Mormon Missionary Work Moving Online

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — For a dozen Mormon missionaries in upstate New York, the iconic tasks of "tracting" and knocking on doors are things of the past.

Instead, they're spreading the good word in high-tech fashion, posting on sites such as Blogger, WordPress and Facebook.

The images of missionaries traveling two-by-two, knocking on doors and offering tracts — or religious literature — have long been a global representation of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

But the church's missionary department is experimenting with its missionaries, using social networking to make contacts and create conversations with individuals who might be interested in the LDS faith.

Or, in social-networking terms, to get connected.

(To read the entire article, click here)

Helping Hands, Saving Hands

As a new convert to the Church, I experienced a spiritual rescue through the saving hands of a faithful member of the Church. I grew up in Matsumoto, Japan, close to where the Nagano Winter Olympics were held. My hometown looks very much like Salt Lake City, a valley surrounded by beautiful mountains. When I was 17 years old, I met two American missionaries, Elder Carter and Elder Hayashi. Though our ages were only two or three years apart, the elders had something wonderful that I had never felt before. They were diligent, cheerful, and filled with love and light. I was deeply impressed by their qualities, and I wanted to become like them. I listened to their message and decided to be baptized. My parents, who were Buddhist, strongly opposed my baptism. Through the help of the missionaries and the Lord, I received permission and miraculously was baptized.

The next year I entered the university in Yokohama. Living alone, far from my hometown and the people I knew, I became lonely and strayed from the Church. One day I received a postcard from a Church member back home. She wrote that she had heard I was not attending Church meetings. She quoted a scripture and invited me to return to church. I was overwhelmed by the words of the scripture. This helped me realize that maybe I had lost something important, and I pondered and struggled for many days. This also caused me to remember a promise the missionaries had made to me: “If you read the Book of Mormon and ask in fervent prayer if the promise found in Moroni is true, you will know the truth through the power of the Holy Ghost.”²

I realized that I was not praying with all of my heart and decided to do so. One morning I woke up early, knelt in my small apartment, and prayed sincerely. To my surprise, the confirmation of the Holy Ghost came upon me as promised. My heart burned, my body shook, and I was filled with joy. Through the power of the Holy Ghost, I learned that God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, live and that They truly appeared to Joseph Smith. I made a commitment in my heart to repent and faithfully follow Jesus Christ for the rest of my life.

This spiritual experience changed my life completely! I decided to serve a mission out of gratitude to the Lord and to the Church member who rescued me. Following my mission, I was sealed in the temple to a wonderful girl, and we have been blessed with four children. Not coincidentally, this is the same girl who saved me by sending a postcard to that lonely apartment in Yokohama many years ago. I remain ever grateful for the mercy of the Lord and the help of this Church member, who invited me to once again come unto Christ.³

(To read the entire talk, click here)

Our True Identity

Priesthood Organization

• The Priesthood Is on the Earth Today

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is governed by the priesthood. The priesthood, which is always associated with God’s work, “continueth in the church of God in all generations, and is without beginning of days or end of years” (D&C 84:17). It is upon the earth today. Men young and old are baptized into the Church, and when they are judged worthy they are ordained to the priesthood. They are given the authority to act for the Lord and do His work on the earth.

• Two Divisions of Priesthood

The priesthood is divided into two parts: the Melchizedek Priesthood and the Aaronic Priesthood (see D&C 107:1). “The first is called the Melchizedek Priesthood … because Melchizedek was such a great high priest.

• Keys of the Priesthood

“But it is necessary that every act performed under this authority shall be done at the proper time and place, in the proper way, and after the proper order. The power of directing these labors constitutes the keys of the Priesthood. In their fulness, the keys are held by only one person at a time, the prophet and president of the Church. He may delegate any portion of this power to another, in which case that person holds the keys of that particular labor. Thus, the president of a temple, the president of a stake, the bishop of a ward, the president of a mission, the president of a quorum, each holds the keys of the labors performed in that particular body or locality. His Priesthood is not increased by this special appointment; … the president of an elders’ quorum, for example, has no more Priesthood than any member of that quorum. But he holds the power of directing the official labors performed in the … quorum, or in other words, the keys of that division of that work” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph F. Smith [1998], 141; italics in original).

• The Offices and Duties of the Aaronic Priesthood

When the Aaronic Priesthood is conferred on a man or boy, he is ordained to an office in that priesthood. The offices in the Aaronic Priesthood are deacon, teacher, priest, and bishop. Each office carries duties and responsibilities. Each quorum is presided over by a quorum president, who teaches the members their duties and asks them to fill assignments.

• Deacon

A young man who has been baptized and confirmed a member of the Church and is worthy may be ordained to the office of deacon when he is 12 years old. The deacons are usually assigned to pass the sacrament to members of the Church, keep Church buildings and grounds in good order, act as messengers for priesthood leaders, and fulfill special assignments such as collecting fast offerings.

• Teacher

A worthy young man may be ordained a teacher when he is 14 years old or older. Teachers have all the duties, rights, and powers of the office of deacon plus additional ones. Teachers in the Aaronic Priesthood are to help Church members live the commandments (see D&C 20:53–59). To help fulfill this responsibility, they are usually assigned to serve as home teachers. They visit the homes of Church members and encourage them to live the principles of the gospel. They have been commanded to teach the truths of the gospel from the scriptures (see D&C 42:12). Teachers also prepare the bread and water for the sacrament service.

• Priest

A worthy young man may be ordained a priest when he is 16 years old or older. Priests have all the duties, rights, and powers of the offices of deacon and teacher plus some additional ones (see D&C 20:46–51). A priest may baptize. He may also administer the sacrament. He may ordain other priests, teachers, and deacons. A priest may take charge of meetings when there is no Melchizedek Priesthood holder present. He is to preach the gospel to those around him.

• Bishop

A bishop is ordained and set apart to preside over the Aaronic Priesthood in a ward. He is the president of the priests quorum (see D&C 107:87–88). When he is acting in his Aaronic Priesthood office, a bishop deals primarily with temporal matters, such as administering finances and records and directing care for the poor and needy (see D&C 107:68).

• The Offices and Duties of the Melchizedek Priesthood

The offices of the Melchizedek Priesthood are elder, high priest, patriarch, Seventy, and Apostle.

• Elder

Elders are called to teach, expound, exhort, baptize, and watch over the Church (see D&C 20:42). All Melchizedek Priesthood holders are elders. They have the authority to bestow the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands (see D&C 20:43). Elders should conduct meetings of the Church as they are led by the Holy Ghost (see D&C 20:45; 46:2). Elders may administer to the sick (see D&C 42:44) and bless little children (see D&C 20:70). Elders may preside over Church meetings when there is no high priest present (D&C 107:11).

• High Priest

A high priest is given the authority to officiate in the Church and administer spiritual things (see D&C 107:10, 12). He may also officiate in all lesser offices (seeD&C 68:19). Stake presidents, mission presidents, high councilors, bishops, and other leaders of the Church are ordained high priests.

• Patriarch

Patriarchs are ordained by General Authorities, or by stake presidents when they are authorized by the Council of the Twelve, to give patriarchal blessings to members of the Church. These blessings give us some understanding of our callings on earth. They are the word of the Lord personally to us. Patriarchs are also ordained high priests. (See D&C 107:39–56.)

• Seventy

Seventies are special witnesses of Jesus Christ to the world and assist in building up and regulating the Church under the direction of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles (see D&C 107:25, 34, 38, 93–97).

• Apostle

An Apostle is a special witness of the name of Jesus Christ in all the world (see D&C 107:23). The Apostles administer the affairs of the Church throughout the world. Those who are ordained to the office of Apostle in the Melchizedek Priesthood are usually set apart as members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Each one is given all the keys of the kingdom of God on earth, but only the senior Apostle, who is President of the Church, actively exercises all of the keys. The others act under his direction.

• The Quorums of the Aaronic Priesthood

The Lord has instructed that the holders of the priesthood be organized into quorums. A quorum is a body of brethren holding the same priesthood office.

• The Quorums of the Melchizedek Priesthood

At the general Church level, the members of the First Presidency form a quorum, as do the Twelve Apostles. The Seventies are also organized in quorums.

• Elders Quorum

Each elders quorum “is instituted for standing ministers; nevertheless they may travel, yet they are ordained to be standing ministers” (D&C 124:137). They do most of their work near their homes. The quorum is to consist of up to 96 elders, presided over by a quorum presidency. When this number is exceeded, the quorum may be divided.

• High Priests Quorum

Each quorum includes all high priests residing within the boundaries of a stake, including patriarchs and bishops. The stake president and his counselors are the presidency of this quorum. The high priests in each ward are organized into a group with a group leader.

• Importance of Priesthood Quorums

When ordained to the priesthood, a man or boy automatically becomes a member of a priesthood quorum. From then on through life, it is expected that he will hold membership in a quorum of the priesthood according to his office (see Boyd K. Packer, “What Every Elder Should Know—and Every Sister as Well: A Primer on Principles of Priesthood Government,” Ensign, Feb. 1993, 9).

• Auxiliaries to the Priesthood

All organizations in the Church work under the direction of priesthood leaders and help them carry out the work of the Lord. For example, the presidencies in a ward’s Relief Society, Young Women, Young Men, Primary, and Sunday School organizations serve under the direction of the bishopric. These organizations are called auxiliaries to the priesthood.

(To read the entire lesson, click here)

Mormon Mission Biz

The Priesthood

• What Is the Priesthood?

The priesthood is the eternal power and authority of God. Through the priesthood He created and governs the heavens and the earth. By this power the universe is kept in perfect order. Through this power He accomplishes His work and glory, which is “to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man” (Moses 1:39).

• Why Do We Need the Priesthood on the Earth?

We must have priesthood authority to act in the name of God when performing the sacred ordinances of the gospel, such as baptism, confirmation, administration of the sacrament, and temple marriage. If a man does not have the priesthood, even though he may be sincere, the Lord will not recognize ordinances he performs (see Matthew 7:21–23; Articles of Faith 1:5). These important ordinances must be performed on the earth by men holding the priesthood.

• How Do Men Receive the Priesthood?

The Lord has prepared an orderly way for His priesthood to be given to His sons on the earth. A worthy male member of the Church receives the priesthood “by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof” (Articles of Faith 1:5).

• How Do Men Properly Use the Priesthood?

The priesthood should be used to bless the lives of our Heavenly Father’s children here on earth. Priesthood holders should preside in love and kindness. They should not force their families and others to obey them. The Lord has told us that the power of the priesthood cannot be controlled except in righteousness (see D&C 121:36). When we try to use the priesthood to gain wealth or fame or for any other selfish purpose, “behold, the heavens withdraw themselves; the Spirit of the Lord is grieved; and when it is withdrawn, Amen to the priesthood or the authority of that man” (D&C 121:37).

• What Blessings Come When We Use the Priesthood Properly?

President David O. McKay promised every man who uses the priesthood in righteousness that he “will find his life sweetened, his discernment sharpened to decide quickly between right and wrong, his feelings tender and compassionate, yet his spirit strong and valiant in defense of right; he will find the priesthood a never failing source of happiness—a well of living water springing up unto eternal life” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: David O. McKay [2003], 116).

(To read the entire lesson, click here)

Quote - Trust in the Lord

"At times we may be tempted to think the Savior is oblivious to our trials. In fact, the reverse is true; it is we who need to be awakened in our hearts to His teachings. Use your ingenuity, your strength, your might to resolve your challenges. Do all you can do and then leave the rest to the Lord."

--Joseph B. Wirthlin, "Finding a Safe Harbor", Ensign, May 2000, 59

Motherhood: An Eternal Partnership with God

Former Buddhist Monk Solid in His LDS Testimony

Mani Seangsuwan

Seangsuwan walked right up to the missionaries to hear more.

"I think I scared him," he writes. "Can you image how you would feel if a Buddhist monk in the orange robe came up to you, knowing that what you were doing was contradictory to Thai culture?"

(To read the entire article, click here)

The Blessing of Scripture

The Scriptures Enlarge Our Memory

The scriptures enlarge our memory by helping us always to remember the Lord and our relationship to Him and the Father. They remind us of what we knew in our premortal life. And they expand our memory in another sense by teaching us about epochs, people, and events that we did not experience personally. None of us was present to see the Red Sea part and cross with Moses between walls of water to the other side. We were not there to hear the Sermon on the Mount, to see Lazarus raised from the dead, to see the suffering Savior in Gethsemane and on the cross, and we did not, with Mary, hear the two angels testify at the empty tomb that Jesus was risen from the dead. You and I did not go forward one by one with the multitude in the land Bountiful at the resurrected Savior’s invitation to feel the prints of the nails and bathe His feet with our tears. We did not kneel beside Joseph Smith in the Sacred Grove and gaze there upon the Father and the Son. Yet we know all these things and much, much more because we have the scriptural record to enlarge our memory, to teach us what we did not know. And as these things penetrate our minds and hearts, our faith in God and His Beloved Son takes root.

The Scriptures Are the Standard for Distinguishing Truth and Error

God uses scripture to unmask erroneous thinking, false traditions, and sin with its devastating effects. He is a tender parent who would spare us needless suffering and grief and at the same time help us realize our divine potential. The scriptures, for example, discredit an ancient philosophy that has come back into vogue in our day—the philosophy of Korihor that there are no absolute moral standards, that “every man prosper[s] according to his genius, and that every man conquer[s] according to his strength; and whatsoever a man [does is] no crime” and “that when a man [is] dead, that [is] the end thereof” (Alma 30:17–18). Alma, who had dealt with Korihor, did not leave his own son Corianton in doubt about the reality and substance of a divine moral code. Corianton had been guilty of sexual sin, and his father spoke to him in love but plainly: “Know ye not, my son, that these things are an abomination in the sight of the Lord; yea, most abominable above all sins save it be the shedding of innocent blood or denying the Holy Ghost?” (Alma 39:5).

The Scriptures Bring Us to Christ, Our Redeemer

In the end, the central purpose of all scripture is to fill our souls with faith in God the Father and in His Son, Jesus Christ—faith that They exist; faith in the Father’s plan for our immortality and eternal life; faith in the Atonement and Resurrection of Jesus Christ, which animates this plan of happiness; faith to make the gospel of Jesus Christ our way of life; and faith to come to know “the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom [He has] sent” (John 17:3).

(To read the entire talk, click here)

The Prophet on the Side of the Road

(Sisters, this was a forwarded e-mail that I received from Sister Claire. I don't know who the original writer of this e-mail is but I was very moved reading about President Monson. I hope you will enjoy it too.)

President Monson, President Eyring, Elder Holland, and others were in the Gila Valley this last weekend to dedicate the Gila Valley Temple. The Gila Valley is where I grew up. This is my cousin’s story about meeting the Prophet on the side of the road.

Saturday, May 22, 2010

We Thank Thee Oh God For A Prophet!

Seeing the prophet’s jet heading towards the Safford airport caused great excitement! It's the little white line at the top of the mountain. Kristen and Amy had made signs to welcome the prophet. Justin got construction barricades for the signs to be put on. We heard the news that the prophet would be landing around 2:00 so we decided to wait at the end of my in-laws drive way so we could wave to him as he drove by. We had no idea that we were in for the treat of a lifetime!

Here comes his slew of cars.... Notice the construction barricades that had signs on them for The Prophet!

The prophet instructed his driver to pull over. It did almost cause the cars behind his to rear end each other. After they got out of their cars Elder Henry B.Eyring said.... We need to have some signal for those of us behind you President so we know when your stopping. This could have just made the church news. You can imagine our AWE when the cars pulled over. I had been told to take lots of good pictures so I ran closer thinking they might get out and wave to us then get back in their cars. The rest of the story is like a heavenly dream...

I am behind the camera so you can imagine my excitement seeing the prophet walking towards us. He was telling us to stay there and he would come to us, he didn't want us in the road. By great chance I happened to be the first person to greet President Monson. I shook his hand and gave him a gentle hug. I told him how happy we were to meet him. He said "it's good to be here and this looks like a good looking group!" As he walked away from me towards the group of friends and family it was an amazing moment for me. I got the chills.......the good kind, and I started to get emotional while trying to take in what was happening. I have always had a testimony that President Monson is a true prophet of God. But what a testimony building experience it was to have the spirit testify to me while shaking the prophet's hand that This Is The Lord's Prophet On The Earth Today! I felt the spirit so strong as I watched him walk towards the children and crowd. I am not normally a emotional person, but I got choked up and had tears of joy. I will forever be grateful for this experience.

It was great fun to see all his security people. I think they weren't too happy about the prophet being on the side of the road. I could not believe I was about to shake hands with the Prophet! What a humbling experience.

The prophet took Kendall’s hat and tried it on. Who would have ever thought the prophet would be wearing a bird finger hat. He was a little taken back when he read what the cap said. Stacy was so embarrassed. But that's the name of their bird hunting company so what can you do.....it is catchy. The prophet has a instantly great sense of humor! He is so quick witted!

I have tried several times to help my kids understand what a rare and amazing opportunity they had to meet the prophet, Thomas S. Monson, and two apostles, Elder Henry B. Eyring and Elder Jeffery R. Holland. They also got to see a member of the Seventy, Elder William R. Walker. They not only had the chance to shake their hands they spoke like we were old friends. They asked the kids questions and listen to their responses.

In this picture the prophet took Kendall by the face and told him and all the other kids’ right there to watch his ears. He proceeded to wiggle his ears! It was the cutest thing! The kids got quite a kick out of that. I was glad Kiersten, Hunter and Logan got to be right there to see that. It was amazing to personally witness his profound love for the children! The prophet and General Authorities were all so genuine and personable.

The prophet told the boys, "Looks like a bunch of future missionaries to me. Now you boys make sure to go on a mission." In the picture is Kaely, Jordon, Kiersten, Cambry, Kaden, Kendall Hunter, President Thomas S. Monson, Stacy, Branton...........Logan, Doyle and Brinner are on the other side in front of the prophet.

This is the prophet putting his hand on Hunter's head......what a memory!

All the boys, Hunter, Kendall, Kaden, Logan and Brinner giving the prophet a hug. Kiersten was a little shy but that's OK..........she got her turn later.

This would be Logan hugging or better yet attached to the prophets leg. He told the prophet, "I Love You!" I was afraid Logan was going to knock the prophet down.

I realized being the photographer isn't always the best. So I asked Stacy to take a picture of me by the prophet. I realized I wouldn't have any proof that I was actually there being the one behind the camera. In this picture, Logan is pointing to the prophet saying, "Mom that's the prophet and we follow him." I love Logan 's little smile and him pointing to the prophet. Elder Walker is to the side of President Monson. Later on while driving back to Pima Logan said, "Tank you mom for letting us see the prophet!" He said it with such enthusiasm it was cute. Logan , being four, was oh so confused about the prophet getting here........he asked, "Mom the prophet came here in a airplane right from heaven?" He then asked me, "Did he bring Jesus with him?"

The prophet shaking Kaley's hand. I didn't get a shot of it but he shook Kiersten's hand right after this. And yes that is Logan attached to the prophets leg.

I wanted to get a picture of my kids together with the prophet but this was as good as we got. They all individually had opportunities to hug, shake hands, smile, laugh and enjoy the presence of the prophet. The prophet in the background still makes a terrific picture!

The prophet’s security was on top of things. There were so many men in suits to ensure the safety of the prophet.

Kendall, Logan and Kaden talking with Elder Jeffery R. Holland. I love Logan looking up to him. I have to say Elder Holland and Elder Eyring would be at the top of my most favored apostles..........before this experience I mean.......and of course now after getting to meet them.

Elder Holland said, "these boys must all be brothers?"

We explained to him who were brothers........Hunter and Logan..........Kendall, Kaden and Brinner.

Elder Holland then said, "well they have to be cousins cause they all look alike!"

Hunter replied, "yes we are cousins!" even though we aren't........the kids think they are. What an experience to not just meet but actually visit with an apostle of Jesus Christ.

I just couldn't take enough pictures to capture the intense feeling of joy, excitement and love that we felt.

Christi, David and President Monson.

Mom told President Monson about when she was just 12, she had to speak in a stake conference and he was one of the other speakers. I believe she said he had just be put into the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles at the time. After the conference he told her if she ever got kicked out of her house there would be a place for her at the Monson house!

Without missing a beat he replied........"well, are you ready!"

Kaely and Jacob are right there to witness the prophet laughing and sharing.

I can't fully express the experience to do it justice. To say it was a treat, a thrill, a treasure, exciting, amazing... would be an huge understatement.

Logan, Me, President Monson, Cambry, Kaely, Tif (holding Brynlee) Doyle and Brian. I so wish Justin would have been there. Obviously he would have come had he thought the prophet would actually stop. He was busy working on the fence out back that he didn't want to stop to just see their cars drive by........and we weren't even sure we'd get to see them drive by. When I called Justin and once I got home and visited with him about the experience he said both times he got the chills. He was thrilled and at awe that we had that opportunity, but so wished he had been there as well. Mr. Grant was a bit fussy with teething so I had left him at home with my mom. I now wish I would have made her come wait with us. At one point Hunter and Brinner were sitting in the two red lawn chairs and the prophet walked over to them and patted Hunter on the head saying, "We need to get you two buddies out of the sun!"

This picture might not mean a whole lot by itself but what happened right before I took it will forever be a treasured moment for Kiersten............and me. Kiersten was holding her cousin Jordon and patting him on the bum. President Monson patted Kiersten's head and said, "I can tell you are going to be a great mother........you already know just how to pat that babies bottom." Kiersten and I talked about this experience on the way home. I could see in her eyes the joy that she felt having the prophet pat her on the head and say that to her. When we got home Kiersten, without being asked, made a bottle for Mr. Grant, rocked him to sleep, washed all the bottles, filled the bottles, emptied the dish washer..........and as Justin and I were leaving to go to dinner before the Temple Cultural Celebration......Kiersten said, "Have a good time Mom!'There is no doubt that Kiersten WILL be a great mother!Wish I could have had a list of things for the prophet to tell Kiersten and the boys........if it would have such results as this comment did:)

Elder Henry B. Eyring is my absolute favorite church speaker. I have never heard a talk of his that didn't touch me, regardless of the topic. He is so genuine and sincere. He thanked my father-in-law and Brian for the road and cement work that they did at the temple. I never dreamed I would have had the chance to shake his hand, especially right here in The Gila Valley.

This is Brent Beals (I love the Beals family!) visiting with Elder Walker, President Monson and Elder Eyring. It was like four old friends chatting together.

I love this picture.......Brent and the Prophet!

This picture is a bit blurry but I couldn't erase it. Shawn Beals, Brent Beals, Elder Eyring, President Monson and Dad sharing a laugh together. Life doesn't get any better than this! I love the joy you can see and feel in this picture pouring from the prophet!

Several times the prophet was being directed it was time to leave, he finally said, "Hey I thought I was the one in charge." His humor is unmatched. As he was leaving the crowd we sang, "We Thank Thee Oh God for a Prophet." I video taped a minute of it but can't figure out how to post it. The prophet joined in with the singing. I got the chills again while our group, probably 40 people or so were singing with the prophet.

As he was walking to his car his security men were holding onto his arms to sort of aid him walking to the car. President Monson pushed them away and I said, "I can do it." He then held out his arms and walked the yellow line one foot in front of the other. He said, "See I still got it!"

We got to follow up this treasured experience by attending the Temple Cultural Celebration.

A Day To Remember............ Forever!