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Elder […] Larson/Woodward – Coney Island 1 – Jan 24, 1997 – “TEMPLE BLESSINGS FOR CONVERTS” –
The best experience of my whole mission is the missionary dream of having a convert receive their endowments. Brother Davies from Liberia, Africa, of the Uniondale Ward wrote me of his experience. He has been a member for a year now! He knows so much about the gospel. It just makes it all worth it. From his letters:
“It will be of interest to know that I have completed my Temple Preparation Class and all my interviews with Bishop Bevington and the Stake President, President Olsen, and I will be going to the Temple on December 21, 1996. I am very much looking forward to that day. I need not tell you that I am very excited and I hope it will be another milestone in my preparation for my ultimate return to our Heavenly Father. This is a rare opportunity for someone from Africa where many converts never have the hope of going to the Temple to be sealed and exalted to their families. It has been a long journey and I know for sure it is the will of our Heavenly Father that this should take place at this time in my life. I hope that you will share in this joy of growth to the church in Africa where I will live the rest of my life in the future.
(2) I went to the Temple on Saturday and received my endowment. It was the greatest day in my life. I saw the strength and power of our church and the sacredness of the ordinances I went through reinforced my conviction and faith that our church is the true church on the face of the earth. Our church is a living testimony to the reality and divinity of our Lord Jesus Christ as the literal Son of God. That Jesus is the Lord and has offered us through His Atonement, life in eternity, living with God. Today I know I am a fully fledged member of His church and I testify that the restored gospel is true.”
Wow, what a testimony. I will always cherish what was written in those letters. The greatest gift I can give anyone is the opportunity of Eternal Life.
Elder Kelley/Thompson – Rockaway 11 Sp – Jan 19, 1997 – “TITHING BRINGS REACTIVATION” –
Bro. Elizardo and his family are inactive, even although he is the Elders Quorum President. After a few visits, we learned he wasn’t paying tithing, and the spirit hit both my comp and I so strongly, that we made them stop everything to analyze the situation. When we were to finally leave, we promised them and Bro. Elizardo committed to us and his wife that he would pay tithing this week. He paid and after he did, he got a call from work, asking him to work an extra day (he’s only been working three days a week), and his wife then had the opportunity to make an extra $100. He now has great desires to be active again, and pay his tithing. He and his wife have planned to go to the temple to be sealed. It is wonderful to see the spirit change people’s lives.
Elder […] McNarly – Regop Park 111 Sp – Former AP – Dec 1, 1996 – “TEMPLE TRIP” –
Just like you told me, the Washington DC Temple seems to come out of the ground. I thought it was awesome. As I got out of the van, I walked a little closer to the temple. A feeling of love and appreciation came over me like I’ve never felt before. I asked the Lord why I was feeling this way, and he told me that my offering was accepted, and that the temple was what my whole mission was based on. Preparing and bringing converts to the temple is missionary work at its finest. I remembered you teaching us about getting our converts to the temple, and although I didn’t fully understand I did it anyway, and for being obedient to your counsel, I was able to stand in front of the Washington DC Temple with tears in my eyes and feel the love of the Lord fall upon me in a way I had never imagined.
The most spiritual part was standing in the Celestial room and seeing Juan and Veronica Lopez walk in holding hands, it even now brings tears just writing about it. At that point, my vision of missionary work completely changed. I now know the importance of getting your converts to the Temple. My life will now be centered around building the kingdom of God. The temple trip was the turning point in my progression as a missionary and leader in this mission.
I have always tried to stay humble and I feel that’s why the Lord never let me see the depth of what I’ve achieved. Throughout my mission I’ve always been too busy to stop and evaluate what went on around me. There were a few key things I was shown as to why the level of success. I set my goals high, really high. I had three goals set in the MTC and the first week of my mission. I wanted to (1) Baptize 250–300 people (2) To be used by the Mission President in any way I was needed, that he could count on me to get the job done (3) NY to be a different place because I had served there for two years. The next key was that I had to have the desire to achieve these goals, more than anything. I wanted those goals so bad. You can only have such goals if confirmed by the Lord. Then you can trust the goals and put 110% into them. The next thing is work. President worked so hard. It brings tears to my eyes as I think of all those long days, cold, sick, hot, tired. It was all worth it. I’ve given it my all. I have achieved all my goals “and then some!” I know it’s time for me to move on.
My time spent at your side as one of your Assistants has been priceless. I felt a part of your family, and I thank you all for that. I felt what it is like to be your friend, your partner and your son. You are an amazing man President, and I thank you for sharing your life’s experiences with me, to help me grow and understand what it’s going to take to make it in life. I am leaving this mission with a strong base, ready to start my life. If there’s anything I’ve learned, you can’t build a house on a shaky foundation. I know everyone always says that their vision of life has increased, I think it’s a little different with me. I’ve always had a large vision, but I feel I…
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have become more visionary. When I think into the future about goals I see things in more detail with a better understanding of what it will take to achieve the goals. To sum up, these two years have been some of the funnest, hardest, happiest and saddest times of my life. I’m glad I was able to share it all with you with love.
Sis Pope/Kurtz – Little Neck 1 – Nov 11, 1996 – “RETENTION OF CONVERTS” –
I was so filled with the spirit. In Sacrament meeting I was sitting by Eddie and his grandmother (baptized today), and in front of me was Harold and Jenny and Sana (the couple and little girl from Trinidad who were three of our converts) and next to us were Julia (our convert from Hungary) and a girl from Trinidad who were three of our converts) and I felt like they were my little flock, that I was responsible for them, and the woman she takes care of (Marion), must have felt when he knew he would soon be leaving his Apostles. Then I just got a glimpse of how the Savior remember him. This is how I felt. I wanted to make my little flock strong, so they would band together and would no longer need me. I knew I needed them to organize FHE, where they could be together, so that they could truly lift each other in times of trial and struggle.” NOTE Julia now teaches the Gospel Essentials class. Julia also later married another of the Pope’s male converts.”
Elder […] Christensen/Garza – East New York 11 Sp – Oct 21, 1996 – “BALANCED EFFORT” –
Last week there was a wonderful baptismal service with 4 baptisms. Two males received the Aaronic Priesthood and baptized a daughter and another his little sister. President Dorta is doing a wonderful job and is excited about the families we are bringing in. Also when we told him that our goals for November is to baptize 10 males for the priesthood and by the end of December, with our reactivating and retention efforts, to have 100 people attending Sacrament Meeting. He was so excited.”
Hna Miles/Kelme – Rego Park 111 Sp – “NEW CONVERTS RESOLVE CONCERNS OF INVESTIGATOR” –
Yesterday at church, we saw another miracle. Elder Benson and I were in the investigator’s class, and there were only three members in attendance. But I felt I should be there (my companion was helping in the primary.) About 10 minutes into the class, an investigator walked in. We found out that she had been taught once by Elder Fowler, and that she wanted to be baptized, but that her husband opposed it. The new members in the class talked to her, and resolved her concerns. Then she told us that she hadn’t been able to pray. The new members then talked to her about that too, and encouraged her to give the closing prayer in the class. We explained the steps again, and she quietly gave a simple prayer. When she finished she was crying, and so was everyone else in the room. We helped her recognize the spirit, and the new members got her excited to be baptized soon. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to witness this miracle, as the “blind are truly leading the blind”, and for God putting her in that class. The new members were inspired in what they told her, without our help. She is now friends with two of the ladies. They want to attend her baptism, and will help with her retention.”
Hna Orgill/Razy – Midwood 11 Sp – Oct 21, 1996 – “BRANCH ACCEPTANCE OF OUR CONVERTS, THE LOPEZ FAMILY” –
Both father and son received the Aaronic Priesthood, blessed and passed the sacrament. The father, who has had long hair for a long time, now has a missionary haircut. Both of them now wear lovely suits. The mother gave a prayer in sacrament meeting and now reminds long-time members of their duties in the church. The two children have parts in the primary program next week. The family provided the music for the Branch party last Friday. They have been well accepted and loved by the branch. They are receiving so many visits from the Branch Missionaries for the New Member Discussions, also Home and Visiting Teachers, that they don’t have time to see us anymore. I guess that’s the way it should be.”
Elder Isakson/Gilles – South Shore Sp – Oct 15, 1996 – “CONVERTS SEALED” –
A few of my converts from Dyker Heights Sp were married and sealed in the Temple last Saturday, with 43 members of the Branch in attendance. This is truly the fruits of one’s labor.”
Elder […] Smith/Puckett – Staten Island 111 Sp – Oct 13, 1996 – “DISTRICT AND STAKE RETENTION GRAPHS FOR PAST 5 YEARS” –
The last three meetings I have attended this month, have been the best Leader’s Meeting, Mission Conference and Zone Leader’s Conference, that I have ever attended. The spirit that accompanied each meeting was awesome! I especially enjoyed the presentation of the Activity Statistics of the Districts and the Stake. It truly reaffirmed the spirit and vision of the mission, and proved that REAL growth is taking place here.”
Sis. Masterson/Fawcett – Midwood 1 – Aug 25, 1996 – “MEMBER FELLOWSHIPPING” –
On Sunday, we had a miracle walk through the door. His name is Andrew Martinez and he’s 22. A Branch member met him at an activity and invited him to church. He loved it and stayed to watch a baptism. He now wants to be baptized himself. He already has built relationships with Branch members and his testimony grows everyday. He truly is a miracle and we thank Heavenly Father for blessing our efforts.”
Sister […] Kidd – RM – Aug 8, 1996 – “TAKING CONVERTS THROUGH THE WASHINGTON DC TEMPLE FOR SEALINGS” –
Well President, I am in a plane leaving my 2nd home for the 2nd time! And being back in New York was just like being home for me. I love that place more than I thought possible. I feel so happy!
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going there and being amongst such wonderful people. I just wanted to send you a quick note and tell you how much I enjoyed our brief visit. I loved hearing how the mission is doing and those wonderful faith-promoting stories. It was great to feel of your excitement and vision for the mission. I wanted to briefly tell you about my trip to the Washington DC Temple. President, tell those great missionaries back there that baptism is wonderful, but it doesn’t even compare to going to the Temple with those you taught. I seriously have yet to find the words to describe how I felt.
Wendy Callister met up with us in Washington DC and that made the experience all the more special as we were all re-united once again. Wendy and I sat in the Celestial Room waiting for the three people we had baptized come through the veil. Tears were shed as we discussed what had happened a year ago in what was considered the worst area for Hermanas. We talked about pleading with the Lord in prayer, our many fasts, days of being hot, tired and sweaty, from riding bikes, days of wanting to call it quits and give up. We remember trials and hardships and worries. But, they seemed so minimal and trivial, as both would have gone through a lot more to help these same wonderful people. As Irma and Verni Lopez came through the veil, tears streamed down all our faces. Then came Julio Hernandez who had the same reaction. We embraced and they thanked us over and over again for all we had done. The thing is, we really didn’t do that much and I almost felt unworthy of their gratitude. But what a feeling – to know the Lord had truly used you. To know that He trusts you enough to let you help in the salvation of His children. Irma and Verni joked with Wendy and I as they went to get sealed, (we had to get them married before they could be baptized), they said that their first time wasn’t good enough and how happy they were to know that this time, their marriage would last forever!
Three beautiful children then entered the room, all in white. The man performing the sealing asked the oldest son of 12 years of age, why he wanted to be sealed. “I want to live with my family forever and with Heavenly Father.” This little guy spoke with power and conviction. I have never felt such a strong spirit as when I watched this family kneel around the altar, and be sealed. It was so intense. Wendy and I smiled as we expressed how we thought that their baptism was so powerful. Indeed it was, but nothing like this!
President, as I sat there in the sealing room and looked around at that Coney Island Branch, a second family to me, I took inventory. Out of a branch that usually sees about 70–100 in attendance each week, there were 6 first endowments (4 of which were Priesthood holders!) and two sealings. Not bad. There are quality people out there in the crazy streets of Brooklyn, Queens and Long Island. There are leaders, whom the Lord is preparing to help accomplish this great work in these, the last days. I was thrilled to be able to visit other branches on Sunday and speak with others that I taught and to hear of their plans to attend the temple. Again, words can’t describe how that makes you feel.
I remember my last prayer as a missionary in New York. In tears, I pleaded with the Lord to watch over and protect our converts, and to guide them to the Temple. My prayers were answered! Do you know what else? I used to think that one of my most prized possessions was a little black nametag, old and worn. Now. It’s a tie between that and a small purple piece of cardboard that says “escort”, reminding me of a very powerful day in a place that I love, amongst people that I love. My prayers are always with you. I love you and am grateful for all you’ve done for me and your dedicated and untiring service to the Lord. Thanks for allowing Elder McNairy to help me out on Friday. He’s a wonderful Elder whom I love and respect. He helped me remember a few things I had learned and had forgotten. He’s truly inspired. Please keep him humble!
Elder Boulton/Lefler – Jamaica 11 Sp – Aug 1, 1996 – “SWITCHED SUNDAY WORK TO ATTEND CHURCH” –
The baptism of Henry Palma was really memorable. He’s been to church a lot in Ecuador, and here once. He switched his one free day from Wednesday to Sunday, so he could go to church. He works from 8 am to 11 pm. On Tuesday night, we went to his house, he told us he wanted to be baptized immediately, so that’s what we did. The service was so peaceful and the spirit was strong, as he offered the closing prayer and gave his thanks for the church and the Savior. Henry should baptize his brother this Sunday after he receives the Aaronic Priesthood.”
Elder Gardner/Holt – Plainview 1 – Jun 11, 1996 – “RADIO TALK SHOW HOST” –
Never before have I baptized someone as prepared as Guy Ford. He speaks four languages fluently, can read out of all four bibles, and is able to speak intelligently. He was fearlessed by Hna Orgill on the subway train and the referral passed to us. He is a radio talk show host on cable radio, for Long Island and overseas. He claims a listening audience of some 20 million, and wants to have missionaries interviewed on his station. He has the vision of 100 converts on Long Island in one month. High vision! He will definitely be a Bishop and/or Stake President some day. The ward is thrilled with him coming into the church.”
Elder Noble/Hunter – Riverhead – May 13, 1996 – “STRONG PRIESTHOOD” –
I am very impressed with your desire to build the church on strong member’s shoulders, especially men, and not just anyone who wants to join. I agree that a strong member base is very important.”