Naugas and Black Boxes

 This week we enjoyed the first major snow storm of the year. We left for our Friday zone meeting on Wednesday evening to be ahead of the storm. It arrived, with wind, from the northwest and literally blew across the state of Wisconsin. It only deposited 4-5 inches on the flat but there were drifts that needed to be shoveled and plowed. We braved the storm to find me a coat. Although it has been "cold" and I already bought a heavy coat, I needed a lighter one because we are not out in the weather that much. I decided on a vinyl, faux leather, coat. At least it wasn't naugahyde as Naugas are an endangered species;)

 This was one of our quarterly zone meetings. I commented to Sister Johnson that it would be worth it to be on a mission just to attend these meetings with the Elders and Sisters. President Jones gave us his goal for baptisms in 2012. (300) He cautioned the missionaries that it was his responsibility to set the goal for the mission. It is our responsibility to work hard and leave the the conversions to the Lord. So it comes back to that old maxim (I made it up a couple of weeks ago) Activity Equals Opportunity. Make the visits and the calls, keep the commandments, follow the rules and expect something (good) to happen. The Elders and Sisters were required to bring their cars to this meeting to have them inspected for wear, damage and cleanliness. Also at the meeting technicians attached black-boxes to the cars that will send information to Salt Lake about how the cars are actually driven. Most every modern car already has a computer that stores and can release all of the information (speed, braking, temperature, etc.) collected in the course of everyday driving. These black-boxes are private, however, and are not subject to privacy issues that already starting to be debated about the B-Bs the manufacturers install.

 So how are we doing? The following pictures will give you an idea.

Me, giving everyone in earshot the 211 about all things important.

Sister Brady, cute Senior Sister and Sister Maughn

We're having a great time, wish you were here!

Elder and Sister Johnson

Snow, Ice and a Dead Refrigerator

 So it's winter in the U.P., we think. Just like in much of the country it has been unusually warm here with one day last week getting up to 50. I've enclosed a couple of photos that prove we do still have some snow and ice to deal with.  This photo was taken in the parking lot of the chapel in Marquette. New Years Day we had a snow storm that turned into a lake effect monster with some areas, along the coast, getting 2 feet or more. Marquette received about a foot. This photo was taken at our District meeting on Wednesday. This was a transfer week in addition to a holiday week.

 New to our district and new to the mission field is Elder Serrano from Orem. He was sent to Houghton on the Keewaunau peninsula, the farthest north city in the U. P.; it literally snows there every day. We have two other missionaries who transferred into the district. They seem like great missionaries. One, Sis. Bastian, "got" to come to Marquette where she replaced Sis. Maughn. The new missionaries are well trained and enthusiastic and we are always excited to get them. 

 This week we moved some of our regular lessons around and began new teaching cycles with Br. Peters and the Kopskis. People make progress at different rates. Also I was finally able to talk again with the young man who had requested a B of M and a Bible.  Lucas is a very busy young adult so it may be awhile before we can connect. He said he needs to go Marquette for some training. That is a good thing. While in the city where Lucas lives we shared the "Bible Videos" with a sister in her 80s. We have them loaded on the I-pad, she became fascinated with the miracle that is the tablet computer. We agreed, it seems like a miracle for sure. The I-pad has given us an extra dimension to our efforts. Some have heard rumors that the missionaries in Japan have I-pads issued to them. I don't know about that but I can see where they will become a part of missionaries' futures. (Thanks again to our wonderful families for their thoughtful gift of our I-pad, it has made a BIG difference!)

 In a place where the winter temperature rarely is above freezing you would think a refrigerator would have a easy time of it. But nooooo, ours figured it was time to go on vacation. We tried everything including plugging it in several different outlets. No luck, it kept tripping breakers. Our landlord came and replaced the breaker to no avail. Turns out the repairman couldn't come until Monday, 4 days later. So, we have taken our food from our refrigerator to an empty one at the church. We have eaten out more (found at least one good restaurant), eaten stuff that comes in cans and boxes and reduced our grazing. Turns out that living where it is cold in the winter does have one advantage, we are able to store perishables outside on our deck. In spite of the afore mentioned warming trend it is still cold enough at night to keep our stuff cold.

 Speaking of cold, below is a picture of a circular depression just 3 blocks from the house in Kingsford. When we arrived in September we could not figure out what it was for. Now you can see that it is used as a skating/hockey rink, and has been for years. By the way it is across the street from the only Mexican restaurant we have found in the area...Maria's Cantina.

Can you find the hockey pucks, there are at least two?

We had a great Testimony meeting today with one member giving thanks and credit to a faithful home teacher who stuck with her and helped her back into activity. I was also asked to give a blessing of comfort to a non-member who is having some real challenges at home. She came to church with her member friend. It felt great to be on the Lord's errand and to help provide comfort to her that only the Lord can give His children.

With love from the U.P.,

Elder and Sister Johnson

Life of a Missionary...Revealed

 The last couple of weeks we have prepared and taught some lessons, visited the sick, retained a new doctor, paid some bills, ordered new sheets and a coat, lived through both Christmas and New Years Eve, baked and delivered holiday cookies to members and investigators, cleaned, shopped, did laundry, prepared meals, avoided cold and snow, "Facetimed" our families, talked with our grand children, survived another transfer, fed missionaries, knitted caps for newborns, traveled to Marquette for district meetings, reported to the mission president, felt the Spirit of the Lord and just enjoyed our service opportunity. Those of you who have served missions will recognize the many mundane things that missionaries do. It seems, as Senior Missionaries, that is all we do...but then again our clothes aren't strewn all over our apartment and our dishes are done more than once a week.


 Oh another thing; the missionaries were out of the monthly miles they are allowed for their car with one day to go in the month so being good missionaries they went tracting all day the 31st. They reported finding 5 individuals who invited them back. I reminded them that activity equals opportunity. Because they chose the harder path, it (activity) brought them success (opportunity). It's a true principle of life that works for all of us. If you want success in life one way is to learn to do the worthwhile things others refuse to do.


 And finally for you Genealogy/Family History buffs. If you haven't seen this already make a note because it is soooo cool. Enjoy. 
https://lds.org/youth/family-history/serve?lang=eng#see-my-family-tree

For your enjoyment what follows is the conversion story of Shari Lane a member of the branch, a nurse and the first convert to be baptized in the Iron Mountain Branch.

Shari Lane’s Conversion Story:

  Iron Mountain Branch

I was 21 years old; my husband was in the Air Force, stationed at Grissom AFB, Indiana.  We were renting a mobile home, which was located in the middle of a field, out in cow country.

One day, there was a knock at the door, and there stood a man who said, "Would you like to save money on your car insurance?" There had been a blizzard the night before, and the snow was hip deep.  He had braved walking across the field in that deep snow! So I took pity on him and invited him in for a piece of homemade bread, that I’d baked that morning, and a cup of coffee.

He answered, "The bread sounds great, but I’ll pass on the coffee."

"I suppose everyone gives you a cup of coffee, you’re probably all coffee’d out, hey!"

"Actually, I don’t drink coffee – it’s against my Church’s beliefs, and it’s against my personal convictions."

"What on earth kind of church doesn’t drink coffee?”

"The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints; I’m a Mormon."

The first words out of my mouth were, "Wow! How many wives do you have?"

He laughed and explained the Church does not practice polygamy, as most people think.  But I knew nothing about the Mormon Church, so I started asking questions about what they believe.

Two hours later, we were still sitting at my kitchen table, my Bible open, and I was asking one question after another!  The poor guy was a new convert, baptized just 6 months previous.

I was raised Baptist, and knew my Bible well!  He apologized for not having all the answers, but he said that surely I was not the 1st to ask these questions.  And if the Church didn’t have the answers, it would have never have stood this long.

And he knew a couple of fellows who knew the answers to any questions I might have!  He said he’d send the missionaries to talk to me, but in the meantime, would I like to come to dinner and meet his wife and kids?

"Oh, your wife would shoot you if you brought home a stranger for dinner without letting her know!"

"No, really, she loves to be imposed upon!"

He gave me directions, and since my husband wasn’t going to be home for supper that night, I went.  What a wonderful family! Their home was so "homey", and their 2 little boys were so happy!  Sure enough, his wife was delighted to have a stranger walk in for supper!  We talked of food storage, and a living Prophet and Apostles. Their beliefs were fascinating, and I wanted to know more!  The wife invited me to a Relief Society social.

A few days later, she and I went to the Chapel where there was a gathering of "Sisters", and long tables of food.  The thing that struck me, was that the women were incredible!  I kept thinking that if any one of them were placed in the midst of a crowd, they would stand out somehow – they would glow!   I was certain that every head would turn and everyone would be aware that they were in the presence of someone very special.

The girl smiled and said, "Isn’t that wonderful!"

"You mean you believe me?"

 "Of course, we all lived in the spirit before this life, and we knew one another!"  She told me about the pre-existence, (and about a book called "Added Upon", which I have since read.)

 Wow!  I was hooked!  This Church had the answers I had been searching for, for many years.  And their answers made so much sense.  A living Prophet and Apostles, the counsel to have food storage, the knowledge of the pre-existence and much more!

 My Husband and I started the discussions with the missionaries, but the Air Force decided to give him an "early out", and we left the area very quickly.  We came to the UP, where we wanted to make our home and raise a family.  I soon realized the LDS Church was not to be found here.

 The next 3 years, there was an empty space inside of me that just kept growing bigger, and more empty.  I prayed for 3 years that the Lord would show me "The Truth", and I vowed to follow Christ.

 At La Leche League, I met a gal, Laurie, who was moving out of Niagara, and we were moving in.  Her toddler fell down the basement stairs and needed stitches.  She came to my door and asked if I'd keep her nursing infant while she took her little girl to the ER.

 When Laurie returned, I told her I thought I might be pregnant again.  She was leaving the next day, but she gave me her new address and said to drop a Christmas card and let her know if I was. I thought to myself, I don’t even know this gal, I’m not going to write to her.

 A few months went by, and I was indeed pregnant – but sadly I miscarried the baby.  I was very sorrowful, and my Husband freaked out.  He wouldn’t let me talk about it, and I didn’t know anyone there.

One day, I was looking for something in a desk drawer, and found Laurie’s address. Starved for someone to talk to, I sat down and poured my heart out in a letter, and sent it to her.

 A week later, her answer arrived. She too had lost a baby recently, and she said my feelings were very much like hers. In the course of the letter, she referred to Heavenly Father, and Relief Society.  I threw the letter up in the air and shouted for joy! I had found the Church again!

 Laurie lived 50 miles away; I got directions at a gas station.  When I knocked at her door, she looked confused, "I didn’t expect to see you again, come on in, what are you doing in Escanaba?"

"I came to see you!"

 "Wow, all the way out here, just to see me?"  She sat me down at the table with her daughter and a bowl of chili.  She looked really confused!

 "Where is the Church?" I blurted out!

 "Well… I belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints; I’m a Mormon….."

 "Yes, I know, that’s why I’m here!  Where is the Church?"

 She nearly fell off her chair! Three families with young children had recently moved into the Iron Mountain area, and they were taking turns meeting at each other’s houses. They had just received a pair of missionaries.

That was 1977, and I was baptized in Timm’s Lake, near Pembine -- the 1st baptism in the Iron Mountain Branch.

Merry Christmas 2011

We hope that, like us, you are enjoying the special spirit of the

Savior’s birth and life that we are experiencing this wonderful time of year

May we keep that spirit this Christmas season and always

Is our fervent prayer

Merry Christmas

From

Elder and Sister Johnson

Red Kettle and Heavenly Stars

 What's that rriiinnggging in our ears? It's the sound of Christmas, more specifically the sound of Salvation Army bells. This past week we had the opportunity to be volunteer bell ringers. We were stationed in the ante way at our local Shopko. It was a totally gratifying experience. Around 50% of all of the shoppers stopped and donated. The Salvation Army is a great organization for helping families that are down on their luck. Most all of the money gets to its intended destination. We had one little girl who on her why past the kettle dropped in some coins. She was obviously struggling with giving up all of her coins to the cause. She decided to keep one for her favorite charity, herself. Her mother joined her just outside the outer doors and what ensued was a philosophical discussion about the merits of giving versus keeping. "Keeping" won, as she didn't donate her remaining coin...it was a cute parenting moment.

 Christmas is coming, I know that isn't news. We have been receiving cards and ornaments for our little tree all this week. A special surprise was a card and a note we received from a less active member we met in Watersmeet. This was the member who had been baptized 20 years ago and had received virtually no fellowshipping because she lives 100 miles away from the branch. In the note she commented that she has been reading the Book of Mormon we gave her. We sent her a card and a note and 2 Christmas DVDs. We will drive over in January, visit her and pick up the DVDs. This year we have decided to celebrate the season at home, just the two of us. It will be the first time in 45 years it will be just us. We will definitely miss everyone but we are looking forward to alone time as well. We won't be totally alone as we plan to video chat with every family. If you want to get in on the fun you (non-family) had better call and claim a time. 
 One of the important signs of the Savior's birth was the new star seen in the Near East. According to the B of M, residents in the new world observed a day, a night and a day with no darkness as the sun set. Now I want to share with you another witness. This one is recorded by Ignatius one of the early church fathers who is reported to have been the "Third Bishop of Antioch" and who lived during the time John received the "Revelation" on Patmos.

“A star shone forth in heaven above all the other stars, the light 

of which was inexpressible, while its novelty struck men with astonishment. And all the rest of the stars, with the sun and moon, 

formed a chorus to this star, and its light was exceedingly great 

above them all. And there was agitation felt as to whence this new spectacle came, so unlike to everything else [in the heavens]. Hence 

every kind of magic was destroyed, and every bond of wickedness disappeared; ignorance was removed, and the old kingdom 

abolished, God Himself being manifested in human form 

for the renewal of eternal life”.

Ignatius to the Ephesians, XIX

 We visited with a sister who is recovering from surgery for a strangulated hernia. She has needed hernia surgery for around 15 years. Instead of just sending her home...again they decided this time to operate. She is happy. This is the mother of the husband of the family we teach each week. She grew up in Ogden but has spent most of her life in the U. P. She is a great support for what we are planning to do for her family. Being back in a rehabilitation center brought back memories from when I was serving at Wasatch Villa. Some of you will remember visiting the Villa and performing around Christmas and at other times. I have very fond memories of the residents and the service I was able to give. I also have vivid memories of visits by President Monson and his playing the piano for the residents.


A great week,
Merry Christmas from Elder and Sister Johnson pleased to be in the service of our Lord and Master, Jesus Christ the Lord

Lambeau, Split Rock and Dishes

 So the high today (Sunday) is in the 40s and just 3 days ago the high was in single digits and we had noticed small lakes and rivers were freezing over. This kind of weather makes me homesick for Utah weather. Here in the "sunbelt", where we live, at the bottom of the U.P. we do have fluctuations. If we lived north on the Keweenaw peninsula we would be in the path of lake effect snow. When the temps were around 5 degrees here it was snowing 5-6 inches daily in Houghton. Living in the South has its benefits even here in the U.P.
 Monday we left around noon to take our missionaries to Green Bay so they could be with the other zone missionaries for a zone p-day. Their goal was a Lambeau Field tour followed by basket and dodge ball.

We stayed overnight and prepared for the next day by taking a nap, eating at the best fast-food eatery ever, Culvers (There is one down by Fashion Place mall and a new one coming to Lehi) and then we had pizza delivered. I think we also had some conversations about some of the families we are teaching. So...a great p-day for us. We met at the local meetinghouse at 7:30 the following morning to pick up a third missionary and travel to the Manitowoc ward for a special Zone conference. This conference was called by Pres. Jones to help us know how to be more effective over the holiday season. We practiced some on how to leave a holiday DVD with an interested individual or family. Hint, don't just give it, loan it so you have an excuse to go back and pick it up. When you do go back if they haven't taken the time to watch it ask if you can sit down and watch it with them. We are also enjoying "Mr. Kreuger's Christmas" and "Joy to the World" along with the families we are teaching. If it has been a while, viewing one of both of these DVDs is a great idea for your FHE this week or next.
 Each week as we travel north to Crystal Falls to visit with the Carlson family we pass an unique sight, a tree that was growing right up and out of a rock. It's called Split Rock, what else.

To me this tree represents the determination of the early settlers of the U.P. We have met locals whose families have been here over many generations. They have outlasted hard rock mining, extreme cold, burnt pastys and beaver stew. Through it all they have lived honorable, mostly religious lives. Can you tell...we really respect these people.
 Sister Johnson and I taught the importance of the scriptures and of reading the scriptures at the Carlsons this week. We hope these weekly lessons help inspire the Carlsons into activity. Jason Murra, the other L. A. we are teaching, has told us the lessons are making a big difference for him.
 Yesterday we attended the branch Christmas party. It was attended by about 55 people including 4-5 non-members. The party was basically food and lots of it. This will surprise a lot of people but afterwards Sister Johnson and I washed all of the dishes, by Sister Johnson and I, I mean I washed the dishes and she rinsed and dried. See, I knew you would be surprised.

Christmas is coming...embrace it,
Elder G-pa and Sister G-ma

December in the U.P.

 Well the deer hunt is done. The newspaper reported that they harvested 150 deer inside the city limits of Iron Mountain and Kingsford. The meat is given to local charities. We have seen piles of hides, carcasses hanging from rafters and trees and surprisingly few on the front fenders of the cars and trucks. Only one bear hide has been visible and no moose, elk or reindeer. Considering the time of year that should make the youngsters very happy.

 As you might expect, the residents here are very traditional when it comes to Christmas. There were almost no decorations up before Thanksgiving but lights are being hung everywhere. There are plenty religious messages as well. It is exciting to be a part of a community that values traditional Christmas celebrations.  Our branch Christmas party will be this coming Saturday. Sister Johnson and I are considering attending Christmas celebrations sponsored by some of the churches and organizations in the community. We received a "cute" Christmas tree from our daughter Jenny and have begun to receive ornaments from each of our families. (Pictures to follow)
 It is difficult being away from home for this special time of year as it causes some measure of homesickness. We are coping and we will survive. It also helps to rehearse the blessings with which the Lord has blessed us. We are also trying to be involved with those around us; "...when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God".
 Our teaching pool is about the same. We are having to postpone some meetings because of illnesses, seasonal disruptions, weather and the like. We did talk to Lucas Kirkpatrick who requested a Bible and a Book of Mormon. His father will not allow us to come to his house to visit with him. Hopefully, however, we will be able to soon meet his father. Lucas is 21 and suggested we meet with him in town. We told him that that would be fine. We haven't been able to find a time...yet.
 Winter is starting to arrive. We have had two snow storms this week for a total of around 6 inches. There are some major snowplows in these towns and is evident that they are excited to get out and plow something, anything. Every block, it seems, has a pickup truck with a plow attached. Our landlord was here today with a snowblower on steroids. I think the long winters give the people here plenty of time to think of stuff to make and figure out how to make it hence the world's biggest working chainsaw (according to Guinness) powered by a 305 c.i. chevy, is from the U.P. This is a link to some serious silliness and other Yooper information  http://dayoopers.com/

Looking forward to the Christmas season,
Elder and Sister Johnson