"Every man gives his life for what he believes. Every woman gives her life for what she believes. Sometimes people believe in little or nothing. One life is all we have, and we live as we believe in living it, and then it’s gone. But to surrender what you are, and live without belief—that's more terrible than dying—more terrible than dying young."
These spirited lines of Joan of Arc from Anderson's play Joan of Lorraine catch a theme lately running through my mind. Living without belief is, I suppose, pragmatically and philosophically impossible. At worst would be belief in unbelief. Yet of all the many beliefs in the world today, of the many confusing trumpets, few are the beliefs that are saving, rare are the trumpets sounding a clear call. Life at its best, existence in its fullest sense calls for well-integrated growing beliefs built on premises that are true. The only faith that moves mountains is true faith, vibrant and ever growing. Indeed, the Book of Mormon’s definition of faith precludes false faith (see Alma 32:21).
The faith that is the first principle of the gospel is a particular type of faith: faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. In Him we can safely center our belief. We cannot afford to say as one man said to us a few nights ago as we explained about the gospel of Jesus Christ, "I never get mixed up in personalities." A very original answer, I had to admit, but a dangerous philosophy in the eternal aspect of things.
The traditions of men shape so many beliefs. Environment, custom, tradition, apathy hand us our precious beliefs and wrap us in darkness and ignorance.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Wednesday, August 20, 1969
Jim Dallas, my roommate last year at school, wrote me a letter from Jönköping, Sweden. I thrilled to read his wonderful letter. He mentioned: "Congratulations on your being part of bringing your wonderful family into the Church. Doubt I'll ever be privileged to see one that large come in here as Swedes on the whole only have two or three kids per family. But our Heavenly Father has allowed me to be with and teach two fine young men and a Danish family who joined the Church. Isn't it wonderful to be a missionary!"
Elder Dallas and his companion had traveled all over Sweden with a display containing a pictorial explanation of the Church. Their work is directed mostly towards young people and young families by using the MIA.
"It was one of the choicest learning experiences of my life to be a guide and street contactor with the display," he wrote, "and now most of our proselyting time is dedicated to looking up and teaching the visitors who left their names and addresses."
Yes, I was warmed all over to read his good letter. Within a week they were expecting two more baptisms. His tone was one of a dedicated and faithful elder.
Elder Dallas and his companion had traveled all over Sweden with a display containing a pictorial explanation of the Church. Their work is directed mostly towards young people and young families by using the MIA.
"It was one of the choicest learning experiences of my life to be a guide and street contactor with the display," he wrote, "and now most of our proselyting time is dedicated to looking up and teaching the visitors who left their names and addresses."
Yes, I was warmed all over to read his good letter. Within a week they were expecting two more baptisms. His tone was one of a dedicated and faithful elder.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Tuesday, August 19, 1969
Yesterday afternoon the four elders in the district saw the movie Romeo and Juliet. The production was superbly done: costuming was magnificent, acting marvelous, the original Shakespearean language preserved in its flowering greatness, the music masterful, the filming well done. It made me proud to have English as my mother tongue.
Upon returning from the show, we held our weekly district meeting. The singing is pretty bad still. Elder Stewart explained our new program and the decision followed to make 60 contacts per week our minimum goal rather than the present 30. The other two elders will come to our place each morning for breakfast before we all leave to contact. For instance, the four of us went to the downtown area this morning. Generally we will stick to our own area.
A few days ago a letter came from Dean Slade, my first companion here in Brazil. He mentioned in passing that he would be marrying a Jewish girl August 28. It will be a civil ceremony because she is the only one in her family belonging to the Church. The day following they will be sealed in the St. George Temple. She is already learning Portuguese, he reported.
Upon returning from the show, we held our weekly district meeting. The singing is pretty bad still. Elder Stewart explained our new program and the decision followed to make 60 contacts per week our minimum goal rather than the present 30. The other two elders will come to our place each morning for breakfast before we all leave to contact. For instance, the four of us went to the downtown area this morning. Generally we will stick to our own area.
A few days ago a letter came from Dean Slade, my first companion here in Brazil. He mentioned in passing that he would be marrying a Jewish girl August 28. It will be a civil ceremony because she is the only one in her family belonging to the Church. The day following they will be sealed in the St. George Temple. She is already learning Portuguese, he reported.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Sunday, August 17, 1969
"Ever and always startling is the swiftness with which time goes, the speed at which life passes. 'My departed hours—where are they?' the poet asked in anguish. The weeks seem hours only."
As time slips ever away, the above thoughts from Richard L. Evans seem appropriate. How starkly true the thought, the realization that weeks seem hours only. A missionary appreciates such a thought, wishing at moments that time were his to control. In about one month, President Johnson indicates, we will be out of the mission office assignments we now hold. The past months working with Elder Stewart have been precious. I love that man so dearly. Realizing we have not much time together, we planned today to make the best and most effective use of that time remaining in serving our Father in Heaven.
For as suggests Brother Evans: "Oh, may we have the wisdom to use the little time, the precious life, to do what should be done, to learn what should be learned, to live as we should live: repenting, improving, performing, with a blessed sense of peace and purpose—not just rearranging our problems—not just rushing around."
Tracting has been our means to "see the people" almost exclusively the months we have worked in this area. Using this method has found us ten baptisms. However, desiring to see more people and to use our limited hours more wisely, we developed a new approach. The new emphasis is on street contacting in the morning before going to work in the mission office. Our study time, taken that period in the morning, will be moved to early evening. We will largely cease early evening tracting.
Yesterday afternoon we saw Victor Flores Ferreira and his son Mário baptized and confirmed members of the Church. Victor's wife, sister, mother, and children all attended the service. Elder Stewart baptized both of them and confirmed Mário. I confirmed Irmão Victor.
Many months have passed since this family came in contact with the Church: Victor heard the first lesson the very same Sunday night William heard it back in March. A heavy work schedule slowed things down considerably for a time. But now he is a member. The silent fear hints that he is not yet converted to activity in the Church. He did not attend either meeting today.
Following the baptism yesterday we had a dinner engagement with Irmã Maria Amelia de Oliveira. This evening when we visited Maria Yolanda and Marcos to give them a short lesson-type thought, a snack was served.
As time slips ever away, the above thoughts from Richard L. Evans seem appropriate. How starkly true the thought, the realization that weeks seem hours only. A missionary appreciates such a thought, wishing at moments that time were his to control. In about one month, President Johnson indicates, we will be out of the mission office assignments we now hold. The past months working with Elder Stewart have been precious. I love that man so dearly. Realizing we have not much time together, we planned today to make the best and most effective use of that time remaining in serving our Father in Heaven.
For as suggests Brother Evans: "Oh, may we have the wisdom to use the little time, the precious life, to do what should be done, to learn what should be learned, to live as we should live: repenting, improving, performing, with a blessed sense of peace and purpose—not just rearranging our problems—not just rushing around."
Tracting has been our means to "see the people" almost exclusively the months we have worked in this area. Using this method has found us ten baptisms. However, desiring to see more people and to use our limited hours more wisely, we developed a new approach. The new emphasis is on street contacting in the morning before going to work in the mission office. Our study time, taken that period in the morning, will be moved to early evening. We will largely cease early evening tracting.
Yesterday afternoon we saw Victor Flores Ferreira and his son Mário baptized and confirmed members of the Church. Victor's wife, sister, mother, and children all attended the service. Elder Stewart baptized both of them and confirmed Mário. I confirmed Irmão Victor.
Many months have passed since this family came in contact with the Church: Victor heard the first lesson the very same Sunday night William heard it back in March. A heavy work schedule slowed things down considerably for a time. But now he is a member. The silent fear hints that he is not yet converted to activity in the Church. He did not attend either meeting today.
Following the baptism yesterday we had a dinner engagement with Irmã Maria Amelia de Oliveira. This evening when we visited Maria Yolanda and Marcos to give them a short lesson-type thought, a snack was served.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Wednesday, August 13, 1969
Last evening and tonight Elder Nielson and I worked together while Elders Richins and Stewart were together. Tuesday we taught a lesson in the other area while Elder Richins interviewed Victor for baptism. Tonight we taught a first lesson to a man named Nilton Luiz. He and his family accepted it well. The others taught a group, in which two widowed ladies were the only sharp ones, a Joaquina and an Aesteria by name.
Monday we taught a second lesson to José and Tania.
Monday we taught a second lesson to José and Tania.
Monday, August 10, 2009
Sunday, August 10, 1969
Yesterday a welcome letter from a wonderful friend, Mark Smith, announced that he would be entering the mission home in September. His call is to the French Mission. Earlier in the week a letter from Jeff Boswell arrived. It was one of love and faith, as might be expected from a young man as he.
Last night we held a long conversation with Victor Ferreira and his wife Helena. They were not ready for baptism, and it appeared that progress had stopped. But they did promise to come to Sunday School this morning. And they did. We marked to drop by and visit again early this afternoon. I had not the slightest idea of what we should do, of how we ought to profitably continue. Elder Stewart indicated a similar lack of direction or inspiration. After some brain racking, we knelt in prayer and pleaded for aid. Shortly thereafter we determined a plan, largely voiced by Elder Stewart, and went to put it into operation.
Upon arriving at Victor’s home, we spoke briefly then fervently bore our testimonies once more to him. We asked him to kneel and ask God whether or not he should be baptized next Saturday. He knelt, prayed, said a lot of words, but finally asked. At that moment it was clear that the Holy Ghost was present. We had promised to abide by the answer he received.
"Can we begin making preparations for the baptismal service Saturday?" Elder Stewart asked as we arose from our knees.
"Yes," he replied.
Right then and there we presented the sixth and final lesson. Helena had a headache and did not attend. Certainly we were feeling particularly animated with Victor's decision. His son Mário expressed a desire to be baptized also. He is 12 years old. This evening we combined with various members in the area to visit with Victor throughout the coming week.
Last night we held a long conversation with Victor Ferreira and his wife Helena. They were not ready for baptism, and it appeared that progress had stopped. But they did promise to come to Sunday School this morning. And they did. We marked to drop by and visit again early this afternoon. I had not the slightest idea of what we should do, of how we ought to profitably continue. Elder Stewart indicated a similar lack of direction or inspiration. After some brain racking, we knelt in prayer and pleaded for aid. Shortly thereafter we determined a plan, largely voiced by Elder Stewart, and went to put it into operation.
Upon arriving at Victor’s home, we spoke briefly then fervently bore our testimonies once more to him. We asked him to kneel and ask God whether or not he should be baptized next Saturday. He knelt, prayed, said a lot of words, but finally asked. At that moment it was clear that the Holy Ghost was present. We had promised to abide by the answer he received.
"Can we begin making preparations for the baptismal service Saturday?" Elder Stewart asked as we arose from our knees.
"Yes," he replied.
Right then and there we presented the sixth and final lesson. Helena had a headache and did not attend. Certainly we were feeling particularly animated with Victor's decision. His son Mário expressed a desire to be baptized also. He is 12 years old. This evening we combined with various members in the area to visit with Victor throughout the coming week.
Friday, August 7, 2009
Thursday, August 7, 1969
This afternoon Elders Stewart, Richins, and I visited Elder Walters in the hospital. He seems to be doing fine. Elder Nielson stayed in the office working on the Desafio.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Wednesday, August 6, 1969
President Johnson left this afternoon for São Paulo to meet with President Hibbard and take care of business there. He will return sometime Friday. Whenever the President and his family travel, the mission office remains pretty quiet.
Elder Raymond Carter left the mission today, eventually to be re-assigned to another mission. He had been here six months, working last in Jardim Botânico, where I came to know him. A number of factors lead to the decision to send him home, including sickness and other problems, but topped off by the death in Vietnam of a very close brother. He flies to California, will be at home a few days for the funeral, and then travels to Salt Lake and reassignment.
Late Sunday night Elder Walters finally arrived from the North. He was not acting or feeling sick, except he was a bit yellow. Jaundice is generally associated with hepatitis. We rode up to the Hospital Silvestre with him and helped check him in there.
Elder Raymond Carter left the mission today, eventually to be re-assigned to another mission. He had been here six months, working last in Jardim Botânico, where I came to know him. A number of factors lead to the decision to send him home, including sickness and other problems, but topped off by the death in Vietnam of a very close brother. He flies to California, will be at home a few days for the funeral, and then travels to Salt Lake and reassignment.
Late Sunday night Elder Walters finally arrived from the North. He was not acting or feeling sick, except he was a bit yellow. Jaundice is generally associated with hepatitis. We rode up to the Hospital Silvestre with him and helped check him in there.
Monday, August 3, 2009
Sunday, August 3, 1969
Yesterday was Elder Stewart's 20th birthday. It turned out to be a good day for him because he was asked to baptize Peter Folz, a member child, in the afternoon. The audit was also terminated. Brother Anderson, who understands neither Spanish nor Portuguese, attended the baptismal service with us. Elder Richins and I were downtown in the morning and did not return in time for the birthday dinner for Elder Stewart.
Today was fast Sunday. This evening we held in the chapel a joint member-investigator fireside. It was a good fireside. Victor and his family attended, coming in at the last moment with William and his family just as we were starting. Using the theme "Seek and Ye Shall Find," we played a treasure hunt game where three groups had to find three necessary ingredients to make punch: water, sugar, and punch powder. The analogy followed. Three steps are required to obtain or strengthen a testimony: study, prayer, keeping the commandments (meaning attending the meetings and living the Word of Wisdom for investigators). Any two of the steps are not enough; neither punch nor testimonies result from using just two ingredients.
Twelve years ago today I was baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Chirst of Latter-day Saints.
Today was fast Sunday. This evening we held in the chapel a joint member-investigator fireside. It was a good fireside. Victor and his family attended, coming in at the last moment with William and his family just as we were starting. Using the theme "Seek and Ye Shall Find," we played a treasure hunt game where three groups had to find three necessary ingredients to make punch: water, sugar, and punch powder. The analogy followed. Three steps are required to obtain or strengthen a testimony: study, prayer, keeping the commandments (meaning attending the meetings and living the Word of Wisdom for investigators). Any two of the steps are not enough; neither punch nor testimonies result from using just two ingredients.
Twelve years ago today I was baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Chirst of Latter-day Saints.
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Friday, August 1, 1969
While Elder Stewart and Elder Nielson went banking this afternoon, Elder Richins and I went to the Santos Dumont Airport to meet a Brother Anderson, arriving from São Paulo. He is from the Auditing Department in Salt Lake City. This mission was the ninth he was visiting of the ten in South America. While waiting for his late flight, we decided what an auditor should look like so we could recognize him. Brother Anderson, a quite young and rather loose man, was not what we had been expecting. He was distinctively American, though not auditorish, but he recognized us because missionaries look rather the same nearly everywhere.
Most of his work was with Elder Stewart, as accountant. Things were looking good until 1,700 conto (NCr$1.700) were found extra in the petty cash. They never did figure out where that much money (US $425) came from. We worked until about 8:30 and called it a day. Then Elder Stewart and I took Brother Anderson out to eat. We had camarão à Biana (a very spicy Brazilian shrimp dish).
As if this were not enough to make an interesting day, add more: A call came from the North saying Elder Jeffrey Walters in João Pessoa had hepatitis. The President and Sister Johnson were in Petrópolis at zone conference, and we had no way to contact them. Elder Richins, on his own, sent a telegram telling Elder Walters to head for Recife and to expect to continue down to Rio. Of course the President was thrilled to receive such news as he returned home after a tiring day. I'm not even sure that the 15 110-FP cards (meaning 15 baptisms) that arrived today also from João Pessoa, Elder Walters’s district, cheered him up.
Anyway, to add to the confusion already reigning because of Elder Walters, the auditor's arrival, and Dona Lourdes (the cook) being sick, a couple of sailors off the Enterprise dropped in to say hello. One of them was an elder in the Church from Seattle, Elder Richins's home, and he just wanted to get in touch with the Church while the ship was in Rio port for a couple days. The Enterprise was returning from Vietnam to the States.
All a fellow can say is WOW!
Most of his work was with Elder Stewart, as accountant. Things were looking good until 1,700 conto (NCr$1.700) were found extra in the petty cash. They never did figure out where that much money (US $425) came from. We worked until about 8:30 and called it a day. Then Elder Stewart and I took Brother Anderson out to eat. We had camarão à Biana (a very spicy Brazilian shrimp dish).
As if this were not enough to make an interesting day, add more: A call came from the North saying Elder Jeffrey Walters in João Pessoa had hepatitis. The President and Sister Johnson were in Petrópolis at zone conference, and we had no way to contact them. Elder Richins, on his own, sent a telegram telling Elder Walters to head for Recife and to expect to continue down to Rio. Of course the President was thrilled to receive such news as he returned home after a tiring day. I'm not even sure that the 15 110-FP cards (meaning 15 baptisms) that arrived today also from João Pessoa, Elder Walters’s district, cheered him up.
Anyway, to add to the confusion already reigning because of Elder Walters, the auditor's arrival, and Dona Lourdes (the cook) being sick, a couple of sailors off the Enterprise dropped in to say hello. One of them was an elder in the Church from Seattle, Elder Richins's home, and he just wanted to get in touch with the Church while the ship was in Rio port for a couple days. The Enterprise was returning from Vietnam to the States.
All a fellow can say is WOW!
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