Senior Couple journal — New Zealand Hamilton Mission
March 15, 2015 to March 21, 2015
Dear friends and family,
A warm welcome from two very happy missionaries in the New Zealand Hamilton Mission.
1/ Hymn joke of the week: What is the favorite hymn of LDS seamstresses and tailors? See answer below.
2/ Church history quiz of the week: Only four Church presidents did not dedicate a temple during their tenure as President of the Church. Can you name these four presidents?
3/ Update for the week: We were blessed to have Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve in New Zealand during the last week of February. We were personally able to attend a meeting over which he presided, comprised of the full-time missionaries from the New Zealand Hamilton and New Zealand Auckland missions, and we watched a satellite broadcast of another meeting in which he spoke to all adult members in New Zealand. At the conclusion of the missionary meeting, he recounted a story told by Elder Ballard, also of the Quorum of the Twelve. The story is as follows: A returned-missionary approached Elder Ballard and told him that his testimony was faltering and shrinking, and that he had created a long list of “questions” that cast doubt on the truthfulness of the restored Gospel. Elder Ballard looked at the list and said, “I will be happy to answer each question, but we don’t have time for that today. If you will come back in 2 weeks, I will have your answers. However, I am going to require one thing of you in return. Every day for the next 2 weeks, I want you to read the Book of Mormon for 30 minutes with a SINCERE HEART and REAL INTENT. Will you do that for me?” Elder Bednar, at this point in the story, quipped, “How do you say no when an apostle asks you to read the Book of Mormon?” The missionary agreed. In two weeks, the two met again, and the missionary said, “Elder Ballard, you don’t need to answer my list of questions. My reading of the Book of Mormon helped me remember who I am and what I believe. Thank you for your counsel.” Elder Ballard, somewhat sternly but with a smile, replied, “Elder, I spent a lot of time researching your questions. You are going to sit down and listen to every answer!” Now, Elder Bednar squared his shoulders and with a piercing gaze stated, “Missionaries, I pronounce upon you an apostolic promise, that if each one of you will read the Book of Mormon regularly when you return from your missions, YOU WILL NOT STRAY from the Church nor its teachings!” The moment was electrifying, and the Spirit bore witness of the truth of this sweet apostle’s proclamation.
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4/ Answer to the hymn joke: The favorite hymn of LDS seamstresses and tailors has to be hymn # 216, “We Are Sewing”. ;o)
5/ Answer to the Church history quiz: The four Presidents of the Church who did not dedicate a temple during their tenure as president are Brigham Young, Lorenzo Snow, Joseph F. Smith, and Harold B. Lee.
Much love,
Elder and Sister Taylor
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