Revista Ensign de 2001

T H E E N S I G N O F T H E C H U R C H O F J E S U S C H R I S T O F L AT T E R - DAY S A I N T S • F E B R UA RY 2 0 0 1
Joseph Smith’s
Susquehanna Years, p. 42
The Privilege of Prayer,
pp. 18–29
“Better That One Man Should Perish,” by Scott M. Snow
“And it came to pass that the Spirit said unto me again: Slay him. . . . Behold the Lord slayeth the wicked
to bring forth his righteous purposes. It is better that one man should perish than that a nation should
dwindle and perish in unbelief. . . . And again, I knew that the Lord had delivered Laban into
my hands for this cause—that I might obtain the records” (1 Ne. 4:12–13, 17).
THE ENSIGN OF THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS • FEBRUARY 2001
VOLUME 31 NUMBER 2 2 FIRST PRESIDENCY MESSAGE

ON THE COVERS: Front: “By the Gift and Power of God,” by THE LIGHTHOUSE OF THE LORD:
Simon Dewey, acrylic, 37” x 25”, 1999. Courtesy of Museum of
Church History and Art, Fifth International Art Competition. A MESSAGE TO THE YOUTH OF THE CHURCH
Back: Photo by George Edward Anderson. Inside front: President Thomas S. Monson
“Better That One Man Should Perish,” by Scott M. Snow,
oil on canvas, 4’ x 3’, 1990. Inside back: The Mill of Job 8 JESUS, THE PERFECT MENTOR Elder Neal A. Maxwell
Pingree, by Al Rounds, watercolor, 18” x 24”, 1999. 18 “DRAW NEAR UNTO ME”: THE PRIVILEGE AND
THE FIRST PRESIDENCY: Gordon B. Hinckley,
Thomas S. Monson, James E. Faust POWER OF PRAYER Elder John B. Dickson
QUORUM OF THE TWELVE: Boyd K. Packer, L. Tom Perry, David B. 23 BE SOMEONE’S ANGEL Gerald A. Price
Haight, Neal A. Maxwell, Russell M. Nelson, Dallin H. Oaks,
M. Russell Ballard, Joseph B. Wirthlin, Richard G. Scott, 24 “NO SUBSTITUTE FOR FAMILY PRAYER”
Robert D. Hales, Jeffrey R. Holland, Henry B. Eyring H. Kent Rappleye
EDITOR: Dennis B. Neuenschwander
ADVISERS: L. Lionel Kendrick, Yoshihiko Kikuchi, 30 PIONEERING IN CHYULU, KENYA E. Dale LeBaron
PIONEERING IN CHYULU,
John M. Madsen 35 “TURN HERE!” Richard A. Dove KENYA, P. 30
CURRICULUM DEPARTMENT ADMINISTRATORS
MANAGING DIRECTOR: Ronald L. Knighton 38 PUTTING BASIC PRINCIPLES INTO ACTION
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR: Richard M. Romney
GRAPHICS DIRECTOR: Allan R. Loyborg
Rebecca M. Taylor
EDITORIAL STAFF 42 JOSEPH SMITH’S SUSQUEHANNA YEARS
MANAGING EDITOR: Jay M. Todd Larry C. Porter
ASSISTANT MANAGING EDITORS: Don L. Searle,
Jonathan H. Stephenson 52 IF NOT FOR OUR HOME TEACHER . . . David Wayne Child
ASSOCIATE EDITORS: Judith M. Paller, LaRene Porter Gaunt,
Devan Jensen, Garrett H. Garff 54 BREAKING THE CHAINS OF PORNOGRAPHY Names Withheld
ASSISTANT EDITORS: Rebecca M. Taylor, Kerry G. Smith, 60 LATTER-DAY SAINT VOICES
Barbara Jean Jones
TEXT PROGRAMMER: Sally J. Odekirk THE LOST PAMPHLET Wenceslao Salguero
DESIGN STAFF STRONG FOR THE SAKE OF MY CHILDREN Eliza M. Torres
MAGAZINE GRAPHICS MANAGER: M. M. Kawasaki
ART DIRECTOR: J. Scott Knudsen “GO CHECK ON WENDI!” Darlene Joy Nichols
SENIOR DESIGNERS: C. Kimball Bott, Fay P. Andrus,
Tadd R. Peterson I JUST KNEW WE WERE NOT ALONE Dee Satterlee Giles
DESIGNER: Thomas S. Child 66 RANDOM SAMPLER
PRINTING AND DISTRIBUTION
PRINTING DIRECTOR: Kay W. Briggs 68 PERSPECTIVES
DISTRIBUTION DIRECTOR (SUBSCRIPTIONS): Kris T. Christensen 69 VISITING TEACHING MESSAGE: LIVING WITHIN OUR MEANS
© 2001 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved. 70 SPEAKING TODAY: FIRST PRESIDENCY CHRISTMAS DEVOTIONAL
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#1604791
THE ENSIGN /MONTH 2001 1
F I R S T P R E S I D E N C Y M E S S AG E
THE
OF THE LORD
A Message to the Youth
of the Church
BY PRESIDENT THOMAS S. MONSON
First Counselor in the First Presidency
ou, the youth of the Church, are a Soon we entered that period some
Y glorious group, a chosen genera-

tion. You bring to mind the words
penned by the poet Henry Wadsworth
have labeled “the terrible teens.” I
prefer “the terrific teens.” What a time
of opportunity, a season of growth, a
Longfellow: semester of development, marked by
the acquisition of knowledge and the
How beautiful is youth! how bright it gleams quest for truth.
With its illusions, aspirations, dreams! No one has described these years as
Book of Beginnings, Story without End, being easy. Indeed, they have become increasingly more
Each maid a heroine, and each man a friend!1 difficult. The world seems to have slipped from the
moorings of safety and drifted from the harbor of peace.
Just 20 years ago, many of you had not yet com- Permissiveness, immorality, pornography, and the
menced your journey through mortality. Your abode power of peer pressure cause many to be tossed about
was a heavenly home. We know relatively little con- on a sea of sin and crushed on the jagged reefs of lost
cerning the details of our existence there—only that opportunities, forfeited blessings, and shattered dreams.
we were among those who loved us and were con- Anxiously we ask, “Is there a way to safety? Can
cerned for our eternal well-being. Then there arrived someone guide us? Is there an escape from threat-
the period where earth life became necessary to our ened destruction?”
progress. Farewells were no doubt spoken, expres- The answer is a resounding yes! I counsel you:
sions of confidence given, and graduation to mortal- Look to the lighthouse of the Lord. There is no fog so
ity achieved. dense, no night so dark, no gale so strong, no mariner
What a commencement service awaited each of us! so lost but what its beacon light can rescue. It calls,
Loving parents joyously welcomed us to our earthly “This way to safety; this way to home.”
home. Tender care and affectionate embraces awaited The lighthouse of the Lord sends forth signals
our every whim. Someone described a newborn child readily recognized and never failing. May I suggest
as “a sweet, new blossom of Humanity, fresh fallen three such signals which—if heeded—will help guide
from God’s own home to flower on earth.”2 us through the storms of life:
Those first years were precious, special years.
Satan had no power to tempt us. We had not yet be- 1. Choose your friends with caution.
come accountable but were innocent before God. 2. Plan your future with purpose.
They were learning years. 3. Frame your life with faith.
2
LLord.ookhouse
to the light-
of the
There is no
fog so dense, no
night so dark,
no gale so strong,
no mariner so lost
but what its beacon
light can rescue.
LEFT: PAINTING BY HEINRICH HOFMANN; ILLUSTRATED BY SAM LAWLOR
THE ENSIGN /FEBRUARY 2001 3

FIRST, CHOOSE YOUR FRIENDS WITH CAUTION. Church through friends who have involved them in
In a survey which was made in selected wards Church activities. I share with you a treasured family
and stakes of the Church some years ago, we learned experience which had its beginning back in 1959,
a most significant fact. Those persons whose friends when I was called to preside over the Canadian
married in the temple usually married in the temple, Mission, headquartered in Toronto.
while those persons whose friends did not marry in Our daughter, Ann, turned five shortly after we
the temple usually did not marry in the temple. The arrived in Canada. She saw the missionaries going
influence of one’s friends appeared to be equal to about their work, and she, too, wanted to be a mis-
parental urging and more influential than classroom sionary. My wife demonstrated understanding by
instruction or proximity to a temple. permitting Ann to take to class a few copies of the
We tend to become like those whom we admire. Children’s Friend. That wasn’t sufficient for Ann. She
Just as in Nathaniel Hawthorne’s classic account “The also wanted to take with her a copy of the Book of
Great Stone Face,” we adopt the mannerisms, the atti- Mormon so that she might talk to her teacher, Miss
tudes, even the conduct of those whom we admire— Pepper, about the Church. I think it rather thrilling
and they are usually our friends. Associate with those that just a few years ago, long years after our return
who, like you, are planning not for temporary conven-
ience, shallow goals, or narrow ambition, but rather for
ssociate with those who, like you, are planning, not
those things that matter most—even eternal objectives.
Not only will your circle of friends greatly influ-
ence your thinking and behavior, but you will also in-
A for temporary convenience, shallow goals, or narrow
ambition, but rather for those things that matter most—
fluence theirs. Many nonmembers have come into the even eternal objectives.
4
from Toronto, we came home speaks and we obey, we will
from a vacation and found in always be right. Some foolish
our mailbox a note from Miss persons turn their backs on
Pepper which read: the wisdom of God and follow
“Dear Ann: the allurement of fickle fashion,
“Think back many years ago. the attraction of false popular-
I was your schoolteacher in ity, and the thrill of the mo-
Toronto, Canada. I was im- ment. Their course of conduct
pressed by the copies of the so resembles the disastrous
Children’s Friend which you experience of Esau, who ex-
brought to school. I was im- changed his birthright for a
pressed by your dedication mess of pottage.4
to a book called the Book of And what are the results of
Mormon. such action? I testify to you that
“I made a commitment that turning away from God brings
one day I would come to Salt broken covenants, shattered
Lake City and see why you dreams, vanished ambitions,
talked as you did and why you evaporated plans, unfulfilled
believed in the manner you be- expectations, crushed hopes,
t does matter which way we go, for the
lieved. Today I had the privilege
of going through your visitors’ I path we follow in this life surely leads
center on Temple Square. Thanks to the path we shall follow in the next.
misused drives, warped charac-
ter, and wrecked lives.
Such a quagmire of quick-
to a five-year-old girl who had sand I plead with you to avoid.
an understanding of that which You are of a noble birthright.
she believed, I now have a better understanding of Exaltation in the celestial kingdom is your goal.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.” Such a goal is not achieved in one glorious at-
Miss Pepper died not too long after that visit. How tempt but rather is the result of a lifetime of righ-
happy our daughter, Ann, was when she attended teousness, an accumulation of wise choices, even a
the Jordan River Utah Temple and performed the constancy of purpose. Like the coveted A grade on
temple work for her beloved teacher whom she had the report card, the reward of eternal life requires
friendshipped long ago. effort. The A grade is the result of each theme, each
quiz, each class, each examination, each library proj-
SECOND, PLAN YOUR FUTURE WITH PURPOSE. ect, each term paper. So each lesson in church, each
prayer, each date, each friend, each dance all precede
In Lewis Carroll’s classic Alice’s Adventures in the goal of temple marriage—that giant step toward
Wonderland, Alice finds herself coming to a crossroads an A grade on the report card of life.
with two paths before her, each stretching onward Our goal is to achieve, to excel, to strive for perfec-
but in opposite directions. She is confronted by the tion. Remember, however, that our business in life is
Cheshire Cat, of whom Alice asks, “Which path shall not to get ahead of others but to get ahead of our-
I take?” selves. To break our own record, to outstrip our yes-
The cat answers, “That depends where you want terdays by today, to bear our trials more beautifully
to go. If you do not know where you want to go, it than we ever dreamed we could, to give as we never
doesn’t really matter which path you take.”3 have given, to do our work with more force and a
Unlike Alice, each of us knows where he or she finer finish than ever—this is the true objective. And
wants to go. It does matter which way we go, for the to accomplish this task, our attitude is reflected in a
path we follow in this life surely leads to the path we determination to make the most of our opportunities.
shall follow in the next. We turn from the tempting allurement and eventual
I plead with you, my young brothers and sisters, snare so cunningly and carefully offered us by “old
to remember who you are. You are sons and daugh- man procrastination.” Two centuries ago, Edward
ters of Almighty God. You have a destiny to fulfill, a Young said that “procrastination is the thief of time.”5
life to live, a contribution to make, a goal to achieve. Actually, procrastination is much more. It is the thief
The future of the kingdom of God upon the earth of our self-respect. It nags at us and spoils our fun. It
will, in part, be aided by your devotion. deprives us of the fullest realization of our ambitions
Let us remember that the wisdom of God may and hopes. Knowing this, we jar ourselves back to re-
appear as foolishness to men, but the greatest single ality with the sure knowledge that “this is my day of
lesson we can learn in mortality is that when God opportunity. I will not waste it.”
Perhaps the Apostle Paul had our day and age in hymn, I suddenly felt compelled to greet personally
mind when he taught the Corinthian Saints that life each of these children. My watch revealed that the
is very much like a race. He said: “Know ye not that time was too short for such a privilege, for we were
they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the scheduled on a flight out of the country, so I dis-
prize? So run, that ye may obtain.”6 counted the impression. Before the benediction was
The writer of the book of Ecclesiastes also wrote of to be spoken, I again felt that I should shake the hand
this subject: “The race is not to the swift, nor the battle of each child. I made the desire known to the instruc-
to the strong,”7 but to those who endure to the end. tor, who displayed a broad and beautiful Samoan
The race of life is not optional. We are on the track smile. In Samoan, he announced this to the children.
and running, whether we like it or not. Some see They beamed their approval.
dimly the goal ahead and take costly detours which The instructor then revealed to me the reason for
lead to disappointment and frustration. Others view his and their joy. He said, “When we learned that a
clearly the prize for running well and remain steadfast member of the Council of the Twelve was to visit us
in pursuit. This prize, this lofty and desirable goal, is here in Samoa, so far away from Church headquar-
none other than eternal life in the presence of God. ters, I told the children if they would earnestly and
Unlocked for you will be the treasure chest of sincerely pray and exert faith like the Bible accounts
knowledge and inspiration as you plan with purpose of old, that the Apostle would visit our tiny village
your future. at Sauniatu and through their faith he would be im-
pressed to greet each child with a personal hand-
THIRD, FRAME YOUR LIFE WITH FAITH. clasp.” Tears could not be restrained as the precious
boys and girls walked shyly by and whispered softly
Amidst the confusion of our age, the conflicts of to us the sweet Samoan greeting “talofa lava.” A pro-
conscience, and the turmoil of daily living, an abiding found expression of faith had been evidenced.
faith becomes an anchor to our lives. Remember that faith and doubt cannot exist in the
By seeking Heavenly Father in personal and fam- same mind at the same time, for one will dispel the
ily prayer, we and our loved ones will develop the other.
fulfillment of what the great English statesman Should doubt knock at your doorway, just say to
William E. Gladstone described as the world’s great- those skeptical, disturbing, rebellious thoughts: “I
est need: “A living faith in a personal God.” Such faith propose to stay with my faith, with the faith of my
will illuminate our way as the lighthouse of the Lord. people. I know that happiness and contentment are
When you have an abiding there, and I forbid you, agnostic,
faith in the living God, when doubting thoughts, to destroy
your outward actions reflect the house of my faith. I acknowl-
your inner convictions, you edge that I do not understand
have the composite strength of the processes of creation, but I
exposed and hidden virtues. accept the fact of it. I grant that
They combine to give safe pas- I cannot explain the miracles of
sage through whatever rough the Bible, and I do not attempt to
seas might arise. do so, but I accept God’s word. I
Wherever we may be, our wasn’t with Joseph, but I believe
Heavenly Father can hear and him. My faith did not come to me
answer the prayer offered in through science, and I will not
faith. permit so-called science to
Many years ago, on my first destroy it.”
visit to the fabled village of May you ever frame your life
Sauniatu in Samoa, so loved with faith.
by President David O. McKay, When you, my dear young
my wife and I met with a large friends, choose your friends with
gathering of small children— caution, plan your future with
nearly 200 in number. At the purpose, and frame your life with
conclusion of our messages to faith, you will merit the compan-
these shy yet beautiful young- ionship of the Holy Spirit. You
sters, I suggested to the native will have “a perfect brightness of
ach lesson in church, each prayer,
Samoan teacher that we go for-
ward with the closing exercises.
As he announced the final
E each date, each friend, each dance all
precede the goal of temple marriage.
hope.”8 You will testify through
your own experience to the truth
of the Lord’s promise: “I, the
6
Remember that faith and doubt cannot exist in the same
mind at the same time, for one will dispel the other.
IDEAS FOR HOME TEACHERS
Some Points of Emphasis
You may wish to make these points in your home teach-
ing discussions:
Lord, am merciful and gracious unto those who fear 1. Our circle of friends greatly influences our thinking
me, and delight to honor those who serve me in righ- and behavior, just as we also influence theirs.
teousness and in truth unto the end. Great shall be 2. Some see dimly the goal ahead and take costly detours
their reward and eternal shall be their glory.”9 which lead to disappointment and frustration. Others view
The lighthouse of the Lord provides the unfailing clearly the prize—eternal life in the presence of God—and
way. May we follow the guiding signals it sends to remain steadfast in pursuit.
you and to me, that we may find our way safely 3. When we have an abiding faith in the living God,
home. អ when our outward actions reflect our inner convictions, we
Gospel topics: faith, friendshipping, goals will find safe passage through whatever rough seas arise.
NOTES
1. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, “Morituri Salutamus.” Discussion Helps
2. Gerald Massey, in The Home Book of Quotations, sel. Burton 1. Relate your feelings about looking to the Lord and
Stevenson (1934), 121.
3. See Lewis Carroll, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland (1992), 89.
His teachings for guidance through the storms of life.
4. See Gen. 25:29–34. 2. Are there some scriptures, quotations, or stories in
5. In John Bartlett, Familiar Quotations, 14th ed. (1968), 399. this article that the family might read aloud and discuss?
6. 1 Cor. 9:24.
7. Eccl. 9:11.
3. Would this discussion be better after a previsit chat
8. 2 Ne. 31:20. with the head of the household? Is there a message from the
9. D&C 76:5–6. bishop or quorum leader?

JESUS,
the Perfect Mentor
BY ELDER NEAL A. MAXWELL
Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
He who is our Great Redeemer Each of us, from time to time, is mentored and has
chances to mentor. In my experience, truthful and
was fully qualified to become such, caring one-liners that occur within such nurturing re-
because He was and is the Great lationships have a long shelf life! You can probably re-
Emulator! We, in turn, have been count three or four examples of how people have said
something—probably a sentence or clause—and you
asked to emulate Him. remember it still. It moves and touches you still. Such
has been the case with me.
J esus said, “He that hath seen me hath seen the

Father” (John 14:9). When we read this we usu-
ally think of Their physical appearances, but He
was also speaking of seeing Their perfect examples
My own father joined the Church in 1922. Later
he wrote in his personal history about how Bishop
Arthur Shurtleff and the Young Men superintendent,
Jesse Fox, taught him both before and after his bap-
and all the divine attributes embodied in Their majes- tism. These were busy men, but their teaching surely
tic leadership. mattered to my father—and to all of us who consti-
Furthermore, the Master likewise told us who His tute his posterity. How grateful we are to have had
own Exemplar is: “Verily, verily, I say unto you, The that particular convert retained and mentored!
Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Thus, giving encouragement and perspective to
Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also each other—including spiritual one-liners—occurs in
doeth the Son likewise” (John 5:19). life so often, as in the well-known case of the young
He who is our Great Redeemer was fully qualified man who accompanied Elisha on the mount that was
to become such, because He was and is the Great surrounded with hostile horses and chariots. The anx-
Emulator! We, in turn, have been asked to emulate ious young man asked, “How shall we do?” (2 Kgs.
Him: “What manner of men [and women] ought ye to 6:15). His eyes were then opened so that he too saw
be? Verily I say unto you, even as I am” (3 Ne. 27:27). the reassuring horses and chariots of fire. Elisha coun-
The ways that we can emulate Jesus, therefore, seled the young man, “They that be with us are more
are many. I have selected only a few scriptures con- than they that be with them” (v. 16). How vital that
cerning our “great and true shepherd” (Hel. 15:13). same truth is for all of us, especially when we may
These will focus on how Jesus tutors and mentors seem outnumbered or overwhelmed in life’s varied
His disciples and followers. May we then do with circumstances.
these examples what Nephi did when studying the
scriptures, namely, to “liken all scriptures” unto JESUS’ QUESTIONS
ourselves (1 Ne. 19:23). This is something that doesn’t
happen often enough in the Church. We read the Jesus’ mentoring and tutoring arose out of His
scriptures, but often we do not “liken” them. divinity, of which I testify, and often occurred in the
8
THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT, BY CARL HEINRICH BLOCH, DET NATIONALHISTORISKE MUSEUM PÅ FREDERIKSBORG, HILLERØD
e cannot truly learn any deep

W or lasting things about Jesus
unless we take His yoke upon us.
Then the relevant experiences will
teach us keenly and deeply about
Him and His divine attributes.

form of searching questions, sometimes even wrench-
ing questions. For example, the tender, thrice-put Christ’s commendations are as
query to Peter: “Simon Peter, . . . lovest thou me?” specific as His questions, such
(John 21:15; see also vv. 16–17). as to Hyrum Smith, whom the
Lord said He loved for the in-
Unlike some of our questions to others, Jesus’ tegrity of his heart (see D&C
questions were not flippant, nor were they mere re- 124:15). Is your and my praise
joinders. Instead, they were true invitations, though of others so deserved and
only the meek may actually respond. Nevertheless, specific?
deep insights are embedded in Christ’s questions!
Lesson-laden, Jesus’ questions are relevant for
us too. Some are multidispensational, such as the
question to the returning and healed leper about
the forgetful ingratitude of his peers. Jesus asked the
question, “Where are the [other] nine?” (Luke 17:17).
Some of the Master’s queries require an entire asked, “Could ye not watch with me one hour?”
shift in one’s frame of reference. Consider the ques- (Matt. 26:40). The question was not asked in self-pity
tion asked the brilliant but as yet spiritually untamed or shoulder-shrugging fatigue. Rather, implicitly and
Saul on the road to Damascus: “Saul, Saul, why per- comparatively, the question underscored Jesus’
secutest thou me?” (Acts 9:4). An entire frame of refer- unique bearing capacity, so essential to the accom-
ence was changed by an inspired question. plishing of the great Atonement of which the once
There are tactical advantages as well as spiritual slumbering Twelve would soon testify so devotedly
advantages that can accompany inspired questions. and bravely.
In a modern metaphor that you’re familiar with, in- Nephite leaders, otherwise very dedicated, were
spired questions put the ball on the other side of the nevertheless reproved with a question concerning
net, leaving people free to respond without our being one matter: “How be it that ye have not written” the
unduly pressing or aggressive. Others may not re- prophecy of Samuel the Lamanite? (3 Ne. 23:11).
spond, of course. Nevertheless, the invitations are There were apparently “many” witnesses to the res-
clearly there, for quality questions linger, especially urrection of “many saints” following Jesus’ being the
if they are asked in love. firstfruits of the Resurrection (see vv. 9–11). This
Moreover, we soon find in this process of tutoring scriptural affirmation was a Western Hemispheric
and mentoring that chastening may be involved in match for what happened in the Holy Land (see
both the Lord’s questions and in His training of us. The Matt. 27:52–53). What had happened was so unprece-
Lord tells us that He chastens those whom He loves. In dented and fundamental, hence it was vital to have
fact, the chastened may be the only individuals willing the foretelling prophecy recorded. Though regarded
so to learn (see Mosiah 23:21). After all, where could as a foolish teaching by the world, prophets can
one get more profound, personal insights than from know of things yet to come! Therefore, as in this
the Lord—and in the context of divine charity? episode in 3 Nephi, testifying of the reality of the
Consider these words of President Brigham Young Resurrection is vital, especially in our humanistic
as to how vital charity always is and what proceeds times, when some freshly assert, “For no man
out of charity: “There is one virtue, attribute, or prin- knoweth of . . . things to come” (Jacob 7:7).
ciple, which, if cherished and practiced by the Saints,
would prove salvation to thousands upon thousands. CHRIST’S COMMENDATIONS
I allude to charity, or love, from which proceed for-
giveness, long suffering, kindness, and patience” (in Christ’s commendations are as specific as His
Deseret News, 11 Jan. 1860, 353). That’s where those questions, such as to Hyrum Smith, whom the Lord
virtues come from: the capacity to love. said He loved for the integrity of his heart (see D&C
Reflect on the next question, asked of the anxious 124:15). Is your and my praise of others so deserved
parents who had searched for the missing, youthful and specific?
Christ. What was His question to them? “Wist ye not Commendation was conveyed to a whole congre-
that I must be about my Father’s business?” (Luke gation on one occasion. In the book of Revelation, we
2:49). Even sincere anxiety, if we are not careful, can read of a particular branch of the Church, imperfect
obscure what is really going on. Ironically, pointed but impressive: “I know thy works, and charity, and
questions can widen our perspectives. How long since service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works;
you’ve asked such a question or been asked such a and the last to be more than the first” (Rev. 2:19). A
question? These can be part of the mentoring process. whole congregation is commended very specifically.
Consider another example. To the devoted but By its very nature, mentoring is an exercise filled
sleepy disciples in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus with hope. It is instructive and inspirational, for
10
instance, for us to know that the original Twelve, once The emancipation that can come with forgiveness
chided for being unable to wait a mere hour, will one is clearly part of the lubricant of love that the Lord
day stand at Jesus’ “right hand at the day of [His] wants to be pervasive in His Church. How long has
coming in a pillar of fire, being clothed with robes it been since you may have forgiven someone—
of righteousness, with crowns upon their heads, in perhaps of something small—to emancipate them?
glory even as [Christ is], to judge the whole house How long has it been since someone emancipated
of Israel” (D&C 29:12). you for some small misstep or miswording of a
It is the essence of developmental discipleship communication?
to move from difficulty—such as failing to wait one Ponder these next diagnostic comments given to
hour—on to that transcendent scene that lies ahead. Oliver Cowdery after his failed effort to translate:
It is the same developmental discipleship that should “You did not continue as you commenced” and “You
be the objective for all of us. took no thought save it was to ask” (D&C 9:5, 7). How
often do you and I perform reasonably well in phase
CHRIST’S CORRECTION one, only to slacken in phase two or three? Or do we
expect our effortless petitions to the Lord to be
These next words show how Christ will often give quickly and automatically rewarded?
us His diagnosis of a situation, but it is not necessarily Christ often corrected before commending. To the
a despairing diagnosis. It states the real deficiencies woman from Samaria, and her people, He initially
and invites us to work upon them successfully. He said, “Ye worship ye know not what” (John 4:22).
said, “My disciples, in days of old, sought occasion Then, however, Jesus responded to her personal faith
against one another and forgave not one another in in the coming Messiah by saying to her that which,
their hearts; and for this evil they were afflicted and until then, He had not similarly disclosed: “Jesus saith
sorely chastened” (D&C 64:8). unto her, I that speak unto thee am he” (v. 26).
The brother of Jared experienced three hours in-
volving divine correction. Yet this correction did not
Jesus’ mentoring and tutoring often occurred in the
form of searching questions, sometimes even wrench-
preclude the later and superb commendation to the
brother of Jared: “Never has man come before me
ing questions. For example, the tender, thrice-put query with such exceeding faith” (Ether 3:9). This is the
to Peter: “Simon Peter, . . . lovest thou me?” (John 21:15). Lord we worship, and His divinity is seen in His
ABOVE LEFT: BROTHER HYRUM; RIGHT: “LOVEST THOU ME MORE THAN THESE,” BOTH BY DAVID LINDSLEY

qualities, His work in our lives, and the mentoring simply that the Father had already made that decision
and tutoring examples that are supplied. (see Matt. 20:21–23). Jesus understood perfectly the
Now, you are going to live out your lives in con- maternal instincts that were at play in this mother’s
temporary society. It is a society in which, instead of questing for her sons. As always, His response was
a rush to judgment, there is almost a rush to mercy, measured and appropriate. We sometimes ask, don’t
because people are so anxious to be nonjudgmental. we, for things the implications of which we do not
Many have quite a confused understanding of mercy fully understand? Some of the most important prayers
and justice. People tend to shy away from correction we have offered are those that were not answered as
even when it might be helpful. Of this tendency, C. S. we hoped they might have been. There is mentoring
Lewis wrote: “The Humanitarian theory wants sim- in that process too. No wonder the scriptures teach
ply to abolish Justice and substitute Mercy for it. . . . that we are to ask in faith but we are also to strive to
Mercy, detached from Justice, grows unmerciful. That ask and to petition for that “which is right” (3 Ne.
is the important paradox. As there are plants which 18:20; see also 3 Ne. 26:9; D&C 88:64–65).
will flourish only in mountain soil, so it appears that
Mercy will flower only when it grows in the crannies DISCIPLESHIP OF JESUS
of the rock of Justice: transplanted to the marshlands
of mere Humanitarianism, it becomes a man-eating The eloquence of Jesus’ example of long-suffering
weed, all the more dangerous because it is still called and patience with each of us is surely something we
by the same name as the mountain variety” (God in must emulate—more than we usually do—in our re-
the Dock: Essays on Theology and Ethics [1970], 294). lationships with each other! Jesus reassured us in this
Consider this. To the highly conscientious Brigham connection that “mine arm is lengthened out all the
Young, who sacrificed so much so frequently, the day long” (2 Ne. 28:32). What marvelous and merciful
tutoring counsel was “Take especial care of your fam- imagery! The current Brethren have a saying, “How
ily” (D&C 126:3). Is it not the case, brothers and sis-
ters, that often the highly conscientious also need
hrist often corrected before commending. To the
counsel, though perhaps of a different sort? Course
corrections continue to be vital for us all.
To the mother of James and John, who wanted her
C woman from Samaria He initially said, “Ye worship
ye know not what” (John 4:22). Then, however, Jesus
sons to sit on Jesus’ right and left hands, Jesus noted responded to her personal faith in the coming Messiah.
CHRIST AND THE SAMARITAN WOMAN, BY CARL HEINRICH BLOCH, DET NATIONALHISTORISKE MUSEUM PÅ FREDERIKSBORG, HILLERØD
12
kind of faith and not be unnecessarily bruised and bat-
In the comforting words of tered, we must allow, more than we do now, for the
the Prophet Joseph Smith, fact that the Lord’s timetable must take into account:
God has, from the foundation (1) our agency and the agency of others, (2) His merci-
of the world, made “ample
provision” to bring all His
ful long-suffering that He extends to us, and (3) the
purposes to pass, even though need for Christ to hold all things together.
JOSEPH SMITH, BY ALVIN GITTINS
at times we may be puzzled In the comforting words of the Prophet Joseph

and perplexed. Smith, God has, from the foundation of the world,
made “ample provision” to bring all His purposes to
pass, even though at times we may be puzzled and
perplexed (see Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, sel.
Joseph Fielding Smith [1976], 220).
OUR CLINICAL MATERIAL

many tellings does it take?” It is a saying that is
used in a kindly way, sometimes wistfully. Most of Your lives, your friendships, your marriages, your
us shouldn’t be surprised if some of life’s hardest families, your neighbors and coworkers currently con-
lessons require repetition. We recognize that we have stitute the sample of humanity which God has given
taken the course before, and here we go again! It is a you. We are each other’s clinical material, and we
function of the long-suffering and the mercy of the make a mistake when we disregard that sober fact.
Lord—until we get it right. No wonder, therefore, we feel stress at times. The
Real adoration of Jesus as our Savior but also as wise and insightful President Brigham Young said
the perfect leader will lead us to emulation of Him. this: “There are no two faces alike, no two persons
After all, He said, “Take my yoke upon you, and tempered alike; . . . we are tried with each other, and
learn of me; for I am meek and lowly” (Matt. 11:29). large drafts are made upon our patience, forbearance,
Brothers and sisters, we cannot really learn any deep charity, and good will, in short, upon all the higher
or lasting things about Jesus unless we take His yoke and Godlike qualities of our nature” (in Deseret News,
upon us. Then, though on our small scales compared 6 July 1862, 9). Now, you are going to have days when
to His, the relevant experiences will teach us keenly people make a large draft on your patience, when
and deeply about Him and His divine attributes. they lay claim to your long-suffering that you may
There is nothing abstract about it at all. It becomes feel they don’t quite deserve. This is part of the chem-
a very personal thing for us. istry that goes on in discipleship if we are serious
It is significant that He conjoined the word “learn” about it, as we constitute each other’s clinical material.
with “meek and lowly.” No spiritual infusion can re- It is within these circles of influence that you can
ally occur except we are sufficiently meek and lowly strive to carry out all the dimensions of the second
to let it sink into the marrow of our souls. Life has a great commandment, including giving praise, com-
way, doesn’t it, of giving us an adequate supply of mendation, and occasional correction. It is good for
such learning? These experiences at the time may us to develop further our relevant skills. Paul pre-
seem so micro, but they are often very, very signifi- scribed, however, “speaking the truth in love” (Eph.
cant in terms of the developmental discipleship with 4:15). There is something about others’ knowing that
which we should be so concerned. we love them which convoys, accompanies, and
I share with you now, not hesitantly but with some helps something to get through. We may speak the
anxiety because the words can be misunderstood, a truth to a person who doesn’t like compliments. We
revelation that has to do not only with the Lord’s may speak the truth to a person who can’t stand any
timetable for all of the world but also with our individ- sort of suggestion or reproof. If we speak the truth in
ualized experiences. These too have been divinely love, however, there is a much greater chance that
foreseen, and they are included in these words of what we say will find its mark in the hearts and the
Jesus: “But all things must come to pass in their time” minds of other people.
(D&C 64:32). Though tersely expressed, this insight is You and I can sense when people speak to us in
profoundly and reassuringly important to each of us love. I never have any question, for instance, about my
personally. In the midst of today and the here and wife, Colleen, when she gives me suggestions, even
now, you and I may not see the marvelous pattern and when I do not regard them as convenient. Yet I never
divine design in our lives. One day as we look back, have to stop and question her motives or decode the
the pattern and the mosaic will be much more clear. communication. I know she loves me, and I let what
For now, we are to have faith not only in the Lord and she is telling me, however inconvenient it may be,
His overall macro-timetable but also in His timetable come inside. So it is when we do as Paul says and
for each of us individually! In order for us to have that speak the truth in love.

Isn’t it interesting that Jesus was the great praise
giver, whether to the centurion (see Matt. 8:5–10) or, During World War II, I some-
as already observed, to the woman of Samaria (see times sent home “V-mails,”
John 4:11–18), to Hyrum Smith (see D&C 124:15), or which were not much more
than a postcard. In one I
to the Saints at Thyatira? (see Rev. 2:18–19). wrote, “I had a C-ration bis-
Much more often, we too can give others “the gar- cuit and rainwater for my
ment of praise” (Isa. 61:3). There are so many people sacrament. That proves it is
with no such clothing in their wardrobes—or only a not the ingredients, but the
Spirit. It was wonderful. The
T-shirt. They shiver for want of a little praise.
mud is terrible here. . . . Many
Meanwhile, each of us has far more opportunities for things have so strengthened
bestowing deserved praise than we ever use! How my faith, but I can hardly
long since you’ve done that? Perhaps today for many wait to go on a mission.”
of you. Maybe too long for some of you.
It is important for us to ask ourselves, Can we
give and receive correction as well as giving and re- “V-mails”—tiny little sheets of paper. They were re-
ceiving commendation? We are cautioned by Paul, in- ally not much more than a postcard, but they were
terestingly enough, not to reprove others too much, the best we could manage in foxholes. My father
causing them to “be swallowed up with overmuch kindly saved all my letters from the service and all
sorrow” (2 Cor. 2:7). President Brigham Young, ever my letters from the mission field.
practical as well as spiritual, said we should never On one of those V-mails I noted recently that I
reprove beyond the capacity of our healing balm to had “blessed my own sacrament in a foxhole. . . . I
reach out to the person reproved (see Deseret News, certainly felt better. . . . I try to look at the big picture
6 Mar. 1861, 1). of life and everything seems OK.”
The context in which your discipleship is de- In another V-mail, “Please don’t worry, I’ll be OK.
veloping and is under way reminds me of what the I am in Good Hands.”
Prophet Joseph Smith was told in connection with In another little V-mail, “Today is Sunday. I have
the impending Civil War in America: “Ye know not tried to make it a point to know so I can bless my
the hearts of men in your own land” (D&C 38:29). We sacrament, otherwise it is just another day.” In an-
can be pretty cloistered without realizing it. We can other, “I had a C-ration biscuit and rainwater for my
be unaware of larger and subtle trends that are devel- sacrament. That proves it is not the ingredients, but
oping. For instance, the time in which you live is one the Spirit. It was wonderful. The mud is terrible here.
of moral decline in many respects. This decline has . . . Many things have so strengthened my faith, but I
been deep, it has been steep, and it has occurred “in can hardly wait to go on a mission.”
the space of not many years” (Hel. 4:26). I was still 18. I have searched the letters carefully
Meanwhile, today’s cultural gurus have you in but in vain for anything profound or greatly wise in
their crosshairs as they promote in various ways them. Nevertheless, I express my gratitude to the
the proclivities of the natural man and the natural Lord and to my parents for training that caused me
woman. They will push, entice, and lure you accord- to want to partake of the sacrament and to begin to
ingly, using all the secular caresses. Resist—for you think firmly of a mission in my future.
are not only precious per se, but you also constitute 2. Signs, if they are not supported by the righteous
the cadre of the kingdom of God! life and the continued influence of the Holy Ghost,
have a short shelf life. Indeed, one of the repetitive
APHORISMS TO REMEMBER ironies of religious history is that those who are the
first to demand signs are usually the first to discount
I would like to share with you several aphorisms or to forget them! Such was the case with some an-
with some illustrations squeezed out of experience, cient Nephites who demanded signs at the time of
containing, hopefully, some inspiration. You will ap- the birth of Jesus. The signs had to be on precise
preciate, from your own experience, those lines from schedule, as you recall. The wonders and the signs
the Book of Mormon about how we sometimes “can- finally came, and all the disbelievers fell to the earth
not say the smallest part which [we] feel” (Alma (see 3 Ne. 1:17–18). Yet within two or no more than
26:16). I am going to try anyway! three years “the people began to forget those signs . . .
1. In times of darkness, remember there is a differ- and began to disbelieve all which they had heard and
ence between passing local cloud cover and general seen” (3 Ne. 2:1). Please cultivate the gift of the Holy
darkness. At the suggestion of my wife, may I illustrate? Ghost and have it be constant with you.
When I was in action in the spring of 1945, as a not 3. Pure charity is most elegant when it is expressed
too effective and very frightened young infantryman personally and quietly and when it is not a ritual ex-
in Okinawa, I sometimes sent home what were called pression of an assignment.
14
STILLING THE STORM, BY TED HENNINGER
he sea may be roiling at times with waves of emotion

T or by billows of anger. Then, for us too, the calming
of the Master becomes crucial.
forward and are fixed on the things of eternity, and
all of that is proper and good, but there is sometimes
fog in the next hundred yards. You can make it
through, but don’t be surprised when it is the short-
4. Never mistake a fashionable tide for the sea it- term obscurity through which you must pass as a re-
self. Though real and dangerous, the “gulf of misery” sult of your faith in the long-term things.
is not the entire ocean (see 2 Ne. 1:13). He who cre- 8. How can we expect to overcome the world if we
ated the vast oceans will help us navigate all the are too insulated from its trials and challenges? You
tricky tides and gulfs. Besides, we must remember will experience at times what might be called some
that the fashions of the world—whatever they may redemptive turbulence. Think, for instance, of the
be, intellectually and otherwise—will pass away, as Master and the roiling Sea of Galilee, tossed by the
Paul has reassured us (see 1 Cor. 7:31). So many “wind boisterous” and “contrary,” and the anguished
“trendies” who live in our time oscillate over the cry of His followers as in the lyrics we sing, “Master,
obsolescent without quite realizing it! the tempest is raging” (see Matt. 14:22–33; Hymns, no.
5. Firmly determine the direction in which you 105). Yet that tempest actually occurred on a tiny little
will face—toward the Lord—and then let the secular sea only 12 miles by 7 miles! Nevertheless, for that
spinmeisters do their thing. Your hearts and your moment, Galilee constituted the real world for those
heads will not be turned by their ceaseless and clever anxious disciples!
spinning, however they may try. And try they will! So it is with the little sectors of our lives. The sea
You must determine the direction in which you face. may be roiling at times with waves of emotion, such
6. We cannot expect to live in a time when men’s as when one is offended, or by billows of anger, or,
hearts will fail them except the faithful experience a more commonly, by self-pity that threatens to swal-
few fibrillations themselves. We won’t be entirely im- low us up. Then, for us too, the calming of the Master
mune from feelings that go with these fibrillations. becomes crucial. Remember how it was: after Christ
7. Though our view of eternity is reasonably clear, and Peter came back “into the ship, the wind ceased”
it is often our view of the next mile which may be ob- (Matt. 14:32). He can do that for us if we will let Him.
scured! Hence the need for the constancy of the gift It doesn’t matter how small our Galilee may seem;
of the Holy Ghost. I think you will see this a number the boisterousness and the tempest will at times rage,
of times in your lives. You have cast your minds but the remedy is still the same.

9. Elder Mark E. Petersen (1900–1984) of the individuals and friends who are exemplars for you and
Quorum of the Twelve Apostles once cautioned me by the manner in which they strive so steadily and
the General Authorities, “Adulation can be our ruina- unapologetically to wear the whole armor of God.
tion” (quoted in Neal A. Maxwell, “Popularity and These special moments—one-on-one, in small
Principle,” Ensign, Mar. 1995, 15). As one looks at groups, in corridors, hallways, or wherever—do
Jesus again, the perfect example, there is no incident something so subtle that we are scarcely aware that it
wherein He ever played to the gallery or curried favor is happening. Yet these help to further define our rela-
or praise. Neither did He ever take an indulgent dip in tionships with the Lord and with each other. It is often
the pool of self-pity. Nor did He ever know the intoxi- the one-liners that come from these special moments
cation that comes from recognition. Such tippling is which have such a long shelf life and which help us
not entirely unknown among us. Unlike Jesus, most of long after the dispersal of those friends has occurred.
us are familiar with the fruit of that vine. This addict- Meanwhile, we remain responsible to develop
ing nectar of recognition is not prohibited specifically and to use our capacity to love. I turn to President
in section 89 of the Doctrine and Covenants, but it is Brigham Young again. He said, “The principle of love
elsewhere! We are most likely to imbibe that nectar, by within us is an attribute of the Deity, and it is placed
the way, when we feel underwhelmed or unappreci- within us to be dispensed independently according
ated. It is then that we may frequent the saloon of self- to our own will” (in Deseret News, 4 Apr. 1860, 34). We
pity. One of the great things that we can do for each decide how we express love. The Latter-day Saints
other is to stay away from that place. Hence my stress “have got to learn that the interest of their brethren is
on providing deserved commendation and the love their own interest, or they never can be saved in the
that is so precious. Celestial Kingdom of God” (in Deseret News, 18 June
How wonderful it is (and we have all had these ex- 1856, 116). So profound, so powerful.
periences) when we can gather in circles of friendship In the relationships of which I speak—the mentor-
large or small with shared gospel values. Sharing is like ing, the tutoring, the commending, and occasionally
gathering around conversational bonfires that grow the correcting—every one of us has ample clinical
warm and bright against the horizon. You will find the
memories of these bonfires will achieve a lastingness—
not of what you wore or of what the menu was, but
rather because of the shared expressions of love and
testimony. Especially helpful are the memories of those
Iye toremind you of the great encouragement which is also
a directive: “What manner of men [and women] ought
be? Verily I say unto you, even as I am” (3 Ne. 27:27).
LEFT: THREE NEPHITES, BY GARY L. KAPP; ABOVE RIGHT: DETAIL FROM BRIGHAM YOUNG’S FAMILY,
BY WILLIAM WARNER MAJOR, COURTESY OF MUSEUM OF CHURCH HISTORY AND ART
16
for the human family. The need will be even greater
President Brigham Young said, for mentors and tutors to help people understand the
“The principle of love within significance of what they have heard and what they
us is an attribute of the Deity, have seen involving the Restoration.
and it is placed within us to be
dispensed independently ac- Finally, we must have the awareness, as we wor-
cording to our own will.” The ship God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ, that God
Latter-day Saints “have got to has all of the capacity He needs to save His children. In
learn that the interest of their one sense you and I may say, What can we give God,
brethren is their own interest,
or they never can be saved in who seems to have everything? The one thing we can
the Celestial Kingdom of God.” give Him that He does not have and that He will not
take is our wills. This is the act of spiritual submissive-
ness in which, like Jesus, the perfect mentor, we let our
wills be swallowed up in the will of the Father. Such is
a gift you can give that He desires from all of us.
opportunities to develop our capacity to love. Many To that end I bear my witness not only that Jesus
of these opportunities, however, are like people. If we lives but, in my feeble way, of how He lives! I remind
are not careful, they can pass us by unnoticed (see you of the great encouragement which is also a direc-
Morm. 8:39). tive: “What manner of men [and women] ought ye to
Fortunately, in addition to these bonfires there are be? Verily I say unto you, even as I am” (3 Ne. 27:27).
blessed individual reveries that come to us in life. In that discipleship there is joy unbounded that lies
These are heartfelt moments when we are reflective, ahead; therefore, we can and should tolerate such
and they touch us deeply. But they are so fleeting. The mentoring and tutoring as may be necessary to get us
day will come, brothers and sisters, when these rever- where we can and should go. This is the generation
ies will not only be touching and heartfelt but ever- that can roll forth the borders of this kingdom and
lasting in their splendor! For now they are exceedingly have influence for good in the world such as has
brief, and we are left to press forward. We need reflec- never been before.
tive leisure to ponder, but if there were too much of it, I have mentioned Okinawa, hoping you have for-
or if these moments were too prolonged, they would given that autobiographical addendum. There was
soon dissolve and lose their spiritual symmetry. So the a young man from Lynndyl, Utah, whom I met in
reveries come, but they are brief, and then it is back to World War II: Dean Nielson. He had been a student
class in the curriculum the Lord has for each of us. leader at Delta High School, as I recall. My memory
of him is of a special young man who strove to put
DEVELOPMENT OF DISCIPLESHIP on the whole armor of God. I loved him for his sweet-
ness and his innocence and was deeply saddened
The tilt of your soul now can further shape all the when he was killed on Okinawa, unwed. I learned
days that follow! If you become too insulated, too en- later that his family was in doubt for 30 days about
crusted, too self-contained, too self-concerned, those what had happened to him.
patterns will end up constraining you like invisible bar- I then thought and I now say that since that very
riers and borders in the days and years ahead. Stretch. day of his death the Lord has used in the spirit world
Reach for that kind of developmental discipleship that the abundant gifts and talents of Dean Nielson, just
will take you beyond where you thought you could go. as surely as if he had been allowed to remain here.
Isn’t it marvelous that, as happy as you have Therefore, one of the rendezvous to which I look for-
been in certain moments of your life, you know the ward is to see my friend again and to thank him for
happiest days lie ahead because of the hopefulness being part of the kind of warming bonfire which he,
of the gospel? Isn’t it interesting that in the moments in his fundamental goodness, exemplified for me and
when you have felt most illuminated, nevertheless others. We have not only “miles to go before [we]
the brightest days still lie ahead? The blessings of the sleep” but also rendezvous to keep (Robert Frost,
Lord can take you far beyond where you thought you “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening”).
could go. In the marvelous plan of salvation the mentoring
I should like to bear my testimony that the Lord brings us along on each side of the veil, because
Restoration will push and even crowd you at times He loves us. The sooner we can submit our wills to
because of the rapidity of the events that come upon the Father as Jesus did, the greater will be the divine
us. Never be reluctant to be part of the Restoration delight and the joy in us. អ
and its onrollingness, and you will find yourself From a talk given at a Church Educational System fireside at Brigham
wafted in your spiritual development far beyond Young University on 6 February 2000.
where you thought you could go. Events will come Gospel topics: adversity, discipleship, encouragement, hope,
along that will more sharply define the Restoration Jesus Christ, meekness, praise

18
ELECTRONIC COMPOSITION BY PATRIC GERBER; PHOTOGRAPHY BY MATT REIER
“DRAW NEAR UNTO ME”
THE PRIVILEGE
AND POWER OF PRAYER
BY ELDER JOHN B. DICKSON
Of the Seventy
Praying is not only a commandment

but also one of the greatest of all privileges
given to the sons and daughters of God.
mental picture of Jesus teaching WE PRAY TO OUR HEAVENLY FATHER

A His followers to pray to the Father
brings sublime feelings to the heart.
On one occasion in the Americas, we find
T here is solace
in knowing
that He hears also
Praying is not only a commandment but
one of the greatest of all privileges given
the resurrected Savior surrounded by little to the sons and daughters of God. There is
children who were encircled by a multi- and that He cares, solace in knowing that He hears and that He
tude of faithful Saints on bended knee. but we must take cares, but we must take advantage of His in-
Listening intently, the people were over- advantage of His vitation to call upon Him. “Draw near unto
come with joy as He “prayed unto the invitation to call me and I will draw near unto you; seek me
Father” words that “cannot be written” upon Him. diligently and ye shall find me; ask, and ye
(see 3 Ne. 17:11–18). shall receive; knock, and it shall be opened
Like us, Jesus Christ, our exemplar unto you” (D&C 88:63).
and advocate with the Father, was born Jesus Christ set the example regarding
into this earth life and faced with uncertainties, how to pray as well as unto whom we should pray.
challenges, and temptations. The Savior taught He clearly taught that we are to pray to our Heavenly
us by both word and example that we don’t have Father. While visiting the inhabitants of ancient Amer-
to be alone while in the unfamiliar surroundings ica, the Savior instructed, “Pray in your families unto
of this mortal probation. There is great security the Father, always in my name, that your wives and
in knowing that we can communicate with our your children may be blessed” (3 Ne. 18:21).
Heavenly Father and that He will hear our sincere Children of God have many reasons to pray to
prayers. their Heavenly Father. These reasons include a heart’s
The following steps are taught to those who are sincere desire to express gratitude for blessings re-
learning to pray: ceived, calling upon Heavenly Father as a family, peti-
1. Our Heavenly Father, tioning Him in public prayer, pleading for forgiveness,
2. We thank thee . . . or seeking divine intervention to preserve life itself.
3. We ask thee . . .
4. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen. “WE THANK THEE . . .”
This basic format is helpful and always appropri-
ate, no matter how complex our prayer might be. As children of God, we are dependent upon Him
Let us examine these four elements of prayer. for all that we have, even the very breath we take (see

Mosiah 2:21). Our natural tendency as we come to
know and love the Lord is a desire to express gratitude
for these abundant blessings. Often we reflect on the
innumerable blessings that have come to us and can’t
wait until we can just be alone and express thanks,
without any particular thought of further re-
quests. It would seem awkward and lacking
he father of
in respect to ask for more if we have failed to
thank the Lord for blessings already received.
Paul said to the Saints at Thessalonica:
T President
David O. McKay,
“Pray without ceasing. In every thing give troubled as a mis-
thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ sionary by discour-
Jesus concerning you” (1 Thes. 5:17–18).
The Lord is not pleased when we fail
agement, “repaired
to express gratitude. “And in nothing doth to a cave on the
man offend God, or against none is his shore of the North
wrath kindled, save those who confess Sea . . . in prayer. . . .
not his hand in all things, and obey not He poured out his
his commandments” (D&C 59:21).
soul to God as a
A poignant example of the Savior’s
response to ingratitude is illustrated by son would appeal
His healing of the 10 lepers: to his father. The
“And as he entered into a certain village, answer came:
there met him ten men that were lepers, ‘Testify that Joseph
which stood afar off:
Smith is a prophet
“And they lifted up their voices, and
said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us. of God!’”
“And when he saw them, he said unto
them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it
came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed.
“And one of them, when he saw that he was healed,
turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God,
“And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him
thanks: and he was a Samaritan.
“And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten
cleansed? but where are the nine?
“There are not found that returned to give glory to
God, save this stranger.
“And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith
hath made thee whole” (Luke 17:12–19). behold, my name is Jehovah, and I have heard thee,
Let us remember to constantly express gratitude and have come down to deliver thee” (Abr. 1:15–16).
for blessings received. The Restoration of the gospel in our present dis-
pensation was not initiated until the Prophet Joseph
“WE ASK THEE . . .” Smith sought answers through solemn, personal
prayer. From his own account we read:
Both personal revelation and revelation for the “In the midst of this war of words and tumult of
benefit of mankind come as answers are sought opinions, I often said to myself: What is to be done?
through sincere prayer. As Abraham was about to Who of all these parties are right; or, are they all
be sacrificed to false gods, deliverance didn’t come wrong together? If any one of them be right, which
until he called upon the Lord for divine help: is it, and how shall I know it?
“And as they lifted up their hands upon me, that “While I was laboring under the extreme difficul-
they might offer me up and take away my life, behold, ties caused by the contests of these parties of religion-
I lifted up my voice unto the Lord my God, and the ists, I was one day reading the Epistle of James, first
Lord hearkened and heard, and he filled me with the chapter and fifth verse, which reads: If any of you lack
vision of the Almighty, and the angel of his presence wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally,
stood by me, and immediately unloosed my bands; and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. . . .
“And his voice was unto me: Abraham, Abraham, “At length I came to the conclusion that I must
20
either remain in darkness and confusion, or else unto you the glad tidings of great joy.
I must do as James directs, that is, ask of God. I at “For the Lord hath heard thy prayers, and hath
length came to the determination to ‘ask of God,’ judged of thy righteousness, and hath sent me to de-
concluding that if he gave wisdom to them that clare unto thee that thou mayest rejoice; and that thou
lacked wisdom, and would give liberally, and not mayest declare unto thy people, that they may also be
upbraid, I might venture” (JS—H 1:10–11, 13). filled with joy” (Mosiah 3:3–4).
We know that as he ventured, the marvelous pro- This good man’s faith, desire for the welfare of his
cess of the Restoration was begun. As the Restoration people, and personal worthiness were rewarded as
moved forward, revelation after revelation came forth his people took upon themselves the name of Christ
as questions were asked in sincere prayer. and were blessed with peace and prosperity.
King Benjamin, the great Book of Mormon prophet- Our Heavenly Father loves us and has a much
king, is an example of a righteous man who wanted greater vision than we do regarding those things that
to teach his people how to live in such a way as to ul- will give us eternal happiness. Jesus said, “For your
timately receive the blessings of eternal life. He did all Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before
in his power to set a righteous example; and the Lord ye ask him” (Matt. 6:8). With our prayers we need to
not only heard his sincere prayers but also sent an indicate, “Thy will be done,” and truly mean it.
angel, who said: “Awake, and hear the words which A few years ago I was observing a bug as it moved
I shall tell thee; for behold, I am come to declare across the floor. From my vantage point I could see that

approximately 15 feet ahead he was going to run into of worry and restlessness, he arose at daylight and re-
an obstacle that would cause him to lose quite a bit of paired to a cave on the shore of the North Sea. He had
travel time. I wanted to say, “Little bug, if you will been there before in prayer. There, just as the rays of the
change your direction and go 25 degrees to the left, morning light began to come over the sea, he poured
you will save yourself a lot of time and trouble.” But of out his soul to God as a son would appeal to his father.
course he continued his path and ran head-on into the The answer came: ‘Testify that Joseph Smith is a prophet
obstacle. He butted his head against it no fewer than 20 of God!’ The cause of his discouragement flashing upon
times as he first made a series of futile attempts to the his mind, he said aloud: ‘Lord, it is enough!’” (Man May
right, then finally found his way around to the left. Know for Himself: Teachings of President David O. McKay,
I thought, Is it not so with us and the Lord? Is His van- comp. Clare Middlemiss [1967], 25).
tage point not higher and greater than our own? Does
He not know how our prayers need to be answered, WE CLOSE WITH “IN THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST, AMEN”
even before we ask for His help? Through the scrip-
tures, through prophets, or by the influence of the Jesus instructed the Nephites that they should
Spirit, does He not invite us to turn 25 degrees to the “pray . . . unto the Father, always in my name” (3 Ne.
left or to the right where He can keep us safe and out 18:21). Writing to the Colossians, the Apostle Paul in-
of harm’s way, when our natural instincts structed, “And whatsoever ye do in word
would take us in another direction and “ ou will find or deed, do all in the name of the Lord
oftentimes into sorrow or suffering?
As the Prophet Joseph Smith languished
Y that when
these most inspira-
Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father
by him” (Col. 3:17). Hence every prayer
in the Liberty Jail amidst bitterness and should be offered to our Heavenly Father
persecution, he asked the Lord, Why? He tional moments in the name of His Son, Jesus Christ.
probably wasn’t referring so much to his come to you, you President Gordon B. Hinckley stated:
physical situation, which was deplorable, are alone with “Of all the great and wonderful and inspir-
as he was to the fact that his family and his yourself and your ing promises I have read, the most reassur-
people were scattered in the wilderness ing to me are the words of the Savior: ‘Ask,
and that the wonderful cause of Zion
God. . . . The great- and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall
seemed to be stalemated. In answer to the est comfort that find; knock, and it shall be opened unto
Prophet’s prayer the Lord said, “Know can come to us in you.’ (Matt. 7:7.) . . . Let us never forget to
thou, my son, that all these things shall give this life is to sense pray. God lives. He is near. He is real. He is
thee experience, and shall be for thy good. the realization of our Father. He is accessible to us” (“Pillars
The Son of Man hath descended below of Truth,” Ensign, Jan. 1994, 2).
communion with
them all. Art thou greater than he?” (D&C While in mortality may we be wise
122:7–8). Obviously the Lord knew that God.”—President enough to constantly call upon the Father in
both Joseph and the Church would be David O. McKay the name of His Only Begotten Son. As we
stronger because of the challenges both pray in the manner we have been taught,
were called upon to endure. we can avoid the lack of personal growth and the self-
President David O. McKay reminded us of the im- induced loneliness that are natural consequences of a
portance of communication with our Heavenly Father, failure to respond to His invitation. It gives great com-
even while we are being seriously challenged. He said: fort to the soul to know that “He is our Father” and
“Great events have happened in this Church because that “He is accessible to us.” អ
of such communion, because of the responsiveness of Gospel topics: faith, gratitude, prayer, revelation
the soul to the inspiration of the Almighty. I know it is
real. You will find that when these most inspirational
moments come to you, you are alone with yourself L ’ T
ET S ALK ABOUT T I
and your God. They come to you probably when you Most Ensign articles can be used for family home
are facing a great trial, when a wall is across your evening discussions. The following questions are for that
pathway, and it seems that you are facing an insur- purpose or for personal reflection:
mountable obstacle, or when your heart is heavy 1. What does the Savior’s example teach us about to
because of some tragedy in your life. I repeat, the whom, how, and why we pray?
greatest comfort that can come to us in this life is to 2. What do the examples of such leaders as Abraham,
sense the realization of communion with God.” King Benjamin, and the Prophet Joseph Smith teach us
He went on to say: “Great testimonies have come in about prayer?
those moments. It is just such experience as that which 3. What are some of the blessings in our lives for which
came to my father in the north of Scotland when he we can give thanks to God?
prayed to God to remove from him the spirit of gloom 4. How can we more effectively respond to the divine
and despondency that overwhelmed him. After a night invitation, “Draw near unto me”?
22
ELECTRONIC COMPOSITION BY PATRIC GERBER; PHOTO BY MATT REIER; POSED BY MODELS
BE SOMEONE’S ANGEL BY GERALD A. PRICE
A trusted friend suggested that perhaps I was the one

to act in answer to my prayers for someone else.
ometimes we struggle to help family members should do that ye may have light?” (Ether 2:23). Could
S in need. Perhaps at times we want to say, as did

Alma, “O that I were an angel, and could have
the wish of mine heart, that I might go forth and . . . cry
it be that the Lord would ask of me, “What will ye that
I should do on behalf of your family?” In such a case it
would be unreasonable for me to expect the Lord to act
repentance” (Alma 29:1) unto our own family members! until I, like the brother of Jared, had developed a plan
Concerned over the choices of a loved one, I and showed my willingness to do all I could do.
seemed to be filled with the same frustrations that As with the brother of Jared, who still had 344 days
Alma expressed. However, after months of concern of a difficult journey ahead, the challenge for me had
and prayerful consideration, I concluded, as did Alma, not gone away simply because I prayed with real intent.
that “I ought to be content with the things which the Now my task was to search for the words and counsel
Lord hath allotted unto me” (Alma 29:3). to help my loved one. I must not expect the angels to
Still, the struggles continued to weigh heavily on me. deliver messages or do work that I should be doing.
I took occasion to discuss this problem with a friend and My next clue came as I read the words of Nephi:
associate. After I shared the situation with him, he asked “Do ye not remember that I said unto you that after
me: “What are you doing to solve the problem?” ye had received the Holy Ghost ye could speak with
“I’m praying a lot,” I replied quickly. the tongue of angels? . . .
“Are you praying for an angel?” he asked pointedly. “Angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost; where-
I thought of the words given to Alma the Younger fore, they speak the words of Christ” (2 Ne. 32:2–3).
by an angel of God: I came to understand that if we have the Holy Ghost,
“Behold, the Lord hath heard the prayers of his we can speak with the “tongue of angels”—with power
people, and also the prayers of his servant, Alma, who to deliver the words of Christ.
is thy father” (Mosiah 27:14). I marveled as this understanding flowed through
My answer to the question came more slowly. me. I could not know, of myself, the words to speak, but
“Yes,” I replied. “I am praying for divine intervention.” by the power of the Holy Ghost I could speak with the
“Jerry,” he said kindly, “God will not ask you what tongue of an angel. Jacob, before teaching in the temple,
you prayed for but rather what you have done. My guess “first obtained [his] errand from the Lord” (Jacob 1:17).
is you are the angel. Go and deliver the message.” While I, of myself, might not know what to say, I knew
Could it be that the Lord would expect me to be a that if I prayerfully approached the Lord to obtain
messenger to my loved one? “mine errand” and sought
With my friend’s the guidance of the Holy
counsel in mind, I contin- Ghost, I might also speak
ued to study the matter appropriately to my loved
and ponder the scrip- one with the tongue of
tures. My first clue came an angel. Finally I was
as I read the story of ready to follow the advice
the brother of to “go and deliver the
Jared, who was message.” អ
faced with the Gerald A. Price is a
problem of member of the Sugar
providing light City Third Ward,
Sugar City Idaho
for his vessels. Stake.
The Lord asked Gospel topics:
of him, “What parenthood,
will ye that I problem solving

24
ELECTRONIC COMPOSITION BY PATRIC GERBER; PHOTOGRAPHY BY MATT REIER; POSED BY MODELS
“NO SUBSTITUTE FOR
FAMILY PRAYER” BY H. KENT RAPPLEYE
Modern prophets have consistently taught that

family prayer is essential if we are to protect our families
from the perils of today’s world.
he counsel of the prophet was plain once had a knowledge of the gospel, and
T and to the point: “Parents, safe-

guard your families. . . . Pray to-
gether. There is no substitute for family prayer
N o one can
afford to ig-
nore the inspired
who never neglect their prayers in their fami-
lies, and their secret supplications to God.”3
I have often reflected upon my own ex-
when all kneel together before the Lord.”1 perience growing up in a home with family
Somehow when I had listened to counsel of a living prayer. I don’t remember ever being in-
President Gordon B. Hinckley speaking prophet: nothing structed by my parents on how to pray. It
in general conference, I must have let can take the place was just something we always did in our
those words be overshadowed by his of kneeling with family. My earliest memories of prayer are
announcement a few sentences later that kneeling as a family around the kitchen
our families and
the Nauvoo Temple would be rebuilt. Yet table, feeling the steady, unwavering faith
as I reread his talk in the Ensign, I realized petitioning God of my father. Although he passed away
that here was inspired counsel no one for His help, guid- more than a quarter of a century ago, I will
could afford to ignore: nothing can take ance, and mercy. be eternally grateful for his humble and
the place of kneeling with our families sincere prayers. He had many sayings and
and petitioning God for His help, guid- proverbs he used to impart to us children,
ance, and mercy. If we would help save and but no phrase of his is more often remembered than
strengthen our families, nothing else we do can one I heard him pray every time he spoke to Heavenly
replace family prayer. Father. It wasn’t a vain repetition but a daily, heartfelt,
It is counsel that President Hinckley has consis- and sincere petition: “Wilt Thou bless the poor and
tently offered. A decade ago, in a First Presidency the needy, the sick and the afflicted, and those who
message in the Ensign, he similarly taught that “a re- have cause to mourn.” Little did I realize at the time
turn to the old pattern of prayer, family prayer in the that my father was teaching me compassion for others
homes of the people, is one of the basic medications less fortunate and mercy for those in need. No lecture
that would check the dread disease that is eroding or lesson has had as far-reaching an impact on my
the character of our society.”2 soul as did this simple, faithful, heartfelt plea of my
It is a call that other prophets have consistently earthly father to our Heavenly Father.
sounded throughout the history of the Church. Fol- I have since learned that although one’s heart may
lowing the sorrow and tragedy of World War I, for be full and the desire great to share thoughts and feel-
example, President Heber J. Grant shared his feelings ings with Heavenly Father, there needs to be a special
about family prayer: “I am convinced that one of the sensitivity to those who are participating. President
greatest things that can come into any home to cause Spencer W. Kimball taught that family prayers should
the boys and girls in that home to grow up in a love be “appropriate to the need. A prayer of a single cou-
of God, and in a love of the gospel of Jesus Christ, is to ple would be different from one for a family of grown
have family prayer. . . . I believe that there are very few children or for one of small children. Certainly, it
that go astray, that very few lose their faith, who have should not be long when little children are involved,

or they may lose interest and tire of prayer and come you may need to have more than one prayer.”8
to dislike it.”4 Because of the steady example of my mother and
Wise parents will recognize the protective power father, I can bear personal witness of the value of
of regular family prayer. President Kimball taught: these words of counsel from our leaders. When my
“No mother would carelessly send her little children parents had a family of four small children, family
forth to school on a wintry morning without warm prayer in the morning was not too difficult to do on a
clothes to protect against the snow and rain and cold. regular basis. However, as we children got older, the
But there are numerous fathers and mothers who morning schedule of our family became unpredictable
send their children to school without the protective and hectic. There were times when my father would
covering available to them through prayer—a protec- have to leave for his job as an electrician at four or five
tion against exposure to unknown hazards, evil peo- in the morning. My mother would arise with him and
ple, and base temptations.”5 they would have “family prayer” together before he
left. Soon my sisters and brother would be up for
BE CONSISTENT work or school, and my mother would have “family
prayer” with them. Many times I would be the last to
The challenge for parents in this age of rapid tran- arise in the morning and would rush to get ready and
sit, rapid communication, and hectic schedules is that run out the door. Without fail, my mother would call
families can easily fall into the habit of rapid to me, “Let’s have family prayer.” I
prayer or no prayer at all. Gathering the any times would often complain that my ride was
family together can be quite a challenge
when everyone seems to be headed in differ-
M I would be
the last to arise
waiting or that I didn’t have time. I am
most grateful that my mother would
ent directions at different times. Even a half ignore my pleas and excuses and simply
century ago, Church leaders were concerned in the morning and say, “You always have time for prayer.”
with this intrusion of busy schedules into would rush to get In fact, my most prevalent
family life. President George Albert Smith ready and run out memory of family prayer
cautioned the Saints: “I fear that, in the midst the door. Without in the morning is when
of the world’s confusion, of hurry and bus- my mother and I prayed
tle, many times homes are left without
fail, my mother together. How grate-
prayer and without the blessings of the Lord; would call to me, ful I am that she
these homes cannot continue to be happy.”6 “Let’s have family did not let busy
Later, President Kimball counseled: prayer.” schedules and
“When we kneel in family prayer, our chil- the hustle and
dren at our side on their knees are learning bustle of every-
habits that will stay with them all through their lives. one leaving for work and
If we do not take time for prayers, what we are actu- school get in the way of
ally saying to our children is, ‘Well, it isn’t very im- praying with her family,
portant, anyway. We won’t worry about it. If we can even though it sometimes
do it conveniently, we will have our prayer, but if the was in stages. Now that
school bell rings and the bus is coming and employ- our children are older, my
ment is calling—well, prayer isn’t very important and wife and I often find our-
we will do it when it is convenient.’ Unless planned selves kneeling in prayer with
for, it never seems to be convenient.”7 different ones at different times before
they leave for the day. It is not uncommon
BE FLEXIBLE AND CREATIVE to have “family prayer” three or four times in
the morning.
Some parents may get discouraged trying to hold
family prayer. They have a desire to follow the coun- DON’T LET IT SLIDE
sel of our leaders, but because of conflicting work
hours and school schedules, it sometimes seems im- President Hinckley has encouraged parents to be
possible for them to gather their families to the same hopeful and to persist in holding family prayer, even if
place at the same time. Even so, with faithful devo- the blessings of doing so are not immediately apparent:
tion to the words of the prophets and a little inspired “I give you my testimony that if you sincerely apply
creativity, families can find a way to pray together. family prayer, you will not go away unrewarded. The
Elder Joe J. Christensen, then of the Presidency of changes may not be readily apparent. They may be
the Seventy, gave an encouraging insight to par- extremely subtle. But they will be real, for God ‘is a
ents when he counseled: “Remember family rewarder of them that diligently seek him’ (Heb. 11:6).”9
prayer every day. With schedules as they are, Faithful adherence to the counsel of the prophet
26
right. But in the future it will not be enough if we are
going to save our families.”10
In teaching that we should have family prayers in
the morning and the evening, Church leaders have
called for more than simply expanding the blessings
we pronounce upon our meals. President Ezra Taft
Benson taught: “Just a few words added to the bless-
ing on the food, as is becoming the custom in some
parts, is not enough. We need to get onto our knees
in prayer and gratitude.”11
During difficult times family prayers in the morning
and the evening will not always be enough. President
Kimball said: “Never hesitate to gather your family
around you for your prayers, especially in those times
when more than morning and evening family prayer is
needed. Extra needs require extra prayers.”12
TEACH YOUR LITTLE ONES

Although children learn to pray as they listen
to their parents pray, family prayer is meant to be
a time for all the family to participate. Even very
small children should have the opportunity to voice
family prayer. “One cannot learn to pray by merely
listening, but must be given experience.”13 There is,
of course, a proper order of things governing who
should direct family prayers. “If the father is home,
he takes charge, and calls on one of the family to pray.
If father is not there, the mother is in charge. If both
are gone, the oldest child is in charge, and every night
and every morning, the family is on their knees in
prayer to the Lord.”14
As children participate in family prayer and hear
their parents speak to God in humility, with faith in
Jesus Christ, they can begin to learn things of the soul
in a setting that cannot be duplicated anywhere else.
During family prayer, children may begin to consider
the answers to the great questions of the ages: “Who
am I?” “Why am I here?” “Where am I going?”
Through family prayer—and their own personal
prayers that are thus encouraged—children will be-
gin to learn that they are sons and daughters of a
loving Father in Heaven, that they are here as part of
a great and wise plan of happiness, and that they can
hope to return to their Father after this life. It is through
family prayer that children become acquainted with
will bring blessings. Most children probably don’t many eternal family values.
realize the impact their parents’ example will have What an impact parents can have on their children if
on the rest of their lives, but parents must persevere. they pray as a family that their sons will prepare for and
President James E. Faust, Second Counselor in the be worthy to serve missions! How powerful will be the
First Presidency, once told of an interview President message when parents pray that their daughters and
Kimball held with a bishop. President Kimball asked sons will stay morally clean and keep themselves wor-
the bishop how often he held family prayer. The thy to enter the holy temple to be sealed for time and
bishop responded that he tried to hold family prayer all eternity! As parents plead for the Holy Spirit to be
twice a day, but that his family probably averaged in their home, children will come to know the impor-
only once a day. The prophet answered: “In the past, tance of seeking the Spirit in their own lives. As chil-
having family prayer once a day may have been all dren hear their parents plead for help in resolving

difficult challenges and then witness the answers to for one another, in the presence of one another, and
those prayers, they will begin to develop a spirit of then together invoke his blessings upon your lives,
inquiry of their own. They will pray with a desire to your home, your loved ones, and your dreams.”16
knock, seek, and ask for help with problems and trials Following the devastation and terrible destruction
they face in their own lives (see Matt. 7:7–11). The spirit that occurred after His crucifixion in the Old World,
and behavior that parents leave as a model when they the Savior appeared to the Nephite people and com-
approach Heavenly Father in prayer will have an im- forted them with the counsel to “pray in your families
portant, long-lasting effect on their children. As Presi- unto the Father, always in my name, that your wives
dent Kimball once reminded parents, “Your little ones and your children may be blessed” (3 Ne. 18:21). What
will learn how to talk to their Father in Heaven by lis- simple yet powerful direction to a people who had lost
tening to you as parents. They will soon see how heart- and suffered so much. What peaceful direction to all
felt and honest your prayers are. If your prayers are a who suffer and need guidance in their families today.
hurried and thoughtless ritual, they will see this too.”15 Recently a good father and husband passed away
Parents can also learn much about prayer from their unexpectedly in his home. He was only in his 55th
little ones, as did a group of Nephite parents when the year. His youngest son found him while the mother
resurrected Savior appeared among them and loosed was away in a nearby city. The boy’s older brother
the tongues of even their small children and sisters were contacted at work. Friends
(see 3 Ne. 26:14). Often the words given to ver time, and neighbors came to assist. The children
little children in prayer are more profound
than they understand, but the humble, lis-
O the benefits
of family prayer
gathered at the hospital with extended fam-
ily and priesthood leaders. Medical person-
tening heart can hear the Holy Spirit speak nel tried in vain to resuscitate the father, but
through them. become obvious. he was gone. There was much sorrow and
Many are the sto- grieving. Mother was finally contacted and
DON’T WAIT TO BEGIN ries of those who sped to the hospital, not knowing that her
have been touched eternal companion had already passed
Families that have not been having away a few hours earlier and that her chil-
family prayer should not wait for some
by prayers, both in dren had been heartbroken and awash in
change in conditions or some ideal time the family group grief and pain for some time.
to start. There is no better time to begin and in the solitary, Upon arrival, this mother was informed
than now. Family prayer is a habit that yearning heart. of the loss of her husband and taken to the
should be part of a family from its begin- small hospital chapel where her children
ning—when a husband and wife become had been waiting. What a trial and test lay
one through marriage. But families that have not before this woman! As she entered the chapel, her chil-
had the habit can usually begin it with little prepara- dren rushed to the comfort of her arms. Immediately,
tion; the parents—or mother or father if the parent is before much else was said, this wise and steady
single—can lead out and teach or encourage the chil- mother said to her sorrowing children, “Let’s have
dren to follow. family prayer.” And so a family whose life and future
Sometimes there are special circumstances—a had looked so bright and promising that morning
spouse or child who declines to participate, for in- knelt together, arm in arm, to petition their Father in
stance. But if the spouse will permit prayer or if the Heaven to help and comfort them as they began the
child will be present, even without participating, a process of rebuilding shattered lives. The members of
heart often can be won in the end by humble, persist- this family testify that God heard their prayer. From
ent, loving example. Over time, the benefits of family that moment on, there was strength and comfort.
prayer usually become obvious even to those who de- Testimonies were reaffirmed, hope was steadied, and
cline to participate, and they may be learning from love and understanding filled the family circle. Father
what they observe, even when they do not realize it. was gone, but they knew it would be only temporary.
Many are the stories of those who have been touched Uniting in family prayer, they had been reminded that
by prayers, both in the family group and in the soli- through the grace and Atonement and Resurrection of
tary, yearning heart that would not give up on loving. Jesus Christ, they would be together again as a family.
The end result is worth whatever sacrifices we make For this family, for other families in the Church, and
to build the habit—and often these are no more than for all families throughout the world, the words of a
small sacrifices of time. President Hinckley has said: “I living prophet, President Gordon B. Hinckley, bring
know of no single practice that will have a more salu- comfort, guidance, and promise of everlasting spiritual
tary effect upon your lives than the practice of kneeling growth: “There is no substitute for family prayer.” អ
together as you begin and close each day. Somehow the H. Kent Rappleye is a member of the Island View Park Ward,
little storms that seem to afflict every marriage are dissi- Clearfield Utah South Stake.
pated when, kneeling before the Lord, you thank him Gospel topics: family, obedience, prayer, unity
28
NOTES 8. “Rearing Children in a Polluted Environment,” Ensign,
1. “Thanks to the Lord for His Blessings,” Ensign, May 1999, 89; Nov. 1993, 12.
emphasis added. 9. Ensign, Feb. 1991, 5.
2. “The Blessings of Family Prayer,” Ensign, Feb. 1991, 2. 10.“The Greatest Challenge in the World—Good Parenting,”
3. In Conference Report, Oct. 1923, 7–8. Ensign, Nov. 1990, 33.
4. Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, ed. Edward L. 11. The Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson (1988), 460.
Kimball (1982), 119. 12.“We Need a Listening Ear,” Ensign, Nov. 1979, 4.
5. Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, 122–23. 13. Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, 119.
6. Sharing the Gospel with Others (1948; second printing, 1950), 14. Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, 118.
207. 15. Ensign, Nov. 1979, 4.
7. Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, 117–18. 16. “Except the Lord Build the House,” Ensign, June 1971, 72.

Pioneering in
High in the mountains 150 miles
southeast of Nairobi, the gospel is
thriving among the people of
Chyulu, Kenya.
BY E. DALE LEBARON
ome time ago, I went to Africa to gather oral
histories in my role as a professor of Church
history at Brigham Young University. My visit
to Chyulu, Kenya, was an unforgettable expe-
rience. The journey was difficult. The 150-mile
(240-km) trip from Nairobi took about five hours,
with one 12-mile (20-km) section that took about an
hour and a half.
The day we arrived was Sunday, and we went to Above: Children of the Chyulu Kenya Branch gather for Primary
the meeting place about an hour before Church serv- in July 1992. Right: Julius and Sabina Kasue, early members.
ices were to begin. We were surprised to see about 20
children, between ages 5 and 12, coming to the meet- alive and well in Africa. Since the revelation in 1978 di-
ing place. It was a bower, a shelter made of poles, recting that “every faithful, worthy man in the Church
about 15 feet by 30 feet. The sides were made from may receive the holy priesthood,”2 the Church in
long grass interwoven between poles, and the roof Africa has experienced phenomenal growth in both
was palm branches and corrugated iron. Next to the numbers3 and faith.
bower was a small handprinted sign that read, “L. D. S.
CHYULU BRANCH.” At the entrance, a thick bushy EARLY CONVERTS IN KENYA
shrub was wedged into the doorway. Without super-
vision, the children began sweeping the dirt floor with The Church in Kenya began to take root nearly 20
small tree limbs to remove any dead leaves or other years before it was officially recognized by the govern-
debris that had blown in since the last meeting. They ment. In the 1970s many interested Kenyans attended
tidied up and arranged the rough wooden benches. Church meetings in the homes of Latter-day Saint ex-
Soon families began to arrive. Music was provided patriates. The first Kenyan converts—Elizaphan Osaka,
by a cassette tape of hymns played on a battery- a former minister; his wife, Ebisiba; and their two chil-
operated tape recorder. Everyone sang; the children dren—were baptized in 1979. In 1980 missionaries
were reverent. The adult Sunday School class met in Farrell and Blanch McGhie arrived in Kenya, and a year
the bower, and Primary and other classes were held in later the Nairobi Kenya District was formed with two
PHOTOGRAPHY BY E. DALE LEBARON, EXCEPT AS NOTED
various areas outside. A 12-year-old girl taught about branches. In 1983 two brothers, Benson and Nickson
30 Primary children, who eagerly participated in the Kasue, became the first full-time missionaries called
lesson. It was fast and testimony day, and testimonies from Kenya. They served in the California Los Angeles
and prayers were in Swahili—the native language—or Mission and the Washington D.C. Mission, respectively.
English, but the Spirit was strong in either language. During this time the Kenyan government declined
President Gordon B. Hinckley has said of such to grant the Church official recognition and in July
scenes: “The days of pioneering in the Church are still 1989 asked all non-native Latter-day Saint mission-
with us; they did not end with covered wagons and aries to leave the country. Despite this challenge, the
handcarts. . . . Each time that the gospel is introduced Church continued to grow. At that time, Joseph Sitati,
into a country, there are pioneers who participate in a management engineer from Nairobi, was the first
the opening of this work.”1 This pioneering spirit is Kenyan called to serve as a district president.
30
Chyulu,
ETHIOPIA
SUDAN A
LI
A
M
SO
UGANDA
K E N YA
NAIROBI
INDIAN
CHYULU
OCEAN
MOMBASA
Kasue’s church work. However, when their disagree-
ments became public knowledge, Mr. Maluti decided
he wanted to end the disagreement. Curious about
how such an intelligent and respected man as Presi-
dent Kasue could follow the Church, he began asking
PHOTO BY BYRON J. GILBERT

President Kasue questions about the Church. Because
of Mr. Maluti’s past adversarial position, President
Kasue wondered about his motives and refused to
answer his questions; nevertheless, he agreed to send
Mr. Maluti some literature “that would speak for itself.”
The above converts were baptized on 29 April 1992. It had taken Mr. Maluti read The Articles of Faith, Book of
members five hours to haul water for the font. Mormon, and Doctrine and Covenants and was im-
pressed, but he was most inspired by the pamphlet
This pattern of growth due largely to the faith and The Prophet Joseph Smith’s Testimony. He read it at least
work of local early members is typical throughout the 40 times. While studying about the Church, Mr.
world. As President Thomas S. Monson, then Second Maluti attended a public meeting where questions
Counselor in the First Presidency, said: “Wherever were raised about the Church. He stood up and fer-
the gospel has been taught and membership in the vently defended the Church and bore his testimony
Church flourished, there has first been a pioneer pe- for 10 minutes. As he sat down there was immediate
riod. Silent and vocal pioneers are raised up by the and enthusiastic applause. Within six months of their
Lord to prepare the base strength for the Church or- first meeting, President Kasue and Mr. Maluti became
ganization which follows. Frequently, such strength close friends, and Mr. Maluti was baptized and called
begins with one family.”4 to be the mission leader in the Chyulu branch.
Julius and Sabina Kasue of Chyulu were two
of Kenya’s early converts. They both came from OFFICIAL RECOGNITION AND A MISSION
Christian backgrounds and had studied the Bible. In
1981, while living in Nairobi, Kenya’s capital, Julius President and Sister Kasue and their children,
was introduced to the Church by Dennis Child, a along with many others, fasted and prayed, plead-
Latter-day Saint working there. Julius frequently read ing that the Church would be officially recognized
the Book of Mormon and missionary pamphlets and in Kenya. “Sometimes in family prayer I would forget
then discussed them with Brother Child. Julius re- to pray for the registration of the Church in Kenya,”
calls, “It was when I read the Book of Mormon for the President Kasue remembers. “My children would re-
second time and then prayed about it that I felt some- mind me and say, ‘Oh Dad, you didn’t pray for the
thing burning in my heart.”5 Although Julius had a registration of the Church.’ My children had strong
witness of the truth, he waited four years before be- faith.” When the official recognition was finally re-
ing baptized in February 1986. His wife, Sabina, was ceived on 25 February 1991, many wept, prayed,
baptized the following November. Soon after their and fasted as an expression of their gratitude.
baptism, Brother and Sister Kasue left Nairobi and Eight months later, when Kenya was dedicated for
returned to Chyulu, the area of their birth. the preaching of the gospel, Elder James E. Faust of
the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said: “We are
OPPOSITION TO CHURCH GROWTH grateful that after many long years of waiting a mis-
sion has been established for the preaching of the
Soon after the Kasues arrived in Chyulu, a branch gospel. May the work go forward firmly and solidly.”6
was organized and Brother Kasue was called to serve President Kasue immediately obtained a copy of the
as branch president. The Church grew rapidly under registration document and took it to the assistant chief
his leadership. Religious and community leaders be- of Chyulu Village to assure the rights of the Church to
came alarmed when converts left their churches to operate legally. The Saints could now meet without
join the newly established Latter-day Saint congrega- fear, and their membership soon increased to about 40.
tion. Soon there was considerable opposition to the They needed a larger place than each other’s homes to
Church and its followers. As the Church had not yet meet, but a mission had not yet been established and
been officially recognized by the Kenyan govern- no meetinghouse was provided, so the members built
ment, it was illegal for more than nine adults to attend a small bower on some of President Kasue’s land.
a Latter-day Saint meeting. When some complaints In July 1991 the Kenya Nairobi Mission was organ-
were filed, President Kasue was arrested and detained ized with Larry Brown as president. Soon he and
for 12 hours. He suspected that his arrest was largely Sister Brown made their first visit to Chyulu.
due to David M. Maluti, a prominent community and “Although the trip was grueling, it was worth it!” said
church leader who had strongly opposed President President Brown. “I remember that the sacrament
32
meeting was held in the bower, but it was was deep enough for each of the candidates
raining and the ground inside was wet. to be immersed. Following the baptism, the
Before the priesthood holders knelt down to new members bore their testimonies. They
bless the sacrament, they threw an old sack expressed deep gratitude for the gospel,
on the mud. The next time we went, I hap- especially one sister who had been attending
pened to look in the sacrament trays, and there were church for 10 years. As they traveled home in the dark
only two small pieces of crackers. . . . They broke and the rain, they sang hymns of praise all the way.8
those crackers up. There were 63 people there, and Eventually a branch was formed in the village of
I didn’t think those crackers would ever go around, these new members, and they needed a meeting-
but they did. It was like feeding the 5,000.”7 house. Since there was no road to the village, the
members carried all of the building materials on their
HAULING WATER FOR BAPTISMS backs the last two kilometers up the hill to the build-
ing site.
Many in the Chyulu area desired to join the Of the rapid growth in Chyulu and its ongoing
Church, but because Chyulu was so isolated the mis- challenges, Byron J. Gilbert, a missionary, reported
sion leaders decided to limit the membership until that in 1992 he and his wife traveled from Nairobi to
sufficient local leadership was developed. Among Chyulu to teach and interview eight candidates for
those who came to church weekly were two men from baptism, but 75 came for the discussion. During
another village. They rode their bicycles two hours church, they had to fill the sacrament trays three
each way. When they requested that they and others times.9 Another missionary, Linda Leavitt, who
be allowed to be baptized, President Brown granted served in Chyulu for more than a year, said that
their request on condition that only the two men and many who desired to join the Church waited three
their families be baptized. However, since African vil- months before their names could be placed on a wait-
lages are often composed of large ex- ing list to be taught the missionary discussions.
tended families, 40 jubilant converts During the three-month period, all attended church
showed up to be baptized. and most lived the law of tithing, kept the Word of
Due to a lack of water in Wisdom, and fasted.10
Chyulu, arranging for the bap- The fact that President Kasue and other Chyulu
tisms was a challenge. Presi- Church leaders have hungered to learn more has
dent Brown and a missionary contributed to the strength of the Church here.
couple had made the long ar- When President Brown invited all priesthood
duous journey from Nairobi to leaders to attend leadership meetings in Nairobi,
Chyulu by truck hauling bap- he did not expect those from Chyulu to attend
tismal clothing and a corru- because of the distance and cost. However,
gated steel water storage tank 11 brethren from Chyulu arrived early on the
to be used as the baptismal
font. Once in Chyulu, local
brethren spent five hours
pumping and hauling water
four miles (6 km) over “the
rockiest of roads.” Then
10 brethren knelt in
the water around the
outside edge of the
tank so the water
Far left: President Kasue stands

in a new baptismal font in 1993.
Until then, a corrugated steel tank
(above) was used for baptisms.
Center: Church leader David M.
Maluti. Top of page: Children
singing during church.

morning of the meeting. They had walked To prevent starvation in the future, the
12.5 miles (20 km) to catch a train at midnight Church established a project to raise drought-
and traveled all night. They attended the resistant crops on six acres of Church land in
leadership meeting that day, with some of Chyulu. It was directed by priesthood leaders,
them requiring translators. That night they including Joel K. Ransom, an agronomist from
stayed with Church members, and the following day Idaho and first counselor in the Chyulu district presi-
they traveled back to Chyulu, expressing deep grati- dency. Those who helped with the project were given
tude for the privilege of being at the meetings. land and seeds to plant their own family gardens.
Although there had been no rain for nearly two years,
CROPS AND CONVERTS 40 Church members and 60 not of our faith planted
their crops on 21 October 1992. Then they held a spe-
Such has been the history of the Church in cial fast for rain and watched the Church film The
Chyulu, and the members have been greatly blessed. Windows of Heaven. Less than a week after the seeds
I witnessed the beginning of such a blessing as my were planted, the rains came. The crops grew, and so
July 1992 visit came to an end. As we prepared to did the faith of the people. There was a bountiful har-
leave, President Kasue asked if he could come with vest of both crops and converts.
me to Nairobi. He said he needed to talk to President Other seeds, the seeds of the gospel planted and
Brown, but he did not give indication of any concern. nurtured in Chyulu, have grown strong over the years
The following day President Brown informed me that and continue to bear fruit. For example, in the mid-
there was a drought in the Chyulu area that was so 1990s, when the Kenyan government declined to issue
severe that some people were near starvation. I was visas to foreign full-time missionaries, the young men
shocked. None of the Saints had complained about it of Chyulu helped meet the demand. In 1998, when
privately or in their testimonies on Sunday nor asked President David Boucher was released as president
for any assistance from me. of the Kenya Nairobi Mission, he noted that although
As I learned later, President Brown took action im- the Chyulu branch made up about 15 percent of the
mediately. With approval from the Area Presidency, Church membership in Kenya, they had provided more
he arranged for 3,400 pounds of corn, rice, and beans than half of Kenyan missionaries serving in Kenya.11
to be delivered to Chyulu to relieve the suffering peo- The following words of President Hinckley are
ple. A missionary couple, Elder Ted and Sister Jaclyn an appropriate tribute: “Pioneers are found among . . .
McNeill, made the arduous trip. Because of the large the converts who come into the Church. It usually
truck and heavy load, eight sisters worked ahead of is difficult for each of them. It invariably involves sac-
the truck rolling huge lava rocks off the road. The ar- rifice. It may involve persecution. But these are costs
rival of the life-saving food was greeted with grati- which are willingly borne and the price that is paid
tude and joy. Sister McNeill recalled: “You have never is as real as was the price of those who crossed the
seen people so happy to receive anything. They knew plains in the great pioneering effort more than a
this was going to save their lives.” century ago.”12 អ
President Kasue visited with every family to assess E. Dale LeBaron is a member of the Timpview Second Ward, Orem
their needs. Then he and Sister Kasue spent the night Utah Timpview Stake.
making porridge and taking it to the many who were Gospel topics: faith, missionary work, priesthood
too weak to get out of bed. Sister McNeill observed, NOTES
“The Spirit there was so strong, it made us weep to see 1. Quoted in Gerry Avant and John L. Hart, “Many Are Still
Blazing Gospel Trails,” Church News, 24 July 1993, 6.
how President and Sister Kasue were handling things.” 2. Doctrine and Covenants, Official Declaration 2.
3. From 1853 to 1978 (125 years), Church membership in Africa
grew to 7,712, or an average of 61.7 baptisms per year, with a total
of one stake and one mission in South Africa. From 1978 to 1998,
the Church increased by 112,344 members, an average of 5,617
members per year, to a total of 120,056 members in 48 sub-Saharan
African nations, with 25 stakes and 12 missions. The increase of
members per year during the last two decades in Africa is 91 times
greater than the average increase per year previously.
4. In Church News, 24 July 1993, 6.
5. Interview with Julius Kauli Kasue in Chyulu, Kenya, 5 July
1992.
6. Dedicatory prayer by Elder James E. Faust given in Nairobi,

Kenya, 24 Oct. 1991. Copy in author’s possession.
7. Interview with Larry and Alice Brown in Nairobi, Kenya,
8 July 1992.
8. Interview with Byron J. and Emma Rae Gilbert, June 1993.
9. Interview with Byron J. and Emma Rae Gilbert, June 1993.
10. Personal history of Linda Leavitt, who served with her
husband as missionaries in Kenya. Copy in author’s possession.
The people of Chyulu are grateful for the water pump provided by 11. Telephone interview with David Boucher, 24 Aug. 1999.
the Church. Top of page: Children sweep the “chapel” before church. 12. In Church News, 24 July 1993, 6.
34
he roll call was no different from any other I’d Tonight was one of those times when I wondered
T experienced in my five years as an officer with

the Houston Police Department. Our sergeant,
a 20-year police veteran with the scars on his hands to
if the Lord even knew I was here, trying to remain
untainted while wading through so much human
misery. I wondered if all my efforts against such odds
prove it, methodically were really worth it. What
droned out the roll call, use could Father in Heaven
giving us our beats and as- BY RICHARD A. DOVE possibly have of me?
signments for the evening. The scratchy voice of
“Hauck and Dove:
“ the dispatcher crackled
TURN”
1B23.” My partner Frank’s over the radio, interrupting
last name was supposed to my thoughts: “1B23, stolen
be pronounced “How-k,” auto, Northwest Mall in
but the sergeant always front of Foleys.”
pronounced it “Hawk.” Frank quickly answered,
That was probably why “1B23 received and en
he had put us together route.”
11 months before—so he As I turned the patrol
HERE!
could smile every time he car around and headed
thought of a hawk and a toward Northwest Mall,
dove being in the same car. the dispatcher came back.
After the usual exchange “1B23, I now have your call
of information, roll call as a kidnapping of a child,
ended. We moved slowly, code one.”
putting our gear in the pa- “1B23 received code
trol car, checking the equip- one en route at 1923 hours.”
ment, and starting up the Frank shoved the mike into
engine. No one was ever the holder and flipped on
anxious to go out on the the red lights and siren.
street too quickly. Luckily there wasn’t much
The evening shift began traffic as we sped toward
with the usual backlog of our call. We could see the
calls from day shift. It huge outline of the mall in
looked like just another the distance when a fellow
routine day—handling a officer’s voice squawked
family disturbance, writing on the radio, “1B36, I’ve ar-
up a few traffic tickets, put- rived at the kidnapping call;
ILLUSTRATED BY GERALD ROGERS
ting a youth in jail for at- you can disregard, 1B23.”

tacking his teacher, and “Clear, 1B36, I have you
arresting some teens for arrived,” said the dispatcher.
drag racing. “1B23 received.” Frank
“Just two more hours put the mike back onto the
and we can go home,” dash. We shut off the red
Frank said, looking at his lights and siren and slowed
watch. “Man, will I be glad!” down to normal speed.
I didn’t say much in re- I wondered if my efforts as a
Frank talked on for a few
sponse; my thoughts were police officer were worth it—
minutes until 1B36 came
more focused on other back on the air, talking to
things. I wondered why I
until the night I found myself
the dispatcher.
had chosen to be a police an answer to someone’s prayer.
“This is 1B36, are you
officer. The Church empha- clear for a GB [general
sizes the value of a positive broadcast]?”
environment and of uplifting thoughts and actions. “Go ahead, 1B36,” the dispatcher quickly answered.
Out here on the street, everything seemed so nega- “About 10 minutes ago the suspect left north on
tive. The ravages of Satan’s influence were visible at Hempstead in the stolen car—a blue Ford LTD, Texas
every call, whether the tools of destruction were alco- license NJN 479.”
hol, drugs, pride, sexual immorality, greed, or just Frank and I looked at each other with the same
plain brutality. thought: We must have passed the suspect. Before we

could react, the dispatcher returned to the air: I stepped on the gas pedal, causing the car to lurch
“Attention all units, I have additional information forward. “What are you doing?” Frank exclaimed.
on the kidnapping from Northwest Mall. The suspect “Did you see something?”
just called police and said he abandoned the car with I didn’t answer. I couldn’t. As the police car picked
an infant in it in the 12000 block of Hempstead.” up speed, I knew we were getting closer to the child.
I grabbed the mike this time: “1B23, we’re on top Then another distinct impression came that the child
of that location; we’ll check it out.” was nearby. I immediately turned onto a driveway
Frank said, “I bet he didn’t even notice the kid at leading between two warehouses and we began to
first. He must’ve had a heart attack sitting there star- spin slightly. As I regained control of the police car,
ing at 20 years in the cage.” Frank and I commented I turned into a parking lot enclosed on all sides by
on what must have been a startling discovery for a warehouses.
thief who thought he was stealing just a car. We both saw the car at the same time.
We arrived at the location to find an intersection “There it is!” we shouted. Before our car had even
with two gas stations and no stolen car. We advised stopped moving, I shifted it into park and leaped out,
the dispatcher of our arrival and said we could not Frank right behind me.
find the suspect vehicle. We began searching the sur- The baby lay motionless in a car seat in the back.
rounding area on foot, going up and down the nar- He was a sickly blue color. The car had been left run-
row side streets and alleys. Other police units joined ning, and the exhaust fumes hung heavily around the
in our search, but to no avail. car. We both knew he was being suffocated by the
After about half an hour, we still had found noth- fumes.
ing. 1B36 had shown up with the hysterical mother, The thief had locked all the doors, so Frank ran
who ran between houses calling her baby’s name. It back to the patrol car and told the dispatcher what
was now obvious that the thief either was playing a we had discovered. The dispatcher answered that an
cruel hoax or had gotten the location wrong. ambulance and wrecker were en route. But there was
As we returned to our patrol car, I looked over my no time to wait.
shoulder. In the quiet darkness I saw the mother I wedged my fingers between the top of one of
kneeling on the wet ground, pouring her heart out to the glass windows and the door frame and, saying
Heavenly Father, begging for His help in finding her a prayer, yanked on the glass as hard as I could. The
lost child. glass shattered. Quickly unlocking and opening the
Frank noticed her too and said, “I wonder what door, I snatched the baby from the backseat. I was al-
makes her think God cares what’s happening here.” ready beginning to feel dizzy from the fumes as I held
I didn’t respond, but a dark thought streaked the child up toward the light. I could see he was barely
through my mind: Why would He care about what’s breathing. Then, with a gasp, the baby sucked in fresh
happening right here at this very minute? I shivered and air, and his color began to change to a rosy pink.
tried to shake the thought from my head. I muttered, Frank and I stood there looking at the crying
“He must care; He has to care.” infant for a moment—just glad he was alive.
“What did you say?” Frank asked. The sound of the approaching ambulance siren
“Nothing, just talking to myself,” I replied. was reassuring. Soon a team of emergency medi-
Blushing, I turned to get back into the patrol car. cal technicians was examining the baby. Another
While on duty, I didn’t feel it was appropriate to police car came screeching up with the mother in
bring up personal things such as religious beliefs
unless I was asked to.
Riding along, we didn’t say anything for the first
few minutes. My mind raced with the silent thought:
Thank goodness it wasn’t my son. We drove for about
10 minutes without saying a word; even the radio
was quiet.
Then suddenly the words Turn here! burst into
my mind. I quickly obeyed and turned onto the only
street I could.
“What’s up?” asked Frank.
I stared down the street, pointed, and said with
confidence, “The child is down this street!”
Frank didn’t question me. “Let’s take a look.”
We started slowly looking with spotlights in every
driveway and between every house. Then came the
calm but urgent impression that I must hurry.
36
the backseat. She raced from the car to the ambulance was a parking lot behind this building.” I didn’t
and wept with joy upon seeing her baby alive. answer Frank then, but his persistent questions
I looked back at the stolen vehicle that had almost would later lead to discussions on many spiritual
become a tomb and was surprised when my flash- things.
light reflected off a bumper sticker that read, As we headed back to the station to end the night,
“Happiness is family home evening.” my thoughts turned to the words that had so clearly
I imagined the boy taking his first steps, riding guided me to the lost infant. I then began to truly feel
his first bicycle, attending seminary, graduating from that Heavenly Father cares deeply about what hap-
high school, serving a mission—and I imagined the pens to each of us. And I realized that Heavenly
mother whispering a prayer for two policemen who, Father is aware of me and my efforts in my work.
on a cold, rainy night in November, snatched her boy It was a lesson I will never forget. អ
from certain death. Richard A. Dove is a member of the Spring Ward, Houston Texas
Frank looked at me and asked, “How did you North Stake.
know the baby was here? I couldn’t even tell there Gospel topics: Heavenly Father, inspiration, prayer
Tthe heMypatrolbaby lay motionless.

partner ran back to
car to radio for
help, but there was no time
to wait. I said a silent prayer
and took action.

Putting Basic Principles
B Y R E B E C C A M . TAY L O R
Assistant Editor
eaders of the Olathe Kansas Stake emphasize visited and would then go outside to prepare the
L that every organization, every class, and every

activity be directed toward meeting people’s
needs—particularly the needs of the less active and
house to be painted.
When the missionaries asked Brother Pickering
if they could help him paint, he consented. To his
those who are not Church members. As a result, stake surprise, on the appointed day, not only did the
leaders and members plan activities with an eye to- two young missionaries appear but also half a
ward fellowshipping and building friendships, and dozen other men from the Ottawa Ward. In only
they go out of their way to extend callings to fit mem- three hours the painting was finished.
bers’ talents and circumstances. “It was overwhelming to see so many people
Stake president Nathan Y. Jarvis believes show up,” recalls Brother Pickering. “I had no reason
that when Church members take their baptismal to think it wouldn’t be just the two missionaries.”
covenants to heart, they will actively try to draw Sister Pickering, too, was surprised by the friendli-
others into the fold. “Our covenants deal with bear- ness of ward members. The family had long felt a lack
ing the burdens of others and standing as witnesses of connection with their neighbors and lived far from
of God at all times,” he says. “If we are truly reaching extended family, so the warmth and inclusion they
out in friendship and bearing others’ burdens, we felt was a new and welcome experience.
will see our membership increase.” It wasn’t long before Danielle and Ashley were
baptized and Sister Pickering became active again.
EFFECTIVE ACTIVITIES A short time later, Brother Pickering also entered the
waters of baptism. All three say it was the Spirit of the
Leaders frequently plan activities to help the less Lord and the doctrines of the gospel that converted
active and those who are not members to overcome them, but the fellowshipping of ward members rein-
their inhibitions toward the Church. “It’s not always forced their sense of belonging in their new religion.
effective to immediately invite someone to attend Brother Pickering has since joined with ward
church; in fact, that can be somewhat intimidating,” members in extending service to others. Among
says President Jarvis. “It can be more comfortable for other activities, he has helped cut down dead trees,
people to be introduced to the Church and to other cleaned out a yard, and helped several families move.
members by attending an activity.” Service activities “Service builds fellowship,” he says. “When
are particularly worthwhile. you’re helping someone move, you’re not just mov-
John Pickering learned firsthand the effective- ing boxes; you’re also talking and laughing with each
ness of service both as a recipient and as a participant other. You develop a bond that you wouldn’t develop
in service activities. His wife, Melody, had joined the just by going to church on Sunday.”
Church in 1979, three years after they were married,
but because he didn’t share her interest in the Church, TARGETING ACTIVITIES TO SPECIFIC INTERESTS
she soon became less active. Brother Pickering, a deeply
but privately religious man, found that many of his Leaders have found it to be particularly helpful
own beliefs mirrored the teachings of the Church. if an activity is specifically targeted to an individual’s
However, he did not feel ready to make the kind of or family’s interests. Such an activity was one of
BACKGROUND: PHOTO © PHOTO DISC
commitment that baptism would entail. many factors that contributed to the activation of the
In 1999, missionaries stopped by the Pickerings’ Heinitz family, members of the Kansas City Third
house “out of the blue,” says Sister Pickering. The Ward. Less active for many years, Dennis and Joyce
couple’s two teenage daughters, Danielle and Ashley, Heinitz attempted to come back to Church when
agreed to listen to the discussions with their mother,
Inset above: The Olathe First Ward choir performs at a ward
but Brother Pickering declined. For several nights activity. Right: NaDene Bartholomew, far right, helped answer
he would nod and say hello when the missionaries Marise Markham’s questions about the gospel.
38
into Action
PHOTOGRAPHY BY REBECCA M. TAYLOR, EXCEPT AS NOTED;

LEFT: PHOTO BY RON ECKER
Members of the Olathe Kansas Stake
are finding success in their missionary
and activation efforts as they focus on
basic yet powerful tools.
their daughter, Janet, was baptized, but they didn’t
feel a sense of belonging in their ward. Soon they
PHOTO BY RON ECKER

returned to the ranks of the less active. Right: Members
and friends of
Seven years later, when their son, Aaron, neared the Olathe First
the age of baptism, the family discussed their desire Ward partici-
to return to full activity again. Their bishop, Jon pate at a square
Andersen, felt prompted to visit the family and invite dancing activ-
ity. Below
them back. With his encouragement, and with the right: The
support of longtime home and visiting teachers, the fellowshipping
Heinitz family started attending meetings again. of ward mem-
This time, says Brother Heinitz, “The hand of bers helped
fellowship was offered to us from the beginning.” Danielle,
John, Melody,
Soon the family—all four of whom have black belts and Ashley
in karate—were asked to demonstrate their skills in Pickering feel
martial arts to the Young Men and Young Women. On at home in
the night of the program, the cultural hall was filled their new faith.
Below: Janet,
to capacity not only with young people but also with Dennis (back),
other members of the ward. Aaron (front),
“Afterward everybody came up and talked to us, and Joyce
asked where we’d been, how things had been going,” Heinitz were
invited to take
Janet Heinitz says, smiling at the memory. part in activi-
“We’re not sure if we were that good or if they ties that tapped
were just starved for entertainment,” adds Brother their talents.
Heinitz with a laugh.
Throughout the years Brother Heinitz was asked
to participate in Scout camps by teaching classes on
gun safety and outdoor skills. The friendships he
forged during these experiences helped make it easier
for him to make the transition to full activity in the
ward, where all members of the Heinitz family now
regularly attend.
BUILDING GENUINE FRIENDSHIPS

Friendship is an essential ingredient in ministering
to the needs of the Saints, President Jarvis affirms. “It
goes back to President Hinckley’s great counsel: new
converts and less-active mem-
bers need a friend.”
Often these friend-
ships are nudged for-
ward by missionaries
or ward leaders, such
as through home or
visiting teaching
assignments.
When mem-
bers develop
these “assign-
ments” into
relationships
based on
genuine
caring and
concern—
not condi-
tional upon a
40
desired outcome—conversion and retention are often CALLINGS THAT FIT TALENTS AND NEEDS
the natural results.
Marise Markham has had such a friend in NaDene In addition to encouraging friendshipping efforts,
Bartholomew. The two women were first introduced leaders in the Olathe stake seek to give inspired call-
to each other in 1998, when the full-time missionaries ings that fit the specific talents and needs of new or
asked Sister Bartholomew, a member of the Olathe newly activated members.
Third Ward, to attend the final discussion with Sister At the time the Heinitz family drifted away from
Markham, then an investigator. As the women chat- the Church, they didn’t feel they were making a con-
ted, Sister Bartholomew mentioned that she went tribution. “We didn’t have callings; we didn’t have a
walking at the nearby mall most mornings. Sister purpose in the ward, and we began to think, What are
Markham was interested in starting a walking pro- we giving to the Church?” says Sister Heinitz.
gram herself, so soon thereafter—not long after Sister Heinitz was known for having a gift for work-
Sister Markham was baptized—the two were walking with children. Since coming back, she was called to
ing together every morning. They often discussed teach the 10- and 11-year-old girls in Primary. She says
the gospel as they walked, and Sister Bartholomew her calling has given her a sense of purpose and has
willingly answered Sister Markham’s many ques- helped her better understand gospel principles. “I’m
tions, helping to solidify Sister Markham’s fledgling not real knowledgeable about the Church,” Sister
testimony. Heinitz says. “I have to learn things myself in order to
“If people were to think about teach them to my girls, so I’m able to
converts, OK, you’re baptized; now learn more of the basics. And I look
you’re on your own, that would be forward to seeing my girls. Nothing’s
hard,” says Sister Markham. “But more exciting than to come to church
NaDene’s been a big help to me and have them give me hugs. I get little
in answering all my questions and notes and letters from them in the mail
being a friend.” all the time; it’s just wonderful.”
Sister Bartholomew believes it was Through her callings, Sister
frequent contact that made a differ- Markham has also been able to make
ence, particularly during the crucial use of her unique gift for friendliness.
first year following Sister Markham’s As a counselor in the Young Women Not long after her baptism, she was
baptism. When Sister Bartholomew’s presidency, Kim Strong, far right, called to greet the members coming
reached out to Rebecca, Orita, and
children started school in the fall and Elizabeth Kirkman. to sacrament meeting. Soon hers was
her schedule grew too full for her to a familiar face as she handed out pro-
continue the daily walks, she encouraged others in grams along with handshakes and hugs. She also
the ward to contact Sister Markham. And she contin- quickly learned who the members of the ward were,
ued to nurture their friendship, helping to teach often checking up on those who missed a meeting.
Sister Markham some of the new-member lessons
and eventually escorting her through the temple “SMALL AND SIMPLE THINGS”
to receive her endowment. Now, in turn, Sister
Markham enthusiastically reaches out to new and Planning activities that encourage fellowshipping,
less-active members of her ward. reaching out in genuine friendship, and extending call-
Friendships are particularly helpful when mem- ings targeted to specific talents and abilities—these are
bers quietly see a need and then fill it without waiting basic yet powerful tools in missionary work, activation,
to be assigned. For example, in 1996 Doug Vance, a and retention. As members participate in and facilitate
member of the Olathe First Ward, noticed that 14- these efforts, they know they are keeping the sacred
year-old Rebecca Kirkman lacked transportation to covenants they made at baptism of bearing the burdens
early-morning seminary. Rebecca had only recently of others and standing as witnesses of God at all times.
started to become active in the Church together with “I have been impressed with the amazing power
her mother, Orita, and younger sister, Elizabeth. of basic principles,” says President Jarvis. “As the
Brother Vance was already giving his granddaughter Book of Mormon tells us, ‘By small and simple things
BACKGROUND: PHOTO BY PHOTO DISC
a ride each morning, and he offered to take Rebecca are great things brought to pass’ (Alma 37:6). In to-
as well—which he did for the remainder of the school day’s environment, we certainly don’t need more
year. complexity. The parting of the Red Sea must have
The young women in the ward also did their been incredibly impressive, but I believe that the
part to help Rebecca feel welcome. Once they gave opening of someone’s heart, which most often occurs
her a “heart attack”: while she was gone they taped by small and simple means, is no less impressive.” អ
friendly heart-shaped notes around her bedroom. Gospel topics: Church activities, convert activation, friendshipping,
“I still have the hearts,” says Rebecca. missionary work, retention

JOSEPH SMITH’S
SUSQUEHANNA
LEFT: PHOTO BY GEORGE EDWARD ANDERSON; RIGHT: JOSEPH SMITH BAPTIZED OLIVER COWDERY, BY DEL PARSON; ABOVE RIGHT: DETAIL FROM JOSEPH SMITH IN LIBERTY JAIL, BY GREG K. OLSEN
YEARS
R
Events and activities of the Prophet Joseph Smith’s years along the
Susquehanna helped mold his life and the future of the Church.
BY L ARRY C. PORTER
he years 1825 through 1831 on the land along and his new wife, Sarah Cole, for the return trip in
T the Susquehanna River near Harmony, Penn-

sylvania, proved to be a time of growth and
chastisement as well as great joy and sorrow for the
about 1790. Placing their belongings in a cart pulled
by a yoke of steers, the brothers-in-law took their
wives on a 220-mile emigrants’ journey from Wells,
Prophet Joseph Smith. It was here in 1825 that 19-year- Rutland County, Vermont, to sparsely settled
old Joseph worked, obtained some schooling, and met, Willingborough, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania.1
courted, and married his future wife, Emma Hale, Isaac and Elizabeth located on the north side of the
daughter of Isaac and Elizabeth Hale. Together they Susquehanna. The area eventually became Harmony
suffered the death of their first child. Here much of the Township, which was attached to Susquehanna
Book of Mormon was translated, the Aaronic and the County in 1810.
Melchizedek Priesthoods were restored, and 15 sec- “Hale was a mighty hunter,” wrote Rev. George
tions of the Doctrine and Covenants were received. Peck, a Methodist Episcopal minister who frequently
visited the Hales because they were of like religious
EMMA HALE’S PARENTS MOVE TO HARMONY Map: Significant events occurred in or near South Bainbridge
(now known as Afton) and Colesville Township, New York,
Connecticut-born Isaac Hale left Vermont in about and Harmony, Pennsylvania (now known as Oakland). South
1787. Journeying through the state of New York, he Bainbridge and Colesville are about three and a half miles
descended the Susquehanna River as far as the “great apart, and Colesville is about 27 miles from Harmony.
bend.” Finding the country much to his liking, he Joseph Smith traveled by horseback, by carriage or sleigh,
and on foot between South Bainbridge, Colesville, and
returned to Vermont and married his sweetheart, Harmony and often was accompanied by Emma, Oliver
Elizabeth Lewis. The happy couple then joined com- Cowdery, Joseph Smith Sr., Josiah Stowell, Joseph and
pany with Elizabeth’s brother, Nathaniel C. Lewis, Newel Knight, or the Whitmers.
42
DOCTRI
& NE
COVENANTS
CHURCH
HISTORY
long the Susquehanna

A River near Harmony,
much of the Book of
Mormon was translated, the
Aaronic and Melchizedek
Priesthoods were restored,
and the first baptisms of this
dispensation were performed.

persuasion. “In fact, [Hale] . . . fixed his home in this old gentleman to cease digging after it” (JS—H 1:56).
new region for the purpose of pursuing game. . . . He Nevertheless, their stay was sufficiently long for
slaughtered about 100 deer annually, most of which he young Joseph to make the acquaintance of the Hales’
sent to the Philadelphia market. He often killed bears tall, comely, 21-year-old daughter, Emma. A strong
and elks, as well as a great variety of smaller game, of mutual attraction between these two was not lost even
the flesh of which I often partook at his table.”2 when Joseph’s employment suddenly shifted upriver
In this wilderness setting Isaac Hale was a friend of to Josiah Stowell’s farm. Joseph continued to “pay his
the poor and was spoken of as a man of “forethought addresses” to Emma in Harmony. Another employer,
and generosity.” The meat from elk he killed “often nearby Joseph Knight Sr. of Colesville Township,
found its way unheralded, to the tables of others Broome County, New York, said, “I furnished him with
when the occupants of the house were out of sight; a horse . . . to go and see his girl down to Mr. Hale.”7
and to them the gift seemed almost miraculous.”3
Isaac and Elizabeth became the parents of nine chil-
dren: Jesse, born 24 February 1792; David, born 6 March
1794; Alva, born 29 November 1795; Phebe, born 1 May
1798; Elizabeth, born 14 February 1800; Isaac Ward, born
11 March 1802; Emma, born 10 July 1804; Tryal, born
21 November 1806; and Reuben, born 18 September
1810.4 Isaac’s ability as a farmer and his prowess on
the hunt, coupled with the domestic skills of Elizabeth,
provided the children with a comfortable existence.
JOSEPH COMES TO THE SUSQUEHANNA

Local tradition and folklore surrounding the possi-
ble existence of an old Spanish silver mine created a
condition in the 1820s which led to a decided change
for the Hales.
An enterprising This home, now modernized, was once owned by Josiah Stowell,
farmer by the employer of and friend to the young prophet. Joseph and Emma
briefly stayed here immediately after their marriage.
name of Josiah
Stowell came
30 miles from
his farm in Bain-
bridge Township,
Chenango County, JOSEPH AND EMMA MARRY
New York, carry-
ing a purported Only these stones remain of the Hale At last Joseph summoned sufficient courage to re-
home, which burned down about 1875.
treasure map and quest the hand of Emma in marriage. Isaac Hale was
Joseph Smith Jr. boarded in this home,
accompanied by a where he first met Emma Hale. adamant in his refusal, saying that Joseph “was a
digging crew. The stranger, and followed a business that I could not ap-
company took their room and board with the Hale prove.”8 Joseph felt that there was also an element of
RIGHT, CENTER: PHOTO BY JULIAN A. CAMPBELL, COURTESY OF CHARLES J. DECKER,

family. On the crew were Joseph Smith Jr. and his fa- Hale family prejudice arising from his continuing as-
AFTON VILLAGE AND TOWN HISTORIAN, AFTON, N.Y., AND BRUCE A. CAMPBELL;
ther. Lucy Mack Smith records that Josiah “came for sertion that “I had seen a vision,” so “persecution still
FAR RIGHT: SISTER EMMA, BY DAVID LINDSLEY; PHOTO BY CRAIG J. OSTLER

Joseph on account of having heard that he possessed followed me, and my wife’s father’s family were very
certain keys, by which he could discern things invisible much opposed to our being married.” Finding no re-
to the natural eye.” The Smiths had initially refused lief for their frustrated matrimonial plans, the couple
Josiah’s invitation in October 1825. However, the real- eloped. Joseph related, “I was therefore, under the
ity of the family’s difficulty in meeting the $100 annual necessity of taking her elsewhere” (JS—H 1:58). Isaac
mortgage payment on their farm and Stowell’s prom- Hale reported that while he was absent from home
ise of “high wages to those who would dig for him” Joseph “carried off my daughter, into the state of
finally persuaded them both to join in the venture.5 New York, where they were married without my
Isaac Hale said that Stowell and his men arrived approbation or consent.”9
at his home in November 1825. Their dig located Going initially to the home of Josiah Stowell,
up Flat Brook beneath Oquago Mountain was Joseph and Emma then visited the village of South
short lived, reported by Isaac to have ended about Bainbridge where arrangements were made for their
17 November.6 The Prophet said of Josiah Stowell’s marriage before Esquire Zachariah Tarble, Justice
search for wealth, “Finally I prevailed with the of the Peace. The ceremony was performed on
44
18 January 1827 at the Tarble home, located on the
east side of the Susquehanna River. It is probable that
DOCTRI
& NE
Josiah Stowell was among those who witnessed the
marriage because he had encouraged Emma to unite
COVENANTS
CHURCH
with Joseph. HISTORY
Before the marriage Joseph had informed his
own parents, Joseph Sr. and Lucy Mack Smith, of his
plans and asked their blessing in the matter. Lucy
said that “we were pleased with his choice, and not
only consented to his marrying her, but requested
him to bring her home with him, and live with us.”10
Having no conveyance of his own, the Prophet ac-
cepted Josiah Stowell’s offer to take the newlyweds
by wagon to the Smith frame home in Manchester.
Here Joseph had a brief respite and farmed that sea-
son with his father.
From Manchester, Emma wrote to her father in
FAR LEFT AND LEFT: PHOTOGRAPHY BY LARRY C. PORTER
Harmony asking “whether she could take her prop-

erty, consisting of clothing, furniture, cows.” Isaac
responded that “her property was safe, and at her dis-
posal.”11 Peter Ingersoll, a neighbor of the Smiths, was
hired to take them to Pennsylvania in his wagon during
August 1827. Peter said that as they drove into the yard,
Father Hale came out in an agitated state and amidst a
“flood of tears” confronted Joseph for having “carried
away” his daughter. However, before their return to
Manchester, Isaac asked Joseph to move to Harmony
and said he “would assist him getting into business.”12
Above: 1911–15 photograph of the Tarble home (on the right),

where Joseph married Emma, above right. Right: Modern
photograph of the Tarble homesite, which is located just behind
the double-windowed building in the center of this picture.
Given the severity of the situation which soon devel- he was enabled to prepare the transcript of characters
oped in the Manchester–Palmyra area because of the and their accompanying definitions which Martin
intensity of the mob action, this offer shortly became Harris took to learned men in eastern New York dur-
an important option for the besieged Prophet. ing February 1828. The transcript was shown to the
Honorable Luther Bradish at Albany and Doctors
RECEIVING THE GOLD PLATES Samuel Latham Mitchill and Charles Anthon in New
York City, thus fulfilling the prophecy in Isaiah, chap-
According to earlier divine instruction, Joseph was ter 29.16 With Martin acting as scribe, 116 pages of
to receive the plates from the angel Moroni that very transcript were prepared between 12 April and 14 June
autumn. Emma, clad in her riding dress, was posi- 1828. After repeated requests from Martin Harris and
tioned at the base of the Hill Cumorah three miles after the Prophet’s persistent importuning of the
southeast of the Smith farm in Manchester Township Lord on his behalf, Martin was allowed to take the
with the horse and wagon sometime after midnight manuscript to his Palmyra home in order to satisfy
on 22 September 1827. Joseph climbed the hill to the the many inquiries of a skeptical Harris family.17
place where the plates lay secreted and there received The day following the departure of Martin for Pal-
careful instruction from the angel for their preserva- myra, Emma gave birth to their first child. The little
tion. Having secured the ancient record, Joseph chose one, identified as Alvin in the family Bible, did not
to hide the plates at a certain location in the woods as survive his birth.18 The simple inscription on his slate
a precautionary measure. The couple then returned headstone merely stated, “In Memory of An Infant Son
to the house and were met with expectant inquiries
from not only Smith family members but also two
house guests—Josiah Stowell and Joseph Knight Sr.
These two men had come on a three-day visit, so
anxious were they about the outcome of
Joseph’s session with the angel.13
Following repeated attempts to steal the
plates and constant threats of bodily
harm to the Prophet by local antago-
nists, Emma’s brother Alva was sum-
moned. He came from Harmony in
his wagon to take the couple to the
comparative safety of Susquehanna
County and the Hale home. But even
in Harmony problems began to sur-
face with Isaac Hale himself. When
shown the box in which the gold
plates had been placed, Isaac said
that he “was allowed to feel the
weight of the box” but he was not per-
mitted to see the plates. He then de-
clared to Joseph “if there was any thing
in my house of that description,
which I could not be allowed to see,
he must take it away.”14 Joseph was
under a strict charge not to divulge
the contents of the box to Isaac or
anyone else. This difficult situation
was alleviated when Isaac sold the
Prophet 13 acres of land a short dis-
ABOVE: PHOTO BY GEORGE EDWARD ANDERSON;
tance away. A house formerly be- Left: Tombstone of Alvin Smith in the McKune Cemetery.
longing to Emma’s brother Jesse The stone reads “In Memory of An Infant Son of Joseph
And Emma Smith June 15th 1828.” Above: 1903 photo-
was then moved onto the property
LEFT: PHOTO BY CRAIG J. OSTLER
graph of Joseph and Emma home. The central part of this

for their use.15 building is the original home where most of the Book of
Mormon was translated. The home was destroyed by fire
in 1919. Right: Marker of Joseph and Emma Smith home-
TRANSLATING THE PLATES stead at Harmony. The concrete path from the parking
area leads to a monument commemorating the restora-
A house of his own provided Joseph with added tion of the Aaronic Priesthood. In the distance is the
freedom of access to the gold plates. It was there that McKune Cemetery.
46
of Joseph And Emma Smith June 15th 1828.” He joined
his little two-year-old cousin, Nancy Hale, daughter of
Joseph Smith Sr. requested that his son
inquire of the Lord as to what he might do
DOCTRI
& NE
Jesse, who had died that same year on 29 January. This
was a most difficult season on the Susquehanna. Emma
to qualify himself for the work of the king-
dom. Doctrine and Covenants 4 was the
COVENANTS
CHURCH
lay near death’s door for weeks. The sleepless ministra- resultant revelation, which became a per- HISTORY
tions of Joseph and exhaustive efforts of her mother, sonal guide to that grand patriarch and to
Elizabeth, gradually nurtured Emma back to health.19 countless others across the years. He was
The Prophet then made a hurried trip to Man- instructed that those who would “embark
chester to ascertain why Martin had been delayed in the service of God” must possess certain
beyond the agreed time. On discovering what turned godly attributes, among which “faith, hope,
out to be the irretrievable loss of the 116-page manu- charity and love, with an eye single to the
script through Martin’s broken covenants, the Prophet glory of God, qualify him for the work.
was devastated. His soul-wrenching anguish was “Remember faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance,
witnessed by his mother, who said, “He wept and patience, brotherly kindness, godliness, charity, hu-
groaned, and walked the floor continually.”20 Upon mility, diligence.
his return to Harmony, the Prophet was severely chas- “Ask, and ye shall receive; knock, and it shall be
tised by the Lord for having “feared man more than opened unto you” (D&C 4:2, 5–7).
God” (D&C 3:7; see also D&C 10). Following this Fifteen revelations as contained in the Doctrine and
strong rebuke, Moroni took from him the gold plates Covenants would ultimately be given for the guidance
and the Urim and Thummim for a season.21 of the formative Church from the little two-story frame
house of Joseph and Emma in the “great bend.”
FATHER AND MOTHER SMITH VISIT HARMONY
OLIVER COWDERY BECOMES SCRIBE
Not hearing from their son for nearly two months,
and worried at his state of mind when last seen, Martin Harris was no longer al-
Father and Mother Smith traveled to Harmony and lowed to act as scribe, which required
spent more than three months there during the win- finding another to perform that labor.
ter of 1828–29. Lucy recalled the joy which they expe- The Prophet said that his brother
rienced when they learned that the plates and the Samuel and Emma gave some limited
Urim and Thummim had been restored to their son service to fill the void. Emma men-
on 22 September 1828. She also recorded a choice ex- tioned that her brother Reuben Hale
pression exchanged between Moroni and Joseph at helped.24 But the consistency of a
the moment of return. The Prophet told his mother permanent scribe was needed. The
that “the angel seemed pleased with me when he Prophet lamented that he was virtu-
gave me back the Urim and Thummim, and told me ally without means and “had become
that the Lord loved me, for my faithfulness and hu- reduced in property and . . . had not
mility.”22 After all the agony experienced following where to go, and I cried unto the Lord
the loss of the manuscript, it was important to the that he would provide for me to ac- In answer to the
LEFT: PHOTO BY LARRY C. PORTER; ABOVE: JOSEPH SMITH

TRANSLATING THE BOOK OF MORMON, BY DEL PARSON
Prophet to know that the Lord continued to love His complish the work whereunto he had Prophet’s prayers,
servant. On their visit Father and Mother Smith be- commanded me.”25 Oliver Cowdery,
came better acquainted with their in-laws, the Hales, His supplication was heard, for a schoolteacher
in Manchester,
whom Lucy described as being “an intelligent and Oliver Cowdery, a schoolteacher in New York, came to
highly respectable family. They were pleasantly situ- Manchester District 11, was given a Harmony in April
ated, and lived in good style.”23 heavenly manifestation of the validity 1829 and became
of the work while boarding at the the prophet’s scribe,
a responsibility
Joseph Smith Sr. home. The Prophet Oliver knew was a
recorded, “The Lord appeared unto call from the Lord.
a young man by the name of Oliver
Cowdery and showed unto him the plates in a vision
and also the truth of the work and what the Lord was
about to do through me, his unworthy servant; there-
fore, he was desirous to come and write for me.”26
Oliver then made arrangements to accompany the
Prophet’s brother Samuel, who was on his way to
Harmony in the forepart of April 1829. Oliver said to
Joseph’s parents, “I have now resolved what I will do
for the thing which I told you seems working in my
very bones insomuch that I cannot for a moment get
rid of it.”27 The pair went by way of Oliver’s friend’s sent by the ancient Apostles Peter, James, and John
place, David Whitmer’s home in Fayette, New York, and that they would be the recipients of the keys of
and arrived in Harmony on 5 April 1829. Oliver was the Melchizedek Priesthood under the hands of these
fully satisfied that his assistance as scribe was a direct ancient gospel ministrants. Those ordinations soon
call from the Lord and commenced his labors with followed “in the wilderness between Harmony,
Joseph on 7 April. Susquehanna County, and Colesville, Broome county,
The Lord not only furnished a scribe but also on the Susquehanna river” (D&C 128:20).29
provided for the phys-
ical necessities of the PUBLISHING THE BOOK OF MORMON
Prophet and his house-
hold. On more than Mobocracy reared its persistent head in Harmony
one occasion the as the translation of the Book of Mormon was near-
Joseph Knight Sr. fam- ing completion. One of the central figures in stirring
ily came to the aid of up the opposition to a high pitch was Emma’s own
the Prophet in times of uncle, Nathaniel Lewis. As an elder in the local
want. While returning Methodist Episcopal Church, he felt the necessity of
from a business trip to contending against those who might threaten any in-
Catskill, Joseph Knight roads into the flock. Unfortunately the danger esca-
related: “I bought a lated to more than mere idle threats. Lucy Smith
barrel of mackerel and affirmed that there were actually “evil-designing peo-
some lined paper for ple” who were “seeking to take away Joseph’s life.”30
writing. And when I The Prophet requested Oliver to write to his friend
came home I bought David Whitmer in Seneca County, New York, to see
some nine or ten if the Whitmers could provide them a safe place to
bushels of grain and
five or six bushels [of]
taters [potatoes], and . . . I went down to see him and
they were in want. Joseph and Oliver were gone to
see if they could find a place to work for provisions,
but found none. They returned home and found me
there with provisions, and they were glad, for they
were out. . . . Then they went to work and had provi-
sions enough to last till the translation was done.”28
PRIESTHOOD RESTORED
While translating 3 Nephi, the Prophet Joseph and
Oliver Cowdery went into the wilderness along the
banks of the Susquehanna on 15 May 1829 and in sup-
plication to the Lord asked for guidance relative to
priesthood authority and the power to baptize. Oliver
left a moving description of the majestic sensations
which they felt at the wondrous moment when John
the Baptist responded to their cry in the wilderness
and conferred upon them the Aaronic Priesthood:
“What joy filled our hearts . . . when we received
under his hand the Holy Priesthood as he said, ‘Upon
you my fellow-servants, in the name of Messiah, I
confer this Priesthood and this authority.’ . . .
“I shall not attempt to paint to you the feelings of
this heart, nor the majestic beauty and glory which
surrounded us on this occasion; but you will believe
me when I say, that earth, nor men, with the elo-
quence of time, cannot begin to clothe language in as
interesting and sublime a manner as this holy person-
age” (note to JS—H 1:71 on page 59).
The heavenly messenger informed the Prophet
Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery that he had been
48
complete their labors with the gold plates. In an affirma-
tive response, David Whitmer went to Harmony in
enemies. Our meetings were well at-
tended, and many began to pray vocally
DOCTRI
& NE
the latter part of May 1829 and conveyed them to his
father’s log home in the rural setting of Fayette Town-
to Almighty God, that He would give
them wisdom to understand the truth.
COVENANTS
CHURCH
ship by 1 June. During the month of June the translation Amongst those who attended our meet- HISTORY
was completed, a copyright filed, and initial arrange- ings regularly, was Newel Knight, son of
ments commenced for printing the Book of Mormon. Joseph Knight.”32
Newel Knight was apparently the first
of his family and the Colesville Saints to
join the Church. During the last week in
May 1830 he visited the Whitmer farm in
Fayette and was baptized by David Whitmer. Most
Knight family members and friends, however, were
converted and baptized near their homes.
Following the 9 June 1830 conference of the Church
in Fayette, the Prophet Joseph Smith, his wife Emma,
Oliver Cowdery, John Whitmer, and David Whitmer
visited Colesville. A number of converts applied for
baptism at that time. A dam was made by the brethren
on the stream coming out of Pickerel Pond and running
down to the Susquehanna on the Joseph Knight Sr.
farm. However, their enemies tried to intervene by
breaking down the dam and releasing the water. But
the “font” was reconstructed and the baptisms carried
out on Monday, 28 June 1830. It is noteworthy that
Emma Smith was among those entering the water on
Far left: The Prophet Joseph and Oliver Cowdery received the this occasion. Oliver Cowdery performed the ordi-
keys of the Melchizedek Priesthood under the hands of Peter, nance for her and others, including Joseph Knight Sr.
James, and John in a wilderness area on the Susquehanna River. and wife, Polly Peck, daughter Polly Knight and son
Left: A secluded area between the river and the Smith homesite. Joseph Knight Jr.; Sally Coburn Knight (wife of Newel
Above: Homestead of Joseph Knight Sr. family in Colesville,
New York. This farmland on the east side of the Susquehanna
Knight); Hezekiah Peck and wife, Martha Long; Aaron
River was home to the Knights for 19 years. Young Joseph worked Culver and wife, Esther Peck; William Stringham and
here as a farmhand and told the Knights of his visitations with wife, Esther Knight and daughter Julia Stringham;
the angel Moroni. Levi Hall; and probably Anna Knight DeMill.33
As the baptisms were concluded, they were
greeted by a hostile spectacle. Joseph Knight Jr. re-
When the problems of publication were worked called: “When we were going from the water, we were
out with Egbert B. Grandin of Palmyra, the Prophet met by many of our neighbors, pointing at us and
left the work in the hands of Oliver Cowdery, Hyrum asking if we had been washing sheep; before Joseph
Smith, and Martin Harris, and returned to Harmony, could confirm us he was taken by the officers to
reaching his home on 4 October 1829. As the time for Chenango Co. [South Bainbridge] for trial, for saying
the public release of the printed Book of Mormon that the Book of Mormon was a revelation from God;
ABOVE LEFT: RESTORATION OF THE MELCHIZEDEK PRIESTHOOD, BY KENNETH RILEY;
neared, the Prophet and Joseph Knight Sr. drove to my father employed two lawyers [James Davidson
Palmyra with great anticipation and were there for and John Reid] to plead for him and cleared him; that
LEFT: PHOTO BY DALE C. TANNER; ABOVE RIGHT: PHOTO BY LARRY C. PORTER
that momentous event on 26 March 1830.31 night our wagons were turned over and wood piled
on them, and some sunk in the water, rails were piled
CHURCH OFFICIALLY ORGANIZED against our doors, and chains sunk in the stream and
a great deal of mischief done. Before Joseph got to my
Eleven days later the Church was officially organ- Father’s house he was taken again, to be tried in
ized at the Peter Whitmer farm on 6 April. That same Broome Co. [Colesville]. Father employed the same
month Joseph and others made a concentrated prose- lawyers who cleared him there.”34
lyting effort at the Joseph Knight Sr. homestead in
Colesville Township, Broome County, New York. FROM HOME TO HOME
The Prophet wrote: “Mr. Knight and his family were
Universalists, but were willing to reason with me While the Prophet Joseph Smith was detained by
upon my religious views, and were as usual friendly the court officers, Emma found some comfort at the
and hospitable. We held several meetings in the home of her sister, Elizabeth Hale Wasson, who lived in
neighborhood; we had many friends, and some the adjoining township of Windsor with her husband,
Benjamin. We do not know for a certainty the exact behold, they pray unto me in much faith” (D&C
building sites where the Prophet’s trials were held 37:1–2). In January 1831 the Prophet and Sidney
other than their taking place in the village of South Rigdon went to Colesville and held several gatherings
Bainbridge and somewhere in the town of Colesville. at Joseph Knight Sr.’s home. John Whitmer informed
Joseph was exonerated of the charges in both instances. us that “they held prayer meetings, among the disci-
Joseph Knight Sr. stated, “They could find no thing ples, and they also held public meetings but it was all
against him; therefore he was dismissed.”35 The mo- in vain, they [enemies of the Church] threatened to
ment he was free to go his way, he went directly to the kill them.”38 Joseph Knight Sr. said that the Prophet
Wasson home in the town of Windsor and took Emma and Sidney not only came to Colesville but also made
to the welcome shelter of their homestead in Harmony. a hurried trip “down to Harmony to settle some busi-
The spirit of revelation was again manifest at ness.”39 This was the last visit of the Prophet to the
Harmony as the voice of the Lord was given through Susquehanna area.
His servant Joseph Smith unto “Emma Smith, my Joseph Knight Sr., a great friend and benefactor of
daughter” in July 1830. The Lord addressed Emma as the Prophet Joseph, continued to assist. He took the
an “elect lady” and called her to the work.36 Amidst Prophet and Emma from New York to Kirtland, Ohio,
the blessings and admonitions that followed, Emma during January–February 1831. He also conveyed his
was given the charge to “make a selection of sacred own wife and an unmarried daughter, Polly, with him.
hymns, as it shall be given thee, which is pleasing Brother Knight never looked back but said good-bye
unto me, to be had in my church”—a command to his Colesville property with its “one hundred and
which was later carried out in 1835 during the forty-two acres, . . . two dwelling houses, a good barn,
Kirtland period (see D&C 25). and a fine orchard,”40 linking himself unequivocally
Because the evening meeting which followed the with the Prophet Joseph and the earliest scenes of
Colesville baptisms was interrupted by the arresting the Restoration. Some 68 members of the Colesville
constable, Emma Smith and Sally Coburn Knight were Branch followed him to Ohio in April–May 1831.
among those who had not yet been confirmed mem-
bers of the Church. In early August, Newel and Sally REMEMBERING HARMONY
Coburn Knight made a personal visit to the Prophet’s
home at Harmony, where the two couples and John Years later, while seeking seclusion from his enemies
Whitmer held a special confirmation service and par- near Nauvoo, the Prophet greeted Emma, who had
took of the sacrament. It was on this occasion that the come to be by his side. On that occasion he looked in
Prophet was met by a heavenly messenger as he went retrospect on their early experiences together in
out to procure wine for the sacrament. He was given Pennsylvania, New York, and elsewhere. A flood of
the instruction “that it mattereth not what ye shall eat poignant memories filled his mind as he reflected:
or what ye shall drink when ye partake of the sacra- “With what unspeakable delight, and what trans-
ment, if it so be that ye do it with an eye single to my ports of joy swelled my bosom, when
glory—remembering unto the Father my body which I took by the hand, on
was laid down for you, and my blood which was that night, my beloved
shed for the remission of your sins” (D&C 27:2). The Emma—-she that was my
Prophet was also told not to purchase wine of enemies wife, even the wife of my
but to “partake of none except it is made new among youth, and the choice of my
you.” Newel said, “We confirmed the two sisters into heart. Many were the rever-
the church, and spent the evening in a glorious man- berations of my mind when
ner. The spirit of the Lord was poured out upon us. We I contemplated for a moment
praised the God of Israel and rejoiced exceedingly.”37 the many scenes we had been
Once again the clamor of Joseph’s enemies in called to pass through, the fa-
Harmony became such that he and Emma responded tigues and the toils, the sorrows
to the invitation of the Whitmer family to stay with and sufferings, and the joys and
them. At the end of August 1830 they made their consolations, from time to time,
move. For Emma it was a particularly heartrending which had strewed our paths and
moment. As circumstances developed this proved to crowned our board. Oh what a
be the last time that she would share the embrace of commingling of thought filled my
her parents or visit the grave of her infant son. mind for the moment, again she is
The Prophet did return briefly one last time to the here, even in the seventh trouble—
Susquehanna area as an outgrowth of an assignment undaunted, firm, and unwavering—
from the Lord that he and Sidney Rigdon not go to unchangeable, affectionate Emma!”41
the Ohio “until ye have preached my gospel in those There is still a spirit of peace that
parts, and have strengthened up the church witherso- lingers over the banks of the “great bend” of the
ever it is found, and more especially in Colesville; for, Susquehanna and its environs. The lives of those
50
Saints who embraced the unpopular new religious
cause in that quarter were irreversibly changed.
Pennsylvania, 1816–1831” (Ph.D. diss., Brigham
Young University, 1971), 132–34.
16. JS—H 1:63–65; Pomeroy Tucker, Origin, Rise,
DOCTRI
& NE
During the call to “assemble together at the Ohio”
(D&C 37; see also D&C 38:32), it is sad that for a multi-
and Progress of Mormonism (1867), 41–42.
17. Dean C. Jessee, ed., The Papers of Joseph Smith,
COVENANTS
CHURCH
plicity of reasons some members fell by the wayside 2 vols. (1989–92), 1:9–10. HISTORY
18. Emma Smith’s family Bible in possession of
and remained behind. However, the majority chose Buddy Youngreen; see also Ensign, Mar. 1981, 62–64.
to ally their fortunes with the Church, and they and 19. Smith, Biographical Sketches, 118–20.
their numerous posterity now enjoy the everlasting 20. Smith, Biographical Sketches, 121.
21. Jessee, The Papers of Joseph Smith, 1:10;
blessings of the covenants they kept with the Lord. D&C 3, 10.
Larry C. Porter, a member of the Grandview 15th Ward, Provo Utah 22. Smith, Biographical Sketches, 126.
Grandview South Stake, is a professor of Church history and doctrine 23. Smith, Biographical Sketches, 127.
at Brigham Young University. 24. Smith, Biographical Sketches, 126; Jessee, The Papers of Joseph
Smith, 1:10; Saints’ Herald, 1 Oct. 1879, 289.
Gospel topics: Book of Mormon, Emma Smith, Joseph Smith, 25. Jessee, The Papers of Joseph Smith, 1:10; spelling, capitalization,
priesthood, Restoration of the gospel and punctuation modernized.
NOTES 26. Jessee, The Papers of Joseph Smith, 1:10.
1. Emily C. Blackman, History of Susquehanna County, 27. Lucy Mack Smith, “Preliminary Manuscript,” 98, Historical
Pennsylvania (1873), 103. Department Archives, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
2. George Peck, The Life and Times of Rev. George Peck (1874), Saints; hereafter cited as Church Archives.
67–68. 28. Jessee, “Joseph Knight’s Recollection” of Early Mormon
3. Blackman, History of Susquehanna County, 103–4. History, 36; spelling, capitalization, and punctuation modernized.
4. Mary Audentia (Smith) Anderson, Ancestry and Posterity of 29. See also Larry C. Porter, “The Restoration of the Aaronic and
Joseph Smith and Emma Hale (1929), 304–5, 308. Melchizedek Priesthoods,” Ensign, Dec. 1996, 30–47.
5. Lucy Mack Smith, Biographical Sketches of Joseph Smith the 30. Smith, Biographical Sketches, 135.
Prophet and His Progenitors for Many Generations (1853), 91–92; 31. Letter of Joseph Smith Jr. to Oliver Cowdery, Harmony,
JS—H 1:56; Baptist Register, Utica, New York, 13 June 1834, 68. Pennsylvania, 22 Oct. 1829, Church Archives; Jessee, “Joseph
6. Susquehanna Register, Montrose, Pennsylvania, 1 May 1834. Knight’s Recollection,” 36–37; Wayne Sentinel, Palmyra, New York,
7. In Dean C. Jessee, “Joseph Knight’s Recollection of Early 26 Mar. 1830.
Mormon History,” BYU Studies, autumn 1976, 32; spelling, capital- 32. History of the Church, 1:81–82.
ization, and punctuation modernized. 33. “Newel Knight Journal,” Church Archives; Porter, “A Study of
8. Susquehanna Register, 1 May 1834. the Origins of the Church,” 198–203.
9. Susquehanna Register, 1 May 1834. 34. Joseph Knight Jr., “Joseph Knight’s Incidents of History from
10. Smith, Biographical Sketches, 93. 1827–1844,” Church Archives, 2.
11. Susquehanna Register, 1 May 1834. 35. Jessee, “Joseph Knight’s Recollection,” 38; spelling, capitaliza-
12. Oath made by Peter Ingersoll before Judge Thomas P. tion, and punctuation modernized; History of the Church, 1:87–96.
Baldwin, 9 Dec. 1833, Wayne County, 36. When the Relief Society was organized in Nauvoo on 17 March
New York, Court. 1842 the Prophet declared that this was a direct fulfillment of the
13. JS—H 1:59; Smith, Biographical promise Emma had been given relative to the “elect lady” designa-
Sketches, 99–100; Jessee, “Joseph tion in D&C 25 (see Jill Mulvay Derr, Janath Russell Cannon, and
Knight’s Recollection,” 32–33. Maureen Ursenbach Beecher, Women of Covenant [1992], 10).
14. Susquehanna Register, 1 May 37. “Newel Knight Journal,” Church Archives.
1834. 38. Book of John Whitmer, BYU Archives and Manuscripts, 3.
15. Larry C. Porter, “A Study of 39. Jessee, “Joseph Knight’s Recollection,” 38; spelling, capitaliza-
the Origins of the Church of Jesus tion, and punctuation modernized.
Christ of Latter-day Saints in 40. Porter, “A Study of the Origins of the Church,” 296–311.
the States of New York and 41. History of the Church, 5:107.
Aerial view of Hale and

Smith homesteads. Look-
ing toward the west, one
can see the Harmony Church
history sites as they appear
today. From left to right:
(1) Susquehanna River
winding past the home-
steads; (2) area near where
the Aaronic Priesthood
4 was restored; (3) present-day
railroad tracks separating
the river from the Smith and
5 Hale homesites; (4) Hale
1 2 6 homesite; (5) site of the
7 Smith home; (6) site of
Aaronic Priesthood Restor-
3 8 ation Monument; (7) State
Highway 171 running
between the Smith and Hale
homesteads; (8) the McKune
Cemetery and gravesites of
➲
Isaac Hale and some other
family members.
N

IF NOT FOR OUR
HOME TEACHER . . .
B Y D AV I D WAY N E C H I L D
y father was a hardworking man with she started to cry. “How can we ever repay you?”
M a desire to have his own business, a

business he conducted with his own
truck. Our living conditions may not have
“Don’t worry,” the bishop said. “I’m sure we
will be able to use that truck of your husband’s
someday.”
been the best when I was a boy, but he took When my father finally came
good care of us. home, he found that our
I suppose it may have been because he took home life and Church
his responsibilities so seriously that he worried so activity had been forever
much. Eventually he developed a bleeding stomach altered. My father contin-
ulcer that put him in the hospital. Medical knowledge ued to develop a trucking
and approaches were very different then, and because business that lasted more
the doctor felt that stress was a factor in my father’s than 40 years and served
condition my mother was counseled to shield him the Church on countless
from bad news when she visited him twice each day. occasions. In time my par-
That was difficult because with his truck parked, ents served in many callings
money became tighter and tighter. Soon there came in the Church and sent sons
the day when there was only enough gasoline in our and grandsons on missions.
old car for one more trip to the hospital. That morning, Perhaps this is the best way
Mom made some sandwiches out of jam and bread, some debts can be repaid.
loaded us four children into the car, and drove to the How did that bishop
hospital. Of course when Dad asked how things were become aware of our
going, Mom told him everything was fine, just as she family’s plight? As far as
had every day. After morning visiting hours were over, I know, the information
Mom took us to a nearby park, fed us the sandwiches, was relayed by our con-
and let us play until her afternoon visit with Dad, scientious home teacher.
when she assured him again that all was well. How tragic it could have
After we returned home, Mom searched through been for our family if he
the cupboards for any food she could find. She came up had skipped his home
with just one can of vegetables we didn’t like. Four teaching that month.
hungry children watched her, the effect of those bread What would it have
and jam sandwiches long ago worn off. What plans meant for the activity of
she had for that can of vegetables I do not know, for seven children (and later
as we stood around her waiting expectantly, there 25 grandchildren) who
was a knock at the front door. so desperately needed
The gentleman who stood there when Mom an- what he represented?
swered inquired: “Are you Sister Child?” It had been I am grateful that he
some time since my mother had been addressed as followed the example
“Sister” because we were not active in the Church. of Heavenly Father
But the man at the door introduced himself as the in loving others all
bishop. He brought two bags of food into the kitchen, the time.
ILLUSTRATED BY MICHAEL MALM
then made several trips back to his car for more. “You
David Wayne Child is a
will need some money for gas, and here is a check for
member of the Fairfield
the rent,” he said, handing the money to my mother. Fifth Ward, Fairfield
I cannot be sure how he knew that eviction was im- California Stake.
minent or how he knew of our plight at all. Gospel topics: charity,
My mother has always been a strong woman, but home teaching, service
52
ith Dad in
W the hospital,
money and food
began to run out.
Finally, all that
Mom could come up
with was one can
of vegetables we
didn’t like.

BREAKING
THE CHAINS OF
PORNOGRAPHY
A husband and wife share how his addiction to
pornography shook the foundation of their marriage—
and how they turned to the Lord for help.
NAMES WITHHELD movie there. It was rated PG, so I thought it was
OK. But it featured a lengthy, inappropriate scene
THE HUSBAND’S STORY that aroused feelings I had never before experi-
am a respected member of my community, and I enced. Rather than walk out as I was prompted to
I have a loving marriage and a close family. Yet for

more than a decade I experienced the awful bur-
dens of guilt, shame, and devastation that result from
do, I cemented that scene in my mind and mulled it
over for weeks.
On another occasion, I traveled to a resort com-
prolonged sin. Throughout my 30s and into my 40s, I munity with friends, all from active Church families.
suffered from the escalating conflicts of an impossible Two of them left our room to cruise around and re-
war: a desire to serve the Lord while being involved turned with a popular soft-porn magazine. I knew I
with pornography. was standing for the right by refusing to look inside,
This precipitated a slow but certain downward but my mind was riveted far too long on a series of
spiral to self-loathing and depression that resulted photos on the cover, and that, too, stayed with me
from my refusal to overcome my weaknesses. Finally, for weeks.
these very real chains of hell dragged me into Setting curiosities aside, I faithfully served a mis-
thoughts of suicide. sion and returned with what
Knowing that others strug- I felt was a strong testimony
gle with the temptations of of the gospel. However, over
pornography, I feel impelled time I again started to partici-
to share my story, which offers pate in activities I should have
ELECTRONIC COMPOSITION BY CHARLES M. BAIRD; PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEVE BUNDERSON, EXCEPT AS NOTED; LEFT, BACKGROUND: PHOTO © PHOTOSPIN; POSED BY MODELS
hope that this ugly sin can be avoided. While attending col-
overcome. I hope, too, that my lege, for example, my room-
story will serve as a deterrent mates and I took in a few of
so that others will see how the abundant R-rated movies
seemingly insignificant actions available in local theaters as
can contribute to this addic- well as inappropriate pro-
tion, and therefore they may grams on cable television. As
avoid the problem altogether. priesthood holders, we felt
For me, the roots of self- guilty when we failed to live
destruction came long before up to our standards—but we
my 30s, although my early didn’t change our behavior.
influences could be called Self-deception became
squeaky clean. I was raised easier as the years went by.
rayer changed my disposition from
in a warm and secure family
nest. My good parents held
numerous leadership positions
P despair to hope and gave me the
courage to do what was necessary to
I convinced myself that these
occasional pursuits were nor-
mal male behaviors—simply
in the Church but were mostly cleanse my soul. innocent forays into a little
concerned about raising righ- self-indulgence while out-
teous children. Gospel discussions were a frequent wardly remaining active in my Church activities
part of our family life, and all of my brothers and sis- and callings. Looking back, I now realize that I was
ters married in temples of the Lord. not slowly casting off sin and advancing line upon
I had an early record that did not indicate prob- line to perfection; rather, I was moving reel upon
lems ahead. I became an Eagle Scout at age 14 and reel and frame upon frame down the broad path to
followed that by earning a Duty to God award. destruction.
Throughout those years I prepared myself to one In my early adult years, I feel I still had the Spirit
day serve a mission. of the Lord with me often enough to find a choice
During that time, like most teenagers, I became and beautiful woman with whom I could unite in
curious about the opposite sex. By all appearances holy matrimony and start an eternal family unit.
I continued to be an honorable young man, yet I ig- I loved my wife dearly, and I wanted to make her
nored cautions from the Spirit against indulging in happy. Little did I realize how my self-centered
certain visual stimulations when they came my way. habits would come to devastate her.
Like the person who is susceptible to alcoholism, I For many years I was usually able to control
failed to recognize this as a weakness Satan knew he my behavior and would go months between what
could exploit. This no doubt set a tone for what was I would call “accidents.” But as time went by and
to come later in my life. the challenges of life confronted me, I sought ways
I remember attending a regional Explorer camp to escape from the pressures through television.
for 14- to 18-year-olds in my area and watching a After spending many hours each week in front of

the TV set—often into the early morning—my ap- proved to be the catalyst which led me to finally quit
petite for lustful things increased. I started to mill running from Him. At first my thoughts turned to
around bookstores looking for unseemly materials. ending it all and letting my wife pick up the pieces.
Then, when I got a job that required international Surely, I believed, she and the children would be bet-
travel, a whole new world of filth became easily ac- ter off without such a wretched father in their home.
cessible through television, books, magazines, and But a stronger voice of reason suggested that suicide
even billboards. was a false option for all of us. It also told me it was
When I was not consuming this material, my mind time to stop thinking about a vengeful God and to
often was absorbed with salacious thoughts. This be- start seeking the endless love He has for His chil-
came the paradox: I was proud to avoid all of the dren—including the ones who sin.
popular soft-porn magazines and to resist certain ca- The night after the confrontation with my wife,
ble channels at home; yet I was seeing just as much I drove to a secluded place: an empty parking lot by
through regular hotel television services, books read- a river, surrounded by forest. I sat in the car and for
ily available in respectable bookstore chains, and almost two hours unloaded several years of frustra-
other mainstream vehicles. The effect was the same: tion onto my Heavenly Father. I admitted every-
every time I succumbed, I thing I had previously tried
wanted more, and I sometimes to cover up, and I pleaded for
plotted how to get it without His assistance.
anyone knowing. The fact that Gradually, two scriptures
the Lord was aware of my ac- came into my mind, both
tions was not a sufficient de- continued to confront Jim word for word, one after the
terrent, and I rationalized that
what I was doing was not that
I about his behaviors. Sadly,
I knew I would never be able to
other. The first came from
John 3:16: “For God so loved
bad anyway. the world, that he gave his
compete with his addiction-fed
But I loathed myself. My only begotten Son, that
soul and body were at war,
expectations, but I came to realize whosoever believeth in him
and I was the main casualty, that this failure to measure up should not perish, but have
along with my wonderful wife was not my fault. everlasting life.” Despite
and children. I truly wanted everything, I still believed in
to be righteous and love the Him, and this thought gave
Lord, but this incredible mon- me a strong feeling that He
ster was always in the way. could indeed provide an an-
When my wife began to re- chor for me in my struggles.
alize the extent of my problem and confronted me, The next scripture, I later discovered, was from
I angrily denied her accusations. But inside, I knew Isaiah 1:18: “Come now, and let us reason together,
I needed help—I just didn’t know where to turn. saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they
Prayer felt hypocritical. How could the Lord love me shall be as white as snow.” The scriptural words rushed
when I did all these bad things? Or so I thought. into my mind with an incredible surge of hope and
My wife pleaded with me to see a counselor with love. Yes, my sins were as scarlet, but through repen-
her, but I was too embarrassed to admit these failings tance I could become clean! I knew the prompting
to anyone. And despite it all, I wasn’t sure I actually came from the Spirit and was exactly what the Lord
wanted to start casting off these desires that raged wanted me to know and feel at that time.
within me. But, knowing my relationship with my That clear answer to prayer changed my dispo-
wife was becoming tense, I finally agreed to seek sition from despair to hope and gave me the courage
counseling from a professional who also was a mem- to do what was necessary to cleanse my soul. It ac-
ber of the Church. After my wife and I had a few ses- celerated a process that had already begun with the
sions with him, I began to trust this warm, caring counselor.
individual and to open up to him. After that, my life turned into a series of blessings
The real turning point probably came when, that helped me comprehend the error of my ways and
shortly after the counseling began, I sank briefly start to repent. I continued to receive loving guidance
into the realms of an otherwise miraculous technol- from my counselor. I was led to helpful books and
ogy, the Internet—and fortunately was discovered. tapes. And I discussed my behavior honestly with
When my wife told me she knew I had been surfing my wife and my older brother. I was heartened to see
on forbidden sites, it unleashed in me an unbearable that they still loved me, despite knowing my sins.
humiliation. Involving my bishop was the most crucial ele-
Ironically, this very moment, when I thought I ment in this repentance process. I overcame my ini-
should have been most afraid of the Lord’s wrath, tial reluctance about that and agreed to an interview,
56
preparing myself to fully tell the truth. We talked for escape. I thought I could dull the pains of the world,
almost two hours, and I realized then that this type but all I really did was severely reduce the capacity of
of struggle was not mine alone—it is a growing the Spirit of the Lord to comfort me. I now know that
problem among some members of the Church as pains and sorrows are a normal part of life but that
pornography becomes more widespread, accessible, the Spirit can lift me up. I also know that the rest of
and culturally acceptable. The discussion also con- my life will demand that I remain vigilant against the
firmed what I had learned that night in my car: the slings of Satan in this vulnerable area.
Lord knew of my problem, wanted me to overcome Today, I stand amazed at the love Jesus offers me.
it, and would assist me through His faithful servant. It is a great blessing to visit the temple with my dear
At the end of our discussion, I asked the bishop wife and renew our love together. What a tragedy it
for a priesthood blessing. As he laid his hands upon would have been for both of us had she not stood
me and spoke as the Lord’s mouthpiece, I heard steadfast in her faith and led me to a higher plane, de-
tremendous words of encouragement and support. spite the anguish and misery I caused her for so long.
The Spirit of the Lord told me through him that I There is truly one source of light and truth and
would continue to be tempted as a natural conse- joy. That source—the Savior—will never leave us, no
quence of being human but matter how far we’ve fallen.
that if I was prayerful and He is there to lift us and in-
obedient I would gradually spire us, and He holds the
gain the strength to resist only fruit of real worth—that
these temptations and their of eternal happiness in His
degrading effects. presence. It is ours to grasp if
The bishop and I met again we but repent and obey Him
periodically throughout the to the end.
following year, and I felt each
time his warmth and concern THE WIFE’S STORY
as he guided me back to the
fold. He helped me realize my y worst Mother’s
own worth and gave me en-
couragement to persevere.
After I first embarked
M Day was more than
five years ago. That
was when I told my husband,
upon my road to recovery, Jim,* that I could not bear his
there were days when I addiction to pornography any
thought I would be over- longer, that it was as if he had
whelmed by the urge to revert to my former a mistress in the house. I also told him I had sought
behaviors. But as promised in the blessing, as counsel and a priesthood blessing from the bishop. Jim
the weeks and months went by, my ability to with- was angry and sullen, but the truth was out. It was no
stand was strengthened. longer a dark, never-to-be-discussed secret.
I replaced my previous carnal escapes with It had taken me more than 10 years to realize he
immersion into the scriptures, with more honest had an addiction. It had always disturbed me that he
prayers, and eventually, when I was ready, with spent 20 to 30 hours each week in front of the televi-
peaceful and reflective visits to the house of the Lord. sion, but when we argued over his viewing habits,
I began to feel the solace of the Spirit of the Lord Jim declared that I had unreasonably high standards.
much more often in my Church meetings and in He reassured me that, like many men, he simply
our home. My relationships with family members needed to unwind after work.
and acquaintances came more naturally than before. Finally one day I pointed out that his shows all
In short, I started to feel clean and whole once again. seemed to have the same theme: sex. He sheepishly
Several years have passed since that fateful admitted that he had difficulty leaving such shows
night in my car. I still have daily challenges and alone. I still didn’t understand his actions for a time,
feel the natural anguish of imperfection. Now, how- but I finally began to realize that his behavior was
ever, these are the normal feelings of human frailty similar to an addict’s: He would abstain from TV
rather than the despair resulting from self-imposed watching for a little while, usually in response to my
addiction. pleadings; then he would return with a vengeance.
I am still burdened by occasional random impres- It was a repeating cycle: binge, abstain, binge again.
sions that were seared into my mind over the years. Astonished and sickened by this realization, I sud-
But now I cast them out, rather than inviting them denly understood why Jim’s love for me and our
to linger in my mind. I also understand a previously children seemed so anemic.
overlooked source of my addiction: the desire to *All names have been changed.

I wondered how this could happen to me—to us. I continued to confront Jim about his behaviors,
We were both returned missionaries, we both came steeling myself for his anger and counteraccusation:
from good families, we were married in the temple, I was a disappointment to him as a wife. This devas-
and I believed the Lord had led us to each other. Now tated me. My worst fear was that my inadequacies
I felt all alone and totally unprepared. No one had might be driving him to his addiction. Sadly, I knew
ever told me what to do if I discovered my husband I would never be able to compete with his addiction-
was addicted to pornography. fed expectations, but I came to realize that this failure
At first I sometimes wondered if I were making it to measure up was not my fault.
all up. In some ways Jim seemed to function just fine: One day as I was driving and anguishing over our
he went to work and attended all his Church meet- situation, I felt particularly angry at Jim, his family,
ings. But in other ways, he didn’t function well. He the Church, and even the Lord. I vividly remember
didn’t talk with the children much, except at the din- the place on the road where I suddenly felt the Spirit
ner table. Often he would even leave the table to eat of the Lord acknowledge that I was indeed facing an
by the TV. He would accept Church callings but sel- extremely difficult problem. But then came an added
dom do much with them. We rarely attended the message: Pushing away the Lord and the Church
temple together. I felt like a would not give me the hope
single parent most of the time, and direction I needed. The
caring for our children and Lord could help me. From that
home while he lived by the point on, I realized how badly
TV. I often fantasized about I needed Him, and I turned to
smashing the TV with a ’m not certain how it happened, Him often for guidance and
sledgehammer.
When Jim traveled, I knew
I but I know it was only with the
help of the Lord. His Atonement
strength.
Eventually, after a particu-
he probably had access to any- larly painful argument, Jim
changed our hearts, and a
thing he wanted. I worried agreed to counseling. We were
about him, but at the same
wonderful bishop, a loving fortunate to find a wonderful
time I was relieved to have brother, and a skilled therapist counselor, George, who also
him gone because our house were His tools. was a member of the Church.
would feel more serene. When Our sessions were rocky at
he returned, I would sense first, since Jim and I were both
that he had withdrawn into trying to get each other to
his addiction, and I felt as if I change. But George’s wisdom
had to reclaim him. and encouragement lifted us
As his addiction deepened, he would frequently each visit. To our surprise, we often felt an outpour-
slip out of bed to watch TV. I would awaken, realize ing of the Spirit as he counseled us. One of the most
he had left, and go crazy inside, wondering what he important principles I learned during those sessions
was watching and thinking. I would kneel and offer was the effect of shame. When a person is addicted to
a desperate prayer, fall asleep, then awaken to pray pornography, he wants to escape the shame he feels,
again, only gradually falling asleep. and he often does so not by turning away from his
I tried to make up for his absence with the addiction—the source of his shame—but by turning
children, but I discovered it was impossible. When toward it to numb his feelings. I began to screen my
my oldest son complained that his dad loved the expressions for shaming words.
TV more than him, I tried to reassure him, but When I visited George in private sessions for
my heart was broken. How could I have been so guidance, he told me to refrain from trying to control
foolish as to imagine that I was the only one who Jim, pointing out that Jim needed to make his own
felt abandoned? decisions. During another visit, he gently warned
There were other evidences our children were that Jim might not ever be willing to fully break his
suffering. A Primary teacher pointed out that our addiction.
oldest child was always angry. A baby-sitter reported George counseled me to take care of myself—get
that when our youngest son played house with her sleep, seek out friends, find nurturing activities. One
children, there was rarely a dad in their pretend fam- such activity was playing the piano. As Jim sat in front
ily. When there was, he was only a minor figure— of the TV, I found much comfort in playing hymns
just like in our family. In my bitterest moments, I such as “Where Can I Turn for Peace?” and “Though
wondered if the children would be better off if we Deepening Trials” (Hymns, nos. 129 and 122). I also
divorced. Maybe then they would receive more at- sought out the company of a few good friends who
tention from their dad, because he would have to showered me with love and encouragement. Most im-
visit them without the TV. portant, I learned how to strengthen my relationship
58
with the Lord. I prayed each day that something fully compensate, there is a success that compen-
would happen to lead Jim to fight his addiction— sates for all our failures, after all we can do in good
that others might say something, that he might read faith. That success is the Atonement of Jesus Christ.
something, that our children might do something— By its power, we may arise from the ashes of life
anything. I didn’t know the pathway out of his ad- filled with incomprehensible beauty and joy”
diction, but the Lord did. (The Broken Heart: Applying the Atonement to Life’s
I recognized that when Jim retreated to the tele- Experiences [1989], 22).
vision, I would become anxious and cross with our Gradually the periods of abstinence lengthened,
children. I began to pray that I might not respond and slowly my fears began to subside. Jim has now
that way, since they needed my love and attention been clean for several years. I’m not certain how it
more than ever. I discovered I could keep this resolve happened, but I know it was only with the help of
better by reading the scriptures and praying. I at- the Lord. His Atonement changed our hearts, and
tended the temple regularly and often entered the a wonderful bishop, a loving brother, and a skilled
names of our entire family on the prayer rolls. therapist were His tools.
Because we subscribed to the Internet, I occasion- I always wanted Jim to ask for my forgiveness, but
ally checked the history of he didn’t for a long time—he
sites accessed on our browser. felt too overwhelmed by his
I hoped Jim’s uneasiness with battle. When he finally did,
technology would be on my my heart overflowed to burst-
side, that he would never dis- ing. Still, it took time and
cover the pornography so work for me to forgive. Past
easily accessed there. But to hurts resurfaced again and
my dismay, one day I saw a again in my mind. Jim’s love,
listing of several hundred now stronger than ever,
sites that had been accessed helped, but forgiving him
in past weeks. I clicked on a has ultimately been my labor.
few, and my fears were con- I have had to pray for the
firmed. My heart pounding, Lord’s help with this, and
I confronted Jim. He was I have been blessed.
chagrined, and I was sick- Since Jim began the re-
ened and a little frightened. pentance process, his counte-
Though I didn’t know it then, nance has changed. He
this was a major event in continues to be vigilant and
helping him realize he had a problem. I discovered avoids taking any risks. I’ve stopped wondering if a
a blocking service and immediately subscribed. setback is around the corner. Our marriage is stronger
I decided that since I couldn’t change Jim, I could than ever, and we continue to rely on the Lord. This
focus on what I could be learning. For example, great hardship has been transformed into a much
what could I learn about love? Could I love Jim in needed blessing.
his weakness? Isn’t that what I would want if I were I have learned firsthand the reality of these
in his situation? Wouldn’t I want someone to be scriptures:
honest with me—to recognize my addiction and “All things wherewith you have been afflicted
point out its consequences, even when I didn’t want shall work together for your good, and to my name’s
to hear it, and at the same time maintain hope for glory, saith the Lord” (D&C 98:3).
me? If I had given up hope for myself, wouldn’t I “The ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come
be particularly relieved to know that the one closest to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their
to me believed there was a way out? I began to see heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow
Jim’s goodness more clearly, realizing that he was and sighing shall flee away” (Isa. 35:10).
just like me except he had allowed himself to be- Not long ago, as I shook hands with our stake
come trapped by Satan. I began to see his pain a president after renewing my temple recommend, he
little better. I believe now that his pain was much expressed admiration for Jim. He had just attended a
greater than mine. meeting with priesthood leaders in which Jim had of-
We both began to rely on the healing power of fered a prayer. The stake president told me that as my
the Atonement. I believed what Elder Bruce C. husband prayed, he felt very strongly that Jim was in
Hafen, now a member of the First Quorum of the the right place, doing much good in his new calling.
Seventy, has said: “Sometimes we say that no other My heart was full as I left the stake president’s office.
success can compensate for our failures in the home. Indeed, my sorrow had at last been replaced by joy.
And while it is true that no other success of ours can Gospel topics: fighting pornography, forgiveness, repentance, sin

L A T T E R-D A Y S A I N T
VOICES
The Lost Pamphlet could find better employment.

On the afternoon of 20 November
pocket to keep it near my heart.
Two days later the sisters re-
By Wenceslao Salguero 1975, two young American women, turned. When they saw the pam-
simply dressed, knocked on our phlet in my pocket, they asked
door. They said they had a mes- if I had read it. I told them they
was born and raised in sage for my family. We made an didn’t realize what it meant to me.
I El Progreso, a small town in

southern Guatemala. When
I was about 10 years old, an un-
appointment for them to come
back at a later time.
I remember the first discussion
I explained I had read it as a boy
and had prayed to find it again.
On Sunday our family went to
usual pamphlet came into my clearly. One of the young women church. We arrived very early, and
hands. It contained the story of said a prayer, and then the other the sisters were surprised to see us.
Joseph Smith, a young boy who one began to talk about Joseph They hadn’t really invited us, just
saw a vision of God the Eternal Smith. In her hands was a copy of told us where the building was.
Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. the pamphlet I had read as a boy! The sisters continued to teach
I was deeply impressed by this My search for the truth had come us. Although they didn’t speak
story. Unsatisfied with the training to an end in my own living room. Spanish very well, they taught by
I was receiving in the religion of my No words can express what I the Holy Ghost. When they taught
parents, I wanted to know more felt at that moment. I wanted to us about repentance, I felt some-
about the boy in the pamphlet. But snatch the pamphlet out of her thing I had never felt before and
I didn’t know where to get informa- hands. The sisters noticed the way
tion. In time I lost the pamphlet, but I was looking at it and said they
I never forgot about it. I wondered would leave it with me.
if I would ever find another like it. When they gave me that
As a teenager and young adult, precious pamphlet, I
I investigated several religious de- could hardly believe
nominations. I even took classes it. I put it in my shirt
in their doctrine and received
diplomas. But there were aspects
of these religions that troubled
me, and I felt uncomfortable with
the criticism that clergy of differ-
ent faiths sometimes directed at
one another. By this time I had
started reading the Bible, and as
I compared the Bible with what I
saw in the religions I had studied,
I became convinced those religions
lacked God’s authority.
I knelt many times in prayer,
pleading with God to guide me to
His true Church. I promised that
if He did, I would be faithful in
keeping His commandments and
would always serve Him.
I had dreams, too, in which I
told God I was willing to do any-
thing to receive forgiveness for my
sins. I would wake up and find my
pillow wet with tears. I also asked
God to help me find the pamphlet
about Joseph Smith again.
By 1968 I had a wife and son.
We moved to Guatemala City so I
60
ILLUSTRATED BY BRIAN CALL
started to cry. Then I realized we
were all crying. I was convinced
Society and in the family history
program. My eldest son served Strong for
I had found the true Church. a full-time mission, and now his
My wife, Rosa Élida, had a simi-
lar experience. It happened when
younger brother is preparing to
serve. We have two daughters who
the Sake of
the sisters invited us to be baptized.
“Sister Salguero,” they asked, “do
you want to follow the Savior?” She
are also active in the Church.
Whenever I am asked to speak
in church, I try to communicate
My Children
By Eliza M. Torres
realized right then that she did. the joy I feel as a member of the
When I asked the Lord to help Lord’s Church. I know that God
me find His Church, I promised I lives and that through the Prophet fter 12 years of marriage
would serve Him. From the first
time I went to church, I have faith-
fully attended and have tried to
Joseph Smith He has restored to
us His gospel, His Church, and the
authority of His priesthood.
A and with six young chil-
dren, I found myself sepa-
rated from my husband, facing
serve diligently. I have had many divorce. My husband’s mother
Wenceslao Salguero is a member of the
wonderful Church callings, in- Tierra Nueva Ward, Guatemala City continued to live with our family,
cluding serving twice as Guatemala Bosques de San Nicolás Stake. but with one exception, my chil-
bishop. My wife has served Gospel topics: conversion, Joseph Smith, dren never saw their father again.
in the Primary and Relief missionary work My children were too young
to understand fully what was
happening to our family, and I
o words can
N express what
I felt when I saw
tried to shelter them as much as
I could from the pain I was feel-
ing. But within a few weeks of
the sister missionary separating from my husband, I
holding the pamphlet felt vulnerable, empty, and alone.
I had prayed to find Although I was surrounded by
again. people in my Philippine home-
town, I often found myself weep-
ing, longing for the comfort of
someone to confide in. Assailed
by doubts, I felt as though I were
living in a haze. I couldn’t think
or plan clearly. And yet I knew I
had to be strong for the sake of
my children. The burden of their
welfare rested solely upon my
shoulders, I felt.
Humbled and desperate, I
knelt and asked Heavenly Father
for three favors: good health, a
clear mind, and emotional
strength devoid of self-pity and
selfishness.
My prayers were answered.
In spite of difficult economic
conditions in the Philippines, I
was blessed with a good income.
The harder I was able to work,
the more money I earned. Our
temporal needs were met, and I
found the clarity of mind and the
emotional strength I needed to

be both mother and father to my guided my footsteps, and filled
children. my soul with His love.
I gave my children love and I have been abundantly
affection and as much attention blessed. I cherish my beautiful
as possible. I devoted Sundays family. Out of our great adversity
and holidays solely to them. I we have emerged triumphant.
taught them not to look back in But we owe everything to our
anger, nor forward in fear, but Heavenly Father and His Son,
to look around in awareness. Jesus Christ. For Their influence
They learned not to hate anyone, in our lives we are eternally
especially their absent father. grateful.
They also learned to share Eliza M. Torres is a member of
with one another and build fam- the Milpitas Ward, San Jose
ily solidarity. We exchanged ideas California East Stake.
and valued each other’s differing Gospel topics: divorce, parenthood,
points of view. We rejoiced in one spiritual growth, trials
another’s victories and comforted
each other in our defeats. We
were a united family—cooking,
cleaning, laughing, sharing, and,
above all, praying together.
Seven years after my separa-
tion, four of my children and I
became members of The Church
of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
Saints. The teachings of the
Church honed and polished
my children, further cultivating
their talents. They learned more
patience and understanding.
As they grew older they also dis-
covered leadership skills and
other abilities they did not know
they had. They enjoyed peace
and a sense of belonging. My
children often turned to Church
leaders for educational, emo-
tional, and spiritual counsel.
They were devoted to their call-
ings and eagerly engaged in
Church activities. I watched them
thrive as they grew spiritually
and developed social skills.
My son and three daughters
served as full-time missionaries.
They have continued to grow and
develop into wonderful people.
My trials have helped me to
become stronger and grow in
ways I may not have otherwise.
Many times I was weary, but in
those times of great need my
Heavenly Father gave me rest,
62
L A T T E R - D A Y S A I N T V O I C E S
“Go Check school. Nevertheless, I began to

worry that something terrible
might have happened. I hurried
on Wendi!” to the school only to find every-
thing calm. Nothing seemed out
By Darlene Joy Nichols of the ordinary, and even the
storm was passing. I was con-
fused and thought perhaps I
hen our oldest daughter, wouldn’t go inside after all. But
W Wendi, was five, she

attended morning
kindergarten class. One day I
after making the effort to get
there, I decided I should at least
walk to the classroom and reas-
sent her to school, then readied sure myself that all was well.
our two younger children to go I turned the corner to Wendi’s
shopping. I felt rushed because classroom and saw the door
it usually took over two hours to was open and Wendi standing
do my grocery shopping, and I in the doorway. How odd! Why
wanted to be done in time to pick wasn’t she at her desk? As I
s I did my
A grocery
shopping, the
up Wendi from school. So with
my shopping list in one hand
and my two preschoolers in the
approached her she seemed just
fine and had a smile on her face.
I didn’t know what to say, so
thought kept other, I set off for the store. I just bent down and gave her
About 20 minutes later I had a hug.
coming to me: a clear thought interrupt me: “Mommy, I knew you’d
Go check on Darlene, go check on Wendi. I come!” she said.
Wendi! thought to myself, How silly! With that her teacher came
Wendi is fine at school. I dismissed over to us and said, “How did
the thought and went about you know to come?” Then she
my shopping. A short time later explained that the thunder and
the thought came back again. lightning storm had upset the
Darlene, go check on Wendi. The class. As she tried to gather the
thought came so clearly that children to sit together on a
I stopped in the middle of a carpet, she noticed Wendi at her
grocery store aisle. seat praying. When Wendi fin-
Looking at my shopping list ished, she told her teacher that
and at my two young children, she was all right, that she had
who would not be patient much asked Heavenly Father to send
longer, I reasoned to myself, her mommy to her, and could
This is silly! I’m sure Wendi is fine. she please wait by the door.
I continued down the aisle and I could not stop my tears
turned the corner when the as I realized the prayer of faith
words came forcefully yet again: of a five-year-old had literally
Darlene, go check on Wendi! moved me from a grocery store
I told a clerk I’d be five miles away to be at her side.
back for my groceries I am deeply grateful to Heavenly
and rushed from the Father for this experience, for
store. As we left, I we both learned divine lessons
noticed a severe about faith and trust that day.
thunderstorm had Darlene Joy Nichols is a member of the
come up. Wendi was Burnsville Ward, Burnsville Minnesota
terrified of thunder- Stake.
storms. Still, I knew Gospel topics: faith, inspiration, mother-
she was safe at hood, prayer

I Just Knew We there. I just knew we were not
alone. I’d think about it a lot, but
We returned from Europe
in November 1959 and soon
I kept it all to myself. visited relatives in Sacramento,
Were Not Alone When I was about seven, my
parents were transferred to
California, where I learned that
my cousin Dean had joined The
By Dee Satterlee Giles Europe, where we lived until I Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-
was 16. As a result of my father’s day Saints and was preparing for
s a five-year-old child, I assignments as a pilot, I became a mission. He asked me what I
A lived with my parents in

Great Falls, Montana,
where my father was stationed
fluent in German, Norwegian,
and French, and my parents
hoped I would acquire a doctor-
knew about premortal life. I told
him I just knew there were other
places outside of this earth with
in the U.S. Air Force. I used to go ate in languages. Education other people, that we had wanted
outside and lie under the trees, was a high family priority: my to come here, and that we were
look up at the sky, and think about grandfather was an architect, persons before we came here.
all those other people just like me and my mother ’s stepfather His immediate response was,
who were on other planets out was a bacteriologist. “Where did you hear all that?”
very day as our

E school bus drove
by the building, I had
a burning feeling
inside, thinking it
might be a Mormon
church. One day I asked
my friend about it.
64
L A T T E R - D A Y S A I N T V O I C E S
He said no other church on earth out to our home, there was an I knew about the Church. I
taught these truths the way the open space of desert and then a remember saying I knew all
LDS Church did. At that instant building about a block behind the there was to know because I
I knew his church was true; I open space. As we passed by the had done so much reading. But
just knew it. Then there began building, I had a feeling that it my response to their very first
hours of talking about the plan was special. I thought, I wonder if question brought laughter from
of salvation. that’s a Mormon church. I asked my everyone. They asked, “Who
Soon our family returned parents to drive over so I could is the President of the Church?”
to Albuquerque, New Mexico, see it, but they would not. Finally, I said, “That’s easy: Heber J.
where my father was stationed. weeks later we moved into our Grant.” They burst out in giggles.
I knew no one in the Church, new home, and I started riding It soon became clear that the
had never seen one of their the school bus to a high school books I had read, most of which
meetinghouses, and had never where I was a junior at the time. were printed in the 1930s, were
had any Church association When the bus passed by that out of date. Heber J. Grant had
except those conversations with building, I had a burning feeling died in 1945. From that experi-
my cousin. But I was intrigued inside. That night I looked up the ence, I immediately learned
and wanted to know more, so addresses again. Sure enough, about being teachable.
I went to the public library and the building we passed was on Everything about the mission-
checked out everything to do Haines, where one of the meet- ary lessons only confirmed
with the Church. inghouses was located. things I felt I already knew and
There were about 20 books, Every day I would feel the redoubled my desire to join the
some of them fiction, but most of same feeling as the bus drove Church. But my parents would
the books were anti-Mormon. I by. Finally I could stand it no not permit it until I was 18. How-
read everything. I know it may longer. As I was sitting with ever, as I neared the close of my
be amazing to others, but despite Gaye Kennedy, a friend from my senior year, they relented, as they
the numerous anti-Mormon geometry class, I blurted out, “I knew I planned to do it in June,
expressions in so much of what think that’s a Mormon church when I turned 18. Yet they would
I read, nothing persuaded me over there. Do you know any- not attend my baptism.
away from what I was thinking thing about the Mormons?” She I remember that my fourth-
about this Church. As I read, answered, “Yes, I’m LDS. Would year French teacher, not a mem-
good things would come out you like to go to church with me?” ber herself, attended out of
and stay in my mind, and faulty We went to the Second Ward, kindness toward me. She knew
thinking and erroneous motives the ward she lived in. Afterward that to me my baptism was an
became so transparent that all of she said if I wanted to continue important step and that I was
the negative material just drifted attending church she would in- doing it without family backing.
away. Most of the books were troduce me to people in my ward, I was always so impressed how
quite old. I didn’t care—I wanted the Fourth. One of them was a the Lord raised up support at this
to read everything I could about fellow student, Earl Bushman, special time. Since then, I have
the Church. While I read, I felt who lived around the corner. He never been without friends and
what I later learned was the Holy volunteered to take me to church loved ones in the Lord’s family,
Ghost influencing me. on Sundays. millions throughout the earth!
As a result of my library Soon the friends I ran around In the 39 years since my baptism,
search, I knew I had to make con- with were Church youth. They the blessings our Father in
tact with Church members. In the said I really ought to see the Heaven has given me and my
phone book, I saw that there were missionaries. I asked my parents husband, Ivin, and our eight chil-
two Church meetinghouses in if the missionaries could come dren have reconfirmed countless
town. I memorized the addresses to our home, but they said no, times my feelings and thoughts
because I thought if I wrote them although they let me attend about the value of this, the Lord’s
down, I would lose them. Sunday services and youth ac- Church.
At this time my parents were tivities. Finally I met with the Dee Satterlee Giles is a member of the Kent
building a home on the outskirts missionaries at the meetinghouse Fifth Ward, Kent Washington Stake.
of Albuquerque. We would visit because I could ride my bicycle Gospel topics: baptism, conversion, friend-
it nearly every day. As we drove there, and they asked me what shipping, inspiration

RANDOM SAMPLER
However, for those who are very with inappropriate labels. To live
Hands-on Learners young, disabled, or very active,
this might not be practical. We
consistently with gospel teach-
ings, we need to remember these
e discovered that our have found that having the child children need special help and
W son who has a learning

disability is a kinesthetic
learner, meaning he processes in-
bounce or throw a ball while
saying each book of the Bible or
pedal the stationary bike while
that as parents we have been
entrusted with providing that
help.—Heidi Ashworth, Clayton
formation most efficiently through repeating the names of Book of Valley Second Ward, Walnut
touch and motion. Since finding Mormon prophets helps the child Creek California Stake
this out, we have identified many remember them. The energy ex-
ideas to help teach him. As we
studied about some of the differ-
ent ways people learn best, we
pended somehow helps the brain
retain the information.
Spelling. When kinesthetic
Real-World
discovered that about 30 percent
of the general population are full
learners need to retain important
names or words, have them spell
Finances for Teens
or partial kinesthetic learners, the words by tracing letters in s children approach ado-
although most also learn well
through audio or visual means.
Those children who learn best
sand, rice, or cornmeal on a tray,
by using sign language, or by writ-
ing the letters in the air. They may
A lescence, they are ready to
assume greater financial
responsibility and learn more
through movement may find it even wish to shape the letters with about adult money management.
difficult to absorb gospel princi- modeling clay or with their bodies. We have found that there are
ples taught in traditional settings. We have also sealed about a half
Expecting these children to sit cup of ketchup or mustard in a
still may even result in disruptive plastic baggie and then had our
class experiences. Happily, we child draw letters on the baggie.
found the following learning We have found example to
strategies helpful. be the greatest teacher of all.
Role playing. Active children Sometimes it is difficult to be
may find difficulty relating to patient with a child who learns
some scripture stories just through differently, or perhaps we un-
listening. However, if they are intentionally burden them
asked to play the part of Alma
or the angel or King
Lamoni, they will long
remember the details
of the experience.
Look around the
house for costume
ideas, and stage
the role play
in such a way
that body lan-
guage is used.
Rote learn-
ing. Instead of
repeating words
or scriptures
for children to
ILLUSTRATED BY JOE FLORES
memorize, have
them write
down the
words and
phrases.
66
three main areas where we need
to work with our children: financ-
ing more expensive personal
wants and needs, teaching them
the real cost of automobile own-
50/50
ership, and learning what it costs
to run a household.
1. Personal expenses. As
teenagers become involved in
more activities and begin to feel
more desire to purchase clothing
or other items, they need more
money. We have found as a gen-
eral rule that expenses that can’t
be met through normal means of
allowances or earnings can be fi-
nanced using a matching-funds
strategy. The teenager becomes
responsible for paying 50 percent
of the cost, and if that is achieved
the parents make up the differ-
ence. More than once we have
noted that a teen’s desire for a
certain product or school trip is
inversely related to the amount
that he or she is expected to
contribute.
2. Automobile expenses.
While many teens dream of
owning their own car one day,
few understand how much of
the family budget car expenses
can consume. In one family,
six months before teens obtain
a driver’s license, they begin
tracking automobile ex-
penses. They add up the
cost of loan payments, in-
surance, repairs, gasoline,
oil changes, new tires, and
registration, compute the average 3. Household expenses. with
cost per mile to drive the car, and Most young adults are surprised teens.
then report their findings in fam- how expensive it is to operate a One family
ily home evening. household, even a small apart- rotates bill paying
Other ideas to help teenagers ment. One way to help them each month by asking
understand the costs of car own- become realistic about costs is to one of their teenagers to write out
ership include asking them to involve them in monthly budget- the checks and prepare them for
pay a portion of the fees re- ing and check-writing activities. a parent’s review and signature.
quired for driver ’s education While parents may wish to keep This activity enables teens to pre-
classes, to create a budget that some financial matters confiden- view many of the financial re-
includes car expenses, and to tial, other areas, such as paying sponsibilities they will assume
share the cost of insuring and utility bills and staying within a as adults.—Jerry Mason, Vienna
registering a car. grocery budget, can be shared Ward, Oakton Virginia Stake

P E R S P E C T I V E S
From the Presiding Bishopric and Young Men General Presidency From the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
Overcoming Today’s Challenges Encouraging Parents to Teach

n a fireside address Their Children
I on 12 November
2000, President I n his message to fathers at the priesthood session
of general conference on 7 October 2000, President
Gordon B. Gordon B. Hinckley said that nothing will have so
PHOTO BY JED CLARK

Hinckley said profound an impact on a father’s happiness as the
that the youth way his children turn out (see “‘Great Shall Be the
of the Church Peace of Thy Children,’” Ensign, Nov. 2000, 50).
face significant President Hinckley emphasized that youth need the
challenges. help of their parents in resisting the evil that is all
However, he ex- about them and suggested parents teach their chil-
plained, these challenges dren in the ways of the Lord. Indeed, parents are un-
are more manageable than those faced by prior gener- der divine command to bring up their children in
ations because today’s challenges largely involve be- light and truth (see D&C 93:40). Quorum and group
havioral decisions. Once youth decide to behave leaders can assist parents by reviewing in quorum
appropriately, the challenge is behind them (see “A and group meetings the following teachings sug-
Prophet’s Counsel and Prayer for Youth,” Ensign, Jan. gested by President Hinckley and encouraging
2001, 4). Wisely using the divine gift of agency to parents to discuss these topics with their children.
make correct choices will enable youth to successfully ■ Teach them to develop good friendships. Latter-day
meet the challenges of today’s world. Saint youth should choose friends who will influence
President Hinckley suggested six B’s that can guide them for good.
youth in overcoming their challenges: ■ Teach them the importance of education. Youth
■ Be grateful. Youth should walk with gratitude in will be amply rewarded for their efforts to obtain
their hearts. They should thank their parents, friends, an education. The Church will also be blessed by
and others for help given them and should express their increased capacities and skills.
gratitude to God in prayer. ■ Teach them self-respect. The First Presidency
■ Be smart. Whatever their chosen field, youth and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles discourage
should make the sacrifices necessary to obtain the tattoos and the piercing of the body other than the
best education available. minimal piercing of the ears by women for one pair
■ Be clean. Youth are to avoid pornography, taking of earrings.
the name of God in vain, illicit drugs, destructive en- ■ Teach them to stay away from drugs. Those who use
tertainment, tattoos, body piercing (other than pierc- illegal drugs lose self-control and will do anything to
ing of the ears by women for one pair of earrings), feed their habit.
early dating, and every kind of sexual transgression. ■ Teach them the virtue of honesty. A person who is
Youth should choose friends who will be a positive honest enjoys a clean conscience and an unspotted
influence on them. reputation.
■ Be true. Youth should be loyal to the Church and ■ Teach them to be virtuous. Sexual urges must be
true to their convictions. controlled with unbending self-discipline.

■ Be humble. Youth who are humble will be guided ■ Teach them to look forward to the time when they may
by the Lord and will receive answers to their prayers. be married in the house of the Lord. Youth should come to
■ Be prayerful. Youth need help from God. the marriage altar free of evil
They should live so they can speak to Him in good of any kind. Husbands
conscience. should avoid situa-
Bishops, Young Men presidencies, and other tions and attitudes
PHOTO BY STEVE BUNDERSON
Aaronic Priesthood leaders are encouraged to review that can lead to

and discuss President Hinckley’s counsel with young divorce.
men in quorum meetings, Sunday evening discus- ■ Teach them
sions, and other similar settings and to exemplify his to pray. It is a

counsel in their own lives. Help the youth recognize miracle that we
the joy that living these guidelines can bring, and can approach God
acknowledge their efforts to live in accordance with for individual help
President Hinckley’s counsel. and guidance.
68
VISITING TEACHING
MESSAGE
Living within The Lord may open the win-

dows of heaven in many ways.
and cannot do because our charita-
ble expenditure excludes them”
President Spencer W. Kimball (Mere Christianity [1952], 67).
Our Means (1895–1985) explained, “He can
give us better salaries, . . . more AVOID DEBT
lthough the earth and every- judgment in the spending of our Few things erode happiness
A thing in it belong to the

Lord, He entrusts a portion
of His wealth to each of us. Elder
money, . . . better health, . . . [and]
greater understanding so that
we can get better positions” (The
more quickly than debt. In some
cultures, debt is becoming both
more available and more accepted.
Joe J. Christensen, then of the Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, ed. But as Church members, we have
Presidency of the Seventy, ex- Edward L. Kimball [1982], 212). long been advised to avoid un-
plained: “Our resources are a stew- After budgeting for necessities, necessary debt. The hunger for
ardship, not our possessions. I am including savings if possible, the worldly goods must be bridled just
confident that we will literally be next considerations are the non- as any other appetite. Applying the
called upon to make an accounting essentials the family has deemed pioneer motto “Fix it up, wear it
before God concerning how we desirable. out, make it do, or do without” can
have used them to bless lives and help us live within our means.
build the kingdom” (“Greed, SHARE WITH OTHERS
Selfishness, and Overindulgence,” One of the most valuable ways BLESSINGS OF WISE STEWARDSHIP
Ensign, May 1999, 11). Whether our to use our resources is sharing Jill Johnson of Sandy, Utah, tells
portion is great or small, we can be them with others. C. S. Lewis how the Lord blessed her family:
responsible caretakers as we apply (1898–1963) wrote: “If our charities “As newly married college students,
righteous principles. do not at all pinch or hamper us, we had carefully budgeted our
. . . they are too small. There ought meager monthly income. Then the
USE A BUDGET to be things we should like to do landlord raised our rent by $15. We
Many families find it helpful to prayed for a blessing. The next day
develop a budget. The first consid- our old car broke down beyond
erations when budgeting are tithing repair. We wondered why we had
and Church contributions. Paying these trials all at once, but the loss
an honest tithe is crucial to helping of the car turned out to be a bless-
build the kingdom and is our great- ing. With help from family and
est financial protection, for the Lord friends, we found we could man-
has promised that when we keep age without a car. The money
this commandment, He will “open saved on gas and oil was $15 a
you the windows of heaven” (Mal. month. Sometimes we are
3:10). Fast-offering contributions blessed for obedience in
help us fulfill our obligation to “im- unexpected ways.”
part of [our] substance . . . to the The Lord is
poor and afflicted” (D&C 105:3). concerned with
our temporal
and spiritual
hether our resources are
W great or small, we can be
responsible caretakers as we
welfare and
will help us
as we strive to
apply righteous principles. care wisely for
the gifts He has
ILLUSTRATED BY SHERI LYNN BOYER DOTY
given us.
Gospel topics:
budgeting, debt,
stewardship

SPEAKING TODAY
is the Lord” (Ps. 33:12).

FIRST PRESIDENCY CHRISTMAS DEVOTIONAL I believe that human freedom
and human liberty are the mar-
3 December 2000
velous fruits of the doctrine of the
Christ. Said Paul to the Corinthians,
“My Redeemer Lives” “Where the Spirit of the Lord is,
there is liberty” (2 Cor. 3:17).
All of earth’s children are
the sons and daughters of our
Heavenly Father. Fatherhood
Speaking from the Conference denotes brotherhood and sister-
Center in Salt Lake City, members hood. We are of His family, you
of the First Presidency testified of and I. We have within each of us
the Savior. Following is President something of His divinity. We
Gordon B. Hinckley’s address: have an obligation one to another.
We are commanded to love our
erry Christmas! my neighbor as ourselves. It is the
M beloved friends. I greet

you wherever you may
be as members of the Church
Light of Christ which has brought
into the world an enlarged sense
of brotherhood. While there is
family. We are met tonight to pay much of darkness and strife, of
homage to our Lord and Master, brutality and evil in our time,
Jesus Christ, whose life and death there is yet more of appreciation
mean so very much to each one of and respect, of reaching down
us. This is a gathering for prayer and helping, of giving and loving
and song and speech, in tribute than at any previous period in the
to the Master of all, the Lord history of the world, I so believe.
Omnipotent, who condescended who is the God of this world, At this glad season how
to come to earth, to be born in a we have been so magnificently grateful we should feel. “He,
stable, in a conquered nation, un- blessed. My heart rings with watching over Israel, slumbers
der the humblest of circumstances. the words of our hymn, “Count not nor sleeps” (see Ps. 121:4).
He was the Prince Almighty your blessings; name them one He walked the earth as our
who left the royal courts on high by one. Count your many bless- teacher, our leader, our exemplar,
and came among us to teach us ings; see what God hath done” our Lord. Through His matchless
and to lead us in His quiet and (Hymns, no. 241). Atonement, He did for each of us
wonderful way. How thankful I feel for politi- what we could not do for our-
As we now embark on the cal freedom enjoyed by most of selves. “O death, where is thy
third millennium since His birth, our people throughout the world. sting? O grave, where is thy vic-
we think of His tremendous influ- As we look across the vast ex- tory?” (1 Cor. 15:55). Through His
ence upon the world. We feel pro- panse of human history, how great atoning sacrifice, He cut the
foundly grateful to have been thankful we feel for the right to knot of the cords that bound us
born in this wonderful season worship as we please, to assemble and gave us freedom to go for-
of His glorious work. together without fear of oppres- ward on the road to immortality
How grateful we of this Church sion, to lift our voices in prayer to and eternal life. He is our Lord,
should feel. We live in the fulness the God of the universe, to wor- our Master, our Redeemer, our
of times. Mark that phrase. Mark ship Him in spirit and in truth. King, our Ruler, and our God.
the word fulness. It denotes all of The precious boon of human Without Him there is no salvation.
good that has been gathered to- liberty is really the product of When I was a boy, my father
gether in the past and restored the Savior’s teaching of the dig- would offer me a coin now and
to earth in this final dispensation. nity of man. He declared the pre- again to memorize a poem or a
My heart tonight is filled with cious nature of every individual piece of scripture. Memorization
thanksgiving unto the Almighty soul. We say with the Psalmist, was easy then. It is well nigh
God. Through the gift of His Son, “Blessed is the nation whose God impossible now.
70
I remember his offering me
25 cents to memorize William
Ernest Henley’s poem “Invictus.”
I can still remember it. I will re-
peat two verses:
Out of the night that covers me,

Black as the Pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.
It matters not how strait the gate,

How charged with punishments
the scroll,
I am the master of my fate;
I am the captain of my soul.
(R. J. Cook, comp., One Hundred
and One Famous Poems [1923], 95)
As part of the devotional, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and the audience sang
It is a great poem. It places Christmas hymns together, accompanied by the Orchestra at Temple Square.
upon the individual the responsi-
bility for what he does with his So it is. When all is said and And Nephi “beheld that he
life. Through these many years, done, when all the legions of the went forth ministering unto the
when I have been faced with dif- ages have passed in review, when people, in power and great glory;
ficult choices I have repeated man’s terrible inhumanity to man and the multitudes were gathered
these stirring words. has been chronicled, when God’s together to hear him; and . . . they
But on the other hand, it may great love for His children has cast him out from among them.”
sound arrogant and conceited in been measured, then above all And He “was lifted up upon the
terms of the Atonement. Orson F. stands the lone figure of Jesus cross and slain for the sins of the
Whitney, of the Quorum of the Christ, the Redeemer of the world” (1 Ne. 11:28, 33).
Twelve of many years ago, so re- world, the Savior of mankind, the All of these ancient visions
garded it and wrote a marvelous living Son of the living God, the were fulfilled. He came to earth.
response using the same poetic Prince of Peace, the Holy One. He walked the dusty roads of
meter and entitling his verse “The Isaiah spoke of Him centuries Palestine, teaching the people,
Soul’s Captain.” before His coming: “For unto us healing the sick, causing the blind
I repeat three of the verses a child is born, unto us a son is to see, raising the dead, giving
from his writing. given: and the government shall His life on Calvary’s cross, and
be upon his shoulder: and his rising on the third day to “be-
Art thou in truth? Then what of him name shall be called Wonderful, come the firstfruits of them that
Who bought thee with his blood? Counsellor, The mighty God, The slept” (1 Cor. 15:20).
Who plunged into devouring seas everlasting Father, The Prince of He had been the Creator of
And snatched thee from the flood? Peace” (Isa. 9:6). this earth, under His Father’s di-
Nephi, long before the Master’s rection, for as John records, “with-
Free will is thine—free agency, birth, was given a vision of His out him was not any thing made
To wield for right or wrong; coming. He saw in that vision the that was made” (John 1:3). He
But thou must answer unto him mother of Christ, “a virgin, most was the great Jehovah who spoke
To whom all souls belong. beautiful and fair above all other with the prophets of old.
virgins” (1 Ne. 11:15). He was the lowly babe who
Bend to the dust that head “unbowed,” Of her He was born in Bethle- came to earth in the meridian
Small part of life’s great whole! hem of Judea, and the angel said of time and brought to us the
And see in him, and him alone, unto Nephi, “Behold the Lamb gift of Christmas. He was the
The Captain of thy soul. of God, yea, even the Son of the Resurrection and the Life, who
(Improvement Era, May 1926, 611) Eternal Father!” (1 Ne. 11:21). brought to us the wonder of Easter.

And it was He who in this most who held it anciently. Keys and I know that my Redeemer lives,
glorious of dispensations was in- powers were bestowed upon the Triumphant Savior, Son of God,
troduced to the boy Joseph by His Prophet and his associates. The Victorious over pain and death,
Father, the Almighty Elohim, the ancient Church was again upon My King, my Leader, and my Lord.
God of the universe. And this the earth with all of the blessings,
same Joseph has become the pre- powers, doctrines, keys, and prin- He lives, my one sure rock of faith,
eminent witness of His living real- ciples of previous dispensations. The one bright hope of men on earth,
ity in this season of earth’s history. It is His Church. It carries His The beacon to a better way,
Some years ago I was assigned name. It is governed by His The light beyond the veil of death.
to the Rochester New York Stake priesthood. There is no other
conference. On Saturday I said to name under heaven by which Oh, give me thy sweet Spirit still,
the brethren who were with me, men must be saved. Joseph The peace that comes alone from thee,
“Let us get up early in the morn- Smith, whose birthday we also The faith to walk the lonely road
ing, early Sunday morning, and commemorate at this season, be- That leads to thine eternity.
go to the Sacred Grove before the came His great testator. (“My Redeemer Lives,” Hymns,
conference.” They all agreed. Declared the Prophet, without no. 135)
Accordingly, very early on that equivocation, without uncer-
spring Sabbath, the mission presi- tainty, but with the confirmation As you reflect on these mar-
dent, the stake president, the re- that came of actual experience: velous things, may there come
gional representative, and I went “And now, after the many tes- into your hearts the true spirit of
out to Palmyra and walked into timonies which have been given Christmas, to bring you gladness,
the grove. No one else was there. of him, this is the testimony, last to bring you peace, to bring you
It was peaceful and beautiful. It of all, which we give of him: That love, is my prayer. In the name of
had rained during the night. Tiny he lives! Jesus Christ, amen.
new leaves were upon the trees. “For we saw him, even on the
We spoke quietly one to an- right hand of God; and we heard
other. We knelt upon the damp the voice bearing record that he is
ground and prayed. We did not the Only Begotten of the Father—
hear an audible voice. We did not “That by him, and through
see a vision. But in an indefinable him, and of him, the worlds are
way we were told in our minds, and were created, and the inhabi-
each of us, that yes, it happened tants thereof are begotten sons
here just as Joseph said it hap- and daughters unto God” (D&C
pened. It was here that God our 76:22–24).
Eternal Father and His Beloved And so at this glad season we
Son, the resurrected Lord Jesus lift our voices and sing, “Glory to
Christ, appeared to the 14-year- God, glory to God, glory to God in
old boy and spoke with him. the highest; peace on earth, good-
Their matchless light rested upon will toward men” (“Far, Far Away
him, and he was instructed in on Judea’s Plains,” Hymns, no. 212).
what he should do. The testimony of the great
That sublime occasion, the Prophet of this dispensation has
First Vision, parted the curtains been repeated and confirmed by Following are excerpts from the
through which came the restora- generations of Latter-day Saints address of President Thomas S.
tion to earth of the Church of who have received a certain Monson, First Counselor in the
Christ. It came out of the wilder- knowledge by the power of the First Presidency:
ness of darkness, out of the bleak- Holy Ghost.
ness of ages past into the glorious I add my own testimony by s we commence the
dawn of a new day. The Book of
Mormon followed as another wit-
ness of the Lord Jesus Christ. His
repeating these words which I
penned some years ago while
contemplating the miracle and
A Christmas season, with all
of its beauty and meaning,
we are reminded that from the
holy supernal priesthood was re- the marvel of our Lord and Lord came the long-awaited dec-
stored under the hands of those Master, our Savior and Redeemer: laration: “Lift up your head and
72
S P E A K I N G T O D A Y
be of good cheer; for behold, the now, this very Christmas season,
time is at hand, and on this night for all of us to rededicate ourselves
shall the sign be given, and on the to the principles taught by Jesus
morrow come I into the world, to the Christ. It is the time to love the
show unto the world that I will Lord our God with all our heart
fulfil all that which I have caused and our neighbors as ourselves.
to be spoken by the mouth of my It is well to remember that he
holy prophets” (3 Ne. 1:13). . . . who gives money gives much,
Born in a stable, cradled in he who gives time gives more, but
a manger, He came forth from he who gives of himself gives all.
heaven to live on earth as mortal Someone has appropriately
man and to establish the kingdom said, “We make a living by what
of God. During His earthly min- we get, but we build a life by
istry, He taught men the higher what we give.” It is through giv-
law. His glorious gospel reshaped ing, rather than getting, that the
the thinking of the world. He Spirit of Christ enters our lives.
blessed the sick. He caused the Let us listen for the sound of
lame to walk, the blind to see, the His sandaled feet. Let us reach
deaf to hear. He even raised the out for the Carpenter’s hand. French horn players of the orchestra
dead to life. perform during the devotional.
What was the reaction to His
message of mercy, His words of Christmas season to bring out the
wisdom, His lessons of life? There best in all of us. Parents have the
were a precious few who appreci- same love for their children 365
ated Him. They bathed His feet. days a year. We are all nieces,
They learned His word. They fol- nephews, uncles, aunts, cousins,
lowed His example. friends, and brothers and sisters
Down through the generations in the kingdom of God each day
of time, the message from Jesus of our lives.
has been the same. To Peter by I would hope that we can try
the shores of beautiful Galilee, He to open our hearts a little more
said, “Follow me.” To Philip of old each day and not wait for the
came the call, “Follow me.” To the Christmas season. A gift given
Levite who sat at receipt of cus- or an expression of kindness may
toms came the instruction, “Follow be more unexpected and appreci-
me.” And to you and to me, if we ated in July than in December.
but listen, shall come that same The angel who heralded the
beckoning invitation, “Follow me.” Following are excerpts from the ad- Savior’s birth stated that His com-
As we follow in His steps to- dress of President James E. Faust, ing was to bring great joy to all
day, we too will have an opportu- Second Counselor in the First people. The blessings which flow
nity to bless the lives of others. Presidency: from the Atonement and the
Jesus invites us to give of our- Resurrection are available to us
selves. “Behold, the Lord re- wish that each of us will have each day and throughout all eter-
quireth the heart and a willing
mind” (D&C 64:34). . . .
Our opportunities to give of
I a fuller and richer apprecia-
tion for all that the great gift
of the Savior’s birth, life, and death
nity. At this Christmas season I be-
lieve there is much reason for hope
for greater days ahead. Despite our
ourselves are indeed limitless, but means to us and our eternal happi- personal challenges or difficulties
they are also perishable. There ness. Christmas is a season of hope. or worldwide problems, we can
are hearts to gladden. There are Christmas is such a wonderful take comfort in the knowledge that
kind words to say. There are gifts time. Our relationships with fam- the Savior is leading this Church
to be given. There are deeds to be ily and friends are strengthened through our prophet, President
done. There are souls to be saved. and revitalized. . . . Gordon B. Hinckley. I testify that
There is no better time than I wonder why it takes the we will never be led astray.

NEWS OF THE CHURCH
Reittinger offered a prayer.

At the northwest cor-
nerstone were President
Durrell N. Nelson of the
Nauvoo Illinois Stake and
Arthur Lee Noe, president
of the Nauvoo Ward elders
quorum. President Nelson
spoke, and Brother Noe of-
fered a prayer.
Finally, at the northeast
cornerstone, President
Packer was joined by Elder
Haight, Elder Porter, and
PHOTO BY RAVELL CALL, DESERET NEWS
Elder Staheli in applying

mortar to that stone. “It is
so fitting that the temple be
rebuilt here,” said President
Packer in his remarks. “It
was here that the revelation
first came for baptism for
the dead.” Elder Porter
A crowd of 4,500 gathered for the dedication of the Nauvoo temple cornerstones.
then offered a prayer.
The Nauvoo Illinois
Nauvoo Temple Cornerstones Dedicated Stake Choir and a choir
of missionaries from the
resident Gordon B. the Seventy, President of proceeded to the south- newly organized Illinois
P Hinckley led other
priesthood leaders in dedi-
the North America Central
Area; Bishop H. David
west cornerstone, where
Bishop Burton was joined
Nauvoo Mission sang
hymns from the Church’s
cating the cornerstones of Burton of the Presiding in applying mortar by first hymnbook.
the Nauvoo Illinois Temple Bishopric; and local Bishop Merlin L. Reittinger
in November. It was one of priesthood leaders. of the Nauvoo Ward and ADDRESS TO THE YOUTH
several recent opportunities A crowd of some 4,500 by Hans Smith and Jared
for members of the First looked on as President Brown, teachers quorum From the Conference
Presidency to teach doc- Hinckley began at the and deacons quorum presi- Center in Salt Lake City on
trine and represent the southeast cornerstone, dents of the ward. Bishop 12 November, President
Church before large groups. sharing remarks, dabbing Burton spoke, and Bishop Hinckley told youth and
President Hinckley con- ceremonial mortar on the young single adults of the
ducted the 5 November stone, then offering a dedi- Church to “be grateful, be
cornerstone dedication, catory prayer. “We know smart, be clean, be true, be
following the procedure that we are standing in a humble, and be prayerful.”
used on 6 April 1841 by historic place, Father, at the (For President Hinckley’s
the Prophet Joseph Smith construction site of the complete address, see “A
at the ceremony for the Nauvoo Temple, which was Prophet’s Counsel and
original Nauvoo Temple. built in the 1840s and sub- Prayer for Youth,” Ensign,
President Hinckley was sequently destroyed,” he Jan. 2001, 2.) His prophetic
joined by President Boyd K. prayed. “It now becomes counsel was carried live on
PHOTO BY JED CLARK
Packer, Acting President of our great opportunity and the Internet and broadcast
the Quorum of the Twelve privilege to build it . . . in by satellite or sent by video
Apostles; Elder David B. similitude of the temple to stakes worldwide.
Haight of the Quorum that stood here in the 1840s.
of the Twelve Apostles; . . . We pray that this may EVENTS AT BYU
President Gordon B. Hinckley
Elder L. Aldin Porter of the become a holy site for Thy followed the procedure used at
Presidency of the Seventy; people across the world.” the original Nauvoo cornerstone The First Presidency par-
Elder Donald L. Staheli of The ceremony then dedication. ticipated in the rededication
74
AWARDS accepting the honor,
President Monson said, “A
The National Society of testimony from the heart is
the Sons of the American perhaps the best commu-
Revolution (NSSAR) hon- nication we can extend to
ored President Hinckley others.”
with their Gold Good
Citizenship Award in FIRST PRESIDENCY
November. The society CHRISTMAS DEVOTIONAL
gives the award to about
six recipients each year in Members of the First
recognition of community Presidency spoke about the
PHOTO BY JED CLARK
service. NSSAR president meaning of Christmas dur-

Bruce Butler said President ing the annual First Presi-
Hinckley was selected be- dency Christmas devotional
cause of his “notable ser- on 3 December (see page 70
Elder David B. Haight looks on as President Boyd K. Packer vice in behalf of American for the full text of President
applies mortar to the northeast cornerstone of the Nauvoo Temple. principles,” and referred to Hinckley’s address and ex-
President Hinckley’s book cerpts of the addresses of
of Brigham Young Univer- Hinckley announced “that Standing for Something, President Monson and
sity’s Harold B. Lee Library the board of trustees and published last year. President Faust).
on 15 November. The li- administration of the uni- President Thomas S. This was the first
brary was rededicated after versity, in recognition of Monson, First Counselor Christmas devotional held
a new 234,000-square-foot this remarkable and in the First Presidency, in the Conference Center
addition was completed. wonderful man, have also received an award in and the first Christmas
The new wing brings the li- determined to name November. The Latter-day devotional at which the
brary’s total square footage this the LaVell Edwards Saints Public Relations Orchestra at Temple Square
to 665,000, adding the ca- Stadium: Home of the Society presented him provided accompaniment
pacity for 1.7 million more BYU Cougars.” The with their “Communicator for the Tabernacle Choir
books, eight technology- crowd cheered for Brother of the Year ” award. In and the audience.
enhanced classrooms, Edwards, whose 257 victo-
a 200-seat auditorium,
and facilities for distance
ries during his 29-year
tenure at BYU have made Tabernacle Choir to Tour
education and technology-
assisted learning. Elder
him the sixth winningest
coach in the history of Divi-
Southern States
Merrill J. Bateman of the sion I U.S. college football. he Mormon Tabernacle from the Orchestra at
Seventy, president of BYU,
conducted the dedication. INTERFAITH THANKSGIVING
T Choir will perform
in concert halls of eight
Temple Square will accom-
pany the 330-voice choir.
President Hinckley SERVICE southern U.S. cities from Ticket inquiries should
attended the opening of 15–27 June. be directed to the perfor-
the Robert W. and Amy T. President Hinckley “There is a mission be- mance halls in each city:
Barker Gallery at the BYU hosted an Interfaith hind the tour,” said Mac Jones Hall for the Perform-
Museum of Art on 27 Octo- Community Thanksgiving Christensen, newly ap- ing Arts, Houston, 15 June;
ber. The gallery’s first ex- Service on 19 November in pointed president of the Bass Auditorium, Fort
hibit is a collection of early the Salt Lake Tabernacle. choir. “We want to establish Worth, Texas, 16 June;
paintings by the late Latter- The service is hosted each in the minds of people that Saenger Theater, New
day Saint artist Minerva year by a different faith lo- Jesus Christ indeed is cen- Orleans, 18 June; Jefferson
Teichert, including a mural cated in the Salt Lake Valley. tral to our faith.” Civic Center Concert Hall,
that had never before been During his remarks, Presi- The program will in- Birmingham, 20 June; Fox
publicly displayed. dent Hinckley emphasized clude well-known choir Theater, Atlanta, 21 June;
On 19 November, Presi- that all people are children numbers focusing on the Tampa Bay Performing Arts
dent Hinckley honored re- of God. “How very impor- life of Christ, a broad spec- Center, Tampa, 23 June;
tiring BYU football coach tant it is that we constantly trum of classical favorites, Bob Carr Performing Arts
LaVell Edwards at the do everything that we can and Americana musical Center, Orlando, 25 June;
coach’s last home game. to build respect and appre- selections. Knight Performing Arts
At a pregame ceremony on ciation and understanding Seventeen musicians Center, Miami, 27 June.
the stadium field, President of one another,” he said.
THE ENSIGN/FEBRUARY 2001 75

Additional
Christmas
Features Adorn
Temple Square
everal new Christmas
S features focusing on
the life of the Savior were
added to displays on
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN LUKE
Temple Square in Salt Lake

City this past Christmas.
Set just north of the
Tabernacle, a new life-sized
nativity scene replaced the
Savior of the World was the first production to take the stage at the new Conference Center Theater.
one that had been used
The musical drama focused on the birth and resurrection of Jesus Christ, as told by those who knew Him. since 1965. The new display
gives a more realistic por-
New Drama Inaugurates Conference Center Theater trayal of life in Bethlehem
at the time of Christ.
Church designers de-
two-act musical through 30 December. first of what is expected to veloped highly detailed,
A drama, Savior of
the World: His Birth
Six Church members
from throughout the
be many cultural presenta-
tions to be performed in
strikingly lifelike figures,
incorporating research to
and Resurrection, inau- United States were called the new 900-seat theater. enhance authenticity. The
gurated the new Con- to write and compose the The production focuses mannequins are represen-
ference Center Theater production about Jesus on the birth and resurrec- tative of the peoples of the
from 28 November Christ. The drama is the tion of the Savior as told Middle East at the time of
by those who knew Him, Christ, and their clothing
according to scriptural ac- reflects period styles.
counts. The drama in- The nativity scene has
cludes testimonies of Jesus shepherds of all ages and
Christ by Old Testament, a variety of animals. The
Book of Mormon, and figures are placed on a cave-
Latter-day prophets, in- like, stone backdrop repre-
cluding Isaiah, Nephi, and senting the innkeeper’s
Joseph Smith.
The cast of 65 included
10 families. The Orchestra
at Temple Square provided
orchestral accompaniment.
A soundtrack is available
on compact disc (item no.
50103, U.S. $8.75) from
Church distribution centers.
The production will be
PHOTO BY CRAIG DIMOND
brought back during the

Easter season. For more in-
formation on Conference
Center Theater events, see
the official Church web
site at www.lds.org, or call Trees surrounding the Conference
Elisabeth and Mary rejoice in the forthcoming births of their sons. 801-240-0080. Center were decorated in lights.
76
PHOTO BY DON L. SEARLE
Elder Hugh W.
Pinnock Dies
lder Hugh W. Pinnock,
A new nativity scene (above) was
placed north of the Tabernacle. The
reflecting pool in front of the tem-
E 66, a member of the
First Quorum of the
ple (right) was surrounded by
smaller nativities. Seventy since 1 October
1977, passed away on
stable. A narration of the 15 December 2000 follow-
nativity, broadcast from ing a brief illness. At the
a nearby sound system, time of his death, he was
concludes with President Second Counselor in the
Gordon B. Hinckley’s testi- North America Southwest
mony of the living Christ. Area Presidency.
A similar lifelike repre- The First Presidency
sentation, a new diorama paid tribute to Elder
based on Harry Anderson’s Pinnock, calling him an
painting Christ and the exemplary leader who
Children, was on display will be greatly missed.
east of the temple. Also on Elder Pinnock served as
display were four smaller a missionary in the Western
nativity scenes, designed to States Mission, stake high
reflect cultures from “the councilor, bishop, mission
four corners of the earth,” president, regional repre-
and 1,000 hand-crafted sentative, and on Church
lights floating on the re- committees, including the
flecting pool in front of Priesthood Leadership
the temple. Committee and as coordi-
The Conference Center nator of the Hymnbook
was decorated for Christ- Committee. He served
mas for the first time, its as a member of the Presi-
trees blazing with thou- dency of the Seventy,
sands of tiny lights. Hun- twice as general president
dreds of new luminarias, of the Sunday School, as
lanterns with backlighted Executive Director of the
silhouettes depicting scenes Curriculum Department,
from the Savior’s life, were and as Editor of Church
PHOTO BY CRAIG DIMOND
added to the Church Office magazines.

Building Plaza. He married Anne
More than a million Hawkins in the Salt Lake
people visit Temple Square Temple on 13 October
each Christmas season. 1958.

New Four-Year Programs
Part of Transition at Ricks College
By Kerry Griffin Smith and recreation education,
PHOTO BY MICHAEL LEWIS, RICKS COLLEGE

Assistant Editor President Bednar said.
hat will it mean to Additional bachelor’s de-
W have another bac-
calaureate university
grees will be added begin-
ning in 2002 (see below).
added to the Church Edu- BYU—Idaho will offer
cational System? Which both integrated and special-
bachelor’s degrees will ized bachelor’s degrees.
be offered when Ricks Integrated degrees will
College becomes Brigham require a maximum of 45 This fall Ricks College will begin offering classes in baccalaureate pro-
grams. The name of the college may change this spring to BYU—Idaho.
Young University—Idaho? hours in the primary area of
Will two-year programs study, while specialized de- the Northwest Association plan to transfer to other
still be offered? What other grees will require a maxi- of Schools and Colleges schools will be able to com-
changes will take place? mum of 70 hours. Integrated (NASC). The list may also plete their associate degrees;
Questions such as these degrees will allow students be refined as school officials year-round schooling is al-
surfaced after President to obtain a more broad- see more ways to meet stu- ready under way to accom-
Gordon B. Hinckley an- based education. dents’ needs. modate more students; and
nounced last June that The associate degrees of- Twenty-five new faculty those who want to pursue
Ricks College would be- fered by BYU—Idaho will members will be hired by the newly offered baccalau-
come a baccalaureate uni- include agricultural systems, this fall, mainly to teach reate programs will be able
versity and be renamed architectural technology, classes in the new programs. to go on without transfer-
BYU—Idaho. automotive technology, beef If the NASC approves ring. Michelle Hammond, a
Ricks College president production, computer sys- the transition plan, Ricks sophomore accounting ma-
David A. Bednar recently tems technology, criminal College will receive “candi- jor from Rigby, Idaho, says,
answered some of these justice, culinary arts, elec- dacy status,” a classification “They’re really well orga-
questions when he an- tronic engineering technol- that will allow the school nized. They have the list of
nounced a proposed list of ogy, engineering technology, to begin using the name all the classes we’ll need to
baccalaureate and associ- floral design, landscape hor- BYU—Idaho and proceed take [for a four-year degree].
ate degrees to be offered at ticulture, nursing, para- with implementing the Junior-level courses will be
the school. medicine, photography, plan. The board of trustees, offered in the fall, so we can
Beginning fall semester preschool education, and composed of the First Presi- just continue.”
2001, students will be able to welding technology. dency and other Church The changes announced
take upper-division courses President Bednar leaders, chose that name in last June included phasing
(at the junior-year level) stressed that this proposed order to give the school the out the school’s intercolle-
toward bachelor’s degrees list of degrees may be ad- international recognition giate athletic program. But
in accounting, business justed, depending on a com- associated with BYU. the change doesn’t mean an
management, elementary prehensive accreditation Until that name change, end to sports on campus,
education, English, history, evaluation of the school’s the transition for students at President Bednar explained.
interior design, nursing, transition plan this spring by Ricks continues: those who Every student on
PROPOSED FOUR-YEAR DEGREES

2001 2002 2003 2004 and 2005
Integrated degrees Secondary education pro- Integrated degrees in agron- Integrated degrees in
in accounting, English, grams for biology, English, omy, animal science, art, chemistry, economics,
history, and recreation foreign language, history, communications, landscape family science, geology,
education; specialized math, music, physical sci- horticulture, and informa- health science, home and
degrees in business ence, social studies, and tion systems; specialized de- family living, physics, psy-
management, elementary theater grees in biology, computer chology, sociology, and
education, interior design, engineering, computer sci- technology management;
and nursing ence, construction manage- specialized degrees in early
ment, graphic arts, and childhood/special education
mechanical engineering and social work
campus will have the op- Association championship.
portunity to participate in This was the sixth con-
numerous sports and other Church Distribution Materials secutive national title for
activity programs. “Instead the Ricks women. The team
of a school where you buy Available On-line also produced the national
a ticket and are merely a individual champion,
spectator,” explained hurch distribution wait times on the phone Kristen Ogden.
President Bednar, “you’ll
be attending a school
C center materials may
now be purchased on-line
line due to the high
volume of calls.”
The men’s team scored
their second consecutive ti-
where, if you choose, you from the official Church As is the case with tle and also had the men’s
can be on the baseball field, Web site, www.lds.org, or phone orders, Internet national individual cham-
the basketball court, or the at www.ldscatalog.com. orders are shipped pion, Jeff Davidson.
stage participating.” Ordering Church ma- within two days of order- The two team wins,
When the change in terials via the Internet is ing, and no shipping combined with the two
the sports program was much faster and easier costs apply in the U.S. individual championships,
announced, Trisha Roberts, than calling the distribu- and Canada. Members mark the first time in NJCAA
an elementary education tion center, says Kris T. outside the U.S. and history that a college placed
major from Weiser, Idaho, Christensen, director of Canada may call their first in all four categories.
felt disappointed. But after distribution services. local distribution center,
learning about the new “There is no wait time rather than using the
plan for student activities, on the Internet,” he says, Internet, to avoid ship-
she says, “I don’t think “while there can be long ping costs. Appointments
we’ll lose the school spirit.
I think the change will Mac Christensen,
be good.” Woodland Hills Ward,
To make the transition as
smooth as possible, Presi-
LDS Scene Bountiful Utah Central
Stake, has been called as
dent Bednar encourages president of the Mormon
students and parents to BOOK OF MORMON LINKED Warren Aston, Lynn Tabernacle Choir.
do their homework and TO SITE IN YEMEN Hilton, and Gregory Witt Following are presidents
to become aware of the located a stone altar that and their spouses recently
progress at Ricks. Staff A group of Latter-day professional archaeologists called to Missionary Train-
members at the school are Saint researchers recently dated to at least 700 B.C. ing Centers in areas served
ready to answer questions, found evidence linking a This altar contains an by the Ensign (United
and current information is site in Yemen, on the south- inscription confirming States, Canada, United
available at www.ricks.edu. west corner of the Arabian “Nahom” as an actual place Kingdom, Australia, and
“We will be as forth- peninsula, to a name asso- that existed in the penin- New Zealand):
coming and helpful in re- ciated with Lehi’s journey sula before the time of Blaine Parley Jensen,
sponding to requests for as recorded in the Book of Lehi. The Book of Mormon Pleasant View Fifth Ward,
their information as we Mormon. mentions that “Ishmael Provo Utah Sharon East
can possibly be,” President died, and was buried in Stake, has been called as
Bednar says. Though many the place which was called president of the Missionary
changes may occur, “we are Nahom” (1 Ne. 16:34). Training Center in Preston,
essentially unchanged in This is the first archaeo- England. His wife, Clarice
terms of who we are as an logical find that supports a Talbot Jensen, has been
institution, what we are Book of Mormon place-name called to serve as his
PHOTO COURTESY OF LEHI’S TRAIL FOUNDATION
about, and the mission we other than Jerusalem or the companion.

will pursue.” Red Sea, says Brother Witt. David B. Wirthlin,
The goal, he says, is Monument Park 17th Ward,
to maintain a wholesome RICKS CROSS-COUNTRY WINS Salt Lake Monument Park
academic environment NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP North Stake, has been
where students may fur- called as president of the
ther their educational and In November both the Missionary Training Center
employment opportunities women’s and men’s cross- in Provo, Utah. His wife,
as they build their testi- country teams of Ricks Anne Goalen Wirthlin,
monies of the restored On this ancient altar is College won the National has been called to serve as
gospel of Jesus Christ. written the word Nahom. Junior College Athletic his companion.

Restoration” and its marvelous At first I was upset, but soon
have struggled with despair, anger,
illustrations are invaluable. and maintaining self-worth. I realized that what he said was
Comment Judith Jardine

Moscow, Russia
My change of heart came
on a day when I was crying
after learning once again that
true. I had to find happiness
within myself, to make the
decision to be happy no
Longing to Be a Mother I was not pregnant. My husband matter what trials I was
Invaluable said to me, “You cannot continue experiencing.
The June 1999 issue Thank you for the wonderful
article “I Longed to Be a Mother” to do this to yourself month after We haven’t yet found the
was a masterpiece—an heir- month. Having a baby is not answer, but I do have peace in
loom and a necessity for any (Aug. 2000). My husband and I
have also struggled with infertility going to automatically make my heart.
library. “Preparing for the you happy.”
for several years. Like the author, I Sara Gardner
Making the Most

Home Teachers and
Visiting Teachers
Find the monthly mes-
of This Issue
sages on pp. 2 and 69.
Applying the Six “B’s”

Tips for leaders and par-
ents to help youth apply
F E B R U A R Y 2 0 0 1
President Gordon B.
Saint Voices can be The Privilege of Prayer Hinckley’s counsel, p. 68.
used for family • One of the great bless-
home evenings. If ings from heartfelt personal
you want to teach prayers is feeling that
your family about Heavenly Father cares
following spiri- about us as individuals.
tual promptings, See p. 18.
discuss “Go • How do we help pro-
Check on tect our families from the
Wendi!” p. 63. perils of today’s world?
There is no substitute for
Jesus, the Perfect Mentor family prayer. See p. 24.
A Beacon for Youth “I remind you of the great
encouragement which is Called to Share Confronting Pornography
Look to the lighthouse of
the Lord as you face the also a directive: ‘What man- Can Church activities Pornography can shake
challenges and opportuni- ner of men [and women] and callings be used effec- the foundation of a mar-
ties of life, writes President ought ye to be? Verily I tively to introduce—or riage, but the Lord can help
Thomas S. Monson, First say unto you, even as I am’ reintroduce—people to the couples fight this devastat-
Counselor in the First (3 Ne. 27:27). In that disci- Church? See p. 38 and find ing sin. Read of one cou-
Presidency, to the youth pleship there is joy un- out how the Olathe Kansas ple’s story, p. 54.
of the Church. In a First bounded that lies ahead,” Stake does it.
Presidency Message ad- promises Elder Neal A. GOSPEL TOPICS
dressed to young people, he Maxwell of the Quorum of Stories behind the Revelations Activation, 38 Inspiration, 35, 63,
urges them to look for the the Twelve Apostles. See p. 8. Would you like to know Adversity, 8 64
Lord’s beacon light and fol- the story behind sections Baptism, 64 Jesus Christ, 8
3, 13, and 27 of the Doctrine Book of Mormon, 42 Joseph Smith, 42, 60
low these signals: “choose Budgeting, 69 Meekness, 8
your friends with caution,” and Covenants? See p. 42. Charity, 52 Missionary work, 30,
“plan your future with pur- Church activities, 38 38, 60
pose,” and “frame your life If Not for Our Home Teacher . . . Conversion, 60, 64 Motherhood, 63
with faith.” See p. 2. It probably seemed just a Convert retention, 38 Obedience, 24
Debt, 69 Parenthood, 23, 61
small thing, but one home Discipleship, 8 Praise, 8
Family Home Evening Ideas teacher’s watchcare touched Divorce, 61 Prayer, 18, 24, 35, 63
• How can you effec- three generations, p. 52. Encouragement, 8 Priesthood, 30, 42
Faith, 2, 18, 30, 63 Problem solving, 23
tively teach the gospel to Family, 24 Repentance, 54
Help with Learning
a child with learning dis- Fighting pornogra- Restoration of the
Disabilities
abilities? Read of one phy, 54 gospel, 42
couple’s experiences, See p. 66 on how you Forgiveness, 54 Retention, 38
p. 66. can teach the gospel to Friendshipping, 2, 38, Revelation, 18
64 Service, 52
• Most stories a child with learning Goals, 2 Sin, 54
from Latter-day disabilities. Gratitude, 18 Spiritual growth, 61
Heavenly Father, 35 Stewardship, 69
Home teaching, 52 Trials, 61
80 Hope, 8 Unity, 24
The Mill of Job Pingree, by Al Rounds
Acton Mill Farm, owned by Job and Charlotte Pingree, became an important meeting place for missionaries in England in the 1850s.
Young Job Pingree, son of the owners, was baptized here in 1856 at 18. After his father’s death, he and his mother immigrated to Utah in 1857.
He went back to England two years later to sell the mill and farm and serve as a missionary, then returned to Utah in 1861.
He was a businessman in Ogden for many years and also served as president of the Eastern States Mission, 1892–94.
ost of the work of translation on the Book of Mormon was
M accomplished while the Prophet Joseph Smith and his wife,
Emma, lived in the Harmony, Pennsylvania, area in this small
home. The central portion was all that existed when the Prophet
lived here. Shown in this 1903 photograph are relatives of its
then-owner standing in the doorway of the central portion.
“BY THE GIFT AND POWER OF GOD,” BY SIMON DEWEY
4
02219 02000
21902 Feb 01
6

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T H E E N S I G N O F T H E C H U R C H O F J E S U S C H R I S T O F L AT T E R - DAY S A I N T S • F E B R UA RY 2 0 0 1

VOLUME 31 NUMBER 2 2 FIRST PRESIDENCY MESSAGE

Y glorious group, a chosen genera-

THE ENSIGN /FEBRUARY 2001 3

THE ENSIGN /FEBRUARY 2001 7

J esus said, “He that hath seen me hath seen the

e cannot truly learn any deep

THE ENSIGN /FEBRUARY 2001 9

THE ENSIGN /FEBRUARY 2001 11

at times we may be puzzled In the comforting words of the Prophet Joseph

OUR CLINICAL MATERIAL

THE ENSIGN /FEBRUARY 2001 13

he sea may be roiling at times with waves of emotion

THE ENSIGN /FEBRUARY 2001 15

THE ENSIGN /FEBRUARY 2001 17

Praying is not only a commandment

mental picture of Jesus teaching WE PRAY TO OUR HEAVENLY FATHER

THE ENSIGN /FEBRUARY 2001 19

THE ENSIGN /FEBRUARY 2001 21

A trusted friend suggested that perhaps I was the one

S in need. Perhaps at times we want to say, as did

THE ENSIGN /FEBRUARY 2001 23

Modern prophets have consistently taught that

T and to the point: “Parents, safe-

THE ENSIGN /FEBRUARY 2001 25

TEACH YOUR LITTLE ONES

THE ENSIGN /FEBRUARY 2001 27

THE ENSIGN /FEBRUARY 2001 29

PHOTO BY BYRON J. GILBERT

Far left: President Kasue stands

THE ENSIGN /FEBRUARY 2001 33

6. Dedicatory prayer by Elder James E. Faust given in Nairobi,

T experienced in my five years as an officer with

“ the dispatcher crackled

ting a youth in jail for at- you can disregard, 1B23.”

THE ENSIGN /FEBRUARY 2001 35

Tthe heMypatrolbaby lay motionless.

THE ENSIGN /FEBRUARY 2001 37

L that every organization, every class, and every

PHOTOGRAPHY BY REBECCA M. TAYLOR, EXCEPT AS NOTED;

PHOTO BY RON ECKER

BUILDING GENUINE FRIENDSHIPS

THE ENSIGN /FEBRUARY 2001 41

T the Susquehanna River near Harmony, Penn-

long the Susquehanna

THE ENSIGN /FEBRUARY 2001 43

JOSEPH COMES TO THE SUSQUEHANNA

RIGHT, CENTER: PHOTO BY JULIAN A. CAMPBELL, COURTESY OF CHARLES J. DECKER,

FAR RIGHT: SISTER EMMA, BY DAVID LINDSLEY; PHOTO BY CRAIG J. OSTLER

Harmony asking “whether she could take her prop-

Above: 1911–15 photograph of the Tarble home (on the right),

graph of Joseph and Emma home. The central part of this

LEFT: PHOTO BY LARRY C. PORTER; ABOVE: JOSEPH SMITH

Aerial view of Hale and

THE ENSIGN /FEBRUARY 2001 51

M a desire to have his own business, a

THE ENSIGN /FEBRUARY 2001 53

I have a loving marriage and a close family. Yet for

THE ENSIGN /FEBRUARY 2001 55