BEING A HUSBAND, FATHER AND PRIESTHOOD LEADER

by: Norberto Betita

A paralyzed Branch President in Ghana

He went on a leave of absence from his daily waged job with the government depriving his family of a day’s income of PHP175.00 if only to be able to help save his flock---members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, from the threats of violent flooding. He called those who might be able to assist him in his efforts of assisting the evacuees but denied for reason that the family of the one appointed to help him in his ecclesiastical responsibility was in a hospital. But he did without anyway.

On one occasion he was instructed by those in authority to call on the personnel of the Church purposely employed to assist ecclesiastical leaders for instruction on how to deal with a large cluster of evacuees--members and non-members who took shelter at a Church meetinghouse. He obeyed only to be insulted and branded as mistrust. But in patience he did what was necessary, with so little expression of dismay. He was a Branch President. 

A sister suffering from cancer and her husband approached their appointed leader for counsel on how to deal with their problem. They confront their crisis in accord with the inspired instruction of their leader. They went to the best doctor, but sensed that the cost is not affordable and the healing promise not absolute and conclusive. The sister decided she would rather wait for her final appointment with God. However, her husband could not afford to just look at her in pain and suffering without the benefit of hospital care. Hence, he decided to convey her ailing body for hospital confinement. Their substantial savings from retirement and his share from the sale of a family property were drained. He requested the appointed leader if there is anything he could help. The leader requested for a fast offering assistance, but denied. I saw his tears as he read the text message of disapproval. He should have every reason to bring the matter to higher authorities. He refused for reason that his emotions might destroy his ability to receive inspirations that would be best for the suffering family. He perhaps was reminded of the words of Elder Boyd K. Packer, “The spiritual part of us and the emotional part of us are so closely linked that it is possible to mistake an emotional impulse for something spiritual. We occasionally find people who receive what they assume to be spiritual promptings from God, when those promptings are either centered in the emotions or are from the adversary.”

The following day he visited with the husband and told him in words most compassionate and kindly that the request had been disapproved. As I have the opportunity to witness, I felt the weight as I saw the loving and concerned husband with hands hung down. Late in the afternoon the husband came requesting his leader to visit his wife upon her request. The leader went and visited the suffering sister and conversed with her. But her tongue could no longer form a word to utter, she responded in signs that she wanted her leader to sing a hymn. Her words were no longer comprehensible as she desired to express the hymn she wanted to hear. Her leader tried a few but only to receive signs of denial, until he finally was inspired to sing, “How Great Thou Art”. The dear sister nodded in affirmation, and while the leader sung an emotional solo rendition in a hospital room, the sister slept in peace to her final rest. The leader was his Branch President. 

Sometimes I feel impatient each time I text message our District President and he would not even respond. Oftentimes I would receive his reply only late at night, or early morning the following day, or no reply at all. Then I came to realize that during his work hours he has to put off his cellphone because the ring tone sometimes become a shocker while he is up the climb of electrical posts as an electrician---cable TV lineman. 

He works eight hours-six days a week. He presides over six smaller units called branches of the church. Each Sunday he schedules a visit to one unit. When there are meetings with higher authorities which are scheduled generally during Saturdays and also during conferences, he has to go on a leave of absence. Usually he is not allowed to go on leave by his employer, yet by his earnest desire to serve and be taught by those in authority above himself, he usually go with unapproved leave of absence, and report back to work fabricating reasons of untruth. 

Such are some of the unheralded experiences, circumstances and sacrifices of the front line leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, particularly in the countryside. These sad and lonely experiences in the field are not always known by those who preside over them. They are kept in the hearts. There are so many of them in voluntary service. They vary in circumstances, experiences, levels of educations, professions, but they have one common objective---to serve the Lord and His people. They are educators, farmers, fishermen, carpenters, tricycle drivers, IT professionals, etc.. 

Unlike those ecclesiastical leaders in the Metropolitan areas they do not sport luxury cars. They go by second hand motorcycles, and many of them walked their way in ministering to their members. In the metropolis most members are gainfully employed, and so leaders take pride of high percentages of attendance. In the countryside these humble servants serve members who are unschooled and unemployed, and generally underemployed which make leadership callings more complex. Most members are going to the metropolitan areas where employments are easily available and Church employment centers are established to assist them and so leave the branches devoid of Priesthood leadership. 

These men do not wear the kind of expensive white shirts and ties that others are sporting. What many of them have remind me of an experience of Elder Boyd K. Packer when, “he was embarrassed as a new General Authority to go with one of the senior Brethren to a meeting of Church leaders because he did not have an adequate white shirt to wear.” (Quentin L. Cook). But they move with dignity and honor without regard for what the world around them would say.

Not one of them applied for such leadership positions in the Church. They are called by inspiration, “and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority” (Articles of Faith 5) over them. They are neither asked about their resume nor their qualifications. They are only asked fundamental questions of worthiness. They often openly express their inadequacies, but are eventually motivated by the knowledge that, “It is the Lord’s work, and when” they “are in the Lord’s errand,” they “are entitled to the Lord’s help.” They are promised, “Whom the Lord calls, the Lord qualifies.” (Thomas S. Monson). So, as duty calls they are always in the front line. They serve in different capacities---Branch President, District President, Elders’ Quorum President, Branch Mission Leader, and several others. 

On top of this mantle of Priesthood authority they are endowed and bestowed with divine responsibility of being husbands and fathers. These make their way of life very much different from the professional clergy. Their “Mormon” way of life becomes even more complicated and strenuous. 

As a husband he is bound by the pattern of marital intimacy which the Lord so specifically commanded, “Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the Church, and gave himself for it. So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church.” (Ephesians 5:25, 28-29). As such his relationship as well as his duty towards his wife becomes preeminent. 

Being a father he is called upon to “provoke not” his “children to wrath; but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.” (Ephesians 6:4). His greatest “work is within the walls of his own home.” (Harold B. Lee). This paternal call requires that the family should be of paramount importance and should take precedence over all other activities and ambitions for “No other success can compensate for failure in the home.” (David O. McKay). This responsibility carries with it the duty to provide, which therefore make him subject to his employer for the resources that he has to bring into the family. And there is what President Ezra Taft Benson described as, “One of the most difficult tests of all…when you have to choose between pleasing God or pleasing someone you love or respect---particularly a family member. The Lord said, “He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.” (Matthew 10:37). 

This common dilemma among Priesthood leaders in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints or “Mormons” are like a compilation of their life’s drama in trilogy---being a husband, a father, and a Priesthood leader with one definite ending, “To bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.” (Moses 1:39). 

Thomas S. Monson promised, “The Lord will shape the back to bear the burden placed upon them,” And so they continue in faith to bear with patience and perseverance the triple responsibility of trust which are divinely bequeathed upon them.

GOD’S ENCIRCLING HANDS OF MERCY---THE TYPHOON YOLANDA TRAGEDY

by: Norberto Betita

Since day one when electricity was restored in our place I had been watching news both from television and the internet and those shared in the social media. The terrible and most tragic images of the ruins and rubble, and video footage of the catastrophic and heart breaking scenes of the remains and the victims filled my heart with sadness and remit tears into my eyes for compassion. The panoramic images of the destruction are one of desolation. My first thoughtful assessment caused me to believe that with almost all buildings in ruins only few survived.  I did not even believe the original estimates of the United Nations of a possible 10,000 deaths. I thought there must have been more.  And I was even surprised that until now there were only 3,633 actual count of the death toll, to think that Tacloban City has a population of 221,174; Ormoc City has 92,345; and Palo Leyte has 62,727. These communities were the hardest hit of the devastating storm surge.

   

As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, I was not only worried about the Filipino people who were affected by the typhoon, but I am also concerned about the welfare of the members of the Church and especially the young missionaries serving in the Philippines Tacloban Mission which covers the whole of the extremely ravaged areas.  My heart breaks as some of the parents of these youthful missionaries were on international television expressing worries about their children who were assigned in the Philippines whom they could not contact. The grim pictures of the destruction might have even magnified their worries, and I was also moved with compassion as a parent.

The scriptural warnings-

Since Old Testament times until the advent of modern revelations, the Lord through His prophets had continually voiced His warnings about the calamitous events that will take place. He usually declared these things to help the people to prepare.

The prophet Isaiah foretold of a visit “of the Lord of hosts with thunders, and with earthquakes, and great noises, with storm and tempest, and the flames of devouring fire.” (Isaiah 29:6).

Jesus Himself foretold of the calamities that precedes His Second coming. He warned us of “wars and rumours of wars” with assurance that “these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.” He said, “There shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places” which “are” to be “the beginning of sorrows.” (Matthew 24:6-8).

As I look back to those disasters that happened in Sumatra, Indonesia earthquake and tsunami; the Japan earthquake and tsunami and this recent typhoon Yolanda tragedy which costs thousands of lives and great destruction to properties and infrastructures I am clearly reminded of the strongest statement of warning which the Lord Himself uttered, “For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.”  Then He made it clear that, “except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened.” (Matthew 24:21-22). In such statements we are made to understand that if these calamities should have continued for a number of days before it subside, no one will be spared. And His promise is clear that for the sake of the righteous, he made these calamities only for a short time, reminding us that he is in control.  

In the Book of Mormon we read of inconceivable destruction which happened immediately following the death of Jesus Christ in Jerusalem. It was described as “a great storm, such an one as never had been known in all the land...it did shake the whole earth as if it was about to divide asunder...there were exceeding sharp lightnings...the city of Moroni did sink into the depths of the sea, and the inhabitants thereof were drowned...the earth carried up...that in the place of the city there became a great mountain...the face of the land was changed...the highways were broken....roads were spoiled...many great and notable places were sunk...many were burned...buildings...had fallen to the earth...the inhabitants...were slain...and the places were left desolate.” (3 Nephi 8:5-10, 12-14).

In modern day revelations the Lord revealed to the prophet Joseph Smith the calamities that are to happen after the many testimonies of the truth shall have been declared. He said, “wrath and indignation” shall come “upon the people”...then “cometh the testimony of earthquakes, that shall cause groanings...and men shall fall upon the ground and shall not be able to stand...and cometh...the voice of thunderings, and the voice of lightnings, and the voice of tempests, and the voice of the waves of the sea heaving themselves beyond their bounds...all things shall be in commotion; and surely, men’s hearts shall fail them; for fear shall come upon the people.” (Doctrine and Covenants 88:88-91).

These prophesied terrible disasters had never been felt in short succession than now. As I think of the storm surge or the tsunami that befell Tacloban City, I found such a fitting description as “the voice of the waves of the sea heaving themselves beyond their bounds.” (Doctrine and Covenants 88:90).

God’s  encircling hands of mercy -

I had been following daily the Mormon Newsroom if only to know the conditions of both the members and the missionaries, while I follow daily the regular television news series for the fate of all the Filipino people in the affected areas. Tonight, November 17, 2013, as I lead a prayer for our food, I have to stop three times to hold back my shivering voice as my thoughts carried me to those who have nothing to eat. I explained to my grandchildren that I cried because while we have a very humble meal laid properly on the dining table, I am reminded of those victims of typhoon Yolanda who may not have enough food to eat and are taking their scanty meal on unkempt and still messy shelters. The aftermath of the cataclysm and the continued posts on Face book of the panoramic comparison of the affected communities before and after the monstrous disaster haunts me each day.  Until I saw on ABC news one missionary, a sister Rebekka Guy, interviewed by a news caster while on their way with other missionaries to take the U.S. C-130 plane en-route to Manila.  I was delighted to see the smiling faces of the rest of the missionaries as they lined towards the waiting airplane. Later I was totally relieved as I read the official news that all the 204 missionaries of the Philippines Tacloban Mission were spared. Then in my readings I found these words from Elder James E. Faust:

 “Missionaries are literally in the hands of the Lord. We wish that all of them could be kept totally out of harm’s way all of the time, but that is not realistic. Missionaries, their families, and leaders trust fully in the Lord’s watch care, and when a rare tragedy strikes, they are sustained by the Spirit of Him whom they serve.”

I learned later that there were ten sister missionaries evacuating in an apartment. The account reported by the Deseret News reads:

“The sister missionaries worked together. Sister Schaap punched a hole through an opening in a flimsy wall, and the group of 10 swam through the murky water that would soon carry their journals and clothes and pots and pans out to sea. Those who couldn’t swim clung tightly to their companions.

“The sisters used the rope to reach a nearby roof. Sister Smith stood on the rain gutter, the other nine sister missionaries shivering beside her, the rain still coming down in sheets. Hours had passed since the beginning of the storm, and yet the sky above Tacloban was still gray, shrouded by fog.

“Sister Smith said thoughts of dying left her mind. But some of the sisters appeared pale and their bodies were shaking. The water was still rising and they feared it would engulf them.

“One of the sisters suggested they pray. They huddled close together, bowed their heads, and with the rain dripping down their chins, asked God to make the water stop. And then, in what Sister Smith could only describe as the greatest miracle of her life, the sea stopped rising.”

Perhaps should the water did not stop rising in a day or two all will be engulfed and “there should no flesh be saved.”  Such a miraculous manifestation was but a fulfillment of God’s promise that “for the elect’s sake” the calamities “shall be shortened.” (Matthew 24:21-22).

While all the missionaries were already accounted for and gathered in, there now comes the problem of transporting them back to Manila for rest and reassignment. Elder Ardern, a counselor in the Area Presidency in the Philippines had already flown to the devastated area immediately on the fourth day after the super typhoon left unspeakable ruins.

The Deseret News wrote, “As they walked, elder Ardern tried to arrange a flight out. He had booked flights in Manila, but thousands of other survivors had mobbed the Tacloban airport. The ticket agent told him if he wanted a flight out, he’d have to pay more to get his 205 missionaries to safety.

“As Elder Ardern tried other options, the missionaries milled about what was left of the airport terminal, its walls blasted out by the gale force winds of the storm. And then, a final miracle.

“An Army sergeant with a C-130 airplane, assigned by the U.S. government to fly Americans out of the disaster area, said he had a feeling he should walk through the terminal one more time. As he did, he saw out of the corner of his eye what looked like the nametag of a Mormon missionary. The sergeant, a Mormon himself, asked if the missionary was American. When he said he was, the sergeant told him he could arrange flights out for all the American and foreigners in his C-130.

“Before the day had ended, many of the missionaries Elder Ardern had come for were flying out of Tacloban. By week’s end, all of the missionaries in the area would be evacuated to Manila, where they would await a new assignment in other missions in the Philippines.”

The catastrophic warning-

Many thought that this tragedy brought about by typhoon Yolanda and other disasters that befell the whole earth for that matter are punishments from God. I believe it otherwise. These catastrophes are perhaps merely the way by which God sends us messages of warning to wake us up before His final wrath and indignation will fall upon us. We are told, “For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth...” (Hebrews 12:6). As prophesied these are but preludes to the greatest calamities and tragedies that are yet to come before His eventual Second Coming that we may be better prepared. Both the righteous and the wicked will have to face the challenges and adversities. To those who are affected by this experience they will find added strength and faith.  

For those of our loved ones who die the Lord has promised: “those that die in me shall not taste of death, for it shall be sweet unto them; and they that die not in me, wo unto them, for their death is bitter.” (Doctrine and Covenants 42:46-47). Yet it is still the Righteous Judge of all who shall give our dead their proper places in the life hereafter.

To the survivors he declared, “it shall come to pass that he that hath faith in me to be healed, and is not appointed unto death, shall be healed.” (Doctrine & Covenants 42:48). All our sufferings and our difficulties will eventually help us to rise above the refiner’s fire and endure the fiery darts of life. The Lord promised, “I...will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, it is my people: and they shall say, The Lord is my God.” (Zechariah 13:9)

In the midst of the same difficulties and trials we suffered, Ezra Taft Benzon’s words to the Filipinos in 1975 are reminiscent, “Every reversal can be turned to our benefit and blessing and can make us stronger, more courageous, more godlike (Ezra Taft Benzon, Philippine area Conference, 1975).

As these catastrophic warnings continually threaten our land and people, perhaps it is best to remember these lines and sing:

When the earth begins to tremble,

Bid our fearful thoughts be still;

When thy judgments spread destruction,

Keep us safe on Zion’s hill.

(Quoted by Gordon B. Hinckley).

No matter how deep the valleys of grief we now face, no matter how insurmountable the mountains of tragedies we are to climb, know that the extended hands of mercy of Jesus Christ is always right at our elbow.

BUILDING AND BREAKING OUR SPIRITUAL COCOON

by: Norberto Betita

In one of our family home evenings, my son Robert Sherwin started his lessons about a story of two caterpillars strolling around. One of them observed a tower where many other insects were struggling to climb as though there is something very significant over the top. The other caterpillar was somewhat intrigued by the enthusiasm of the many insects and asked those who had returned what was on top of the tower. But no one ever told their experience. The Caterpillar was all the more enthused and become very desirous to go up. He invited his friend to go with him, but such instead discouraged him vehemently. The caterpillar was so engrossed with his desire to know of the things on top of the tower that he left his friend and slowly climb the tower. It was a long and weary ascent only to find nothing of importance to him. While he was going down from the tower, he noticed a beautiful yellow butterfly. He was so attracted at the beauty of the butterfly that he wished he would have been one.  He was impressed at the beauty of his wings and his ability to fly as if dancing with the wind over the horizon.

Suddenly the butterfly flew near the caterpillar and landed in front of him, and to his surprise told him that he was his friend.  He was informed that while he was climbing the tower, he started to build a cocoon. It was very hard and immensely difficult work, but all the efforts are worth for he now could fly.

I have read and heard several versions of stories about caterpillars and butterflies, but I love this version because it points to some familiar and realistic accounts relative to the actual events of worldly demeanor and patterns of life.

In the never ending march of humanity into the long road of earthly journey many eyes are focused on the tempting and alluring sights all around them. The thoughts and desires for expensive homes, modern luxury cars, branded clothes, and intricately designed personal accessories---rings, necklaces and bracelets, extends tempting invitation to every wandering soul as depicted by the caterpillar and other insects in the story. Their ways points to greater speculations for worldly riches and affluence rather than in discovering their eternal potentials.  They take the comfortable and broad way of the journey and unsuspectingly enter the wide gate that leads to their own destruction.

However, like the caterpillar turned butterfly, others take the narrow and difficult passage into the race of mortality. They trudge the tough and most challenging course and bend their backs while carrying the burdens of life’s contest.  They endure every required effort to win the race. And by obedience to their eternal coach, they were trained to stretch their wings and learn to fly closer to their eternal journey to partake of the sweetest prize of eternal life.

The same circumstances was also portrayed and described in Lehi’s vision of the Tree of Life:

“And I also cast my eyes round about, and beheld, on the other side of the river of water, a great and spacious building; and it stood as it were in the air, high above the earth.

“And it was filled with people, both old and young, both male and female; and their manner of dress was exceedingly fine; and they were in the attitude of mocking and pointing their fingers towards those who had come at and were partaking of the fruit.

”And after they had tasted of the fruit they were ashamed, because of those that were scoffing at them; and they fell away into forbidden paths and were lost.”

“ And he also saw other multitude feeling their way towards that great and spacious building.

“And it came to pass that may were drowned in the depths of the fountain; and many were lost from his view, wandering in strange roads.

“And great was the multitude that did enter into that strange building. And after they did enter into that building they did point the finger of scorn at me and those that were partaking of the fruit also; but we heeded them not.  (1 Nephi 8:26-28, 31-33)

In contrast, Lehi “saw other multitudes pressing forward; and they came and caught hold of the end of the rod of iron; and they did press their way forward, continually holding fast to the rod of iron until they came forth and feel down and partook of the fruit of the tree.” (1 Nephi 8:30).

The description of those multitude mocking and pointing fingers to those who intends to come to partake of the fruit of the tree and scoffing those who already have partaken of the fruit that they were led astray and fell into forbidden paths is now an extreme reality.

I witness these sad realities daily common even in the social media. When there is a negative post about somebody, hundreds or even thousands will join in negative comments. When popularity is in publication, likes and shares are in number almost innumerable confirming partnership in worldly camaraderie.

But others on the other hand refuse to give heed to the fingers of scorn and instead press forward and hold fast to the rod of iron or the word of God and eventually joyfully partook of the fruit of the tree of life. Such was the attitude of the caterpillar turned butterfly.

Pressing forward and holding fast to the word of God was never an easy task, especially as we consider the underlying and magnifying temptations and glamorous demands of worldly lusts and pleasures. The valleys of adversities and rivers flowing with filthiness all around the bridge to eternal finish line require so much spiritual strength to endure. The current of materialism; the lures of pornography; the torrents of infidelity; and such other worldly allurements, become a continued threat to every faithful soul. However, as these things are bravely mustered and successfully endured they become our spiritual cocoon.

Joseph B. Wirthlin explained, “Wrapped tightly in its cocoon, the developing chrysalis must struggle with all its might to break its confinement. The butterfly might think, Why must I suffer so? Why cannot I simply, in the twinkling of an eye, become a butterfly?

“Such thoughts would be contrary to the Creator’s design. The struggle to break out of the cocoon develops the butterfly so it can fly. Without that adversity, the butterfly would never have the strength to achieve its destiny. It would never develop the strength to become something extraordinary.

“Adversity can strengthen and refine us. As with the butterfly, adversity is necessary to build character in people. Even when we are called to sail through troubled waters, we need to know the place of adversity in shaping our divine potential.”

“The testing processes of mortality are for all men, saints and sinners alike. Sometimes the tests and trials of those who have received the gospel far exceed any imposed upon worldly people. Abraham was called upon to sacrifice his only son. Lehi and his family left their lands and wealth to live in a wilderness. Saints in all ages have been commanded to lay all that they have upon the altar, sometimes even their very lives.” (Bruce R. McConkie).

My long years of struggles and battles against adversities and the refining tests of mortality of various nature and intensity levels had continually formed and built into a silk envelope or confinement of my personal spiritual cocoon, which as with the butterfly I need to break and endure in order to enjoy the beauty and grandeur of the promised eternity.

BETWEEN DEATH AND RESURRECTION

by: Norberto Betita

The sad and tragic view of increasing number of dead bodies lined and laid on the debris-filled streets and on storm-ravaged buildings in Tacloban and other Cities of Leyte as a result of the terrifying and ferocious fury of the reported strongest typhoon in world history is truly reaching the point of intense suffering particularly to the family and relatives of the victims. As we daily witness and see the seemingly unbearable pain of losing loved ones in the aftermath of a devastating calamity and painful tragedy, we are moved with genuine compassion and deepest sympathy to the bereaved families, especially as they stood beside the lifeless bodies of a loving husband and a devoted wife; a dear son or a beloved daughter; a tender hearted father and an affectionate mother; and dearly beloved grandparents forlornly wrapped in windswept rugs. In faces infused with sadness and melancholy, we seemed to hear the secret undertones of heartfelt petition, “O God, where art thou? And where is the pavilion that covereth thy hiding place? How long shall thy hand be stayed, and thine eye, yea thy pure eye, behold from the eternal heavens the [sufferings] of thy people..., and thine ear be penetrated with their cries?” (D & C 121:1-4.) Yet nothing else could be done as our loved ones had finally entered the tranquil doors of death and quietly gone to their final rest. We can’t help but feel sorrow and pain, and so fill our eyes with tears for the loss of them that die.

Birth and death are two of the most important events in life. Our entrance in this mortal probation which we call birth is a journey from eternity to eternity. The poet William Woodsworth understood this truth as he expressed and penned these lines:

Our birth is but a sleep and a forgetting

The soul that rises with us, our life star

Hath had elsewhere its setting

And cometh from afar

Not in entire forgetfulness

And not in utter nakedness

But trailing clouds of glory do we come

From God who is our home

Heaven lies about us in our infancy.

And, what a thrilling thing it is to sit on and fly with “the trailing clouds of glory” to come to earth and be born of goodly parents and live in a loving family relationship. Yet to die acceptably is even of paramount importance.

To many of us death is a very unpleasant subject of conversation; as such we do not want it to be a part of our regular dialogues. Not many writers would even attempt to pen articles concerning death and dying. We generally hear messages of death in eulogies as lifeless bodies are laid during funerals and finally marched and unhurriedly pushed into their silent graveyard. We failed to comprehend the importance of dying for we do not understand the meaning of infinite life.

As I think of the estimated 10,000 dead bodies---victims of typhoon Yolanda with plans to bury their remains in a common graveyard, my heart is pained as I realized the annihilating consequence of nature’s wrath. The tragic event deprived the dead of a respectable and appropriate funeral which their loved ones even in poverty should have been so willingly and fittingly provided their departed under normal circumstances. However, it is my hope that the victims should understand that this is not a punishment from a loving God. These dreadful occurrences are fulfillment of prophecies long foretold by prophets and apostles, reminding and warning us to prepare for the glorious Second Coming of the Lord. Perhaps, instead of worrying so much about the destruction and the urgent need to satisfy physical destitution, we might as well try to find time to meditate and imagine what would happen to these our loved ones which are laid to their final rest.

Perhaps we might ask what of mortal death, the natural death, the death of the body and of the state of these souls of men whose final consummation are imposed and heretofore laid in view?

Sterling W. Sill once related the story of the old Grecian tragedy written around the fall of Athens. A Roman general had captured an Athenian philosopher and had told him that he meant to put him to death. The Athenian didn’t seem very disturbed and so the Roman thought that probably he didn’t understand. And so he said to the Athenian that maybe he didn’t know what it meant to die. The Athenian said that he thought he understood it better than the Roman did. And then he said to the Roman, ”Thou dost not know what it means to die, for thou dost not know what it means to live. To die is to begin to live. It is to end all stale and weary work to begin a nobler and a better. It is to leave deceitful knaves for the society of gods and goodness.”

The Apostle Paul declared, we die “and, behold, we live” (2 Cor. 6:9) for, “As in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.” (1 Cor. 15:22.)

I was prompted to reread the account of the prophet Alma in the Book of Mormon as he taught his sinful son Corianton about “a space between the time of death and the resurrection” which he “inquired diligently of the Lord to know.”

“Now, concerning the state of the soul between death and the resurrection---Behold, it has been made known unto me by an angel, that the spirits of all men, as soon as they are departed from this mortal body, yea, the spirits of all men, whether they be good or evil, are taken home to that God who gave them life.

“And then shall it come to pass, that the spirits of those who are righteous are received into a state of happiness, which is called paradise, a state of rest, a state of peace, where they shall rest from all their troubles and from all care and sorrow.

‘And then shall it come to pass, that the spirits of the wicked, yea, who are evil---for behold, they have no part nor portion of the Spirit of the Lord; for behold, they chose evil works rather than good; therefore the spirit of the devil did enter into them, and take possession of their house---and these shall be cast out into outer darkness; there shall be weeping, and wailing, and gnashing of teeth, and this because of their own iniquity, being led captive by the will of the devil.

“Now this is the state of the souls of the wicked, yea, in darkness, and a state of awful, fearful looking for the fiery indignation of the wrath of God upon them; thus they remain in this state, as well as the righteous in paradise, until the time of their resurrection.” (Alma 40:9-14.)

We do not judge those who die for we do not know what are the thoughts and intents of their hearts during their painful encounter with the refining test of their lives. But we can be assured that they will stand before the judgment bar of the Lord to be judged rightly according to their works.

We mourn for those we loved and lost. Mourning is one of the deepest expressions of pure love. It is a natural response in complete accord with the divine commandment, “Thou shalt live together in love, insomuch that thou shalt weep for the loss of them that die...” (Doctrine and Covenants 42:45.)

For us who have survived, the tragic events should be a constant reminder both for the righteous and the unrighteous that we have to make right our choices, mend our characters and repent of our sinful ways. Each of us is given the choice of what we wanted to do in life. “God granteth unto men according to their desire, whether it be unto death or unto life; yea, he alloteth unto men, yea, decreeth unto them decrees which are unalterable, according to their wills, whether they be unto salvation or unto destruction.” (Alma 29:4.) And because of His love, he also liberally warned us of the consequences of our choices that we may know better which way to follow. While we are free to choose we are not privileged to select the consequence of our choice.

John the beloved Apostle and revelator clearly explained the state of our spirits during and after the resurrection as he wrote, “Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years. (Revelations 20:6) And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.” (Revelations 21:4, 7.)

“But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. (Revelations 21:8) And with the devil that deceived them, “shall be tormented day and night forever and ever.” (Revelation 20:10.)

These are very clear and unmistakable warnings and assurances that God has given through His prophets and apostles to help each one of us to have a better picture of what will be our condition after this life, and therefore make the best choice. In fact God who “sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto” John, “Write for these words are true and faithful.” (Revelations 21:5.)

We are told, “For behold, this life is the time for men to prepare to meet God; yea, behold the day of this life is the day for men to perform the labors. (Alma 34:32) Hence, we do not need to pray for the dead, because whatever they have done in this life will become the basis of their reward in the life hereafter. We pray for the living for they still have the chance to change their course and mend their ways and repent of their sins for it is written, “And now, as I said unto you before, as ye have had so many witnesses, therefore, I beseech of you that ye do not procrastinate the day of your repentance until the end; for after this day of life, then cometh the night of darkness wherein there can be no labor performed. Ye cannot say, when ye are brought to that awful crisis, that I will repent, that I will return to my God. Nay, ye cannot say this; for that same spirit which doth possess your bodies at the time that ye go out of this life, that same spirit will have power to possess your body in that eternal world.” (Alma 34:33-34.)

Whatever our choice the Lord has given us the ultimate option to repent as He said, “For behold, I God, have suffered these things for all that they might not suffer if they would repent. But if they would not repent, they would suffer even as I. Which suffering caused myself even God, the greatest of all, to tremble because of pain, and to bled at every pore, and to suffer both body and spirit, and would that I might not drink and bitter cup and shrink.” (Doctrine and Covenants 19:16-18.)

Someone said that, “Mortality is only a slice of eternity.” But in an even most inspired comparison, Dieter F. Uchtdorf declared, “In eternal perspective, mortality does not even amount to a blink of an eye.”

“All that we can know about those loved and lost, is that they would wish us to remember them with a more intensified realization of their reality...The highest tribute to the dead is not grief but gratitude.” (Thornton Wilder.)

The heartbreaking and awful memories of the tragedies will long remain part of the unwritten pages of history in the library of our hearts. Yet slowly the sadness and gloom of this memorable day will one day obliterate and be replaced with joy and gladness as we come to a change of heart and point our direction on the road to eternal life with our God.

ANGER---A CONSCIOUS CHOICE

by: Norberto Betita

Early morning after the super typhoon Yolanda ended her fury, my heart was full of gratitude in prayer to God, who is the master of the elements, for His providence in protecting and safeguarding us from the very disastrous typhoon. It was earlier reported to be the strongest typhoon to hit the Philippines for the year 2013 and later reported to be the strongest in the world history at 315 kilometers per hour (195 mph). By my long experiences of typhoons in in our Province of Surigao del Norte, in one look at our vicinity I already sensed that there is not so much destruction in Surigao City. The typhoon was short-lived and launched her ferocious passion only for about two and a half hours.

As a counselor in the Mission Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints assigned to oversee the Surigao District of the Church, I immediately awaken my son and my son-in-law for us to make our rounds and visits to the members who might have been affected by the super typhoon Yolanda, and those people in the meetinghouses which were used as evacuation centers.  After our visits and meetings with Branch Presidents trying to comfort them and expressing sincere gratitude for their service in shepherding the flocks, despite their own needs, I went home with my son. I was a bit downhearted.

My son told the family that I had been in altercation with a full-time Church employee. My daughter-in-law laughingly reminded, “Pa, did you take your medicines?” My wife and daughters laughed at me as if to scorn, telling me that I am kind of being hit by a typhoon stronger than Yolanda. While I was preparing our food for lunch, as it was my assignment, my children and daughter-in-law continued teasing me. My daughter-in-law jokingly told my wife and daughters, “Papa, is putting all his anger on the pork meat he is slicing.” Until we have our lunch we laughed together as I related to them the story of such an undesirable experience while doing service to God and His people.

Even in such situations the family are used to throw jokes on me because it is not in my nature and person to easily get angry, especially in family settings. I am generally the home pacifier. But they knew that I am a protector of those who might have been abused. Hence, it was no surprise to them that I would react in favour of a faithful Branch President who had been insulted and branded as mistrust by a full-time church employee, while in the height of his concerns for the welfare of the evacuees---members and non-members---who were at the church.

Like the Lord Jesus Christ who “cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the money changers, and the seats of them that sold doves” for making the temple “a dean of thieves” (Matthew 21:12-13), mine temperance seemed to also reach its limits. Yet I have a clear consciousness that it is not proper for me an ordinary being to be angry for whatever reason. I might have justified my anger by the words found in Matthew, “That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment.” (Matthew 5:22). I have a cause and a good reason to be angry in defence of a brother. But the clause “without a cause” was already omitted in Matthew 5:24 JST and the same clause is not part in 3 Nephi 12:22, which read: “But whosoever is angry with his brother shall be in danger of the judgment...”

The Lord is the lawgiver and He has that right to chastise those who are subject to His laws. No matter the circumstances I needed to hold on to temperance and sobriety. But I chose to be angry and so become downhearted unto repentance by the guilt of submitting to the deceiving tactics of the Devil.

The Lord made it clear, “For very, verily I say unto you, he that hath the spirit of contention is not of me, but is of the devil, who is the father of contention, and he stirreth up the hearts of men to contend with anger, one with another. Behold, this is not my doctrine, to stir up the hearts of men with anger, one against another; but this is my doctrine that such things should be done away.’  (3 Nephi 11:29-30.)

In my associations with people, I always maintain a personal atmosphere of solemnity. When I am in groups, even in the Church I seldom talk. But when I talk, I always make it sure that I follow the words of the wise King Solomon, “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.” (Proverbs 25:11.)

However, since I was in my youth, it’s been my nature to be a defender of the weak. In college, I always help the weaker students who were insulted by ostentatious scholarly learners. At work I usually establish a harmonious and peaceful atmosphere with colleagues. When my subordinates are threatened, and I know I have legal reasons to defend them, I stood against the wiles of management.  When I became a member of the Church, I get my feet strong under continued ridicule and mockery from associates, friends and relatives in defence of the image of the Kingdom of God, which truth I bear witness.  And in many such situations, I often broke in anger. I am grateful though that from such bright and sheer consciousness of getting angry, I had long since learned to muster “line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little,” (2 Nephi 28:30) the principle of sobriety, solemnity, harmony, and peace, especially in our home and family. I understood better that I should love my wife and “be not bitter against” her, and I should not “provoke” my “children to anger.” (Colossians 3:19, 20.) I long since realized that I cannot “be...angry, and sin not.” (Ephesians 4:26.) But I have to admit that perfection is still a long, winding and extended highway to walk and a high mountain to climb.

UNDERSTANDING AND BECOMING GOOD SAMARITANS

by: Norberto Betita

In the account of Luke  a “certain lawyer” asked, “Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” After a discussion about the commandment to “love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself,” the lawyer made a follow-up question, “And who is my neighbour? And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. And by chance there came down a certain priest that way:  and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side.  But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him, and went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee. Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves? And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.” (Luke 10:25-37.)

Since then the word Good Samaritan, because of the deep and abiding principle which it carries relating to the loving and caring for those who are wounded and suffering strangers as taught by the Master Himself, became very popular as a meaningful identification for anyone who give of their time, talents and means for the cause of others. In the Mirriam-Webster Learner’s Dictionary the Good Samaritan was adopted as a noun with equivalent meaning of “A person who helps other people and especially strangers when they have trouble.” The parable then becomes an ordinary real life story of a man---victim of robbery and three different men of different attitudes and concerns toward the injured person. Forgotten somehow was the deeper meaning of the parable.

John W. Welch in his article The Good Samaritan: Forgotten Symbols, Ensign February 2007, quoted from an early Christian writer, Origen: “The man who was going down is Adam. Jerusalem is Paradise, and Jericho is the world. The robbers are hostile powers. The priest is the law, the Levite is the prophets, and the Samaritan is Christ. The wounds are disobedience, the beast is the Lord’s body, the (inn), which accepts all who wish to enter, is the Church....The manager of the (inn) is the head of the Church, to whom its care has been entrusted. And the fact that the Samaritan promises he will return represents the Savior’s second coming.” (Origen, Homily 34.3, Joseph T. Lienhard, trans., Origen: Homilies on Luke, Fragments on Luke (1996), 138.) Each figurative item in the parable which illustrates in general the Plan of Salvation was best explained by John W. Welch in the same article. 

By our understanding of the allegorical meaning of the parable we can best determine which role we should place ourselves momentarily in regard to our present circumstances and positions. We may consider ourselves as Adam’s posterity who came down into the world and subjected to its hostile powers, and wounded by our continued disobedience and remain to be  in that status---one to be saved and rescued. Or we may have the role of the Levite which John W. Welch described as “A lesser class of priests,” doing “chores in the temple” who “came close to helping:” as “he came and saw. He may have wanted to help, but perhaps he viewed himself as too lowly to help,” and “also lacked the power to save the dying person.” Or we may bear the part of the innkeeper and his staff to attend to and help everybody who came into the inn (the Church) to be nurtured and rescued.  Or we can act like the Good Samaritan (the Christ) who actually performed the saving deed for the dying man, in which the Lord commanded the lawyer to “Go, and do thou likewise.” (Luke 10:37.) And for which we are commanded to “... be the means of bringing salvation unto them” (3 Nephi 18:32), and “stand in the office which” we are “appointed” and “succor the weak, lift up the hands which hang down, and strengthen the feeble knees.” (D&C 81:5.)

Whatever our present position and calling may be, we should understand that these are all part of our Heavenly Father’s plan for the eternal happiness of man.

Many years ago while I was an employee of the bank, I overheard a conversation among my banking colleagues of an initiative of their church requesting its members to donate money for a church project. After their distasteful discussion, one who was among the most affluent proudly announced that for her part, she contributed P150.00. When measured by our salary at that time, that may have been quite generous, but when considered in the light of her prominence and affluence, her contribution was far from being benevolent, especially considering that their donations are not regular. 

I was Branch President then of a lone branch of the Church in Surigao City, Philippines, and as I listen to their discussions, my thoughts led me to the exceptional generosity of many lowly members of the Church. One of them earns a living as a peddler. Each day he carried a heavy bundle of household trappings, tools and equipments and walked around the City throughout the day. He carried with him a small towel to wipe his perspiring face as he walked under the heat of the rising sun. Each Sunday he gave to me his donation envelope for his tithing and every first Sunday, he and his family fasts and prays, and gave of their fast offering equivalent to the cost of two meals. He could have saved the money to improve his nipa hut, but he chose to offer it in expression of his love to God and to those of God’s children who are more in need. Despite his limited formal education he served in the church in different capacities including that of being a Branch President in later years and magnified his callings. When he speaks, I could feel the power of God in him through the Holy Ghost. He is now in the sunset of his life, but still serving faithfully.

Then I was reminded of an old member who walked 4 kilometers to Church each Sunday to attend services. He once asked me if it was right for him to deprive his family of a complete rice meal, all because his neighbour have nothing to eat that night, and he decided to give half of their remaining rice enough only for their supper to the needy family. Both families eat rice porridge for the night. I asked him what he felt, and he responded that he felt glad to have shared his little means to a starving family. “Then what you did was right,” I told him.  He could only but read and write, but he understood better the meaning of being a Good Samaritan. He died a faithful member of the Church.

Once while we were eating our noonday meal with rice and dried fishes as the unprivileged menu, my old friend who taught me how to raise vegetable garden when I was jobless cried as he offered a prayer of thanks for the food. He told me later that while we dined together with such a lowly foodstuff, his thought goes to others who might not have food to eat that very hour. He had been a very generous man whose concern is always for those in need. He became our Stake Patriarch and eventually departed this life in righteousness.

These are only a few of the many unadorned stories of compassionate offering of one’s soul in acts of saving the wounded and the weary travelers of life’s journey on the Jericho road, in contrast to the voices of the proud and conceited voyagers who have thrown in so little out of their abundance.

Faithful members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints throughout the world have done and are continually doing the role of the Good Samaritan as symbolized by Jesus Christ in the parable, in savings the souls of the wounded and dying, and those subjected to the hostile powers along their worldly journey. They serve in different capacities giving of their life and means for the work of salvation.

Joe J. Christensen told his own story:

My mother taught me an important lesson...For many years my father had a practice of trading for a new car every year. Then, shortly after World War II when grain prices increased, we were surprised one day when Dad drove home in a more expensive car.

One morning my mother asked, “How much more did the new car cost than the other one?

When Dad told her, my mother said, “Well, the other car has always been able to get me where I need to go. I think we ought to give the difference to someone who needs it more than we do.”

“The more hearts and minds are turned to assisting others less fortunate than we, the more we will avoid the spiritually cankering effects that result from greed, selfishness, and overindulgence.”

John W. Welch explained, “Finally, the innkeeper is promised that all his costs will be covered: “I will reward you for whatsoever you expend.” Perhaps more than any other element in the story, this promise---in effect giving the innkeeper a blank check---has troubled modern commentators who understand this story simply as real-life event. Who in his right mind would make such an open-ended commitment to a strange innkeeper? But when the story is understood allegorically, this promise makes sense, for the Samaritan (Christ) and his innkeeper already know and trust each other before this promise is given.”

Surely, the Christ will come again as He promised the innkeeper. There will be an accounting of what had been done by each of us. And we will be judged according to how we performed our roles in the work of salvation. He said, “He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.” (John 12:25) “For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. (Matthew 16:25.) This counter-intuitive expression by the Lord Himself should remind us that our earthly lives should not be at variance with the principles taught in the parable of the Good Samaritan which typifies the Plan of Salvation.

THE JOY OF LIFETIME SERVICE IN THE LDS CHURCH

   

by: Norberto Betita

I once sit beside the baptistery at the Cebu Philippines Temple while waiting for my assignment to do confirmations for the dead during one of the scheduled youth temple trip of the Surigao Philippines District. My wife Letty was at my side. I observed a very old Filipina temple worker, probably between 80 to 85 years of age. She was thin and pale with her back bent by age. She was patiently mopping the wet floor resulting from the young women’s wet baptismal dresses after being baptized for the dead and going back to the dressing room. Suddenly I noticed Letty as she went to the old Filipina temple worker asking the latter to rest a while and allow her to do the mopping. But according to Letty the elderly sister explained that it was her assigned duty, and she should fulfill it. I saw the aged Filipina as she lifted up her curbed body and exhibited her sweetest smile leaving Letty no other option but to smile back at her. The American Temple worker also smiled to Letty signalling that the old worker was right, she enjoyed her assignment. I wondered how she could be enjoying such a work with a heavy mop which I thought is intended only for the younger and able. 

During my other visits at the temple after that experience I have never since seen that elderly sister. She must have probably gone beyond the veil, or totally worn out by age. But each time I see old women and men working at the Temple, I will always remember the smile of that old, frail and bent petite Filipina sister and her expressions of joy for a lifetime of service in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

For many years I had been inspired by the messages/internet mails, I received from one of the mature missionaries once assigned in our Branch. Since Sister Alice Heater was assigned in the Branch of the church which I presided as a welfare missionary together with her partner, Sister Elaine Bard sometime in 1986, she has been diligently and regularly writing to me and my family.  She had been retired from her medical related career and since then had been working on her small pasture land where she raised animals which include, cows, pigs, goats and others. She plants a garden during summer. When she was younger the work just seemed easy for her, but now it had become a little difficult because of age and affliction. And yet in all that she does, and even in severe afflictions she still finds time to serve regularly in the Temple and does her visiting teaching assignment. Her letters continued to inspire us through the years. She is now 75 and will be 76 years old by December and alone. Her faith, courage and perseverance have been a continuing inspiration to me and my family. Recently she had undergone a critical hip surgery and had difficulty using her legs. While moving towards recovery she still think of the welfare of others and does her visiting teaching even in crutches. I quote from one of her letters:

October 4, 2013 – “When the hay is out of the field I will turn the cows into it to clean up the edges and get the grass. Then I can get the cows in and pull off the yearlings so they can be taken to the slaughter house for the people I have raised them for.”

I never thought that she had been raising her animals for others and that even in her difficult condition still her concerns were focused on the welfare of others, particularly for those whom her cows were purposely raised. 

  

Last September 20, 2013 she wrote, “Lacy and I have done out VT (Visiting Teaching) faithfully for a year and we always leave a message from the general authorities. One of our sisters was on drugs and I gave her the talk 3 months back on drugs. Then we could never catch her. Found out she had gone to the 12 step program for drugs and then 3 Sundays ago she bore her testimony about her VT not giving up on her. I know that VT and HT (Home Teaching) is the vehicle of the church. Many are reactivated because someone never gave up on their stewardship. I love the gospel and the peace it brings to the obedient.”

At her present age and physical condition it is sometimes unthinkable for me and perhaps for others that she still would be willing to do visiting teaching and perform her regular assignment in the temple with the help of her Indian friend. But for the Latter-Day Saints who understood and experienced the joy of lifetime service, her acts are of no wonder and surprise. As Latter-Day Saints we love to serve because we know that service to others is a crowing principle in the Kingdom of God.  

Her missionary partner and long time friend, Sister Elaine Bard also suffered severe heart problems and was recently hospitalized as a result of an accident. Yet in all her sufferings, she thought not of herself but instead tried her best to work for the genealogy of her ancestors for them to receive the blessings of the temple. While many of their counterparts and contemporaries may have been resting in hospital care or nursing homes, these exemplary women are wisely using their remaining time in mortality in service to God and His children.

By the many missionary letters that had been forwarded to me by Sister Alice Heater, I got acquainted with a couple missionary, Randy and Esther Golding. I have read much of their inspiring experiences as missionaries, but what touched me more was their letter dated February 18, 2013. It imprinted some memories in my heart that when I decided to write this article, my memory seemed to run back to their experiences of that day.  

I quote, “I injured my back, put myself in bed, left Esther to find companions, attend our appointments, prepare food and bring me stuff to keep me occupied and unmotivated to move. Saturday night she took me to the hospital...lifted me from the truck to the wheel chair and then showed the nurse how to transfer me to the gurney in the emergency room. We arrived back home at the apartment at around 1:00 AM. I was still unable to walk or stand so Esther lifted me and scooted me to a place where I could support myself with the truck door, turned around and with my arms wrapped around her shoulders she carried me into the apartment. The trip was about 100 feet and included climbing 5 steps. (I have not yet used the bedpan as Esther prefers to carry me to the bathroom rather than deal with the pan.)”

Even in his sufferings, Randy still hooked up his pains with humor as he wrote, “The food has included doughnuts, bacon, eggs, broiled potatoes, fried eggs, fruit, ice cream, Costco frozen corn and the pies de resistance. Costco wrapped and marinated tenderloin steak. Mmmmmhhh. I feel better and am able to sit up now. (Who in their right mind would want to get well?)” Then he added a humor for Esther’s sacrifices for him, and I loved this part so much, “All is well. We are richly blessed. Esther is happy as Bugs Bunny in a fight with Daffy Duck. It especially shows when she has a minute to reflect on it. She is an amazing devoted missionary. I think things are going better with me in bed. However, she expresses a heartfelt desire to have me accompany her in which I can detect no betrayal so I am fully charged to recover and redeploy.”

What undying stories of service coupled with joy and gladness in the midst of afflictions and challenges consequential of age? These simple stories inspire service, motivate loyalty, encourage benevolence, instigate perseverance, and prompt devotion to God and His gospel. These are only a few from the chronicles of ordinary members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

At my retirement from a banking career I was asked where I might spend a vacation. I told them that should I have enough resources, I would rather serve a full-time mission in the church. Indeed, I prepared to serve, but our resources do not permit. So I took the option to serve on a live-at-home mission and filled up an on-line missionary application. Fortunately, I was called to serve as counsellor to the President of the Philippines Butuan Mission. When I was released on July 31, 2013, I talked with my wife and we both decided to proceed to serve a live-at-home mission. However, to my surprise I received an appointment for an interview by the new Mission President and a call was again offered to serve for the same office.  When the call was extended to me by President Pastor Torres, with tears in my eyes and in broken voice, I told him, “Who am I to refuse the Lord?”   In my long years of almost uninterrupted service in the Lord’s church, I have experienced immeasurable joy and indescribable gladness notwithstanding the valleys of sufferings and winds of adversities. My wife and I wanted that the remaining years of our lives in mortality will be consecrated to the Lord in service to His Kingdom on earth.  I am sure we will find an even greater and timeless happiness as we give of our time, talents and resources to God’s purposes than spending the same in fruitless vacations.