Stories: The Opening of Venezuela (English)
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THE OPENING OF VENEZUELA FOR THE PREACHING OF THE GOSPEL
The First Year - November 1966 to November 1967
by Alan Kent Manning, researcher, compiler, and editor
Revised January 2002
Dedicated to the people of Venezuela and in memory of missionaries Neil O. Gruwell & Drew F. Miles, who have passed away, and in appreciation to the many missionaries who contributed to this history.
The opening of Venezuela for the preaching of the gospel really begins in May of 1965 when Brother Carl E. Wilcox discovered that his employer, the Del Monte Corporation, was sending he and his family to Venezuela. Brother Wilcox learned from recently returned LDS Peace Corps volunteers that there were four Latter-day Saint families already in Caracas. A branch of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was functioning, but all of the families would soon be leaving; before long there would be virtually no Church presence in Caracas.
After Brother Wilcox arrived in Caracas he made a great effort to contact the only remaining Church members he knew about: a couple of remaining Peace Corps volunteers and one other person. However, they were also planning on leaving soon. They told him they didn't think there were any other members of the Church in the country. (President Stephen Brower, the first mission president of the soon-to-be-formed Colombo-Venezolana Mission, and his family, were living in Mérida during this time. The only contact they had with the Church was through Elder Spencer W. Kimball of the International Mission.)
A few months later, after New Years, Brother Wilcox and his family attended a meeting at the United Christian Church. This was an interdenominational church located in Avenida La Arboleta in an area of the city called El Bosque. They arrived late and the doors to the chapel were closed during the opening prayer. In the meantime, Brother Wilcox decided to sign the guest book. He noticed that the five previous people who had signed the guest book all indicated they were members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Brother Wilcox became very excited at his discovery and he contacted all five families during the following week. They began holding regular services at the Wilcox's home starting the very next Sunday. The Wilcox family lived in a beautiful three-story house overlooking Caracas in the El Marques section of the city. All Church meetings were held on the second floor. There were about forty members attending these meetings each week. All were North Americans except for one young Venezuelan lady named Maria, who had joined the Church while attending college in Canada. In addition to Brother & Sister Wilcox and their family, other families included Bybees, Palmers, Paulos (they arrived in June of 1967), Carrs, Gibbons, Montgomerys, Goodmans, Andersons, Deschamps, and Brother Vail. Brother Wilcox said the group was, collectively, an unusually active group as far as the Church was concerned. Not one person missed a single meeting in the first year they met together. One of the branch members was a returned missionary from Argentina and was a personal friend of Elder Theodore Tuttle of the Council of the Seventy. He began writing Elder Tuttle requesting that missionaries be sent to Venezuela. This member, whose name is unknown at this point, and Brother Kenneth Goodman, were largely responsible for the attention Venezuela received from General Authorities at Church headquarters in Salt Lake City, Utah.
In response to the requests of this small group of members, a decision was made by the Church to send full-time missionaries to Venezuela. In addition to registering the Church as a legal entity in Venezuela, the country also had to be dedicated for the preaching of the gospel. This assignment was given to Elder Marion G. Romney of the Council of the Twelve Apostles (Elder Romney was a native of Mexico and was born in the Mormon colonies at Colonia Juarez. He was an attorney before being called as a General Authority). On October 31, 1966, Elder Romney officially registered the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with the Venezuelan government. That same day he met with the members of the Church in Brother Wilcox's home and formally organized the Caracas Branch. Carl E. Wilcox was called as the new branch president, and he selected as his counselors: Brother Kenneth Goodman as first counselor, and Brother Vernon Anderson as second counselor.
Two days later, on November 2, 1966, Elder Romney dedicated Venezuela for the preaching of the gospel and opened the way for full-time missionaries to follow. The dedication took place in a private garden over looking the city of Caracas. Elder Romney was accompanied by his wife, Bishop F. Burton Howard, President Ted E. Brewerton, Dorothy Brewerton, Carl E. Wilcox and his wife, and other local members of the Church. His dedicatory prayer was very moving and in time proved to be prophetic as it spoke of the future growth of the Church in this land. The news of the dedication was carried by both "The Daily Journal," a local English language newspaper, and "El Nacional," a large daily newspaper.
The Missionary Committee of the Church placed President Ted E. Brewerton, the mission president for the Central American Mission, in charge of the Churchs expansion into Venezuela. He was to send missionaries to Venezuela as soon as the necessary visas and travel arrangements could be made. This was no easy task because Caracas was over fifteen hundred miles away from the mission headquarters in San José, Costa Rica, and President Brewerton already maintained a busy itinerary and travel schedule. He was already overseeing the missionary work in the countries of Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua and Honduras. This was one reason why only the most capable and trusted Elders could be sent that far away to begin the task of organizing the missionary effort in a large modern city of well over one million people. The missionaries selected for this special assignment were Elder Neil O. Gruwell, Elder Floyd S. Baum, Elder David C. Bell, and Elder Frederick S. Podlesny. Elder Gruwell was an assistant to President Brewerton at the time and was assigned to lead missionary efforts in the newly dedicated country of Venezuela; he was also designated as zone leader for the city of Caracas.
The first four missionaries sent to open the Republic of Venezuela for the work of the Lord. From top to bottom, Elder David Bell, Elder Frederick Podlesny, Elder Floyd Baum and Elder Neil Gruwell. This photo was taken on the stairs that were in front of the house of the President of the Caracas Branch, Carl Wilcox. The Wilcox family lived in the Marques Urbanization not very far from the new Temple in Caracas. In the beginning it was there where everyone met on Sundays.
JOURNAL AND LETTER EXCERPTS
PREFACE:
Much of the following history was taken directly from missionary journals and personal letters from missionaries who opened Venezuela for the preaching of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. The same gospel revealed to the Prophet Joseph Smith Jr. and organized by him in 1830, and the same gospel that Jesus Christ, himself, founded upon the earth over two thousand years ago. Adding to the text indirectly, information was also gathered through numerous phone-calls, emails, and personal letters. The gospel of Jesus Christ--as described in this context--had not existed for many hundreds of years in Venezuela. This missionary history examines the unfolding and spreading of the true gospel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in and around the area of Caracas, Venezuela, beginning in the mid 1960s.
The editor and compiler of this LDS missionary history, Alan Kent Manning (Tacoma, Washington, USA) inserts comments throughout the text to add storytelling texture and clarity from a young missionary's perspective serving in the northern region of South America, and who personally knows many of the individuals mentioned in this text.
November 18, 1966
Elder David C. Bell,
Choluteca, Honduras
"Well the President fooled me again. I got a telegram the Friday after interviews that told me to go to San José (Costa Rica) the next Monday. So I said 'good bye' to the family Zelaya (quoted directly; a family Elder Bell was teaching at the time) and the rest and went to Tegu (Tegucigalpa, Honduras) that Sunday afternoon. I said 'good bye' to the Elders in Tegu and took my leave from the airport at 2:00 Monday afternoon. I arrived in San José about 6:00 P.M that night."
Elder Bell still had no idea why he was in Costa Rica and the missionaries who picked him up at the airport wouldn't give him any additional information. "I called the President and then I got the news. He said, 'Elder Bell we would like you to take a little trip for us to Caracas, Venezuela.' I don't think I was ever so happy in my whole life!" Elder Bell commented that he realized that we aren't suppose to pray to receive a calling in the Church but he had been praying that he would be sent to Venezuela.
November 19, 1966
Elder Frederick S. Podlesny
Managua, Nicaragua
"President Brewerton called me this evening to serve in Caracas, Venezuela. I never really thought this would happen to me ... It hasn't sunk in yet, what an incredible responsibility we have been given. I feel very inferior to the task, but I know the Lord will magnify our capabilities if we humble ourselves before Him."
Elder Podlesny was serving in Managua, Nicaragua when he received his call to go to South America. His mission president was asking him to travel a considerable distance at his own expense to help open up a country much larger than any he had ever served in. It is easy to understand why this young missionary who had only been a member of the Church for a couple of years, felt daunted by the task he was now facing.
While living in Managua, Elder Podlesny, his companion and several other missionaries rented rooms on the second floor of an old corner store named, Tienda Vega, infamous in the mission for its rundown accommodations. Tienda Vega had no glass windows, just wooden shutters, and missionaries would awake each morning to roosters crowing in the patio located downstairs. Of the four upstairs rooms the largest of was subdivided by sheets of plywood which made privacy nearly impossible, especially if some of the non-missionary boarders who lived there smoked or became loud and obnoxious after returning home drunk from a night on the town. There existed about a three-foot gap between the top of the plywood wall and the ceiling. All upstairs tenants shared one bathroom with a single toilet and shower where bathers carefully sidestepped shower mold. From the cracks in the closed wooden shutters in the shower the tenants had a clear view of the busy street below. Missionaries slept on military-type cots. Maids serviced apartments with light cleaning and by preparing all the missionaries' meals, which they ate downstairs in a covered patio area. The maids lived in a separate room on the same floor as the missionaries. (Today, this would be an unacceptable living arrangement for missionaries.)
Thanksgiving Day, November 24, 1966
Elder Podlesny
San José, Costa Rica
"Came down from Managua today by TICA bus (Costa Rica's national bus line). It was a fairly good trip and I liked it very much. President Brewerton's father and wife met me and treated me to Thanksgiving dinner."
This same day, Elder Alan Kent Manning was transferred from San José, Costa Rica, to Managua, Nicaragua, ending up at the infamous Tienda Vega with his new companion, Elder Alan Pinnborough. The missionaries serving in Managua had been invited to a special Thanksgiving Dinner at a local North American member's home. Elder Manning arrived shortly after everyone had eaten their holiday meal. Fortunately, there was plenty of leftover turkey and other holiday goodies to feast on and Elder Manning did not go hungry on his first Thanksgiving in the mission field.
November 28, 1966
Elder Podlesny
San José, Costa Rica
"We went out on a (Boeing) 727 after talking with the President (Brewerton) and had an uneventful flight. We arrived in Panamá about 6:00 (P.M.) and Elder Gruwelll and Elder Baum met us there. I am thinking that it might be a good idea to start with large 'charlas' (missionary firesides) and try to attract as many people as possible in Caracas. All is GO! 'Comp' (companion) and I sang hymn before praying out tonight."
Elder Bell
San José, Costa Rica
"Monday afternoon we left for Panamá. "I think this was the first time I found out what true missionary spirit is, what it means when they say, 'love your companion'. I can see what it means when they say, 'get with the spirit'. The Panamá District was the greatest District I've ever seen. And now we have to work to make ours even greater. It really felt great to be with some real spiritual Elders. It was surely good to see Elder Baum again and find out what happened on Mulutupu."
Elder Baum had been serving on the San Blas Islands off the coast of Panama. The missionaries experienced great success with many of the Indians on some of these islands, but they also met severe resistance on others.
The missionaries began a two-day fast in preparation for this very difficult undertaking. Elder Bell says that he and his companion went with Elder Baum and Elder Gruwell to an American military base located in Panama. He saw the first "gringo" (American) food he had seen in eight months but he couldn't eat any because they had already started their fast. The missionaries were traveling on tourist visas that would allow them to only stay in the country for thirty days. They were planning on getting their more permanent "Visas de Transuente" (resident visas) at a later time.
The first four missionaries to open Venezuela for missionary work stand in front of an LDS chapel in Panama City, Panama before they depart for Caracas.
(from left to right) Elder Floyd Baum, Elder David Bell, Elder Neil Gruwell, Elder Fred Podlesny.
(Photo taken November 28th or 29th, 1966)
They spent the night in Panama before they resumed their trip to Caracas the next day. They arrived at the international airport in Maiquetía at 11:00 P.M. on November 29, 1966. They were met at the airport by an excited group of saints led by President Carl Wilcox and several other members of the newly formed Caracas Branch. It had been decided beforehand that the new missionaries would live with members of the Caracas Branch until they could find their own accommodations. Elder Bell and Elder Podlesny were assigned as companions and stayed with Brother and Sister Montgomery and their family. Elder Gruwell and Elder Baum stayed with Brother and Sister Goodman and their family.
The arrival of the first missionaries was almost four weeks from the time Elder Romney had dedicated Venezuela for the preaching of the gospel.
November 30, 1966
Before the first missionaries had arrived in Venezuela, the Church Missionary Committee had already sent President Wilcox a number of referrals from Venezuelans who had visited the Church's pavilion at the 1964 New York World's Fair and had requested more information about the Church.
Elder Podlesney recalls his very first day in Caracas: "I remember waking that first morning in Venezuela at the Montgomery's home. It was a short night, we had arrived at Maiquetía late. Clouds shrouded Mt. Avila, and there were ghostly images of palms on the flank of the mountain not far from our window. It was a scene of sublime beauty. And all around us was the city, two million people! I loved Caracas on that first day, and that sense of attachment still remains with me. 'Yo soy Caraqueno!' (I am a Caracan!)
"This morning (November 30th) we didn't awake until 7:00 A.M. but we readied ourselves quickly and prepared all the gear we had carried down from Central America.
"Elders Gruwell and Baum made it up as we were finishing and we had a study class as we were waiting for the Relief Society and Sister Wilcox with the references. She came and the bulk of the labors of the day were dedicated to sorting and plotting them." The missionaries purchased a map of Caracas and attempted to find the address of each Worlds Fair referral and mark it on the map.
"We continued fasting today and broke it with a prayer shortly after 3:00 P.M. District unity is strong, as well as the members. We are a determined lot and with the Lord's guidance we will do much to benefit the Church and the glory of our God. We must be worthy and we must testify."
The missionaries began right away to lay out a plan for preaching the gospel to a city teeming with hundreds of thousands of potential converts. President Brewerton had instructed missionaries to start working in the more wealthy areas of the city; he wanted the first converts to be strong leaders that could help sustain the future growth of the Church in Venezuela. The young Elders divided up Caracas into eleven areas, or zones, that ran crosswise to the longitudinal axis or length of the city (The city of Caracas is located in a long, narrow, valley between two mountain ranges) Each pair of missionaries took alternating areas. This meant that missionaries were crossing over each other's areas as they traveled to their own. The purpose of these alternating zones was so Elders would become familiar with the city layout as soon as possible.
December 1, 1966
Elder Bell
"Well it seems like we might have a little trouble with our visas.
We will probably have to go to a little island just off the coast to get a visa."
We are all anxious to get out and do some preaching and see how we'll be received here."
Elder Podlesny
"We spent most of the morning in Brother Wilcox's office trying to work something out on our visas and finally got the ball rolling this afternoon. At noon my companion and I had to return but due to the infrequency of "por puestos" (taxis) we ended up walking. We had to wait an hour and it appears that transportation will be a definite problem. I am impressed by the friendliness of the people. In (the) afternoon we continued (working) on visas and then tonight we got back working on the references. We split the references and areas and I wrote a form letter to be mailed to some of those who left only "apartado" (post office box) numbers. Tomorrow we should start tracking down and testifying."
December 2, 1966
Elder Podlesny
"This morning we completed the plotting work and started in on the visits. The maps and everything (are) perfect and easy to find. The only problem is transportation. We must have walked many miles today. It wastes time. People are exceptionally friendly and are great. The World's Fair references work very well. We have several visits now lined up and are shooting for large groups of people if possible. All is very, very well and that bothers me. There should be some problem to wrestle with... I can't tell what we're up against. I will fast breakfast tomorrow. We have some visits early tomorrow morning."
Elder Bell
"Well, today we did our first real proselytizing work in Venezuela. We went and looked up some references of the World's Fair. They turned out pretty good, but then you never can tell. Me and my 'comp' (companion) have been getting along real fine and doing our best. I'm sure someday this will be a good mission by itself."
December 3, 1966
Elder Podlseny
"Every day we can't expect to see our progress. This morning started off poorly by a complete refusal. Then we started in on references and walked and walked. We started over by Ave. Casanova and went up and down the hill several times. I fasted this noon. We must organize our time more effectively. I believe we are going to start tracting soon. Tonight we tried to make one visit but it fell through. We then went back to make one above Sabana Grande, but it too fell (through)."
Sunday - December 4, 1966
Elder Podlesny
"Our first Sunday in Caracas. Good members and a good spirit. An excellent testimony meeting. I learned today that a (Priesthood) blessing recently saved Melissa (Brother & Sister Montgomerys daughter). We took pictures for the newspaper today and talked to several references."
December 5, 1966
At this time in the mission, every Monday was the designated "diversion" or "preparation" day when missionaries could do laundry, shop, clean their apartment, sight see, write letters home or do other personal chores.
Elder Podlesny
"We started out the day with our district study class which lasted until about 10:00 A.M.. Then my companion and I went downtown to a barbershop and the photo shop. We spent the afternoon reading out of DHC (Doctrinal History of the Church) and recording tapes for Christmas.
"Tonight we checked back on the visit in the building by Avila and made a return visit. We found no one else at home the rest of the evening, but by passing by Brother Goodman's home he took us over to meet Mr. Marshal - probably the most valuable part of the day. He will listen to us and is very impressed by the organization of the Church, which he saw in Salt Lake City. The spirit is good and people are receptive. If we merit the help of the Lord, we'll have results."
December 6, 1966
Elder Bell
"Well, today started out with a 'bang' but ended up with a 'blank'. We started out this morning looking up World's Fair references and had some real good luck, but then came tonight and our first, first lesson here in Venezuela, and 'man' did we 'blow it'! This family was (Catholic) all the way and you could never change their mind. I really don't know how I could have handled it differently so I guess I won't feel too bad."
December 7, 1966
The Elders also began "tracting" in their respective areas for the first time. They started in the nicer residential areas as requested by President Brewerton. Tracting door to door in Caracas wasn't like tracting in the "barrios" of Managua, Nicaragua, Tegucigalpa, Honduras, Danli, Nicaragua or the San Blas Islands of Panama. First of all, the missionaries were contacting the more well to do citizens of the city, who not only seemed more resistant to change, but were also more difficult to find at home. And, if they were home, it was difficult to get past the maids and other servants that worked there. Missionaries did their best as they confronted new cultural hoops to jump through.
Elder Bell
"As far as tracting goes I really don't know but when the people open up their doors they seem like they are afraid or something."
Elder Podlesny
"Today we tried for the first time, tracting. It was fair. Reception was not always good. We only made two return visits. But then I would tract my whole mission if I could but find one or two...
"In the afternoon we walked through Los Chorros and made a good return visit with a family over there. And tonight we had an excellent meeting with Jose Brito, a (well) traveled business man.
"We came back at 9:00 P.M. tonight so I would have time to arrange investigators. We have 14. Then we watched the Tabernacle Choir here at home.
"I received a letter from the Duarte family tonight. That makes me happy!" (The Duartes were a family in Tegucigalpa, Honduras that Elder Podlesny was teaching before he was transferred to Venezuela. Brother Duarte wrote to tell him that he and his family had recently entered the waters of baptism and how happy they were to be members of the Church.)
December 8, 1966
Elder Bell
"Well, everything is going about the same. We have been tracting a little and we have found it rather difficult to get into the houses. I think the main trouble is too many maids.
"Today, we went out to Barrio La Paz and Vista Alegre and looked up references from the World's Fair, but we didn't have too much luck. Most of the people weren't home so we didn't get to talk to too many. We have also found that most of these cards (referral) were written by young ladies and that's what the President told us especially not to preach to."
Elder Podlesny
"We just returned from visiting Sofia Romero. I find it difficult to believe that the Catholic Church has such a tight grip on these people here... and thus he leads them carefully down to hell - Why can't they see?! And understand? Is it because they are comfortable in sin and don't want to feel the pricks of conscience? I guess now we're finally finding what we are up against - the Catholic Church!"
December 9, 1966
Elder Podlesny
"The common opinion here seems to be surprise at the fact that a prophet lives among us today. I don't know how to interpret this yet. It may be honest interest or it may be incredulity. We need to find people and we want to help them. Maybe if we could humble ourselves sufficiently the Lord would help us. But then I know it is wrong to say that he isn't. He constantly showers out his blessings upon us and every chance we give him He helps us.
"This afternoon was spent miles south of the city looking up several visits - all of which fell through. We got a lift back to the city and (we) picked up photos for (the) newspaper.
"Then tonight we dined with Brother Wilcox and afterwards tracted. We talked with an intellectual from Switzerland."
December 10, 1966
Elder Podlesny
"Today was like a dam bursting. We went tracting and had nothing but success all day. We testified and it was very obvious several times that it 'hit home'. We have some excellent visits lined up and are very joyous. The people here are looking for the truth also.
"(My) companion and I are practicing lessons in English and are expecting this kind of teaching. Also we are developing a better series of lessons.
"Tonight we returned to the Marin home in La Florida and much to our surprise came through very well with him. Then we saw Rotundo by Calle Negrin (Negrin St.) and have a promising return (visit) with him. (We) testified to a Doctor Rangel and family this afternoon and he was visibly moved."
Sunday - December 11, 1966
Elder Podlesny
"Tonight we just returned from Rotundo and making a good return visit with him. He may be good. With the exception of this and several hours of fruitless tracting, we spent most of our time in meetings.
"After Sacrament Meeting we went across the street and met one of the families there. We just chatted on a friendly basis and they entertained us by playing the ukulele and the harp!
"I have been assigned to speak at the next Sacrament Meeting. We are trying to change meetings to Spanish: GOOD SPIRIT (in our Sunday meetings)!
December 12, 1966
Elder Podlesny
"This morning ('diversion day') we went up the "teleférico" (cable car) to have our study class. It was cool and the clouds rested in patches on the mountain. Across one valley was a huge rainbow.
"We practiced our song a little upon returning and then my 'comp' (companion) and I went to (the) bank and P.O. (Post Office).
"Tonight we traveled down to La Vega for 2 hours and then chatted briefly with a woman. We have decided that it is too far away."
December 13, 1966
Elder Podlesny
"We were off joyfully to teach this morning. It is always good to be back in the Lord's work. I certainly hope that we are doing it to His satisfaction...
"We tracted in the morning and found two return visits and then switched companions in the afternoon. I worked with Elder Baum and we made a few fruitless return visits and back to tracting. The work was fruitless up until about five when we were considering returning but (Elder) Baum had a feeling we should stay out longer. We passed one door up and were walking up the drive to another when a young executive came out. The next hour was spent teaching and testifying to him. He promised us he would pray and was quite interested. It remains to be seen if he will put it to the test. Elder Baum is an excellent elder and a great help to all. I surely appreciate him.
"Upon returning to the house tonight we were greeted with the news that a Major had been shot, a General wounded, and something similar to marshal law declared. The President in a TV address announced that Communist terrorism would cease. They are fighting hard and it looks like the government is winning. This country has the greatest problems of all that I have been in. It is obvious why, though. The Communists would like the oil and the industry. But regardless of what men do, the purpose of the Lord will be carried out. They cannot stop it - only break themselves against it."
December 14, 1966
Elder Podlesny
"It is about 2:30 P.M. Wednesday. We are just returning from Brother Goodman's house and our visit with the other elders. Elder Gruwell has ordered us not to work in the afternoon. The political situation has apparently worsened. Brother Goodman (who worked at the U.S. Embassy in the Political Section) called earlier and advised us not to leave the house.
"Upon returning to the house two trucks full of men with machine guns passed us. They were on patrol as they were crouched, ready to fire. Last night they raided the University and confiscated many of the Communist's arms. I feel very guilty for not working but I must obey. Obedience is a fundamental principal of the gospel. So is example. If we can't obey our rules how can we ask someone to obey the Lord's commandments?
"Nite: We were able to make our visits tonight. They went well and by chance visited one other man, Salazar. A left-winger (father is (a) senator) and very interested in the gospel. He looks golden to me. We certainly have been blessed to abundance with good investigators here. Now we just must give them lessons and prepare them.
"We heard gunshots tonight upon arriving home. They seemed to come from the mountain. (Caracas is located in a narrow valley between two mountain ranges)
December 15, 1966
Elder Podlesny
"We taught the McFerson's tonight. He was not opening up his mind and I feel only wanted to argue us down." Our pilot, Marin, was not home in California. Almost the whole day was spent in tracting with no success.
December 16, 1966
Elder Bell
"Well, today was a pretty well spent day. We spent all morning 'toking' (missionary slang for 'knocking on) doors and we found a couple of good men but we won't be able to teach then until the end of January.
"Last night we had a reference from Mr. Wilcox to the house of a Mr. McFersen. We went and talked to him and it seems to me like he really knows which church is right and he just doesn't want to admit it.
"We really had a great lesson tonight with the Family Marin in La California (a suburb of Caracas). I think we might be able to baptize them.
Elder Podlesny
"We just had a wonderful visit with the Marin family. They said they would come to church and we have a return visit lined up with them. The Lord has blessed us to overflowing. My prayer is that we can use the God given faculties with (which) we have been given...in the most advantageous method.
"All is well. The Christmas season is now close at hand."
December 17, 1966
Elder Podlesny
"Saturday has been well-spent in both tracting and in testifying. We were able to give two lessons today. The first was with Doctor Rangel. It was hard to tell how he accepted it. The other was with Sr. y Sra. Ybarra. They are good people and have opened up their minds. She possibly more than he.
"Catholicism rests as a heavy yoke upon these people. Many do not believe it but they are so bound and weighted down by tradition that it is not easy for them to free their minds.
"We have been meeting many 'gringo' (American) families who attend the United Christian Church and are planning to attend their bell choir tomorrow night on a good-will visit.
"(May) God bless our investigators and ready the people (to hear the gospel)!
Sunday - December 18, 1966
Elder Bell
"Well today was Sunday exactly one week from Christmas, but no matter how close it is I just can't get the Christmas Spirit. (Elder Bell was from Idaho and the warm tropical climate of Caracas was very different than what he was use to around Christmas time.)
"We had some real nice luck today. After Church we went and visited Fernando Salazar and we had a real good first lesson with him. Then we went to the home of Consuelo de Gonzales and gave her husband a 'flip chart' (at that time, the missionaries carried an 8 1/2" by 11" binder with pictures depicting different events relating to the restoration of the gospel.)
"...After Church tonight we went to a bell ceremony at the United Christian Church. There we gave a Book of Mormon to the Reverend (Green).
Elder Podlesny
"If this work fails here it is our fault. We are agents unto ourselves and God wants us to (do) this. If we fail we cannot transfer the blame."
December 19, 1966
Elder Podlesny
"So that there may be no doubt... If we do not achieve maximum results in Caracas the fault will lie with us.
"We had study class this morning, practiced our song and split up. Elder Baum and I went to their place and studied. We talked and I told him that I felt that I had been walking without the Spirit. He related the same to me and we discussed it. We came to the conclusion that this may have been tackling the work wrong...we should be preaching from the rooftops, and we aren't. We must be bold but not overbearing. Elder Gruwell joined us and we continued (talking). He suggested that we preach at the UCC (Central University of Caracas), get in (news) papers, television etc. Also (he) gave me charge of drafting some plan and presenting it to them tomorrow in (the) morning. We need the Lord's help. And we need to humble ourselves to deserve it, especially in this plan. If it is not carried out with an eye single to the glory to God, I fear we will not have His help. We must be willing to forego all praise and delight in the exaltation of our fellow man. Bless us with strong testimonies and seal them up unto the hearts of this people - that they might receive a burning witness in their hearts."
December 20, 1966
Elder Podlesny and Elder Bell felt it would be beneficial to contact members of the local Protestant clergy and introduce them to the Church. They borrowed a telephone book from one of the members and either called or wrote to the local clergy of several Protestant churches. Only two indicated they would be willing to meet with these young Mormon missionaries, Father Collins of the Anglican Church and Reverend Williamson, a Presbyterian clergyman who was teaching at the local American school.
Elder Podlesny
"We started out this morning fasting until tonight. We met with the other elders and drew up some starting plans for involving more people in our work."
"We started our work on ministers this afternoon. After calling them we decided to go and visit one by Ave. Sucre. It took us 2.5 hrs, to go and return only to find that he had just left. We plan to talk to them of the Book of Mormon.
"We broke the fast tonight with prayer and went to La California to visit Sr. Marin. We learned he was flying and upon returning we stopped and purchased gifts for the family (that they were staying with). Tried to make another return visit but that also fell (through).
"We are in better spirits but I'm not seeing enough results yet. I want to find and teach above all other things. Find and teach!"
December 21, 1966
Elder Bell
"Well, today is what we might call a day of 'exito' (success). The morning started out pretty slow until we called a Mr. Williamson on the phone. He seems to have an interest about the Book of Mormon.
"This afternoon we were tracting and we tracted out a house and talked to two brothers, but they didn't seem too interested so we left without a return visit, but when we got to the next house, one of these two brothers and his sister came looking for us. She said she had a little bit of interest in the Church and she was taking Bible classes from a Mr. Borden.
"Meanwhile what we had been looking for all morning was groups just like this to teach the Book of Mormon.
"I think we were really guided by the spirit today. Tonight we went to the home of Issac Lombana and gave a first lesson to him and his daughter."
Elder Podlesny
"We had to wait for Fernando until 9:00 P.M. and when he did come we attended the Goodman's (Christmas) party and mingled with the guests. The Wilcoxes (the Branch president and his wife) drove us home and gave us the mail."
December 22, 1966
Elder Podlesny
"This morning was one of those beautiful moments that reduces the most trying problem to naught just as the morning sun gathers up the night's dew.
"In addition to fine weather the tracting was quite good although not notable. We also stopped back and talked with Beatrice Cobo who had made arrangements for the charla (fireside) with her group. We will give it next week. We may have found several good investigators today.
"This afternoon we went out to see Father Collins of the Anglican Church. We found a somewhat inhospitable, very sarcastic, and possibly somewhat proud spirit. We started out by discussing the Book of Mormon but the conversation soon widened out touching on (the) Trinity, polygamy, and others. I feel he was trying to impress at first with his office but when he found that we knew what we were speaking of, he retreated and kept muttering how foolish we were for being polytheistic. He was shocked at me because I had abandoned his idea of deity (Elder Podlesny was a convert to the Church) and (he) declared that we were 'not brothers in Christ'.
Evidently, Father Collins had gotten hold of some anti-Mormon literature that accused the Prophet Joseph Smith of suffering from epilepsy and he leveled that criticism again against the Prophet Joseph as well. The implication being that Joseph hadnt seen a vision at all but was just suffering another one of his so called seizures. In spite of their less than welcome reception, the young missionaries gave Father Collins a copy of the Book of Mormon and challenged him to read it and then ask God if it was true.
I questioned his example even as a minister. He not only was a drinker and smoker but he took the Lord's name in vain and apparently wasted much time in the pursuit of worthless paperbacks.
"We left him the Book of Mormon. I am a little concerned over the possibility of persecution from this (visit).
Tonight our visits fell through at 9:00 P.M. so Elder Bell and I watched "The Sound of Music" (They went to a local movie theater playing this film).
"It is about 12:30 AM or 1:00 AM - Good night! He has received our testimonies!
December 23, 1966
Elder Podlesny
"We have been a little bit tired from so little sleep. In the morning we went out to tract but ended up with the other Elders. I fear we did wrong for we did not use our time as effectively as we could... So in the afternoon my comp. And I resolved to accomplish something. We tracted and passed by the Goodman's.
Elder Bell
"Tonight, we talked to a Sr. Torrialba and gave him a Book of Mormon."
December 24, 1966
Elder Podlesny
"Today was spent entirely in searching for an apartment. We found it and may move in by next week."
"After this we dined at the Goodman's and saw some of Elder Baum's slides of San Blas (islands off the coast of Panama inhabited by the San Blas Indians). Then we returned home and readied gifts. 'Comp' (companion) and I plan to bring ours down at 3:00 A.M.!"
Christmas - December 25, 1966
Elder Bell
"Well, one more Christmas down and one more to go. It sure was nice to spend Christmas here with the Montgomery Family. I guess it was probably the next best thing to being home. Most of the members gave us some little gift as we at least had something to open this morning. The kids here really 'made a haul' though.
"Tonight in Sacrament Meeting the Elders had to sing. I really don't think we did too bad either."
Elder Podlesny
"Tonight had study class here as we are going golfing tomorrow ('diversion day')."
December 26, 1966
Elder Podlesny
"Oh Father, strike the darkness from the minds of these people. Help them to understand what we bring them!
"This evening after a day of relaxation we went out to work again. The people are very friendly but are neither hot nor cold. Tradition has them firmly in her grasp.
"We spoke to an English lady tonight with a damaged back. She was impressed by what she knew of the Mormons. We'll talk with her again later.
"We talked with Elders Baum and Gruwell tonight and are making plans to leave for Curaçao this Thursday and returning by Friday on our passport change.
"My companion and I have made a covenant with the Lord to avail ourselves of every chance he gives us this week."
December 27, 1966
Elder Podlesny
"We tracted this morning and gained velocity until noon when we received three returns (visits). Beatriz Cobo from the Bible Society was not home but left us a note telling us to call her next week about (setting up a time for a) 'charla' (missionary fireside).
"This noon we talked with the elders and made plans for Curaçao. We leave early tomorrow.
"We had a real wonderful visit with Pastor Williams this afternoon. He was real interested and I think the Lord may have guided us to a 'gold mine'. He promises to read the Book of Mormon and pray about it.
"Tonight we gave our first second lesson in the city to the Marin family. All is well, I hope I can do something of value for the work...we must!
The missionaries began visiting Rev. Williamson and his family on a regular basis and did so for many weeks. Although friendly and very receptive to the message of the restored gospel, the Reverend was not ready to lay aside his current religious beliefs and join the Mormons. Several years after Elder Podlesny returned home from his mission, he was able to locate Reverend Williamson and his family in San Diego, CA where Elder Podlesny was living with his wife and family. They where able to renew their friendship but Reverend Williamson still wasnt interested in giving up his religious convictions. It was a few years later after Elder Podlesny had returned to Brigham Young University and had later moved to Boise, Idaho that he received a letter from Church headquarters in Salt Lake City. This time, it was Reverend Williamson who was trying to contact Elder Podlesny. He wanted to tell his friend that he had finally received a personal witness of the truthfulness of the gospel and that he and his family had been baptized members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. (Brother Williamson continued to grow in the gospel and became an institute teacher and a member of the Stake Presidency in the San Diego, CA area. Elder David Bell, Elder Podlesnys companion, did not hear of Brother Williamsons conversion until August of 2000, 33 years after he began teaching him the restored gospel. Elder Bell became emotional after receiving this wonderful news.)
December 30, 1966
Elder Bell
"Well, we went on our passport change and I must say it was probably the most expensive passport change I've been on. We left here (Caracas) on the morning of the 28th and flew to Curaçao and arrived about 11:00 A.M. over there. We stayed in the Hotel Avila which cost us $30.00 for a room. Then we went to get our visas and found out we had to have a blood test and a bunch of photos. So, we spent the rest of the afternoon getting them, and then on the morning of the 29th we went to the consulate again and got our visas, only they cost us $5.00 a piece. They wouldn't cash a personal check. So I went to a camera shop and talked the manager into cashing a personal check for me if I would buy a camera. So I ended up buying me another Pen D2, which I've wanted to do anyway. Then after I did that we found out it was going to cost us to get back in the country, so we started counting our money and found out we had just enough to get to the airport and pay our way into the country. So we got to the airport in plenty of time about 7:30 P.M. and the plane was suppose to leave at 10:30 P.M. but since we didn't have any money we might just as well wait in the airport. Well the plane didn't come in until about 12:30 A.M. So we got home this morning about 3:30 A.M. So we went to bed and got up at about 9:00 A.M. this morning and since then we have spent most of the time looking for apartments. We are trying to decide on a furnished apartment and an unfurnished apartment. We ate supper tonight with the Vail family.
December 30, 1966
Elder Podlesny
"This evening I feel as though we are lacking in works... Life seems to be like an empty, untraveled road. There are so many possibilities...also a good deal of suffering and dogged endurance. I think the time calls for a plan of action and the iron will to grasp it... I am very glad that the holiday interruptions are drawing to a close and that we will be able to settle down to some good hard work."
December 31, 1966
Elder Podlesny
"New Year's Eve. As I sit here on my bed, I can hear the crickets chirping outside and a few occasional firecrackers.
"Today we found an apartment in Lassie (the building's name) that we have decided to take. We had quite a long day of talking over plans and deciding.
Within a few weeks after arriving in Caracas, the missionaries began looking for an apartment to move into. They narrowed their choice down to two or three before finally deciding on the second story apartment found in "Edificio Lassie" (The Lassie Building). It was close to public transportation, the American Embassy, and was centrally located in the upscale Los Palos Grandes section of the city. Although it was not the newest or nicest apartment they had found, it came furnished and was less expensive than the other apartments they were considering. Elder Baum felt impressed that this was the apartment they should select and not any of the nicer ones they had been looking at. Little did they know at the time, that Edificio Lassie would be able to withstand the deadly destruction left by the terrible "terremoto" (earthquake) that struck Caracas a few months later on the evening of July 29, 1967.
Elder Bell
"New Year's Eve we went to a branch party. It was a real nice party and (we) had a lot of fun games and then a dinner after midnight."
Sunday, January 1, 1967
Elder Podlesny
"The New Year, 1967. We started off in good style with a good day of hard work. Received the film '¿Qué es un Mormón?' (What is a Mormon?), and have been showing it.
In (the) morning we elders had our own Sunday school" (The branch did not hold Sunday school due to the holiday).
January 2, 1967
Elder Podlesny
"Oh, when...when are we going to reach those who are interested? The people seem so hypocritical. They cling to tradition and the Catholic Church, and then they sin and are immoral. There has to be someone interested...
"(Companion) and I have had a good start to the New Year... We talked with Father Collins again and had a somewhat better reception. We were greeted by the usual dime novel though, and he is still set in his ways and will not pray.
"Tracting we did not find too good, although we did tract our first apartment building (This) afternoon was spent trying to contact clubs and organizations. (The) spirit in (the) district is good. Elder Gruwell decided on the apartment for 950 B's (Venezuelan dollars) monthly."
Soon the Elders were tracting in the large apartment buildings that filled the skyline of this modern city. As with most of the homes they "tracted out", the missionaries soon learned that when working in apartment buildings they would frequently find themselves talking to a maid who refused to open the door or who opened it just far enough to speak briefly to the Elders with the door left chained. People were reluctant to open their doors to strangers because of their fear of "ladrones" (robbers). Crime was a problem in the big city and as noted earlier the political situation was somewhat unstable as well. In addition, there was a Communist guerrilla movement led by Douglas Bravo, going on in the mountains of certain areas of Venezuela. There continued to be a lot of student unrest on the campus of the Universidad Central de Caracas (Central University of Caracas). Until the government crackdown, urban guerrillas were using the university as a staging area for some of their attacks on the American Embassy and the assassination of military personnel living in and around Caracas.
Closed and locked gates secured some apartment buildings and the only way to gain access was with a key or over the building intercom system. Sometimes the missionaries would stand at the entrance to the building and go down each row of buttons to try and find someone that would let them enter. Some of these apartment buildings were twenty stories high. After tracting day in and day out on the hard terrazzo floors, it is easy to understand why the Elders began to develop shin splints and vericose veins in their feet and ankles. The general technique was for the missionaries to take the elevator to the top floor and work youre their way down to the bottom floor. When they were finished with one building they would move on to the next.
January 3, 1967
The Elders quickly learned the transportation system of this large, modern city and within a few weeks became familiar with the major neighborhoods that were spread out over a large geographic area.,
Elder Podlesny
"It is late afternoon and we have just returned from a visit with Brother Williamson. He has read half of the Book of Mormon now and plans to finish. He has been praying but has not received an answer yet.
"Just returned home from the 'charla' at the house of Beatriz Cobo. About 12 arrived and my 'comp' (companion) and I spoke, and all went very well. They were very interested and invited us back.
"Luis made a visit with us tomorrow at 1:00 P.M. and will pass by, pick us up, and take us to a Catholic Priest who is interested in the Book of Mormon.
"This afternoon we also spoke with Pastor Green and hope he will let us deliver this same message to his congregation.
"I feel the Lord is opening up the way for us."
January 4, 1967
Elder Podlesny
"Today has been fruitful. We started it by tracting and had exceptionally good reception. At 11:00 A.M. we went up to see Raul, and met him on the way down. We discussed the Book of Mormon and bore testimony. He will read it and pray.
"Immediately after lunch, Luis and Jesus arrived and took us to visit Father Guido. We found an intelligent, interested man. He sparred a few scriptures with us on the appearance of God to man and even his student finally came in on our side. He now has a copy of the Book of Mormon and (an) explanation and testimony.
"We spoke with Mrs. Lansberg again and revisited Doctor Galindez with "What is a Mormon?" and also (the) millionaire by Brother Goodman's."
January 5, 1967
Elder Podlesny
"This morning we tracted with good success. Have met several new people recently that appear interested.
"In the afternoon we visited Mrs. Parra, showed her the film and chatted. Then we went downtown to visit Mr. Borden, who was not there but will arrive Monday.
"And tonight we had return visits and finished up by visiting Sr. Rivero who was very interested in the message."
January 6, 1967
Elder Podlesny
"I am writing this by candlelight. We moved into apartment Lassie today and still do not have electricity. (The) other Elders are still at the Goodman's residence.
"We tracted in the morning, moved in the afternoon, and had a dinner date at the Montgomery's tonight, where we met the 'vice-jefe' (assistant chief) of the (American Embassy) and another fellow.
"Our whole effort is bent to finding people and teaching them.
January 7, 1967
Elder Bell
"We have been working pretty hard but haven't been getting too many results. We had something like eighty hours this week but really didn't accomplish much. We can't seem to find anyone who is really interested."
January 9, 1967
Elder Bell
"We finally got some electricity for our apartment. It sure makes it a lot nicer. The last few days were just about average until today. Today we went to visit Pastor Green of the United Christian Church. We told him about the Book of Mormon and a few Indian traditions and he seemed pretty interested. When we asked him if we could talk in one of his meetings he told us we could and we set up a meeting for the 9th of February and the 10th of April to speak in front of two congregations.
"Then we went to see Mr. Borden of the Bible Society here in Venezuela. Our main purpose was to find out about various Bible study classes here in Venezuela to see if we could speak to them about the Book of Mormon. We found out that he isn't going to be any help at all, in fact he really has a bad attitude about the Mormons."
January 10, 1967
Elder Bell
"Today I think I put in more hours than I think I have any other day in my mission. We had 13 hours all together. We went and saw Brother Williamson again today. We gave him a fifth lesson and he seemed to take it pretty well. I really don't think he is praying sincerely. We also had another 'charla' with the Bible study class. We showed them 'What is a Mormon?' and then tried to answer questions, but like I said we tried. We really did explain the best we could and I think we came out all right. With Padre Guido there and a few other guys who like to argue it made it quite hard."
January 12, 1967
Elder Bell
"Yesterday was what you might call an average day, except we had a visit with Mr. Sepulveda in which we showed him 'What is a Mormon?' He seemed real interested. It seems like we might finally be breaking through the ice.
"Today was 'diversion day'. We have changed it because it is more convenient for us to have it on Thursday than on Monday. We went to the free market this morning and bought some vegetables and stuff, we ended up spending about 50 Bs (American slang for bolivares, the Venezuelan dollar). The Elder Gruwell and I went and played basketball and got beat by a couple of Latins. We went shopping at the 'Cada' (local supermarket) and there it cost 40 Bs. Man, this place sure is expensive!
"We had a pretty good 'charla' tonight but he doesn't seem all that interested. He is just a real nice guy. Then later after that we went to the Hotel Tamanaco to send a telegram for my 'comp' (companion).
Sunday, January 15, 1967
Elder Bell
"Well we sure had a tough first lesson tonight with Mr. Sepulveda. I think it's the best one since we've been here in Caracas.
"The last couple of days we have just been working as usual. Today was Sunday. I gave a talk tonight in Church. I didn't do too hot, they only told me this morning. I was supposed to do it so I didn't have much time to prepare."
January 18, 1967
Elder Bell
"I think things are starting to pick up a little bit. Yesterday we went and saw Brother Williamson and talked to him some more about the priesthood and the Law of Eternal Progression. It was really great. He seems to believe everything we tell him and he really seems to have an interest in the gospel."
January 24, 1967
Elder Bell
"The weeks sure travel around here. I thought it had only been a few days since I wrote in here, but it's been a whole week. Quite a bit has happened during the past week. Brother Williamson came out to Church but who knows if it was a curiosity or a desire to know more that made him come. We had a third with Sr. Sepúlveda and he took it real well and he will probably be baptized pretty soon."
January 27, 1967
Elder Bell
"Well everything seems to be going just the same. Yesterday, was diversion day and we didn't do anything all day except we went to the Bible Study class at Mr. Borden's house. It seemed more like an EV (Evangelical) meeting. Today was like a regular day, we tracted all morning and most of the afternoon after all our visits fell through. All our visits fell through tonight too but we managed to find some things to do."
Sunday, January 29, 1967
Elder Bell
"Saturday, we had a pretty good day. We had a few visits and they seemed to turn out real well. I feel that we found a new family, but we will have to see. Today, was Sunday and it was a real fine day. Sr. Sepúlveda came out to both services today and he seems real interested. Now we just have to get his wife out. We had a lesson tonight with the Burnett family. I don't think they will ever be Mormons, he had his own ideas and he doesn't want to change them for the teachings of Christ."
January 30, 1967
Elder Bell
"Well, today was sort of a hectic day. We tracted all morning and we really didn't find anybody interested. This afternoon we looked around for a Rotary Club but never found it until Elder Baum took us and showed us the way tonight.
"We had a real good lesson with Mr. Sepúlveda tonight, we had a fourth lesson. He told us he would like to be baptized. His wife might be a little problem. She really doesn't believe in the (Catholic Church) but then she is still hung (up) by tradition to the (Catholic Church). One thing on our side (is) she is a follower and she will probably be baptized with her husband.
"We are supposed to get new 'comps' (companions) on the second (of February)."
Many more missionaries were needed to expand the missionary efforts in Venezuela. By the end of 1966, the second group of Elders had been selected by President Brewerton to travel to Caracas. However, difficulty in securing visas held up these missionaries until the first of February 1967. This second group consisted of the following elders: Elder Dennis Clark, Elder Courtney Daniels, Elder Lynn Heward, and Elder Alan K. Manning.
February 3, 1967
Elder Bell
"Well, we got new 'comps' (companions). They came in Thursday night at 11:45 P.M. We didn't get home until 1:30 A.M. Elder Podlesny and me gave a fifth to the Sepúlvedas Thursday night. It was just great. She is doing a lot better now and she seems to be pulling away from her (Catholic) ideas.
"My new 'comp' (companion), Elder Daniels, and I finally gave a first to Mr. Valers and his wife, they seemed to take it pretty well but then it's hard to tell."
These newly arrived missionaries were excited to be in Venezuela and the original four Elders were glad to have the additional help and support. Elder Clark was assigned to work with Elder Podlesny, Elder Daniels and Elder Bell were new companions, Elder Heward and Elder Baum were assigned to work together and Elder Manning was companions with Elder Gruwell.
With the arrival of the four new Elders another apartment had to be found to accommodate the expanding missionary force. The new apartment was located on the fourth floor of the "Edificio Terrepaima", in "Bello Campo", and was not far from the first apartment in "Los Palos Grandes". This second apartment was not as large or as nice as the one in "Edificio Lassie". It was, however, located close to public transportation and it was affordable and came partly furnished.
Saturday, February 4, 1967
Elder Alan K. Manning
"I am in Caracas now, working hard and enjoying the new sites (and) challenges etc. I arrived Thursday night (February 2) at 11:40 P.M.. All the Elders and some members of the Branch Presidency and their wives met us at the airport. We got to stop in Panama for a few hours, so we rushed into town and by chance met my old companion Elder (Don) Smith in Panama City. We hurried back to the airport to catch our plane to Caracas."
The new missionaries were required to carry, in addition to all their personal belongings, boxes of pamphlets and Book of Mormons, film strip projectors, film strips and other items requested by the Elders in Caracas. These four original missionaries plus the Caracas Branch Presidency and their wives met them at the airport in Maiquetia.
The recently arrived missionaries were quite taken by their new surroundings. In a letter to his parents, Elder Manning describes his first trip from the international airport located in Maiquetía to the city of Caracas. "After going through immigrations and customs, we loaded up our baggage and were off up the mountain to where the city of Caracas is located. We drove along large wide freeways, a real change from Costa Rica and the other Central American countries. At times the road took us through tunnels in the mountains to avoid having to travel over steep roads over the mountains. It was 20 or 25 minutes to Caracas from the airport."
Elder Manning recorded his first impressions of the capital of Venezuela in his missionary journal: "My first impressions of Caracas are of awe and amazement. Caracas is a city of apartment buildings everywhere as far as you can see. The city itself is located in a narrow valley with the city reaching both sides. The freeway system is fantastic. Huge six lane freeways cross town in several places. Sometimes they go under buildings or in tunnels."
Caracas looked more like Miami than any city they had known in Central America. Elder Manning went on to say, " After traveling through town for another fifteen minutes by freeway we arrived at our new residence. As I got out of the car and walked into our apartment building, I couldn't believe that this was going to be our home. I have been use to living in rooms that had termites, fleas, mosquitoes etc". We rode the elevator up to the second floor, got out, and walked to our apartment down the hall. My first glance at our apartment was unbelief. Our front room is large, it has two couches, two chairs, a dinning room set, a big book case, and huge sliding glass doors that lead out to the balcony. We have two bedrooms, both with double beds, desks etc. The kitchen is nice, a nice range, refrigerator, and another dining table. Off of the kitchen are the (laundry) room and the maid's room and bathroom. There is a nice automatic washer to do our washing in. Since we don't have a maid we use the extra room for storage and hanging our wet clothes."
Elder Manning continued, "We are suppose to work with just the upper class people here so as to get good leaders in to the Church and form a good strong organization. My companion is Elder Gruwell, the First Assistant to the (Mission) President. He, of course, is an excellent Elder. We have been working in nice apartment buildings." The people are very hard for the most part and wont listen to us. Some of the other Elders have some promising investigators and hope to have some baptisms soon.
We are meeting in the house of President Wilcox and have about forty members. The Mission is looking for a closer and more permanent location for the chapel. I am looking forward to my first Sunday in Venezuela."
Besides the life style changes, the new missionaries also needed to learn new ways of approaching the citizens of Caracas. Elder Manning learned this lesson the hard way. On his first day tracting with his companion, they knocked on a door and Elder Gruwell turned to Elder Manning indicating that he should do the talking. A well-groomed lady in her mid thirties answered. Elder Manning used the door approach that had worked for him in San José, Costa Rica, "¿Sábe ud. quienes somos?" (Do you know who we are?) In Costa Rica the customary response was either, "No, I don't know." or "Yes, you are North American missionaries." This time the answer was quite different and unexpected. The lady responded, "No, I don't know and I don't have time to find out!" She proceeded to lock her front door and walk down the steps on her way to what must have been a very important appointment. It would be three long weeks of tracting eight to ten hours every day before Elder Manning would give his first missionary discussion in Venezuela.
In addition to the nicer surroundings, the new missionaries had to make other adjustments. Venezuela is one of the largest oil producing and exporting nations in the world and it has a high cost of living. In Central America the missionaries could get by on $125.00 a month or less while in Caracas it cost the missionaries $200.00 a month plus the cost of their flight from Costa Rica. This additional expense created a burden for many of the missionaries and their families.
In Venezuela other things would be different as well. In addition to the added cost the missionaries did not do their own cooking and laundry. In Caracas the missionaries had to take turns not only cooking but they had to go to the "mercado libre" (farmer's market) each week to buy their own food. There were well-stocked local supermarkets but their prices were expensive and more than the missionaries could afford. They were also responsible for cleaning their own apartments. In Central America servants cleaned and cooked and in some areas they made the beds and shined the shoes for the missionaries. One advantage that the Elders had in Venezuela was the enthusiastic support of the members. The Elders were frequently invited over for dinner and were highly thought of by the members of the small Caracas Branch.
Elder Manning describes a "diversion day" activity with the branch that took place his very first week in Caracas. "Today, Monday, the branch had a joint activity (with the missionaries). Caracas is located in a valley between two mountain ranges and on one side is located a cable car system that goes up the mountainside. At the top of the mountain is a large hotel about 15 stories high that turned into a flop. From the top you can see the ocean on one side and Caracas on the other. From the hotel, we hiked to a couple of peaks east, that are very high, I don't know how (high). To give you an idea of how high we were the clouds were way below us! After some tough hiking we reached the first peak and looked at the next one towering even higher across a saddle back and 600 or 700 hundred feet higher. Five of the Elders decided to go up the other side and climb the next peak. It was a real climb, at many places very steep and dangerous. What made it worse was the clouds were coming over the mountain and were so thick that is was hard to see, besides being very wet. We finally reached the peak after almost going back three or four times. The trip down into Caracas was almost as bad as the trek in the mountains. The trail was so steep that you had to run down it. Even at that rate it took us over two hours to get down. My feet are worn out and so is the rest of me."
February 8, 1967
Elder Bell
"Quite a bit has happened the past week. It seems like we have been blessed pretty well. Sunday, we gave a first to Sivio's over in Ed. Union (the Union building). The whole family took it real well and with a little help from above we should be able to baptize them. Also, Sunday night we went and talked to Sr. Lansberg for the first time, they told us that we could give them the lessons. I think that if they will pray and listen, they will be baptized. They are a couple of great people.
"Monday & Tuesday have sort of been wasted days. They told us not to travel around too much (due to continued political unrest), so we haven't. Monday, we went on a hike with the members. We went up the 'teleferico' (cable car) and then hiked from there to one of the peaks and from the peak back down to the city. I sure am stiff right now."
Sunday, February 12, 1967
For the recently organized Caracas Branch this day would go down in its brief history as one of its most memorable. On February 12th, 1967, the first converts in Venezuela were baptized on top of a fourteen story apartment building in the city of Caracas. The building's roof top swimming pool was used as a baptismal font. The Carr family, who was members of the new Caracas Branch, lived in this modern, attractive building. Brother Carr had obtained permission from the building manager to use the pool for this special occasion. Their apartment house was located just a couple of blocks away from the missionaries' apartment in Bello Campo in an upscale neighborhood between Avenida San Francisco de Miranda, one of the main streets in Caracas and the freeway.
"The first baptism in Venezuela. Elder Frederick S. Podlesny is baptising Harnan Serito Sepúlveda February 12, 1967." [Thanks to Alan Manning for sending this photo to the webmaster.]
Those that were there will never forget that very special occasion. The evening weather was cool and clear. From the rooftop of the apartment building you had a panoramic view of the bright lights of the numerous buildings and skyscrapers silhouetted against the horizon. You could also see the headlights of the many cars that traveled the streets and freeways of this beautiful city. Even though it was the weekend and the noisy streets of the city were filled with people, on top of that fourteen-story apartment building it was peaceful and quiet. The air was clean and you could smell the fast approaching night. You could also feel the importance of this moment. Something very special was taking place on this lovely evening in the city of Caracas.
The Sepúlvedas, all dressed in white were a little nervious, she more than he but both awaited anxiously for what would happen next. After a song, a prayer, and a talk, Elder Podlesny, with a big smile on his face and with his eyes shinning, climbed into the water and with determined strides walked to the middle of the pool. After a short pause, he invited Mr. Sepúlveda to join him. All in attendance waited while Mr. Sepúlveda climbed down the ladder into the pool and step by step walked over to Elder Podlesny. After giving him some instructions, Elder Podlesny standing straight with his head bowed, raised his right hand high and repeated the words of the baptismal prayer. He then baptized Harnan Serito Sepúlveda as the first convert of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints to have this sacred ordinance performed in Venezuela. Brother Sepúlveda came up out of the water soaked to the skin but smiling and happy. He then walked over to the ladder and climbed out of the pool. Mrs. Sepúlveda still apprehensive cautiously climbed down the ladder into the water. When she arrived at Elder Podlesny's side, he gave her some brief instructions. When she was ready Elder Podlesny raised his right hand and holding Sra. Sepúlveda's wrist with his left hand, he repeated the same sacred words. Upon concluding the prayer, Elder Podlesny baptized Natavidad Acosta Sepúlveda as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. A few minutes later, after getting dressed in dry clothes, Elder Bell humbly confirmed the Sepúlvedas members of the Church and gave them the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Later that evening, Elder Bell wrote in his missionary journal how he felt about the day's events, "Tonight we baptized the family Sepulveda. I'll never forget the spirit that was there at that baptism. Almost all the members were there and all the Elders were there and most of all, we had the Spirit with us. It was a beautiful night on top of the Carr's apartment house where they have a swimming pool we used as a "pila" (baptismal font). First we had a prayer, a song and then a talk given by Brother Goodman. It was a really great talk, I noticed several people in the crowd crying. Then Elder Podlesny baptized them. Brother Sepúlveda told me after he had been baptized and left the pool, 'Before I went in there I was cold, but now I feel warm all over', and Sister Sepúlveda said the same thing. It was really a great experience for me to be able to confirm them members of the Church. I don't think I have ever felt the power that I hold as strong as I did tonight. I don't think a person there tonight could deny the truthfulness of the gospel because of the spirit that could be felt there." Another missionary adds, "It was truly a spiritual occasion and a historic one for Venezuela."
At the time, this small group of missionaries and members could not envision that someday, in the not too distant future, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints would spread through out Venezuela. Tens of thousands of Venezuelans would embrace the gospel of Jesus Christ and in addition, a temple would be built in Caracas for these faithful saints. (The new Caracas temple was dedicated by President Hinckley in August of 2000.)
Thursday, February 16, 1967
Elder Manning
"The work here is pretty slow. The people are hard headed and Catholic. Many of the people we visit are afraid to open their doors to talk to us because they think we are robbers. I guess they have a real problem with them here. We are now for the most part out of the apartment houses and in the residential areas. We still aren't having much success. We are teaching several people, but I don't know how they will turn out. One Italian man we are teaching is sincere and wants to listen to us but his wife doesn't want anything to do with us. Their kids are in a Catholic school, the public ones are poor and if by chance they were converted their two children would be kicked out of school and the kids would be ridiculed etc. by the others.
"Today, is "diversion day". We have it on Thursdays because that is when the market place is open. We have to do our own shopping, cooking, cleaning, washing etc all on "diversion day". I am glad I learned how to do all these things at home, it makes it a lot easier. On Thursdays we try to cook something special. Today, we had some small steaks for lunch. I broiled them and also made some steak sauce to cook them in. I took a half of a small lemon, melted butter, catsup, onion salt, pepper, onions and mixed them all together and put in on the steaks before I put them on the broiler. It tasted pretty good. Right now they (Elder Bell, Elder Daniels & Elder Gruwell) are in the kitchen cooking brownies, and oatmeal cookies.
"The branch is mostly American families down here. Two Brothers have jobs in the American Embassy, one is Assistant Director of the Peace Corp, another works in the Alliance for Progress, another is a engineer and the branch president is the financial manager for Del Monte Foods. Some of the people are just starting to raise their families and others are grandmothers. It was surprising to me, but many of the older people like it down here even though they are away from their families and all.
"President Brewerton is coming on tour the 26th of the month with his wife. It will be good to see them again. We are hoping the President (will) give the go ahead to send eight more missionaries down here. We would like to have four Elders open up another town. Venezuela has several large cities, one has over 500,000 people. Some of the Elders are contemplating or wishing they could go to the interior and work with the primitive Indian tribes. They don't bother to wear any clothes and run around in canoes carrying blowguns. It would be exciting to say the least.
"The weather here is warm, real nice. I imagine it is about the same in San Diego, (Elder Manning grew up in San Diego, California). We had some rain the other day the only rain since I have been here."
February 17, 1967
Elder Bell
"There really hasn't been too much going on after the baptismal service. Sunday we've done a lot of tracting and very little lesson giving, we went over and saw the Ortíz family. They seem like a real great family, they need a little religion though! She is (Evangelical) and he really isn't anything and their daughter is Catholic. We tracted out a nice family tonight but who knows what will become of them. The whole district is speaking Spanish this week, I guess it will help. My Spanish can use a lot of polishing."
Thursday, February 23, 1967
Elder Manning
In a letter to his younger brother, Elder Manning talks about his diversion day activities. "Today is 'D-day' or 'diversion day'. This morning my 'comp' (companion) and I went to the market today to get our shopping done. The market we go to isn't a supermarket, far from it. It is open and there are about a hundred little stalls where you can buy anything from beans to tangerines. We carry around shopping bags (these bags were made out of burlap or cloth) to put our food in them (in order to) lug everything home. Today, I was carrying a big bag of stuff and 30 eggs when I tripped going off the curb. We now have about 25 eggs and I have two skinned up knees. Later on we went down and played basketball until we almost dropped."
February 24, 1967
Elder Manning
"Last night all of the missionaries here in Caracas had dinner at Brother and Sister Montgomery's, a young couple, here in the branch. We had a regular Thanksgiving dinner, turkey, cranberry sauce and everything else. I didn't even get sick. Last Christmas we had dinner over at a member's house and I couldn't take the good food. I got sick during the last part of Sacrament Meeting and had to leave. The people here in the branch are going to spoil us if we keep getting dinner invitations.
Elder Manning goes on to relate an experience that happened to him and his companion, Elder Gruwell. "We had a visit outside of Caracas in a suburb called 'Hatillo'. It is about 10 or 12 miles out of town so we had to take a bus or a taxi. We found out on our trip out to our visit we didn't have enough money to take us out and back. We thought our investigator could drive us part way in, we would be all right, because we had just enough money to take a bus back in. We finally got out to our visit at about 8:30 P.M. and found out that they weren't home. We were really in a fix because we just had enough money to go to the next little town. We caught a taxi and told the guy who we were and what our problem was. The driver was a young colored kid, and was real nice to us, he said he would take us to a bus stop and not charge us anything. We thought that was real great because we just had enough money to get back into town. My companion was playing with his money and lost a quarter behind the seat and couldn't find it. We were 'up a tree' again, but the taxi driver came to our rescue, he gave us enough money so that we could take a taxi into town. I could hardly believe it, a taxi driver giving us enough money to get into town. We took his name down so we can go see him and pay what we owe. (The two missionaries returned later and repaid the surprised taxi driver.)
Elder Manning made some additional comments about an upcoming visit by the Mission President. "President Brewerton is coming in so we will be having interviews etc. I hope we will be opening up another city soon besides sending down more Elders. It will be kind of (like) Christmas for some of the Elders because they haven't seen the President nor his wife for almost three months. The Elders down here really love and appreciate the President and his wife. He is quite a man! His wife makes good cinnamon rolls too. I hope she brings some down with her.
Sunday, February 26, 1967
Late on Sunday night Brother Wilcox, the Branch President, his wife and the Assistant to the President, Elder Neil Gruwell and his companion, Elder Manning, went to the airport in Maiquetía to meet President Brewerton and his wife Dorothy. Their flight didn't arrive until 11:30 P.M. and they didn't get home until 1:00 A.M. Elder Manning wrote, "It is good to see him and his wife again. They always carry a wonderful spirit with them."
February 27, 1967
Elder Manning
"Monday morning we had interviews with the President and that afternoon we had a conference meeting for the missionaries, all eight of us. The President talked to us and said that he was glad the work is hard for us in Caracas. He told us if the work were hard enough it would force us to our knees so that we would have to put out trust in the Lord. He said we wouldn't appreciate being in Caracas if it were easy. We have to grow through our problems. The President is always a lift to our spirits."
In addition to his enthusiasm for the work, President Brewerton brought some practical helps and suggestions for the missionaries as well. As a result of these suggestions, the Elders were busy making displays, thinking up ideas for a magazine and getting a projector and screen so they could begin showing the Church film, "Man's Search for Happiness" to potential investigators.
Elder Manning continued,
"The spirit of the Elders here in Caracas is wonderful. They are all high quality, devoted missionaries. I feel good about the future of Venezuela. The Lord will pour his spirit out among the people and they will be able to recognize the truth.
"President Tuttle of the First Counsel of Seventy will be in Venezuela in two weeks to take a look at the situation here. He will interview us at that time. He is in charge of the Spanish speaking missions. They are keeping a close watch on what is taking place in Venezuela. I am sure Brother Tuttle will have some encouragement and suggestions for us. President Brewerton will accompany him on his tour.
"The general good feeling of the mission has seemed to increase. The President said everywhere in the mission there is an improved spirit. It is good to hear that the missionaries and the work is continuing to progress not only here but the other parts of the mission also.
"According to the latest word we will be having four more missionaries down at the first of April and possibly eight if we can talk Brother Tuttle into it. There are some good Elders in the other part of the mission I would like to see come down here.
"Elder Gruwell, my companion, who is 1st Assistant to the President asked the President if it would be possible to have a VW bus down here. President Brewerton told him if he could give sufficient reason to Brother Tuttle when he came it would be all right. Now my companion doesn't know if he wants a car or not.
A VW bus would have been ideal for picking up the missionaries at the airport in Maiquetia, twenty miles outside of Caracas. It would also be useful in helping move missionaries and all their personal belongings to the new apartments that would also be needed. Elder Gruwell had second thoughts about his request. He may have been a little reluctant about having to make his case to a General Authority. Several weeks after Elder Tuttle's visit to Caracas, Elder Gruwell's request was at least partially honored. With a check in hand from the Corporation of the First Presidency, Elder Gruwell ordered from a local car dealer a light blue VW "bug for mission use in Venezuela.
Elder Manning went on to relate,
"We had all the Elders, Brother and Sister Brewerton over for dinner Monday evening. We had steaks, mash potatoes etc. I was in charge of broiling the steaks so I fixed up a bar-b-que sauce to put over them. It was pretty good for a bunch of missionaries."
One can only wonder what was going through President and Sister Brewerton's mind upon receiving an invitation to eat a meal prepared by these young missionaries. Fortunately, the Elders' culinary skills had improved since arriving in Venezuela and the meal proved to be a big success.
February 28, 1967
Elder Manning
"For Mutual, Tuesday evening, we had a general meeting for all the members in the branch and heard Brother and Sister Brewerton speak. The same day, the President and one of the members of the Branch Presidency looked at a couple of cities that are going to be opened up but from what I've heard it wouldn't be for several months."
March 1, 1967
In a letter to his older brother, Elder Manning writes,
"I have some spare time this evening so I thought I had better (write) while there was a chance. Tomorrow is 'D-day' or 'diversion' day, but it looks like we will be busy cleaning the apartment, washing, and playing basketball. We are suppose to have a game with the American High School team down here." (Unfortunately, the missionaries lost the game!)
March 2, 1967
Elder Bell
"There really hasn't been much happen the last little while, my 'comp' (companion) and I have been tracting quite a bit, but without too many results. The Ortíz family kind of 'kissed us off' (rejected us) after we gave them the first lesson. They just all of a sudden got real cold. We gave a second last night to Vilela (sp), he took it real well and he looks real great."
March 8, 1967
Elder Manning
"This week has been long and hard, but we have met with a little more success. We gave our first second lesson since I have been a companion with Elder Gruwell (almost five weeks). We also presented the World's Fair film, 'Man's Search for Happiness' to a lady the other night that seemed to be very interested in it. All the Elders are using the film to introduce the people to the Church. We hope that the film with touch someone enough to want to know more about the gospel.
"Yesterday morning my companion and I had a visit with a Doctor Martin Vegas. He is a retired medical doctor. Apparently he is the adventurous type because he has made 14 expeditions into the interior of Venezuela where there is nothing but jungle and Indians who are still as primitive as they were hundreds of years before.
"We enjoyed pouring over his scrap books, looking at his slides and handling his different souvenirs. The people live in thatched huts and still hunt and fish to get their food. They use primitive bows and arrow to hunt game along with dart guns.
"The arrows they use are about seven feet long, the bows about six. The shaft of the arrows must be made of some type of reed and the points are of wood. The darts are about 16" long and are made from the inner part of palm trees, the points are very sharp and are pointed by the use of a fish tooth. To stabilize the dart they use a form of soft cotton, puffed up at the rear of the dart. Near the point of the dart it is etched all the way around so that when it enters an animal it will break off.
"The Doctor has taken to (making) moving pictures of his trips and has consented to have the missionaries over to see them. He also has a mountain of slides. Some of the Indians look very Mongoloid and other tribes similar to the American Navaho."
March 10, 1967
Elder Bell
"Well, today things seemed to break through a little and it seems like we accomplished something today. We haven't given a lesson all week and tonight was really the first night we've done anything good. We started to tract out our area for the second time and it seems like a good idea. We had about 5 'flip charts' and two return visits. We tracted out the Pérez family and showed them the film 'Qué es un Mormón (What is a Mormon?).
"Wednesday, we showed the World's Fair film to the Ortiz family and some of their friends. It seems like we might finally get some investigators to teach."
March 18, 1967
Elder Manning
"This past week has been a busy one. Last Thursday, President T. Tuttle of the First Council of Seventies made his annual visit to the Central American Mission, accompanied by his wife and President and Sister Brewerton. He was in Caracas for two days, the 16th and 17th.
"Thursday morning President Brewerton, myself and three other Elders (Elder Gruwell, Elder Baum, & Elder Heward) presented a Book of Mormon and a book entitled, 'The History of the Mormon Church' to the Cardinal of Venezuela, Jose Humberto Quintero Parra. It was an interesting experience to be a young Mormon missionary and to be in the company of the highest official of the Catholic Church in Venezuela in the morning and in the afternoon to be interviewed by a General Authority!"
Elder Baum and Elder Heward had their cameras with them and took the opportunity to get pictures of the presentation to the Cardinal. Afterwards, the missionaries and President Brewerton walked across the street to visit La Plaza Bolivar, honoring the liberator of South America, Simon Bolivar.
The interviews with Elder Tuttle began at 1:00 PM. After the last interview they held a testimony meeting and then heard from Elder Tuttle. He said in part, "The work is hard here and would continue to be so, but that some day the work would blossom here in Venezuela". Elder Tuttle went on to say, that the Elders would have a trial of their faith. He said, "you missionaries think you have problems" and then pointing out the window of the small hotel room he continued, "They are the people with the problems"! He went on to tell the Elders that they were the ones with the answers to the people's concerns. He also stated emphatically that, "We are planning the spiritual overthrow of this people!" His closing words were that the missionaries should honor their trust and "never let President Brewerton down, remember who you are and act accordingly"!
The next day the missionaries found out from President Brewerton that they would soon be joined by four more Elders about the first of April 1967. He also said that he was planning on sending four Elders to open up Maracaibo, the nation's second largest city. The President indicated he would return to Caracas the end of May and that he might bring one of his Assistants with him.
President Brewerton was already talking about making Venezuela a separate mission and he suggested that it could happen as early as May of 1968 (The Colombo-Venezolana Mission was formed in July of 1968 with Stephen Brower as the President). He planned on sending a total of fifty missionaries to Venezuela before that took place.
The missionary work continued to be difficult but the elders began to get in a few more doors as they went out "tracting" each day. They were trying to interest the people in the Church by talking about the family home evening program. They were also using the Book of Mormon more; hoping that the people they met would either read it or give it to someone who would.
In an effort to try and resolve why the missionaries were having reoccurring problems and delays in receiving their visas for Venezuela, Elder Gruwell and his companion went to the offices of the immigration department. When they arrived for the appointment they received their answer before a word was ever spoken. The person they came to see and who was in charge of authorizing all visas for Mormon missionaries was a Catholic nun!
Elder Gruwell decided to try a different approach in order to resolve the problem. He had previously met a gentleman who was a member of the Church but was not active. He was originally from Holland. He left Europe shortly after World War ll and immigrated to Venezuela. In Holland, this "brother" owned a paint factory and under duress from the German Army was ordered to make camouflage paint for the Fueher. After the war he was branded a collaborator and had to leave the country. He had to start all over again in Venezuela but in time he owned and operated another paint factory. As a successful businessman, he had many influential friends both in and out of government. Elder Gruwell contacted him to see if he could help in some way. He readily agreed to assist the missionaries in solving their dilemma.
During the first half of April, 1967 the small Branch moved from the home of President Wilcox to the Quinta Cantarrana de la Academia La Castellana (The Castillan Academy's "Singing Frog" House). It was a private American school located on Avenida El Golf (Golf Avenue) next to the county club. It was a larger facility and was more centrally located in the Los Cedros district of Caracas. It, at one time, had been a residence but had been converted to a school by its current owners.
Before the visa issue could be resolved, a new group of missionaries was expected in Caracas. Their arrival was delayed but this gave the Elders in Caracas additional time to try and find an apartment to accommodate the growing number of missionaries. It was not always an easy task to find an inexpensive apartment to fit four missionaries in the part of town where it was needed. Elder Baum was put in charge of this endeavor. He even went to the trouble of putting an ad in the newspaper and hiring a company to try and find a nice but affordable apartment. Finally, after a two-week search, Elder Baum was able to find a comfortable two-bedroom apartment that was attached to a larger house, located in an affluent area of Caracas known as San Bernadino.
Finally, on April 17th, 1967 the next group of four missionaries arrived in Venezuela, Elder Dennis Roberts, Elder Stephen Green, Elder Alan Pinnborough, and Elder Dennis Love. Over the next several months these four missionaries would have a profound effect on the missionary work in Venezuela.
The Elders continued working hard but no one else had entered the waters of baptism since Brother & Sister Sepulveda's baptism in the middle of February, 1967.
Another obstacle to the work that was not anticipated by the new missionaries was the language barrier that they would find in some of Caracas' neighborhoods. Caracas is a very cosmopolitan city and there are areas where the predominant language is not Spanish but Italian or Portuguese. There were some Portuguese neighborhoods in the city where the missionaries had to turn around and walk away because no one understood them. They also ran across German, French, and Japanese speaking people as well. One area of Caracas was known as "gringo gulch" and had a large population of North Americans. Caracas also has a large Jewish population. It was centered in the affluent San Bernadino section of the city. Although they spoke Spanish, the missionaries found it very difficult to find a way to interest them in the gospel.
One missionary recalls a day out tracting with his companion when they met a very gracious Jewish lady who was originally from Eastern Europe. She showed the Elders the numbers tattooed on the inside of her wrist by her Nazi captors in a concentration or labor camp. That afternoon in the same neighborhood, the missionaries "tracted out" and talked to a former officer in the German army who had served in World War ll. After the war he immigrated to Venezuela. It was a strange irony that was not soon forgotten by the young Elders.
The missionary force continued to expand and on Saturday night, May 20, 1967 four additional missionaries arrived in Caracas. They were Elder Douglas Stevenson, Elder Jay Bagley, Elder Jeffrey Pearson, and Elder Glen Hansen. The missionaries in Caracas had not as yet found an apartment to accommodate an increase in the missionary force, so some apartments had to have six missionaries in them until a new apartment could be found.
In spite of the many difficulties faced by the missionaries, Elder Manning writes on May 23, 1967, "For the past week and a half or so I have noticed a general increase in the spirit of the Elders. They seem happy and not discouraged, remarkable considering the hardness of the people and the limited success that (they) have been having."
Late in June on the 22nd, two new Elders arrived in Venezuela, Elder Barton and Elder Drew Miles. Both had been successful missionaries in Central America and were a welcome addition to the growing missionary force in Venezuela.
(Back row from left to right) Elder Dennis Love, Elder Dennis Roberts, Elder Lynn Heward, Elder Courtney (Dan) Daniels, Elder Jay Bagley, Elder Alan Manning, Elder Glen Hansen, Elder Steve Barton, Elder Stephen Green.
(Second row from left to right) Elder Alan Pinnborough, Elder Jeffrey Pearson, Elder Fred Podlesny, Elder Douglas Stevenson, Elder David Bell, Elder Drew Miles, Elder Dennis Clark.
(Third row, kneeling, left to right) Elder Floyd Baum, Elder Neil Gruwell.
This photo was taken in June of 1967 in front of La Quinta La Cantarana, Caracas, Venezuela.
Four missionaries were scheduled to open up Maracaibo, Venezuela's second largest city, the first week in July. Elder Stephen L. Jensen and Elder Stephen Edmunds would be flying to Venezuela from Costa Rica and Elder Floyd S. Baum and Elder David C. Bell would be leaving from Caracas. Elder Neil Gruwell and his companion, Elder Alan Pinnborough, would drive the two Elders from Caracas to Maracaibo in the mission Volkswagen. They were scheduled to leave on about July 6, 1967. The departing missionaries somehow managed to pack all their worldly possessions into and on top of the little VW for the long eleven-hour drive. Upon arriving in the heat and humidity of Maracaibo the missionaries drove around to get a feel for the city. They also had to find a place for Elder Bell and Elder Baum to stay temporarily. The Elders from Central America, Elder Jensen and Elder Edmunds were expected to fly in the following day.
Elder Pinnborough relates that on their way back to Caracas the next day , the missionaries ran into rainy weather. Elder Gruwell, who did all the driving, lost control of the little VW and did a complete three hundred and sixty-degree spin in the middle of the freeway. Fortunately, no one was hurt and the car was not damaged. The Elders continued their trip and arrived safely back in Caracas without further incident.
Not all the missionaries time was spent tracting or teaching. Their "D" days or "diversion" days as they were called back then, were full of activity. Much of the time was spent in cleaning their apartments, doing laundry, shopping at the "mercado libre"(farmer's market), writing letters, playing basketball at "El Parque del Este" (Eastside Park), or taking short "paseos" (trips) to visit some of the surrounding areas.
One such "paseo" was taken to Colonia Tovar, a Bavarian village founded by immigrating Germans in the 19th century. It was strange to see a German village located in the mountains of Venezuela, filled with light skinned and fair-headed youngsters. The missionaries enjoyed the tasty German style round bread baked fresh in the town's bakery.
On another occasion, the missionaries received permission from President Brewerton to take a trip to the beach. They awoke early, 4:00 A.M. on "D" day to meet the other missionaries at "El Circulo", a transportation hub where they could hire a "por puesto" (taxi) for the trip down to the ocean. Although the Elders could not do any swimming, they could enjoy the beautiful beaches and walking in the waters of the Carribean Sea. They passed through the towns of La Guaira, Puerto Azul, and by the Macuto Sherton Hotel on their way to their destination, a beach called "Las Carocas". One missionary described the scenery this way, "It has a beautiful setting located at the foot of the mountains with cliffs clearly in view up and down the coastline. A small mountain stream emptied down into the ocean just to one side of the break waters." It was a beautiful, warm sunny day and the beach was almost deserted except for one couple and their two small children. The missionaries enjoyed their "paseo" to the ocean but they came home that night worn out from all the traveling and from getting up so early that morning.
Saturday night, July 29th, 1967 is a night that every missionary then serving in Caracas will never forget. Every missionary can tell you where he or she was and what he or she was doing that particular evening. A devastating earthquake hit the city of Caracas at 8:05 P.M., causing hundreds of casualties and damaging hundreds of high rise apartment buildings. Those who were there and experienced the destruction first hand can best describe these events. The following is the story of Elder Stephen Green and Elder Drew F. Miles as told by Elder Green. "On July 29, 1967, a warm summer evening, Elder Miles and I were out on visits. We stopped at the 3rd floor apartment of the Spagna family who were investigating the Church. While sitting on their couch waiting for Mrs. Spagna to come in from the kitchen, Elder Miles noticed a newspaper on the arm of the sofa that had the headline, "Terremoto En Colombia" (Earthquake in Colombia). He turned and asked me, "What does terremoto mean? At that point, or very shortly thereafter, as I remember it, the building started to shake violently, first jumping up and down, and then swinging back and forth. All the windows shattered. It sounded like a huge freight train. The women screamed, and we all headed right out the door and down the stairs. Like I said, there were three stories to get down, and the stairs (and believe it or not, the elevator) were instantly filled with a mass of screaming Latin humanity. There was one lady with nothing but a towel on. We thought we'd never make it out of there, but we did, and found ourselves in a crowd of panicked people in front of the ten-story building. The main shock lasted about thirty seconds, and then all quieted down temporarily. The Spagna's apartment building was just a few blocks down the street from our own (Edificio Lassie), so I looked that way and saw a large cloud of dust settling right next to our building which was still standing. Elder Miles and I went down the street to see what had happened, and we found that the twelve-story apartment building next to ours (Edificio San José) completely collapsed on itself. All we could see was a jumble of concrete. People were already starting to look for survivors with not much more than a flashlight to help. We could do nothing at that point, so we went back to the Spagna family, who were still in front of their building.
The aftershocks were by then starting to hit the area, with a corresponding rise in panic with each aftershock. That meant that each time one hit us, the crowd of people would start to move towards the main street, where high speed traffic continued to whiz on by, the drivers probably as panic-stricken as the people in the crowd. A couple of times, Elder Miles and I along with several others joined hands to keep the crowd from spilling over into the main roadway. The local street was relatively safe; there was not much traffic there at that time. I noticed a particularly hysterical woman surrounded by others, and asked what the problem was. I learned that she could not find her husband, and feared he was still up in the apartment building we had exited from. They lived on the sixth floor. I must not have been thinking very well at that point, because I ended up (along with Elder Miles) climbing the stairs to the sixth floor, in a building that as far as we knew at the time could collapse at any moment. We found their apartment door open and no one there so we beat a hasty retreat to the outside, where we discovered to our immense relief and disgust that the lady had found her husband after all.
I also remember seeing amongst all this commotion, a girl sitting on top of the roof of a car reading a book, I thought, 'How cool! At least someone has her head on straight!' I walked over to talk to her. As I got closer, I could see that she was reading from a Catechism book and her lips were going silently at about 100 mph, and she was in no mood for conversation!
It was about this time that the Spagna family invited us to go with them to another Italian family's home, which was a single-family dwelling, located in another section of the city. We had no idea where the other Elders were, and it was obvious that our neighborhood was hard hit. The electricity had gone off there, though it was on in other sections of Caracas. It appeared that our neighborhood was soon to be sealed off, so we made the decision to go with them, figuring that the next day we could accomplish a lot more."
Fortunately, no members had been hurt in the devastation and all the missionaries had been accounted for except Elder Green and Elder Miles. None of the other missionaries had heard from them since the earthquake. They lived in the hardest hit area of Caracas, "Los Palos Grandes", and the Zone Leader, Elder Gruwell, was concerned for their safety. The next day, Sunday, he sent an emergency telegram to the mission headquarters in San José, Costa Rica saying in part, "All missionaries accounted for except Green and Miles". One can only imagine what went through President Brewerton's mind as he read that telegram!
The Branch President, President Wilcox, decided to hold Church services as usual. This gave the members the opportunity to come together and share their experiences, and feel of the fellowship and love of the saints in a time of tragedy and continued uncertainty. Between Sunday School and Sacrament Meeting (At that time Sunday School and Priesthood Meetings were held in the mornings and Sacrament Meetings were held in the evenings), Elder Dennis Clark with the help of an investigator, visited all the makeshift morgues in Caracas looking for Elder Green and Elder Miles. When he returned in the afternoon for Sacrament Meeting, his face was ashen white with a kind of blank look in his eyes! He had seen more death in one afternoon than most people see in a lifetime!
Elder Green continues his story, "The next day, we went to the American Embassy and sent wires to our families but found that we couldn't get back into our neighborhood because it was sealed off. We went back to the house (where they had spent the night). The telephone lines were jammed pretty much but we got through to some of the other Elders in another part of the city early in the afternoon and made arrangements to be transported there. It was Sunday and I was supposed to sing a solo in Sacrament Meeting. I barely made it.
We hadn't realized the concern that we had put a lot of people through by being out of touch. President Brewerton gently and deservedly rebuked me during his next trip over.
We stayed with the other Elders for about a week. After three days, we went back to the neighborhood and talked the Guardia Nacional (National Guard) into letting us get our belongings. As it turned out, our apartment building, which was one of the older ones in the area, stood up extremely well and was habitable. This building, Edificio Lassie, was where the first missionary apartment was located and according to Elder Baum, the Elders felt inspired to choose this particular apartment over the other two they were considering. Most of the other buildings in the neighborhood had to be torn down. I know we were protected during this time. It was a real testimony builder. I know that during that earthquake, I felt more helpless than at any time, before or since."
The earthquake had a humbling effect on the people of Caracas as well as on the missionaries. One of the Elders pointed out a scripture in the Doctrine & Covenants 88: 88-89 "And after your testimony cometh wrath and indignation upon the people. For after your testimony cometh the testimony of earthquakes, that shall cause groanings in the midst of her, and men shall fall upon the ground and shall not be able to stand." Elder Podlesney remembers working in some of the very buildings in the "Los Palos Grandes" area that were completely destroyed by the earthquake. He also remembers that the missionaries did not get a very good response when tracting in these buildings!
The work was still slow but some of the missionaries were beginning to see some results. In the middle of August there was another convert baptism. Elder Green baptized Brother Julio Cesar Rovero. Before his baptism Brother Rovero wanted the opportunity to speak and tell everyone present how grateful he was for this opportunity. He ended up preaching a powerful sermon. Brother Rovero came from an evangelical Protestant background and would often in his prayers or while bearing his testimony in Fast and Testimony Meeting, speak for several minutes. Elder Manning was a witness to Brother Rovero's baptism. It was held on a Sunday and in the swimming pool of a nonmember, (Brother Rovero) "stepped into the pool, waded up to the shallow end. When the Elder (Green) put him under the water his feet shot out from underneath and (he) just fell backwards like a big tree that (had) just been cut down. He quickly regained his composure, took two careful steps and leaped gracefully through the water, grabbed hold of the ladder and hoisted himself up, turned to the members and preached another sermon about Moses and the bulrushes. To top things off, he had locked himself out of the dressing room and he and the missionary (both) dripping wet had to be taken home before they could dry off. It is good to have him in the Church, he should add a lot to the services." Brother Rovero served faithfully in the Church for many years and was a real blessing to the growing branch in Caracas.
On August 20th, 1967, Elder Podlesny writes in his missionary journal, "After S.S. (Sunday school) we went to Sr. Salazar and talked with him. He started to ask a few questions about baptism and I asked him point blank if he would accept baptism in the Church of Jesus Christ. He accepted. These people are truly ordained beforehand. You can see it in the way it works. I was converted in less than five minutes (Elder Podlesny was a convert to the Church). He too has been touched by the spirit and we ought to baptize him as soon as possible." It is interesting that the first convert from Urbanization El Marques, accepted baptism on this date in 1967, thirty three years before the dedication of the temple. (The new temple is located close to this area of Caracas and was dedicated by President Hinckley on August 20, 2000)
Towards the end of August, President Brewerton and his wife flew down to Caracas for two days for another missionary conference. The missionaries looked forward to these visits by President Brewerton and his wife. He was always upbeat and brought with him the spirit not to mention news from other areas of the mission. Sister Brewerton had a reputation in the mission for making great cinnamon rolls but unfortunately, the missionaries in Venezuela were not close enough to the mission home to enjoy her excellent cooking.
On August 27th there was another baptism in Caracas, Brother and Sister Salazar were baptized by Elder Nathan Richards and Elder Fred Podlesny. The baptism was held at the home of President Wilcox. The missionaries used a portable swimming pool. Brother & Sister Salazar were over fifty-five years of age at the time of their baptism. They proved to be dedicated and active members of the Church for the rest of their lives and added much to the small Branch. Also during August, Elder Pinnborough and Elder Pearson baptized Brother & Sister Criollo. They had three children that were not of baptismal age.
In the month of September two more individuals entered the waters of baptism, Sister Maria del Castillo, who was baptized by Elder Podlesny and Elder Richards, and John Michael Broumas who was baptized by Elder Daniels and Elder Stevenson.
A Branch Conference was held for the first time beginning on October 15, 1967. The conference was scheduled to last three days. President Bremerton was there to attend the conference and interview the missionaries. About sixty members and missionaries were in attendance at the first day of the conference. In the afternoon, there was a baptismal service for seven new members of the Church. Elder Green and his companion, Elder Jewkes, baptized five people, Brother and Sister Spagna and their three daughters. Elder Daniels and Elder Stevenson baptized Brother and Sister Dollacker.
A year had gone by since Elder Romney had dedicated the country of Venezuela for the preaching of the gospel. There were twenty Elders now serving in Caracas and eight in Maracaibo. The small branch in Caracas was growing. The work was still hard but the Lord was beginning to bless the people and many hard working missionaries were spreading the gospel. Who could have guessed then what the Church in Venezuela would be like today, over thirty years later?
Bibliography:
Elder David Bell - Brother Bell is a chemical engineer and lives outside of Boise, Idaho with his wife and family. He says that he is willing to go back to Venezuela if the Lord calls him.
Elder Floyd Baum - Bishop Baum is living in Pleasant Grove, UT with his wife. He has retired from the Church as a construction manager. He worked for the Church for several years in Central America on many construction projects.
Elder Frederick Podlesny - Brother Podlesny is a mechanical engineer and works for a large government agency in the eastern United States.
Elder Neil Gruwell - Elder Gruwell returned to Utah State University after his mission where he was elected the student body president by his peers. He joined the U.S. Army after graduation and passed away suddenly at his home in New Orleans, Louisiana of unknown causes.
Published here with permission from the author
December 17, 2001 |
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