By Shanna Butler, Church Magazines
Shanna Butler, "News of the Church," Ensign, Sept. 2005, 72
During July and August, youth in areas throughout Utah joined youth around the world in celebrating the 175th anniversary of the Church's organization and the 200th anniversary of the Prophet Joseph Smith's birth. The largest of the Utah celebrations included 45,000 youth during a "Day of Celebration" in Salt Lake City on July 16.
More than 59,000 youth from the Utah Salt Lake City, Utah North, and Utah South Areas prepared music, dances, and pageants to perform at one of six Utah celebrations. More than 125,000 people attended the live performances held at stadiums throughout the state. Thousands more members and parents viewed the performances via satellite broadcast at local meetinghouses.
Utah Celebrations
The "Day of Celebration" at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City featured a 16,000-member choir, 4,900 dancers, 2,400 flag bearers, and 1,000 young men performing a traditional Maori chant known as the haka. President Gordon B. Hinckley spoke at the celebration. Song, dance, and theatrical presentations were also presented at the other celebration venues.
"We wanted to remind our youth of the sacrifices made by pioneering Latter-day Saints who settled these mountain valleys. We wanted them to remember the Prophet Joseph Smith and all he did to restore the Church," said Warren G. Tate, chairman of the "Day of Celebration" committee for the Utah Salt Lake City Area.
The Utah celebrations and others around the world were planned following an invitation by the First Presidency encouraging youth to celebrate the Prophet Joseph Smith's 200th birthday.
Here is just a sampling of what youth have done around the world to commemorate these great events.
[photo] President Gordon B. Hinckley waves a light stick during the "Day of Celebration" held in Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City. (Photograph by Christopher Krause.)
[photo] Young flag bearers stream into the stadium during the "Day of Celebration" in Salt Lake City. (Photograph by Christopher Krause.)
Rochester, New York
"Bike to the Beginning, Endure to the End" was the motto of the youth of the Rochester First Ward, Rochester New York Stake, when they commemorated the bicentennial of the Prophet Joseph Smith's birth with a 30-mile (48-km) bicycle ride. The riders began at the Rochester stake center and headed east along the Erie Canal. Twenty-four miles and a few rest stops later, the riders arrived in Palmyra and left the canal for a ride south to the Hill Cumorah. At the Hill Cumorah Visitors' Center, they saw the Church movie The Restoration, then rode to the top of the hill to enjoy the view and a hard-earned lunch. Finally, the group rode to the Smith family farm and the Sacred Grove, before being driven home.
Mia Maid Heather Petherbridge said, "It's comforting to know that Joseph Smith was as young as we are when he had the First Vision. He had to overcome the same kinds of temptations that we do. He had to withstand all kinds of pressure and stand for what he believed in. It gives me the courage to do the same thing."
Gwangju, Korea
The Gwangju Korea Stake celebrated the 200th anniversary of the birth of the Prophet at Gwangju City Hall. About 400 people gathered to watch performances from youth and adults who had been preparing for three months. The program included music, testimonies, and scriptures.
Choi Hye Seon, a young woman, played the violin with her mother. Choi Jeong Hun, a young man, played the cello. "I greatly appreciate that I could use my small talent to help the Church," he says.
The stake president, Cho Yong Hyun, said, "We wanted this special gathering to teach people that Jesus Christ called the Prophet Joseph Smith as a part of preparing the world for His Second Coming."
[photo] Choi Hye Seon, right, performs a violin duet during a celebration in Korea.
Idaho Falls, Idaho
The youth of the Idaho Falls Idaho Eagle Rock Stake shared their talents and their testimonies as they performed a musical called One Life to celebrate the Prophet Joseph Smith's birth and life. The musical was so successful that they performed it multiple times for local audiences in Idaho.
Krista Klingler, 14, who participated in the ensemble, said, "Doing this play was one of the best experiences of my life. It showed me how great a man Joseph Smith truly was. I am still amazed that at 14 years old he acted upon the principles Heavenly Father revealed to him. From birth to death he lived a remarkable life."
[photo] Youth in Idaho, above, perform a musical called One Life, celebrating the life of the Prophet Joseph Smith. (Photograph courtesy of Idaho Falls Idaho Eagle Rock Stake.)
Guatemala City, Guatemala
The young women of the Guatemala City Guatemala Mariscal Stake celebrated the 175th anniversary of the organization of the Church with an open house teaching about the history of the Church.
As visitors stopped at each station, representing different locations in the Church's move westward, the young women explained and bore testimony about events during that time period. Stations started with the upstate New York area and included Kirtland, Ohio; Missouri; Nauvoo, Illinois; and Salt Lake City.
Afterward, the young women showed handicrafts and other projects related to the anniversary of the Church's organization. Each ward performed a pioneer dance and play to show the cheerfulness of the Saints even in the face of adversity.
"I learned a lot about the history of the Church for this activity," says Bárbara Rivera, of the Jerusalén Ward. "I enjoyed it very much."
Coventry, England
The Coventry England Stake performed a musical by Kenneth Cope called My Servant Joseph for members and investigators.
The part of the Prophet's wife Emma was played by Lara Mayfield, 17, of the Solihull Ward. She was impressed as she learned about Emma's life and how she built the Lord's kingdom. Lara says, "We have the same responsibilities to use our talents to build His kingdom on the earth. I am grateful for the chance I had to do that in My Servant Joseph."
Ben Gaughran, 17, of the Chelmsley Wood Ward, was the assistant music director and pianist. Through participating in the production he says, "I was able to receive a personal witness of the severity of Joseph's trials and just how special he was-truly a prophet of God."
San Francisco Bay Area, California
Nearly 1,000 youth from 10 stakes covering a stretch of more than 100 miles (160 km) of California coast, gathered for an all-day youth conference at a large interstake center on the grounds of the Oakland temple.
Using the Mutual theme in 1 Nephi 14:7 [1 Ne. 14:7] as their guide, the youth participated in various activities, including watching The Testaments: Of One Fold and One Shepherd and learning about the history of the Church in their area. Youth could attend a variety of workshops and a tour of the temple grounds. They ended their day with a testimony meeting and a dance.
Lindon, Utah
The youth of the Lindon Utah West Stake were called by their stake president to be missionaries for a day at an outdoor activity where they gave "Church history tours." They took visitors to various booths where other youth acted out and told about parts of Joseph Smith's life and Church history. KC McMillan, a priest from the Lindon Fifth Ward, played Joseph Smith in the Smith family home booth. He says his testimony of Joseph Smith has "increased quite a bit. The Spirit can be so strong when you're talking about Joseph Smith."
Following the tour, visitors eventually arrived in an area that represented Nauvoo, where they could play pioneer games and participate in other activities. Youth and other stake members also helped construct a large replica of the Nauvoo Temple.
Braden Sweeten, 18, from the Lindon 18th Ward, helped youth and other stake members build the replica of the temple. He said while he was building, "It really sunk into my heart how much the Prophet and the Saints really sacrificed to build the temple."
Sydney, Australia
Youth in the Manly Ward, Sydney Australia Greenwich Stake, celebrated by researching the Prophet's life and teachings and then compiling a book about their findings. They used their Mutual time to complete the project.
The book has 13 chapters, each based on an article of faith, and is titled Praise to the Man (see Hymns, no. 27). The youth and their families plan on using their copies of the completed work to share the gospel with friends. They will also send copies of the book to missionaries serving from the Manly Ward.
The youth learned much more than facts from writing their book. "I have learned that when we have trials we need to trust in God like Joseph Smith did," says Losi Motuliki, a teacher.
"Joseph Smith was a really great man," says Antoinette Hilario, a Mia Maid. "He was able to translate the Book of Mormon, which is another testament of Jesus Christ. We are so blessed to have this scripture in our lives today."
"News of the Church," Ensign, Sept. 2005, 74
The First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles have announced the creation of two new missions in Africa. The Ghana Cape Coast Mission and the Uganda Kampala Mission were organized in July. The two new missions bring the total missions worldwide to 341.
Ghana Cape Coast Mission
The Ghana Cape Coast Mission was created from countries previously covered by the Ivory Coast Abidjan Mission. The new mission includes Togo, Benin, Cameroon, the Central African Republic, and the western half of Ghana. The Ghana Cape Coast Mission includes 13,590 members of the Cape Coast Ghana, Kumasi Ghana, and Takoradi Ghana Stakes and the districts of Assin Foso Ghana and Swedru Ghana. Lindsay Thomas Dil, originally called earlier this year to begin serving as the mission president of the Ivory Coast Abidjan Mission on July 1, 2005, has been reassigned as the mission's new president.
The Ivory Coast Abidjan Mission's new president is Norbert Kalogo Ounleu. This mission now includes only the Ivory Coast and the Church's 9,149 members in the Abidjan and Abobo stakes.
The creation of the new mission also affects the boundaries for the Ghana Accra Mission. The Ghana Accra Mission now covers the countries of Sierra Leone, Liberia, and the eastern half of Ghana. The realigned boundaries include 19,151 members in the Accra Ghana Christiansborg, Accra Ghana Lartebiokorshie, Monrovia Liberia Stakes, and the Abomosu Ghana, Koforidua Ghana, Bo Sierra Leone, and Freetown Sierra Leone Districts.
Uganda Kampala Mission
The Uganda Kampala Mission covers Uganda and Ethiopia. Ralph L. Duke has been called to serve as the mission's president. Church membership within the mission includes 3,959 members of the Jinja Uganda and the Kampala Uganda Districts.
The Kenya Nairobi Mission, which formerly included the countries of Uganda, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Tanzania, will now cover Kenya and Tanzania. The mission includes 6,099 members in the Nairobi Kenya Stake and the Chyulu Kenya District.
"News of the Church," Ensign, Sept. 2005, 75
In an effort to combat the sickness, discomfort, and danger facing the more than one billion people worldwide who don't have access to clean water, the Church has established a clean-water initiative that has already helped people in 31 countries across the globe.
The initiative, created in 2003, is designed to improve health by providing sustainable clean-water sources in places where clean water isn't available.
The initiative allows the Church to provide potable water and improve public health in a number of ways. Among the methods the Church uses to supply clean water are building and refurbishing wells, setting up rainwater captures, purifying river water, and capturing clean water from natural springs.
Church Humanitarian Services has also delivered tanks of clean water to places in need. A recent project in the South Pacific island nation of Vanuatu saw tens of thousands of liters of clean water delivered in tanks to provinces in the country.
While the program's main goal is to provide clean water for those who need it, the Church has also strengthened and established relationships with government leaders and citizens of the countries in which the initiative has been carried out.
When making plans for a clean-water project, the Church meets with local leaders and citizens of the area to map out a project that the community will be able to maintain.
Church humanitarian missionaries who serve in places that need the clean-water program often alert the Church of the opportunity. After approval is given by the Area Presidency that presides over the area, Church service missionaries in the United States serve as short-term specialists and work with the area's humanitarian missionaries to make sure the project runs smoothly.
There are currently seven couples who serve as short-term specialists in the clean-water initiative. Their duties range from giving direction over the phone or by e-mail to traveling to a country to make sure the project gets off the ground.
In addition to working with local governments and including citizens in the planning process, the Church also holds a ceremony upon the completion of every project. Government and Church leaders typically attend the ceremony, during which local members often perform cultural songs or dances to celebrate the occasion.
Many projects have taken place in Africa, but countries in Asia, Europe, the Pacific, and South America have also been blessed by the initiative.
Some of the donations that are made to Church humanitarian services are used to help fund the clean-water initiative.
By Chad Phares, Church Magazines
Chad Phares, "News of the Church," Ensign, Sept. 2005, 75
A full 170 years after Emma Smith's original collection of hymns was published as A Collection of Sacred Hymns for the Church of the Latter Day Saints, members of the Church worldwide are now celebrating the 20th anniversary of the 1985 English edition of Hymns of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
The 1985 edition, which includes 341 hymns, was created with the knowledge that it would serve as a prototype for new hymnbooks to be printed in other languages.
The First Presidency Preface to the 1985 hymnbook says, "All [hymns] have been selected to meet the varied needs of today's worldwide Church membership" (Hymns, ix).
Many of the hymns in the 1985 edition have been translated into 21 languages, and additional translations continue.
When Latter-day Saint hymns are first translated into a new language, the collection includes 35 hymns and 10 children's songs. After membership within a language group grows sufficiently, a new hymnbook is translated that includes 107 songs that are standard in every language, a choice of 50 additional hymns that are recommended, and 50 more hymns that are chosen by a committee for each language.
While finding translators with experience in music is difficult at times, Michael Moody, chairman of the General Music Committee, said the consistency of the hymns included in each language is faith promoting.
"One of the beauties of the Church is that we are united," Brother Moody said. "It's marvelous to know that the same messages and music are used worldwide."
The Hymnbook Executive Committee, the group that chose the hymns for the hymnbook, was called in the early 1980s. The committee was made up of musicians, historians, music editors, and text specialists, and there were also several subcommittees and research groups that contributed to the creation of the hymnbook.
Among those who participated in the research groups were youth and other members who sang, played, and listened to selected hymns and gave feedback.
The selection committee listened earnestly to feedback and sought to make proper choices, and the Lord's direct guidance was clearly evident.
Twenty years ago, Brother Moody was invited to attend a meeting in the Assembly Hall on Temple Square for mission presidents. During the meeting, missionaries from the Missionary Training Center marched in singing "Called to Serve" (Hymns, no. 249).
The mood in the building was electric, and although it was late in the selection process, the committee "knew [that hymn] had to go in," Brother Moody said. The hymn became the last one included in the 1985 edition.
While the 1985 edition of the hymnbook includes 26 hymns that were also in Emma Smith's original, 92 of the hymns in the 1985 edition were new. Of that total, 44 were new Latter-day Saint compositions.
In addition to the hymns, the 1985 edition also includes a section titled "Using the Hymnbook" that gives guidance to beginning music directors, instructs how to use hymns for choirs, and offers advice in selecting the right hymn for Church meetings.
Brother Moody said that while the committee was selecting hymns that were memorable, it also strived to choose hymns that would be useful to all members-regardless of musical talent.
The First Presidency Preface in the 1985 edition concludes by saying, "Brothers and sisters, let us use the hymns to invite the Spirit of the Lord into our congregations, our homes, and our personal lives. Let us memorize and ponder them, recite and sing them, and partake of their spiritual nourishment. Know that the song of the righteous is a prayer unto our Father in Heaven, 'and it shall be answered with a blessing upon [your] heads' " (Hymns, x).
Keeping Time through the Years: A Sampling of English LDS Hymnbooks
1835
A Collection of Sacred Hymns for the Church of the Latter Day Saints
Emma Smith included 90 hymn texts in this, the Church's first, hymnbook.
1840
A Collection of Sacred Hymns for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Europe
The first of this hymnal's 25 editions was published in Manchester, England, by Brigham Young, Parley P. Pratt, and John Taylor.
1889
Latter-day Saints' Psalmody
This was the first large collection of LDS hymns to include musical settings with the text.
1908
Songs of Zion
In contrast to the choir-oriented hymns of the Psalmody, Songs of Zion included about 100 gospel hymns.
1909
Deseret Sunday School Songs
Although this book was intended for use in Sunday School, Deseret Sunday School Songs became the most popular hymnbook in the Church at the time.
1927
Latter-day Saint Hymns
This hymnal combined the best of Latter-day Saints' Psalmody, Songs of Zion, and other selections and was used alongside Deseret Sunday School Songs.
1948
Hymns, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
This book grouped hymns in four general classifications: congregation, choir, men's voices, and women's voices.
1985
Hymns of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
This edition includes a diversity of hymns from every generation of Latter-day Saints.
1985-2005
Hymns of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Since 1985, the current English hymnbook has served as the foundation for hymnbooks in 21 languages.
[photo] Since it was published 20 years ago, Hymns has served as the foundation for hymnbooks in 21 languages.
[photo] Hymnbooks have been a part of the Church since Emma Smith was commanded to compile one in 1835. (© 1998 IRI.)
By Walter Cooley, Church Magazines
Walter Cooley, "News of the Church," Ensign, Sept. 2005, 77
One of the Museum of Church History and Art's current exhibits, Rembrandt: The Biblical Etchings, can now be viewed online. Included in the online exhibit are digital images of the Church's recently acquired collection of 20 Rembrandt etchings and more than 30 etchings loaned to the exhibit by private Latter-day Saint collectors, Shawn and Andrea Merriman.
Rembrandt: The Biblical Etchings opened in Salt Lake City in May. Senior museum curator, Robert Davis, said that, like the Salt Lake City exhibit, the online exhibit is one of the largest collections of Rembrandt's biblical artwork shown together in one place.
"Visitors can view online high-resolution images of more than 50 of Rembrandt's 70 documented biblical etchings," Brother Davis said.
During the 17th century, Rembrandt created more than 1,500 authenticated pieces of artwork. A third of the Dutch artist's works involved biblical subjects. In his religious art, Rembrandt frequently depicted common people from his Dutch background as he visualized and expressed the scriptures.
The online exhibit includes pictures showing the gallery setting of the current Rembrandt display in the Museum of Church History and Art.
Online exhibit visitors watch an animated presentation detailing the multi-step process used to create an etching. Brother Davis said the site also allows online visitors to carefully examine the details of Rembrandt's etchings. Each digital image can be magnified several times to show the artist's "exquisite technique and unique detail."
The online collection includes depictions of Old and New Testament stories, including Abraham sacrificing Isaac, the battle between David and Goliath, and Joseph telling of his dreams to his brothers and parents. The collection includes 36 etchings of the life, ministry, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Brother Davis said that Rembrandt approached his biblical artwork by pondering a biblical passage and then expressing it in an etching.
"Rembrandt through his art was able to give visual equivalents to the words and meaning of the scriptures," Brother Davis said.
The Rembrandt exhibit is one of several exhibits to have been posted online by the museum in the last five years. Previous online exhibits have included the museum's international art competitions, a display of Walter Rane's Book of Mormon paintings, and a collection of President Boyd K. Packer's paintings and sculptures.
Brother Davis said posting the Rembrandt exhibit and other exhibits online increases access to the museum's art throughout the world.
"The farther you get away from Utah, the harder it is to come to the museum," Brother Davis said. "But you can see what the Church museum is through these Web sites."
Rembrandt: The Biblical Etchings will be on exhibit in Salt Lake City until December 11, 2005, and will remain indefinitely on the museum's Web site (www.lds.org/churchhistory/museum).
[illustration] Christ and the Woman of Samaria, one of Rembrandt's 70 documented biblical etchings, is part of an online exhibit.
"News of the Church," Ensign, Sept. 2005, 77
The Museum of Church History and Art is accepting artwork from professional and amateur Latter-day Saint artists for its Seventh International Art Competition. The theme for this competition is "Our Heritage of Faith."
Artists can begin submitting entry forms and photographs of their original artwork to the competition immediately. To be eligible for competition, entries must have been created after January 1, 2003. All entry forms must be received on or before October 21, 2005. Online entry forms are found at www.lds.org/churchhistory/museum.
Artwork will be judged in two rounds. In the first round, artists will submit photographs or digital images of their original artwork to be judged. First-round winners will be notified by mail on or before December 31, 2005. First-round winners will be asked to submit their original artwork to the Museum of Church History and Art for further judging.
The criteria for artwork submissions are the following:
"A concept, idea, or story related to (1) Latter-day Saint doctrines, beliefs, and teachings, including messages or stories from the scriptures and teachings of the prophets; (2) events, places, and people in the history of the Church; (3) the application of gospel teachings and values in Latter-day Saint life."
Competition organizers said this year's theme was crafted to be all-encompassing.
"We wanted the topic to be broad and general to include what it means to be a Latter-day Saint," said Robert Davis, senior museum curator. "We want to make the competition as open as possible to artists around the world."
Brother Davis said the competition has proven to be an excellent way to identify up-and-coming artists.
Previous competition entries have included paintings, sculptures, drawings, prints, textiles, pottery, ceramics, jewelry, wood carvings, photography, and metal work.
Second-round winners' artwork will be displayed at the Museum of Church History and Art from March 24 to September 4, 2006.
The museum will offer Purchase Awards and up to 20 Merit Awards of U.S. $500 each to top second-round winners. Three Visitors' Choice Awards of $500 each will also be given at the conclusion of the exhibit in September.
The museum sponsors the International Art Competition every three years. During the competition in 2003, the museum displayed more than 171 pieces of artwork. A gallery of this artwork can be viewed on the museum's Web site. Since the competition began in 1988, members have submitted more than 4,500 pieces of art to be judged.
[illustration] Alma Arise was part of the Sixth International Art Competition. (Alma Arise, by Walter Rane, © IRI-may not be copied.)
"News of the Church," Ensign, Sept. 2005, 78
A new version of Personal Ancestral File® (PAF) Companion and a recently released set of CDs containing the hymns from the Church's Spanish hymnbook are now in distribution centers.
Personal Ancestral File Upgrade Prints in Color
Members and genealogists using Personal Ancestral File (PAF) Companion can now print and view family tree charts in color using the program's newest upgrade.
PAF Companion 5.2, created by Progeny Software, Inc., uses individual and family data from PAF files to create charts in five formats and millions of colors. The software can render up to 16 million colors and gradients to the charts, helping users organize family lines by gender, generation, or lineage. The program displays and prints ancestor, descendant, bow tie, hourglass, and fan charts. Traditional charts in black and white are still available with the upgrade.
Examples of color-charting formats are available at www.progenysoftware.com/paf-companion-charts.html.
Paul Nauta, manager of public affairs for the Church's Web site www.familysearch.org, said the color feature eliminates confusion and helps members track their family lines. "PAF Companion software gives you fun ways to display, visualize, and view your family history as you develop it," he said.
Adjustable line widths make printing large charts more printer-friendly. Brother Nauta suggested that members could use the new upgrade to print visually appealing charts to hang in their homes, share as gifts, or display at family reunions. PAF Companion 5.2 also creates color charts in PDF format for posting family histories online.
However, the charts are not just for printing a finished product. Pierre Cloutier, chief technology officer for Progeny Software, said the charts act as a roadmap to help users navigate their genealogy research.
Since PAF Companion was introduced in 2001, over 150,000 copies of the software have been sold with the Church's Personal Ancestral File package. The newest upgrade costs U.S. $8.25 at www.ldscatalog.com (item no. 77065) as part of the PAF 5.2 software.
A trial version of the software can be downloaded at the "Software Downloads-Free" link listed under the Family History section at www.ldscatalog.com. The trial version limits the number of generations that can be viewed or printed. Users can purchase full access to the trial version of PAF Companion 5.2 for $6.75 by calling 1-800-537-5971 to obtain a key code from Distribution Services.
New Spanish Hymn Recordings Now Available
Two new sets of compact discs presenting the hymns found in the Church's official Spanish hymnbook are now available. These sets are designed for use by branches, wards, districts, stakes, families, and individuals.
The recordings include musical introductions and all the verses of each hymn, performed by piano, strings, and other instruments. A second set of recordings with vocal renditions is also available. Those interested in these new products can order them from a Church distribution center or by contacting their local leaders.
The Power of Hymns
"Comment," Ensign, Sept. 2005, 79
Thank you for the article in the April 2005 Ensign about the power of the hymns to communicate our Savior's love and bring peace to the soul. This article, "And in Thy Presence Rest," was written by my brother, Scott Swain. He had no idea at the time he submitted it when he might see it in print. But I'm sure it is no coincidence that the April Ensign arrived five days prior to my father's death. Scott was able to read the article to Dad before he passed away.
After hearing the article, Dad asked us to sing one of his favorite hymns, "Our Savior's Love" (Hymns, no. 113). As the four of us who were present sang for Dad, the love of our Savior filled the room. The next evening Dad asked us to sing to him again. Over 20 family members crowded into the room and stood around his bed and sang. We sang hymn after hymn, and the Spirit in the room grew stronger and stronger as we sang. After the singing, Mom suggested we have a family prayer and asked Dad whom he would like to have pray. To our surprise, Dad offered the prayer himself. Though in the last stages of brain cancer and so weak he had barely enough strength to speak, Dad offered a long, beautiful prayer, thanking Heavenly Father for his family and praying that we would all accept the Atonement of our Savior and live lives faithful to His gospel. Again the Spirit was incredibly strong.
We count it as one of the tender mercies of the Lord that the article appeared in the Ensign when it did. Thank you for allowing the Spirit to direct you.
Don Swain, Spring Creek Fourth Ward, Springville Utah Spring Creek South Stake
Midshipmen Can Serve Missions
The photo of U.S. Navy midshipmen caught my attention, and I read with great interest the article by Elder Dunn, "Growth through Setbacks" (July 2005). I applaud and second his comments about how what we see as a stumbling block often turns out to be the open door to another highway in life.
However, the article leaves what I believe to be a bit of misinformation in the mind of the reader. While it is true that 30 years ago the Naval Academy did not have a mechanism for LDS midshipmen to go on missions, since about 1986, dozens of LDS midshipmen have successfully completed missions and returned to the academy to serve in leadership roles in the brigade. A former superintendent once commented to our stake president that because of the personal growth of the young men, he wished that he could send all midshipmen on missions.
Unfortunately, every year, many otherwise-qualified LDS candidates do not apply, withdraw their application, or refuse their appointment based on the erroneous supposition that one cannot complete a mission while attending the Naval Academy. While it is difficult, it is indeed possible to go on a mission from Annapolis, and many do every year. We have at least 10 out in the field at this moment.
Royal Connell, Annapolis Ward, Annapolis Maryland Stake
Treasured Advice
Thank you for Sister Tanner's article, "Strengthening Future Mothers" (June 2005). I read it twice, first by myself, then with my teenage daughter. We had a great discussion. I told my daughter that each day I am inspired by her conscious, determined choice to be a worthy young woman. I told her about my own memories of being a teenage girl and some of the things I learned from my own dear mother.
I shared with my daughter the most treasured and profound advice I have ever received. On my wedding day my mother told me: "Today you became Linda Becker, but before that you were Linda Oakes. Do not forget that woman."
I have not forgotten. Those simple words have strengthened my faith and increased my determination during times of frustration and happiness. I pray that I can do as well as my own mother did as I prepare my daughter for her future roles as woman, wife, mother, and homemaker.
Linda Becker, Weston Second Ward, Boston Massachusetts Stake