Missionary Journal for July 27, 1970

 July 27, 1970

”My cup runneth over.”  The Lord has certainly blessed my companion and me the past few weeks.

On Saturday, July 11^th, five of the B. family were baptized.  It was certainly a joyous occasion.  I baptized J., E., and Brother B. Elder D. baptized Sister B. and M.  We confirmed those whom our companion had baptized.  C. was still holding back.  Brother L. and Sister M. were not baptized, nor was L. 

Sunday, July 19, Elder S. challenged C. to baptism once again.  Monday evening he was baptized into the Federal Way Ward.    Elder D and I have been visiting the C. family recently.   Their in-laws have been visiting and prevented us from teaching them.   Saturday evening the 25^th, we showed them the film strip, “What is a Mormon?”  They are leaving for vacation soon, but they will be taking the lessons this week.  They are looking for the truth.  Brother C. offered the closing prayer Saturday.  We knelt in prayer.  They are a beautiful close family.  

Monday, July 20^th, was a zone conference.  It was one of the most inspiring I have been to.  The theme was on “giving”.  Many pertinent things were said and I’d like to record them now:

Elder C. spoke on what we can give to our investigators.  He of course mentioned knowledge, and testimony- but moreover, love, friendship, and an example. Elder N. talked about giving unselfishly.  He told of how in a key ball game he fed the ball to a teammate, a rookie, allowing him to score the winning basket.  Then of the young boy whose family had an automobile wreck.  The parents escaped with a few cuts and scrapes, and he, being young and flexible, was unhurt, but his older sister was in a coma because of blood loss.  Her blood was rare, only her kid brother could donate soon enough.  His parents and the doctor told him how important this blood was..he gladly offered to give his blood.  He was very sober as they took his blood.  They left the young lad to rest in the recovery room.  Meanwhile the transfusion was successful.  They told the resting boy that his sister would live because of the transfusion.  “That’s good,” said the boy, “but when will I die?”  He had not understood that he would live after giving his blood, yet he willingly gave his blood, his life, for his sister.

We split up into discussion groups to talk over different aspects of giving.  A group discussion followed.

First we noticed you couldn’t give something you did not have.   We must acquire things that we may give them.  Thus before we become givers we must be receivers.  We must learn to receive graciously and learn to thank our benefactors.  Thus, we have to use our gift profitably and show gratitude.

“For what doth it profit a man if a gift is bestowed upon him and he receive not that gift?  Behold, he rejoices not in that which is given to him neither in him who is the giver of the gift.”  (D&C 88:33)

To receive a gift a man must be humble; he must be willing to accept another’s aid, love , and assistance.  He must realize he cannot stand alone.  Many gifts go unused because men will not humble themselves to call for help.  Particularly in receipt of spiritual gifts, is humility important. Not so much as an unhumbled person unworthy of the Holy Ghost; he doesn’t even want Him.

But what of gifts given and then not cultivated?  This is the parable of the talents.  We are expected to multiply our gifts.  As we don’t, they will deteriorate and cease to exist.  Example would be talents of piano playing or singing.  Also, where much is given, much is expected.  Consequently, the more one grows the more his responsibility.

This ties into thanking God for our gifts.  To be specific—the gifts a missionary is given –his priesthood and his testimony.  How can he thank God for these?  How can he use them?  Are they not our very choicest gifts?

We find that both of these talents are of no use to oneself.  Can a man baptize himself, or bear his testimony to himself to strength himself? (No)  These gifts can only be used to service others.  It is through unselfish service that they are magnified.

Thus, God gives us great gifts, but we must share them with others.  The process of giving becomes something eternal—a good gift is passed on and on forever.

As missionaries, we cannot passively wait for our gifts.  We must actively pursue them.  They our ours, but only after some effort.  We must study and pray to gain a testimony,   We must bear our testimony often to strengthen other and ourselves.  To exercise the priesthood we must be willing, worthy, and faithful.  We must desire to serve. Once we have these gifts our responsibility is tremendous.  We are called to serve and to give of ourselves freely, but also wisely. We cannot waste our gifts on barren soil or to promote selfish gains.  We must give in a godly manner, with love, but demanding a consequent acceptance of responsibility to perpetuate the giving process.

The ideas brought forth in conference compelled me to want to serve with more dedication and unselfishness.  I became more sensitized to others.

After conference we attended C.’s baptism.  On the way, I felt Elder D. would confirm C.  We arrived late, but Elder D. WAS the one to confirm C. These spiritual witnesses are a blessing.

In addition to our success with the C.’s we are now teaching other golden people.  All of these we have just “tracked” out.  B. M. is active in Rainbow, a segment of the Masons.  She accepted the first discussion readily.

F.M., his wife and daughter were found on a new birth.  They invited us right in and we had a good discussion.  We set up a return appointment for a film. This led to a first discussion this evening.  They accepted all of the commitments and he gave a good closing prayer.  They want to attend church- both services!!

I find my knowledge of the gospel is really growing.  I must learn to quote my scriptures and learn my references.  Still I find many fascinating things part of my knowledge now.  I am finding a better way to explain the Negro and the priesthood without using the scripture in the Pearl of Great Price.  It deals with the order of the priesthood in the ancient Jewish (Israeli) nation.  By pointing out how few hold the priesthood, and by explaining exactly what the priesthood really is, and then showing how the priesthood has a great responsibility to serve connected with it, a smooth argument follows.  Also, it can be shown any “believer” can benefit from the priesthood, particularly inasmuch as it is only a tool of service.  We can call on it and demand to be served.  I finally bear my testimony of Negroes I know in the Church and express my faith in their faith.

Brother L. and I had a very interesting and thorough discussion about the Priesthood this evening.  The things I learned increased my understanding.  I will have to study the Priesthood.  It has a rich heritage.  Understanding the heritage helps us to appreciate what we have and how we are blessed.

An interesting thought: We are given laws here on earth and are told they have eternal laws.  After this life we will not be tempted with earthly passions.    It will be an impossibility to partake of them in our spiritually state.  Now, imagine the pure “hell” of desiring liquor or tobacco in the spirit world when it is impossible to have them.  It’s no wonder Joseph Smith did not want to tell of all his visions into the spirit world.  Think of the anguish he must have seen.  Death will take our bodies, but not our desires.  We must repent now, not later, or suffer the consequences……

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Post Script from last weeks blogpost: "George Hone has included his own little sermonette..."*

*George and Leanne Hone were Bill's support team and fellowshipping champions from the time he arrived at the Short Hills, New Jersey Ward.  George was the Elder's Quorum President at the time and the Hones invited Bill to stay in their home just before his mission.  During his Mission, Leanne typed long letters full of family and ward news and sent them off to Bill monthly.  After his mission, the Hones again invited Bill to live with them in Provo. They have been wonderful life long friends and mentors.

Leanne and George Hone

Tract used in 1971

Center fold of Tract