Friday, June 21, 2013
Notes From Mission Conference
All Mission Meeting With General Authorities held at Neenah WI.
Missionaries were advised a month or so ago by our mission president, Timothy Jones, that five General Authorities would be coming to our mission area to do priesthood leader training in mid-June. President Jones said he had requested that a missionary meeting with the General Authorities had been requested and he hoped would be approved. At zone conference President Jones announced that the request had been approved. The meeting would be held in Neenah, north of Milwaukee about two hours, at 9 am on Saturday, June 15. He said all missionaries in the mission would be attending. He then told us that Elder Dallin Oaks of the Twelve would be with the General Authorities. You can imagine the excitement that his announcement gave to the missionaries, including these two.
As usual, we were asked by our zone leaders to help transport missionaries. The Kenosha Spanish elders and the Racine Spanish elders were to ride with us. As the time for the meeting approached, we prayed that our hearts and minds would be prepared to receive the instruction given at the meeting. We felt very thankful to be blessed with a visit from these priesthood leaders.
We arose very early (4:30 am) on Saturday morning to get ourselves ready, pick up our passengers and travel to Neenah. It turned out to be a rainy morning almost all the way to Neenah. However, as we got closer to our destination, the storm stopped and the weather was very pleasant. How beautifully green is Wisconsin, everywhere we go!
We arrived at the Neenah Chapel at about 8:20 am. There were lots of missionary cars already in the parking lot. We entered the chapel and found that it was already almost full of elders and sisters. It was an amazing sight as we scanned the chapel from the back. One of the counselors in the mission presidency came to the back and said they wanted to fit all the missionaries into the chapel area and to close the overflow area. We moved a row of folding chairs from the overflow up behind the last row in the chapel. That is where we sat.
At 8:30 am, President Jones and Sister Jones lead the group of priesthood leaders into the chapel and onto the stand. All the missionaries stood as they entered. Church leaders accompanying our mission president were, Elder Oaks, of the Twelve; Elder Whitney Clayton, of the Presidency of the Seventy; Elder Gifford Nielson, of the First Quorum of the Seventy; Elder Randy Funk of the Second Quorum of the Seventy; and Elder Jack Ward, Area Authority Seventy. President Jones explained to the missionaries that all of those on the stand would come to the floor level and line up across the front. Then the missionaries would come forward starting from the front, row by row, and shake hands with all of the leaders.
It was a precious thing to watch the individual missionaries greet their president and his wife for the last time before they return to their home in Monroe UT on June 28. There were affectionate embraces, not just handshakes. It was a very emotional time for the Jones, and for many of the missionaries. What a special blessing to be able to have all of their 210 missionaries together one last time before leaving them behind. In the receiving line next to the mission president and his wife were Elder Oaks, then Elder Clayton, Elder Nielson, Elder Funk and Elder Ward. There is a “pecking order” in the Church. I don’t mean that in any derogatory sense. It is part of what President Packer calls “the unwritten order of the Church.”
After all of us had had the opportunity to greet and be greeted by the priesthood leaders, which took about fifteen minutes, the dignitaries returned to their seats on the stand. The prelude music resumed until time for the meeting to begin. After the opening hymn and prayer, a special musical number was offered. Two elders (one was Elder Kanahele who served with us in Kenosha Spanish when we first came) sang, accompanied by a sister on the piano and a sister on the violin. It was lovely and prepared us for hearing from those on the stand.
Sister Jones talked about the “tender mercies of the Lord” to them, and how thankful she was for serving at this time in Wisconsin. She made reference to the “I can do hard things” statement that has been quoted before. This was a very hard thing for her. Mostly she spoke of her gratitude and gave her testimony.
President Jones – The Book of Mormon is a very important part of the “marvelous work and wonder” referred to by Isaiah (ch. 29). He gave his testimony of the Lord’s work. The Book of Mormon teaches of the pride cycle, the doctrine of Christ, to build on the Rock of our salvation (Hel.5), that He is the Rock (3 Nephi 11). Our mission purpose (PMG) is the doctrine of Christ. Alma’s question, “if you’ve felt it previously, do you feel it now?” Making and renewing covenants, nourishes and strengthens our faith to be able to do harder things. This puts us into the upward spiral that is “enduring to the end.” Expressed his heartfelt gratitude and gave his testimony.
Elder James Ward – Area Authority Seventy – You will never forget your mission president and his wife. Jacob 1:5-7 – We do it first for ourselves, then for others. PMG, p.6 – purpose of the Gospel. “My missionary purpose.” PMG, p 146 – goals – D& C 4:4 – a sickle is a one person devise, we do our own missionary work personally, within our reach. Same with the ordinances.
Elder Randy Funk – Second Quorum of Seventy – newly sustained – (he and his wife were in the MTC with Pres. & Sister Jones, preparing to serve as mission president, was just recently released to serve as Seventy). The desires of your heart – New stake formed in India. Two men came to the gate and asked about what church the building was for. One was a minister for a Christian church. Invited them in to see the building and to listen to two young men who came. After listening one of the men said, “I always did believe that Jesus would have just one church.” PMG, p. 9 – Elder Oaks quote. Align your will with that of Heavenly Father. Suggestion PMG, p. 19, p.2. Study time becomes more meaningful and purposeful as we focus on understanding the Atonement. May give you the great desire to share the gospel.
Elder Gifford Nielson – First Quorum of Seventy – newly sustained – Preparation for this day; D&C 50:22, 24. I have done the same. This may be your perfect day to be instructed by and Apostle of the Lord. Expressed gratitude for Elder Oaks, who was Pres. of BYU when Elder Nielson attended there as a student. Pres. Oaks hired LaVell Edwards to be the football coach. As his FB coach LaVell has had a great impact on his life. Recently had open heart surgery in December; as he came out of surgery, all connected up to tubes, etc., said to his wife please call the bishop. We are not going to be able to attend tithing settlement. Please tell him we are full tithe payers. Timothy, “Be thou an example of the believers” – A key for him as stake president setting apart his missionaries – counsel them to be the kind of companion that each of their companions will say about their mission, “the best part of my mission was the time I spend serving with Elder _________.” You are a prophetic priority. You have the Prophet and Apostles praying constantly for you. Enoch’s call, Moses 6:26-27, 31-33, Moses 7:13 – can that happen to you?
Elder Whitney Clayton – Presidency of First Quorum of Seventy – Told experience with mission president in Canary Islands, the Hawaii of Spain. Goldar – no baptisms for 10 years. Impressed to send a very dedicated missionary with 6 weeks left to go, together with a brand new missionary to Goldar to baptize before going home. Found a family with 3 + 2 children, plus two more = 5 baptisms in 6 weeks after 10 years without any. Does not take some extraordinary thing – just obedience and faithfulness. Returning members to activity is just as important as baptizing. D&C 4:4, Alma 23:5, 6, 7. Be careful that you turn people to the Lord by inviting them . . . it is not about you. Be careful. Heard quoted by one of the Twelve, “It is an offense to a sacred ordinance to baptize someone who has not repented.” Help others bury the weapons of their rebellion . . . you do the same. D&C 112:30-32 – the power of having an Apostle with you. “Blessed to open the last dispensation . . .” (from Praise to the Man, opening hymn)
Elder Dallin Oaks – Quorum of the Twelve – this assignment is a first for him to have 4 Seventies with him. Always has at least 1, has had 2 many times, once or twice had 3, but never 4. D&C 28:8 – “sent out to establish the Church.” By teaching conversion; by teaching retention; by teaching re-activation. You are FT missionaries. General Authorities are FT for the term of their call. Once President Packer told the Apostles, “Your calling is to grow old and die on stage.” FT for life. Few people in the Church are full-time in their callings. It is a choice time to be a FT servant of the Lord. Update on Pres. Monson – looked terrible for the week after Sister Monson passed away; great concern for him felt. The next week he looked perfectly normal, even energized. Confirmed Elder Clayton’s quote, “It is an offense to a sacred ordinance to baptize someone who has not repented.” Challenge – can you find a scripture that talks about baptism that does not have repentance related to it. You should never think of baptism without repentance. RE: repentance – so often tied to remorse, sorrow. But true repentance means CHANGE! Even by degrees it is change. Repentance accompanied by confession to those we have wronged. Repentance precedes baptism. Repentance precedes taking the sacrament. The Spirit of the Lord will not dwell in unclean tabernacle. We each must repent. . . “that they may always have His Spirit to be with them.” D&C 20: 77
My scripture reading program – I don’t find a lot of spiritual nourishment reading the census of the Twelve Tribes in the Old Testament. Reads the other three Standard Works in rotation, with the O.T. every 4-5 years. Also studies scriptures by topic.
“Establish My gospel . . .” before the Church was organized. “Establish my Church . . .” after the Church was organized. It is an ongoing process. “Establishing my gospel” is centered on Christ’s Atonement. “Establishing my Church” is centered on the Lord’s prophet, and the keys he holds for all the ordinances and the blessings that flow from them. Missionaries are doing both.
Letter from missionary grandson about 4 years ago, never felt to share it, but does today. Re: How to start a conversation with local residents. Would you like to know why I am here? (principle – how do you get people interested to listen to you?) “We are here because we know families are meant to be eternal. We know that Christ’s Church was lost from the earth. It has now be brought back. May we tell you more about why we are here.?”
P-day is a missionary day too. Do GA’s have a P-day? Yes. Usually Monday. After returning from assignment we don’t go into our office on Monday. “get our hair cut” haha.
Influence of leaders in our lives (Elder Nielson’s reference to Coach Edwards). My stake president as a graduate student at U of Chicago, John K. Edmonds. People’s lives are touched one on one. Every servant will touch someone. Be worthy. Be willing. Be anxiously engaged, and the Lord will use you.
Story of meeting Olsen Amu, patriarch in Los Angeles area, Chinese ancestry, but grew up in American Samoa. His family gave the land for the Samoan Temple. Where did your name come from? Did not know. Father died as a baby and mother died when he was two. He was raised by other family members. No one ever told him why he was named Olsen. He was told he was named for a great teacher that was beloved by the people. Elder Oaks asked about his parents, what year would they have lived in Apia and gone to school there. Did some quick calculations, then said, “I will tell you who you are named for. My great grandfather was called to serve as a teacher at the Church school during the time that Bro. Amu’s parents would have been attending. They loved the teacher and named their son for him.
You are called to teach by the power of the Holy Spirit. Conduct your life so you can.
Today for you it is missionary work.
For your lifetime it covenants. Make them! Keep them!
Special Guests
Mormon Tabernacle Choir Concert
Father Mike, Teresa, Elder and Sis. Skinner
Teresa, Archbishop Listecki, and Father Mike
Father Mike...Thank You's
On Tue, Jun 18, 2013
Father Mike,
Again, we thank you for accompanying us to the concert last night. It was a joy for us to be in your company. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experiences. We are growing to love this area more each day. Having new friends like you and Teresa makes our growing attachment even greater.
Thank you for being instrumental in inviting Teresa to join us. That extra ticket was obviously meant for her! We really enjoyed getting to know her.
The pictures are attached. Hope you enjoy them. You're going to have some surprised friends!
Our best,
Charles & Vicki Skinner
Charles and Vicki
What a wonderful evening and a delight to be with you and so many of your co-believers who are courteous to the core. Thanks also for the pictures. Surely the debt is all mine, even for the delicious butter pecan cone!
Fr. Mike
June 18, 2013
Teresa,
Thank you again for accepting Father Mike's invite to accompany us to the concert. You were meant to be there! It was for you!
We have attached the pictures we took. Enjoy!
Charles & Vicki Skinner
Charles,
Thank you so much for a most enjoyable evening with you, your wife Vicki and Fr. Mike. It was great meeting you both!
We had a staff meeting this morning and I shared with everyone about how Archbishop Listecki got to conduct the Mormon Tabernacle Choir last night!
Thanks for sending the pictures!
I hope to see you on Sunday, June 30th at 8:50am for our 9:00am Mass!
Have a great day!
Theresa J
The Hand Of The Lord...
18 June 2013
The Hand of the Lord is always in His work. Yesterday proved again that this is true. What a blessing it is to see Heavenly Father’s hand in His work, as we surely did!
More than a month ago I attended the annual stake high priest quorum meeting. Branch president, David Calderwood, invited me to accompany him on Sunday evening. We road in his sports car to Hall’s Corner, (Milwaukee suburb) where the Milwaukee South Stake Center is located. President Bruner, the stake president, spoke at length about the Tabernacle Choir coming to Milwaukee. He emphasized that the purpose of their coming was to increase missionary work. He told us that we should buy tickets, then, pray to know the right persons to invite. He said, “If you don’t have the money to buy tickets, then, pray to know how to have the money.” I was touched by his bold counsel.
When I came home I shared with Vicki what the stake president had counseled. We agreed that we should be obedient. I went on line and ordered 4 tickets. They were about $45 each. For us, this was a significant amount. Following this, we began praying to know who we should invite to accompany us. After a week or more had passed, we decided to invite hermana Cecilia Roman, a recent baptism in the branch. She has a non-member friend that we asked her to invite to accompany us. After a week or so Cecilia said her friend would be out of the state at the time of the concert. So we began praying for direction on who else to invite. We finally settled on inviting Father Mike Newman, a fellow volunteer at the Shalom Food Pantry whom we have become acquainted with. Fr. Mike is a retired Catholic priest who lives at St. Marks rectory in Kenosha.
Fr. Mike accepted our invitation. Neither he nor Cecilia knew much about the Choir. We e-mailed a link to Fr. Mike from the Choir’s website regarding the 2003 Midwest Tour. It has samples of their performances, and people sharing their experiences in attending previous tour concerts. Fr. Mike became more excited about going. We gave Cecilia a CD of the Choir. She also became more excited.
Sunday, June 16, the day before the concert, Cecilia reluctantly told us she did not think she would be able to go. Her daughter would likely have to work on Monday evening, making it necessary for Cecilia to take care of the two grandchildren. We asked her to let us know if she couldn’t go, so we could try to find someone else to use the ticket. Cecilia texted about 8:30 Sunday night, saying she would not be going with us, and apologized.
Vicki and I immediately began thinking of who we might invite in Cecilia’s place. We made a list and decided to ask Heavenly Father what we should do. We slept on the dilemma. In the morning we had thought of Barb, the director of the Shalom Food Pantry, where we volunteer. Then the thought came to call Fr. Mike and explain to him what had happened, asking him who we should invite. We did so. One of his first suggestions was Barb. Vicki and I went to the Pantry to see Barb. It was about 10 AM. We told her about the concert and explained that Fr. Mike was going with us. She became very excited about the Choir and the opportunity to hear them in person. But then she explained that she had a meeting scheduled Monday evening that she could not miss. How she wished she could go.
At that point, we called Fr. Mike back and explained to him that since he knew so many more people than we did, we would like to put it in his hands to invite someone to use the extra ticket. He agreed to do it, and to let us know how things progressed. We continued to pray that Fr. Mike would be guided to someone who would be blessed by going with us.
A couple of hours later he called to say that he had talked to several people. He related that each one he had talked to spoke very enthusiastically about being able to hear the Choir, but they all had previous commitments Monday night. He said he had talked to John, a close friend who is now in his eighties, and who has had a funeral home business for decades in Kenosha. John very definitely wanted to go, but was up north at his cottage, but thought he could be back by 5 pm. Our plan was to be on the road by 6 pm. So we said John would be great, and let it go at that. At about 4:30 pm Fr.Mike called again to say that John would not be back in time to accompany us. He explained that a lady named Teresa Setter, who was the director of music at St. Mary’s Parrish, and a friend of his had come to his mind. He had invited Teresa and she excitedly accepted. She was very familiar with the Choir, loved their music, and could not believe she would actually be having the opportunity to hear it in person. Vicki and I felt good that we finally had two guests to accompany us.
We went by to pick up Fr. Mike just before 6 pm. Teresa was waiting to meet us at St. Mary’s church when we arrived. Finally, we were off to Milwaukee for the concert. Both our guests are long-time residents of Kenosha, Racine and Milwaukee. They knew much of the history of the area and delighted us with accounts of happenings and landmarks that we knew nothing of before. Our 45 minute drive was very pleasant and without incident. I had gone to Mapquest for driving directions to the Milwaukee Theater. We had them examine them and they said they could navigate us there much more directly, and they did.
We arrived at the Theater in downtown Milwaukee before 7 pm, and parked in the structure behind the Theater. We made our way into the Theater with the multitude of excited people who had also come to enjoy the Choir. Our seats were in the balcony, just off center and perhaps 6 rows up. It was a perfect place from which to enjoy the performance. The Choir and Orchestra were already in their places on stage. The entire stage was filled with people.
At the appointed moment, Mack Wilberg, Choir director, walked on stage, took the director’s podium. The concert was underway. The Choir performed two beautiful Welsh hymns. At the conclusion of the second one, Teresa said, “I think I am in heaven!” As the program continued through the evening, both of our guests were filled with joy at listening to the Choir live. Repeatedly they expressed their wonder and appreciation for being present. The program came to a close with the Choir singing “Come, Come, Ye Saints,” and “Battle Hymn of the Republic.” Then came a standing ovation. The director returned to the stage for the encore, “God Bless America.” Then came the second encore. The announcer explained that it was a tradition for the Choir to invite a local, well-known and loved person to direct the final encore. As he introduced the guest conductor, Archbishop Jerome Listecki, he came on stage, baton in hand, stopped before going on the podium and crossed himself. A huge smile came to his face as he stepped up and began to direct, “This Land is Your Land.” It was obvious that the Archbishop was enjoying himself. He was dressed in his formal habit, with his little red cap on his head. Several times he had to grab the hat to keep it from slipping off as he conducted. He conducted the Choir and Orchestra with great enthusiasm.
When the Archbishop was announced, Fr. Mike and Teresa were stunned. Their mouths dropped open and they gasped, “Archbishop Listecki here? To direct the Mormon Tabernacle Choir?” Then they seemed to relax and thoroughly enjoy it. At the conclusion of the number the Archbishop stepped off the podium, grinning, knelt on one knee and crossed himself again. Obviously his prayer had been answered. Our guests, over and over, expressed their wonder at what they had just seen.
As we descended to the lobby we found the Archbishop there greeting people. It was apparent that he was still enjoying himself. Both Fr. Mike and Teresa knew the Archbishop personally. We had them pose together and took their picture. Fr. Mike was so excited. He said, “Wait until I show that picture to my colleagues.” What a marvelous, unexpected conclusion to an amazing evening with the wonderful Choir.
Kyle Vincent, son of our dear friends from Parowan, is a member of the Choir. We had e-mailed with the Vincents and they with Kyle to try to arrange for us to meet him in front of the Theater after the concert. So we waited there for nearly 20 minutes without seeing any of the Choir members appear. What we didn’t realize was that the Choir members were all changing into their street clothes and preparing to board the 11 buses that would take them to their hotel. Finally we decided that we would not be able to meet Kyle. We began to go to the parking structure behind the theater. As we turned the corner of the theater and walked down the sidewalk, the choir members were coming from the back of the theater out to the front where their buses were awaiting them. All wore nametags. We watched for Kyle but did not see him.
About half way through the block I observed a couple walking with the Choir members, and said to myself, “that is my cousin.” As we met, he recognized me as well and we shook hands and embraced. It was Elder & Sister Craig Cardon of the Seventy. I am afraid my, “Well, hello my cousin,” was probably not the appropriate greeting to be used with a member of the Seventy. But it was what it was. They explained that they were on assignment from the Brethren to accompany the Choir on this tour. We introduced them to our guests and visited for a few minutes before going our separate ways. It was a sweet “family moment” for me. In retrospect, I am a bit embarrassed that I was not more formal in greeting them. They were very warm and kind and acted like all was as it should be. However, I feel I owe him an apology for being too familiar in that setting.
As we were leaving downtown Milwaukee, Teresa insisted we stop at Leon’s, a long time Milwaukee tradition. Their frozen custard is always in high demand. We each enjoyed the butter pecan cones and visited as we started the drive home.
As we drove back to Kenosha, the opportunity presented itself for me to explain many things regarding the LDS Church. A Restoration discussion was shared with our friends. After explaining what the Book of Mormon is and its role in the Church, I offered to give a copy to Fr. Mike. He did not respond, so I said I certainly did not want to in any way jeopardize his position at the rectory where he lives. Teresa just laughed. We all did. Teresa told us that her choir is going to be singing “Battle Hymn of the Republic” on Sunday, June 30th for the 9:00 am mass. She invited Vicki and me to attend with her. We accepted her invite. It has been a while since we attended mass.
While we arrived home very late Monday evening and were both very tired, we rejoiced in the fact that Heavenly Father had answered our prayers. It was His hand that was in the process of inviting the right people to the concert. Truly these two were supposed to be there.
How grateful we are to be His servants.
Mormon Road...
At the Mormon Road turn off to Burlington, WI
Kenosha District at Mormon Road
Miguel, Eric, Lupita and girls
Kenosha 2nd Branch, Primary
The 5 Euro Note!
Friday, June 7, 2013
Grateful For Our Missionary Calling....
6.6.2013
Dear Family & Friends,
Been a while since we wrote home; time to re-connect for a few minutes. Missionarying and life goes on in WI. You may be interested to know that last Sunday was the annual “Blessing of the Fleet” at Kenosha Harbor, as announced in the Kenosha News. Although it was rainy weather, the minister was at his designated spot to do his best for the boaters who wanted to be “blessed.” I am not sure how the man of the cloth was able to call down a blessing on “the Sabbath Breaker,” and other sister crafts that sailed past him Sunday. This may be one of the “mysteries I wondered if there might be a “blessing of the not fleet.” That is me. I may look into that further.
What are the chances??? We checked out a book from the local library, on Shelley’s recommendation, that had an interesting surprise in it. Since we have no TV, we spend some of our free evening time reading to each other. Anyway, as we were reading along in the book, we turned the page and a 5 Euro note fell out of the book. We both looked at the Euro, then at each other, and then up at Jordan’s picture on top of the cupboard, and said, “Wow! Jordan!” The note resulted in a personal letter from us to Elder Jordan Max Jones in the London South Mission. The 5 Euro note accompanied the letter. How does that happen?? Who knows? Anyway it brought us momentarily closer to our missionary grandson. Hope Jord can use it in the Motherland.
Flowers continue to bloom. We love their color interspersed with all the green. First it was the crocuses, then the daffodils, then the irises, now we see lilacs and some occasional poppies. It is interesting how they each seem to come in their time, but each adds brightness and beauty to the landscape. Almost all the trees are leafed out now. We begin to better understand why thickets may be called that. One could easily become lost in the amazingly dense stands of trees, bushes, ect. Not sure how each gets enough sunlight to make a go of it, but somehow they do. There are so many shades of green mixed together. Amazingly beautiful!
La familia Hernandez is continuing to prepare to go to the temple at the end of June. We travel west to Elkhorn (about 50 miles, one way) each Saturday morning to meet with them. They are unique compared to so many that we see and work with. They are legally married. They are faithful to each other. They have three beautiful children. They love each other. They have solid jobs. They are firm in the Restored Gospel. After reading Elder Scott’s talk (April 1999 Conf.) together, we committed them to include a request to Heavenly Father in each prayer that they offered, that He will help them be completely prepared for June 29th. Little Alexandra, the oldest daughter (age 10), was asked to offer the opening prayer in our Primary class Sunday. She offered a sweet prayer, including a request that Heavenly Father would bless her family to be ready to go to the temple on June 29th. “A child shall lead them.”
Eric & Lupita. We continue to accompany the elders in teaching Eric and Lupita. We have mentioned them before. Lupita was baptized a few years ago, then went inactive. She has two little girls, Emily (2) and Zayra (2 months), from different fathers. She is under church discipline. She and Eric are living together, un-married, as Eric is legally married to a different woman. He needs to get a divorce before Lupita and he can marry. Eric is a non-member. We were assigned to visit Lupita when we first came to the branch. We searched out her address and phone number and went to visit as HT/VT. She was very warm and welcoming. Said she had had no contacts with the church for more than 2 years. We began to re-teach her the basics of the gospel. She soaked it in. After a few visits we asked if we could meet Eric. He agreed. We had a wonderful first visit, inviting him to listen to the elders. He agreed. We have since been accompanying the elders on the teaches. Eric is very receptive. Now his younger brother, Miguel (19), has moved in. Miguel began listening to the elders last week. Sunday they were all at sacrament meeting. Zayra was blessed by the branch president. Lupita gave her testimony. She expressed her gratitude for the Skinners knocking on her door. She wants to be back in full standing in the church. Eric wants to continue being taught. Only problem is going to be for them to get legally married. As they were taught the 10 commandments last night, we promised them Heavenly Father would bless them to be able to overcome the obstacles that stand in their way of progressing spiritually, IF they would obey the commandments. Miguel has accepted a baptismal date. It will be interesting to watch the Lord’s hand in these people’s lives.
Pain in the knee. Aging and pain seem to go together. My left knee has been giving me fits for quite some time. Pain along the lateral aspect has made it very difficult to flex the knee. Finally we went to Dr. Rocco. His specialty is sports injuries. He examined both knees and then confidently said I had “ilio-tibial syndrome.” The ilio-tibial band connects to the knee on the outside just below the joint. He says he commonly sees it in bikers. He said the first order of treatment is to “identify and eliminate the offending behavior.” He began asking what I was doing that required me to bend the knee. Since all we do is walk, there was little I could come up with. Then he said, “Do you pray on your knees a lot?” Vicki began to laugh and confessed for me that I do spend a lot of time on my knees. Dr. Rocco looked at me and said, “You know you can pray standing, and besides you will be closer to the Source.” We had a good laugh. I said, “Dr. Rocco, that comment is going to cost you.” I handed him a Mormon Tabernacle Choir pass along card for the concert in Milwaukee on June 15th, and told him his wife would like to be taken to the concert. Anyway, we determined that by icing the knee and using ibuprofen the pain can be managed. If it persists, the next step will be a cortisone injection. I am now a stand up praying Pharisee.
Music instruction. Vicki’s music students have moved on from directing music, to learning the basics of keyboarding. The young people are really enjoying it, and Vicki finds it very satisfying to be able to share something that has the potential to bless the branch for the future. Sunday we did not have any accompanist for sacrament meeting. The hymns were “sung” without. If you have not been in a congregation of Spanish-speaking members singing hymns a cappella, you cannot appreciate how important the accompanist is to a branch. It is good for me to see Vicki blooming in this way. There are times when a husband just needs to be quiet and let his wife shine. She is amazing!!
Zone Training Meeting. Tuesday was our monthly ZTM. The Milwaukee South Zone gathers at Elkhorn chapel. It is the most central location for the Zone. We transported two sets of elders and a set of sisters with us. One of the items of business was the all mission meeting that will be held on June 15th in Neenah. That’s about 3 hours north of here. Elder Dallin Oaks will be the Apostle present. We will have two hours of instruction will him. It will be a special time for the missionaries.
Burlington WI is located about 15 miles before Elkhorn. On the way home we stopped to take a picture of our missionaries at Mormon Road in Burlington. A little bit of Church history. In 1835 Moses Smith and his family migrated from NY state to Wisconsin and settled at what is now Burlington. Two years later an LDS congregation was established there. After the Prophet Joseph and Hyrum’s martyrdom, James Strang, brother in law to Moses Smith, led away some of the members from Nauvoo to Burlington. Strang was shot to death in 1856 by one of his dissident followers. Many of this group eventually formed the Reorganized Church in 1860. Mormon Road in Burlington has an old rock building and a marker placed by the WI Historical Society commemorating the “Mormons” who settled Burlington. Interesting little bit of Church history in WI. Grandpa Skinner would have loved to visit this spot. Church history was his specialty. I thought a lot about him as we stopped by to visit Mormon Road. I surely miss him!
How thankful we are for this senior missionary calling that has brought us to WI. Thank you for your prayers in our behalf. We love you, each one!
Charles & Vicki
Enjoying The Change Of Seasons....
21 May 2013
Dear Family and Friends,
Yesterday’s temp was in the low 80s. Trees are mostly with leaves, but some of the reluctant ones are just now beginning to put out leaf buds. So many different shades of green. The early assault of dandy lions hit, and are now going to seed. One quickly notes which lawns have been treated with herbicide and which have not. The dandy lion must be the state flower of WI. If not, it should be. Daffodils and tulips have pretty much come and gone. Our walk down by the lake front last evening was pretty warm and humid (75%). More and more people in the parks and at the beach for the evening. However, we still see very few boats out on the lake. We expect this weekend will be the beginning of that (Memorial Day). The marina area, empty during the winter months, now has lots of large fishing boats tied up, each one creatively named. (like “Anger Management.”) Over at the Kenosha yacht club, the amazing sailboats have been coming out of the winter dry dock, and are now tied up in their marina, awaiting summer on Lake Michigan. One month from today will be the summer solstice, and suddenly daylight will begin to shorten, heading back towards the inevitable winter months. As you can see we are enjoying the seasonal differences we observe here.
The devastating tornado that hit Oklahoma yesterday has left us in shock. Our hearts go out to our brothers and sisters whose lives have been so suddenly changed. We mourn the loss of life, especially of the little ones. We expect that the Church and members will respond with humanitarian assistance in multiple ways. Nothing has yet been posted on the Church website about missionaries or members in the town that was hit. We pray for Heavenly Father to bless each one who has been touched by nature’s hand.
We are quick to wonder why these events happen. Why do some find themselves in the path of a vicious tornado, while others are spared the personal loss? We wonder about Heavenly Father and His love for His children. If He truly loves all His children, if He created all in this world, and if He has all power over His creations, why does He not protect everyone from such devastation? The questions continue . . . . . and then we may see that His great plan provides for His children to experience opposition even in the very nature of life. The opposition gives us the chance to exercise our precious agency. Perhaps that is what it is all about . . . . . our choosing again to follow Jesus Christ, in faith, not understanding all the whys, but knowing that He is real and His promises to us are true. “I know that my Redeemer lives! What comfort this sweet sentence gives!” His comforting assurance is a precious gift. How thankful I am for it, especially when difficult times come, and they do to all of us.
The Methodists. Our big missionary experience last week was going to Kenosha First United Methodist Church (Coach Heath would be proud of us!) for a Sunday morning conversation with a small group of “truth seekers (maybe).” This is how it came about. We received a call about ten days ago from Bro. Mike Moore, high counselor in our stake, also former bishop of Kenosha 1st Ward. He is assigned to public affairs for our stake, and in that capacity affiliates with the Kenosha County Association of Clergymen. In process of attending the association’s monthly meeting he was approached by Pastor Tim Burlew, of Kenosha’s FUMC, and asked if someone from the LDS Church might come to meet with the Methodist group. He gave Bro. Moore the name of the contact lady for the group, Ellen Kupfer. Bro. Moore talked with Ellen and found out that the group meets on Sunday mornings after the Methodist worship service, kind of like a Sunday School class. She said there were ten to fifteen people in the group depending on the Sunday. She asked for a brief history of the LDS Church, its basic beliefs, an explanation of what the Church celebrates, and some tips on how they might interact more successfully with a Mormon. Bro. Moore contacted our mission president about having missionaries accompany him. President Jones suggested he invite Elder and Sister Skinner to give the presentation. Bro. Moore’s initial contact with us was to make the request and to talk about what we might do to make the presentation a success.
After receiving the assignment we called Ellen Kupfer to introduce ourselves and to ask a few more questions about the group. Seems they have had some other religions come to talk to them, Judaism, Buddaism. She suggested an informal conversation about Mormonism would be appreciated. We were to plan for about an hour. As this assignment was something quite out the ordinary for us, we discussed it several times, and prayed for help to know what to do, and to be able to do it in a way it might be received favorably. We knew it was important that we do it together, not just me doing the talking, as is usually the case, because of the Spanish. Vicki was good with that. We decided she would tell a little about us, then, give a brief history of the Church. We would see where their questions might take us from there.
So Sunday morning at nine we headed the Pilot down towards the old part of town to the Kenosha FUMC. It is a beautiful old church (there are so many of them), more than a hundred years old. We entered the side door and went up the stairs to the Great Room. Members of the congregation were just coming out of their worship service. The Great Room had round tables and chairs for people to sit and have coffee, while discussing the pressing issues of the day. Here we were met by Ellen and a man named John. Bro. Moore and a non-LDS friend of his were already present. We were introduced by Bro. Moore to the others. Then John and Ellen took us the room where the group would be meeting. It was a large room nearby which had at one end couches and chairs arranged in a conversational way. The other end of the room had a large dining table surrounded by about ten chairs. Around the perimeter of the room were additional chairs. Vicki and I sat at one end of the table and awaited the arrival of the members of the group. Within a few minutes we had a combined total of about fourteen people. Bro. Moore introduced us to the group as a senior missionary couple from AZ serving with the Spanish branch of the Church in Kenosha for eighteen months. Then he turned it over to us.
Vicki very briefly shared a little about us and our family. We hoped somehow they would see us as just regular folks much like them. We reminded them of Ellen’s instructions to us, and then Vicki began to share the history of the LDS Church. She did a wonderful job, especially explaining that the LDS Church is the “restored” Church of Jesus Christ. We talked about what “restored” means. I then began to explain how important the reformation period was in preparing for this “restoration.” Vicki had talked about the need for proper authority, the priesthood, and explained how it had been restored. As she concluded, many questions began to be asked. We spent most of the rest of the time addressing the questions. There was a very peaceful, friendly atmosphere. There was no spirit of contention at all. How grateful we were for that. One man interjected that he perceived a profound theological difference between the Protestant theology and the LDS. He then proceeded to cite Joseph Smith’s teaching that man could progress to become like God. He even cited, “As man is God once was; and as God is man may become.” He asked how such a theology could be justified. This was the first negative vibe we had sensed. We had not even considered that anyone might ask such a question. Nevertheless, the Spirit did not fail us. To my mind came the Savior’s exhortation, “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father in Heaven is perfect.” I quoted it to him and the group, commenting that it certainly sounded like there must be the divine potential in each of us to become like God. Almost immediately another man in the group said that scripture was of central importance to Methodists, as they are striving to become more God-like. The first questioner was suddenly silent and an feeling of peacefulness was restored. Heavenly Father’s promise to His servants was fulfilled, as the very words that I needed were given to me in the moment they were needed. How thankful we were to be His servant.
As we were concluding, a lady asked what the Methodists should do when the young pairs of missionaries knock on their doors. I responded, “If it is summer, please invite them in and offer them a cold drink of water, and listen to them. If it is winter, please invite them in and invite them to warm themselves, and listen to them.” Everyone chuckled and nodded their heads. It was a very delightful experience for Vicki and me.
Today was our weekly DTM (District Training Meeting). Our DL, Elder Chang, a Hmong elder from CA, did the teaching regarding the Doctrine of Christ. Four new missionaries are in our district since last week’s transfer, three sisters and one elder. The elder is from Guatemala, via Chicago. He was actually driven to Milwaukee from Chicago, without going to the MTC. I understand he probably does not have legal papers, thus he made his way to Chicago about 4 months ago to be with family members, and then was called from there to this mission. We have three sisters in our district who are “visa waiters,” one waiting to go to Brazil, and two awaiting visas to Peru (my dear old Andes Mission). It was fun to share a few memories with the two going to Peru. Incidently, Bro. Moore gave us an LDS Church Almanac as a reference for the Methodist group. He invited us to keep it. I had to look up Peru to see what had happened there since 1961-1964. Pretty amazing. It was such a struggle back then. No chapels anywhere in the country. We were just opening up many of the larger cities. I helped with the opening of Cuzco, being in the second set of four that went there. It was a real struggle in so many ways. Many times I wondered if what we did was worth anything at all. Peru today – more than ½ million members of the Church; 98 stakes (two in Cuzco); 10 missions; 3 temples (1 in operation, 1 almost completed, 1 just announced in Oct.) Thank goodness Heavenly Father sees beyond what we see. Thank goodness His hand is always in His work. We must move forward with faith, doing our little part, whatever that happens to be.
The DL made reference to Pres. Eyring’s recent Gen. Conf. talk, “Come Unto Christ.” I read it after the meeting. Some of his teachings jumped right out at me. “As we give devoted service to Him, He draws closer to those we love in our families. . . . . Many of you have loved ones who are wandering off the path to eternal life. You wonder what more you can do to bring them back. You can depend on the Lord to draw closer to them as you serve with faith. . . . Your prayers and the prayers of those who exercise their faith will bring the Lord’s servants to help your family members. They will help them choose the way home to God.” This promise is being fulfilled in Stuart’s life right now. Bro. and Sis. Hale are helping Stuart begin to open his heart again to the Lord and His wonderful plan for His children. I think this is why we are here in Kenosha.
What a blessing to be the Lord’s servants. It is a blessing to each of us wherever we are, in whatever capacity we serve His children. I know it is His work we are engaged in, regardless of how our feeble efforts may be utilized at any given time. I know He honors His promise to put His words into the mouths of His servants at the needed time. He did it again for me, for us. I feel His great love, and know He offers it freely to each of His children who will receive it. I pray we each will.
Love,
Charles & Vicki
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