A FINAL WORD OF APPRECIATION

Where do we keep our most sacred beliefs?

This will be the final posting on our Angel Fly missionary blog:

Where do people choose to keep their most sacred beliefs? Those who gain knowledge and then apply it correctly in their lives obtain wisdom and choose to keep what's most important in their heart. Such people live the truth that they know to be true. Sadly, on the other end of the spectrum, there are also many who place little value on revealed truth; but instead, they seem quite committed to trash the beliefs that others hold sacred.

During this eighteen month full-time mission in east Baltimore we have met and taught people who have been actively searching for more light and truth in their lives. Others we have encountered were and continue to be totally indifferent to anything that might be identified as spiritual . . . they seem unwilling to accept the God who created and sent them here to this earth as being relevant in their world. And finally, we have consistently been aware of a large group of individuals around us who have always been lurking in the shadows. Because they prefer acts of darkness and evil, these lost souls no longer are able to endure the light that is associated with the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Heavenly Father has been gracious and kind to Sister Lindsay and me providing opportunities for us to have experiences to help us to grow in so many ways that would not have otherwise been possible except through missionary service. We continue to be amazed at His love and consideration for our needs. Not only did He provide protection from bodily harm with "unseen hands" on the night we we were robbed at gunpoint in front of our apartment building, but He also brought me safely through quadruple bypass surgery and a speedy full recovery without any damage to my heart.

We also wish to express a final word of appreciation to all of you who have faithfully followed our experiences and feelings about our errand for the Lord as we have written about them on the 189 Angel Fly blog postings from the beginning of our mission in September 2011 until the end our service earlier this month. As of tonight, there have been more than 4100 individual visits to Angel Fly. It is our intention to now publish everything that we have posted on the blog in a hardbound book that we will cherish as a keepsake from our mission. Thanks again for reading Angel Fly and for your thoughtful comments along the way.

Thou who hast given so much to me, give me one thing more . . . a grateful heart.

                                                                                                   -  George Herbert

COLOR US GONE !

Our feelings as we end our mission are as different as a box full of crayons

Leaving our Church mission to return to our home in North Carolina has been much more difficult than we had anticipated it would be when we first came to Baltimore in September, 2011. During our time in the Maryland Baltimore Mission, we have tried to mix in completely with both Church members and non-members we have met along the way, much like two individual crayons might fit into a box full of other crayons of different colors. It should be noted that Sister Lindsay is definitely the red one, while I am likely some shade of blue.

As a senior couple we arrived in the mission with sincere gratitude for the blessings associated with the  fullness of the gospel of Jesus Christ in our own lives and an unconditional love for the people who live within the boundaries of the Chesapeake Ward. We soon discovered that for various reasons, not everyone in the local Church congregation had an interactive warm relationship with each other. At the direction of the Holy Ghost, we encouraged the good people in this ward to get to know all the members better and to be more outwardly expressive of their love and concern for each other.

JUST A BOX OF CRAYONS

Shane DeRolf

While walking in a toy store the day before today,
I over heard a Crayon Box with many things to say.
“I don’t like red!” said Yellow. And Green said, “Nor do I!”
And no one here likes Orange, but no one knows quite why.

“We are a box of crayons that doesn't get along,”

Said Blue to all the others. “Something here is wrong!”

Well, I bought that box of crayons and took it home with me

And laid out all the crayons so the crayons could all see.

They watched me as I colored with Red and Blue and Green

And Black and White and Orange and every color in between.

They watched as Green became the grass and Blue became the sky.

The Yellow sun was shining bright on White clouds drifting by.

Colors changing as they touched, becoming something new.

They watched me as I colored. They watched till I was through.

And when I’d finally finished, I began to walk away.

And as I did the Crayon box  had something more to say . . .

“I do like Red! ” said the Yellow and Green said, “So do I !”

And Blue you are terrific! “So high up in the sky.”

“We are a Box of Crayons each of us unique,

But when we get together the picture is complete.”

Although our opportunity to serve has now come and gone, it is deeply satisfying to have heard some of the members during the last few weeks we were with them expressing the thought that somehow there is more of a sense of unity among the saints than may have been present in times past. It's wonderful to witness when the Spirit is able to help individuals experience a mighty change of heart in order to love others as themselves. Indeed, the Creation would be something less than complete in all of its necessary variety had Heavenly Father decided that He only needed a single kind of crayon in the people box here on earth!

THE PIANO CONCERT . . . A GOING AWAY GIFT

Quiana Jones at the piano keyboard in Chesapeake Ward

During the final days we were in the Maryland Baltimore Mission, there were members who found some sweet and unusual ways to express their love and appreciation for our service to the saints in the Chesapeake Ward.

One of those special people was Quiana Jones who was one of the individuals we taught the temple preparation class lessons and then took to the Washington DC Temple to receive her temple endowment. Her husband still hasn't made a commitment to join the Church, but he is a good man and will ultimately make the decision to be baptized.

Sister Lindsay and I became aware a few months ago that Quiana, who has been a faithful member of the ward choir, was taking piano lessons from the choir director, Carol Lee Ford. What we didn't know was that Quiana had been working diligently to learn a hymn that she could play for us after Church on our last Sunday in Baltimore. This was intended to be a special going away gift for us to express her thanks for helping her prepare to go to the temple.

We were honored to be the recipients of this musical gift of a private piano concert. It was a thoughtful gesture on the part of this wonderful young woman. Quiana plays remarkably well for someone who has been taking lessons for such a short period of time.

Prayer is when you talk to God.

Meditation is when you are listening.

Playing the piano allows you to do both at the same time.

                                                                 - Kelsey Grammer

UNITED IN THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST

Sister & Elder Lindsay with Janette & Brian Folk, Sr.

If full-time missionaries could have the opportunity to personally plan their final act of service on the day of their departure for home, it would undoubtedly be to perform a baptism or some other priesthood ordinance in support of building the Kingdom of God here on the earth. Imagine the joy that Sister Lindsay and I experienced when we were blessed to be able to lead the non-member wife in a part-member family into the waters of baptism; and then, to confer the Melchizedek priesthood upon her husband while ordaining him to be an elder.

Brian Folk, Sr. first joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints about sixteen years ago; but in the ensuing years, his involvement with the Church was sporadic at best. We first met Janette when she came to Church with two or three of their sons last October. Not recognizing her as someone we had previously met, we immediately introduced ourselves and asked if we might stop by the family home to visit during the coming week. Assuming that we wanted to meet her husband who was a less-active member, Janette said, "Yes," and the appointment was set for the following Tuesday.

Janette and Brian Folk have six sons, five of whom are still at home. Brian, Jr. is a senior in high school, and his younger brothers are Geoffery (age 11), Austin (age 6), Daniel (age 3), and Derrick (age 1). From our very first meeting with the Folks, we were accepted by everyone as being family members. Brother and Sister Folk insisted that we eat dinner with them each week when we came to teach the gospel in the home, because "that's what families are supposed to do when missionaries come to visit!"

We taught the Folks how to pray, encouraged them to read the scriptures, answered their questions about the restored gospel, and invited them each week to attend Church. We also showed them how to plan and conduct a weekly family home evening program and gave them a framed chart that gives everyone in the family an opportunity on a rotating basis to perform each family home evening assignment (prayers, lesson, music, family game or activity, and dessert).

Over time, incredible changes occurred  in the home as the Holy Ghost began to positively influence each member of the family. Hearts were touched, and the good seed of the fullness of the gospel of Jesus Christ began to sprout and grow. When Janette was convinced that the Lord's Church has indeed been restored to the earth, she committed to baptism, and she asked me to perform the ordinance. During this same period of time, Brian, Sr. admitted that while he had previously joined the Church, he was not really converted. Through prayerful study of the scriptures and other related materials that we provided, Brother Folk was truly converted and developed an earnest desire to have his family together with him in the Church. He asked me to confer the priesthood and ordain him an elder, which was done immediately after his wife's baptism.

What a wonderful gift from Heavenly Father to allow Sister Lindsay and me to be instruments in the Lord's hands to unite this family in the Church at the end of our service in the Maryland Baltimore Mission.

CRABS WALK SIDEWAYS; WE WALKED STRAIGHT

Founding of Fell's Point predates the creation of Baltimore City

Sister Lindsay and I accompanied by another senior missionary couple, Elder & Sister Clasen, spent the last full day of our mission exploring the historic Fells Point area of the Baltimore. It was a beautiful yet somewhat chilly day with a steady wind blowing from the north. We had a wonderful time meandering along the old city streets, some of them are still cobblestones, while browsing in many of the interesting shops that are found throughout this old community.

Founded in 1730 by William Fell, the town of Fell's Point became a shipbuilding and commercial center that grew quickly, and eventually incorporated with neighboring Baltimore Town and Jones Town in 1797 to form the City of Baltimore. Some of the first vessels commissioned for the US Navy were built in Fell's Point shipyards, including the original USS Constellation in 1797, which was the first U. S. Navy vessel to put to sea and to engage and defeat an enemy ship (the original Constellation was decommissioned in 1853 in Norfolk, Virginia). The second USS Constellation, which was completed in 1858 in Norfolk, is the last surviving Civil War sailing ship still afloat and is now permanently anchored in Baltimore's Inner Harbor.

Elder & Sister Lindsay in Fell's Point

Fell's Point, however, became best known for producing topsail schooners known as Baltimore Clippers and the skipjack, a traditional sailing fishing boat used for oyster dredging in the Chesapeake Bay. During the War of 1812, Fell's Point built and supported dozens of privateers who preyed on British shipping vessels. Thus, Baltimore became a principal target of the British during the war, which eventually led to the bombardment of Fort McHenry.

When we weren't walking from place to place during the day, we were riding the Charm City Circulator, a free bus service that conveniently operates on a frequent schedule over three connecting inner-city routes. Before we left for home on the light rail train, we completed our day long fun adventure with the Clasens by having dinner with them at Amicci's, a nice restaurant in Little Italy located between Fell's Point and Inner Harbor.

THE CULTURE OF HACKING

"Hacking" is a common way to get a ride in Baltimore

In today's world of sophisticated computer programs, there is an underground group of people who seek to exploit weaknesses in systems and networks by "hacking" into those programs for a multitude of reasons such as profit, protest, or challenge. In the unlicensed cab culture in Baltimore, however, hacking has a totally different meaning. To get a ride by hacking, the person stands outside either on the sidewalk or near a parked car, motioning rapidly with one down-turned index finger, indicating to passersby that he would like a ride up, down, or across town.

Although hacking is illegal, a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $500 and up to six months in jail, there is a booming economy built around people in the Charm City's black community who prefer to call or flag down drivers of unlicensed vehicles for hire rather than taking public transportation or using licensed taxicabs. Church missionaries and everyone else who travels on Baltimore's city streets and encounters those finger-wagging people looking for a ride, know it is a common part of life here. Hacking can be dangerous, too, both to the drivers and passengers. While people sometimes get killed driving illegal hacks; more frequently, carjackings, robberies, and assaults often go unreported.

So why has this illegal and dangerous activity become part of Baltimore's culture? For those individuals without a car, hacks are perceived to be convenient, less-expensive than legitimate cabs, and will deliver you directly to your destination. It is a fact that black people often have difficulty catching cabs in predominately black neighborhoods.

If our ultimate destination is to arrive at the Kingdom of God rather than some street address in east Baltimore, there is but one legitimate way to reach that place safely, and it is not accomplished by standing on the street corner rapidly waving our turned-down index finger at a passing car. 

Anne C. Pingree, former Second Counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency tells us, "Where else would we look, where else would we reach, where else would we come but to Jesus Christ, the author and finisher of our faith? He pronounced: 

Yea, verily I say unto you, if ye will come unto me ye shall have eternal life. Behold, mine arm of mercy is extended towards you, and whosoever will come, him will I receive; and blessed are those who come unto me.                                                            - 3 Nephi 9:14

"His promise invites us not only to reach towards Him but also to take the all-important next step: to come unto Him. This is such a motivating, cheering doctrine. The Messiah extends His arm of mercy to us, always eager to receive us—if we choose to come to Him. When we do come to the Savior with full purpose of heart, we will feel His loving touch in the most personal ways."

There is no free ride or reduced fare from this life to Heaven. All of us must enter by the straight and narrow path, accepting Jesus Christ as Our Personal Savior, repenting of our sins, being baptized by one having the proper authority, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and by living the fullness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the best of our ability for the remainder of our days here on earth.

THE EXIT INTERVIEW

Maryland Baltimore Mission President Mark Richards

It is difficult to deny that your mission is coming to a close when you get called into the mission president's office for your final interview. Monday morning we had that experience with President Mark Richards who treated us with much kindness as he expressed his sincere appreciation for our service to the Chesapeake Ward and the Maryland Baltimore Mission during the past 18 months. Most missionaries have mixed feelings about going home at the end of their mission call, and we readily admit that we are having similar thoughts and emotions.

Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened.

                                                         - Theodore Suess Geisel

We were told that both President Halsey, the Stake President, and Bishop Fox of the Chesapeake Ward have said that we have made a positive difference while serving as a senior couple here in Baltimore on our mission. With less than a week left until we pack our car and drive home to Greensboro, North Carolina, this is certainly a difficult time for Sister Lindsay and me as we continue to say goodbye to ward members.

       

We have also made many friends among the young elders and sisters as well as with the other senior missionary couples in the Maryland Baltimore Mission during our time here. President Richards also thanked me for the photographs that were taken with my camera during mission activities. Sister Richards has posted many of them on the mission blog and some of these images were included in the recently published 2012 mission yearbook.

And so, we are about to make the transition from teaching missionaries back into our role as Church members supporting missionary work in our family and home ward. But the importance of the message of the restored gospel remains the same, and our testimony of its truthfulness continues.

RAISE YOUR VOICES TO THE LORD

Evan Stephens (1854-1930)

Raise your voices to the Lord,

Ye who here have heard his word.

As we part, his praise proclaim,

Shout thanksgiving to his name.

Shout thanksgiving! Let our song
Still our joy and praise prolong,
Until here we meet again
To renew the glad refrain.

Thomas S. Monson, president of the Church, has counseled all of us to fill our minds with truth, to fill our hearts with love, and to fill our lives with service. Truth is found by searching, studying, and living the revealed Word of God. Peace is found in this troubled world when we lose ourselves in the service of our fellowmen.

THE MULTI-COLORED QUILT MADE OF LOVE

Elder & Sister Lindsay with the multi-colored quilt made of love

Near the conclusion of last Sunday's fast and testimony meeting at Church, the ward leadership invited Sister Lindsay and I to come forward onto the stand. The congregation was then asked to stand and sing the closing hymn, "God Be With You Till We Meet Again." It was a difficult, emotional moment for us, and we could tell from our vantage point that there were members in front of us who were having as much trouble as we were in trying to sing that song.

We have been associated with the Chesapeake Ward for the past 18 months and have grown to love the saints who worship here. We have laughed with them, cried with them, taught them and in turn been taught by them during this year-and-a-half. As is the case with most missionaries who live and work among the local people in any given community, many of the individuals and families here in eastern Baltimore have become dear friends with whom we will stay in touch in future times.

Following Church services, the congregation gathered in the cultural hall to bid us farewell in an informal but touching way. It was there that we were presented with a beautiful multi-colored homemade quilt designed and stitched together with love and kindness by individual ward members . . . a treasure to cherish.

PATCHWORK QUILT

Our family's like a patchwork quilt,
With kindness gently sewn;
Each piece is an original,
With beauty of its own.
With threads of warmth and happiness,
It's tightly stitched together
To last in love throughout the years,
Our family is forever.

                                        - Unknown Author

It is difficult for us to imagine that we have been able to give more to others than we have received from them during our mission. Friedrich Nietzsche suggests that true friendship is seen through the heart, not through the eyes. Our hearts are full!

BRIEF TRANSFER BEFORE OUR JOURNEY HOME

Our sons Peter & Andy load our household items onto a pickup truck

The young elders and sisters appear to get used to the idea of being transferred from place to place multiple times during the course of their 18 to 24 month missions before they go back to their families; however, senior couples, like us, typically stay at one location for the duration of their missionary service.

While we are in the process of wrapping up our missionary activity here in Baltimore this month, we have been having some rather unique experiences that are making things interesting for us while we are in transition back to civilian life. We had anticipated staying in our apartment until our departure for home on March 9th, but the Church Missionary Department notified our mission president that the replacement senior couple would arrive on February 26th and need to be in the apartment the very next day.

So essentially, we were "evicted" from our apartment on the morning of February 27th. Fortunately, there is a wonderful family in the Chesapeake Ward that immediately opened their home to us, so we wouldn't be homeless and have to sleep on a couple of city benches. Their home has a finished basement with a spare bedroom and a full bath, so we have been well-cared for since moving out of our home away from home. Our host family is from Brazil; and as an added blessing, they cook the most wonderful food imaginable and have kindly invited us to eat with them whenever we are available at mealtime.

We found shelter at a Church member's home rather than a park bench

Because senior couples must set up housekeeping rather than move about with a couple of suitcases like the young missionaries, we have some "stuff" that came with us from North Carolina and ultimately either goes back home at the end of our mission or must be disposed of by some other means. Sister Lindsay and I had to move all of those boxes to one of the missionary apartments until two of our sons could come and load it onto Andy's pickup truck over the weekend.

Moving on, is a simple thing, what is left behind is hard.

                                                                -  Dave Mustaine

So, on Saturday we will pack our clothing and other personal items into our car and drive back home to our family. All things considered, the transition has gone very well especially with the help of the Lord who has guided us through the process.

THE HOPE CHEST

Lynda Rieder's hope chest that once belonged to her grandmother

The theme for the February Young Women's New Beginnings program was "Hope Chest." Prominently featured in the room where the young women and their parents were gathered for this special activity was a beautiful antique hope chest that once belonged to the grandmother of the Young Women's president, Sister Lynda Rieder.

First called "Glory Boxes," the origin of the hope chest dates historically back to large decorated and showy chests associated with dynastic (wealthy) marriages in 15th century Italy. Dutch (kast) or German (schrank) chests were tall wardrobe-like chests with double doors that were larger than most hope chests intended for regular service in the home after marriage. In America the peak of the hope chest as folk art came with the waves of European immigrants to this country.

Using her own needlework skills to construct a trousseau and stock her glory box was for the working girl the equivalent of planning and saving for marriage on the part of a provident and ambitious young man. The collection of a trousseau was a common coming-of-age rite until the 1950s. The contents of a hope chest included items such as clothing, table linens, towels, bed linens, quilts, silverware, and occasionally dishware.

During the New Beginning's program, each young woman came forward and showed the group something that had previously been given to her that she now cherishes because it has special meaning to her. Among those special gifts were a ring from a beloved grandmother, a special necklace from grandparents, a beautiful dress,  great-grandparents wedding certificate, and a grandparent's chess set.

Afterwards, the girl's parents came forward one at a time, went to the hope chest, and removed a special item to be presented to their daughters. Some of the treasures given to these young women included a multi-generational family picture, a video expressing the parents' unconditional love, a folder for a future temple recommend, and a 3-dimensional picture of the daughter in the future being married in the temple.

Faith is the very first thing you should pack in a hope chest

                                                          - Sarah Ban Breathnach

THE "EMPTY NESTERS" LUNCHEON

Kathy Wessel presents Sister Lindsay with special apron

This week we attended our final Church "Empty Nester" group luncheon at the local Golden Corral Restaurant. There was a nice turnout of 16 seniors present at this monthly gathering; and among them were some of our closest friends in the Chesapeake Ward.

During the meal, Sister Kathy Wessel made a presentation to Sister Lindsay of an apron, with the following machine-embroidered message:

Baltimore Empty Nesters . . . Thank You

The apron was personalized with the signatures of everyone who was present at the luncheon. Of all those things we have been able to accomplish during our mission here in Maryland, some of the most satisfying work we have done has been associated with encouraging senior members of the Church to become more involved in fellowshipping one another. Having them actively engaged in spiritual discussions and group luncheons on a regular basis has made some of the seniors more outgoing and improved their self-esteem.

Elder Robert D. Hales of the Quorum of the Twelve tells us that through the infinite love and grace of Jesus Christ, we can become more Christian Christians . . . Regarding Christian love. the Savior valued everyone. Kind and compassionate to all, He left the ninety and nine to find the one, for “even the very hairs of [our] head are … numbered” to Him. Despite temptations, trials, and persecutions, the Savior trusted our Heavenly Father and chose to be faithful and obedient to His commandments.

We can and must become more Christian Christians by reaching out to others, especially those who may be bent over with age and infirmities, as well as individuals who are discouraged and feeling unwanted or unneeded. As we now prepare to return to our home in North Carolina, we will leave a piece of our heart with the senior members of this congregations whom we have loved and appreciated while we were blessed to be among them.

OUR LAST ZONE TRAINING MEETING

Jones Falls District is one of four districts in the Baltimore Zone

As Sister Lindsay and I near the completion of our mission for the Church, we now find ourselves doing many things for the very last time. Recently, we participated in our final training session with the other missionaries in the Baltimore Zone. Looking around the room during this instructional meeting, I reflected upon the many people changes we have observed during the past 18 months in this part of the Maryland Baltimore Mission.

As a senior missionary couple, we have been assigned to the Chesapeake Ward in east Baltimore for our entire mission; however, the young elders and sisters with whom we serve in this area have come and gone many times during this same year-and-a-half. On average, missionary transfers occur every six weeks; and with each transfer, there have been several elders and sisters arriving and departing. As a result, we have been blessed to meet and work with a significant number of wonderful young adults who are fully committed to bringing the message of the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ into the lives of those individuals who are seeking truth but don't know where to find it.

The missionaries of the Church are earnestly seeking to be totally obedient to both the letter and spirit of God's commandments. In effect, proselyting elders and sisters try their best to live the principles of truth that they know to be true. It is not possible to teach that which we have not already learned; and yet, even the Lord's servants are imperfect people who are seeking to become more Christ-like each day.

President James E. Faust (1920-2007), a former member of the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, has said that all who seek to rise above themselves must make a humble and honest inquiry to determine where truth lies: an inquiry in their hearts as well as in their minds and in their lives. May each of us consciously seek to know the truths of God and to courageously live those truths in love and thanksgiving.

And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

                                                                                                                John 8:32

The freedom that most assuredly comes to anyone who seeks to live the fullness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ is not just found in the words written in the holy scriptures but also by the supportive association with fellow Church members who help sustain and encourage their fellow believers in times of trial and hardship. Some of the sweetest memories we will retain from our being missionaries will be the recollection of the unselfish love and kindness shown by missionaries to members and total strangers while we served here in Baltimore.

WHAT HAPPENS TO MISSIONARY CLOTHING?

This suit no longer meets missionary standards!

The month of February was our last opportunity to inspect the ten missionary apartments in the Baltimore Zone. We had another senior missionary couple with us this time, so we could show them both the locations of these apartments and to walk them through the process that is used in the Maryland Baltimore Mission to perform this task.

It is a known fact that when elders and sisters either get transferred or complete their missionary service, they frequently do not take all of their clothing with them. Sister Lindsay and I suspect that these young adults may have first learned to to leave items of clothing behind as little children when they left coats, sweaters, hats, scarves and other things in the Church building on Sunday. It has always amazed us that the parents of these forgetful youngsters didn't seem to be very concerned about retrieving the clothing items. Obviously, some of these children who have now disappeared into adults still haven't outgrown this wasteful habit.

We are aware that young missionaries have several different methods for disposing of their unwanted articles. Our inspections of apartment closets often yield significant amounts of white shirts, neckties, suits, and even shoes. We carry these "leftovers" to the Bishop's Storehouse where they can be redistributed at no cost to needy families in Baltimore. It is not a requirement that the recipient be a member of our Church. 

The elders and sisters also share clothing items with other missionaries, some of whom have limited finances and can benefit when usable clothing becomes available from someone who no longer needs it for themselves. Our own sons and daughters returned from their missionary service with little more that the clothes on their backs having given away almost everything that they wore on the Lord's errand.

On this our final round of apartment inspections we discovered the charred remnants of a suit that was left on the concrete patio outside of the 2nd floor apartment. It had belonged to an elder who just completed his mission and left for his home during the last mission transfer on February 6th. In December, we had an elder who no longer had a complete suit that he could wear. The pants to the suit were completely worn out, and the suit jacket was thread-bare and falling apart. Because this missionary was headed home in just a few weeks, he was making do as best he could with what was left of the suit jacket and a dark pair of slacks that didn't really match. The mission president was very understanding and didn't require the elder to spend money to purchase new apparel for the brief time he had yet to serve as a full time missionary.

The clothing challenge facing some missionaries as they near the end of their missionary service is that their weight has changed dramatically while they have been doing the Lord's work. In most cases the young missionaries have gained weight because their eating habits have changed (fast food restaurants and eating meals with tasty desserts at member homes are two of the culprits); however in Elder Lindsay's case, he now weighs about 40 pounds less than when he arrived in Baltimore due to his quadruple bypass surgery last August, and lots of exercise since then.

HE COULDN'T WALK INTO THE WATERS OF BAPTISM

Anderson Goncalves and Michael Kelch

Michael Kelch was baptized this past weekend; but unlike most other people, he couldn't walk into the waters of baptism. Michael is confined to a wheelchair; and since there is no ramp leading into the baptismal font, he was carried down the few steps from the dressing room by the high priest group leader, Anderson Goncalves, and one of the young missionaries, Elder Petersen. After Michael was placed sideways in a chair, Brother Goncalves gently placed his hand under the man's back for support and then submersed him under the water to perform the baptismal ordinance.

Michael Kelch was first introduced to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by several people who met him on the Internet. He was interested in what they had to say about the restoration of the gospel; and with his friends' encouragement, Michael soon became a self-referral and was taught missionary discussions by the full time elders who are assigned to the Chesapeake Ward.

As things turned out, one of those new friendships developed into something more when Tina, who is a registered nurse living in Moab, Utah, invited Michael to come visit her and her family. She came to Maryland for his baptism. He will be moving out west in the next few weeks where he and Tina will be married on March 9th. Michael Kelch has not only  embraced the gospel, but he now has also found a special woman with whom he can share his life!

Spencer W. Kimball (1895-1985), former President of the Church, taught "in selecting a companion for life and eternity, certainly the most careful planning and thinking and praying and fasting should be done to be sure that of  all the decisions, this one must not be wrong. In true marriage there must be a union of minds as well as of hearts. Emotions must not wholly determine decisions, but the mind and the heart, strengthened by fasting and prayer and serious consideration, will give one a maximum chance of marital happiness. It brings with it sacrifice, sharing, and a demand for great selflessness."

Happy is the man who finds a true friend,

and far happier is he who finds that true friend in his wife.

                                         

                                                    -  Franz Schubert

CONFERRING THE AARONIC PRIESTOOD

Elder Lindsay conferred the Aaronic Priesthood on James McDaniels

Elder Lindsay conferred the Aaronic Priesthood on James McDaniels and ordained him to the office of a priest on Sunday, February 10, 2013. James who was recently baptized into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on December 9th is the second member of his immediate family to become a convert to the restored gospel. His sister, Mona Lisa McDaniels joined the Church last fall and several other members of the household are presently taking the missionary discussions.

Anyone who speaks with James since he accepted the Lord as His Savior will witness the joy that comes into a life when an individual is called out of the world and numbered among the sheep of the Master Shepherd. Brother McDaniels has told us of his near-death experience a while ago and his belief that his life has been spared for God's purpose. His testimony of the restored gospel is a growing force within him that he readily shares with others.

James was asked to speak about the Holy Ghost at another convert baptism today; and when he did so, James was filled with the Spirit as he bore a powerful witness of how he personally felt when he received the gift of the Holy Ghost following his own baptism just two months ago. "I felt a tingling sensation from the top of my head to the tips of my toes," he told those who were present at the baptism. His words were sincere and from his heart.

WITH ALL THE POWER OF HEART AND TONGUE

Isaac Watts (1674-1748)

With all the pow'r of heart and tongue,

I'll praise my Maker in my song.

Angels shall hear the notes I'll raise,

Approve the song, and join the praise.

I'll sing thy truth and mercy, Lord;

I'll sing the wonders of thy word.

Not all thy works and names below

So much thy pow'r and glory show.

Amidst a thousand snares I stand,

Upheld and guided by thy hand.

Thy words my fainting soul revive

And keep my dying faith alive.

Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve teaches us, "A testimony is spiritual knowledge of truth obtained by the power of the Holy Ghost. Continuing conversion is constant devotion to the revealed truth we have received with a heart that is willing and for righteous reasons."

"HEART ATTACK" AT WINTERS RUN WARD

Sister missionaries received a "heart attack"on the front door of their apartment

How much members like the young full time missionaries serving in a particular ward is sometimes measured by the number of meal appointments the elders and sisters have with Church families during the month, but it is a bonus situation when the members also perform random acts of kindness for their missionaries. Such was the case this week when the Winters Run Relief Society members showed up on Valentines Day unannounced and decorated the front door of the sister missionaries' apartment while they were away performing their Church assignments.

Our experience in The Maryland Baltimore Mission during the past 18 months has been that most of our young missionary friends do very well when it comes to managing their feelings about home, family, and friends most of the time; however, on special days when there night be a family tradition or it is an anniversary of some event that has been important in times past to these young men and women, there can be an occasional twinge of sorrow or loneliness that might affect a missionary with a touch of homesickness.

Sister Lindsay and I remember with a deep sense of gratitude how our eight sons and daughters were so lovingly cared for and loved by Church members around the world while they served full time missions as young adults in various places that were far away from home. We have seen that same type of thoughtful love and compassion given by Church members to the young missionaries who serve here in this part of the Lord's vineyard.

I have wept in the night

For the shortness of sight

That to somebody’s need made me blind;

But I never have yet

Felt a tinge of regret

For being a little too kind.

                               - Anonymous

Thomas S. Monson, President of the Church suggests, "Often we live side by side but do not communicate heart to heart . . .  I am confident it is the intention of each member of the Church to serve and to help those in need. At baptism we covenanted to “bear one another’s burdens, that they may be light.” How many times has your heart been touched as you have witnessed the need of another? How often have you intended to be the one to help? And yet how often has day-to-day living interfered and you’ve left it for others to help, feeling that “oh, surely someone will take care of that need.”

Missionary service can be difficult, and every elder and sister who is engaged in the work of bringing souls to Christ must learn to deal with rejection. What a blessing it is when good people reach out to sustain the Lord's servants with simple acts of kindness whether it is an unexpected ride to the next appointment, a couple of freshly baked cookies, or a "heart attack" on your front door!

FOUNDING FATHERS VIEWS ON CHURCH & STATE

Elder and Sister Lindsay with Church members at the Academy

Elder Lindsay was invited to speak this month at the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland with the midshipmen who are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The talk was about the separation of Church and State, a subject so heavily burdened with "political correctness" in today's environment that it is just barely recognizable regarding the original intent as envisioned by the founding fathers who prepared the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States. Thomas Jefferson is generally credited with creating the wording of this amendment which states, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof."

Many of the early people who emigrated to America came here to escape religious persecution, and the founding fathers wanted to ensure that, unlike many of the nations from which these immigrants came seeking religious freedom, there would be no state-sponsored religion that would keep anyone from worshipping God according to the dictates of his or her own heart.  I cautioned the group to be aware that much of what they see and hear among politicians and others in today's society just is not true. I emphasized the point with this quotation from an unknown author: Cleverness is when you only believe half of what you hear . . . but brilliance is when you know which half to believe.  
                                                                                           

The focus of the presentation was on the many examples that exist in and on the federal government buildings in Washington, DC that clearly show how the early leaders of America felt about God's role in the establishment of our country and it's form of government. Several quotations attributed to the founding fathers including Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, James Madison, and Thomas Jefferson were shared with the group:

Religion is the basis and foundation of Government

                                                                        - James Madison

In the Rotunda of the US Capitol Building there are eight large oil paintings commissioned by the Congress of the United States depicting important events associated with discovery of this land and the creation of this nation. Each painting measures 12 x 18 feet and half of them have recognizable themes and religious symbols pertaining to our Christian heritage. Throughout the Capitol there are references to God and faith. Above the House Gallery door there is a marble statue of Moses, and in the Senate Chamber is this phrase: "God has favored our undertakings."

Likewise, the Washington Monument that towers above every other structure in the Nation's Capital is filled with representations of religion from the cornerstone at the bottom containing the Holy Bible along with a copy of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution to the capstone with the inscription "Praise Be To God." The monument itself is filled with carved tribute blocks containing messages like "Holiness to the Lord," "Search the Scriptures," and "In God We Trust."

God who gave us life gave us liberty. And can the liberties of a nation be thought secure when we have removed their only firm basis, a conviction in the minds of the people that these liberties are of the Gift of God.
                                                                                               - Thomas Jefferson

We were pleased to learn that four of the midshipmen have completed full-time missions for the Church while another five are scheduled to interrupt their studies at the Naval Academy between their sophomore and   junior years for similar Church proselyting assignments. This group includes the first female midshipman to ever leave the Academy to serve a Church mission. All are expected to continue their military commitments when their missions are completed.

I AM A CHILD OF GOD . . .

3-year-old Daniel peacefully sleeping

For a number of months we have been quietly teaching the message of the restored gospel to a family living in Dundalk (eastern Baltimore). They have six sons (5 of them still living at home). The father is a member of the Church, but the mother is not.

Sometime during the night last Saturday, little 3-year-old Daniel climbed into his parents bed, snuggled up next to his mother and quickly went back to sleep. Mom and Dad had no idea that the little boy was there, but early the next morning they were awakened by the sweet sound of their young son singing "I Am A Child Of God."

I AM A CHILD OF GOD

Naomi Ward Randall (1908 - 2001)

I am a child of God,

And he has sent me here,

Has given me an earthly home

With parents kind and dear.

I am a child of God,

And so my needs are great;

Help me to understand his words

Before it grows too late.

I am a child of God

Rich blessings are in store;

If I but learn to do his will

I'll live with him once more.

Lead me, guide me, walk beside me,

Help me find the way.

Teach me all that I must do

To live with him someday.

We have watched the Holy Ghost at work for some time now with this precious family. As the parents have accepted new knowledge of gospel doctrine and increased their understanding of spiritual things, we have also witnessed the growth in their sons who have been very receptive to the influence of the Spirit. It is a fact that little children will follow the attitude and example of Mom and Dad much more readily than just by listening to their words. At the direction and encouragement of the Father, every member of the family now takes a turn offering the prayer before each meal.

Sing on little Daniel! Those warm and peaceful feelings you have when you talk or sing about Jesus come from Heavenly Father through the Holy Ghost.

THE SURROGATE GRANDMOTHER

Sister Lindsay crocheting a new baby blanket

Sister Lindsay and I have been blessed to have added two new granddaughters to our family during the time that we have been serving our mission in Maryland. In honor of our newest granddaughter, Katie, my wife found time over a few months to crochet a pretty pastel blanket for the baby. Working on the blanket when she could between teaching appointments and other Church assignments, her needlework attracted some interest among the young sister missionaries.

Looking intently at the work in progress, one sister in particular inquired, "What are you making?" When told that it was a blanket for our newest grandchild, the missionary replied, "I want one too!"

"Okay," Sister Lindsay responded, "I'll make you one." And true to her word, when she completed Katie's blanket, Sister Lindsay began crocheting another one for the sister who had requested it.

Just prior to her departure for home at the completion of her mission in mid-December, the young woman saw my wife once again and volunteered the rest of the story as to why having Sister Lindsay make a baby blanket was so important to her. "My grandma has made baby blankets for everyone in my family, and I have always hoped that she would make one for me some day when I'm married and have a baby of my own. But she died while I have been here on my mission."

So Sister Lindsay has the honor of being a surrogate grandmother to this good young woman and lovingly crocheting the baby blanket that can no longer be made by the hands of her own beloved grandmother.

Love is a fruit in season at all times, and within reach of every hand.

                                                                              - Mother Teresa

I'LL COME TO CHURCH BEFORE YOU GO HOME

Getting the carrot in front of the horse

For more than six months we have been visiting a less-active member of the Church who lives less than half a mile from the building where the local congregation meets each Sunday. She is a delightfully outgoing individual with a contagious smile. Although this elderly widow is in her mid-80s, she is exceptionally healthy, looks almost twenty years younger than her actual age, and leads a very active life. On most days during the week she is out of her house for at least part if not most of the daylight hours.

During our first visit to her home last year, we invited her to come back to Church, and she immediately told us she "has no problem with either the Church's teachings or the members." On that occasion and during subsequent visits, she has told us that coming to Church would be dependent upon her daughter's availability to bring her. "My daughter and I have talked about returning to activity on several occasions, but we just haven't done it yet." For certain she told the truth, for we have heard the same thought expressed month after month but without any positive change.

During our latest visit to her home yesterday we showed her a picture of a horse with a carrot dangling in front of it on a rope and asked the woman to tell us what the photograph represented. She laughed and responded, "I know where you are going with this. The picture shows a carrot in front of a horse, and you want to know what it will take to get me out to Church."

We just smiled at this perceptive, less-active Church member and then we asked if we might share an article with her that was written by Elder Donald L. Hallstrom of the Seventy entitled "Do It Now", which addresses the consequences of procrastination:

"We know what is right, but we delay full spiritual involvement because of laziness, fear, rationalization, or lack of faith. We convince ourselves that “someday I’m going to do it.” However, for many “someday” never comes, and even for others who eventually do make a change, there is an irretrievable loss of progress and surely regression . . .

"Now is the time to exercise our faith. Now is the time to commit to righteousness. Now is the time to do whatever is required to resolve our undesired circumstances. Now is the time to reconcile with God through the merciful process of change afforded us by the Redeemer of mankind."

We asked the woman how long she thought she might have to act upon her decision to come back to Church before she would run out of tomorrows? We reminded her that the time left for us on our mission is growing very short, and we certainly have hoped that she and her daughter would become active again before we leave for home. "When do you finish your mission?" she asked with a concerned look on her face. When we responded that we will leave in March, she said, "I promise that I will come to Church before you go home. I don't take my commitments lightly!

So now, Sister Lindsay and I will patiently wait and pray that this individual will honor her commitment, which hasn't really been made to us but to the Lord.

Commitment is an act, not a word

                                              - Jean-Paul Sartre