Author: Tim Frodsham

Categories
Mission

Monet’s Gardens

Tim Frodsham, 18 August 2024

During our visit to the Saints in Caen and our tour of Normandy, we stopped at the home and gardens of Claude Monet in Giverny, France. His gardens covered one hectare (2.5 acres or 10,000 sq meters), larger than I had imagined. He did not unduly constrain his garden, but allowed his plants to grow freely. I can certainly relate to that. As I worked as an electrical engineer, designing the microprocessor chips used in your phones and computers, I worked and dwelt in an exacting environment where every detail had to be designed and redesigned, tested and tested again. My own garden was a refuge, I would plant and weed with care, but the result was anything but regimented. I let the plants go where they grow; providing trellises, fences and other structures to allow the plants to sprawl. In my own garden, I found perspective, I found peace and I found direction. The hours spent tending plants, flowers and trees that are a gift from God allowed me to find an inner peace; and quiet that welcomed the spirit in.

The Frodshams and the Snyders at Monet’s gardens in Giverny, France

As he nurtured and painted his gardens, Monet mixed the commonplace with he exotic. He was concerned only with color. He saw the worth of his garden variety, not by their cost or rarity, but by their color and contribution to the garden as a whole.

Often, we are trapped in a self-centered, myopic view of who we are and what we have accomplished. We judge our worth on worldly measures and our own limited perception. As I wandered the gardens and later contemplated the experience, I considered 2009 address by Elder Uchtdorf, “The reflection in the Water”, where he recounted the story of the Ugly Duckling. At times, all of us are caught up in our surroundings, and view ourselves only from our own narrow perspective. We judge others and their response to us by our shortsighted, self-centered view. It takes an outward view to allow the spirit to prompt and guide us. In her article, “A Reflection on Gratitude“, Michelle Van Tassell describes a moment when she saw herself, not with the typical view she had or herself, but as her husband saw her behavior.

“One morning I was doing laundry when I caught a glance of myself in a mirror. The reflection surprised me. I had not showered or groomed for the day, and as I looked at myself, I thought I was lucky that anyone would want to wake up next to me every day. For the first time, I found myself feeling grateful to my husband for loving me. I examined myself with new eyes and thought about our marriage from his perspective. The revelation that followed had little to do with bad hair and no makeup but much to do with my behavior. I considered all the contention I had introduced into our home. For the first time, I felt real gratitude for my husband—he had continued to love me even though I had been critical and ungrateful.”

For reflection, we all need a garden of some sort to alter our perspective, to form a chink in our armor that allows the spirit to seep in and lift our view from our selfish, inner perspective. To see ourselves how others see us, and most important, how the Lord sees us. At times, that garden is a mirror and a bad hair day, as described by Van Tassel. The Lord will use any and all means available to Him, but how much nicer to provide him a conduit, a time and place where we are more receptive to His council? We need that council now more than any other time Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives.

As far as artistic ability, I am the antithesis of Monet. Simple stick figures tax my artistic stamina to the extreme, though as I wandered his garden, I understood the tranquility and inspiration it brought him. What scholars know of Oscar-Claude Monet implies he wasn’t very religious. That has little to do with reflection and contemplation. God will use any effort we make to reflect on our lives to prompt and inspire us. He will reach us, inspire us and guide us where ever we stand. We all need to find a time and a place to contemplate and draw closer to Him. Find your garden.

Categories
Mission

Marseille – my home 50 years ago!!

16 August 2024 by Catherine Frodsham

This might sound strange to some of you who know me so well. But when I was 15 years old, I was a rebellious, rotten teenager. I had some bad friends and an older brother, Mike, who had some bad friends. We hung out together. My Aunt Donna and Uncle Wes Peterson decided to go on a sabbatical from their teaching jobs for 7 months. They had a son named Jon Peterson who I loved as a brother. We were pretty close. So, they took both of us on this sabbatical to Europe. We lived in Marseille, France. a rather large port city on the Mediterranean Sea. It was beautiful. We lived at 161 Bis Boulevard Boisson, Marseille France. I still remember that address.

I am not sure if that was a punishment for me to send me to Europe?? I wish I could have offered that punishment to all my kids when they were in their teens. It saved me. I grew close to my sweet Aunt and Uncle and my cousin Jon. Jon and I read the Book of Mormon together and we learned to love that book, and our testimonies grew at that time in our lives. The missionaries would come over and teach Jon and I missionary door approaches. “Bonjour Madame est Monsieur, Mais ami et moi nous sommes American. Nous sommes des missionaires des l’Eglise de Jesus Christ des Dernier Jour. Est qu’on vous en parler pour quelque minute? Jon could go out proselyting with them, but I couldn’t. We had a 6-month Eurail pass to go anywhere in Europe. We visited, France, Spain, Italy, Germany, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Sweden, Brussels, Austria. What a blast! We went to many museums and Jon, and I needed to write reports and take pictures of what we saw to turn in for school credit when we got home. It was an amazing experience. I saw beggars, gypsies, all types of people and learned to see them through different eyes than I had before. I had never seen homeless people in the US but there were many homeless people wherever we would go.

Here is what I learned 50 years ago. God loves all His children. It matters what we do in our life. I am grateful for my family. Lessons learned so long ago still apply.

When Tim and I were called to Lyon France Mission it was like Heavenly Father knew what this country meant to a girl who turned 16 years old the day we landed in Europe. I remember the night my aunt and uncle and cousin and I were on the train leaving to go back to the states, Jon and I leaned out the train window and yelled, “We love you Marseille!! We will be back!!” I never thought it would only be me to go back to Marseille, 50 years later. My cousin, Jon died last year so this trip was bittersweet. I felt Jon with me on my visit to 161 Bis Boulevard Boisson. I even smiled because He and I were happy there.

It is hard to believe this apartment building looks so good after 50 years. But it is still there, and I remember being on the 3rd floor.

Good memories. I miss my Aunt Donna and my sweet Uncle Wes who was more of a dad to me. I also miss my bro – Jon.

Lessons learned as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in the Lyon France Mission:

God loves all of His children. He knows us each by our name. If we trust Him and let Him, He will bring us home to live with Him and His son Jesus Christ. Repentance is for all. What a blessing that is to know we can be forgiven. The temples bind families together forever. We can receive revelation in the temple. I am grateful to be wearing the name of Jesus Christ on my missionary tag every day. We must all endure to the end which is so hard sometimes when things seem unjust or bad decisions from others cause us or our loved one’s pain and sorrow. We must still turn the other cheek. That is hard for me at times, especially when it comes to my children or grandchildren. I am still being refined. I am still “BECOMING”.

Categories
Mission

The Other Prodigal 

Tim Frodsham. 14 August 2024

Our mission president asked all the missionaries to read and consider the story of the prodigal son before our last zone conference.  My wife and I pondered the parable of these lost sons throughout the week.  A focal point in considering this parable was Elder Hollands “The Other Prodigal” in a conference address some years ago. 

The Other Prodigal (churchofjesuschrist.org) 

He points out that we are all prodigals, and as such all need to be guided carefully back to the fold.  I would like to ponder with you the faithful son, and his circumstance.  I have heard many sermons that laud the return of the prodigal son, then proceed to lambast the faithful son for his jealousy and small mindedness.  I believe that every word uttered by the Savior, especially when recounting His parables, means something, and how the faithful son fits into the Savior’s narrative is worth careful consideration.  Let’s take a look at the “Other Prodigal”. First, we have all read the response of the father recorded in Luke 15, as he welcomed his son home: 

22 But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet: 

23 And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry: 

24 For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry. 

We tend to gloss over the father’s interaction with the faithful son.  Emphasis is mine: 

25 Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard musick and dancing. 

26 And he called one of the servants, and asked what these things meant. 

27 And he said unto him, Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him safe and sound. 

At home, there was a party going on.  The family was there, the servants knew all about it, the friends of the prodigal were in attendance, based on the narrative, and were celebrating in the house.  The party had been going on for some time.  After all, it takes time to “kill the fatted calf”, send invitations and prepare a feast.  The only person not invited to the party was the faithful son.  He spent the day in the fields, doing as his father asked, and only learned of the party as he returned from his labors for the day and heard the noise coming from the house. 

The father sent invitations to sundry and all to celebrate the return of his prodigal son, but he sent no one to invite the faithful son.  I do not think that was an omission in the parable.  I believe the Savior chooses every word, and though His words, as recorded in the New Testament have been handed down and translated over two millennia, there is nothing to indicate that the parable of the prodigal son was changed in any substantial way over the centuries.  The fatted calf was killed, family and friends invited, and a party was in full swing, all while the faithful son was doing the will of his father in the fields.  There is another lesson to be learned here, a lesson for the 99 who remain in the fold. 

I was assisting with a youth conference one year and noted with interest the lineup of speakers at the conference.  All were prodigals who had a profound story to tell of wandering from the covenant path, and as the prodigal son, when ‘they came to themselves’, started their journey home.  There was no one among the speakers at that conference who had quietly remained faithful throughout their lives.  It is rare, even in the church, that the quiet faithful are celebrated. 

I think of the mothers who chose to remain home, doing their most important work with their children, and then their grandchildren.  They are certainly not celebrated by the culture of today.  Consider the mockery of “Trad Wives” from “the great and spacious building”, or in modern terms, social media.  There is a quote that pops up from time to time: “Well behaved women seldom make history”.  Those “well behaved mothers” who go about quietly nurturing their family and serving the Lord are making the most important kind of history. 

Remaining faithful is not a popular thing.  At times, not even in the Church.  That was another lesson the Savior was teaching as he recounted the experience of the faithful son.  His blessings and recognition, the only ones that matter, are with the father.  “Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine.” 

The night before that zone conference, we had, over for dinner, the sister missionaries, and a family whose father had been converted and baptized just a few months before.  As we discussed this parable, we pointed out that there was much celebration when he was baptized, but as time wears on and he settles into faithful service in the ward, the party ends.  Much of what he will do, as with all faithful members of the church, will not be immediately recognized.  What is important is that the Savior knows, cherishes his ever-faithful servants, and the reward will come in His good time and at His good pleasure. 

In his October 2023 discourse “In the Path of Their Duty” Elder Bednar quoted President Hunter: 

“If you feel that much of what you do this year or in the years to come does not make you very famous, take heart. Most of the best people who ever lived weren’t very famous either. Serve and grow, faithfully and quietly.” 

He continues, italics are his: “A statement in the Book of Mormon by Samuel the Lamanite best summarizes my feelings for you. 

‘Behold that the more part of them are in the path of their duty, and they do walk circumspectly before God, and they do observe to keep his commandments and his statutes. … 

Yea, I say unto you, that the more part of them are doing this, and they are striving with unwearied diligence that they may bring the remainder of their brethren to the knowledge of the truth.’” 

The faithful son may never be celebrated with a “fatted Calf Party” but he is no less precious in the Father’s eyes.  “In the path of his duty” he will be blessed as only God can bless:  “All that I have is yours” 

In this same discourse, Elder Bednar quoted extensively J Ruben Clark from a 1947 address, the centennial of the Saints arriving in the Salt Lake Valley. He was speaking of those in the last wagon: “To these humble souls, great in faith, great in work, great in righteous living, great in fashioning our priceless heritage, I humbly render my love, my respect, my reverent homage.” 

Elder Bednar also celebrated those faithful who continue steadfast in the work “They of the last wagon, all who are no less serviceable, and you who today are pressing forward in the path of your duty are the strength of the Savior’s restored Church. And as the Lord has promised, ‘all thrones and dominions, principalities and powers, shall be revealed and set forth upon all who have endured valiantly for the gospel of Jesus Christ.’” 

The message of the other prodigal in the Lord’s parable is powerful.    We all stumble, we all have doubts that what we are doing makes any difference.  It does, the Lord celebrates the quiet faithful.  “Thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine.” 

Categories
Mission

The Girl in the Temple

August 12th, 2024 Catherine Frodsham

There is a young single sister in our ward. She has born her testimony a few times and I noticed her. I never really talked to her except the normal greetings “Bonjour, comment ca va?” She seemed to be struggling in life by her facial expressions and staying to herself at church.

Tim and I went to the Bern Temple a few months ago. We took another senior couple from Geneva to the temple with us to get to know them. They are James and Kim Powers, also serving in the France Lyon Mission.

While I was in the endowment room, I kept looking at the back of a young woman and I wondered if it was the one from our ward. I don’t even know her name. I still don’t. In the dressing room, I saw her come out from a dressing stall and I said you are from my ward. She said yes, I recognize you too. She spoke pretty good English. I said how are you. Then she started to pour out her heart and soul to me. She told me of how she came to the temple today to seek answers. I said what are your questions. She said I have a boyfriend, and he is not a member, and he doesn’t want to be. He doesn’t like my standards and wants to live together. I am afraid if I say no, he will leave. I said you came to the right place today. You are worthy to come to the House of the Lord to receive revelation just for you. How did you feel today. She said I feel as though I should leave him. I said then you have your answer. She said now will be the hard part, breaking up. I said yes it will be hard. But sometimes we learn the most from going through the hardest times. I said, I am so proud of you for knowing where to come for help from the Lord. He has spoken to you. What a blessing that is. I love you. I believe that we are here together because I can physically give you a hug from your Heavenly Father and tell you He loves you. I love you. When one door closes another door will open. I promise you that. We hugged and that was a very spiritual moment for both of us. AND I DIDN’T”T EVEN KNOW HER NAME!! But I knew her.

Here is a picture of my temple friend Anne-Flore and her new boyfriend! July 14, 2024

A few months passed and my son Zane was visiting us in Lyon with Zane, Weston and Bennett! I was on the stand to lead the music, and I saw her! By now, I knew her name: Anne-Flore. She was beaming and looked so happy. I went to give her a hug and she said, “I will never forget you. Thank you for talking to me in the temple. I want you to meet my “new “boyfriend!” She emphasized “NEW”. He is the brother of the 2nd counselor in our bishopric. He is a member and temple worthy!!! What a miracle!!! Heavenly Father knows each of us by name and He loves us, and He will help us through our trials and sometimes he will use those around us as His hands on earth. We need to always be willing to open our mouths and our hearts when we are prompted to do so even when we don’t know them by name. It doesn’t matter that I don’t know her name because I know her, and I love her. When she said I will never forget you, I said I will never forget you either!

Categories
Mission

Read

Tim Frodsham: 17 July 24

When reading the Book of Mormon, I try to do so with a theme in mind. Several times, I have read the Book of Mormon from the perspective that the events leading up to the first coming of our Savior are a sign and a type of the events that lead up to His second. There are times I read it for history, other times, I am looking for doctrine. On one reading, I read the Book of Mormon from a missionary perspective. This reading, I am reading with President Nelson’s statement from the October, 2022 conference in mind.

“So many wonderful things are ahead. In coming days, we will see the greatest manifestations of the Savior’s power that the world has ever seen. Between now and the time He returns “with power and great glory,” He will bestow countless privileges, blessings, and miracles upon the faithful.”

That is a powerful statement. One can apply this citation to not only the Book of Mormon, but to all scripture. Any miracle, any manifestation we read about in the scriptures will be manifest and more in these latter days. Here are but a few examples:

1 Nephi 4, Laban is delivered into Nephi’s hands.

1 Nephi 16, Lehi and his family are guided by the Liahona.

1 Nephi 17, Nephi is instructed on how to build a ship

1 Nephi 18, Nephi miraculously calms a storm

2 Nephi prophesies of the last days

Jacob 7, Sharem demands a sign and is smitten

Mosiah 18, the people of Alma flee from king Noah. Even their children and pregnant women out pace the soldiers of Noah.

Mosiah 24, The people of Alma are persecuted but their burdens are made light, then they miraculously escape from their Lamanite persecutors. This is one of my favorites.

Alma 14, The people of Ammonihah reject Alma and Amulek and then destroy the believers in front of them. The prison walls tumble to the earth and their persecutors are slain.

Alma 15, Alma heals Zeezrom, a lawyer who was astounded and converted by the teachings of Alma and Amulek.

Alma 17, Ammon slays the enemies of the king at the waters of Sebus.

Alma 18, Lamoni, a king of the Lamanites is miraculously converted

Alma 24, The conversations of Lamanites when the Ammonites willingly laid down their lives

Alma 30, Korihor, an anti-Christ challenges Alma for a sign. He is struck dumb and eventually trodden down by the Zoramites

Alma 31, Missionaries are filled with the spirit and go their separate ways to preach the gospel

Alma 56, the Sons of Helaman fight with miraculous power

Helaman 5, Nephi and Lehi are preaching to the Lamanites and are cast into prison. Clouds of darkness overshadow the prison, the prison shakes and Nephi and Lehi converse with angels. There were 300 Lamanite witnesses.

Helaman 11, Nephi calls a famine down on the land, Nephi and Lehi receive many revelations

Helaman 16, Samuel the Lamanite prophesies and cannot be slain

3 Nephi 1, the signs of the Savior’s birth

One of my favorite stories is about the prophet Nephi who led the righteous saints just before the death, resurrection and appearance of the Lord. I marvel that his ministry to the saints preceding the coming of the Lord in the meridian of time, will be surpassed in our day. It is worth including passages concerning his ministry.

3 Nephi 7:17 And he did minister many things unto them; and all of them cannot be written, and a part of them would not suffice, therefore they are not written in this book. And Nephi did minister with power and with great authority.

18 And it came to pass that they were angry with him, even because he had greater power than they, for it were not possible that they could disbelieve his words, for so great was his faith on the Lord Jesus Christ that angels did minister unto him daily.

19 And in the name of Jesus did he cast out devils and unclean spirits; and even his brother did he raise from the dead, after he had been stoned and suffered death by the people.

20 And the people saw it, and did witness of it, and were angry with him because of his power; and he did also do many more miracles, in the sight of the people, in the name of Jesus.

The power the adversary wields in our world today is seemingly unbearable and insurmountable. We fear for our children and the whirlwind of lies, subterfuge and deceit that envelop them. Without hope and faith in His plan, it all seems hopeless. The Book of Mormon is replete with miracles that will be duplicated and surpassed in our day. It is not a coincidence that the bulk of the Book of Mormon, from Mosiah to 3rd Nephi, is dedicated to the years before His first coming. They are a mirror of our days. The miracles of those days will be made manifest and more in the dispensation of the restitution of all things and I have mentioned only a few of the events that transpired among the righteous who lived in the time preceding his first coming. We need always remember that the Lord is aware and in charge. He is wielding His power with finesse and authority far beyond our feeble understanding. We, in our day and our time, will witness and be surrounded by many of these miracles. We will see them individually as well as collectively as our Lord works tirelessly though us to gather the remnants of his flock before the whirlwind of his judgment.

6 And now, I, Moroni, would speak somewhat concerning these things; I would show unto the world that faith is things which are hoped for and not seen; wherefore, dispute not because ye see not, for ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith.

12 For if there be no faith among the children of men God can do no miracle among them; wherefore, he showed not himself until after their faith. (Ether 12:6,12)

Yes, the Lord promises to try our faith and he will not manifest His power to those who have no faith. But as with the faithful people of Alma, surrounded by trial and persecution, they were also surrounded by miracles. The power of God has and always will surpass in glory and light anything from the adversary.

That is why we are serving a mission. We are here because of a faith that the Lord will magnify our feeble efforts to bring about His will, and add to the uncountable miracles transpiring in these last days. We have faith that the blessings poured out on our families will far outweigh our absence. We testify of this work. The Lord is pouring miracles, small and mighty upon his people and all those seeking righteousness in the time before He returns.

Categories
Mission

Caen, Normandy

We had the occasion to assist with a self-reliance devotional in Caen, France. The self reliance devotionals are a ward or stake wide event, where members and non-members alike are invited to hear about the churches self-reliance groups and sign up for a group appropriate to their needs.

Sister Frodsham with Gisele, a good friend taking our EnglishConnect class

We worked with the Snyders, the WSR (Welfare, Self-Reliance) missionaries who live in Paris. They also spend several days a week staffing the Paris family history center.

Frodshams and Snyders at the family history center

Caen was a major objective in the WWII invasion of Europe, Operation Overlord. Since we were already in Normandy, we took the opportunity to spend several days exploring the places of such bloodshed and heroism almost 80 years ago.

The Museum at Utah Beach

We stayed at a little bed and breakfast in Saint Clair sur l’Elle, and on an early morning walk, I went to the town square and was fascinated by a WWI statue dominating the square. It had been vandalized, arms broken off, the rifle broken, and I wondered at it’s history. An old gentlemen (and by old, I mean about my age) walked up to me to chat, and I asked him about the statue. It was built after WW1 to commemorate the soldiers who had given their life in the war from that small town. When the Germans occupied the town, they vandalized the statue, braking off anything they could without actually bringing in a truck or other vehicle to pull the statue down. The statue remains in the square as a symbol of defiance and freedom.

WWI statue in the town square of Saint Clair sur l’Elle
Our Bed and Breakfast in Saint Clair sur l’Elle

Sainte-Mère-Église, attacked by parachutists of the 82nd and 101st airborne divisions, was one of the first towns liberated during the invasion. A replica of parachutist John Steele hangs from the spire of the local cathedral. Parachutists overshot their landing zone and dropped directly in the town.

Saint Mere Eglise

In the church of Angoville-au-Plain, two medics Robert Wright and Ken Moore, treated civilians as well as American and German soldiers alike, When the town was briefly retaken by the Germans, the medics declined to leave. German soldiers honored request of the two medics and left their rifles at the door. During the conflict, a mortar pierced the ceiling, but did not explode. during a later restoration, the local members of the parish decided to preserve the blood stains on the benches.

The Church at Angoville au Plain
Robert Wright grave marker, Angoville Au Plain

The cliffs at Pointe du Hoc were scaled by the 2nd ranger battalion, who suffered a 70% casualty rate in finding and destroying guns overlooking Omaha and Utah beaches. Had these guns been brought into operation, casualties would have been much higher for the allied landing.

At Pointe du Hoc, the bomb craters from the aerial and naval bombardment proceeding the landings are still visible.

On Utah Beach where general Roosevelt stormed the beach with his men. Strong currents swept them from their landing spot. “Well start the war right here. As with the battles throughout Normandy, it was the bravery of a few men who turned the tide of the battle. Utah beach had far less casualties because of the accuracy and precision of aerial and naval bombing of the shore batteries moments before the landing.

It is in some ways reassuring to see people playing and enjoying where so much devastation and hardship in the name of freedom had occurred 80 years earlier

German batteries near Longues-sur-Mer fired at allied forces on D-Day, but were damaged by allied naval bombardment. They were captured the next day and played no further part in the war. They are one of the only remaining intact gun batteries along the Normandy coast, and a testament to the forces to be overcome by the allied soldiers.

German Batteries at Longue sur mere

For me, the most poignant was the cemetery at Omaha Beach and the beaches themselves. now a playground with horse trotting and skim boarding. There is still a spirit of the thousands of men to struggled here, many of them giving their last full measure of devotion. The American cemetery a testament of the sacrifice of so many young men.

The German cemetery near Omaha is a testament as well to young men who were following their leaders. The feeling at the German cemetery is much different than that of the American, a feeling of hopelessness and loss. In both, the spirit of brave men who gave their lives for their country.

Through out the Normandy battle sites and museums, the horrors of war were apparent. The evil intentions of a very few lead astray whole populations, something king Benjamin and King Mosiah warned about in the book of Mormon

Mosiah 2:18,19 Behold, ye have called me your king; and if I, whom ye call your king, do labor to serve you, then ought not ye to labor to serve one another? And behold also, if I, whom ye call your king, who has spent his days in your service, and yet has been in the service of God, do merit any thanks from you, O how you ought to thank your heavenly King!

Mosiah 29:16,17 Now I say unto you, that because all men are not just it is not expedient that ye should have a king or kings to rule over you. For behold, how much iniquity doth one wicked king cause to be committed, yea, and what great destruction!

We may not call them kings today, but many act as such, bringing whole nations to sin and unbelief. Events in the Book of Mormon tell us of the wickedness and suffering that can be caused by one individual or a handful of people. Unfortunately, people today are looking to a leader to change the nation, leaders who will right all the wrongs in our countries. What will permanently heal our nations will come from the bottom up. It was apparent as we toured the battle sites of Normandy that is was a few who turned the tide of war. A few who let to victory operations that were doomed to defeat. The future will be shaped by fathers and mothers, teachers and leaders changing our world one family at a time, which is why we are here serving a mission.

Categories
Mission

Serve Now

Catherine and Tim Frodsham, 29 April 2024

There are thousands of reasons why not to serve a mission, and Catherine and I can check the boxes on most of them. I have my first two grandchildren getting married this summer and another special sealing in Catherine’s family. Both of us have family with medical conditions, and it wrenches our heart not to be there to help, console and simply be present for them. In the next year, Catherine and I have four special grandchildren that will be baptized and a new grandchild on the way. We also have a high school graduation of a sweet granddaughter.

Grandsons and tonsils

We will be missing priesthood ordinations, family reunions, graduations and of course, 40 birthdays among our grandchildren and 22 among our children and their spouses. Why did we pick this time to go on a mission? Why so early after our marriage? Why did we not wait until things were more calm in our families, with fewer family events? Why now?

A fathers blessing

There will always be family events, celebrations and hardships no matter when we choose to serve Him. To be frank, there is no “good” time to go on a mission. The ‘right’ time will never come. Our advice to anyone considering a mission, and even to those who are not, Go Now. There may be extreme circumstances why you need to postpone a mission. The Savior understands and will prompt you to the right course to take. Otherwise, Go Now. Your lives will certainly be blessed, but more important for Catherine and I, His spirit will intervene, comfort, guide and bring gently home our children and grandchildren, those who matter most.

As Senior missionaries, there are times when it is appropriate to take a quick trip home. We are planning one trip home during our mission to be present with our families for some life changing events. I believe the Lord aware of the conflicting demands on senior missionaries, and understands the needs for us to serve our families as well. Here is a quote shared with us in one of our central Europe Area devotionals.

Christmas

Elder Bednar, Adriatic North Mission, April 2023

“To you couples, I promise that the most powerful testimony you will ever bear to your children and grandchildren is your absence. Those grandchildren will pray for you now in a way that they will never again pray for you.”

“When you return home, the testimony you bear in person will be magnified because you weren’t there. Your testimony of absence will be far more powerful than anything you can do now or in the future. It will augment that testimony in miraculous ways. I promise in the name of the Lord.”

The little events

For the younger generation; prepare now. plan your finances, your job, your retirement and most important of all, build that mindset now. There is every reason to postpone a mission, but there is one good reason to go: Serve Him. We have been in tears a time or two, aching to be with our families at a time of crisis or celebration, but we both feel an overwhelming peace from Him that we are in the right place. Some of the celebrations we are missing are precisely because we are here, events that are happening at home because His Spirit is working on our children and grandchildren in our absence. Our advice to any senior couple: Go now. Don’t wait for the right time, don’t wait for the right finances. Don’t wait. Serve Him and the blessings will be poured out on your family. Yes, you will miss them and yes, there will be times of almost overwhelming sorrow because you are not there, but His spirit is behind you and He will carry you gently in His arms.

Grandson singing at conference

You will also experience times of unbounded joy, peace and satisfaction for the time you spend in His service.

Categories
Mission

Self Reliance

When we were filling out our mission papers, Catherine listed her extensive experience in introducing the church’s self-reliance program. She helped establish a pilot program in her ward and stake as a Stake Relief Society President as well as the stake Self-Reliance specialist. It was no small surprise that we were called as Welfare Self-Reliance (WSR) missionaries, certainly a big surprise that we were called to France.

“The aim of the self-reliance initiative is to help individuals help themselves become self-reliant. Self-reliance is more than having a good job, food storage, or money in the bank. Self-reliance is ‘the ability, commitment, and effort to provide for the spiritual and temporal necessities of life for self and family. As members become self-reliant, they are also better able to serve and care for others,’ and work is enthroned as a ruling principle in their lives” (Handbook 2: Administering the Church [2010], 6.1.1).

Over the last five months, We have been studying the self-reliance program. There are four core classes in the Self-Reliance initiative:

Personal Finances
Find a Better Job
Starting and Growing my Business
Education for Better Work

In addition to these core classes, the church offers two courses for learning English:

EnglishConnect 1 and 2

There is an EnglishConnect 3 course which is taught through BYU pathways and is to help individuals learning English prepare for entering the BYU Pathways education system.

There are four additional courses offered by the church to strengthen self and family:

Emotional Resilience
Strengthening Marriage
Strengthening Family
Addiction Recovery

Churchofjesuschrist.org

In studying these programs, I have come to better understand the meaning and purpose of Self-Reliance as taught by the church.

“Without self-reliance one cannot exercise these innate desires to serve. How can we give if there is nothing there? Food for the hungry cannot come from empty shelves. Money to assist the needy cannot come from an empty purse. Support and understanding cannot come from the emotionally starved. Teaching cannot come from the unlearned. And most important of all, spiritual guidance cannot come from the spiritually weak.” (The Celestial Nature of Self-reliance, Marion G. Romney, October 1982)

President Thomas S. Monson taught: “Let us be self-reliant and independent. Salvation can be obtained on no other principle”
(“Guiding Principles of Personal and Family Welfare,” Ensign, Sept.
1986)

“All things unto me are spiritual, and not at any time have I given unto you a law which was temporal” (D&C 29:34)

“We invite you to diligently study and apply these principles and teach them to your family members. As you do so, your life will be blessed. You will learn how to act on your path toward greater self-reliance. You will be blessed with greater hope, peace, and progress.” (The First Presidency, in the introduction of all self-reliance manuals)

As a young father, I remember talking with one of the members of our ward. He was well off, but his whole demeanor, his entire focus was on making money. He was sincere in his belief that the difference he made in God’s kingdom depended on the amount of money he had to further His work. Once he was really wealthy, he would “make a difference in the church”. He wasn’t quite there yet, but his spacious house, large boat and other earthly possessions told a different story. He entirely missed the point. If all the Lord is after is money, he knows where all the riches of the world are hidden and has but to direct his leaders to untold wealth. Self-reliance does not separate the temporal and the spiritual. They are one. Being self-reliant does not dictate we have a lot of money and need to rely on no one else.

“Self-reliance is not the end, but a means to an end. It is very possible for a person to be completely independent and lack every other desirable attribute. One may become wealthy and never have to ask anyone for anything, but unless there is some spiritual goal attached to this independence, it can canker his soul.” (The Celestial Nature of Self-reliance, Marion G. Romney, October 1982)

President Léporé of the France Lyon mission and his son holding up a list of items to be included in homeless kits
Missionaries in Nice, France writing messages of faith and hope to be included in homeless kits

Could not a homeless person, or a homeless family be self-reliant in the eyes of the Lord? Missionaries in the France Lyon mission assembled homeless kits, not as a dole, but with the goal to include messages of hope and inspiration, hand written notes to lift up heavy hearts, to distribute these kits as the spirit directs to those whom they encounter during their service.

What is the Lord’s view of someone who is self-reliant?

churchofjesuschrist.org

The widow giving her mites at the temple may have been ‘dependent’ in the world’s view, but she was one of the most self-reliant people mentioned in the New Testament. I love the image of the widow as a young woman with children, teaching her children about trust, faith, action and service. In other words, to be self-reliant.

“Self-reliance is evidence of our trust or faith in God’s power to move mountains in our lives and to give us strength to triumph over trials and afflictions.” (My Foundation, Self-reliance is a principle of salvation)

Self-reliance has little to do with our ability to make money, the extent of our possessions or even the amount of food storage in our closets. Self-reliance is doing all that we are capable to spiritually and physically prepare ourselves to care for our families, care for others and wear ourselves out in His service.

Categories
Mission

Homeless

Early in our mission, Roland Léporé, our mission president requested that we help with a service project. At each zone conference, he wanted the missionaries to put together homeless kits that they could give out to the homeless they encounter during the course of their work. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has decided, however, to focus on larger humanitarian projects which impact many people. Smaller projects, such as homeless kits, are no longer approved for funding by the church.

After several months of work, we started a homeless kit project with the mission. Using a bit of creativity and finding local sources for materials, we put together, over time, sufficient supplies to have each elder and sister assemble two homeless kits; four per companionship. During the last sequence of Zone Conferences, the missionaries took the time to assemble the kits, and more importantly, write personal notes to put in each kit. After searching the web for resources on homeless kits, I came across this site, which gives many good recommendations on what the homeless need.

With the help of the office elders, we transported the materials, boxed up for each zone, to the mission office. For each zone conference, the supplies would be organized on tables for the missionaries to assemble kits.

We have already received posts and videos from missionaries who have given these kits to a homeless person they encountered during the day, tender stories of love and encouragement. It is our hope that over the next few weeks, these kits are distributed with love and care, as the spirit directs, to homeless individuals in the mission.

A hand written note is one of the most important components in a kit. Tracts and other mass-published items are quickly recognized and tossed, but a hand written note makes a profound difference. They are all children of a loving Heavenly Father and recognize the touch of his spirit. It is our prayer that the tender messages written by these missionaries will touch lives, however gently.

We also pray that as the missionaries give out these kits, they will feel the same love for them as the love emanating from our Heavenly Father over all his children. These are the last days, and we are tasked with gathering Israel. Sometimes this gathering takes place in the smallest of ways, a hand-written note of love and testimony, a kit at a time, one by one.

Categories
Mission

“Look”

Welfare Self-Reliance (WSR) missionaries do not work as closely with the mission as do mission couples in the office, or those working as MLS (Member, Leader Support) missionaries, so we go out of our way to make time and energy available to the mission. Several weeks ago, we assisted the mission with transfers. For those not familiar with mission service in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, young men, 18 years old or older are asked, as part of their priesthood responsibility, to serve a 2 year mission for the church. Where they go is completely dependent on the church. Young women, 19 years old or older may also serve and are called for 18 months.

New Missionary Arrival

These young missionaries serve two by two. Two young elders or two young sisters work together. About every 6 weeks, the mission goes through a “transfer” where some of the missionaries are moved to a difference city or with a different companion. Not everybody is shuffled, thank goodness, only about one third of those serving in the mission. Transfer day is a hectic one indeed. Along with shuffling the existing missionaries, there are those who complete their mission and are headed home, plus new missionaries entering the mission. Those going home come to Lyon for interviews and then a trip to the airport. Seasoned missionaries, called as trainers, come to Lyon to meet with their fresh new companions coming from one of the Mission Training Centers.

Transfer meeting screen capture, one of five

The couple in the office in charge of transportation must purchase train and bus tickets for all the missionaries who are moving, plus coordinate with Salt Lake City concerning flights for those arriving and those leaving. All of this mayhem transpires over two days. In volunteering to help, we were assigned the task of picking up new missionaries at the airport and transporting them to the mission home on the other side of the city. With flight delays and cancellations, we have to be flexible. This last transfer was impacted by strikes in Germany, so connecting flights had to be rescheduled and arrival times changed. Through all of this flows a stream of tiny miracles. Connections, luggage, assignments, it all comes together.

Elders Cannon and Sumsion with Dorothee Cannon our MTC instructor, on the screen. Elder Cannon was in town for a transfer or training activity and ‘happened’ to stop by while his mother was on line with us

Our part this last transfer was to pick up one of the mission vans at the mission home, drive across the city to the airport and pick a group of missionaries arriving late due to flight cancellations, drive them back to the mission home and then deliver a group of Elders to the apartments they would be staying in that evening before traveling to their destinations the next morning. The mission president likes to meet with the newly arriving missionaries for the day to interview them and get to know them before assigning them a trainer. They have dinner that evening and then send them all to local apartments for the night. We arrived with the late batch of missionaries just in time for dinner, which President Léporé, invited us to share.

The Lausanne Zone

The love, care and concern that the Léporés pour out on these young missionaries defies description. I stood with Sister Aimee Léporé as she said goodbye to the departing Elders and Sisters. Her description was like having your heart ripped out, thrown to the ground and stomped on every six weeks. They have given their lives in the service of these young emissaries of our Savior.

Before the transfer confusion begins, the president holds a mission-wide zoom meeting for all missionaries in the mission. In this meeting, Sister Léporé talked about Joy in the Savior. We know that He pleads our cause and joy is a gift as we bind ourselves to Him. President Léporé talked about “Look” moments. In Nephi’s vision (1 Nephi 11 – 14), he was invited many times by his attending angel to “Look”. As Nephi “Looked”, he beheld many events that had unfolded before and that for him would take place in the future. Each time he “Looked”, the angel showed him more of the future of the world and the role of the Savior in all that transpires. President Léporé invited each of us to “Look”; be aware of the events transpiring around us. Be aware that all of this is the fulfillment of Scripture. Nephi was invited to “Look”, and he saw the very events swirling around us. President Léporé described the results of acting in faith from the challenges given at the last Zone conference. Though the numbers tell only a small part of the story, indicators in the mission are doubling and doubling again.

President and Sister Léporé

Each of the missionaries who are returning home have a few minutes to render testimony. Again, we can feel the love and devotion they have for their Savior, and the friendship and trust they have for the Léporés. Again and again, I am reminded of the strength of the rising generation. We are loosing many who listen to the jeers and mocking from those in the great and spacious building (1 Nephi 8 in the Book of Mormon) and drift away from the church, but those who remain are stronger still.

We love being here. We love being a small part of his work and witnessing the strength and testimony of the many who stand beside us in His service. We have taken to heart these last weeks to “Look”. Look at the people who surround us through the Savior’s eyes. “Look” at the work we are trying to accomplish, the events unfolding around us, the care, protection and love God extends to His children; all through the Savior’s eyes. We invite each of you to take the time to “Look”. The evil raging in the hearts of men around us can be discouraging, but “Look” at the events transpiring as did Nephi, with an angel beside us to guide and interpret. “Look” at the care the Savior has taken in creating and guiding this mortal experience. “Look” at where He has placed us, the talents He has given us, and the weaknesses He has given us to help make us strong.