that last bank. The back Ghost. I know I will continue to pay opportunity to sing praises to alley was the attention to the promptings I re- Him. I still can’t speak above a ceive, no matter how trivial or incon- whisper, but I will always have shortest way to អ អ go and return. venient the situation may seem. a song of praise in my heart. Polly Daw is a member of the Grove Creek First Bernadene G. Gardiner is a member of the Alma Ward, Pleasant Grove Utah Grove Creek Stake. Seventh Ward, Mesa Arizona West Stake.

THE ENSIGN/AUGUST 2002 69 my memory of youthful laughter The Music of was jogged when I heard the A Gift of Eggs title: “If You Could Hie to Kolob.” It struck me that through all this Peace—in Prison time and the many changes in and Love Name Withheld my life, I still had never heard By Claudia Waite Richards this hymn. Before I could think remember years ago sitting any further, the music began. had been living for a few with my peers in our 14- to Before the first verse ended, months in Kinshasa, the 15-year-old Sunday School I recognized I was hearing a capital of the Democratic Iclass, discussing which hymn we holy hymn of uncommon and IRepublic of the Congo (then might sing that day. One of us intricate beauty. The choir and Zaire), Africa, when the branch mentioned, “If You Could Hie to organist performed magnifi- Relief Society president asked if Kolob” (Hymns, no. 284). We all cently. My soul was pierced by she could come visiting teaching. broke out in laughter. To us, this the Spirit of God, which I felt title seemed the funniest and strongly through these inspired, most old-fogy-sounding in the eternal words of truth and hymnbook. heavenly music. After discovering this hymn’s Tears began to flow, initially title, it became a standing joke tears of shame and regret for my with my group of friends. When- pride and ignorance that had so ever there came a chance to sug- long separated me from the bless- gest a hymn for any occasion, ings of the gospel. Quickly, how- one of us would call out, “If You ever, my pain was transformed Could Hie to Kolob,” and we into joy as I was at once consoled would all have a good laugh. and instructed by the Spirit. I don’t think any of us had Before the hymn ended, what ever actually heard the hymn—I had started as a pricking of my certainly hadn’t. At the time, rock heart became the beginning of and roll was the only kind of mu- the healing of my soul. sic I was interested in. In the several years since my About 18 years later, in a very release from prison, the Savior’s different setting, I sat in a cold love has continued to heal me. concrete cell as an inmate in a My life isn’t easy, but living the state prison. I was watching TV gospel has brought me many and wearing headphones so as to blessings. I hold a responsible job hear the program and tune out and serve in various Church call- the ever-present noise and pro- ings. I share a good relationship fanity of my surroundings. I was with my less-active parents. In listening to the Saturday after- my work as a facilitator in the noon session of general confer- Church’s Substance Abuse ence. Years of Church inactivity, Recovery Program, I now help battles with drug addiction, and others overcome their addic- the experience of being incarcer- tions. And the sweetest bless- ated had brought me to the ing of all is the one I received depths of humility. The path I five years ago when I was had followed had been a horrible sealed for time and eternity way to realize that nothing is to a righteous young woman more important in life than the in the temple. I have the gospel of Jesus Christ. deepest gratitude to a patient, A musical selection by the loving Father who truly has Brigham Young University com- the power to transform the bined choir was announced, and bitter into sweet. អ

70 LATTER-DAY SAINT VOICES

I realize now that she waited so was a widow with two sons. She “Now therefore ye are no more long to visit so that I could have was thin, not quite five feet tall, strangers and foreigners, but time to learn a little French with and always smiling a beautiful, fellowcitizens with the saints, which to communicate. At that big smile. When she arrived to and of the household of God.” time our family was the only visit me, she came accompanied I smiled as I read the verse she white family in the branch. Some only by the Spirit of the Lord. had chosen. In spite of our differ- of the women spoke French, but After greeting me, this sister ences, she understood the strug- the majority spoke Lingala, a asked me to get my English Bible. gles I was experiencing. tribal language. Although I tried She spoke very slowly so I would As she prepared to leave, this not to feel alienated because of understand her message. We read sweet sister presented me with a gift my skin color and language, I felt in her French Bible, of 10 eggs. Many people in Zaire at very different from the sisters in and then in my that time ate only my branch. English one, two meals a The Relief Society president Ephesians 2:19: day, and many were starving. I knew it was a struggle for her to feed her sons. I felt guilty accepting the eggs and tried to decline the gift. But her eyes told me it was given in love. I accepted the eggs, and we basked in the love that she brought. It filled the house and made everything seem brighter. After a prayer with her, I watched her leave the yard, her petite and gracious form wrapped in African cloth. I no longer felt a stranger, but at home with the Saints of God. អ Claudia Waite Richards is a member of the Kuala Lumpur Branch, Singapore Mission.

hough I spoke little of her lan- guage,T I felt accepted in my new ward in Africa when my Relief Society presi- dent came calling.

THE ENSIGN/AUGUST 2002 71 RANDOM SAMPLER

children have laughed and re- minded each other of many do- Prune Creek and Other Memories you-remember-the-time stories. Now, as parents, they have shared these recollections with s I began to organize and their own children. Our family write our family’s history, memories have I realized my memories given us per- Aof each of our five children, now spective and grown, weren’t complete appreciation or accurate any longer. for the great Since I wanted our his- blessing we tory to bring back mem- have enjoyed ories as well as contain of being a family. dates and places, I made —Catherine R.

up a questionnaire for each Slaughter, Bounti- AKER of our children to fill out ful Seventh Ward, and return to me. Bountiful Utah The question- South Stake naire contained a number of differ-

ent categories. BETH WHITT BY : ILLUSTRATED The first was “fa- Vital vorite toys.” One of the children listed a toy Documents at fort, and I recalled the day my hus- Your Fingertips

band and I drove f we were to have a fire or JOE FLORES; RIGHT BY ILLUSTRATED LEFT: into Billings, Montana, to other disaster in the middle purchase it. of the night, the first thing I A favorite activity appeared The five children also remem- wouldI grab (besides my flash- on two boys’ questionnaires as bered a variety of illnesses and in- light, bathrobe, and slippers) “dirt clod wars.” I recalled all the juries. Reading their comments would be my portable file. I have neighborhood boys gathering in helped me recall the time when organized a legal-size, expand- a vacant lot, choosing up sides, three of them had the measles, able file folder containing the fol- and throwing dirt clods. My boys the family bout with chicken pox, lowing valuable documents: came home dirty but happy. and several trips to the emer- Two other lists were “favorite gency room for sprained ankles • Bank account, credit card places we went” and “favorite or broken bones. information. things we did.” The children in- An important part of the • Birth certificates. cluded our trip to Spokane for questionnaire called for “favorite • Children’s vital information the World’s Fair, camping on pets.” I remembered the dogs, (adoption and guardianship Prune Creek, and visiting the most of the cats, a donkey named papers, special medical needs, beaches of northern California. Stanley Jack, a mare named Red fingerprint records). Under the heading of “favorite Lady and her colt Charley Horse, • Funeral, mortuary, cemetery food,” I noticed that the broccoli and our racing pigeons. But I’d plans. haters of the past now enjoy eat- forgotten about the hamsters, the • Insurance policies (life, home, ing it as adults. Asking the children guppies, a parakeet, and a garter health, automobile) with a list to list the names of their friends snake I found one morning in of company names, agents, pre- and their favorite ward activities John’s bed after he left for school. mium due dates, cash values. brought back memories and added Besides giving me these mem- • Marriage certificate. useful data to our history. ories from their childhoods, our • MedicAlert information.

72 Follow the Liahona

amilies who like the out- • At the top of each note, write, doors will enjoy this family “Follow the Liahona.” home evening activity • Where children have to choose Fbased on the Liahona. The only to go left or right, leave a mes- materials required are a copy of sage saying, “Choose the the Book of Mormon, a pencil, right.” slips of paper, and masking • Where they should keep going tape. Optional supplies: (1) a straight, write, “Follow the picture of Lehi holding the strait and narrow path.” Liahona or (2) a compass or • Where the trail leads to a dead Styrofoam ball painted gold to end, write, “Detours can be look like the Liahona. dangerous.” Start the activity by • Near the end of the journey, reading 1 Nephi 16, write, “You are almost to the which describes how promised land. Endure to the Lehi found the end.” Liahona in front of • The last note could say, “Well his tent. Ask ques- done! You have reached the tions such as “What promised land!” did the Liahona • You could liken the notes to do?” “In what messages from the scriptures ways did it guide and compare reaching the Lehi’s family?” promised land to entering into and “How are the Heavenly Father’s presence. scriptures like the You could also leave notes with Liahona?” Emphasize that the canyon or forest. (Just be sure brief messages about the first Liahona pointed the way the the children remove the notes principles and ordinances of family should go in the wilder- after reading them.) When our the gospel. ness and that writing appeared family held this activity on a on it from time to time. canyon trail, my wife walked This activity took only a few Next, leave a trail of notes with the children, and I was minutes to prepare, but it proved giving directions to the “prom- waiting at the end of the trail to to be a memorable adventure for ised land.” You could leave the give each person a big hug. our youngsters.—Devan Jensen, notes in your backyard, a park, Here are some possible mes- Windsor Seventh Ward, Orem or even a trail in a nearby sages to write: Utah Windsor Stake

• Military papers. The idea for organizing our year as I prepare year-end sum- • Real-estate documents. family’s most important docu- maries for tax purposes, I also • Retirement benefits. ments in a portable file stemmed update my file. • Social Security cards. from a presentation I attended While it is important to store • Vehicle titles, registration, identifi- years ago, and I have used the some original documents in a se- cation and license plate numbers. file ever since. When my hus- cure place, having copies at my • Wills, living wills. band was hospitalized, medical fingertips has brought me a meas- • Additional documents: citizen- personnel required a copy of ure of peace. I know that in the ship papers; safety deposit box his living will. I knew right event of an emergency, I am as (number, location); stocks, where to find it and quickly prepared as I can be.—Berneice bonds, other investments; tax made a copy for them. Keeping Neeley, Riviera Ward, Salt Lake papers; affiliations; lists of debts. my file current is easy. Every Granite Park Stake

THE ENSIGN/AUGUST 2002 73 NEWS OF THE CHURCH

Andersen and Adhemar America now has a temple. Damiani of the Seventy. “Marvelous has been More than 8,500 people the growth of Thy work in attended the dedication, this part of Thy vineyard,” and some 75,000 people said President Hinckley in attended the temple’s the dedicatory prayer. “We open house, including thank Thee for the labors Campinas mayor Izalene of missionaries who have Tiene. “The city was in taught the everlasting CHURCH NEWS TESY CHURCH need at this time of pre- gospel. We thank Thee for cisely this kind of spiritual all who with open hearts refuge,” Mrs. Tiene said. and open minds have ac- Campinas has experienced cepted these teachings and recent civil unrest that cul- entered the waters of bap- minated in the assassina- tism to become members tion of Mrs. Tiene’s of Thy Church.” PHOTO BY MARTINHO CAIRES, COUR CAIRES, MARTINHO PHOTO BY Members await a dedicatory session for the Campinas Brazil Temple. predecessor, Antonio President Faust and da Costa Santos. Elder Jay E. Jensen of the Many who attended Seventy, President of the President Hinckley Dedicates the open house and dedi- South America South cation shed tears of grati- Area, also attended the Two Temples, Meets with Members tude for the sense of peace dedication. ontinuing a busy sea- invoked the blessings of they felt at the temple. When the Asunción son of temple dedica- the Lord for the Saints in temple was first an- tions,C President Gordon B. Brazil. “Here we will honor ASUNCIÓN PARAGUAY TEMPLE nounced in general con- Hinckley dedicated the Thee in carrying forward ference in April 2000, the Campinas Brazil Temple the great work of salvation Just two days after ded- Saints in Paraguay literally and the Asunción Paraguay and exaltation made possi- icating the Campinas tem- shouted for joy. “When Temple in May. The dedica- ble through the atoning ple, President Hinckley we heard the news that a tions brought the total sacrifice of Thy Beloved dedicated the Asunción temple was to be built in number of operating Son, our precious Lord,” Paraguay Temple, the Paraguay, we clapped and temples to 112. said President Hinckley. Church’s 112th temple. jumped and hollered. We During his travels, “Bless Thy Saints in this With the 19 May dedica- wanted the Lord to know President Hinckley also great nation of Brazil. As tion, every Spanish- how happy we were,” met with Latter-day Saints they walk in obedience speaking and Portuguese- says President Abilio in Jamaica and Trinidad. before Thee, open the speaking nation in South Samaniego, counselor in windows of heaven and CAMPINAS BRAZIL TEMPLE shower down blessings upon them.” On 17 May President President James E. Hinckley dedicated the Faust, Second Counselor Campinas Brazil Temple in the First Presidency, also in four sessions. attended the dedication. In the industrial city of President Faust, who was Campinas, the new temple an early missionary to has become a beacon of Brazil, conducted the tem- light to the community. “It ple’s groundbreaking cere- is brilliant,” said Nei Tobias mony four years ago, in NEWS CHURCH Garcia Jr., son of the city’s May 1998. Other General first stake president. “Its Authorities attending the light in the dark night dedication were Elder serves as a teaching that Athos M. Amorim of the

proclaims the truth.” Seventy, President of the SWENSEN, JASON PHOTO BY In the dedicatory Brazil South Area, and his Dedication of the Asunción Paraguay Temple places a temple in prayer, President Hinckley counselors, Elders Neil L. every Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking country of South America.

74 the Asunción temple welcome them and make presidency. “The Lord them feel at home and has shown us much love, answer their questions and I am grateful.” and give them encourage- ment when they come into MEETING MEMBERS the Church,” President IN JAMAICA, TRINIDAD Hinckley said. “In so doing

you will bless their lives YU—IDAHO More than 2,000 peo- many times over.” ple from Jamaica and the President Faust also Cayman Islands gathered spoke to the congregation, on 15 May in Kingston, sharing his thoughts about Jamaica, to hear President gaining and maintaining Hinckley speak. “I can’t a testimony. “Our testi- MICHAEL LEWIS, B PHOTO BY tell you how pleased they monies come from a per- President Gordon B. Hinckley receives doctoral hood from Elder Henry B. Eyring and Donald Bird, BYU—Idaho’s academic were to think that the sonal inward belief,” he vice-president. prophet would stop here,” said. “We are all converts said Norman G. Angus, to the Church.” kind, and it came at a He told the graduates: president of the Jamaica During their visit, landmark moment for “Keep the faith. This is my Kingston Mission. President Hinckley and the school. message to you. . . . My President Hinckley told President Faust met with challenge to you this the Saints they are a bless- Patrick Manning, prime REXBURG, IDAHO morning is that through- ing to the land of Jamaica. minister of Trinidad and out your lives you cultivate He admonished them to Tobago. They discussed President Hinckley and act with faith—faith in respect their country, to the work of the Church presided at the first com- yourselves, faith in your share the gospel with in the area, and President mencement for BYU— associates, faith in the those around them, and to Hinckley thanked the Idaho, formerly Ricks Church, faith in God, your strengthen their families. prime minister for allowing College, on 27 April. For Eternal Father.” He told the youth they are Church activities and pros- his lifetime of Christian He continued: “You the future of the Church elytizing to take place. អ service and leadership, he did not come into the and counseled them to be was awarded an honorary world to fail. You came strong. He also promised doctorate, the first such into the world to succeed,” blessings to those who pay degree ever presented by adding, “You will be their tithes and offerings. Church Leaders the school. Nearly 2,500 amazed at what might President Faust also students also received happen when in faith you bore his testimony of Counsel degrees from the now take a step forward.” missionary work and four-year institution. President Hinckley ad- the restored gospel. Graduates, During his address, monished: “Never lose In Port of Spain, President Hinckley said faith in yourself. Never Trinidad, President Receive Honors the Church Board of lose faith in your capacity Hinckley spoke to a gath- Education had long been to do good and worth- ering of almost 900 people, embers of the First troubled by the fact that while things. You cannot including members, gov- Presidency, the an ever-diminishing per- be arrogant. You cannot be ernment and civic leaders, MQuorum of the Twelve centage of young people conceited. You can be quiet and journalists. He called Apostles, and the Seventy could attend a Church- and humble and forward on those listening to love counseled graduates at sponsored university. looking and full of hope, their spouses and children, schools in Idaho and Utah “While reflecting on this the hope that blossoms to treat one another with during 2002 commence- fact, the thought came, into faith.” acceptance and respect, ment exercises, and both and I am confident it was Elder Henry B. Eyring and to faithfully pay their President Gordon B. inspiration, that we could of the Quorum of the tithes and offerings. He Hinckley and President increase the number Twelve Apostles—Church also encouraged mem- James E. Faust, Second touched by our higher Commissioner of Educa- bers to reach out to new Counselor in the First education program if Ricks tion and a former presi- converts. Presidency, received were to become a four-year dent of Ricks College— “I place upon you a honorary degrees. school offering baccalaure- told the graduates that responsibility to put your The honor for President ate degrees,” President they will be forever in arms around others and Hinckley was a first of its Hinckley said. debt to the teachers, family

THE ENSIGN/AUGUST 2002 75 own opportunities to teach on 25 April and spoke and of the profound effect to the more than 6,400 that outstanding teachers graduates. Elder Eyring have had on his life. also spoke, as did Elder “In truth my teachers Merrill J. Bateman of the have all been legion,” he Seventy, BYU President. said. He mentioned his Roderick Paige, U.S. secre- parents, children, grand- tary of education, was the children, and particularly principal speaker for the his wife, Ruth. He also occasion.

CHURCH NEWS CHURCH named three of the teach- “Strong families are the ers who had profound in- backbone of society,” Mr. fluence on him during his Paige told the graduates. formal schooling. Homes shape the people But, President Faust who come out of them, he said, some of the most im- said, and “it is in our fami- PHOTO BY STUART JOHNSON, STUART PHOTO BY portant of his learning lies where we learn that U.S. Secretary of Education Roderick Paige, second from left, visits with Elder Henry B. Eyring of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, came through another being a good mom or dad left; Elder Merrill J. Bateman of the Seventy, president of BYU; and teacher, “even the greatest is the most important job Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. of all.” any of us could ever have.” “I must acknowledge All of us, he said, “must members, and tithe payers reason to honor President the learning that has come let faith be the fire within who made their education Hinckley.” President to me in my life from the us.” He counseled gradu- possible. Bednar, who also serves as Holy Spirit of God,” he ates that success has more “You can’t repay your an Area Authority Seventy, commented, explaining, to do with serving than benefactors. You could not explained that President “A t times this knowledge receiving. ever find them, and they Hinckley’s “vision of edu- has come, and it could not Elder Ballard also wouldn’t take your money cation has largely im- possibly have come from spoke of service, calling if you offered it. But you pacted the direction of the any other source.” on the graduates to help can from this day forward new four-year institution, Chief Justice Christine make the world a more act so that your debt will as well as the lives of each Durham of the Utah peaceful place to live. be steadily reduced,” he student who attends.” Supreme Court offered the He urged them to let the said. The first graduates to commencement address. testimony of Jesus Christ “First, wherever you receive bachelor’s (four- “become ever more power- may labor in life, give more year) degrees from BYU— PROVO, UTAH ful in our life.” Then he than you take. Second, Idaho were 28 interior added, “That will happen whoever is around you in design students. The re- Elder M. Russell Ballard as you serve Him.” life, find someone to help. mainder of graduates re- of the Quorum of the Elder Eyring told the And third, ask God to mul- ceived associate (two-year) Twelve Apostles presided graduates that service is tiply the power of your ef- degrees. Among the grad- at the commencement for one way to achieve the forts to give and to help.” uates were 56 international Brigham Young University purpose of their education, Elder Eyring placed students. the hood representing the honorary degree on SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH President Hinckley, as- sisted by Donald Bird, President Faust was academic vice-president one of four people who of BYU—Idaho. received honorary In conferring the hon- degrees on 10 May at orary doctorate on the the University of Utah President of the Church, commencement. The BYU—Idaho president honor recognized his David A. Bednar said, “As leadership in legal, civic, the transition from Ricks and Church affairs. College to Brigham Young In his brief response,

University—Idaho moves President Faust spoke to HATFIELD MATTHEW PHOTO BY forward, we have special some 6,500 graduates of his President James E. Faust receives his honorary degree.

76 even at times when they told graduates not to be lungs, some of that breath are torn between the de- taken in by common should be used to bestow mands to provide and worldly myths about suc- on others deserved com- Members Cope care for a family and to cess, but to be obedient to mendation and needed manage other responsibili- principles that will make encouragement.” with Effects of ties. “Your key and mine to them successful in eternal The Heart and Lung rising to our potential as terms. Research Foundation an- To rnado, Floods servants is to know our He told them success nually bestows the Legacy Master, to do for Him what does not come from choos- of Life award on a leader embers were among we can, and to be content ing the “right” profession, with Utah ties who has those affected by to leave the residue in His rising to the top, making made significant contribu- Mfour recent natural disas- hands.” a lot of money, or even tions to the community ters, but in each case they Remember, he said, knowing right now what and to the well-being of escaped serious injury. “that you serve a Master they will do with the rest mankind. Elder Maxwell When a level F-5 who loves you, who knows of their lives. But filling the was selected because his tornado hit La Plata, you, and who is all power- measure of their creation life achievements have Maryland, on 28 April, ful. He has created not de- on the earth (see D&C “made the world and the it left 5 people dead, mands for your service 88:25) will have much to lives of all us dwelling in 738 homes damaged, and but opportunities for your do with their persistent ef- it better,” said David G. 49 businesses destroyed. growth.” fort and their integrity. He Thomas, chairman of the Three LDS families lost These opportunities counseled them to perse- Foundation’s Community property as a result of the bring blessings, he said. vere in order to achieve Advisory Council. storm. The tornado was “As you go to serve Him, and to be sure morality Past recipients include, the second worst ever to rather than being de- governs their professional among others, President strike the eastern coast of meaned, you will be as well as personal lives. អ Gordon B. Hinckley (1998), the United States. lifted up.” Utah governor Michael O. Along with providing In his brief remarks, Leavitt (1999), Latter-day disaster supplies, food, and Elder Bateman noted Saint industrialist Jon M. building materials to the that the 6,435 graduates Research Huntsman (1994), and community, the Church of- come from all 50 United Elder Russell M. Nelson of fered its facilities to three States and from 51 other Foundation the Quorum of the Twelve other churches that were countries, and that the Apostles (1993). damaged by the tornado. university is nationally Honors Among those attending Schoolchildren from a local recognized and “rapidly the awards banquet were private school met in a becoming known inter- Elder Maxwell President Hinckley; Latter-day Saint meeting- nationally.” He said that President Thomas S. house until schools ad- during the Olympics in lder Neal A. Maxwell Monson, First Counselor journed in June. February, nearly 60 na- of the Quorum of the in the First Presidency; As part of the massive tional and international TEwelve Apostles received President James E. Faust, cleanup effort, missionaries news organizations visited the 2002 Legacy of Life Second Counselor in the and members helped clean the campus. Award from the Deseret First Presidency; and Elder debris and organized meals “You are an elect Foundation’s Heart and Maxwell’s wife, Colleen, for the volunteers and vic- group,” he said. “May Lung Research Foundation and other family members. tims. They also helped sort you draw upon the lessons at an annual banquet on The program featured a the many commodities of life learned here. May 18 April. video tribute describing sent to relief agencies. you become an unusual The award, Elder Elder Maxwell’s influence In Panama during May, force for good in your Maxwell remarked, will and contributions. Among heavy rains brought some communities, and may “spur me to try to deserve those taking part in the flooding to the northwest- you humbly stand for what you’re kind enough tribute were President ern part of the country. At the right.” to bestow.” He reminded Boyd K. Packer, Acting least 400 people in rural ar- those attending the ban- President of the Quorum eas were forced from their SALT LAKE CITY quet that “as long as our of the Twelve Apostles; homes. Members of one hearts pump, some of the Elder Henry B. Eyring LDS family lost their home At the commencement time they should pulsate of the Quorum of the and all their possessions. for LDS Business College because we’re reaching Twelve Apostles; and Another 14 member fami- on 9 May, Elder F. Burton out to others. And as long Elder Bruce C. Hafen lies were left in need of ba- Howard of the Seventy as there is breath in our of the Seventy. អ sic supplies. Local Church

THE ENSIGN/AUGUST 2002 77 leaders assisted members women organized into as- with food, clothing, shelter, sembly lines to create hy- and medicine. giene kits, school-supply In the Spotlight The heavy rains of May packages, and fleece hats also brought flooding in and jackets to send to dis- ITALIAN TV PROGRAM areas of Honduras and aster victims or others in FEATURES PRIMARY Issues such as the fight Nicaragua. In Nicaragua, need all over the world. As against child abuse were some 30,000 people were a group, the sisters assem- The national Italian discussed. The Church’s affected, including 600 bled some 67,000 hygiene television network, RAI, Primary programs were member families; many kits and 15,000 school kits. recently aired a program, described as a way of pro- of these members were The kits will be dis- “Let’s Protect Our Children,” tecting children, and the staying with friends and tributed by the Latter-day which featured the Church LDS panelists were able neighbors. No members Saint Humanitarian Center and its Primary organi- to explain Church teach- were reported among in Salt Lake City. There is zation. The program, ings about children and those evacuated in constant demand for them aired on 11 April, was families. Honduras. Local Church in many different areas of part of an ongoing series, leaders provided aid for the world. Ten Minutes Of. CAMBODIAN KING RECEIVES members in need in the Major corporations do- Moderator Carlo CHURCH REPRESENTATIVES affected areas. At the re- nated most of the materials Fontana spoke with Sergio quest of the government for the school kits, hats, Belforti, president of the Church representatives of Nicaragua, the Church and jackets. អ Milan Italy Stake and a met on 6 May with the king shipped two container pediatrician and father of of Cambodia. Among other loads of food, clothing, and four children; Emanuela things, they talked about personal hygiene kits to De Matteis, a Primary the Church’s activities in help with relief efforts. Discount teacher; and Giuseppe Cambodia and about its In Chile, the heaviest Pasta, the Church’s na- emphasis on families. rains in 100 years caused Offered tional director of public King Norodom flooding that affected as affairs. Sihanouk and his wife, many as 100,000 people on Temple and killed 9. No Church members were injured. Clothing The homes of 170 member families sustained damage, n an effort to help Policies and Announcements but welfare funds were members obtain their The First Presidency has the opportunity to used to provide for emer- ownI temple clothing, the sent the following letter, participate. gency repairs and relief Church continues to offer dated 2 May 2002, to Parents and teachers supplies. Two Church a substantial discount on priesthood leaders. should help children meetinghouses sustained the first-time purchase of learn what a testimony minor flood damage. អ temple clothing. BEARING OF TESTIMONIES is and when it is ap- The First Presidency IN FAST AND TESTIMONY propriate for them to initially announced the MEETING express it. It may be discount in a letter dated best to have younger Women Produce 6 October 1998 to encour- We are concerned children learn to share age endowed members to that in some instances, their testimonies at such Thousands of purchase their own temple members who desire to times as family home clothing and to use it bear their testimonies evening or when giving Humanitarian when performing temple in fast and testimony talks in Primary until ordinances. “The prepara- meeting do not have they are old enough to Service Items tion and care of one’s own the opportunity to do so. do so in a fast and testi- temple clothing will en- Bishoprics are encour- mony meeting. s part of the annual hance the feeling of rever- aged to help all people We encourage bish- Brigham Young ence and gratitude for this learn to express a brief, oprics to teach these AUniversity Women’s sacred work,” the First heartfelt testimony of the important principles to Conference, Relief Society Presidency letter said. Savior, His teachings, and priesthood and auxiliary sisters took part in a mas- Members can purchase the Restoration, so that leaders and to all ward sive service project on temple clothing through lo- more members may have members. អ 3 May. Thousands of cal distribution centers. អ

78 50 years is affecting some 20 million Africans in Malawi alone. Comment More than 300 Church members took part in CALL FOR ARTICLES preparing the emergency food boxes. The Church If you have had experi- also sent four large con- ence pertaining to the fol- tainers of clothing and lowing, we invite you to purchased 250 tons of share your suggestions: “A s grain from surrounding a married couple with busy countries to help people schedules, we want to make in the drought areas. sure that we continue our Mission president John P. Colton presents gifts to King Norodom courtship. What are some cre- Sihanouk. HOME STORAGE: ative, less-expensive ways for CATCHING THE SPIRIT husbands and wives to show Mony Neat Sihanouk, re- in the 26 May issue of each other they are still in ceived President John P. Parade, a Sunday supple- Members of four stakes love, even after many years Colton of the Cambodia ment for many newspa- in American Samoa have of marriage?” Phnom Penh Mission pers. Brother Hinck is enthusiastically welcomed Send responses by and his wife, Barbara; stationed in Fort Campbell, a new emphasis on home 15 September to Ensign President Colton’s coun- Kentucky. He and his wife, storage. They packed 40,000 Editorial, 24th Floor, 50 East selor Elder Gordon Haight Ann, also from Morgan, pounds of food in three North Temple Street, Salt and his wife, Emma; Elder are members of the branch months, using foil pouches Lake City, Utah 84150-3224. Ralph and Sister Charla in Princeton, Kentucky. that protect rice, sugar, and At the top of your submis- Francis, representing LDS flour in the warm tempera- sion, write “Questions and charities; Elder David FOOD FOR FAMINE RELIEF tures and humid environ- Answers,” along with your Rasmussen, assistant ment of the tropics. name, address, telephone to the president; and Humanitarian volun- The procuring of two number, ward, and stake. Elder Tol Koim, a native teers gathered at Welfare sealing machines helped You may also reply by Cambodian missionary. Square in Salt Lake City spur the storage drive, e-mail to cur-editorial- The visitors presented on 29 and 30 May to with the effort being as- [email protected]. the king with two copies of pack nearly 7,000 boxes sisted by Elder Ronald Put “Questions and the Book of Mormon, one of emergency food sup- and Sister Rose Harvey, Answers” in the subject newly translated in Khmer plies for the suffering peo- welfare service mission- line. and one in French, along ple of drought-stricken aries from Edmonton, While we cannot ac- with a record documenting Malawi, Zimbabwe, and Alberta, Canada. Local knowledge receipt of indi- Church activities in the Madagascar. priesthood leaders have vidual responses, authors country, including the de- The worst drought in directed and helped give whose submissions are se- livery of humanitarian aid impetus to the efforts. lected for publication will and the providing of edu- President Falema’o M. Pili be notified. If you want cational help through the of the Pago Pago West your manuscript returned, Latter-day Saint Charities Stake, chairman of the enclose a self-addressed, learning center. welfare committee in stamped envelope. American Samoa, helped SOLDIER IN THE SPOTLIGHT seal and pack the first 50 GREAT PHOTOS! pounds of rice. Saints from The face on the cover the Pago Pago Samoa, Pago I want each of the pho- of a national magazine the Pago Samoa Central, Pago tographers whose work day before Memorial Day Pago Samoa Mapusaga, appeared in the May 2002 in the United States was and Pago Pago Samoa Ensign to know how inspir- that of a young soldier West Stakes have come ing it is. I wish I could see from Morgan, Utah. to the bishops’ storehouse the photos that didn’t make Specialist Matthew L. as families, ward groups, it into the issue! I am grate- Hinck was chosen to and individuals to take ful for the photographers’ represent U.S. soldiers part in packing food for abilities and gifts to see. អ Deborah Kent in Afghanistan for a story Volunteers pack food boxes. home storage. Moberly, Missouri

THE ENSIGN/AUGUST 2002 79 Help with Your History Need help remembering Making the Most dates and other information for your family history? Prepare a questionnaire and of This Issue involve the whole family, page 72. AUGUST 2002 Home Teachers and Visiting Teachers The Visiting Teaching struggled to care for him. See Difference page 60 to learn how a ward Find the monthly mes- sages on pages 2 and 63. Three stories, remembered their needs. three testimonies— What Do You Know Did You Know? but the same about Kanesville? You can view the sisterhood, Church magazines bringing bless- As a major out- on-line either as text ings through fitting post for or as magazine pages. visiting teaching. pioneers going The Ensign, New Era, See pages 64–67. west, Kanesville, Iowa, played a and Friend are avail- Building Your Scripture vital role in able from To Strengthen Your Family Foundation Latter-day Saint their begin- ning in 1971 • Stories from Latter-day • The passing of the man- history. See page 14 as HTML Saint Voices can help you tle of authority from Elijah for the fascinating story. (text) files on teach important gospel prin- to Elisha teaches valuable les- To Escape from Sin the Church’s ciples. For an example of how sons about how the Lord re- Web site the Holy Ghost can protect leases one Church leader and A woman feels trapped www.lds.org. The Liahona, and guide us, read “Don’t Go calls a new one. See page 24. by same-sex attraction and the Church’s international through the Alley!” page 68. • How can we avoid spiri- despairs of ever being wor- magazine, is available in • Begin a discussion about tual leprosy? The experi- thy of Heavenly Father’s English from 1977. All four music and its effect on us ences of a powerful military love. Can she find the peace of the magazines are available by reading “The Music of leader and of a servant to a she seeks? See page 48. as PDF (full-page format) Peace—in Prison,” page 70. prophet offer valuable in- Are Your Records Safe? files from January 2001. • Want some variety in sights. Read about Naaman your home evening? Why and Gehazi, page 27. Do you know where your GOSPEL TOPICS not hold it outdoors? It can family’s important records be both fun and instructional. They Remembered are? Organize them in a Activation, 2 Missionary work, 8 When He Could Not Branches, 60 Morality, 48 For ideas, including a way portable file, and you’re Charity, 60, 63, 64,71 Music, 69 your family can “Follow the Alzheimer’s was taking ready in case of an emer- Chastity, 48 Naaman, 27 Liahona,” see page 73. his memory, and his wife gency. See page 72. Choices, 42 Obedience, 2, 27, 68 Church organiza- Old Testament, 24, Me, a Pioneer? tion, 60 27, 30 Conversion, 11 Overcoming chal- She was just a teenager Divorce, 36 lenges, 48 when she became the first Elijah, 24 Peace, 52 Church member in her Elisha, 24 Personal revela- family and one of the first Faith, 11, 52 tion, 52 Faithfulness, 69 Prayer, 42, 52 Latter-day Saints in Taiwan. Family home Relief Society, 71 See page 11 for her story. evening, 73 Repentance, 36, Fellowshipping, 71 48, 70 Will You Choose Happiness? First Presidency, 14 Same-sex attrac- Forgiveness, 36, 70 tion, 48 “Our success or failure, Gehazi, 27 Scripture study, peace or discontent, Gratitude, 69 30, 52 happiness or misery Healing, 11 Scriptures, 42 depends upon the choices History, Church, 14 Service, 2, 60, 63, 64 we make each day,” says Holy Ghost, 42, 52, Smith, Joseph, 30 68 Sustaining leaders, Elder W. Craig Zwick of the Homosexuality, 48 24 Seventy. His suggestions Hymns, 70 Temples, 69 and encouragement for Illness, 60 Testimony bearing, making righteous choices Inspiration, 52 8 Knowledge, 27 Trials, 60 begin on page 42. Love, 36 Visiting teaching, Marriage, 36 64, 71 80 Miracles, 2 Wards, 60 An Angel Touched Him, by Walter Rane Y AND ART COURTESY MUSEUM OF CHURCH HISTOR COURTESY “And as [Elijah] lay and slept under a juniper tree, behold, then an angel touched him, and said unto him, Arise and eat. And he looked, and, behold, there was a cake baken on the coals, and a cruse of water at his head. And he did eat and drink, and laid him down again” (1 Kgs. 19:5–6). ow grateful I am for the visiting teaching program and for the H lesson I learned about looking on the heart. In doing so, my own heart was changed” Teaching: (see “Visiting Getting to the Heart,” p. 65). “

COVER PHOTO BY CRAIG DIMOND

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