October 2008

Elder Hansen is ready to start his missionary work for the day. Our chitolpa tree (behind him) bloomed all summer long. We put another one on the other side of the front yard....they have been beautiful this year. He keeps our front and back yards well groomed and cared for even with all the hours we spend doing missionary work every day.



Elder Hansen uses his 'down-time' at Jacob Hamblin's to study. They keep reference books at all the sites for us to study. We really like the Jacob Hamblin site---it is more like the 'every-day' pioneer homes. They were industrious and persevering and never lost faith.



It's a slow day at the Visitor Center.....however, Elder Hansen wakes up quickly when someone comes in. He is very good at getting to know people quickly and being able to teach them what they want/need to know. He is getting the reputation among the missionaries as the one to go to when you need facts and details---about anything.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

October weather is the reason people live in St. George---the weather is beautiful, the temperature is perfect and there is so much to do here! It is Cultural Month and we have 15 EXTRA events in the Tabernacle. This community REALLY works to keep everyone happily busy and united in good things.

We just finished the 26 mile Marathon on the 4th of October. It is the first time in 25 years that it rained on the runners the whole day. Many people came into the Visitor Center to get out of the rain and chill. The finish line for the race is a park one block away from the Temple Visitor Center. There were over 5,000 runners who actually finished. One fellow I talked to has run three 100 mile races....I don't know how many 26 mile ones he has done. It must take alot of time.

Then we have two weeks of the Huntsman Senior Games in October. There will be more than 7,000 athletes---and they all have support teams. We think there will be an increase of visitors at our Center and the Historic Sites.

The past couple of weeks I have met two different couples who knew Gail and/or Gary. One was Richard Peterson's scoutmaster in Inkom. Richard Peterson was Gail's first husband. The other knew Gary when he was a chiropractor in Pocatello.

We had General Conference Broadcast at the Visitor Center. A few guests came but mostly the missionaries enjoyed the sessions. Every time we listen to Conference we all say--'that is exactly what we needed to hear.' It will be great to read the Conference Ensign.

We are getting excited to go to Salt Lake for Anna and Darrin's wedding. We got permission to go from the Mission President---because it is out of our mission. He is fine with our attending to family. It will be wonderful to see the family again and to celebrate together!

I want to thank you for your encouragement on our mission. We are glad it is a happy experience for you, too. We love you all!

September 2008

July brought the HOT weather....usually in the high 90's up to 105 degrees. That didn't stop people from coming to St. George.

One group we especially enjoyed were about 15 orphans from Kenya. They were between 10 to maybe 15 years old. They were traveling around America trying to get donations to help the orphans in Kenya. They anticipated their trip through America would take about 3 months.

One of their traveling-leaders was a LDS Branch President in Kenya. He had personally adopted many orphans, though he is not well-to-do. They had contacted Church members and were referred to places where they could perform and they usually stayed with Church members, though most children and escorts were not LDS. Arrangements were made for them to stay with members of our home ward in Ivins. Their Branch President was escorted throughout their stay by our good friends, the Boyles--with whom he also stayed. He kept saying---'this home is like a king's palace.' BrotherBoyle took him to do Temple sessions and they took a private tour of the Temple. He was so thrilled with everything!

The children were given a chance to perform at the pre-show at Tuacahn a couple of nights. They sang beautifully!!

We were going to be at the Brigham Young Winter Home when they planned to take a tour there. So, Elder Hansen and I decided to be prepared. I made little snack-sized packets with a flower of Dixie cotton( grown at Jacob Hamblin's), a pamphlet of the Brigham Young Home and a note of encouragement and love for each of them. Elder Hansen decided to share the almonds from the little trees in our back yard.

So, when they arrived, Elder Hansen explained about Brigham Young and the Cotton Mission pioneers. They sat with their arms folded and listened intently. Then Elder Hansen took them into the Brigham Young Home. In the parlor he asked the children to gather under the picture of Brigham Young that was made for his 75th birthday, which he had celebrated in St. George. He told how the people of St. George had a parade and sang two songs especially written for the occassion, and how the children dressed in their best and sang for their prophet. Then he asked them if they would sing for Brigham Young in this same room where the children had celebrated him so long ago. The children sang 'I Am a Child of God'---all verses, in English. It was a very touching moment for the missionaries---we hope for them, too.

Then, he took them outside to continue the tour. One of the nut trees the pioneers grew in Dixie were almonds. On the back patio, near the almond trees, he explained how to get the almonds out of the pod and crack the shell. He had picked the almonds that morning, so they were fresh---you could open them with your fingers. He had a five gallen bucket of nuts and an empty one for the shells. They gathered around and ate every nut---in a very short time!

When they had to go, we handed them the packets and shook hands and gave hugs as they climbed back onto their bus. It was a happy day for us!

It made me think again of what we choose to do with the precious time we have to live here on earth. Some people have spent their lives in unselfish service to others--it doesn't matter how much money they have or how smart they are. These are the people who can smile and be at peace because they know they are doing what God asks us to do---love one another.

Highlights for July and August

Our director has reported that the month of July was our best month ever for referrals. That included 2006 and 2007. I think having the sculptures got us in the mode of testifying and helping our guests feel the spirit. We have had more guests, single families, from Europe and other countries than ever before. The European 'euro' has helped that--more power against the American dollar.

When we visit with a single family we can get to know them better. That helps us to say things that will fit their situation and personal interest. I think that personal attention helps when we try to give them a desire to learn more about the Book of Mormon and the Church.

Elder Hansen is very good at making presentations and has received several 'green cards.' (A green card is a personal referral from someone who would like missionaries to deliver a Book of Mormon to their home and teach them about it.) It is the best kind of referral.

I am not so bold in my presentations and probably lose opportunities for referrals. But, on the 5th of August, Elder Hansen's birthday, we were in the Tabernacle. It was my turn to greet our guests when two young men came in. They were around 30 years old. They were from Italy and could speak just a little English--asked me to speak slowly and they could then understand.
They were Catholic. They were excited when I explained our Eternal Families doctrine. So I gave them the 'Family Proclamation' in Italian. Before they left that morning they left me a green card and were glad to expect a Book of Mormon delivered to them at home in Italy. I will follow up with them and hope they gain a testimony. They said they would read the Book of Mormon.

I had a happy experience at Jacob Hamblin's Home. A couple arrived to show their granddaughter around before they went to Tuacahn's 'Les Miserables.' She had been to EFY in Las Vegas and was returning home to Layton. I found out the couple, the Pattersons, had served a mission in New Zealand---where a couple from our own Red Cliff's Ward are now serving. They said they knew them---the Duckworth's actually came to replace them when they were released to come home. Jacob's is fun now because the peaches and grapes are ripe and OH! so delicious! Our guests are invited to go pick a few to enjoy---which they do.

Then we learned that the new couple missionaries that will come in October (I think) are from our own Red Cliffs Ward. They moved here in January so we haven't met them, the Parkers---until they came to the Visitor Center and we got a chance to say hello. It will be nice to have mission friends in our own ward.

I had a very sweet experience in the Visitor Center when I met a family from Layton who were showing their mother around Utah. She is from Bolivia and has been a member for many years. She loves the Temple and has had to sacrifice much to ever go there. She is visiting in Utah for a few months and during that time she has volunteered in the Temple cafeteria just so she can be in the Temple. She doesn't speak much English but she came to me and I told her how wonderful it was that she is so strong and good. We embraced and felt a sweet spirit---I hope she felt my love and encouragement.

A grandmother and granddaughter from Veyo came to the Visitor Center and wanted to see our new dvd, 'Pioneer Miracle.' It is 13 minutes long so they were ok to wait for it to end. They started to work on the family history computer. Well, someone started the next movie and they didn't get included. They were ok to wait again to watch it from the beginning. I told them I would watch out for them and be sure they got in next. Six people and a wheelchair came and wanted to see it and I had to get someone to help me get it started---which I did---and forgot the Grandma again! When I realized, I ran over and brought them in---they only missed the opening credits. I was feeling like quite a failure. When the Grandma and granddaughter came out they were so elated. They had talked with the other people in the theater and found things in common. When I apologized---they thanked me. They had found a family member on the family history computer and were going to go home and get his work done. She told me that if they hadn't waited they would not have found him. So, when we are trying to do the best we can, though mistakes happen, the Lord knows how to turn it into a wonderful experience.

But, the very best experience we have had this month was getting the news that our Anna will be married to Darrin Frank the 8th of November in the Salt Lake Temple. They have known each other for six years and have been good friends--so this isn't a 'quick' relationship---it has developed. We have permission to go to the wedding, though it is out of our mission, because it is immediate family. Alisyn and Anna have done most of the planning already---not much left for me to do but go about being a good and happy missionary.

Until next time, remember where blessings come from. We are greatly blessed!

Healing Power of Jesus Christ Sculptures by Angela Johnson

We have been busy with sculptures for the past few weeks. I decided to include all of them for you to see. Thanks to Anna for these wonderful pictures taken during the display in our Visitor Center. The explanations where taken from the pedestal text that Angela wrote for each one. She told us that each text was inspired.

Angela Johnson came twice to meet with the missionaries. She wanted us to understand how she came to create the sculptures. She had been an opera singer for 20 years and decided to change careers about ten years ago. She has four children and grandchildren, now she is 52 years old. She felt inspired to try clay, though she had no training in sculpting. Her experiments convinced she could do it and she recognized she had a gift.

I believe that her success came because she decided to use her gift from God to testify of her love for Him and His love for us. She received inspiration and she says 'intelligence in my hands.' 'Free to Choose' was one of her earliest works. The first sculpture she did in this series dedicated to Jesus' Healing Power was "Be Not Afraid" which had a lot of personal meaning to her. She feels strongly that the world needs strength to not shut God out and wanted to help someone feel God's love for them through her sculpting gift.

The first display of this series was in clay at the Mesa Temple Visitor Center. Ours was the first display of the sculptures in bronze. They will be displayed in Oakland Temple Visitor Center from 1 August to 1 January 2009. We do not know where they will go after that.

'Be Thou Clean'

"And it came to pass, when He was in a certain city, behold a man full of leprosy, who, seeing Jesus, fell on his face and besought Him saying, 'Lord, if Thou wilt Thou canst make me clean.' And He put forth His hand and touched him saying, 'I will, be thou clean.' And immediately the leprosy departed from him." Luke 5:12-13

Outward sickness has obvious need of healing. But what of the sicknesses of the heart; loneliness, sin, fear or anger? Each of us, like the man afflicted with leprosy, must fall in humility at the feet of Jesus and plead for healing.

'Master, Say On'

When Simon the Pharisee invited Jesus to eat with him, a woman came to Jesus and anointed His feet and washed them with her tears. Simon, knowing this woman's sins, wondered how Jesus could allow the woman to touch Him. Jesus' response to Simon is a lesson to us all.

"Seest thou this woman?...Thou gavest me no water for my feet, but she hath washed my feet with tears and wiped them with the hairs of her head...My head with oil thou didst not anoint, but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment...Her sins, which are many, are forgiven...And He said to the woman, 'Thy faith hath saved thee, go in peace."

Luke 7:44, 46-47, 50

'Lazarus, Come Forth'

"Then said Martha unto Jesus, 'Lord, if Thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. But I know that even now whatsoever Thou wilt ask of God, God will give it Thee.' Jesus saith unto her, 'Thy brother shall rise again.' Martha saith unto Him, 'I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day.' Jesus said unto her, 'I am the resurrection and the life; he that believeth in Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live." John11:21-25

Lazarus was not resurrected at this time, his spirit was returned to his physical body in this miracle Jesus performed.

'One Thing Is Needful'

"A certain woman named Martha received Him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet and heard His word. But Martha was cumbered about much serving and came to Him and said, 'Lord, doest thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? Bid her therefore that she help me.' And Jesus answered and said unto her, 'Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things. But one thing is needful, and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her." Luke 10:38-42

Through His loving words to Martha, Christ invites each of us to refocus on what is most needful. This 'good part' cannot be taken from us.

'Oh My Father'

"And it came to pass in those days, that He went out into a mountain to pray and continued all night in prayer to God." Luke 6:12

"Messiah though He was, He was profoundly conscious of His dependence upon the Father, whose work He had come to do." James E. Talmage

Jesus' meekness and all-consuming love for His Father in Heaven is the perfect example for us in our own upward reaching. Prayer is the loving communion between a perfect loving Father and His child.

'Because of Love'

"But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed." Isaiah 53:5

"Father save me from this hour; but for this cause came I unto this hour. And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me." John 12:27, 32







'Come Unto Me'

As the Apostle Paul taught, 'But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for He that cometh to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him." Hebrews 11:6

The Savior of mankind personified the divine attributes of strength, love, compassion and mercy. All who come unto Him will feel His tender love for them.

'This Is My Beloved Son'

God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ appeared to Joseph Smith in 1820. Joseph describes this experience in his own words.

"I saw a pillar of light exactly over my head, above the brightness of the sun, which descended gradually until it fell upon me...When the light rested upon me I saw two Personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description, standing above me in the air. One of them spake unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other, 'This is my beloved Son. Hear Him!" Joseph Smith History 1:16-17

'It Is I, Be Not Afraid'

"And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, 'It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, 'Be of good cheer. It is I, be not afraid." Matthew 14:26-27

Fear is one of the most powerful and common human emotions. But it is the opposite of faith. Faith in Jesus Christ gives us strength to face and conquer the challenges life brings. Having faith in Jesus Christ means relying completely on Him, knowing that even though you do not understand all things---He does.








'His Gathering'

"O ye house of Israel whom I have spared, how oft will I gather you as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, if ye will repent and return unto me with full purpose of heart."
3 Nephi 10:8

Will we have the humility and wisdom to live so that we can know the exquisite joy of being 'gathered' by Christ?

'Let He That Is Without Sin'

"Master, this woman was taken in adultery. Now Moses in the law commanded us that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou?'...But Jesus stooped down and with his finger wrote on the ground as though he heard them not. So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, 'He that is without sin among you, let him cast a stone at her'...and they...being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one...When Jesus had lifted up himself and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, 'Woman, where are those thine accusers? Hath no man condemned thee?' She said, 'No man, Lord.' And Jesus said unto her, 'Neither do I condemn thee. Go and sin no more." John 8:4-7, 9-11

'Reach in Faith'

After His resurrection Jesus appeared to the apostles on several occasions. The first time, the apostle Thomas was not present, and he refused to believe that Jesus had been resurrected until he could see and touch Him himself. When Thomas finally did see Jesus, the Savior taught an important lesson.

"Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen Me, thou hast believed; blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed." John20:29

One day we will see our Savior face to face, but until then He asks us to reach out to Him in faith and believe.

'Free to Choose'

"Therefore, cheer up your hearts, and remember that ye are free to act for yourselves---to choose the way of everlasting death or the way of eternal life."
2 Nephi 10:23

Each of us starts life in a family. Regardless of our circumstances, the choices we make then lead us into paths of darkness or light. The figures on the downward path of darkness represent shame, repentance, despair and pride. Those on the upward path of light represent bearing one another's burdens, joy in Christ, feasting upon the work, enduring to the end and marriage is ordained of God.

________________

Our experiences with these sculptures has been significant to us. We had the sculptures from mid-March till the end of June--15 weeks. During this time the missionaries conducted tours for 33,179 guests. We were able to identify just over 1,000 as non-members, though we couldn't know this number for sure--there were probably many more. We know that most of these people were able to feel the sweet spirit of the Savior's love conveyed by the missionaries and the sculptures themselves. Angela Johnson has a beautiful gift and as she turned the gift over to the Lord in gratitude of her love for Him, He was able to use her talent as a very powerful testimony of His message to 'Come Unto Him.'

Almost every tour that Elder Hansen or I conducted had a spirit of love and peace and appreciation for the Savior and what He offers to us. Usually people had tears in their eyes and some shared sweet, special experiences they have had when in tune with the Spirit and love of Jesus Christ.

Now we must close this wonderful, fulfilling chapter of our mission and move on.

A Day of Service

We had a good day yesterday. Elder Hansen and I decided that the peaches in the orchard at Jacob Hamblin's home were long past thinning time and only a cursory token thinning had been done on a few trees. So, we went in the morning and thinned them---probably took thousands off the trees. We found a very tiny bird's nest in the crotch of one tree. The thinning shook the branch enough for two little birds to fall out of the nest. They had feathers but were not big enough to fly. I had gloves on so I carefully picked them up and took them back to their nest. There were already two other baby birds there---with room for only one. I had to just stack them on top of each other and hope they could stay up there till they were ready to fly away. Jacob's has an old tom cat that roams around--he reminds me of the tom cat on the farm in Lehi, he has the same stub tail and is big and black. I'm sure he would be glad if a little bird fell down and he found it. Helps you realize how fragile life's cycle is.

Then we went to the Visitors' Center for six hours. We were in the Annex and Elder Hansen greeted a very nice couple from Germany. Since we have spent some years in Germany, he asked them where they lived. They were not willing to tell him they were from East Germany (we found out later from Sister Wetzel). He set the 8 minute dvd for them and went to get Sister Wetzel. She is a new missionary from Germany. She found out that they lived near where she was from and they had much in common. She then took over and taught them the history of St. George and building the Temple. They were very interested so she spent an hour in the Visitors' Center and teaching them the lesson on the Restoration. They wanted a Book of Mormon and to have the missionaries to come to their home in Germany to teach them. She was really excited to have the experience--now she will have them as new friends for life.

I found this quote in the Church News in an article about the Church vaccinating for measles all over the world.

"The things you do for yourself are gone when you are gone but the things that you do for others remain as your legacy.

We have opportunities for personal expression of love through service. We all benefit by reaching out and helping others."

We all have opportunities around us every day to go beyond our comfort zone and serve someone in some way. May God bless us in our efforts to do this. Love, Sister Hansen

A Special Testimony

I want to share with you one of the most outstanding testimonies of the Savior that I have ever read. It was given in 1996 by Neal Maxwell before he was an Apostle. I think you would like it.

Neal A. Maxwell, “Jesus of Nazareth, Savior and King,” Ensign, Dec 2007, 44–47

It matters so very much how we regard and view Jesus Christ. Some seek to substitute Caesars for Christ. Others are blinded because they are “looking beyond the mark” (Jacob 4:14) when the mark is Christ. Many sects—without the reinforcing rods of revelation—have been badly shaken by theological tremors; the resulting ecclesiastical erosion has been so rapid it is measured in months, not centuries. Some crusaders without a cross have actually removed the divinity of Jesus Christ from the center of their doctrines—only to see all the other doctrinal dominoes tumble too.

Thus, foolishness, fear, and fashion have flattened the theology of many. For them, there is neither shelter nor landmark on the horizon.

There is, however, one people and one church bearing Jesus Christ’s name and built upon the fulness of His gospel. This people is seen by the world as eccentric, because they are so Christocentric!

This people strives to follow the counsel of the resurrected Savior, who said, “Hold up your light … unto the world. Behold I am the light which ye shall hold up—that which ye have seen me do” (3 Nephi 18:24).

Today I desire to hold up that light by testifying of Jesus Christ and what He has done according to what I know, have seen, felt, and heard in my life. This testimony involves my reason and my experience—the two limited but helping witnesses! Happily, there has been given to me the third witness of the Spirit—the unimpeachable and convincing witness!

My only regret is that what follows is apt to be the verbal equivalent of a child’s enthusiastic finger painting—because my tongue cannot tell all I know. Even so …

I testify that in our first estate Jesus was the incomparable individual among all our Father’s spirit children. He helped to prepare this planet for us and led—not pushed—us from our premortal post. I thank Him for the untold things He did, across the ages of that first estate, to prepare perfectly for His unique role—while I was doing so very much less. I thank Him, further, for not deserting those of us who are slow or stragglers.

I testify that His intelligence is vastly superior in every field to the very brightest mortals in those fields and that His intellect in scope and truth far exceeds all human intellects. I thank Him for encapsulating that exquisite mind in both perfect love and perfect humility. His brilliance is not the “catch-me-if-you-can” kind, but a pleading and patient, “Come, follow me” (Luke 18:22).

I testify that His premortal performance reflected both an astonishing selflessness and a breathtaking commitment to freedom as a condition of our genuine growth. I thank Him for combining His long view of our needs with a short step forward to volunteer His services. Never has anyone offered so much to so many in so few words as when Jesus said, “Here am I, send me” (Abraham 3:27).

I testify that He assisted in the creation and management not only of this planet but also other worlds. His grasp is galactic, yet He noticed the widow casting in her mite. I am stunned at His perfect, unconditional love of all. Indeed, “I stand all amazed at the love Jesus offers me” (“I Stand All Amazed,” Hymns, no. 193).

I testify that Jesus was, in fact, actually proffered the kingdoms of this world by Satan. I thank Him for declining this specious offer since all eternity would have been shaken, for Jesus’s grip on Himself was also mankind’s hold on the future.

I testify that He is the Divine Savior and Redeemer of all mankind. He who did not need to die Himself was willing to be bound by the chains of death so He could break them for all mankind. I testify that He is thereby our advocate with the flawless Father. I thank Him for letting us decide how we will regard Him, our Rescuer. I thank Him for His discerning way of knowing us without controlling us, for never letting the needs of now crowd out the considerations of eternity.

I testify that in eloquent example He partook voluntarily of the bitter cup in the awful, but for Him avoidable, Atonement; we must, therefore, drink from our tiny cups. I thank Him for likewise not interceding on our behalf, even when we pray in faith and reasonable righteousness for that which would not be right for us. Our glimpse of Gethsemane should teach us that all prayers are petitions!

I testify that, though He never needed it, He gave to us what we desperately needed—that program of progress—repentance, which beckons us to betterness. I thank Him for helping me, even forgiving me, when I fall short, when I testify of things known but which are beyond the border of my behavior, and for helping me to advance that border, bit by bit. His relentless redemptiveness exceeds my recurring wrongs.

I testify that He has given us, and will give us, living prophets. I thank Him for His superb selection of His special witnesses and for His omniscient orchestration of their varied gifts in a symphony of salvation.

I testify that He was raised in a lowly town and thank Him for the example of rising above His beginnings without renouncing them and for then surmounting all that was set before Him.

I testify that the Jehovah introduced by thunderings and lightnings to a gathered Israel at Sinai (see Exodus 19:16–18) is the same Jesus who later lamented, “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem … how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings” (Matthew 23:37). I thank Him for such repeated reachings out to mankind, whether in phenomenal power or in quiet conversation at a wellside.

I testify that He is the perfect example and leader, not asking us to do what He has not done, not asking us to endure what He has not endured, giving us enough, but not more than we can manage. I thank Him who did everything perfectly for sharing His precious work with those of us who then do it so imperfectly.

I testify that He and the Father are serious about stretching our souls in this second estate. I thank the Savior for truly teaching us about our personal possibilities and for divinely demonstrating directions—not just pointing.

I testify that just as He has helped to carefully construct this second estate for all mankind, He also has helped to carefully construct each of our little universes of experience. I thank Him for blessing me therein with a wife, children, parents, leaders, and friends to help me. I thank Him now for the tender times, the jarring times, the perplexing times, and even for the times when my learning is so painfully public—lest in such moments to come I am too taxed to testify or too anguished to appreciate.

I thank Jesus for foregoing fashionableness and for enduring not only the absence of appreciation but also for speaking the truth, knowing beforehand that misunderstanding and misrepresentation would follow. I thank Him for His marvelous management of time, for never misusing a moment, including the moments of meditation. Even His seconds showed His stewardship.

No son ever complemented His Father so gracefully, honored His Father so constantly, or trusted His Father so completely as did Jesus.

Thus, I add my small voice to the anthem of appreciation that has proceeded from this pulpit over the decades. I gladly and unashamedly acknowledge Jesus of Nazareth, Savior and King!

Last of all, I witness that He lives—with all that those simple words imply. I know I will be held accountable for this testimony; but, as hearers or readers, you are now accountable for my witness—which I give in the very name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Some Mission Experiences

I really love to be in the Visitor's Center when young couples and/or single moms (or dads) come in with their little children. I usually try to talk with them so I can reinforce their choice to bring the little ones into a place where they are safe and can feel the Lord's spirit. I think it is important for children (and youth and adults) to feel that there is a place for them in the heritage of the Church. They need to feel that the Church heritage is their own heritage (because IT IS whether they have pioneer ancestors or not) and they can be proud of it and feel secure.

I want everyone to know that WE are who we are because of who THEY (the early pioneers) were and we can be so grateful to them for their devotion to God, loyalty to the Church and family---for their hard work and willingness to give their best in any circumstances---(so I almost always include something to that effect in each tour I conduct).

One day a young couple (Dixie Students) came in with a child in a stroller. He must have been about 14/18 months old. As they pushed him into the Christus Room (where I was sitting at the desk) the baby raised both his arms and with a big smile he exclaimed, "Hi! Jesus!" As I talked to them they explained that when they go into his room to get him in the morning he usually says "Hi! Temple!" to the picture of it on his wall, and "Hi! Jesus!" to his picture of the Savior. What a wonderful beginning this infant has.

Another day a father came in with his two little boys. The boys tip-toed into the Christus Room with their arms folded and went over and quietly sat down in front of the Christus statue. Later the father explained that they often take the boys into the foyer of the Timpanogos Temple to let them get acquainted with and feel comfortable in a Temple. He said he thought the boys probably thought they were in the temple in our Visitor's Center. So I asked the four-year-old (the oldest) why he goes to the temple. He looked at me like I should have known and whispered to me, "So I can feel the spirit." Which is exactly what he was feeling. What a great idea for parents to give their children the gift of feeling and recognizing and being comfortable with the sweet spirit they can feel in these safe places.

I have had three occasions where I was able to spent a some time with young members who needed to talk to someone about death and adjusting and understanding. Both the younger people had recently lost their mother (they were not related) and their dads had quickly remarried and they hadn't accepted the new arrangements yet. The other fellow thought Church standards were just too hard to live and wanted to join a support group that 'helped you not feel guilty about not living the Church standards'---which, by the way, we do have such a group here in St. George. I guess the Church sites and Visitor Center did seem a safe place for them to come to talk to someone.

We do, however, occasionally encounter those who want to come to tear down the Church and try to confuse us with their 'knowledge.' It is astonishing what a bad spirit they bring! Elder Hansen has learned that we don't even need to address their points (because they will not listen anyway). Last week when I was challenged by a couple who wanted to threaten our standing as a Church, I quickly called on Elder Hansen to come give me some support--which, of course, he did. I need to be more discerning to recognize what people want when they come to us. (I just want to love everybody).

I must mention that we do get MANY foreigners---usually at the Visitor's Center. There are often 10-12 French tour buses a week. Then we get English, Japanese, and Italian buses, too. They come to see the Canyons and this is a convenient stop on their way to Las Vegas. Since the dollar is so favorable to the euro now, we get many families on vacation from all the European countries. One couple we talked to from Switzerland this week said it was their 7th trip to Utah (they aren't members---yet).

We feel we are on a foreign mission sometimes. It is nice to have them come to you. We are loving our missionary service!

Petroglyphs

Our good neighbors, Roy and Norma Notley, took us on a day-trip to the Johnson Valley Indian Petroglyphs. They have gone there for many years. It is south of Alton and North-east of Kanab on the edge of the Escalante National Wilderness. The sand is drifting and covering the walls of the rock cliffs where the writings are. Roy thinks the sand has buried at least 10 feet of the walls since they first discovered it. We climbed along shifting sand dunes that were ancient Indian burial grounds. We saw the pottery pieces that they broke up to put into the grave with the woman who died and the chips of flint that the men made as they carved their arrowheads. On the plateau nearby we saw where they gathered for dances and festivals. It was good fellowship to be with them, we really enjoyed the trip.

Spring Excursions

We have enjoyed a couple of outings this Spring. The first one, in April, was with all of the Senior Couples and the young sister missionaries. We drove in caravan out to Pipe Springs on the Arizona Strip. This was an important place in the history of Southern Utah and Northern Arizona. The Mormon pioneers used Pipe Springs area for herding their livestock. It is on part of the 'Honeymoon Trail' the pioneer couples traveled to be married in the St. George Temple. We shared a ride with Elder and Sister Lamson. We had lovely weather to travel. After visiting Pipe Springs, we went to Hurricane to visit their Museum and a historic home---and of course, we had a nice picnic in the park.

Easter Reflections

This beautiful, life-sized sculpture of Christ, called "Come Unto Me," was recently created by Angela Johnson. It is one of her thirteen sculptures that are now on display at our Visitor's Center here in St. George (until 1 July '08). Anna came to visit and took this picture---thanks Anna! The missionaries take small groups of people on a tour through the sculptures--it is usually a very sweet experience for each person.

I chose this image of the Savior for Easter because it shows a loving Christ after His resurrection. The unthinkable sorrow He suffered on the cross for each us is now completed and He is able to ask us in perfect love to follow Him. There is no hypocrisy in His request to come unto Him ---only His pure, godly love for each one of us personally and the example of His perfect life. His love seems beyond our capacity to fully comprehend during earth life, but it is within our reach---when we reach out to Him. The way we reach out to Him is to have faith in Him and follow His commandments and endure in righteousness to the end.

This sculpture (picture also taken by Anna) is called, "His Gathering." "O ye house of Israel whom I have spared, how oft will I gather you as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, if ye will repent and return unto me with full purpose of heart." 3 Nephi 10:6

When Jesus likens God to a hen (Matthew 23:37), He shows that God has longings--desires--to bring His children to Himself. God is a protector. In effect, when the Lord 'spread His wings' to protect His children, He died on their behalf. In the days ahead when the righteous will be gathered to Christ as they have been instructed, the Lord will symbolically raise the wings of His power to cover and protect His own. This will require us to have the humility and wisdom to live so we can know the exquisite joy of being 'gathered' by Christ.

As you can tell from these examples, the sculptures bring a wonderful spirit to observers. We missionaries are blessed to be a part of the experience.

Erik, Michelle and children came to see us for a few days--we learned that we can perform our missionary responsibilities and, at the same time, stay connected to and visit with family members. We really appreciate the sacrifice and effort's of Erik and Michelle.

May each of you enjoy an Easter Season that brings you closer to our Savior. May you know of our great love for you and of our gratitude for the blessings we receive from the God of us all.

President Gordon B. Hinckley 1910-2008

We were surprised and delighted when we received a Christmas Card from the First Presidency of the Church in December 2007. This picture was on the front of the card.

Inside it read: "In remembrance of the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, we express our heartfelt Christmas greetings at this festive season of the year.

We rejoice in the Savior's loving invitation: 'Yea, verily I say unto you, if ye will come unto me ye shall have eternal life. Behold, mine arm of mercy is extended towards you, and whosoever will come, him will I receive; and blessed are those who come unto me' (3 Nephi 9:14).

Jesus Christ is the Savior and Redeemer. We testify that He lives and that He loves our Heavenly Father's children. It is our sincere prayer that this knowledge will be a source of comfort and peace to one and all and that each of us will seek His invitation to come unto Him.

May the spirit of Christmas, which is the spirit of Christ, bless and sustain each of us.

Sincerely,
Gordon B. Hinckley
Thomas S. Monson
Henry B. Eyring

The First Presidency"

I suppose they sent these beautiful cards to all the missionaries serving worldwide. It is a treasure to us. We were among the last missionaries called by President Hinckley. Now he has passed on (January 27 2008) and we are looking to our new prophet, Thomas S. Monson--- whom we love and respect as well.

Our missionary credentials from President Hinckley state: "This certifies that the bearer, Sister Marilyn Hansen Hansen (and Peter's says Peter Michael Hansen) who is in full faith and fellowship with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, has been duly called and set apart as a missionary of the Church and as such has authority to preach the principles of the gospel.

We invite all people to give heed to her (his) message.

Signed: Gorden B. Hinckley, President

03 December 2007 Salt Lake City, Utah. Expires 03 June 2009."

President Hinckley had been diagnosed with cancer early in 2006 and was not expected to last until the end of the year. The doctor said they did not know how chemo-therapy would work in a 95 year old, as they had not tried it before. President Hinckley said he had three questions. The first was, 'Will I still be able to live on my own?' Yes, the doctor replied. 'Would I still be able to put in a full day's work?' Yes. 'Will I lose my hair?' No. Then he agreed to have chemo- therapy. He said his life belonged to the Lord, and He would take him when He was ready. President Hinckley said he needed to do all he could do to prolong his life, for he had work to do.

The doctors discovered the chemo-therapy was not working in January '08. President Hinckley replied again that his life belonged to the Lord, and that he needed to do all he could do. He received more aggressive chemotherapy the Tuesday before he died. On Wednesday he went to the office and did a full day's work. Thursday morning he did not get out of bed. Sunday afternoon, Presidents Monson, Eyring and Packer came and gave him a blessing. About 7pm President Hinckley passed away peacefully.

Richard Hinckley, President Hinckley's son, said his father had his funeral planned down to the last detail. He planned the speakers, the hymns--everything.

Elder Peter M. Hansen has this to say about President Hinckley,"To Church members and all the world he was genuine, warm, gentle, open, attentive, real, loving, spiritual and caring. He was a hard worker who had vision and purpose. His accomplishments were many. Truly the Church moved forward toward fulfilling it's destiny of preparing a people worthy to greet and stand in the presence of the Lord, Jesus Christ. He was a true servant of God who will be missed. He was a prophet for all seasons."

President Thomas S. Monson: "He was prodigious in his work ethic and was totally dedicated to the gospel of Jesus Christ. He was a friend to one and all and a leader who inspired spirituality. His outreach on an international scale was unprecedented. Like the Master, he devoted his life to doing good, and God was surely with him. His life was a gift to the world."

President Henry B. Eyring: "He had the gift to make people want to do better and to feel that they could. He was pleasant, incisive and clearly inspired. For me, he raised the standard of what it is to be a disciple of Jesus Christ, giving all."

Quorum of the Twelve Apostles: "He unfailingly demonstrated his devotion to the Lord Jesus Christ, whose witness he was at home and abroad. We will miss his wit and his wisdom, his leadership and his love. We echo the voice of the Master, 'Well done, thou good and faithful servant...enter into the joy of thy Lord.' "

Some of the things I cherish about President Hinckley:

The 'Bs'--"BE grateful. BE smart. BE clean. BE true. BE humble. BE prayerful." Nov. 2000

"The head of this Church is the Lord Jesus Christ, whose name each of us have taken upon
ourselves. We are all in this great endeavor together. We are here to assist our Father in His work and His glory." April 1995

"This is the season to be strong. It is a time to move forward without hesitation, knowing well the meaning, the breadth, and the importance of our mission...We have nothing to fear. God is at the helm." April 1995

"Gratitude is of the very essence of worship---thanksgiving to the God of Heaven, who has given us all that we have that is good." April 1996

"It is a responsibility divinely laid upon us to bear one another's burdens, to strengthen one another, to encourage one another, to lift one another, to look for the good in one another and to emphasize that good." 1974

"The Lord expects so much of Latter-day Saints now because we are not persecuted...we have peace, and we have the good opinion of many, many people in many, many places. How thankful we ought to be and how ambitious we ought to be to move forward this, the work of the Lord." Nov. 1998

"Faith---the kind of faith that moves one to get on his knees and plead with the Lord and then get on his feet and go to work---is an asset beyond compare." Sept. 1973

"We need to get back to the basics of respect one for another and concern one for another, love and appreciation for one another, working together, worshiping together, and living together as families who love the Lord and look to Him for light and strength and comfort."
June 1995

"I urge you to utilize the temples of the Church." October 2002

" 'I will try to forget myself and go to work. I will try to lose my life in Thy service, but I need help.' That was my day of decision." As a missionary 1933

"Two roads diverged in a wood, and I---I took the one less traveled by; And that has made all the difference." Robert Frost poem quoted October 2006

Because of President Hinckley's counsel, I want to 'stand a little taller' and to 'stand for something.'

And, I will say--as President Hinckley was fond of saying--'God be with you till we meet again.'

Picture of our Senior Missionaries January 2008

Here we all are in front of the Christus in the St. George Visitor's Center. This occasion was the farewell for the Johnson's. They are in front not looking very happy. Every missionary couple has special talents and skills---the Johnson's were fun and sorta out-door folks. We have lots of musical talents---very accomplished group!

P-Day on 25 January 2008

Today is a P-Day...so, Dad went out and bought a couple bundles of boards and got a few measured and sawed. He is happy. I made a big pot of soup---to last us through a few more stormy winter days. Time really seems to fly by when you are home and can work on anything you want.

Our new senior missionary friends, the Kohlers, live in Ivins---at Cameo Park, just across the street from us. Two days ago Sister Kohler fell in the Tabernacle parking lot. She got scraped up on her arms and leg but landed right on her face. Three bones in her face are broken. She is ok and feels lucky the bones stayed in alignment and can heal alright. We all just want to do so much and forget that we have to think 'safety first'---and slow down and act our age...whatever that means.

I just wanted to share my experience with the moon. It was early morning before dawn when we were on our way to the Visitor's Center for our 7:30 am Training Meeting on Tuesday. The sky was filled with clouds---puffy, stormy clouds. I looked to the west, near Utah mountain to find the moon. It was a full moon but just beginning to peek above a cloud that was in front of it. The cloud took on a 'sliver lining' look---only it was golden. I don't recall ever seeing such moon-beams---they were radiating upwards with the same golden glow in the rays. It was so amazingly beautiful!!

I love the sky!! Ever since I was very young I have loved the clouds and and especially the sun-rays. I always felt a sun-ray was a message from heaven---just for me. I still do---and now I have a message from the moon!

We have had a good week. Thanks to each of you who support our efforts to share God's love with others. It is a 'feel-good' effort.

MTC Pictures

We didn't take many pictures at the Missionary Training Center in Provo, but, here are a few. It snowed every day in Provo---but we had a walk-way to our room at the Jacob Hamblin Building, so we stayed dry. We had to have our picture at the MTC Map, just like every missionary. This beautiful International Christmas tree was in the foyer. Anna's visit was a highlight during our MTC stay.

Getting Started on our mission

We want to share our mission time with you, our special family and friends, so you can feel the 'spirit of our mission' along with us. I'm imagining that I will do the writing here on the blog, though Elder Hansen is keeping an excellent daily diary so I will use his writing, too.

The St. George Visitors' Center and Historic Sites was a local service mission for quite awhile. The Church felt it was time to make it a full-time mission and reduce the number of couples serving here. So by the end of January 2008 the final three senior couples will leave--- bringing us down to 13 full-time senior couples (instead of around 34). We will keep 24 full-time young sister missionaries who serve with us and also do proselyting. We also have in this area 18 full-time young elder missionaries---they do not work with us.

So, we are now in the Utah Provo Mission to labor in the St. George Visitors' Center and Historic Sites. This required us to attend the Provo MTC for eight days training.

After we were set apart by our Stake President, Daren Barney, we traveled in the stormy weather (1 December) to visit Alisyn and Eric and Anna. They treated us so well---especially Eric who took us for a ride in the splendid winter-wonderland of the mountains--I loved it!

The MTC 'welcome meeting' on Monday morning was indeed a welcome for Elder Hansen and I. The MTC Mission President, Joseph Boone, is a long-time friend from the Air Force Chapaincy. ( His wife, Alisyn, is who our Alisyn was named after). His counselors, Mark Breinholt--an Army Chaplain (Susan), and David Madsen--Air Force Lawyer (Kathy) are also very good friends. They came into the room and came down to where we were sitting and gave us hugs and greetings in front of everybody--before the meeting and after, too.

I'm sure our MTC experience was typical of all missionaries--inspiring! Our teachers were very focused and knowledgeable. We used the 'Preach My Gospel' manual for our daily studies. We had read it before we went to the MTC and will continue to study it---probably forever! If any of you do not have this manual, I suggest you get one and study with it, too. I know that it is inspired and will increase your testimony and ability to share your testimony with others. It just makes you feel happy to use it to study and know that you as an individual can be guided by the Holy Ghost to do and say those things that He can confirm it's truth in someones heart and mind. We are encouraged to 'follow the spirit' and learn about others so we can know how the Lord can help us meet their needs and bring them to Him.

We observed Philip's Birthday at the MTC. His passing is still a great loss to us. But, we have decided to dedicate this mission to him and we hope he is enjoying it with us. We are using his Book of Mormon. We gave it to him on his 7th birthday--so the family could help him read it before he was baptized. I carry it with me every day and study from it--and mark it and enjoy the scriptures he had marked. He had studied it and made notes in the margins---it is a treasure to me.

One day three young sisters stopped us in the hallway and asked if they could practice their Spanish. They took turns bearing their testimonies to us---they had only been there for about three days. One sister's husband had recently been killed in an accident--so she decided to serve a mission. They were all going to the Tucson, Arizona Spanish speaking mission---same as Philip. I decided meeting them was another 'tender mercy' from the Lord.

We had the privilege to go the the Provo Temple and Anna was the First Follower for our session. She is so 'at home' working in the Temple! She spent several hours with us on our Preparation day--helping us study and taking pictures. Alisyn and Eric also joined us for lunch at Cafe Rio to celebrate.

Anna had to remind us to check our mailbox--we hadn't expected any mail. We got mail! Anna and Alisyn sent us packages. Mike and his family and David and family sent letters. We were surprised because we hadn't given anyone our address---they found it anyway.

All too soon it was time to leave the MTC. It had snowed every day we were in Provo. I thought it was SOOOO beautiful!! But, it's not great for traveling. Some of our new missionary friends had to drive across country--with RVs in the bad weather--we felt sorry for them. Our trip back to St. George was wonderful--dry roads all the way--another tender mercy.

And, when we got home we discovered someone had been in our house! There were newly scrubbed and vacuumed floors and bathrooms, guests beds made up and beautiful decorations on the table. There were even packages under the tree! But, it didn't take too long to figure out that Anna and Alisyn had come down while we were in the MTC to prepare this wonderous surprise for us. Who but these beautiful daughters would have thought of such a nice gift and then taken time to do it?!

13th December, as we opened the door of the Visitor's Center to begin our training, the cameras began flashing---we learned quickly that these senior missionaries are relentless in taking pictures! We found out that they give a scrapbook to the leaving senior missionaries with pages from all the missionaries---so everyone wants to have pictures to make pages. We're not sure how (or if) we want to get caught up in all this--I guess time will tell.

Our trainers were the Lamberts. They were good trainers and great people. We spent a day with them at each site and the Visitor Center. Since it was December and the missionaries sponsor concerts every night in December at the Tabernacle, we attended almost all of them and each of us even got to conduct a program. I think it was really fun for us to have these programs to go to---we haven't ever had that many nights out together---all within nineteen days.

Erik's neighbor, Bob Shell gave us a flag his father had received for his service to charity and to the community in Topeka, Kansas. It had been presented to him by Bob Dole who had flown it over the U.S. White House in honor of Mr. Shell. Elder Hansen presented it to our mission and it is now flying at the Jacob Hamblin Home in Santa Clara. It has been a nice addition to this site.

Senior missionaries are encouraged to continue to nurture their families. So, we encouraged and enjoyed Mike, Wendy and the girls coming to our home to visit on Christmas. It was a relaxing day to just be together to visit, read, play games and enjoy eating good food. We loved their visit.

Now, our regular schedule for missionary service is: Brigham Young's Winter Home, Jacob Hamblin's Home and the Tabernacle once each week for a 4 hour shift. Then, we have three shifts of 6 hours at the Visitor's Center each week. We also have a preparation day (p-day) where we do our 'own thing'. We have training every week at 7:30 a.m. and Zone Conference every 6 weeks. We also have other duties. We have just been assigned to distribute Tabernacle Events Bulletins to 66 sites each month. I frequently lead the music for our meetings. I will give a Sacrament Meeting talk this week.

Togetherness Work!

Here we are in the St. George Temple Visitor's Center where we had five beautiful Christmas trees. We are at the Visitor's Center three days a week with one or two other couples (depending on the day of the week and time of day). We also have at least two companionships of young sisters at the Visitor's Center during the day. Evenings they go out to teach.

Missions are fun! There hasn't been a time in our life when my companion and I have been together all the time. I actually was afraid we would have a hard time with so much 'togetherness'. But, I am already feeling much better knowing he is in sight or at least close by as we do our mission. We can talk about our experiences as they are happening and be on hand to help each other when there is a need.

For example, we were at the Historic Tabernacle this week and I wanted to take the next tour that came into the building. But, the people who arrived were a Muslim man (all dressed in his native garb) and his brother. Elder Hansen had many experiences with Muslims when he was in Arabia for Desert Storm---he was comfortable taking them (and I wasn't). They were very nice and he had a good tour with them. So, being a team was a good thing. It was such a good thing that Elder Nelson, our Director, has asked him to give the missionaries some training on talking with people who are not Christian. This is exactly what he did as a Chaplain---so he has a rich background to draw on to help the missionaries here.