Missionary Service: The Story of Sid Going

Missionary Service: The Story of Sid Going-The following is a great story from a talk given by Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles titled Preparing The World For The Second Coming. His talk focuses on missionary service and the required sacrifices that come with it but how the blessings far outweigh them.

    "Missionary service requires sacrifice. There will always be something you leave behind when you respond to the prophet’s call to serve. Those who follow the game of rugby know that the New Zealand All Blacks, a name given because of the color of their uniform, is the most celebrated rugby team ever.  To be selected for the All Blacks in New Zealand would be comparable to playing for a football Super Bowl team or a World Cup soccer team.

In 1961, at age 18 and holding the Aaronic Priesthood, Sidney Going was becoming a star in New Zealand rugby. Because of his remarkable abilities, many thought he would be chosen the very next year for the national All Blacks rugby team.

At age 19, in this critical moment of his ascending rugby career, Sid declared that he would forgo rugby to serve a mission. Some called him crazy. Others called him foolish. They protested that his opportunity in rugby might never come again.

     For Sid it was not what he was leaving behind—it was the opportunity and responsibility ahead. He had a priesthood duty to offer two years of his life to declare the reality of the Lord Jesus Christ and His restored gospel. Nothing—not even a chance to play on the national team, with all the acclaim it would bring—would deter him from that duty.      

He was called by a prophet of God to serve in the Western Canadian Mission. Forty-eight years ago this month, 19-year-old Elder Sidney Going left New Zealand to serve as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

   Sid told me of an experience he had on his mission. It was evening, and he and his companion were just about to return to their apartment. They decided to visit one more family. The father let them in. Elder Going and his companion testified of the Savior. The family accepted a Book of Mormon. The father read all night. In the next week and a half he read the entire Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price. A few weeks later the family was baptized. 

A mission instead of a place on the New Zealand All Blacks team? Sid responded, “The blessing of [bringing others] into the gospel far outweighs anything [you] will ever sacrifice.” 

You’re probably wondering what happened to Sid Going following his mission. Most important: an eternal marriage to his sweetheart, Colleen; five noble children; and a generation of grandchildren. He has lived his life trusting in his Father in Heaven, keeping the commandments, and serving others.

And rugby? After his mission Sid Going became one of the greatest halfbacks in All Blacks history, playing for 11 seasons and serving for many years as captain of the team. How good was Sid Going? He was so good that training and game schedules were changed because he would not play on Sunday.  Sid was so good the Queen of England acknowledged his contribution to rugby.  He was so good a book was written about him titled Super Sid.

What if those honors had not come to Sid after his mission? One of the great miracles of missionary service in this Church is that Sid Going and thousands just like him have not asked, “What will I get from my mission?” but rather, “What can I give?”"

        I know that I have sacrificed and given my time to the Lord to represent Him at this time in my life. I also know that the blessings He has given me and my family have far outweighed the sacrifice. A mission is a calling from God, but like all things with God, He gives us blessings for following Him which in turn makes a mission no longer a sacrifice but a Joy! I love my mission and the things that I am learning while being here. I love the people I've met and the things I've been able to accomplish. What a great blessing it is to represent my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!

Behind Enemy Lines: The Sons of Mosiah

Behind Enemy Lines: The Sons of Mosiah- When we hear of someone going behind enemy lines we think of the brave men and women of the the armed forces risking their lives to go into enemy territory to carry out a dangerous mission to protect their family, friends, and their country. Though the mission will be tough they know it is necessary to preserve freedom, even if it means their lives. While I commend these mighty men and women for their courage I want to tell you about another group of men willing to risk it all to save their brothers, even if it meant going behind enemy lines.
    The sons of a Nephite king, Mosiah, came to their father, after being converted (Mosiah 27), to tell him the desire of their hearts was to go among their relatives, the Lamanites, to bring them to the knowledge of the Lord their God and stop the contention among the two groups of people (Mosiah 28:2).
   The Lamanites were known as a hardened, ferocious people who delighted in murdering, robbing, and plundering. They were a covetous people and idol worshipers who's hearts were set on anything but God.(Alma 17:14-15) Despite this "the cause for which the sons of Mosiah had undertaken the work, that perhaps they might bring them unto repentance; that perhaps they might bring them to know of the plan of redemption." (Alma 17:16) As they departed they took courage to go forth unto the Lamanites to declare these things unto them with the Lord's help.(Alma 17:12) They didn't go without their challenges and struggles though.
    Ammon, upon arrival to the land of Ishmael, was captured and put into prison (Alma 17:20). Aaron, while teaching in a synagogue had many try to contend with him and eventually in Middoni was thrown into prison where he suffered many trials (Alma 21). Despite this "the Lord began to bless them, insomuch that they brought many to the knowledge of the truth; yea, they did convince many of their sins, and of the traditions of their fathers, which were not correct." (Alma 21:17)
     Ammon through service to a Lamanite king, King Lamoni, was able to teach about who God was. He was also able to teach and testify to him about the creation and the plan of redemption. Eventually the king granted Ammon the right to teach all in the land and many were baptized and they became a righteous people. (Alma ch.17-19)
    Aaron, after being freed from prison with the help of Ammon, went on to teach King Lamoni's father. By answering his questions about God and how to obtain eternal life he was able to bring knowledge to the king's whole household and they were all converted. The king then granted religious freedom to all the land. In total the sons of Mosiah were responsible in converting seven Lamanite lands, and brought thousands to the knowledge of God. "For they became a righteous people; they did lay down the weapons of their rebellion, that they did not fight against God any more, neither against any of their brethren." (Alma 23:7)
    Thus we see that the Lord is willing to help us accomplish great things no matter how dangerous, as long as we will trust in and follow His ways. Through the courage and dedication of the sons of Mosiah they were able to soften the hearts of many hardened lamanites and help them find joy in Christ. Let us all press on and follow the example in being diligent in whatever the Lord calls us to do even if it requires going behind enemy lines.
     Let Us All Press On

NIT Champs Represent the Lord

The 1951 BYU basketball team has accomplished a lot in life but they'd be the first to tell you that winning the National Invitational Tournament, which at that time what equivalent to today's NCAA Tournament, was not the most important. As champions they were able to represent not only their school but their faith as basketball playing missionaries. As they traveled to Brazil after the NIT tournament they didn't wear their normal BYU gear, they wore shirts with the word "Mormon" on them to represent the LDS church. In Brazil at that time there was only one mission, now there are 38. These players definitely had a part in the people of Brazil being interested not only in watching them play basketball but learning about their church. What a great way to represent their faith. I commend this team and these men for not only how they played the game of basketball but also their missionary mind set they had while doing it. As we jump ahead 60 years we see this team has accomplished a lot more since their victory in '51. Their team over the years has consisted of seven LDS Bishops, four of them have served in Stake Presidencies, one was a General Authority, one a Patriarch, and one served as a mission president. We see that this team have kept true to their faith, have kept their missionary mind set, and have all found a love for serving the Lord.
          Watch this video from Mormon Times to learn more.



This video and statistics about the 1951 BYU basketball team came from the above video produced by Mormon Times.

The Spiritual Side of Jimmer

Jimmer Fredette has had an amazing season on the basketball court this year leading the BYU Cougars to a #8 national ranking and a #3 seed in the NCAA tournament, which starts today. Even being a missionary in little Dillon, Montana I've seen the effects of "Jimmer Mania". There has been a lot of buzz surrounding his performance on the court from members and non members alike. This has also sparked a few conversation about the church. This video produced by Mormon Times takes a look at Jimmer and his spiritual side, how the gospel has shaped his life, and how he believes he's been blessed with a God given talent. As a Mormon, a missionary, and a big BYU fan it's nice to see someone put on such a pedestal who is so down to earth and willing to recognize the role the gospel and God has made in his life.

A Hoops Reunion


Here's a great story from the Church News on Jimmer Fredette's father's conversion story to the church and the connection he was able to make with the missionary who converted him and their sons.
       As a cliché, "It's a small world" can ring remarkably true in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Thanks to a world-wide proselytizing effort that has sent missionaries to locales across the globe to find, teach and baptize people for more than a century and a half, the Church can sometimes resemble one massive, extended family. Members everywhere seem to know someone who knows someone who knows someone. ...
For a pair of old friends (one a returned missionary — the other, his former investigator) their "small world" could be aptly measured at 94 feet — the length of a college basketball court.
In 1969, Idaho native Kimball Rogers was called as a Mormon missionary to the Cumorah Mission, headquartered out of Rochester, N.Y. During his first winter in the field he was assigned to the Glens Falls area of New York not far from the Vermont border. There he met a recent convert named Bonnie Fredette who had a younger brother, Al, who was investigating the Church. Both Elder Rogers and 18-year-old Al shared a common passion — basketball.
 
Elder Rogers was eager to teach Al the missionary discussions. So he threw down a challenge underneath the Fredette family hoop: "If I could beat Al in a basketball game in his driveway, he would listen to a lesson."
Al Fredette can't recall the outcome of those outdoor contests 41 years ago, but he does remember picking up some snacks for the missionaries and inviting them "to come inside and talk for awhile." Later that summer, Al was baptized by his older brother, Dennis, who had joined the Church in Germany. Elder Rogers was eventually transferred to another area and the two young men lost contact.
Fast forward four decades. Al Fredette had passed on his love of basketball to his son, Jimmer, who had established himself as one of the nation's top college ball players at Brigham Young University.


 Three time zones away from New York and living in Arizona, Kimball Rogers had raised a ball player himself. Youngest son Stephen claimed junior college All-American honors at Mesa Community College last year then transferred to BYU prior to the 2010-2011 season.
Before the start of the season, Jimmer told his dad about a promising new teammate named Stephen Rogers. The name meant nothing to Brother Fredette, who still lives in upstate New York and serves as the ward mission leader in the Glens Falls Ward, Albany New York Stake. "Jimmer just told me Stephen was a good, tough player who shot the ball well."
Kimball Rogers had not forgotten Al Fredette. He can point to passages in his missionary journal and read about winter afternoons spent shooting hoops together in the Fredette driveway followed by missionary discussions in the family living room. "I could still remember him in my mind."
The two men, now the fathers of grown children, were reunited following a BYU game last year at the Marriott Center in Provo, Utah. Kimball immediately recognized his former investigator. "I knew it was him — the (family) all share the same Fredette look," said Brother Rogers with a laugh.
Brother Rogers introduced himself by his first and last name. "That didn't help because I only knew him as Elder Rogers," said Brother Fredette. He remembered his old driveway "rival" once Brother Rogers clarified that he was "Elder Rogers" from 40 years ago.
"We shook hands and gave each other a hug," said Brother Rogers, a member of the Evergreen Ward, Mesa Arizona Central Stake.
The old friends marvel at the circumstances of their reunion. "It's amazing," said Brother Fredette, "We've both got sons playing at BYU at the same time."
"It makes you realize how small the world is," said Brother Rogers.
    LDS Church News Story

The MTC

The Missionary Training Center in Provo, Utah is one of 17 MTCs world wide. Here is where 4,000 19 to 25 year old LDS young men and women gather to be trained for periods of three to twelve weeks on be missionaries and representatives of the Lord. The missionaries focus their whole day on learning more of the doctrine of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, teaching skills, potentially a new language, and how to get along with their mission companion, who they are with 24/7. It can be a grueling period of time for some But this time causes you to very quickly become a missionary and you soon find yourself literally eating, sleeping, walking, and talking missionary work. This causes you to feel a great increase of the Lord's spirit with you as you focus on doing His work.

   I remember when I first entered the MTC. It was a great feeling to know that I was finally on MY mission! As you grow up a member of the church you hear stories about other's experiences at the MTC and on their missions. It was just a great feeling to know now it was my turn. I was so excited when they first placed that famous black missionary tag on me. As I read Elder Davis and saw my Saviors name along side mine, I felt a flood of emotions. This was for real.
    As time went on in the MTC it was amazing to see 4,000 other young adults just like me who had prepared themselves to be in this same situation. What also hit me is that my Heavenly Father was aware of each and every one of our individual situations and needs. He had a hand in all of our lives and how great it was to know we were all joining Him and His work. At first it was a little tough to stay 100% focused all the time. When you are sitting in some sort of classroom setting from 7:00 am to 9:00 pm with only bathroom and meal breaks and your hour of gym time it can become tiring process.  Over time as I got used to the missionary schedule and started to dedicate myself fully to learning and preparing myself to be able to teach the people in Montana it became easier. Before I knew it my time at the MTC had come to an end. I think the thing that I will always remember the most though is singing "Called to Serve" with 4,000 other missionaries before a fireside. The great feelings of that power and emotion of God's missionary army singing together was Amazing and something that will always remain my MTC highlight!

    To learn more about the MTC watch the video below or visit http://www.mtc.byu.edu/index.htm. For a virtual tour of the MTC Click Here.

Popcorn Popping Missionary Style

One of my favorite songs when I was younger and in Primary at church was Popcorn Popping on the Apricot Tree. It was always just a fun upbeat song that I enjoyed. Now as a missionary I recently, thanks to my mother, came across a new version of Popcorn Popping. But this time it has a missionary twist to it. Here are the words to Popcorn Popping missionary style:

        I looked out the window and what did I see?
       Two Mormon missionaries coming after me.
       They had brought me such a nice surprise,
       A Book of Mormon for my very own eyes.
       They told me if I read it and prayed about it too
       Heavenly Father would tell me it was true.
      It didn't seem to me, but it seemed to be.

      The very best thing that ever happened to me!

Just like this song states there are times when we, as missionaries, catch people off guard. They see us coming to their home through their window, their eyes get big, and they think exactly as the song says, "They're coming after me!" But when people will let us into their homes, and listen to our message they quickly see that it is such a nice surprise. They learn how the Book of Mormon can change their lives if they will simply read about it and let Heavenly Father give them the answer that it is true. I testify letting The Book of Mormon and the missionaries into your home will be the very best thing that will ever happen to you. Popcorn Popping

15 A Day, Keeps Satan Away

When I was in seminary during high school we were challenged to read from the scriptures for 15 minutes a day. Now 15 minutes a day out of 1440 minutes in a day is not that much but some how I struggled with this. It always seemed easier to sit down and watch TV, mess around online or with friends. I went in spurts through my four years of high school where I would be consistently reading and then not so much. I could some how never make it a lasting habit. It for some reason took a reading contest in seminary my senior year with the winner receiving food to motivate me. I was able to gain a lot more than food though, I gained a habit of daily scripture study. One that continued to grow to the point now where I love to set aside an hour a day I have to study in the mission field.
    I had always known scripture study was important but until it became a want to instead of a need to or a have to did I realize the power behind the words of God. It became easier to understand the stories and teachings as I read. It became easier to feel the spirit that scripture study brought which made it easier to apply what I was learning to my life.
    Satan has a great hold upon many of our Heavenly Father's children. He's gained this hold by doing as it says in 2 Nephi 28:26 "the devil cheateth their souls, and leadeth them away carefully down to hell." By convincing people that the basics of the gospel, church, prayer, and scripture study are not priorities in life he can carefully lead us away from those key faith builders, he will surely lead us to "misery and endless wo"(Helaman 5:12). He looks for ways to take away the spirit and then attacks us.
    Now referring to the picture above how do you think scripture reading could have changed Darth Vader's life? Do you think that instead of the evil spirit that tempted him to try to persuade his son Luke to join the dark side that he would have followed the good spirit? Maybe even encouraged his son to attend his priesthood meetings where he could truly learn how to use the force? I think the difference spiritually that 15 minutes a day of scripture reading would have brought to Darth would have changed a lot of events in his life. The same applies to our lives.
   Can you imagine the power the spirit would bring to the world that could defeat Satan if all of us would read our scriptures every day? The old saying goes "an apple a day keeps the doctor away" Well I testify that 15 a day will keep Satan away! If not out of the world at least out of our homes, families, and our lives.