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