Today new responsibilities, new surroundings, new faces come into my life. Tuesday evening President Johnson informed Elder Stewart and me of our transfers: Elder Stewart to Nova Friburgo to be district leader and Elder Cleverly to Ramos to be district leader.
Our last few days together as companions saw us visiting our families (we noticed how close we had grown to each of them) and our investigators to say good-bye, teaching Elders Morrell and Broadhead their new responsibilities, and showing them in greater detail their proselyting area. Last night we taught Nilton Luz and his family a fourth lesson.
Elder Stewart left Friday morning. It was sad to see him go. My regard and love for him had grown to great proportions. I shall consider him ever a friend, a brother, and my companion.
Yesterday, last night, and this morning I worked with Elders Morrell and Broadhead. This morning I traveled out to Ramos to replace Elder Anderson, a very trunky elder. My new companion is Elder John Edward Staker, a novinho of two weeks from Mt. Pleasant, Utah.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Monday, September 8, 1969
This afternoon I participated in one of the most uplifting spiritual experiences of my life. Twelve of us were sitting in a casual circle in the living room of the mission home, receiving precious insights and sharing testimonies of a special and holy nature. Among our number was an Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ, Elder Gordon B. Hinckley.
President Johnson was running the show because, as Brother Hinckley had earlier pointed out while we circled the dinner table, he believed in being obedient to the mission president. However, as soon as the President had called us together and had called upon his assistant, Elder Bob Bailey, to offer the opening prayer, the time was offered to Brother Hinckley.
He remained sitting in the easy chair he was in and suggested that each of the eight young elders present take about three minutes each to express a few thoughts. Some very touching testimonies were borne during those few minutes. It is a rare privilege and opportunity to bear testimony to an Apostle.
Next Sister Johnson was called upon to speak. She brought tears to my eyes as she told of how her parents had finally caught the vision of the gospel just before they, the Johnsons, were called to Brazil and had turned from inactivity to go to the House of the Lord.
Sister Hinckley shared with us a few thoughts next. She is an able and gracious companion to her husband. She spoke of her joy in being with us and of the miracle of the great missionary system. She never worried about her sons while they were serving missions, just when they returned home did she begin to worry again.
Finally President Johnson bore his strong witness to us that he knew that this was the work and kingdom of God, expressing his overflowing gratitude and love for all those associated with him in this grand work.
Then all eyes turned to Brother Hinckley. Now it was his turn. He asked if he might remain seated because he wanted to talk casually and intimately with us, not wishing to preach. I saw true manhood and great humility as he sat there before us saying that he felt unworthy of the office of the apostleship. As he meets with missionaries across the width and breadth of the earth, he feels unworthy of the office. As he received such a warm welcome at the airport at 11:00 the evening before, he felt unworthy of the office. As he sits in meetings of counsel with the other Brethren in the Salt Lake Temple, he feels unworthy of the office.
He shared with us a few touching and close associations he has had with our beloved prophet and leader, President David O. McKay. Just last year the Brethren of the Twelve and First Presidency met in President McKay’s apartment a few days before Christmas. As they each bore their testimonies, they expressed their love for President McKay. Tears came to his eyes and he said, "I am not worthy of your love and trust." Now that was the Prophet speaking! There is no doubt that he is a prophet, Brother Hinckley said. It was appropriate for him to speak of the Prophet—today is President McKay’s 96th birthday.
Often we sing, "We thank Thee, O God, for a prophet to guide us in these latter days." But if we would really follow the Prophet, the Church would be twice as strong as it is, and we would be twice as blessed as a people. Brother Hinckley assured us that the Lord was preparing a successor to President McKay—a man who would have wide and deep experience, years of long service, of capable judgment, of character molded by life and tempered by the Holy Spirit of God. He felt the Lord was taking His time in preparing such a replacement. President McKay’s body is old and worn and weak, but his mind and spirit are firm and clear. When he passes away, there will be no politicking, no power plays—the Lord’s choice will be evident.
Brother Hinckley spoke of missionary work and the great miracle it is. He told us of how the Church is growing in the Far East, his responsibility for eight years, of how it is surging forward in California. He said he felt a special spirit about Brazil. Years of slow and long preparation will be giving way to a time of rich and fuller harvest. At times he feels concerned about São Paulo baptizing too fast. Twelve years ago (when President Hibbard, now president of the Brazilian Mission, was working there), São Paulo had one branch of 80 members, seven of which were active. This year over 2,000 converts will swell the wards of the two stakes there now. It is difficult to integrate so many new members.
He moved into other areas to share other missionary experiences with us, an area he has directly worked with since 1933. He mentioned a letter from their son, who was called from the North Argentine Mission to open up the missionary work in Spain. One thing that impressed me from this letter was that he mentioned their most effective missionary tools were fasting and prayer.
He closed his brief remarks—he was not really delivering a talk but just chatting—with an admonition to remain virtuous and faithful. He bore his witness, as a living Apostle, that God lives and that Jesus is the Christ and that this is indeed His Church here upon the earth today.
Brother Hinckley is a great man. He carries with him the Spirit of the Lord. He is intense in his untiring and devoted service. The Spirit bore witness to every soul that here was indeed a servant of the Lord.
Our meeting closed with a brief word of prayer given by our district leader, Elder Michael Morrell.
Brother Hinckley walked around the circle, shaking every hand, piercing into every soul, offering his best wishes. Tight schedules and other business beckoned, but our hour and a half with this great man is an experience long to be cherished.
Earlier in the day we of the mission office staff also ate dinner with the Hinckleys and the Johnsons. The meeting in the afternoon was planned for all the missionaries in Rio, but none could be contacted by telephone since it was preparation day. It was a rainy day and cold. In the meeting, sitting in the circle clockwise, were Brother Hinckley, President Johnson, Sister Johnson, Sister Hinckley, Elder Stewart, Elder Broadhead, Elder Cleverly, Elder Bailey, Elder Merchant, Elder Nielsen, Elder Morrell, and Elder Gale.
The Hinckleys arrived from São Paulo Sunday evening at 11:00. He had presided over two stake conferences there during the day. This evening they left for Lima. This morning Elder Hinckley sent a telegram to President McKay with birthday greetings from 60,000 members in South America and the missionaries of these 10 missions.Early this morning we played football on Leblon Beach. Tonight in a very good district meeting, I spoke on the prophet Enos and those things we might learn from him.
President Johnson was running the show because, as Brother Hinckley had earlier pointed out while we circled the dinner table, he believed in being obedient to the mission president. However, as soon as the President had called us together and had called upon his assistant, Elder Bob Bailey, to offer the opening prayer, the time was offered to Brother Hinckley.
He remained sitting in the easy chair he was in and suggested that each of the eight young elders present take about three minutes each to express a few thoughts. Some very touching testimonies were borne during those few minutes. It is a rare privilege and opportunity to bear testimony to an Apostle.
Next Sister Johnson was called upon to speak. She brought tears to my eyes as she told of how her parents had finally caught the vision of the gospel just before they, the Johnsons, were called to Brazil and had turned from inactivity to go to the House of the Lord.
Sister Hinckley shared with us a few thoughts next. She is an able and gracious companion to her husband. She spoke of her joy in being with us and of the miracle of the great missionary system. She never worried about her sons while they were serving missions, just when they returned home did she begin to worry again.
Finally President Johnson bore his strong witness to us that he knew that this was the work and kingdom of God, expressing his overflowing gratitude and love for all those associated with him in this grand work.
Then all eyes turned to Brother Hinckley. Now it was his turn. He asked if he might remain seated because he wanted to talk casually and intimately with us, not wishing to preach. I saw true manhood and great humility as he sat there before us saying that he felt unworthy of the office of the apostleship. As he meets with missionaries across the width and breadth of the earth, he feels unworthy of the office. As he received such a warm welcome at the airport at 11:00 the evening before, he felt unworthy of the office. As he sits in meetings of counsel with the other Brethren in the Salt Lake Temple, he feels unworthy of the office.
He shared with us a few touching and close associations he has had with our beloved prophet and leader, President David O. McKay. Just last year the Brethren of the Twelve and First Presidency met in President McKay’s apartment a few days before Christmas. As they each bore their testimonies, they expressed their love for President McKay. Tears came to his eyes and he said, "I am not worthy of your love and trust." Now that was the Prophet speaking! There is no doubt that he is a prophet, Brother Hinckley said. It was appropriate for him to speak of the Prophet—today is President McKay’s 96th birthday.
Often we sing, "We thank Thee, O God, for a prophet to guide us in these latter days." But if we would really follow the Prophet, the Church would be twice as strong as it is, and we would be twice as blessed as a people. Brother Hinckley assured us that the Lord was preparing a successor to President McKay—a man who would have wide and deep experience, years of long service, of capable judgment, of character molded by life and tempered by the Holy Spirit of God. He felt the Lord was taking His time in preparing such a replacement. President McKay’s body is old and worn and weak, but his mind and spirit are firm and clear. When he passes away, there will be no politicking, no power plays—the Lord’s choice will be evident.
Brother Hinckley spoke of missionary work and the great miracle it is. He told us of how the Church is growing in the Far East, his responsibility for eight years, of how it is surging forward in California. He said he felt a special spirit about Brazil. Years of slow and long preparation will be giving way to a time of rich and fuller harvest. At times he feels concerned about São Paulo baptizing too fast. Twelve years ago (when President Hibbard, now president of the Brazilian Mission, was working there), São Paulo had one branch of 80 members, seven of which were active. This year over 2,000 converts will swell the wards of the two stakes there now. It is difficult to integrate so many new members.
He moved into other areas to share other missionary experiences with us, an area he has directly worked with since 1933. He mentioned a letter from their son, who was called from the North Argentine Mission to open up the missionary work in Spain. One thing that impressed me from this letter was that he mentioned their most effective missionary tools were fasting and prayer.
He closed his brief remarks—he was not really delivering a talk but just chatting—with an admonition to remain virtuous and faithful. He bore his witness, as a living Apostle, that God lives and that Jesus is the Christ and that this is indeed His Church here upon the earth today.
Brother Hinckley is a great man. He carries with him the Spirit of the Lord. He is intense in his untiring and devoted service. The Spirit bore witness to every soul that here was indeed a servant of the Lord.
Our meeting closed with a brief word of prayer given by our district leader, Elder Michael Morrell.
Brother Hinckley walked around the circle, shaking every hand, piercing into every soul, offering his best wishes. Tight schedules and other business beckoned, but our hour and a half with this great man is an experience long to be cherished.
Earlier in the day we of the mission office staff also ate dinner with the Hinckleys and the Johnsons. The meeting in the afternoon was planned for all the missionaries in Rio, but none could be contacted by telephone since it was preparation day. It was a rainy day and cold. In the meeting, sitting in the circle clockwise, were Brother Hinckley, President Johnson, Sister Johnson, Sister Hinckley, Elder Stewart, Elder Broadhead, Elder Cleverly, Elder Bailey, Elder Merchant, Elder Nielsen, Elder Morrell, and Elder Gale.
The Hinckleys arrived from São Paulo Sunday evening at 11:00. He had presided over two stake conferences there during the day. This evening they left for Lima. This morning Elder Hinckley sent a telegram to President McKay with birthday greetings from 60,000 members in South America and the missionaries of these 10 missions.Early this morning we played football on Leblon Beach. Tonight in a very good district meeting, I spoke on the prophet Enos and those things we might learn from him.
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Saturday, September 6, 1969
A great deal has happened in the last few weeks, just a few details of which I will relate here. On Thursday, August 28, Elders Fenton Broadhead and Michael Morrell arrived from Belo Horizonte to begin training as historian and accountant. We worked together in the office all that first day and split up that evening to introduce them to their new area. They look like sharp elders. Elder Morrell came down in my group, and it was good to see him again.
August 30 Elders Kent Gale and Robert Bailey reached Rio from the North. Elder Gale, who will work in the mission office as assistant secretary, came through the LTM with me. He was my companion in the Salt Lake Mission Home and for a few days in the LTM. Great to see him once again. Elder Bailey is an assistant to the President, working in Jardim Botânico. This same evening, August 30, Elder Morrell and I taught a second lesson to Domingos and his wife.
On Sunday, August 31, we heard from one of our investigator ladies that President Costa e Silva, president of the republic, had passed away. She learned it from her son, who is in the military. However, he did not really die but had a heart attack with attendant brain damage. The ministers of army, navy, and air force took over control of the country.
Elder Walters, finally recovered from his hepatitis, went out to Niterói to be district and zone leader. He left the mission home September 3. Elder Simmons, retiring zone leader, went home on September 6. Wendy, after three months here in Brazil, returned home with him. President and Sister Johnson were naturally saddened to see her go.
September 4 all the elders in Jardim Botânico and Headquarters gathered for the monthly meal at President Carter’s home. We learned that early that afternoon the American ambassador was kidnapped. Two days later Elder Stewart and I ate dinner in the Zacheu home. This evening both Nilton and Domingos received third lessons.
Elder Stewart learned today of the death of a very close cousin, Gordon Stewart, last week. An airplane crash was the cause. He was only in his early 20s. Elder Stewart was quite touched.
President Johnson, upon return from a conference for mission presidents held in Montevideo, informed us of the recent death of Brother John Longden, as Assistant to the Twelve.
August 30 Elders Kent Gale and Robert Bailey reached Rio from the North. Elder Gale, who will work in the mission office as assistant secretary, came through the LTM with me. He was my companion in the Salt Lake Mission Home and for a few days in the LTM. Great to see him once again. Elder Bailey is an assistant to the President, working in Jardim Botânico. This same evening, August 30, Elder Morrell and I taught a second lesson to Domingos and his wife.
On Sunday, August 31, we heard from one of our investigator ladies that President Costa e Silva, president of the republic, had passed away. She learned it from her son, who is in the military. However, he did not really die but had a heart attack with attendant brain damage. The ministers of army, navy, and air force took over control of the country.
Elder Walters, finally recovered from his hepatitis, went out to Niterói to be district and zone leader. He left the mission home September 3. Elder Simmons, retiring zone leader, went home on September 6. Wendy, after three months here in Brazil, returned home with him. President and Sister Johnson were naturally saddened to see her go.
September 4 all the elders in Jardim Botânico and Headquarters gathered for the monthly meal at President Carter’s home. We learned that early that afternoon the American ambassador was kidnapped. Two days later Elder Stewart and I ate dinner in the Zacheu home. This evening both Nilton and Domingos received third lessons.
Elder Stewart learned today of the death of a very close cousin, Gordon Stewart, last week. An airplane crash was the cause. He was only in his early 20s. Elder Stewart was quite touched.
President Johnson, upon return from a conference for mission presidents held in Montevideo, informed us of the recent death of Brother John Longden, as Assistant to the Twelve.
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