"Angels Round About You"

Thursday, March 26, 2015

"Tonight, grandma and I have been blessed to participate in a remarkable event. At 10:35 PM our phone rang. We were asked to join an emergency conference call to take place at 10:45 PM. We were very curious as we waited and the dialed into the conference.

Elders Hyde and Boyd, assistants to President Russell and acting under his direction, first explained the event that triggered the conference and then led some 210 missionaries in a mission wide prayer.

One of our fellow missionaries had just received word about the unexpected passing of his father. President and Sister Russell were with him as we joined in prayer. We sat transfixed and amazed as we participated in this event. We marveled at the blessing and strength that was brought together. We are so blessed to be in the mission field at this time, to have tools and technology that allows this joining together possible. We are blessed beyond measure to be privileged to have these choice experiences.

We find ourselves naturally drawn to any possible avenue to move this work forward. These are truly the last days, and we have been sent forth, clothed in the spirit with power and light to share.

Join with us in constant prayer for ourselves, this great mission, even all the missionaries who labor in missions around the globe.

To our grandchildren, we invite you to strive to prepare. Learn to seek the spirit, even the Holy Ghost as your constant companion. Learn to submit yourselves to the will of the Father. He will teach and guide you. You will experience joy beyond anything you have yet or even that you can imagine.

We love you all. We think of you often and pray for you always. We miss you all terribly, and as a testament to the nature of this work, know that this service to our God is the only thing that could separate us from you at this time. Know that Grandma and I KNOW that this Church and this work are true. We have felt the heavens open. We have seen the miracles with our eyes. Our spiritual eyes have opened and we have witnessed the magnitude of this work. We pray for God's hand to be over all of you".

Greg wrote the above Thursday night I'd like to add a few thought of my own now.  What we experienced was an amazing and wonderful even though it was born of tragedy.  I was reminded tonight that joy always follows sorrow.  The  joy we felt was the power of prayer and the presence of the  Comforter as 200+ missionaries all knelt together all over the State of Oregon. Even though we were alone in our living room it was as if we were in the same room as all the other missionaries.  In my minds eye I could see angels surrounding our dear Elder who had so recently learned of the  passing  of his father.  He has made the decision to stay in the mission and continue the work.  I don't know this Elder but I love him and his valor.  We are so blessed to be here at this time.

Greg has done the last few blog posts.  He suggested today that maybe it was time for me to write about some of my experiences and feelings about this first 6 weeks as full-time missionaries.

I'm not sure what I expected, but I didn't expect it to be as difficult as it has been.  The MTC was amazing!  The Spirit there is so strong it's a tangible presence.  And it's exhausting!  We made great friends.  We were pushed out of our comfort zone (especially me!) and we were forced to rely on the Spirit in ways I have never before experienced.  We left there on a Thursday afternoon, drove to Rexburg, spent the next day packing our car, and then drove 12 hours to Eugene on Saturday.  We arrived here on a cold, dark, rainy night.  Unloaded our car with some help from young, energetic missionaries, went to Walmart to get necessaries supplies to make it through Monday and then fell into bed too tired to move.  We hit the floor early the next morning since another mission couple was meeting us to take us to church for 9:00am meetings.  As I think about it now, I wish we had been able to take a couple of days to get settled, that would have made the next 2 weeks much easier.

We reported to the mission office at 8:00 Monday morning for our first staff meeting.  And then our training began with the couple we were replacing.  They were dear people finishing their 5th mission!  After just a couple of days, Greg was turned loose to do his job.  My experience was much different.
We started our first week with transfers, departures and arrivals.  The former mission secretary played a part in all of those activities - mostly letter writing.  The first three weeks were not pleasant - I hesitate to even say that because there were bright spots but most of my day was stressful and frustrating.  It wasn't the work, that was simple and straight forward.  My trainer was slow, methodical, deliberate and ever-watchful of everything I did.  I tend to be a high-energy person.  I work fast and often knew of a quicker way to do what she was doing.  She was not very computer literate so much of what she did  was printed out with check-lists for EVERYTHING!  I spent most days with an 80 year old woman hanging over my shoulder while I typed on the computer.  I broke out in hives twice and left most days near tears.

Now the bright spots - the missionaries!  They are wonderful.  They have so much energy and enthusiasm for missionary service.  Their testimonies shine on their faces and they work so hard.  In this mission, President Russell has dubbed it an "Love you" mission.  We say it to all the missionaries, they say it to each other and to us.  I found out very early on that I do love them.  They were my bright spots every day.

Greg just asked me if I knew what my first few weeks were going to be like, would it have changed anything before we put our papers in.  "NO!"  I would do it again, and again and again.  I know without any doubt that this is where we are supposed to be. And working in the mission office is what we are supposed to be doing.  Yes, the first few weeks were rough, unpleasant even at times, but the last 2 weeks have been fantastic.  I look forward every day to going in to the office.  I love answering the phone and hearing the voice of one of our dear missionaries, or sometimes one of their parents.  I love hearing from the missionaries about the tender mercies of the Lord that they are experiencing as they serve Him.

We went to the Portland Temple last week for a mission temple trip.  That was more than a bright spot, it was blinding sunshine!  Going through a temple session with a room full of young missionaries was amazing.  It was worth any frustration or stress I may have felt during my training period here.  And that's why even if I knew how hard it was going to be, I would have done it.  On even the hardest day, I experienced those tender mercies of the Lord that kept me going. My testimony of the Spirit has grown.  My testimony of the truthfulness of this work is stronger than ever.  I know the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is true, the Book of Mormon is God's word as is the Bible.  I have tasted the bitter and the sweet - I had to experience both so that I could know the difference.  And I'm grateful for both experiences.

It is amazing to us the many ways the Lord blesses us in his work. the training and experiences we started in the MTC are continuing in the mission field. As we go about our work here, we will often be prompted by the spirit. it often happens in our working with the Elders and Sisters. The other day, we were sorting through stuff that came from an apartment that we just closed. (As the numbers of missionaries drop after the quick rise from the age change) in that stuff were some jars of baby food. Sister Christensen called the Salvation Army and asked if that was something they could use in their food bank, and they said of course. Then rather than one of the senior couples taking it down she called the Elders whose area included the food bank to see if they could. They said they could, but that they were busy and it would have to wait a day or two. Just 20 minutes later, they were in the mission office. It seems the appointment they had fell through. As they were leaving, Sister Christensen suggested that while they were there, they should let them know that they could help out in other ways as needed.

Last night, two of the Elders whose area includes our apartment, dropped by. They were going to visit our neighbor who has been investigating and was sick. Sister Christensen again was prompted, and suggested they offer to give her a blessing.  When they offered, she responded with a yes. After explaining what they were going to do, one Elder anointed, and the other sealed and blessed her. She is from Spain, and speaks Spanish and the missionaries were able to anoint and bless her in Spanish. She was visibly touched and said she felt warm and loved. It was a sweet experience the Elders had to come by afterward and share with us. We talked about how the Lord will bring us where we need to be so that we can do what He needs done. His hand is in this work.

One of the twelve recently in teaching and training Mission Presidents, read a scripture to them. Jacob 5:62. It reads, "...Let us go and labor with our might this last time, for behold the end draweth nigh, and this is the last time that I shall prune my vineyard." This is the allegory of the tame and wild olive trees. He then said that the hastening of the work now is what the Prophet Zenos was talking about. This is the last time that the Lord will send out his servants. It is humbling and wonderful to be apart of this great work.

We are thankful for all of the many things that have happened that brought us here. It started with my car accident in 1993 that resulted in the need for spine surgery in 2013. That caused me to take a serious look at what our finances would look like if I stopped working at 60. The plan was always to work to 65, then go on a mission. It showed that while we would not be rich, if we were careful, we could do it. Through out this experience, we continue to have enough and to spare.

We pay our tithing through Settlers Bay ward, but we are instructed to pay fast offerings to the ward we are assigned to here. The first fast Sunday, I intended to reduce what I had been paying before I retired, since our income has been significantly reduced, but my pen refused to write that check. I can testify to the great blessings that come from paying a generous fast offing. Again, when the Lord asks and we respond to Him with faith, He keeps His promises.

Over a year ago when we seriously started talking about getting our papers in, some consideration was give to my health and ability to walk and work. I felt strongly that I would have all the abilities I would need. The six months we were given to prepare saw great improvements to both. I slowly increased my abilities to stand, walk and move. My health has been better than it has in years. 

When I was set apart by a member of the MTC Presidency, he likewise promised, in the name of the Lord, that I would have all of the abilities and strength I would need to serve. Those six months before  the MTC were needed and by pushing myself, when we got to the MTC I was up to the work. That place was exhausting. I walked more there than I had in years, and though it was difficult, it was possible. Likewise, here I am continually blessed in the abilities that I need to do this work.  

We have been blessed in our housing. Missionaries don't live in plush apartments. Where we have been assigned, is a nice but old one bedroom apartment. Between us and the mission Housing Coordinator, we have been able to bring this place, especially the bath room into compliance with ADA requirements. We have a small covered patio that I have screened with a tarp. It also has a closet for storage. I have been able to set up a shop of sorts and continue to make canes, and continue to refine the techniques to reduce the amount of equipment needed to make the canes, so I continue to make and donate them. So far I have found homes for 7 or eight here in Eugene. I have a contact with the Lane County Senior and Disabled Services office. I am working to get an appointment to see her and offer canes for those who can't afford them. I have also told the missionaries, in their travels to watch for places they can go. President Russell has even been able in his travels to place one.

This gospel is true, of that I have no doubt. The richest blessings are available to us as we learn to be obedient and exercise our faith in Him. As we read and study the scriptures, especially the Book of Mormon, we will be taught from on high, by the Spirit straight into our hearts and minds. We do not have to do it all, just those things he has asked us to do. I can bear this testimony in the name of our Savior, Jesus Christ

Disciples in a Digital Age

This past week we had the privilege of being taught by a member of the First Quorum of the Seventy.  Elder Brent H. Nielsen had with him the Director of the MTC. The Oregon Eugene Mission has been one of the pilot missions to roll out the use of the mini i-pad. They have been using them in the mission for about a year and a half. The church included a digital “area book” to track the teaching and work of the missionaries. This program will remain in the area, so when missionaries are transferred and new missionaries assigned and moved into the area, the records of the area will become available to the new missionaries in the area through the area book program. This is controlled and directed through a system called the Internet Missionary Operating System (IMOS). We spent our second week at the MTC being trained on IMOS. This system not only controls the area book, but also all the finances, correspondence and housing, transfers and companionships showing the complete organization of the mission. It is an amazing program.

Back to the meeting this week. They are rolling out the second phase, again with the OEM being among the first. The new i-pads that arrived yesterday have twice the memory and as the training moves along will include a special version of Facebook that allows the missionaries to proselyte over the internet. The goal is the have missionaries teaching 2 to 3 times more using these tools. When the Brethren were asked if they could really trust 18 to 20 year olds to use these tools responsibly, the answer from the First Presidency was a resounding “absolutely.”

They passed out two booklets to us that had “DRAFT” on the cover. Elder Nielsen explained they were not finalized yet and these were printed and sent just days before the meeting. In fact Elder Nielsen said that in the week since production started on the booklets we held, a couple of major revisions had taken place, which he had us pencil in.  They talked about how we will use these tools in the digital age. It was amazing listening to this inspired work.

Elder Nielsen then began to address the elephant in the room. He talked about the devastation being wrought among the saints by pornography. He talked about the months and years of discussion had by the First Presidency and the Twelve on how to combat this evil. The hope is that with the expanded missionary force and these tools given to us by God, we can raise a generation with the tools to overcome this evil.

They gave us the four levels or steps to using the internet safely. They are:

1. Be in tune with spiritual promptings. The missionaries are asked to commit to following the safeguards and process in the booklet; to pray daily and specifically for guidance on how to use this technology; watch for and heed warning signs that come from the Holy Ghost; and record in our journals the promptings we receive about how to use the technology to increase the effectiveness in missionary work.
2. Be focused on your missionary purpose. This purpose is to invite others to come unto Christ by helping them receive the restored gospel through faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement, repentance, baptism, receiving the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end. This is done by asking yourself, before using any technology, how it will help people- exercise faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement, repent, be baptized or prepare to receive other ordinances, feel and follow the Holy Ghost, and endure to the end. Then turn on your device only after your intention is clear. If you can’t remember why you are using your device, stop what you are doing and review your plans. Use daily planning as a time to determine how you will use technology in proselyting and how your plan will help you reach your proselyting goals. Limit the use of technology when you are feeling bored, lonely, angry, anxious, stressed, tired, or any other emotion that makes you vulnerable or susceptible. Select a background screen image that reminds you of your commitment to your purpose.
3. Be Disciplined. Avoid checking or responding to digital messages while you are talking with someone face to face. Prevent your device from becoming as excuse to avoid talking to people in person. Avoid checking or sending messages during sacrament meetings, ward council, or missionary training meetings. Use settings and features on the device that allow you to minimize interruptions during meetings, appointments, and conversations. Use study and planning times to locate content for proselyting use. Set up and use social media according to the guidelines in Missionary Work in the Digital Age.
4. Be One. Be able to view your companion’s screen at all times. (They teach this as working shoulder to shoulder). Have your companion review all posts, comments, or messages before you send them. This does not apply to letters to the Mission President or e-mails home. Participate as a companionship in all social media teaching events such as e-mail, texts, Facebook messages, Skype, and FaceTime. Invite mission leaders to regularly review how you are using proselyting technology.

They go one to teach what to do when temptation comes along. It is interesting to note that the first three safeguards are self driven and encourage and teach to listen to and follow the spirit. These devices are very limited in what apps you can download and use, and if you stray the mission president will know what you did. They have the same kind of technology on the cars. If you speed, drive recklessly, or if you are not the approved driver for the car, the system tells the missionary to correct the behavior and sends the information to the mission vehicle coordinator and the Mission President. It takes very little and you do not drive the rest of your mission. What you do on them is known, but really, it is all known anyway. Some say, but what about my free agency? Elder Bednar has plainly taught, it isn’t free agency, it is moral agency, and when you have made the decision to follow Christ and accept baptism, you have spent your agency. Now your choice is are you going to keep your covenants or be a covenant breaker.

This seems lengthy, but it is only catching the basics. As we were taught the spirit bore witness and taught us individually about this program. It was an experience that defies adequate explanation. We feel so incredibly blessed to be able to be here. To be a part of this great work. We see so often the hand of the Lord in this work. We feel His spirit guiding us in our work. We are meeting people who are looking for what we have and so often take for granted. We have a wonderful yet small and modest apartment, work long hours supporting the work of the Elders and Sisters who can spend their full time teaching. They are miles above what we were when we that age. They are obedient, enthusiastic, their faces shine with the light of Christ, and it is humbling to be numbered among them.

The Sunday before Christmas 2014, my wife and I sat in Sunday school in the Rexburg 17^th ward. Laurie had been feeling ill and asked that we go home after Sunday school. I felt I need to stay to priesthood meeting. In High Priest group, the group leader mentioned to the brethren that if anyone knew of someone who needed a cane, Brother Christensen made canes and would be happy to get a cane to anyone who needed one. The brother next to me leaned over and whispered that he would like to talk to me after the meeting.

He introduced himself and said he had a son who might benefit from a cane. The problem was, that he was 6’9” and weighed 290 pounds at 15 years of age. Finding a cane for anyone that size was impossible. He asked if I might be able to make a cane for him. He said it would be nice if he could get it for Christmas. I always love a challenge, so I said it could be done. Monday morning I took stock of what I had in the garage, and what was in storage. I had several shafts, but nothing suitable to make the handle, so Monday we were off to the hardwood store in Idaho Falls to see what they had.

 The hardwood store had just got in a shipment of 6/4 walnut. Not a size they usually carried. As I was the first to see the bundle, when they broke it open, I noticed a small plank just a couple of boards down. It was just what I needed, so we purchased it and took it home. When I got home and had a chance to really look at it, I noticed that one end was a full crotch, full of beautiful figure. I cut two handles large enough for someone this size and was excited to have such beautiful wood to work with. Laurie suggested that often with individuals who have a bilateral challenge, two canes worked better than one, so I cut two shafts to go with the handles. When they came to pick them up on Christmas eve, I showed them the small brass plaque on my cane, and asked if they would like one on these canes, so a plaque went on each cane.

The Sunday after Christmas, the Bishop asked anyone who had a good Christmas story they would like to share, to come the pulpit. To the surprise of his mother, this otherwise shy young man got up and proclaimed canes were cool. He proudly showed the canes and said they were the best Christmas ever. He then read the small plaque and said that “I’ll go where you want me to go, Dear Lord” as his favorite hymn, so the congregation sang the first verse.

I am so happy that I paid attention to the prompting that Sunday. As I reflect on the miracle that has occurred, I see the Lord’s hand as I mentioned to the High Priest Group Leader back in November, that I made canes and would be glad to share them. I find it interesting that on that Sunday before Christmas, he mentioned it, that the brother who had the need was sitting next to me, that a size of board perfect for the task arrived at the lumber yard the day before I needed it, That on one end, it had beautifully figured wood to craft the handles from, that two made sense instead of one, that I had two plaques and it all came together to bless the life of a young prospective missionary.

I have since learned that the next week, the Bishop asked this young man to speak in church about preparing for a mission. He said yes, and talked with excitement about the possibility of serving a mission. 

While we were at the MTC, we keep seeing a couple of missionaries, one in a wheel chair and the other walking the two arm braced canes. We came to sit by them one day and visited with them. It seems they are serving full time missions at the MTC. The use the internet to find and teach. They were teaching a man in New York who was being baptized that week, and they were excited. I relayed this information to the father of the young man I had made the canes for. There is a place and a way for anyone to serve who wants to.

In late October we finally got an offer on the house. They were offering full asking price. We started the process, and they had the home inspection done. The inspector noted some mold in the basement and problems with the added garage. The people withdrew their offer, and knowing that the mention of mold would be a problem for people, I decided I needed to fly back to Alaska to see for myself what the issues were and get them addressed. We had withdrew funds from our retirement fund to take care of any costs. I started looking at what was needed and lining up the qualified people to deal with it.

One of the issues was with a change in the code required several new circuit breakers. I called an electrical company and scheduled the work while I was there. The electrician showed up and went to work. As he was completing the work and testing the circuits. He found one that would always trip so he went to work trying to figure out what the problem was. After about an hour and a half and with every outlet and light switch in the kitchen and dining room dismantled, he concluded that we had a bad wire and he would need to cut an opening in the drywall, up the wall, across the kitchen ceiling and down the wall on the other side. This would give access for the new wire and should solve the problem.

After listening to him tell me what we needed to do, and that I would have to take care of the drywall repairs, I had a scripture come to mind, that talked about the spirit giving us what to ask for in our prayers, and I felt a need to pray then. I went in the other room, offered up a pray, and then returned. A couple of minutes later, the electrician came up from the basement, and said that as he was starting to work, he felt he should go check the wiring of the new breakers before he started to cut the dry wall.

When he inspected the panel, he noticed one of the wires connected to that breaker was the wrong one. He tracked down the right one, changed that out, and everything worked fine. The problem was solved, and I didn’t have to repair any dry wall.

I can’t fault the electrician, as I know I have made mistakes when dealing with complex problems like the one presented by the vast array of wires in the electrical panel, but I am so grateful for a Father in Heaven, who is willing to look out after me, even for something this small when compared to the grand scheme of things. I am thankful for parents and teachers who taught me to listen to the spirit and follow those promptings, and for the electrician who followed them as well.

Before arriving in Alaska, we had received another offer on the house. When we started this process back in April, I had the impression that there was a family coming who needed this house. Throughout the process, it seemed that the house was invisible, lots of people looked and were not seeing what was there. We had also been pretty adamant that we were not interested in early occupancy. When this offer came in, we felt strongly that this was the family. The offer came with a picture of the family and a request to be able to occupy the home about 10 days later. The spirit whispered strongly that this was what needed to happen, so 10 days later, they moved in, grateful for an answer to their prayers. They are not LDS, but it was such a great experience watching the Lord answer their prayers, and being able to be a part of that. 

Light Bulb Moment:

Last month I had one of those "light bulb" experiences.  You know the ones - when all of a sudden you get it - that little bit of understanding that lights up a corner of the dark.  Once of our grandsons was baptized.  It was wonderful and we were grateful to be present.  The week-end also included a lot of extended family activities.  One of them was visiting a local straw maze. after all we are in Idaho!  The kids had a ball - we all did.  But as we were leaving my leg was bothering me - hurting and cramping.  I figured it was because I had been climbing around on the straw bales acting like I was younger than I am.  By the time we were at our next destination of the day - dinner out with about 25 or so of the family, I could barely  walk and couldn't bend my leg at all and it HURT. After getting home and settled, I asked my son and son-in-law to give me a blessing. I was really concerned that maybe I had done some damage to be leg/knee.  My son gave me a comforting blessing regarding my leg and the pain and then paused.  (those pauses always get your attention).  He then said that I needed to remember that our Father in Heaven is in charge.  I woke the next morning with less pain and by the next morning I was walking normally with no pain.

Now the rest of the story.  Our house still had not sold - no offers - I was worried, concerned and beginning to wonder how and when this particular darkness was going to resolve into light.  We received an offer a day or two later. It was a good one.  But then after a home inspection, they pulled their offer.  I was reminded again of that blessing - Heavenly Father is in charge!  He knows our needs, our abilities and sees "the big picture."  I wondered about the pain in my leg and that blessing . . . did that happen so I could be reminded who was in charge?   I think maybe "yes".  I needed that reminder, and it helped my not worry and fret so much about the house, after all my Father was in charge and knew what was best.

We have the sold the house and are just waiting to close - but that is another story for another day.
                                                                                                              - Laurie