Missionary Journal 1971

 

Rainbow Bridge at La Conner

January 1971

I suppose one of the pressures on me is concern for my family.  I joined the church because I knew my family would be best here.  As a Lamanite elder, we deal with and teach about celestial families; Temple marriage.  But my calling is to lead the Lamanites to family happiness, not to seek out my own family now.  My day will come.  God has promised me that as I remain clean and faithful.

I am writing this entry now knowing full well that I intend for Sister S. to read it.  I  have really enjoyed discussing the gospel with her.  ..Our discussion Christmas eve was pertinent.  We talked of discouragement, disappointment, and ways Satan tries to keep us off the path of righteousness. Satan is clever.  He’s always “reversing his field.” His basic weapon is man’s tendency to be self-concerned.  Thus Satan turns defeat into discouragement—which is self-pity and quitting. He turns success into pride and vanity—which kills humility.  Since teachability is the key to eternal progression, as Satan can get us un-humble, he has our progression stopped.  (regression sets in).  Disappointment is natural – it’s part of life.  But it is no reason to give up or to feel self-pity.  It is to strengthen patience and long suffering.  After all, isn’t the 5^th principle that of enduring to the end and keeping ALL of God’s commandments?!

I’ve noticed that a truly humble man is a happy one; and Elder W. is certainly the happiest fellow I know.  He’s not perfect-but someday he will be.

I must stay in La Conner until my calling here is complete.  I know God will strengthen me as I’ll do his bidding. 

Four years have passed; oh, how I’ve grown.  And think, ahead of me (and we) IS ETERNITY. 

The discussions become more alive every time I study them or present them.  Constant review is necessary.  Particularly on those last four.  The message they tell is beautiful.  I am gaining a testimony of the spiritual nature and potential of man.  I know for a certainty that there is a spirit world and that we can be happy there. 

Lamanites naturally cherish their families. They memorize verbally their genealogies.  They know their 3^rd, 4^th, 5^th, etc. cousins.  With this close feeling of family relation, the tribe is very close.  As we teach the first few discussions, they know what we teach is true. 

My testimony has grown.  I know the Book of Mormon is true.  I see it’s prophecies coming to life before me daily.  I know that the Lamanites are indeed of the house of Israel.  Elder W. and I are beginning to settle down on an organized approach to the area.  Following Elder C.’s guidelines we have immediate, short range, and long-range goals.  We are constantly evaluating and reevaluating each family.  We have begun to teach a number of families.  This is good.  We have more to do than we have time.  This forces us to plan carefully.

It is difficult to comment specifically on any family.  They are all so close to us.  We have hopes for all of them.

typical tribe couple

 I could write until the sun rises. But tomorrow cannot be scuttled so soon!  I am grateful to God for the blessings He has give us.  I’m grateful to be companions with Elder W. 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swinomish

Swinomish people are enrolled in the federally recognized Swinomish Indian Tribal Community, also known as the Swinomish Tribe, which is headquartered in Swinomish Village, across the Swinomish Channel from La Conner

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https://issuu.com/swinomish/docs/people_of_the_salmon?mode=window&printButtonEnabled=false&backgroundColor=%23222222

“Everything starts and ends with the land and water.  These are the Swinomish teachings and values passed down from generation to generation.  We only need to listen and hear their teachings”

-Larry Campbell Swinomish Elder  (  Swinomish Tribal Community )