News Item: The Iron Rod August and September 2009
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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
A Band of Brotherhood-- Teaching a More Excellent Way
The Apostle Paul understood the important role of each member in the “body of Christ” and their being “built upon the foundation of apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief corner stone.” (Ephesians 2:19) As Latter-day Saints, we understand the essential role of the apostles, prophets and all other officers for “perfecting the saints,…for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.
Perhaps the significance of our role can be better understood by Paul’s declaration that “God hath put some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.” (1 Corinthians 12:28) I am impressed that even more important than miracles and speaking in tongues is the need to have apostles, prophets and teachers at the foundation of these gifts of the Spirit. I believe we, as missionaries, are some of those teachers listed “thirdly” and that our role as teachers is an essential one preceding the miracle of conversion and the building up of the body of Christ into a kingdom that will fill the whole earth.
“But,” said Paul, “covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.” (v. 31) He then gave his great sermon on charity as contained in the 13th chapter of First Corinthians saying that “Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity…is not puffed up, doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own [will], is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil, rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in truth; beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things” for “charity never faileth.” (1 Corinthians 31:4-8)
Paul said that without charity we are nothing and, I suppose, that without charity even teachers in His Kingdom can accomplish nothing. Mormon said we “must needs have charity” and echoed Paul’s statement that without it we are nothing and that we are to “cleave unto charity, which is the greatest of all, for all things must fail. But charity is the pure love of Christ and it endureth forever.”
Preach My Gospel teaches us that “charity is a gift from God” and that we should “pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that [we] may be filled with this love” (Moroni 7:48) As you follow this counsel and strive to do righteous works, your love for all people will increase, especially those among whom you labor.” (PMG p. 118)
To teach a more excellent way with power we must live this more excellent way in our own lives. How are we doing? Are we easily provoked? Are we ever puffed up with pride? Are we drawn to iniquitous entertainment? Do we allow “virtue to garnish [our] thoughts unceasingly” or do we allow evil thoughts to linger in our minds?
I pray that we may truly band together in a brotherhood that lives and teaches a more excellent way. If we do so, we will witness the miracles that orderly follow our efforts to build the Kingdom of God. Additionally, the understated promise of Mormon will be yours, “Whoso is found possessed of [charity] at the last day, it shall be well with him.” May it be so for each of us.
Love,
President and Sister Merkley
Choosing Faith
"Challenges, difficulties, question, doubts—these are part of our mortality. But we are not alone. As disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ, we have enormous spiritual reservoirs of light and truth available to us. Fear and faith cannot coexist in our hearts at the same time. In our days of difficulty, we choose the road of faith. Jesus said, 'Be not afraid, only believe' (Mark 5:36)."
SEAT BELTS: Your LIFE LINE
A Message from your Vehicle Coordinator
Elder Bear Bowers
When you consider the facts, there is no excuse for NOT wearing your seat belt.
EXCUSES FACTS
“Seat belts are too uncomfortable.” Nearly 50% of all serious injury or deaths could be avoided by use of seat belts.
“I don’t need a seat belt – I have air bags in my car.” Air bags are not effective if you are not in position and restrained by your seat belt.
“In case of an accident, I want to be thrown clear.” Your chances of being killed are 25 times greater if thrown from the car.
Seat belts protect you from being thrown into greater danger.
“Seat belts aren’t needed on short trip.” 80% of all accidents that cause death or injury involve cars traveling under 40 mph. 75% of all collisions happen less than 25 miles from the driver’s home.
ALWAYS put on your seat belt when you enter a car. This rule is for your safety and it will save your life. Obedience to the rules will make you happy and keep you safe.
I love and appreciate all you do for Heavenly Father. He will bless you as you obey His commandments.
Office Couple Completes Mission
Elder Rodney N. and Sister Julia Campbell completed their 18 month mission on August 25, 2009 and returned to their home in St. George, Utah. They have worked diligently in the mission office and will be missed by all the missionaries here in the OTM. We wish them well in all their future righteous endeavors.
Baptisms for JULY, 2009
Ft. Smith
Alma Jamie Marie Mills
Ft. Smith Mark Vaughn Hamrick
Gore Lathan E. Treadwell
Greenwood Mackinley R. Heydenreich
Ariel Logan Miller
McAlester Nicholas Scott Cregan
Tammy Michelle Martin
Poteau Johnny Michael Russell
Joplin Stake
Joplin 2nd Carol Jean Runnion
Nathan Anthony Soria
Lee Akki Pellu
Rogers Stake
Bentonville 1st Ava Brooke Callahan
Bradley Joseph Davis
Barbara J. Jeffs
Little Flock Ilona Kim Campbell
Lucas David Sisson
Chevy Levi Williams
Kara Christine Young
Rogers 1st Catherine Fay Harnishfeger
Rogers 2nd Spanish
Eugenio Brian Garcia
Springdale Stake
Fayetteville 2nd
Sarah Elizabeth Buzzard
Lori Christine Miller
Prairie Grove Aaron Alan Barron
Logan Andrew Barron
Springdale 2nd Spanish
Dayanara Analy Rodas
Springdale 3rd Mars.
David Earnest Jelkan
Springfield Stake
Aurora Jeffery Don Sherwood
Bolivar Johnathan Joseph Behr
Maryah Temperance Dooley
Wendy Free Small
Springfield 2nd London Hayley Foster
Springfield South
St. Robert Stake
Ft Leonard Wood
Curtis Anthony Chisholm
Eldon Scott Ashley Melton
Osage Beach Jeremy Michael Lower
Tulsa Stake
Bartlesville 1st Lindsay Ann Watkins
New Haven McKenzie Brett Duellman
Tulsa East Stake
Henryetta Pamela Gail Leeth
Indian Springs Daniel Wayne Williams
Redbud Valley Spanish
Maria Jezrah Lopez
BAPTISMS-JULY, 2009
(COV) Convert 18
(MD) Media Referrals: 0
(MR) Member Referrals: 6
(PM) Part-Member Family 7
(T) Tracting: 0
(Mil) Military 1
(OTM’d) 8
TOTAL 40
Member Referrals = 88
And he commandeth all men that they must repent, and be baptized in His name, having perfect faith in the Holy One of Israel, or they cannot be saved in the kingdom of God.
2 Nephi: 9: 23
August Birthdays
28 Elder Perry
30 Elder Keesler
September Birthdays
07 Elder Moosman
08 Elder Kimball
11 Elder Football Miller
18 Elder Sinex
18 Elder Stout
19 Elder Begay
26 Sister Dianne Smith
28 Elder Stapley
30 Elder Butler
October Birthdays
03 Elder Budden
03 Elder Peter Call
03 Elder Chapman
09 Elder Paget
09 Elder Rees
10 Elder Thompson
12 Elder Poulsen
13 Sister Hawkins
16 Elder J. James Bracken
17 Elder Tong
20 Elder Brett Phillips
24 Elder Jacobson
26 Elder Clark
30 Elder Chadwick Smith
Departing Missionaries
Sister Heather Beck
Elder & Sister Campbell
Elder Bradford Davis
Sister Lydia KateFuller
Elder Geordin D. Gass
Elder Jay Goold
Elder Nathaniel S. Gotchy
Elder Jordan Grover
Sister Amy Lee Harker
Elder Michael A. Miller
Elder Spenser A. Morgan
Elder Steven W. Nevers
Elder B. Chad Nielson
Elder Trevor Pulham
Elder Tevita Siolaa
Elder Jacob Mark Smith
Elder Jory L. Twitchell
Return with Honor!
New Arrivals
Elder Brandon Barton, Bountiful, UT
Sister Jocelyn Beaumont Franklin, MB, Canada
Sister Megan Cluff
Salt Lake City, UT
Elder Derek B. Curtis
Richfield, UT
Elder Stewart M. Davis
Highland, UT
Elder Daniel T. Harlow Brigham City, UT
Sister Ashlee Johnson
Delta, UT
Elder Bryce H. Klumpp
St. George, UT
Sister Jeannette Koning
St. George, UT
Elder Tsemeng Y. Lee
Palmer, AK
Sister Judy Mills
Draper, UT (not pictured)
Sister Julie Anne Roberts
McMinnville, OR
Elder Zakery T. Sattler Grantsville, UT
Elder Robert W. Sherrick
So. Jordan, UT
Elder Chad/ Sister Dianne Smith W Bountiful, UT
(not pictured)
Elder Michael S. Smith
Cedar Hills, UT
Elder Jake B. Sorensen Riverton, UT
Elder Taakaio Tekeeua Tarati Bikenibeu, Kiribati
Elder Connor Woodward Herriman, UT
Welcome to the OTM!
Sister Mills and Sister Koning are our new sisters in the OTM office. Sister Mills will replace Sister Campbell as the OTM secretary. Sister Koning will replace Elder Campbell as the Financial Clerk. Best wishes for a great mission!
Sister Irene Yamamoto
Sister Irene Yamamoto passed away suddenly on Friday, July 17, 2009. She had transferred from the Oklahoma Tulsa Mission to the Washington D.C. Temple Mission on May 11, 2009. She thoroughly enjoyed her missionary service in the Oklahoma Tulsa Mission serving most of her time in the Winona Branch of the St. Robert Zone.
The Washington D.C. Temple had just closed for cleaning, and Sister Yamamoto went to lunch with co-workers and friends when all of a sudden she passed out. The paramedics were called, but they were unable to revive her.
Her remains were flown back to California where services were held on Saturday, July 25, 2009. She was interred next to her husband, Robert Sueto Yamamoto, in the Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, California.
Sympathy cards or letters can be sent to Sister Yamamoto’s daughter, Amy Coll, at 642 Humboldt Ct., Ontario, CA 91764 or phone (951) 212-9439.
Mission Tour Sept 17th and 18th
Elder Marlin K. Jensen of the First Quorum of the Seventy will be coming to visit our mission on September 17th and 18th, 2009.
In lieu of zone conferences this transfer, Springfield Zone, Springfield South Zone, St. Robert Zone and Joplin Zone will meet in Joplin on Thursday, Sept. 17th. Springdale Zone, Rogers Zone, Ft. Smith Zone, Tulsa Zone, and Tulsa East Zone will meet in Springdale on Friday, September 18th.
Marlin K. Jensen was sustained to the First Quorum of the Seventy April 1, 1989, at age 46; served in the Presidency of the Seventy from Aug. 15, 1998, to Aug. 15, 2001. Was general president of the Sunday School from Oct. 7, 2000, to Oct. 6, 2001. Former president of the New York Rochester Mission, regional representative, stake president, and bishop. Received bachelor's degree in German from Brigham Young University and juris doctorate from University of Utah; was attorney specializing in business and estate planning. Born May 18, 1942, in Ogden, Utah, to Keith G. and Lula Hill Jensen. Wife, Kathleen Bushnell Jensen; parents of eight children.
ASSISTANTS’ MESSAGE
To the Heroes of the OTM,
Throughout all Eternity we have been instructed to pray to a loving Father in Heaven. “As soon as we learn the true relationship in which we stand toward [Him] (namely, [He] is our Father, and we are His children), then, at once, prayer becomes natural and instinctive on our part.”
We must never forget that, “prayer is the act by which the will of the Father and the will of the child are brought into correspondence with each other. The object of prayer is not to change the will of God, but to secure for ourselves and for others blessings that God is already willing to grant, but that are made conditional on our asking for them. Blessings require some work or effort on our part before we can obtain them. Prayer is a form of work, and is an appointed means for obtaining the highest of all blessings.”
How can we short change those we teach by not inviting them to act for themselves, to see if what we are saying is true? Teach the language and principles of prayer in greater detail and with greater clarity. It is for this purpose the brethren have admonished us to: “invite the head of the household to offer a kneeling prayer at the end of the lesson (PMG pg. 39). By so doing we secure for them and ourselves everlasting blessings of salvation and a knowledge that God does hear and answer a humble prayer. We leave you with this challenge and plea, to kneel at the end of every lesson and invite the head of the household to secure for his family the highest of all blessings, the blessing of Eternal life. Therefore, dearly beloved brethren (and sisters), let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for His arm to be revealed.
With Great Respect,
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