Work, Blessings, Work, Blessings, etc.

  This past week was sensational. Br. Matson, the less active brother who feels he was healed through a priesthood blessing, threw the door open for us as we came up the walk. He was very happy to see us. His life is beginning to turn around. We read some from the Book of Mormon, gave a lesson from the Gospel Principles manual and shared a talk on grace, "His Grace is Sufficient" by Brad Wilcox. It is a talk we have frequently used. It explains how the grace of God works to enable us, explains His desire for us to succeed and His constant and perfect help for our return to Father in Heaven. Br. Matson was very touched and the Spirit was extremely strong and witnessed to all present. He has a long way to go but he has a lot of help and encouragement.

  Br. Klingman, who lives in the same small town, was also touched by the Brad Wilcox talk. (We had left it with him the previous week.) He read it once and commented that he needed to read it again to grasp all the concepts. He is working on "forgiving" and "guilt" caused, he says, by a marriage gone wrong which resulted with his life and children both going off the path. We shared Pres. Eyring's talk from the last conference "Mountains to Climb". (This talk was identified to us as one that really helped Erik Baker the member who is in prison) We have challenged him to re-read the B of M.  He frequently comments that he is grateful for our visits. He marvels that we would be willing to leave home and family to come out to serve for a couple of years. We explained about the multiple blessings we are receiving and that, even so, we are still in the Lord's debt and will ever be. He suggested that he and the aforementioned Br. Matson should ride to church together. He's getting close. Both he and Br. Matson gave the closing prayers at the conclusion of our visits.

  Bob Peters, our investigator of 30 years, continues to show some interest. Reading Alma 8 together with him allowed us to have a good gospel discussion. We talked about some of the witnesses the Lord sends to counteract the temptations of Satan. (I believe the Lord sends us many witnesses of the restoration of his true church. None replace the need for faith. Witnesses do, however, give a convincing counterpoint to the temptations Satan is allowed to use.) Actually it was more explanation and less discussion. He understands but doesn't seem to be emotionally engaged. He's a good man who needs the church but doesn't yet get the difference between salvation and exaltation. We will keep working. We have faith that, if it is the Lord's will, a way will be provided for him to know based on the Lord's time of course. We tried to explain that salvation is like a Hersey's Kiss, good but not the best. Exaltation, on the other hand, is like Godiva chocolate much, much more desirable; and is available just for the asking. In fact the Lord expects us to ask: John 16:24 Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full. We had he and his daughter over for dinner yesterday on Father' Day. It was a pleasant time together.

  We spent time this week inviting members to various July activities sponsored by the branch. We give them a flyer prepared by Sister Johnson. We have had a pretty good response, now if we can get the leaders to just follow through with a few phone reminders, our results will be even better.

   

Iron Mountain LDS Branch

July 2012 Activities

Saturday, July 7^th (10 am – 5 pm)

Branch Potluck Picnic (Hot Dogs Provided)

@ Cowboy Lake for entire family

Saturday, July 28^th  (4:00-7:00 pm)

Elders Quorum Party In Crystal Falls

At Bro. Dennis Klingman’s residence, 1304 Bristol Mine Rd,

To arrange for a ride, please call Bro. Doug Lane 906-774-1728

     

In honor of Pioneer Day

 Sunday, July 29^th – Fireside after Potluck

M0vie “17 Miracles”

Happy to be engaged in the Lord's work,

Elder and Sister Johnson

Three Unusual Experiences

  A recent conversation with the female clerk at the small corner store.
Clerk, pointing to my missionary tag, "Is that the same church that Mitt Romney attends?"
Me, "Yes"
Clerk, "Good, we sure hope he wins!"
That was the first time that has happened. We expect for it to happen again and again this election season. I was unfortunately surprised by her question and not ready with a response. We will be better prepared next time.
  We experienced a strange and wonderful car problem and "solution" (That is the wonderful part). Friday evening before Kyle and Sandy arrived we were merging into traffic in front of WalMart. It's a road where the cars are traveling quite fast so I had to accelerate quickly to merge. All of a sudden a loud whine began to emanate from somewhere in the front of the car. The whine increased in sound with each shift of the transmission. "Oh oh", I thought, "there goes the transmission." That would present a serious dilemma. A new transmission would cost about $3000 which is about the same amount the car is worth. (That, in spite of the fact the car is in excellent condition and serves us well) These things always seem to happen on a weekend and there was, of course, no one available to look at it. We were scheduled to show our little part of the U.P. to them, including a trip to lake Superior, it wasn't until the following Tuesday that I was able to get the car in. So, expecting the worse, I settled in the waiting room for the inevitable bad news"
Service writer, "I have some good news and some bad news."
Me, "What is the good news?"
Service writer, "It's not the transmission. We disconnected the serpentine belt and the whine went away."
Me, "That's not good news that's great news!"
Service Writer, "That means the problem is either with the alternator or power steering pump but we can't tell which. I don't want to replace something that isn't broke."
Me, "What would you do if you were me?"
Service Writer, "I would drive the car and watch closely to catch early any problems."
Me, "Great, that's what I will do."
So five minutes later and $41.00 poorer I am on my way home. Now for the "wonderful" part. The WHINE IS COMPLETELY GONE and has been since it was looked at. It may not be a major miracle but it couldn't be appreciated more if it were.

As good as...NO, better than new!

  What was it like turning 70 this last week? It was pretty much the same as turning 69. There was, if I am being truthful however, a stronger realization of my own mortality and, conversely, a deeper awareness of my immortality. As a person matures they are given many opportunities to come closer to their maker, that God who gave them this mortal opportunity. This closeness which for me comes through glimpses into my future, is provided by a spiritual gift, the Holy Ghost, and is real and comforting. I believe most people who live positive, purposeful lives experience the same peace. Am I ready to "meet my Maker", yes, but not quite yet. I still feel I have much to accomplish not the least of which is this mission. So...onward and upward. For me any life event, like a significant birthday, is an opportunity for honest assessment. Am I headed in the direction I really want to go? Am I getting there? Is there an opportunity to improve (repent)? How can I do it better?  These are some of the important questions I ask myself. The answers are often sobering. It does/has lead to incremental improvement(s) that are mostly recognizable only with backwards glances over these past 70 years. So, for me, that was what is was like turning 70. 
  Best birthday gift...so far, my companion polished my shoes for me. Thank you companion. I love you.

Smug, having lived for SEVENTY years!

  As for our missionary activities for last week, all of our less active members found reasons not to have us come. Br. Peters on the other hand received us at the usual time and in the usual manner. We keep asking the Lord to show us the way to reach his spirit so that he may also experience the peace and happiness the Gospel brings. Like many others he seems content, but there is so much more. It's like settling for a Hershey's Kiss (not bad) when Godiva chocolates (so much better) are available for the asking.


Living, and living well,
Elder and Sister Johnson

Visitors from the West

  Follow through from last week. Our scheduled visit of prisoner Baker on Memorial Day didn't turn out so well...in the beginning. First Sister Johnson couldn't stay inside the lobby or even in the car while I tried to visit. She was required to leave the area altogether. She left and then I discovered they would not let me in. It seems the last time I visited I was told that visit was a one time exception. I had forgotten that bit of pertinent information and will now have to fill out forms to get cleared for any future visit. When we arrived home I wrote a quick note to explain why we hadn't shown up on the scheduled day, went to the MI prison website to find the proper forms and discovered a way to communicate via e-mail. We have been e-mailing ever since. It costs $.25 for each e-mail. That is a lot cheaper than the cost of gas to get there, 115 miles away. If there is anyone who might be interested in communicating with this 30 something endowed Elder let us know and we will fill in the details.

  On Thursday, then again on Friday, we shared Brad Wilcox's "His Grace is Sufficient" talk with Bros Peters and Klingman. We find this talk to be one of most uplifting we have ever heard/read. http://byutv.org/watch/49475abb-10d4-4f45-a757-7000b9945468 

It gives anyone the deep understanding of God's love for them, His hope for them and His encouraging and eternal support; the support that only a Heavenly Parent could ultimately offer.

  Friday evening Kyle and Sandy arrived, via crop duster, to our little outpost here in the U.P. Over the next 4 days (actually three and a half) we were pleased to share with them many of the beauties here in the U.P. They, in fact, are probably tired of the color green, lakes, rivers, waterfalls, deer, a fawn, snakes, buzzards, rabbits, frogs (all of which we saw), riding, cabins, iron mines, a Cornish Pump, blue skies, Mormons, Yoopers and two elderly missionaries. What follows are some of the photos which would be evidence of the preceding claims:

Two happy miners, they know not what danger lurks underground.

The beautiful Memoninee River, cuteness in the foreground too.

Some above average Mormons.

Lake Superior later that Sunday

Driving and riding.

The Cornish Pump flywheel, it weighs 40 tons.

Deer, out standing in his stream.

One of 5 snakes under the sidewalk.

This one actually is the Johnson rabbit.

  Thank you Sandy for all of the candid photos and your willingness to be subjected to the back seat.

  I almost failed to mention that we had a great visit with my brother Ned and his wife Melanie who stopped towards the end of their 7000 mile bike-about. Each year they mount their beautiful Gold Wing and head off to spectacular and sometimes mundane destinations. We were very happy to see them and happy they included us in their marathon ride.

With love and affection.

Elder and Sister Johnson

Progress, Hope and Blessings

 We enjoyed another good week. Our investigator is still making progress reading the Book of Mormon.  We are often able to form our lessons around topics he is encountering in his reading. It is also great that his learning/reading is reinforced in Sunday School each week. He will eventually have to take a stand on the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon something he has not yet done during his 30+ year association with the church. He doesn't seem to be much of a seeker. It is the social part that draws him to the church, the local members are pretty much all the friends he knows. (Epiphany!, why have we not been bringing members with us to express their love and to invite him to get baptized?) We will change that paradigm!
 Our two Less active brothers are making progress as well. Br. Klingman shared with us a desire to begin to re-read the Book of Mormon. We shared with him a video from the Neal A. Maxwell Institute that outlined exciting discoveries validating some near eastern Book of Mormon geography that, in part, helped that decision. Br. Matson said he would be OK if we started a weekly Gospel Principles class with him. We shared with him an amazing conversion story. It is on the Internet and was referred to us by some other Senior Missionaries. If you want to watch an inspiring story of faith and prayer watch, " Baptist Missionary Becomes Mormon", it's in four parts. Even though it is a YouTube video I could only find it by doing a Google search by the title.
 We received a response to a letter we sent to the Elder from our branch who is in prison telling him we will visit him on Memorial Day. He is quite strong considering his situation and will be a great addition to some unit upon his release. I've included a copy.

 Visiting with him is a sure way to remember to count your blessings. He has about 2 years to go if I remember right.


With much thankfulness,
Elder and Sister Johnson

Artesian Water and a Wild Rabbit

  It has been a relatively slow week. Our "normal" teaching opportunities broke down this past week with excuses given that I am sure sounded good to those who gave them. We didn't lose anyone and we did have another strong meeting with Bob Peters our investigator. He is starting to move farther ahead in his reading of the Book of Mormon each week than we expect of him. His questions are better and he is much more engaged. We still feel like persistence (boldness) tempered with love and patience is the key to his eventual baptism. Also this was pasty making week...again, however for the first time in 35 years they are suspending the pasties for the summer months. We will start up again in September.
 Cole Paquette, a 22 year old member, spoke Sunday prior to entering the MTC later this month. He did a good job. We're hoping that his mission, the first in the branch in over five years, will help bring the branch closer together while lending some additional focus to missionary work.
 Spring has pretty much arrived. As you might guess it is green, green everywhere. It is beautiful. Here are some more scenes from the U.P.

Artesian spring in Norway...great water

Falls coming from the Fumee Nature Preserve  

Bridge in Crystal Falls over the Paint River.

  It is a wonderful time of year, birds and animals galore. We have a rabbit that lives under our deck, we are continually startling each other at various times of day. This morning it came tearing around the corner a hundred miles an hour, saw me, stopped on a dime and tore off in the opposite direction. Great fun! We just don't get that back home.

Not that rabbit!!

We're having a great time. Wish you were here...really,
G-pa and G-ma Johnson

A Deck, Trillium and Tatting

  We enjoyed a fairly normal week. We took some extra personal time to prepare lessons and talks (I was asked to give a Mothers Day talk in Sacrament Meeting). We have noticed that working with less active members requires us to prepare 2-3 different lessons each week in addition to the lessons for Sunday classes. We're not complaining it is just an observation. We did have one enormous bright spot. Br. Klingman had actually read and studied the lesson we asked him to in the Gospel Principles manual. This allowed us to have a fruitful discussion about "worthiness". Our meeting concluded with his volunteering to say the closing prayer, we have heard few prayers as heartfelt and meaningful as this one. He has committed to study, with us, a different Gospel Principles lesson each week. He has also committed to re-read the Book of Mormon. He will soon be returning to church and, by his own admission, is looking forward to the Elders Quorum party at his place on the 28th of July. Here is a picture of his new deck overlooking his backyard. He recently took a picture, which he showed us, of a bobcat that came into his yard to looked at the figurines he has there. Curiosity! 

Notice the quality of workmanship displayed; he made the beautiful design with the paddle and I will admit the railing design is a suggestion I made. As we have said before, his return to activity will be an important one for the branch as well as him.
  In our travels the last couple of weeks we have encountered a very pretty flowering plant which, in many places, covers the entire floor of the forest. It is called Trillium and it's picking or removal on public lands is prohibited in NY, MI and MN.

Trillium

It seems when you pick the "flower" (really leaves called bracts), it injures the plant by preventing the leaf-like bracts from producing food for the next year. For that reason it takes many years for the plants to recover. We have encountered a much more common flowering plant of which a person may pick as many as they want.

Yes, that is an entire field of Dandelions. I don't think the leaves will be harvested to be used in salads however. They grow everywhere. Very few people even try to spray for them. Our 1st counselor called them the State Flower...I think he was kidding.
  Bob Peters gave us some mixed messages. He very gently told us he doesn't like feeling pushed into any decision implying that he was feeling pushed. He is enjoying reading, with interest, the B of M for the first time in 30 years (since the rest of his family was baptized). We told him we would continue to support his reading and had him commit to baptism "when" he received his testimony. He said he would. We further asked him to not let stubbornness or personal pride get in the way. Again he agreed. We have had many discussions about faith, baptism, truth, testimony, etc. and he has, by his own admission, made progress. He is always friendly. We will keep visiting/teaching. We just hope he will receive his testimony before either he or we die. We asked him directly if he thought he would ever be baptized and he said yes...so therein lies our hope and faith.
  Sister Johnson enjoyed conversing/Skyping with almost all of our children and grandchildren on Mothers Day. It really brightens our day to hear of their many adventures and growth. When we count our many blessings, family is always number 1 on the list. Sister Johnson has told some of you about her new passion of Tatting. Here is a picture of some of her recent work.

Tatting is a technique for handcrafting a particularly durable lace constructed by a series of knots and loops. Tatting dates back to the early 19th century and is not uncommon in the U.P. It is used to make doilies, collars and other decorative pieces. Cindy Gordon the Relief Society President and Sister Johnson's Visiting Teacher tats and collects tatting. She taught her some basic techniques. At least it's not the other kind of tatting (tattooing), because I would be her practice canvas.

Off to another fantastic week,
Elder and Sister Johnson

A Printer, Trofeo and Sweetheart City

 This week we had a very good first serious discussion with Br. Klingman about his return to activity. He has lived in the area about two years. He built a house with a beautiful, large backyard overlooking a marvelous wild vista. On our very first visit a couple of months ago he volunteered that we should use his yard for a church function. We have taken him up on it. On July 28 we will have an Elders Quorum party. He said, "I guess I had better come to church so that people will know who I am". Well, YES!! We reminded him of the Gift of the Holy Ghost and His role as a testifier of Christ's atonement the greatest act of comfort of all time. He seemed touched. We then showed him videos on Mormon.org and LDS.org, made an appointment for next Friday and went home. Before leaving he asked if we would like a slightly used printer (to replace the, at least weekly, visits to the library) he had replaced it with a newer one and a triple chocolate cake (not a replacement but an actual cake). We said yes to both. What an amazing man. It is great how the Lord moves to bless his missionaries.
 While in Crystal Falls we also visited the brother who experienced much improved health after receiving a priesthood blessing.  He has been "unable" to see us when we have called for an appointment. This time we just stopped at his house and made an appointment with him for this coming Wednesday. He has asked for some help understanding some of the church doctrines and other things he has heard from detractors. He is a very good mechanic. When we first met he wanted to know if I had ever heard of a Trofeo. Of course I knew this 80's Oldsmobile two door coupe sister to the Buick Riviera. In the time we have been here he has rebuilt the damaged front end on the one he was working on and purchased a second one already restored. He was so impressed with my interest and obscure knowledge that it has lead to a special relationship. This will make it easier to speak frankly with him, if needed.

1988 Oldsmobile Trofeo

 We had two non-members attend church this week. One was Br. Peters with whom we are still working and, so far, seems to be making progress. The other is the 40+ year old daughter of a solid member. She was one of the first investigators we had just shortly after our arrival. On our third visit after teaching her the first lesson she told us in no uncertain terms that "she was definitely not interested and to please not call on her anymore." Well...she has attended church with her father the last two weeks, she has quit smoking and yesterday attended the Gospel Principles class that I teach. We are hopeful she will allow us to re-introduce her the gospel.
 While looking for "lost" members on Saturday we encountered the completely charming town of Sweetheart City. A very small community placed adjacent to a small lake containing clean well kept houses with trimmed and manicured yards.  The part member family we met seemed very happy. they were active in their church and their children were well behaved and intelligent. Their goal of maintaining a happy focused family was being realized in this small and very out-of-the-way village with the completely apt name of Sweetheart City.
 For your enjoyment I have included an Alex Boye' video I found very compelling.

 
Happy in the work,
Elder and Sister Johnson

 For those that are interested, here is the local paper's account of the outcome of the trial of the accused killer of Joyce Johnson, much loved member of the Iron Mountain Branch.

Levack convicted

May 5, 2012

By NIKKI YOUNK - Staff Writer , The Daily News

CRYSTAL FALLS - A jury of seven women and five men has convicted David Levack of first degree premeditated murder, first degree felony murder, first degree home invasion, and witness intimidation for killing 81-year-old Joyce Johnson of Stambaugh Township.

Levack, 45, of Kingsford will be sentenced in Iron County Trial Court at 9 a.m. on June 11.

He faces life in prison on both of the murder charges, 20 years in prison on the home invasion charge, and 15 years in prison on the witness intimidation charge. He is also listed as a habitual offender-third, which doubles the maximum penalty of the primary charge.

Jurors deliberated for about nine and a half hours over the course of two days before reaching the guilty verdict at approximately 1 p.m. Friday.

After the verdict was read, Johnson's family members expressed their gratitude and relief.

"We'd like to thank the sheriff's department, prosecutor's office, Michigan State Police, and everyone who worked on the case," said Johnson's son Paul Johnson.

"We'd also like to thank the jury for their time."

"She finally had her day in court," added Johnson's daughter Sheri Branham.

Johnson was found deceased in her bath tub on Sept. 27, 2011, the same day that she was scheduled to testify in a stolen property trial against Levack. An autopsy determined that Johnson died of manual strangulation.

Iron County Sheriff Mark Valesano agreed with the jury's decision.

"I am very proud of the job my staff, the prosecutor and her staff, and all of the agencies that assisted us during this investigation and prosecution have done," he said. "We would like to thank the jury for their sacrifice, time, and the accepting of their civic duty. We believe that their verdict is correct and just. And, we would once again pass on our deepest sympathy to the family of Mrs. Joyce Johnson."

Levack's defense attorney Dan Jaspen of Iron Mountain was disappointed.

"It was a hard case," he said. "I'm obviously disappointed, but the jury worked hard, paid attention, and I wouldn't second guess their decision."

Although the murder case has come to an end, Levack still faces felony charges stemming from other incidents.

In Iron County Trial Court, Levack faces one felony count of receiving and concealing stolen property and one felony count of larceny in a building for allegedly stealing Johnson's jewelry in November 2008. A jury trial in that case was scheduled to commence on May 15.

Iron County Prosecutor Melissa Powell previously said that the trial might be canceled if Levack was convicted on the murder charges.

In Dickinson County Circuit Court, Levack faces two felony counts of felonious assault and one felony count of carrying a concealed weapon for allegedly pulling a knife on Detective/Sgts. Chris Bracket and Jean Belanger of the Michigan State Police.

That incident occurred on Oct. 3, 2011 when the two attempted to make contact with Levack at Motel 6 in Iron Mountain.

The last murder trial in Iron County occurred in 2007, when teens Eddie Andrew Mesik and Bradley Starnes were convicted of killing 67-year-old Darrel McDonald of Iron River.

They were each sentenced to mandatory life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Nikki Younk's e-mail address is nyounk@ironmountaindailynews.com.

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