Called to Preside

"...you will have a numerous posterity which will become mighty in the Holy Priesthood. Their dominion will extend far and wide. Your sons will be endowed with much faith and power in the Holy Priesthood, and they will preach the Gospel of Christ and the learned men of the world will be confounded at their wisdom and power and their enemies will quake and be dumbfounded at their power."
Patriarchal Blessing of Maggie Elizabeth Taylor, mother of Asael T. Sorensen, received May 23, 1908

An excerpt from the autobiography of Asael T. Sorensen:

July 28, 1953. We were ushered into President David O. McKay's office and received a most cordial welcome from the prophet. Upon learning my age, he commented, "You're just a boy" (35 years old). And with that, he called us to preside over the Brazilian Mission.

"Do you know that we have four small girls," asked Ida, "and that we live in California, a long way from our aging parents?"

"Yes, young lady, we know all about you," he replied. "How far do you live from your parents?"

"About 600 miles."

Gesturing with his hands, he said, "We will just lengthen the distance a little" (about 10,000 miles). We were truly surprised and humbled.

"This is a great honor," I said.

"No," he corrected me, "it is a great trust!" Later in my labors in Brazil, I would come to more fully understand his comment.

We met briefly with President Stephen L. Richards, who explained that it would be a very challenging assignment, informing us that the Brethren were seriously considering closing the mission unless we could realize more growth in that area.

Not knowing much about the responsibilities of a mission president, I inquired if it would be permissible to engage in any sales work on the side, to which he replied, "No, you must keep the blinders on and concentrate only on the ministry." He wished us well and ended by assuring us that "the members will love your little children."

He sent us to meet with Gordon B. Hinckley, then executive secretary to the missionary committee, who gave us about 20 minutes of instruction, counseling us, among other things, not to be in a hurry to redecorate the mission home. Apparently, this had been a problem in some missions. He informed us that prior to our departure, we would receive a week of further instruction at the end of October in the Salt Lake Mission Home.

At the end of October, we sold our home as suggested by President McKay. Ida drove to Utah with the children, leaving me to finish with the packing and storing. Ten days later, when I finally arrived in Ogden, Ida's parents and Norma and Ronnie and Ann and Lynn had prepared a great farewell dinner for us. Norma had even made a very cleverly decorated cake that was a replica of the ship on which we would be traveling from New York to Brazil. And we found that our pictures had been published in the Church News under the heading "SORENSENS TO PRESIDE IN BRAZIL."

Vol. 3 No. 7 - July 1956

"Many are Called but Few are Chosen"

President David O. McKay said: "Spirituality is the consciousness of victory over self, and of communion with the infinite. Spirituality impels one to conquer difficulties and acquire more and more strength. To feel one's faculties unfolding and truth expanding the soul is one of life's sublimes experiences. Being true to self, loyal to high ideals, develops spirituality. The real test of any religion is the kind of man it makes, being honest, true, chaste, virtuous, and in doing good to all men are virtues which contribute to the highest acquisition of the soul. It is the divine in men." (Conference Report, April 1949, pg. 17.)

The Lord said to the Prophet Joseph Smith, "Let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly; then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God; and the doctrine of the priesthood shall distil upon thy soul as the dews from heaven.The Holy Ghost shall be thy constant companion, and thy scepter an unchanging scepter of righteousness and truth; and thy dominion shall be an everlasting dominion, and without compulsory means it shall flow unto thee forever and ever." This was the admonition and promise that he received and it is an admonition to us and promise that we may receive.

"Behold, there are many called, but few are chosen. And why are they not chosen? Because their hearts are set so much upon the things of this world, and aspire to the honors of men, that they do not learn this one lesson" (D&C 121: 34, 35)

One of our good LDS hymns written by Brother Robert B. Baird says:

Verse 1

Improve the shining moments; Don't let them pass you by.

Work while the sun is radiant; Work, for the night draws nigh.

Verse 2

Time flies on wings of lightning; We cannot call it back.

It comes, then passes forward Along its onward track.

Verse 3

We cannot bid the sunbeams to lengthen out their stay.

Nor can we ask the shadow to ever stay away.

Verse 4

And if we are not mindful, the chance will fade away,

For life is quick in passing. 'Tis as a single day.

Improve each shining moment. In this you are secure, for promptness bringeth safety and blessings rich and pure. Let prudence guide your actions; Be honest in your heart; And God will love and bless you and help to you impart.

Asael T. Sorensen

how to study…

By President Asael T. Sorensen

Part I

How to Setup a Sound Study Situation

1. Prepare the place and the time:

Consistently use the same study place and time so that you will have a psychological attitude—“a conditional reflex”—favorable toward immediate, persistent effective effort.

Vol. 3 No. 8 - August 1956

"The Key to Success is Under the Alarm Clock"

A most interesting month has just rushed by. President David R. Richardson and I took the opportunity to visit all of the branches except Ipoméia (Santa Catarina), which we were unable to visit at this time. Our special objective was to review the instructions left by Elder Henry D. Moyle, and also to help each missionary to realize the vast amount of improvement that can be accomplished by following these instructions and counsel.

We observed that few missionaries were following a definite schedule, which was an indication that they were not utilizing their time to the best of their ability. If you have not organized your time with a schedule, then we are referring to YOU. Some had a copy of a schedule hanging on the wall, as though it were a picture or some design. As a daily guide it was a failure.

If you build a boat without sails and without a motor, then you must obtain oars to drive it forward. If you put a sail on it and if you have a well-chartered course, you will move along to your destination much more rapidly. And if you install a powerful motor, then your boat will move even more swiftly through the water. However, if the boat has no rudder to guide and no destination planned, then naturally it will never arrive at an objective.

The same principle applies to us a missionaries. We must schedule time, set up goals and objectives, and then set out to reach them. We teach that God is a God of order, and that the universe is His handiwork, yet we fail to put order into our own lives to show that we are following His great example. So long as you remain a servant to your weaknesses, selfish desires, lack of interest, or undesirable attitude - you remain as one who is in prison. Epictetus once said, "No man is free who is not master of himself." What is your candid analyses of yourself? Are you free, are you a prisoner to your shortcomings?

What are some of the reasons why you should seriously follow a daily schedule? First of all, it is because the Lord has commanded that we do so. "Set in order your houses; keep slothfulness...far from you." (D&C 90:18). Slothfulness is just another word for laziness -- a waster of time. The Lord further said, "Therefore, O ye that embark in the service of God, see that ye serve him with all your heart, might, mind and strength, that ye may stand blameless before God at the last day." (D&C 4:2). A well-scheduled day will assist you to use your energy and knowledge and ability to the maximum degree. It will help you to become MORE EFFECTIVE in living and teaching the Restored Gospel. To schedule your time you must keep records, and from the records we can ascertain whether we are just putting in the hours or if we are effectively producing results. Records indicate whether or not too many first lessons are being given and not enough of the higher lessons. They also indicate how effective we are as teachers as shown by the number of baptisms we are obtaining. By our records we can quickly see the kind of progress we retrogression we are making. They help us to become stable! It is the steady, sustained effort that brings results, and the well-scheduled day will enable us to become steady.

With a well-planned schedule we will have more time to proselyte, more time to study the scriptures, more time to worship our Father in Heaven, more time to sleep and more time for recreation. We will eliminate wasted time, and we will relieve the pressure of a guilty conscience, worry, fear and mental depression.

The preacher in Ecclesiastes said, "To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven." (Eccl. 3: 1). This is our time to serve the Lord as missionaries proselyting and carrying the message of the Restored Gospel to the "congregations of the wicked", that we might bring them forth into the light.

We are proposing that all missionaries follow the 17-hour per day schedule. This means that each of us will get 7 good hours of sleep each night, be up at 6:00 AM and asleep at 11:00 PM. Proselyte at least 8 hours per day for five days and 4 hours for two, and this will permit you to get a minimum of 200 hours per month. The extra effort we put forth each day will produce the extra baptisms.

Benjamin Franklin said, "The key to success is [in the] the alarm clock." So, let's use it, to demonstrate our effectiveness as missionaries!

Sincerely your brother,

Asael T. Sorensen

Vol. 3 No. 9 - September 1956

Teach the First Principles of the Gospel

In the many missionary meetings we have the opportunity to attend, we receive reports from the Elder that they have so many good investigators which they are sure that they will baptize within the next two months or so. And then the very next time around we question those same Elders if they were successful in getting their investigators into the water and we are surprised to learn that they became cold to the message, and that the missionary decided they were no good. The result—no baptism.

What is the reason for losing so many good potential converts?

To often in checking into the situation we find that the missionary is at the real root for the failure. Missionaries have advanced far beyond the investigators ability to comprehend precious parts of the Gospel, but since the investigator has asked an inquiring question about something that he is in no wise prepared to thoroughly understand, the ambitious missionary leads him into a discussion that brings about confusion, due to the lack of properly preparing this investigator for the stronger parts of the Gospel.

It is shocking at times to learn that missionaries will take a new contact into the doctrine of celestial marriage or baptism for the dead on the first or second visit. These are extremely hard for the unprepared mind to accept. We must stick to the first principles of the Gospel and prepare them first to accept the revelations from a true and just God before we give them this deeper doctrine.

We are now publishing books that will soon be available to the members of the Church and if passed out to investigators too quickly will only confuse them. Some years ago there was a sales contest promoted in this mission to sell large numbers of the Book of Mormon and the Doctrine and Covenants. The result of that campaign has been to create even greater resentment and prejudice toward the Restored Church of Jesus Christ. Those people were not prepared to receive those books, nor was there any follow up to make sure that they understood the doctrines that were set down in them.

Now, don't suppose that because you are visiting with a highly educated investigator that you have to rush him away from the simple truths of the Gospel to give him something more suitable to his highly developed intellect that you will convert him. Look at the example of the Master Teacher—Christ. He continually taught both rich and poor on the plain and simple truths of the Gospel. If he, being the expert teacher, showed wisdom in teaching in that manner - then how much more should we follow his example and teach the first principles of the Gospel.

Did not the Savior repeat to his beloved apostle three times "Feed my sheep"? Your investigators are spiritually hungry for they have not been fed by their paid ministers—for this reason they have become an investigator of yours. They are seeking spiritual food. Now, in order to provide them with the spiritual food which they are in dire need of we must prepare ourselves so that we can give it to them. The obedient missionary will study the standard works of the Church first, he will read the articles of faith, Jesus the Christ, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, and he will memorize great numbers of scriptures, so that when it is necessary to enlarge on any one principle he will be well enough informed to “feed” that investigator exactly what he craves to receive.

Another thing that is a common failing with many of the missionaries is that they do not wait to get the commitment from them before going on to the next point. Would you constantly run through the red traffic lights taking the chance of escaping a serious accident, or would you use wisdom and wait for the light to turn green before proceeding to the next traffic light? The same thing is true in teaching. You must make sure that the investigator has understood what you have said and can believe it before going on to the next point. If he cannot accept the point don’t be foolish enough to think well, if he can accept 2/3 of the points of this lesson that he will be satisfied that you have the Truth. For in his mind he will be saying – “true he has some truths my church doesn’t have, but my church has some truths that his doesn’t have.” When you are talking about certain trees in the forest and he keeps responding that it is bushes—you have not made your point. Don’t leave the Godhead lesson until both you and he are in complete accord, nor any other lesson. Then when you reach the seventh lesson there will be no question about his being ready for baptism. He will have repented, he will have started to pray, he will have received a conviction of the truthfulness of your message, he will be attending Church regularly, and will be willing to keep all of the commandments of God. And you will have fulfilled your responsibility of having taught him the first principles of the Gospel and prepared him to enter into the Kingdom of God through the waters of baptism.

BAPTISMAL SERVICES…

One of the most sacred ordinances as missionaries that we are permitted to participate in is that of Baptism.

This is the gateway that leads into the Kingdom of God!

Surely this should be a moment of calm, of thankfulness and gratitude to see one more of our Father’s children repentant, humbled and with a contrite heart entering into the waters of baptism that opens unto him the door that leads in to the Kingdom of God. There should never be any loud talking, whispering, laughing or camera shutters clicking during this sacred ceremony.

If a picture is to be taken it should be done BEFORE the baptismal service begins. And then only a group picture or single picture with the Elders that are officiating in the ordinance. Once the Baptismal service begins with the opening prayer there should no longer be any cameras out to take pictures so that when the closing prayer is offered, the candidates can go directly to the edge of the font or stream and there await quietly their turn to be immersed in the waters of Baptism.

Brethren, let’s be serious in our calling! Let’s be true ministers of our Father in heaven that we might bring forth greater blessings from heaven upon our heads. We must set the Example as everyone looks to us as their leaders.

ATS

Vol. 3 No. 10 - October 1956

"The Faker"

The dictionary defines the fake as fraud or deception. A long treatise could be written on the subject. The Prophet Joseph Smith taught, "It is in vain for persons to fancy to themselves that they are heirs with those, or can be heirs with them, who have offered their all in sacrifice, and by this means obtained faith in God and favor with him so as to obtain eternal life, unless they in like manner offer unto him the same sacrifice, and through that offering obtain the knowledge that they are accepted of him.…. For doubt and faith do not exist in the same person at the same time. So that persons whose minds are under doubts and fears cannot have unshaken confidence, and where unshaken confidence is not, there faith is weak, and where faith is weak, the persons will not be able to contend against all the opposition, tribulations and afflictions which they will have to encounter in order to be heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ Jesus; and they will grow weary in their minds, and the adversary will have power over them and destroy them." (Lectures on Faith, Section VI).

It would seem then that if we are to merit the great rewards that the Lord has promised to the faithful that we have to learn to sacrifice our all to furthering his work here upon the earth. It would be unjust for one to receive the same as another, unless he were just as faithful in all things as the other. We should be so interested in the job at hand that we should strive to put our lives in order so that we can become more effective in the use of our time. Don't be selfish with the Lord. Give him a full measure of your time, talents and abilities. Then you will have no cause to mourn on the day of judgment for you will not have sold yourself short.
The story is told of a baseball game that had lasted into the late twilight and the trailing team had finally managed to fill all the bases. Two men were out and two strikes had been called on the batter. At this moment the pitcher and the catcher of the rival team held a conference. "It's so dark, nobody can see nothin'," said the pitcher. "I'm goin' to wind up and make believe I'm throwin' the ball, but instead I'll slip it to you now. After I go through the motions, you pound your glove and pretend to make a catch."
The men returned to their positions and went through their elaborate motions, as proposed. The umpire peered over his shoulder into the dim light and bellowed, "STRIKE three! You're out!"
At that decision the batter became enraged. He pounded his bat on the plate in a cry of frenzied injustice. "Strike?" he wailed. "That was no strike – it was two feet outside of the plate!"
The two conspirators had won the fame but lost their personal respect. For inside their hearts they knew they were fakers and they did not merit the victory.
In the dim light too often missionaries try to hide their real character, they see the shining examples about them and in their time and talents, but their faith is shaky and they begin to be fakers hoping that with many words, and lots of excited gestures, spur of the moment questions, invented notions of things that ought to be done in the mission, all such things to hide their laziness and lack of desire to do this labor.
Some of you would even boast of your "pulling the wool over the eyes" of those in authority. But the only one you are kidding is yourself. To you who are fakers we say repent and strive to be one with us. It should not be necessary to have a set of missionary rules but rather each should earnestly seek to do all things of good report shunning evil at all times.
Know your weaknesses, strive to overcome them through faith, good works and prayer. In all that you do, strive to do that which will assure you of the approval of your Eternal Father and then will your faith wax strong and the Holy Ghost will be your constant companion.

Asael T. Sorensen

Vol. 3 No. 11 - November 1956

"The Qualities & Virtues of a True Ambassador"

In our thirteenth Articles of Faith it states that, "We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men...If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things." Joseph Smith
Of all members in the Church today, the missionaries should be living examples of the above quoted lines from this Article of Faith. These are the virtues that all good latter-day saints should seek after and develop as they are the very same virtues which the Savior possessed. To lack any of these qualities knowingly should be sufficient cause for us to make that our goal -- to develop that virtue.
When President David O. Mckay visited the mission in 1954, he emphasized to the missionaries to become ladies and gentlemen in their calling. He said that it is the little things that life is made of. He asked the missionaries if THEY WERE WHAT THEY CLAIMED TO BE. He pointed out that we are here to teach the gospel of Jesus Christ, and we do it by word and action. He left us this little poem:

I have to live with myself and so
I want to be fit for myself to know
I want to be able, as the days go by
Always to look myself straight in the eye
I don't want to stand at the setting sun
And hate myself for the things I've done
I don’t want to keep on the closet shelf
A lot of secrets about myself
And to fool myself as I come and go
Into thinking that nobody else will know
The kind of man that I really am
I don’t want to dress myself in a sham
I want to go out with head erect
I want to deserve a man’s respect
But here in the struggle for pain and pelf
I want to be able to like myself.
I don’t want to look at myself and know
That I am a bluster and an empty show
I can never hide myself from me
I see what others may never see
I know what others may never know
I can never fool myself, and so
Whatever happens, I want to be
Self-respecting and conscience free

What you get in your youth remains with you throughout your life. The fine qualities and virtues you acquire now become a part of your personality and will aid in forming a beautiful character that will radiate the above mentioned Christ-like virtues. Ours is a practical religion, a pure and simple faith. Let us so order our lives that they might always radiate these beautiful virtues that our members and investigators might feel a more intense spirituality about us.
Asael T. Sorensen

Vol. 3 No. 11 - December 1956

"The Greatest of Joys"

What a thrill it is to receive a letter from someone that you have labored with in teaching the glorious principles of the Restored Gospel, affirming that they have embraced the Truth after you have been transferred. And they write bearing their testimony with joy and happiness, thanking you for the sacrifice you have and are making in filling a mission to bring the message of the Gospel to them and to others. It is those little words of thanks that are compensation enough for all the "blood, sweat and tears" you shed to bring them this message.
Fellow missionaries, let us seek for greater spiritual experiences by becoming more diligent and dedicated to our calling. When we realize what the Lord our Savior went through to save all mankind from eternal death, that through His atoning sacrifice all mankind may gain salvation, and by adherence to the laws and ordinances of His Gospel we can gain exaltation and eternal life, then it behooves us to put forth greater effort to demonstrate our love and appreciation for what he has done for us. It is Christ that we strive to serve.
It is now time to catch the vision of this great work and do all in our power to so organize our time, talents and energies that we can bring about a maximum result in serving the Lord with all of our heart, might, mind and strength.
In the mission field there are no holidays for missionaries, as there are no vacations from this labor. There is no excuse for any missionary to stay in the pensão from his proselyting activities using the weak excuse that it is a Brazilian holiday. That should be all the more reason to be out proselyting - for on the holidays entire families are found at home.
This Christmas season let us show our "lembrance" for the birth of the Savior by making more visits to teach this message to more people - that during the Christmas season many more of the honest in heart might come unto a full realization and understanding of the Mission of the Savior to the earth and mankind.
We want to thank all missionaries and members and friends that have labored and assisted in any way during this year to bring about the wonderful "harvest" of the many new members that entered the waters of baptism to be numbered with us.
We know the Gospel to be true. We bear record to you that God lives, that He guide His chosen prophet and Apostles today, that this mission is making wonderful progress due to obedience to instructions and counsel received from Him given through His chosen oracles here in the earth.
And now if you have received great joy in seeing one with whom you have labored baptized, think how many times more your joy will be multiplied if you will continue to exert a little more effort to bring the message of the Restoration of the Church of Jesus Christ to the many more who will embrace the gospel IF YOU will do all you can to teach them!
Sincerely your brother:
Asael T. Sorensen

Eternal Labor

Go give of your service, sweet charity's bread
For "giving is living," the angel said.
But must I keep giving again and again?
My peevish and pitiless curt answer ran.
"Oh, no," said the angel, piercing me through,
"Just give till the Master stops giving to you."

-Author Unknown

Vol. 4 No. 1 - January 1957

"Limited Time"

If you knew the exact hour that you would be called to leave this frail existence, would it make any difference to your outlook on life - or your duties and responsibilities as a missionary? Supposing the Lord should send an angel to your bedside this night and tell you that you would be called to the other side in three months. Would you double your efforts, or just continue on at the same rate you are now going? Or would you increase your efforts to enjoy more of the pleasures of the world?
In truth the Lord has designated the time of service of the missionary. This is the time allotted to each of you to put forth your full effort toward the furtherance of his work in the earth. If ever missionary laboring in this mission would resolve to organize his days and weeks to crowd in every worthy work to serve the Lord to the very best of his ability, we could unitedly bring in over 1200 baptism during 1957. We are not setting this as a goal, but we are saying that the wonderful results that were achieved during the last year (1956) were due to the increased efforts on the part of all missionaries.
Now, with the increase of approximately 40 hours more per month in hours worked during 1956 over 1955, resulting in more than double the baptisms, then by the same token of increased hours and more effective cottage meetings, the Lord will again bless our efforts. We would like to see double the number of baptisms during 1957. And only by working as though it were our last day on earth and that our salvation depended upon it will we realize such an increase. Start where you are today and resolve to serve as the Lord has asked you to serve, with "all your heart, might, mind and strength."
This year gives us another opportunity to be obedient unto the Lord, to live nearer unto him, that we can receive the promise given unto the faithful. A wise old sage said, "Be ashamed to die until you have left the world a better place than you found it." We might paraphrase that and say "be ashamed to depart from this mission field until you have left it in better condition than what you found it."
Sincerely, your brother
Asael T. Sorensen

Announcements of the President

Missionaries, learn to preach objectively. Avoid negative expressions; there is a weakness among many to use "nós sabemos" that Joseph Smith was a prophet, that the Restored Gospel is true, etc. Investigators or visitors do not know it to be so! If you are objective in your presentation of the subject in a convincing manner so that contacts will feel that you are teaching the truth. Strive to become more effective preachers. Don't be satisfied with "good enough to pass", but strive to improve constantly through better preparation of the subject and the use of the language.

. . .

Many of the manuals sent out from the mission office for use in the branches that are labeled "Branch File Copy" or "Biblioteca do Ramo" are being used by the teacher. As a result, these rare volumes are coming apart. Branch presidents and district presidents, will you please check on these manuals, and those that are breaking up should be taken to the local bookbinder and be bound. Please, preserve Church property through careful consideration.
When new manuals are announced for sale, it would be appreciate if all the missionaries would purchase a copy so that there will be sufficient copies to be used in the branches. If missionaries don't care to be over-burdened at the end of their missions with a large Portuguese library, these manuals could be donated to the branches, where they can be used at a great advantage for years to come.
Branch and district historical record keepers, there is no such person as Elmo Alxander Keller. The 2nd counselor of the mission presidency is Elmo A. Keller. He has no middle name--only the initial 'A'.

Vol. 4, No. 2 - February, 1957

"Lost Time is Lost Eternity"

In a careful analysis of last year's records we learn this truth, that the number of baptisms are in direct proportion to the number of proselyting hours put in. We noticed that two to three months following a high month of proselyting hours there was always an upsurge in the number of baptisms effected throughout the mission, and by the same token, a decrease in baptisms always followed swiftly upon the heels of a month low in proselyting hours.
One of the great virtues that all missionaries should endeavor to develop is that of consistency, in effort, in action, and in thought. It is through consistent effort that we can all achieve greater goals and learn to utilize our time to the utmost.
Don't wait until tomorrow, when conditions might be different--a new companion or a new branch--but begin today. An anonymous poet expressed it thusly:

Dream not too much of what you will do tomorrow,
How well you will work perhaps another year;
Tomorrow's chance you do not need to borrow--
Today is here!
Boast not too much of mountains you will master,
The while you linger in the vale below;
To dream is well, but plodding brings us faster
To where we go.
Talk not too much about some new endeavor
You mean to make a little later on;
Who idles now will idle on forever
Till life is done.
Swear not some day to break some habit's fetter,
When this old year is dead and passed away;
If you have need of living wisher, better,--
Better being today!

If you, as companions, would prepare two converts per month for baptism, then today is the day to start. Catch the missionary enthusiastic spirit to take this message to just one more today, and you will find that through your consistent efforts you will achieve your desire--of becoming a successful missionary.
Be happy in this work through learning obedience to the will of the Lord. Be appreciative to every act of kindness shown to you by those in and out of the Church. Always thank your dona upon your departure from one branch to another; your thoughtfulness may be all that is required to get her interested in investigating the Restored Gospel. Be united with your brethren in furthering this great work.

Sincerly, your brother,
Asael T. Sorensen

- ) ( -

"Therefore, O ye that embark in the service of God, see that ye serve hum with all your heart, might, mind and strength, that ye may stand blameless before God at the last day."
Sec. 4:2, D&C

Vol. 4 No. 3 - March, 1957

"And All Saints Who Remember to Keep..."

Of what value is revelation from God to man if man heeds it not? Of what good is counsel and instruction if thrown aside for naught? Has not the Lord said, "I, the Lord, am bound when ye do what I say; but when ye do not what I say, ye have no promise."
All missionaries coming through the mission home in Salt Lake receive an orientation course, in which is given timely instruction and counsel on the subject of HEALTH. So important is the subject that the First Presidency sends a good qualified doctor to the class to give the instruction. Now, ask yourself, "How often have I reviewed the instruction that was given?" Or how often have you considered the good instruction that is set down in the Missionary Handbook?
A sick missionary is of no value, but rather a hindrance to the work. He not only cannot do his work, but he also prevents his companion from fully accomplishing his obligations. Some sicknesses are brought about by mental depression, homesickness, fear, worry, and a host of other negative attitudes brought on due to lack of desire on the part of missionary to face the responsibility and trust given him to seek sincerely and honestly the way that he can truly fulfilling his calling.
Missionaries should develop habit of feeling happy. This can be developed just as well as any other wholesome attitude. Practice smiling for fifteen minutes each morning after you arise with all the enthusiasm you can muster. Turn on the charm while you stand before the mirror shaving or washing your face. It takes less energy to smile than to frown, and the results are electrifying to all that are near you. At all times missionaries should strive to maintain a positive outlook on life, through the practical application of the Gospel principles in their daily lives.
Nutrition is the process of providing the body with the necessary materials for the maintenance, growth and renewal of all body tissues. What are some of the materials that provide these necessary vitamins and minerals so vital to good health?

1. Eat one large serving of green and yellow vegetables daily.
2. Eat one serving of daily oranges, tomatoes, tangerines, or grapefruit for vitamin C, which gives strength to the walls of the blood vessels.
3. Eat daily two or three servings of potatoes, beans, and other vegetables and fruits for vitamins, minerals and energy.
4. Drink at least a pint of milk daily, plus butter and cheese, or take powdered calcium for bones and teeth. Butter and fortified margarine are good sources of vitamin A.
5. Eat one serving of meat, poultry or fish per day for protein and minerals for growth, repair of muscles and tissue building. Try to eat at least four eggs per week.
6. Eat whole wheat bread when obtainable and cereals for breakfast for iron and vitamin B.
7. Vitamin A is needed for healthy skin and as a protection to the health of the eyes.
8. Eat plenty of energy giving foods, viz., honey, syrups, jellies, and pastries.
9. Drink a minimum of eight to twelve glasses of pure (filtered) water daily for good body regulation. A sluggish system is a good source to cause laziness.

Some will scoff at the above suggestions, commenting about pensão food. But with a little diplomacy and encouragement by compliment many a dona will serve as near as possible the diet that is wholesome for better missionary health. Also, the pensão diet can be augmented by buying the necessary fruits and milk extra. One good glass of milk and a good piece of cake will cost approximately four to five cruzeiros daily. A stock of bananas will cost from thirty five to fifty five cruzeiros for a weeks supply of good fruit. In most cities mingau (whole wheat cereal or oatmeal) can be purchased for about eight to twelve cruzeiros per kilo. It is cheaper to properly nourish your body than to pay it out in doctor bills.
"And all saints who remember to keep and do these sayings, walking in obedience to the commandments, shall receive health in their navel and marrow to their bones;...And shall run and not be weary and shall walk and not faint." (Read Section 89, D&C.)

Sincerely, your brother,
Asael T. Sorensen

Vol. 4, No. 4 - April 1957

On Using Time Wisely…..

Benjamin Franklin was once asked what he regarded as the most precious of all things given to man, to which he replied “TIME”. If that be so, then the wasting of time must be the greatest prodigality, since lost time is never recovered again. [1]
In our tour of the mission recently, your mission presidency has requested that you fully organize your time. Beginning with the seventeen-hour day and 119-hour week, you should list in importance your responsibilities, viz:

1. Literal proselyting – the hours dedicated to cry repentance unto this people.
   
2. Study time – both with your companion and individually.
3. Branch Business – This would apply mostly to the branch president or supervising elder.
4. Planning – This is the two hours spent weekly planning your next week’s program or schedule.
5. Time off – This is the half day off set aside to use as you see fit.
6. All other of equal or less importance.
   

In preparing your daily and weekly schedule remember that with careful and thoughtful planning, you can accomplish up to twice what you are now achieving. Remember the charge of the Lord, “Wherefore, you are called to cry repentance unto this people!” (D&C 18:14) And the only way you can fully fulfill this charge is to organize your time so that you can declare repentance unto this people seven to eight hours per day.
In all that we do we ought to try to do our best. When missionaries become discouraged or restless and can’t seem to get down to business, they can be sure that it is the spirit of the adversary that is at work upon them. If companions will sing a song or two together and then read Sections 4, 13, and 18 of the Doctrine and Covenants, and then kneel together in prayer and "Ask the Father in my name, in faith believing that you shall receive, and you shall have the Holy Ghost, which manifesteth all things which are expedient unto the children of men,” their prayers will be answered.
Seek the Lord through sincere prayer, in faith, knowing that the Lord will hear you and give you additional strength to go forth to accomplish this work.
Missionaries spend a lot of time in preaching the “Mormon Philosophy of Life” and in order to become EFFECTIVE preachers – YOU will have to live every principle that you teach so that when you proclaim your testimony on any of the principles you can RADIATE the very truth of it.
I once took a course in radio theory. In it I learned that many students learned the theories, demonstrating great brilliance in their comprehension of them, but when it came time for us to go into the laboratory to demonstrate our ability to apply the theories to working models, many “washed out”. Why? Because they lacked the ability to apply in a practical way the theories they had been exposed to.
This same thing applies to us as missionaries, it is one thing to know all of the doctrine of the Church, but it is quite another thing to APPLY this doctrine in our daily lives. We teach that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is the pathway that leads mankind unto Life Eternal and exaltation. Yet if we fail to learn how to apply the truths we are teaching in our everyday lives then we will be denying ourselves the blessings we encourage others to partake of. Let us be doers of the word by example in all that we do – as the Lord says: “Filled with love, faith, hope and charity” toward all.

Sincerely, your brother,
Asael T. Sorensen

Vol. 4, No. 5 - May 1957

"Be Honest with Yourself"

This is the theme of the church's advertising program promoted presently throughout the church. Through seven District Conferences we have listened to missionaries pledge themselves to greater efforts, which is commendable that the great majority of the missionaries laboring here today have such an enthusiastic desire to put forth more effort in furthering this great work and to really fulfill the measure of their important calling. We rejoice with you our fellow missionaries that you are catching and have caught the spirit of your missionary call.
However, some of the reports coming in indicate that a number have not as yet applied their good resolution to an applied daily schedule to accomplish the minimum goals that nearly all resolved to achieve. Thus we say to each and every one of you - "Be Honest with Yourselves" - and then you will be honest with your fellowmen - and your Father who is in Heaven.
Aside from the work records there is another very important virtue that all of us should constantly try to develop and that is repeating only the good we hear. Recently some missionaries were transfered from a certain branch. And as soon as they arrived in their next branch of assignment, they began to tell of the discord in certain member families from where they had come. They probably had done nothing to correct the difficulty but instead they joined with the destructive forces that work to create disharmony and apostasy in the ranks. Such missionaries are of both sexes and truly should repent of wronging their Brazilian brothers and sisters. Quite often things are presented to us in a half light. And not fully seeing all of the facts, snap-judgments are made. Put yourself in their place. Consider for a moment how you would feel if you were the member who loves and respects all missionaries expecting the best from their hands, and then learn that certain trusted missionaries were tale bearers!
What of the money you are receiving? Are you considering it as sacred trust to use sparingly and carefully? From the reports that are coming in we are alarmed at the manner in which the distribution is being made. There are - food, clothing and rent and other basic necessities. These are all considered as necessary missionary expenses. But what we would like to know is how can "other basic necessities" exceed double and in some cases triple the total for food, clothing and rent? We would like every Branch Supervising Elder to go over these financial reports with the missionaries in your branch and find out why and what these "other basic necessities" are that are so expensive. Could it be that the purchase of souvenirs, extra food, etc are finding their way into this column? If they are not necessary missionary expenses please do not place them in that column, but rather place them under "unnecessary expenses". Cost per baptism is calculated on the necessary missionary costs. Please be conscientious in keeping your records. Be careful with your money - do not spend it unwisely.
Missionaries are counseled to preach the first principles of the gospel and to stay away from the mysteries. But how often we learn that investigators become cool to the gospel because some unthinking missionary has begun to give his interpretation of some mystery or because he has taken them into doctrines that are too strong for the investigator. Remember the counsel of the Lord that you treat them as a child, giving first the simple things or "milk before meat". Then as they begin to grow in testimony and strength in the knowledge of the gospel the deeper doctrines can be explained. Such subjects as, "plurality" of gods, "the Father of God", "Plural marriage", and other similar types of doctrine should be avoided. Follow this wise counsel and you will keep more of your investigators coming through to baptism, than where you try to vainly display your "vast" knowledge of the gospel subjects. Be Honest with Yourself - Stick to the first principles.

Sincerely, your brother,
Asael T. Sorensen