News Item: Iron Rod OTM Newsletter December 2008
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To our dear missionaries,
We wish you a blessed and joyful Christmas! At this time of year, people’s hearts turn towards our Savior. There is a greater measure of peace and love and a stronger desire to serve and give to others. As missionaries, in many ways we celebrate Christmas all year long since we have the opportunity and obligation to declare the glad tidings of our Savior’s birth and life each day, to strive to live as He lived, and to bring others unto Him.
Christmas is a time of traditions and sweet memories, a time spent with families and friends, a time of giving and receiving gifts, a time when we think more of others than of ourselves. One of President Seal’s fondest remembrances is that of helping his father deliver gifts to many people that were friends and acquaintances, as well as those who were in need. Sister Seal remembers Christmas Eves spent with family, reading and enacting the story of Christ’s birth and singing together the beautiful Christmas carols. With our own children, we found joy in discovering those who would otherwise go without and sharing with them. We know this brought much more satisfaction to us than it did to them. Christmas was, and is, a favorite time of the year.
The greatest gift we could ever give to another is to bring them the knowledge of the gospel of Jesus Christ and to help them gain full access to His grace and mercy through the gate of baptism into His church, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. As missionaries, we know from personal experience the truth of the scripture that states, "And if it so be that you should labor all your days in crying repentance unto this people, and bring, save it be one soul unto me, how great shall be your joy with him in the kingdom of my Father!" (D&C 18:15)
When Christ appeared to the Nephites in ancient America, He declared: "Behold, I am Jesus Christ, whom the prophets testified shall come into the world. And behold, I am the light and the life of the world; and I have drunk out of that bitter cup which the Father hath given me and have glorified the Father in taking upon me the sins of the world, in the which I have suffered the will of the Father in all things from the beginning." (3 Nephi 11:10-11) This is the Christ of whom we as missionaries testify to the world!
We testify to you that Jesus Christ is our Savior, that He lived, that He gave His life for us, and that He was resurrected. He was perfectly obedient to His Father–our Heavenly Father, as well. He did what no one else could do for us: He provided the way back to live with our Heavenly Father and with Him again. We love our Father and His Son and want to live with Them eternally.
May we feel a greater sense of urgency about this work, knowing that as we share the message of the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ, we are doing His work, showing our love for our Father and His Son, and giving the greatest gift we could ever bestow upon anyone.
With deepest love,
President and Sister Seal
“Speedy Delivery” of your MAIL
To cut down on the amount of mail that comes through the office, (and for speedier delivery to you), please e-mail your family and friends with your new apartment address. You usually get enough notice when you are being transferred to be able to do this.
If your parents haven’t mailed your Christmas package yet, it would be better to have them mail it to your apartment. Otherwise, you may not get it until after Christmas.
ASSISTANTS’ MESSAGE
We are grateful to join with you in this holiday season to direct our thoughts toward our Savior Jesus Christ. We have recently been instructed on the importance of literal conversion within ourselves and helping those we teach to not just gain a testimony but to become converted as well. We must understand that this is a process and with a little extra help during Christmas we can improve leaps and bounds. To testify of something, we simply declare its truthfulness. On the other hand, when we convert something, we literally change its nature. When we become converted then we can truly “strengthen our brethren.” It is through the power of the Spirit this takes place so it becomes our duty to create such an environment through our own faith and personal worthiness. Always remember that “to labor for the conversion of oneself and others is a noble task.” When you begin to go through “many trials and much testing” you will come to know that you are on the right track. May we all take one more step towards our eternal conversion on a daily basis.
Love,
Elder Jurgensmeier and Elder Nickle
CHRISTMAS PHONE CALL PROCEDURE
We are excited to have you talk to your family on Christmas. Please follow the following procedure:
All of the companionships in our mission currently have cell phones. All phones are on a Sprint plan. Sprint does not do free Holidays, so on Christmas we do not have an adequate plan for missionaries to call home. While calling before 7:00 AM or waiting until after 7:00 in the evening for free use of the phone may work for some missionaries with families in the correct time zone, it will not work for others.
For those for whom it doesn't work, you can find a member who will let you spend time at their home that day and let your family call you at the member's number. You can email that number ahead of time to your family and the time at which you'll be in their home.
Thank you.
President Seal
A CHRISTMAS POEM FROM CTR BIKES
Tis’ the week before Christmas and all through the land
Missionaries are scurrying with the message at hand,
Telling the story of a new Savior to come
While traveling about hoping to teach some.
Their bikes are their ride
They’re not caught up in pride.
Yet so often they forget, for reasons unknown,
And their bikes they leave for someone else to own.
Oh woe, if to lock them right, they’d only listen,
Their stories would be heard and faces would glisten.
But then the ride they need is gone,
And a thief is instead riding along.
The wrongful are served
And the Gospel is deterred.
So remember, remember our missionary friends,
Keep them locked and you’ll follow the right trend.
The Gospel you’ll be able to preach,
For without your bikes, you cannot teach.
There is no doubt we could be better poets, but the message is clear. This is the time of year when bike theft really ramps up. Keep them locked properly so the work will be easier.
New Arrivals
Dec. 3, 2008
Elder Peter Evan Call
Sister Cari M. DeCoursey
Elder Justin M. Goodale
Elder Nathan C. Helsley
Elder Brett S. Phillips
End of December, 2008
Elder and Sister Garff
Elder and Sister Wilson
Welcome to the OTM!
PLEASE share your missionary experiences. We would like to use your stories in the Iron Rod and OTM mission history. Send them to the mission office or email to: 2013185@ldschurch.org Thanks!
Departing Missionaries
Dec. 5, 2008
Elder David Atkin
Elder Maclain Barney
Elder Levi Mele
Elder Bryce Nelson
Sister Julie Slater
Elder Christopher Sovine
Elder and Sister Spencer
December Birthdays
07 Sister Bird
07 Elder Jeppesen
10 Elder West
12 Sister Beck
12 Elder Garff
12 Sister Nielson
13 Elder Foxford
15 Elder Wride
20 Elder John Clark
20 Elder Jones
23 Elder Mack
23 Joseph Smith, the Prophet
25 Jesus Christ (celebration of)
January Birthdays
06 Sister Fuller
07 Elder Johnson
07 Elder Tanner
09 Sister Campbell
12 Elder Bird
14 Elder Harrison
15 Elder Michael Reese
19 Elder Hall
22 Elder Lechausse
22 Elder James Taylor
23 Sister Yamamoto
24 Sister Tanielu
26 Elder Ruechert
27 Elder King
We Cannot Do It Alone
"When you attempt to live life's experiences alone, you are not being true to yourself, nor to your basic mission in life. Individuals in difficulty often say: 'I'll do it alone,' 'Leave me alone,' 'I don't need you,' 'I can take care of myself.' It has been said that no one is so rich that he does not need another's help, no one so poor as not to be useful in some way to his fellowman. The disposition to ask assistance from others with confidence, and to grant it with kindness, should be part of our very nature." Robert D. Hales
Baptisms for November 2008
Ft. Smith
Clarksville Katlin Harden
Ft. Smith Juan Flores
Mayela Flores
Orlando Flores
Isaiah Klein
Ray Robbins
Hector Robles
Greenwood Arthur Ray Althoff
Muskogee Daniel Neighbors
Poteau Alex Johnston
Joplin Stake
Joplin 1st Delbert Standridge
Monett Phyllis Rosenstengel
Rogers Stake
Bella Vista Cassidy Goad
Rogers 1st Eddie Ray Moore
Rogers 2nd Jesus Duran Vasquez
Berenice Ortiz
Springdale Stake
Fayetteville Univ Jose Luis Alday
Elizabeth Hardester
Fayetteville 2nd Bolton Gina Andrew
Prairie Grove Britney McDonald
Whitney McDonald
Springdale 1st Leslie Halpern
Gloria Eiko Lang
Kelsie Lang
Lielani Umeko Waste
Kiara Namiko Zedekiah
Springdale 3rd Mary Mimi Davis
Barney Kare
Bingo Zacherius
T.J. Kisses Zacherias
Har-Ber Susan Henderson
Elsie Roberts
Joanna Wright
Huntsville Branch Norma Jean Meyers
Springfield Stake
Aurora Cheryl Diane Kay
Marshfield Chelsea Cotton
Springfield 1st Brittany Brazile
Springfield 2nd Grijelda Cheever
Lindy Nichols
Springfield Univ Tia Marie Duke
Stockton Richard O’Keefe
Willard 1st Connie Jo Jones
Steven Jones
Springfield South
Ava William McQueen
Berryville Branch Michaela Johnson
Branson 1st Jorge Badajoz
Branson 2nd Heather Zubko
Springfield 4th Kenneth Ferguson
Sydney Ferguson
Springfield 5th Kristina Rausch
St. Robert Stake
Ft Leonard Wood Amanda Shearer
Lebanon Lonnie Rae Obermark St. Robert William Urena II
West Plains Heather Mcguire
Tulsa Stake
Bartlesville 3rd Beth C. Marable
Tulsa East Stake
Brookhollow Christy Vang
John Vang
Xai Lo Vang
Chakou Xiong
Claremore Braedyn Estes
Cedar Ridge Jamie Denise Pittman
Aric Michael Slatcher
Elm Creek Bobbi Kennedy
Joshua Kennedy
Nathan Kennedy
Nicole Kennedy
Henryetta Tiffany Becerra-Hernandez
Pryor Felisha Desiree Limon
THE MOST COMMON DRIVING ERRORS
YOUR WORST NIGHTMARE!
There is probably no sight on the road that strikes as much fear in us as that of another vehicle heading straight toward us. In this situation, just a few seconds can make a difference between a hit or a miss. When a driver is heading straight toward us, we need to be able to get out of the way quickly. To avoid a head-on collision, observe the “four R’s”:
• READ the road ahead. Scan ahead for potential hazards.
• Drive to the RIGHT. Make a habit of driving slightly to the right of the center of your lane. This creates an extra cushion of space between you and the other drivers.
• REDUCE speed. When you recognize a potential hazard ahead, slow down immediately. This gives you an extra cushion of time.
• RIDE off the road. This may sound unnerving, but if you have to choose between hitting head-on or riding off the road onto the shoulder, your chances of surviving are better on the shoulder.
Elders and Sisters,
Please be aware of the hazardous driving conditions in the winter months. Allow extra time to get to your appointments. It’s better to get there late, rather than not at all. Have a Merry Christmas!
Elder “Bear” Bowers
Vehicle Coordinator
Referral Miracles!
We received a text and we were excited as always. Sister Bowers called and made sure we got it and had it in our area book. We called him right away and left him a message. He called us back not too long after.
It turns out, he is the son of a recent convert, Sister Lively, of Rogers. He had noticed how well his mom was treated at the church and how the ward loved her. He was jealous. He went to the church in McAlester and felt right at home. He believed in everything that they spoke about and what his mom has been telling him. After seeing the Lamb of God commercial, he decided to call and order the movie to get the missionaries over there so he could be a part of the family.
These referrals are truly people who are prepared. Don’t take them lightly. Thanks to Sister Bowers for making us accountable. Now go out there and contact those referrals!
(Sorry, I can’t remember who sent this in to me. )
“PREACH MY GOSPEL” MOMENT
As a young missionary, I had the opportunity to train a great missionary. One of the first weeks of his mission, we had a very memorable spiritual experience.
Both of us, being so young, didn’t know too much, but we knew how to work hard and talk to everyone. One day as we were biking, we saw a couple of women standing off the road, talking. One seemed very nice and willing to talk, but the other started walking toward us and didn’t seem happy. She walked right up to us, every last inch, and got right in my face. She proceeded to run me through the wringer on
just about every point of doctrine there is. I didn’t have the answers and I knew my companion didn’t either. So, I did the only thing I knew how to do. I bore testimony. I very simply told her that I knew that Jesus Christ was the Savior. I testified that this is His church. I told her that I knew the Book of Mormon was from God and that I didn’t know how anyone could question that.
Rather than getting defensive, this woman seemed to be softened. She was listening and almost smiling. I wished her the best and biked away. But I’ll never forget her or what I learned about the Spirit and the Power of Testimony.
Elder Alan Tanner
YOU ARE LOVED!
Life often feels like a great pile of obligations, frustrations, and disappointments. But the Lord is there, always the same, His arms still outstretched. When we feel overwhelmed, we have to remember the peace He has spoken to us on previous occasions. His peace brings comfort and strength; the world cannot give that to us."Kathleen H. Hughes,"Remembering the Lord's Love, Ensign," Nov. 2006,
The story behind "Silent Night"
Josef Mohr, author / Franz Gruber, composer
"And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night" -- Luke 2:8
How the world's most famous Christmas carol came to be written and set to music
In 1818, a roving band of actors was performing in towns throughout the Austrian Alps. On December 23 they arrived at Oberndorf, a village near Salzburg where they were to perform the story of Christ's birth in the small Church of St. Nicholas.
Unfortunately, the St. Nicholas' church organ wasn't working and would not be repaired before Christmas. (Note: some versions of the story point to mice as the problem; others say rust was the culprit) Because the church organ was out of commission, the actors presented their Christmas drama in a private home. Even so, that Christmas presentation put assistant pastor Josef Mohr in a meditative mood. Instead of walking straight to his house that night, Mohr took a longer way home. The longer path took him up over a hill overlooking the village.
From that hilltop, Mohr looked down on the peaceful snow-covered village. Reveling in majestic silence of the wintry night, Mohr gazed down at the glowing scene. His thoughts about the Christmas play suddenly made him to remember a poem he had written a couple of years before. It was a poem about the night when angels announced the birth of the long-awaited Messiah to shepherds on a hillside.
Mohr decided those words would make a good carol for his congregation the following evening at their Christmas eve service. However, he didn't have any music to which that poem could be sung. So, the next day Mohr went to see the church organist, Franz Xaver Gruber. Gruber only had a few hours to come up with a melody which could be sung with a guitar. However, by that evening, Gruber had managed to compose a musical setting for the poem. It no longer mattered that their church organ was broken. They now had a Christmas carol they could sing without it.
On Christmas Eve, the little Oberndorf congregation heard Gruber and Mohr sing their new composition to the accompaniment of Gruber's guitar.
Weeks later, well-known organ builder Karl Mauracher arrived to fix the St. Nicholas church organ. When he finished, Mauracher stepped back to let Gruber test the instrument. When Gruber sat down, his fingers began playing the simple melody he had written for Mohr's Christmas poem. Deeply impressed, Mauracher took the music and words of "Silent Night" back to his own Alpine village, Kapfing. There, two well-known families of singers -- the Rainers and the Strassers -- heard it. Captivated by "Silent Night," both groups put the new song into their Christmas season repertoire.
Silent night! holy night!
All is calm, all is bright,
'Round yon virgin mother and Child!
Holy Infant, so tender and mild,
Sleep in heavenly peace,
Sleep in heavenly peace.
The Strasser sisters spread the carol throughout northern Europe. In 1834, after they had performed "Silent Night" for King Frederick William IV of Prussia, that king ordered his cathedral choir to sing it every Christmas Eve.
The Rainers brought the song to the United States in 1839, singing it (in German) at the Alexander Hamilton Monument located outside New York City's Trinity Church.
In 1863, nearly fifty years after being first sung in German, "Silent Night" was translated into English (by either Jane Campbell or John Young). In 1871 the English version was published in an American hymnal: Charles Hutchins' Sunday School Hymnal.
FAITH
"Faith . . . is a heavenly gift, but it can be sought and cultivated. As our Bible Dictionary suggests, often 'faith is kindled by hearing the testimony of those who have faith' (Bible Dictionary, "Faith," 669). Faith is then nurtured as we allow ourselves to believe. Like all other virtues, faith is strengthened as we practice it, as we live and act as if our faith were already deep. Faith is the product of righteous desire, belief, and obedience.
Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin
Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin, the oldest living apostle of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, died Monday, December 2, 2008, age 91.
Elder Wirthlin had gone to bed at his Salt Lake City home, and died peacefully at about 11:30 pm of causes incident to age. His oldest daughter, Jane Wirthlin Parker, was present. A member of the family had been staying and caring for Elder Wirthlin.
He had continued to work at his office right up until the Thanksgiving holiday.
Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin was ordained an Apostle of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on October 9, 1986. He was sustained and set apart as an Assistant to the Council of the Twelve Apostles on April 4, 1975 and served in that capacity until he was called to the First Quorum of the Seventy in April 1976. He was set apart in the Presidency of the First Quorum of the Seventy August 28, 1986, where he was serving when called to be an Apostle.
Elder Wirthlin was born in Salt Lake City on June 11, 1917 to Joseph L. and Madeline Bitner Wirthlin. His Father served as the Presiding Bishop of the Church.
Elder Wirthlin graduated from the University of Utah in Business Administration. He received from Brigham Young University a Doctorate of Christian Service Honoris Causa, April 26, 2001. He is an Eagle Scout. He was active in athletics in high school and played football (running back) at the University of Utah.
Before his call as a General Authority, he was a prominent business leader in Salt Lake City. He was also president of a trade association in Utah.
Elder Wirthlin served a mission to Germany, Austria, and Switzerland in the late 1930s. Among other positions in the stake and ward auxiliaries, he has served as a counselor in the Bonneville Ward bishopric and as bishop. He was a member of the Bonneville Stake high council and a member of the stake presidency. He served as a counselor in the General Sunday School Presidency until April 1975, when he was called as an Assistant to the Twelve.
He married Elisa Young Rogers May 26, 1941 in the Salt Lake Temple. They are the parents of eight children. Sister Wirthlin passed away on August 16, 2006.
Lebanon Missouri’s Miracle Media Referral
This week, we received a referral from Church Headquarters for a woman who had ordered a Bible. We walked to her place in the pouring rain. It was so cold that it was freezing to our jackets, so we pretty much looked like two big icicles.
We knocked on the door and a guy with his shirt off answered the door. He was pretty rough looking, full of tattoos on his body and face. He told us he was in a gang in California and had spent time in prison. We started talking about beliefs and he shared his testimony to us about how the Savior Jesus Christ had changed his life. We, Elder Foxford and Elder Paget, can honestly say it was one of the strongest and most sincere testimonies we have ever heard. We set up a return appointment for Thursday.
We went back and the guy was at work so we met with the woman who had been referred. We answered some of her questions and proceeded to teach the first lesson. She followed and understood the lesson very well. When Elder Paget started teaching about Joseph Smith and the first vision, she started to cry. The spirit was so strong. She told us she had never heard of the concept about apostles and prophets. She said it made so much sense, and that she had found the piece that had been missing her whole life.
Elder Foxford explained the Book of Mormon to her. Her told her to remember the feeling she had just experienced because that was the spirit bearing witness of truth. She wants to come to church.
Just like in Alma 13:24, Angels are preparing people in this land. We love you, Elders and Sisters. Thanks for your fasting and prayers. Keep it up.
With much love,
Elder Paget and Elder Foxford.
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