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

Beaver Stew but not for Thanksgiving

 Sunday after church we were looking for something to eat and since we had some stew that was gifted to us by the girlfriend of the Branch President after their visit with us, we decided to try it. It was good with the usual potatoes, carrots, onions and MEAT. We both commented that it was only a little different than the stews we are used to, except a little more watery and greasy. It wasn't until Tuesday when we were at church to practice the piano and hang out with Bob Peters, our investigator, that we found out we had eaten everyone's favorite rodent...beaver.

So beaver down, now we only have deer, moose, bear, squirrel, badger, raccoon, woodpecker, raven, rabbit and bald eagle (have I left anything out?) remaining to sample.
 Earlier that evening we met the new missionary who has been assigned here replacing Elder Day and who Elder Church will train. He is from Ogden and went to Ogden High. His name is Elder Smith and, get this, his grandfather, President Peterson, was the Anchorage Alaska mission president when Jenny was there. Elder Smith looked at her picture and thought he even recognized her from visits he and his family made back then. Small world. We have arranged to meet with them each Wednesday night for dinner and correlation. Elder Smith will be a good new missionary, we are looking forward to working with them.
 Wednesday morning we met again with Sandy Carlson, her children Akasha and Gunnar and her non-member sister Tina. We gave the lesson on prophets. The kids were excited to see us arrive and were looking forward to our "primary" lesson. We got great insights about all of them including Tina who was raised Pentecostal and has a good understanding of the scriptures and concepts we were presenting. Sister Johnson had prepared for the children but for the second part of the lesson which we, due to time constraints, didn't give. The kids were out of school because of Thanksgiving. We did change the time of our future meetings to 3:30 so the kids will be home. We will bring Primary to them each week along with the "adult" lessons.
 Thanksgiving was spent with the Klatt family. They were kind to invite us. We had a traditional Thanksgiving with plenty of food and conversation Sister Johnson brought yams. This year we are especially thankful for the many blessings in our life. Imagine being able to be on a mission serving the Lord and those in the U.P. and having the Gift of the Holy Ghost manifest itself on a daily basis. To have children and grandchildren who are choosing to serve the Lord is an even greater blessing for us. Notice how these blessings are now multiplied through our service to others; friends, family and non-members alike. We have all become the Lord's instruments in bringing very real blessings to those around us. It is our testimony that these efforts, with their positive and happy results, are part of the grand design of our Heavenly Father. It is His gift to His children who trust and obey Him.
 Friday we had another meeting with Jason and this time his friend Colette was there with us. We taught prophets and scriptures. She wasn't directly involved in our discussion but she was in the room and listened to every word of our conversation. The time will soon come when we will be able challenge her to read the B of M and pray about it. We are looking forward to it. The Lord continues to put people in our way.
 Saturday was rainy, all day. The Elders had given us a request from a county fair last fall for a Bible and a Book of Mormon. We drove approximately 50 miles one way, through the rain, to see if we could find this individual. When we located him he couldn't come to the door because he was busy cutting up a deer. His wife? seemed interested so we left the books and we arranged to come back on a different day. Because of the distance, if there is interest, we will involve a member who lives in Iron River about 5-10 miles away.
 Remember, the Lord loves all of his children, stay alert to how we can serve others.

With much love,
Grandpa and Grandma Johnson

Oshkosh, A Radiator and Other Stuff

 This week was one of meetings. It all started on Monday with a pool of coolant appearing under the front of the car after we stopped at the bread store. Since the Olds is 15 years old, I was pretty sure I knew what was coming. Sure enough the radiator had a hole in it. Four hours in the dealer's waiting room and $462 later we have a new radiator. We needed it to be fixed as we had to attend two important meetings the coming week.
 Tuesday was our last district meeting with our current missionaries before transfers next week. It seems these meetings become special testimony meetings. Sister Johnson and I feel like their parents and start giving them advice before they leave because it may be the last time we see them for a while. It's a special time with special people. At the very least they seem to tolerate us. Later on we went to the church so Sis. J. could practice the piano and I could practice cribbage with Bob Peters our investigator. When we arrived the hallway was awash with books (not totally unusual for me). These were books from the library of the sister that was murdered. Most were church related and weren't purchased by anyone at the auction. By the way her children feel the auction to sell her belongings was a success in that it was all taken care of for them by the auction company. It didn't hurt that the auction brought in more money than they expected.
 Wednesday we shared with our LA mother and her non-member sister in Crystal Falls a DVD track narrated by Steve Young and Sharlene Hawkes. The title was "Myths about Mormons". It was well received and we went on to set up a weekly meeting with both of them. It is still amazing to me, although somewhat understandable, that many individuals still harbor erroneous beliefs about the church and its members. I think the "Book of Mormon" musical, the presence of mormon candidates for president and other newsworthy events will widen the dialogue and help increase understanding of what we, as a people, are all about. For all of our LDS friends and family...just remember the eyes of our friends, neighbors and indeed the world are always upon us. Remember to show them what being a disciple of Jesus Christ looks like in your everyday life.
 Thursday we got up early to leave for Oshkosh (yes, where baby and work clothes are made...by gosh) for a special training meeting with the other senior missionaries. We were with 4 other couples, President Jones, sister Jones and 2 single sisters who work in the mission office.

         

(l. to r. Elder and Sister Johnson, Sister Carrol, Sister Carling, 

Sister And Elder Foutz, Elder and Sister Hunt, 

Sister and Elder Bowring, Sister and Elder Wilkes, Sister Jones and President Jones)

It was a very spiritual meeting with training and suggestions coming from both President and Sister Jones and some of the Senior Missionaries. The Foutz and the Hunts will leave early next year and the Bowrings and Wilkes leave a year from now as they are serving for just a year. We will leave with President and Sister Jones around July of 2013. These are outstanding individuals with a real love for the work and with special abilities and gifts, that are helping the units where they have been called; which, by the way, is to all of the corners of the mission. We hail from UT, AZ, WA and WY. In "civilian" life we were ranchers, business owners, educators, civil servants, stay-at-home moms plus one was a librarian and another ran an Indian trading post for 30 years. We have one common goal, to bring the Gospel of Jesus Christ to our brothers and sisters in Wisconsin and the U.P. of Michigan.

 Friday we awoke to a skiff of snow which I swept off of the deck then we visited with Jason for a lesson on prayer that Sister Johnson prepared and gave. He is getting more involved and is not so passive. I think it may be because he is now engaged and he is thinking more about the whole religion issue as his fiance' is not LDS. Sister Johnson worked some more to finish crocheting the little blue flowers and some new lists and other things for Saturday's Visit Teaching conference that are a part of her RS calling. Saturday was very cloudy and rainy with snow expected in the afternoon the VT conference came off very well and was well attended. The snow even waited until the meeting concluded. It is very helpful for our work for Sister Johnson to be involved as the RS secretary.

 Sunday we found out that Elder Day is being transferred to West Bend having been called as a DL. His companion Elder Church, who came out when we did, will stay and train a brand new elder. New elders have a special 12 week training period with extra time for study. The missionary department is suggesting that new elders who have just been trained will be the best to train the next generation. Having trained and worked to develop programs I really think this concept has a lot of merit, we shall see.

The work continues and so do we,

Elder and Sister Johnson