I didn’t write last week because we left Sunday afternoon on a little get away to Christchurch in the South Island with another senior missionary couple (Brent and Ella Romney) for a 3-day vacation. Christchurch is nicknamed “The Garden City.” I don’t know what the city looks like the rest of the year, but she was decked out in her spring best when we were there! She was not holding back any of her beauties! That afternoon, we spent a couple of hours at the botanical garden and “drank in” all the flowers, trees and plants there. The gardeners outdid themselves in planning to put complimenting-colored flowers next to each other.

The next day (Monday), we drove to Akaroa, about 1.5 hours south, where there is a long harbor. We took a boat cruise into the mouth of the harbor, where the boat captain pointed out a blue penguin, and later about 15 of the world’s smallest dolphins — Hector’s dolphins, about a meter long. They were very inquisitive and would swim alongside the boat as we moved. On the way back in, we saw maybe 50 fur seals and their babies sunning themselves on the rocks. There is also a salmon farm in the harbor; Faye commented that she now knows where the “Akaroa salmon” she buys come from!

On Tuesday, we drove about 1.5 hours northwest into the mountains to Hanmer Springs, a place with a hot mineral spring. A company built a water park there where you can soak or go down waterslides. Elder Romney and I went to the park while our wives shopped. Then we went on a couple of beautiful hikes.

On Wednesday, we went to a museum in Christchurch and saw some beautiful old buildings before we flew home. It was a nice, relaxing trip. We were required to wear masks on our flights.

There are about 12 missionaries from the Philippines serving in Vanuatu who could not return home because the Philippines closed their borders. Now, they will be allowed to return, but they will have to pass through Solomon Islands (SI), which is requiring a negative COVID-19 test — even for passengers not deplaning there — and even though they are coming from Vanuatu, which is COVID-free. We were scrambling to try to find those tests, but, after a lot of negotiations (by others), the SI dropped that requirement, allowing these missionaries to return home tomorrow. Some of them have served past their called time and were having a difficult time emotionally with not being able to return home.

Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are encouraged to fast (go without food or drink for up to 24 hours) once per month. They donate the value of those meals (or more) to the Church to be help those who are “poor or needy.” it’s been humbling to be involved in making recommendations for members who will need help from these “fast offering” funds for medical purposes. It has also been inspiring to see how the Church administers these funds: smaller amounts can be approved by local leaders, while larger amounts are approved by the area presidency (the office where I serve) and the largest amounts are approved by the Presiding Bishopric (Church leaders in Salt Lake City). I’m grateful to know that the “widow’s mite” is being watched over so carefully by the Church.

I listened to a missionary devotional where one of the speakers commented on how people throughout the world have had to improvise (produce or make something from whatever is conveniently on hand) because of COVID-19. The speaker pointed out that there have been changes with how the Church operates because of COVID-19, but our Church leaders are not improvising. They may not have known  that this specific pandemic was going to hit at this time…but the Church was prepared for pandemic. Think back to the changes from the past 2-3 years: How did they prepare us for the pandemic? God is not improvising; He has a plan. In some ways, the Church (and missionary work) is even stronger now because of the pandemic!

I listened to another devotional where Elder David A. Bednar spoke on meekness. For some reason, I was reminded of riding horses when I was growing up. Dad’s horse was Tex, who was an excellent horse for roping calves. He was very eager to run behind the calf in just the perfect position (on the left of the calf for a right-handed roper and at just the right distance) so the roper could throw the loop over the calf’s head. If the calf veered right or left a little, Tex would change course so the roper was still in position. If I am like a horse and God is my rider, if I am meek, I allow Him to guide me…and even anticipate what He might want me to do…like Tex would do for his rider. No analogy is perfect, but I hope you get the point.

For $29.95, I purchased access to the FAIRMormon Conference held last month. FairMormon is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing well-documented answers to criticisms of the doctrine, practice, and history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I highly recommend it. One of the speakers pointed out, “It is the youth who are the real investigators in this Church.” I think we need to be prepared to give faithful answers to sincere questions that often arise. Two of the speakers were the creators of Pillar of Light, a “graphic novel” (comic book type) about Joseph Smith’s First Vision. They did an amazing and inspiring job at telling the story and helping readers feel the Holy Ghost testify that Joseph Smith did in reality see God, the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ.

When I last wrote, I told about feeling “down” for a few days as I remembered and missed Ashton. I appreciate several of you reaching out to me and offering your love and support. One friend reminded me that it’s normal to weep for the loss of a loved one. It reminded me of the what the Lord said in Doctrine & Covenants 42:45 “Thou shalt live together in love, insomuch that thou shalt weep for the loss of them that die…” Well…that’s one “thou shalt” I have obeyed many, many times! Last week, we had a very good virtual suicide loss survivor support group with people we met in Arizona before coming on the mission. Just talking about my experience helped me process why the virtual candle-lighting ceremony was so hard. I still think I’ll do it again in the future. Grief is just hard sometimes! That doesn’t mean I’m doing it wrong; in fact, it could mean that I’m doing it right…by facing into the storm!

I recently shared the experience with two other senior missionaries about Elder Renlund promising “in the name of the Lord” that our boy (Ashton) was fine, I thought (and said) for the first time, “It would be nice to hear Jesus Himself say to me that Ashton is fine…but I don’t feel like I need that; I’ve already heard that through one of His ordained apostles.”

I declare that Jesus Christ has once again called Apostles and has given them priesthood authority. What a blessing to live in a time when there are living prophets and apostles — just like when Christ organized the Church when He was upon the earth Himself.

Written by Carter. Some of the other senior missionaries gave me a jigsaw puzzle on my birthday. I’ve been working on it a little most evenings and finished it last night. It has brought me so much enjoyment! The photo is so beautiful! When I finished working on it that day, I just sat and savored the beauty of the scenery. Because I put the puzzle together, it was weird, but I felt like I took part in creating some of that beauty! What a beautiful world Heavenly Father has created for me!

We listened to the weekly devotional that is broadcast to the missionaries throughout the world. The speaker was Steven J. Lund. I wish non-missionaries could listen; this one was exceptional! One of his quotes, “You’re not smart enough for this work…but you are enough.” He told the story of a young mother trying to load an uncooperative hog into a trailer with her young children to take it to market. Her husband for some reason was not home. She was about to give up when an old, crippled neighbor came by and offered to help. She didn’t want him to get hurt because he couldn’t move very fast and this was a big hog! He took a 5-gallon bucket and put it over the pig’s head. The pig backed up to get its head out of the bucket. He kept doing that and got the pig to back into the trailer! Brother Lund said to the missionaries, “Bring your bucket and a willing heart.” Having grown up on a farm and having loaded plenty of uncooperative animals onto trailers, this story resonated with me! What a great story!

I participated in three mission health councils this week. I sure enjoy working with the mission presidents and their wives! In one of them, the wife was telling about some of the struggles they were facing in the mission because of the COVID-19 pandemic. I commented that don’t think I’ve heard the word “unprecedented” used so many times in such a short period of time! I said, “I hope you’re keeping a good journal; your posterity may yet quote from it.” I jokingly said that our experiences might be in Saints, Volume 10!

I participated in a very illuminating Zoom call sponsored by the Christian Medical and Dental Association about “The Christian Perspective on Physician-Assisted Suicide.” There were two speakers who did a great job…as did the facilitators, who were both second-year medical students! That was very thought-provoking!

I read this question as I was preparing for this week’s Sunday school lesson: “Helaman 15:7 describes what led the Lamanites to their mighty change. Have you known anyone who has had a life-changing experience after being led to the scriptures?” My response: “Yes! Me! As I turn to the scriptures and strive to live their teachings, I am clearly changed…daily!” I am grateful for God’s help as I strive to keep His commandments and be more like His Son, Jesus Christ!

Thursday, September 10, is World Suicide Prevention Day. That evening, there will be a Virtual Candlelight Ceremony via Zoom. Here is the link for those who would like to participate. I’m grateful for people and organizations who are trying to help those who are suffering or otherwise affected by a loved-one’s suicide.

I declare that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, organized on April 6, 1830, is Christ’s New Testament Church restored.

Written by Carter
    An item of sad news: several weeks ago, I mentioned a Church member (not a missionary) where I played a small role in getting him to the US for surgery on a benign brain tumor. Well…he passed away last week. I pray for his bereaved widow and family of this good man. I mourn with them. ar Ones,   

Speaking of death and mourning: I studied Elder Christofferson’s General Conference talk recently. In it, he mentions the graves of three small children whose parents served as missionaries in Samoa in the late 1800’s. Their graves were still being cared for almost 30 years later by those who were influenced by their parents’ service. This story reminds me of those who are caring for Ashton’s grave as we have been serving our missions. I gratefully and humbly acknowledge your kind acts of service. Thank you!

    I have crossed paths with a doctor who volunteered to teach other doctors in the island nation of Vanuatu. His wife is a schoolteacher who served her mission there before they married. They have 6 children: 3 grown and 3 still with them. He said this about their experience: “Our epidemiological data are fascinating. This is appears to be one of the healthiest years in Vanuatu on record. In [the language spoken here], “influenza” would be translated something like “The Tourists’ Disease” as it is generally re-imported every year.” That is fascinating!   

By the way, if any of you are interested in receiving the weekly report that I help compile about the evolving health and political situations in the countries in the Pacific area, send me your email and I’ll add it to my mailing list.   

On Monday, Faye and I participated in a Zoom call with 5 of my siblings. I’m grateful for the love and mutual respect I feel for and from them. They are some great folks. I hope we are making our parents proud! Before leaving home for an activity, Mother would often say, “Show your raisin’s!” I don’t think I really understood until I left home for college that she wanted me to remember how I was raised — and to act accordingly!   

We learned this week that one of our grandsons might need surgery to correct a minor birth defect. Faye and I knelt in prayer in his behalf. Within seconds of standing from our prayer, we received a text that he does not need surgery and that normal growth may correct his condition. I was reminded of “the immediate goodness of God” mentioned in the Book of Mormon. As our six-year-old granddaughter wrote in the margin of her scriptures, “I love God!”   

We also learned this week that our Venezualan “son” living in Peru has found work! He was laid off for several months because of the pandemic lockdown…and he was far from his extended family. Fortunately, his wife and son are with him. What an answer to prayer! God is good!   

I spoke with the wife of the Fiji mission president this week. She told me how they felt prompted to use the booklet “Adjusting to Missionary Life.” Previously, they were asking the missionaries to use it only when they were struggling. Now, they are asking everyone to use it regularly to help them develop new skills. One of the things that often challenge missionaries is talking to new people. I remember that and it’s intimidating most of the time. Missionary work is hard work! She has been encouraging them to practice initiating conversations with people, just for the sake of practicing that skill. When they attend Church meetings, she encouraged them to talk to someone they didn’t previously know very well (or at all). The missionaries are loving this exercise…and it’s helping them talk to people in a relaxed way. It’s also helping them talk about the gospel of Jesus Christ in a more natural way. One comment she made really struck me: “There is nothing ‘wrong” with a person if they have a particular weakness.” My thoughts: Being weak is part of God’s plan for our mortal/human state! It’s normal! My state of weakness allows me to choose to humble myself, to repent and turn to Christ and to accept His grace. Through Christ is the only way to make lasting change. This topic also reminds me that we all have strengths. Rather than boast in my own strengths, however, I can choose to acknowledge that they are gifts from God. He has given them to me so I can bless others! As Paul taught in comparing the ancient Church to the body of Christ, we need everyone! Our bodies need eyes and ears and feet and a heart, etc. This world needs us all to generously share the special gifts that we all bring to it. Praise God! Praise His perfect plan!    

The Fiji mission president and wife should have been released last month, but their replacement is in the US and the pandemic is preventing him from coming to Fiji for now. When I told Faye about my phone call with the mission president’s wife, she thought of the verse in Esther 4:14, where Mordecia reminded Esther that she became queen “…for such a time as this…” I believe these inspired mission leaders are still in Fiji now “…for such a time as this…”  

 I testify that, as a companion scripture to the Bible, the Book of Mormon testifies that God’s Son, Jesus Christ, speaks today as well as in days of old. What a blessing to know that He lives and still leads and guides me and His Church…through living prophets and apostles!