The Harvester, OHIO COLUMBUS MISSION,February 2012
What’s In A Name? By Sister Nilsen
“I am a Mormon.” We say it all the time. We tell people to go to Mormon.org and discover who we are but what do we mean when we say, “I am a Mormon?” Who was Mormon and why do we answer to his name? Much of this Harvester article is taken from Elder Holland’s talk, “Mormon: The Man and the Book, Part I” so that we can know the characteristics of Mormon and emulate him - who was so much like Christ.
In Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 365, we read,“Every man who has a calling to minister to the inhabitants of the world was ordained to that very purpose” in his premortal existence.Perhaps that call has an effect on those men even in their earliestmortal years, for Mormon was recognized by his predecessor Ammaron as being “a sober child” and one “quick to observe.” (Mormon 1:2.)
As a boy only ten years old, Mormon received instruction from Ammaron that fourteen years later he should “go to the land Antum, unto a hill which shall be called Shim”and there obtain the ancient and faithfully recorded history of his people. (Mormon 1:3.) It was a charge he accepted and faithfully fulfilled.Under the guidance of his father, for whom he was named,Mormon moved to the land of Zarahemla when he was eleven years old and prepared for his prophetic role. These were difficult timesand after more than two hundred years of peace and righteousness introduced by the Savior himself, the civilization had now declined,“And the work of miracles and of healing did cease because of the iniquity of the people.”(Mormon 1:15.)
Maintaining his integrity and faithful independence amidst evil practice, Mormon was, at approximately the same age as theyoung prophet Joseph Smith, “visited of the Lord.” (Mormon1:15.)Still in his teens, he tried valiantly to preach to his people, but because these people had willfully rebelled against their God; he was finally forbidden by God to speak. “My mouth was shut,” he records, “and I was forbidden that I should preach unto them.” (Mormon 1:16–17.) In the midst of this personal and public destruction, Mormon made his way to the hill Shim and obtained the plates of Nephi. There on these ancient metal plates he would,over the weeks and months ahead, “give a full account of all the wickedness and abominations” of his people, for there was little else to record.” (Mormon 2:18.) Other, if less divine, opportunities for service were given to him.
Like his ancestor Nephi, Mormon was also “large in stature” (Mormon 2:1), and with both a strong bodyand a resolute spirit he was chosen to lead the armies of the Nephite people at the age of sixteen. Striving to maintain what military defense he could, even as he recorded the inevitable demise of his people, Mormon urged that the Nephites “stand boldly” and defend “their wives, and their children, and their houses, and their homes.” (Mormon 2:23.)Although there was an occasional temporary gain, Mormon faced the most hopeless of all military tasks — fighting when “the strength of the Lord was not with us.” (Mormon 2:26.)As he fought against the enemy with sword and shield, he also tried to pierce the heart of his own people with strong testimony. But his cry was in vain. These people would not makethat one crucial admission that the Lord God of Israel held the keys to their success. (See Mormon 3:2–3.) The warring would go on.Both armies fought on in the feeble strength of the arm of flesh, and after two successful defenses against Lamanite attacks, the Nephites “began to boast in their own strength.” (Mormon 3:9.) In despair Mormon threw down his weapons of war and vowed he would have no more to do with their cause. Though he “had loved them” (Mormon 3:12), he refused to lead their military forces and, by the Lord’s command, waited “as an idle witness” for total destruction. (Mormon 3:16.)Yet in such moments of disappointment and frustration we learn something special about the heart and hunger of this man. His faith, his hope, and his charity were irrepressible. He could not abandon his own people. Notwithstanding their wickedness, he agreed once more to lead them. But some critical threshold had been passed. These people had decisively chosen darkness over light, evil over goodness, blood over benevolence. “My soul had been poured out in prayer unto my God all the day long” (Mormon 3:12.)These passages of Elder Holland’s article beautifully illustrate the soul, integrity and purpose of Mormon, the prophet who was called of God to select and summarize the story of his people and write it on gold plates for us. He is the prophet whose name appears on another testament of Jesus Christ, The Book of Mormon. He is the prophet whose name we bear. Because of his honorable example we can say:
I am a Mormon. I am sober, quick to observe, prepared,visited of the Lord, chosen to lead and striving. I receive instruction, faithfully fulfill my callings and I am guided by my Heavenly Father. I maintain my integrity and keep faithful independence against evil. In my teens I try valiantly to preach to people, I make my way, I give a full and honest accounting and opportunities for service are given to me. I have a strong body and resolute spirit, I urge everyone to stand boldly and protect the family and home. I face the most hopeless tasks and fight against the enemy. I try to pierce the hearts of all people with my testimony of Jesus Christ. I despair in bloodshed, I make vows, I love others and by the Lord’s command, I wait. Yet in moments of disappointment and frustration I learn something special about the heart and hunger of myself. My faith, my hope, and my charity are irrepressible. I cannot abandon my own people. I agree once more to lead; my soul is poured out in prayer unto God all the day long. I am a missionary. I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I am a Mormon. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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The Harvester, 2February 2012
“Lift Up Your Hearts and Be Glad”
“Lift up your heart and be glad”. These were the words of the Lord to Enoch in Moses 7:44. Enoch was down-hearted and weeping when in a vision he witnessed the wickedness of the people and their rejection of the truth-fulness of the gospel. Right now, we are in the “dog days” of winter when the weather is cold and wet, the daylight is short, and the holi-day highs are replaced by dull normalcy. If you are now or have ever been down or discouraged as a missionary,please know that you are normal, in fact you are in good company. The following are a few others who were on theLord’s errand and found that they had to deal with discouragement: * Elder Gordon B. Hinckley- In the early part of his mission, he was faced with so much rejection by those hewas trying to teach that he felt he was not effective enough to stay on his mission. He wrote a letter to his familystating that he might as well come home. You all know about the letter he received from his father telling him to"forget yourself and go to work".* Joseph Smith- The entire section of D&C 122 contains Joseph's discouraged pleadings, "O God where art thou?And where is the pavilion over thy hiding place?" Joseph was disheartened that he and the saints were in so much suffering. In fact, the revelation occurred during the time when Joseph and a few of his missionary companionswere in Liberty Jail under atrocious conditions. The Lord taught him that he had not yet descended to the depths that the Savior had suffered, and asked: "Art thou greater that He?".* Alma- In Alma 8: 14-18 we learn of the complete and utter rejection that met Alma in his missionary efforts in Ammonihah. He was so downtrodden that he had given up and was headed home. It was then that the angel appeared to him instructing him to go back. Alma, knowing that obedience is rewarded, turned immediately and went back to Ammonihah. *
Jesus Christ- Christ's ministry was fraught with rejection and discouragement. In Matthew 8:33-34 Christ hadjust performed one of his many miracles by casting devils from a possessed man. That miraculous event whichshould have served as a bright witness of his divinity resulted instead in the village rejecting Him and expelling Him from their midst. Can you imagine the feelings of our Savior, when he walked away from that village after offeringthem eternal life and literally saving a possessed and ruined man's life, only to be driven from them? How did these missionaries deal with discouragement? What was their reaction to the discouragement? What did they do to overcome the “blues” that sometimes accompany this work? We can learn much from those exam-ples. Let's take a look:* President Hinckley as a young missionary followed the advice of his father and of his leaders. He stopped thinking of only himself and began instead serving those who were around him - his investigators, his companion,the members he served with. He threw himself into the work. This effort helped him completely recover from his feelings of inadequacy and despondency.* Joseph Smith went to the Lord with his deepest feelings and pled for understanding. The lessons taught him tocompare his suffering with that of the Savior and put things all in perspective. He was able to endure with addedpatience and understanding.* Alma received an assignment to turn right around and get back to work. I always marvel at Alma's actions. He was already heading home, he had already done much work in Ammonihah and he could well have justified that he just go home and rest for a while, then return and do as the angel had instructed. But instead, he turned rightaround in his tracks and headed back immediately to Ammonihah. The result was that Alma and Amulek becameone of the most powerful and successful missionary companionships on record, all because of Alma's obedience and immediate response to the Lord's commands.* Jesus was rejected time and time again. In fact He suffered the ultimate rejection. But He knew what his mis-sion was and who had sent him. Christ's response often when asked of his purpose and mission was that he wasonly doing the will of the Father. He moved forward steadily, knowing without any doubt that no matter what hap-pened to him He was "about His Father’s business".So Elders and Sisters, take heart from the lessons of those who have gone before you in this work. Like President Hinckley, when you get discouraged, stop feeling sorry for yourself and start thinking only of others! Like Joseph Smith, when you are down, take your troubles to the Lord and listen to what He tells you not only through prayerbut also through President Nilsen. Like Alma, obey immediately the commandments of the Lord and do not try tojustify not being completely obedient. And like Christ, remember always that you are on the Lord’s errand. He has called you to this place at this time for this purpose. May the Lord bless you in His sacred work. George Rahlf, Counselor, Ohio Mission Presidency
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The Harvester
This month we thought you’d like to meet the rest of the senior coupleswho are serving in this Great Ohio Columbus Mission. Here they are . . .
Elder and Sister Larsen arefrom Edmond, Oklahoma.They are serving in the Washington Court House Branch(Columbus Zone).Elder and Sister Mudd arefrom Jacksonville, Illinois.They are serving in the Dayton (inner-city) Branch(Dayton Zone).Elder and Sister Olson are from Manila, Utah. They areserving in the Adams Branch(Cincinnati East Zone).Elder and Sister Spangler are from Port Orchard, Washington. They are CES missionaries, serving with the OSUWards (in both Columbus and Columbus North Zones.)Elder & Sister Stoddard are from St. Anthony, Idaho. They are serving in the Coshoc- ton Branch (Columbus East Zone). And of course you know Elder and Sister Harrison. They are from La Verne, California.Elder Harrison is the Mission Vehicle Coordinator and Sister Harrison, the Mission Secretary.“Goodbye” to the Bowns — and “Hello” to the Wurstens, Elder and Sister Bown were released on January 5, 2012. They have been a great blessing to the Mission and we know how much you will miss them. The last month of their mission they were busy training their replacements, whom we now introduce to you. Elder and Sister Wursten are from Hyde Park, Utah (just north of Logan) and will be serving here for 18 months (until May 2013). They have owned and operated Central Valley Machine Company in Logan for 35 years. The company makes support systems and parts for the space shuttle program and other missile programs as well as parts and machines for other industries. Elder Wursten was in charge of all operations and Sister Wursten was the accountant for the business, which now employs 75 people. They have 3 sons and 6 grandchildren, all of whom are agreat support to them. Sister Wursten, with her excellent accounting background, is now the Mission Financial Secretary. As such, Sister Wursten is the person you should call with any questions about your MSF card or your health card. She also processes all baptismal records, referrals and commissary orders.Elder Wursten is in charge of all aspects of missionary housing—from finding and furnishing to troubleshooting and inspections. If you need ANY kind of help or information about housing, call Elder Wursten. He also is in charge of cell phones and hopes to help you all get new phones at the February Zone Conferences. We welcome the Wurstens to the Mission Office. They are a wonderful addition to the Mission and you will really enjoy working with them!Last month we introduced you to Elder and Sister Brower (Area Medical Advisors) as well as to Brother Young, who also helps you with medical issues. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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The Harvester,February 2012,JANUARY 2012 HARVESTConvertsTaught ByBright, Flossie Elders Haws, Saunders, GonzalezChacon, Malena Elders Germer and RiquelmeDhital, NathanElders Bushman and WelchDiaz, TaylorElders Hulse and RichardsFreese Family (2)Elders Hawkins, Culler, J. SmithKettlewell, Harry JayElders Beaudoin, J. Larson, andSteglichKriner, JulieEldersKlein, Cummings, ChisholmLairson, D’AnnElders Farmer, Hawks, TuakalauLeiweke, Robert JohnElders Joiner and HutchinsonMendez-Lainez, Maynor Elders Ragan and PriceMendoza, RobertoElders Oakley, Holbrook, RaganPeters, Lily VeronicaElders Anderson, Allen, Holt andHombsPfendt, GlennElders Haws, Scott, SaundersPrater, DaultonElders Unzaga and SteglichRice, ChristineElders Robbins, Seely, SheltonSawyer, ScottElders Cannon, Ingram, Pearson,and SmuinSkaggs, Larry M.Elders Lemmon, Prettyman,Maughn, Neville, ReynoldsSkidmore, RoyElders Borgia and RiquelmeStaley, Taylor LynnElders Byington and MorleyStarkey, Mark (Sr.)Elders McClellan, Roberts andStarkey, Mark (Jr.)BrackenStine, RileySisters Whitaker and BrignoneSwanson, DakotaElders Haws and GonzalezTarvin Family (4)Elders Cannon, Ingram, Pearson,and SmuinTesta, ReneeElders Spencer and PoulsenWalker Family (4)Sisters Kluzek and O’BrienWaugh, RickElders McClellan, Roberts andBrackenWeaver Family (2)Elders Klein, Cummings,ChisholmWelch, BrianElders Brooks and R. SmithNote: Baptisms are not included on this list until the paperwork is received in the office. Thus some December baptisms actually are listed above, and some January baptisms will be published on the February list.
REMEMBER theOHIO COLUMBUS MISSIONSTANDARDS OF EXCELLENCE Areas of Focus. We are 100% obedient all the time.2. We are ALWAYS FINDING.3. We SERVE the members and EARN their referrals.4. We INVITE all new investigators during the first lesson to be baptized, read the Book ofMormon, and attend church. (We strongly encourage informal chapel tours.)5. We ACHIEVE our goals through faith, prayer, fasting and exceptionally hard and smart work. Weekly Companionship Goals: we have 80% + “member present” for lessons after the first discussion. 2. We find 2 or more new investigators each week. We always have 15-20 part-member or less-active families/individuals we are serving. 3. We teach 20 lessons a week. 4. We complete one short service project per week, preferably serving our Bishops andWard Mission Leaders. Build trust and earn their referrals.5. We achieve all of our morning schedules —100% per week — the foundation of our day.Monthly Companionship Goal - Baptize one person or family every month!
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Amazing Grace
Elder Neal A. Maxwell once said the following . . .This is a gospel of grand expectations, but God’s grace is sufficient for each of us. [“Notwithstanding My Weakness”, Ensign, November 1976.]With Elder Maxwell, I testify that God’s grace issufficient. Jesus’ grace is sufficient. It is enough. It is all we need. . . . don’t give up. Keep trying. Don’t look forescapes and excuses. Look for the Lord and His perfect strength. Don’t search for someone to blame. Search for someone to help you. Seek Christ, and as you do, I promise you will feel the enabling power we call His amazing grace.I leave this testimony and all of my love — for I do love you . . . I believe in you. I’m pulling for you. And I’m not the only one. Parents are pulling for you, leaders are pulling for you, [President Nilsen is pulling for you] and prophets are pulling for you. And Jesus is pulling with you. Brad Wilcox, “His Grace Is Sufficient”,BYU Magazine, Winter 2012.
Baptized & Confirmed— by Zone(as of 1/31/12)Zone/Nov/Dec/Jan Cincinnati4/6/5Cincinnati-East3/2/0 Cincinnati North8/5/7 Columbus1/2/3 Columbus East5/3/8 Columbus North 2/1/5 Columbus South 0/6/1 Dayton 1/3/5 Dayton East0/2/3 Totals 24/30/37
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The Harvester, February 2012
Welcome to our new missionaries!
Elder Cormick Breshears, Elder Scott Christensen, Elder Nathan Giles, Elder Austin Ith, Elder Hunter Moore, Elder Ross Osieczanek, Elder Dalton Ross, Elder Keaton Smith, Elder Baxter Stewart, Sister Alison Ward, Elder Radley Watkins,
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Brethren and Sisters,“Oh be wise; what can I say more?” (Jacob 6:12)Use all your time, every talent, and unwaivering effort and strength for the cause you have been called to bear.Don’t be discouraged by those who see to destroy you, butbe encouraged by those who continuously seek to uplift andinspire you. Never Back Down, but shout your Title of Lib-erty in the face of adversity. Man Up and take control ofyour eternal identity and potential. Don’t think for a secondthat Satan isn’t watching you and waiting to snare you in his grip.I love Joseph Smith for his wisdom in prayer. I love my crew out here in Ohio (you know who you are). I’ve loved all my companions; they taught me a lot about myself. BE YOURSELF, don’t put on a façade or a mask. Rely on the Lord, work hard, play hard, don’t be soft, and Man Up.Christ lives, Brethren, adieu.Elder Lucas Allred
I LOVE the Ohio! It is the GREATEST mission!This is the greatest work on the face of the earth. The Lord directs this work and our mission through our incredible leader, President Nilsen. We are the Lord’s hands to help “bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man”.Jesus Christ lives! He is the greatest being to be born on this earth — the perfect example — He is Lord of Lords,King of Kings, the Grand Creator, the Savior, and the Captain of our Salvation. I love and admire Him. The Book of Mormon is a powerful witness that He lives. I know this. Joseph Smith is a champion! He brought forth the Book of Mormon the way he said he did. He saw God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. This is truth. I love you all!In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.Elder Zakary Haws
In my own little world it hardly ever rains,I’ve never gone hungry, I’ve always felt safe.I’ve got money in my pocket and shoes on my feet.In my own little world, population: Me.I once met a man who lost his only son,With tears in my eyes I shared the Plan of Salvation.In his eyes I saw the face of a human;I thought to myself, “God, what have I been doing?”I told that man, “I’m glad I met you!”Because my own little world reached population: Two.I’ll break my heart for what breaks yours;Give me open hands and open doors.Open my eyes and let me seeThat my own little world is not about me.These two years have been amazing: 2 missions, 3 mission presidents, and speaking Spanish my last 3 months! I love thec ompanions with whom I have had these experiences! Jesu cristo es mi Salvador, porque El salvo mi vida. Elder Jay Dee Germer
“Because I have been given much, Lord, I would follow thee.”I know that God lives. I love Him more than I can express or comprehend! President Ezra Taft Benson said, “Nothing will surprise us more when we get to Heaven than to realize how well we know our Father and how familiar his face is to us.”I love the Book of Mormon. I learned how to read from having my parents read it to me. Nephi’s words are true: “And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ . . . that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins.” (2 Nephi 25:26) “My son, be faithful in Christ . . . And may Christ liftthee up.” (Moroni 9:25) The Savior has carried me through my mission. I’ve waited my whole life and I will wait a little longer for Him to race with me to the finish—and to carry me home! “And now, after the many testimonies which have beengiven of Him, this is the testimony last of all, which (I) give ofHim: that He lives!” (D&C 76:19)Elder Jonathan J. Hansen
