Tag: jesus

Returning Missionaries

Senior Missionaries

Catherine and Tim Frodsham, 12 May, 2025

We hear of more and more missionaries who are returning early from their missions. According to Jana Riess, that number is approaching 30%. I don’t have statistics on the number of returned missionaries going inactive, but those numbers are rising as well. Why?

Here are some thoughts, not backed in any way by studies or statistics, just my personal experiences. When I returned from my mission 50 years ago, the culture and values of the church were not very different from the societal values and culture of the day. If our values were not accepted by society, at least in general, they were respected.

Missionaries today are returning to an environment when traditional marriage is on the wane, and in many cases mocked. Cultural values are the very antithesis gospel values. We as friends and fellow members need to be actively engaged in welcoming these missionaries home. We need to accept them, integrate them into ward membership and activity, and to love them.

The church is being attacked on multiple fronts, from monetary policy to church history, blacks and the priesthood, the LDS concept of the Godhead, polygamy, the Book of Mormon and even the concept of gender.

America was built on the concept of equality. “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness” (The Declaration of Independence).

In this divinely inspired document, equal was equality in opportunity, equal treatment by the government and in the law. Within this framework, all were free to utilize and magnify their diverse talents and ability. Today, the emphases has shifted from equality to equity. All outcomes must be the same and there is no room for diversity in thought or belief. It is amazing to me how often the great deceiver promotes his failed plan to “save all” and keep the glory, and how compelling that plan appears to so many. Returning missionaries struggle with this and other tactics of the adversary which have gained so much traction in today’s society.

The tide of morality is ebbing and the ten commandments are regarded as obsolete in today’s culture. Many of the doctrines and practices of the church are seen as intolerant, and the arguments of acceptance, tolerance, diversity and equity seem compelling, especially to one who is struggling with the churches seemingly unyielding positions on agency, sin and doctrine. Returning missionaries have to contend with this prophesied perversion of right and wrong. More than ever, they need our strength, support and love.

Images from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Modern technology has been a two edged sword. Social media has isolated us as much as it has brought us closer together. Algorithms designed to cater to our thoughts, tastes and desires are designed to keep us online as long as possible by stroking egos and feeding us information that reinforces views espoused by social media moguls. The bitter political and moral divide, fueled by the internet and social media, pits family members against each other also places us at odds with the Church and the gospel of Jesus Christ.

The adversary is working as never before to separate us from our Lord and Savior. The technology he uses to lure us away from a celestial life was not created for that purpose. It was created by our loving God to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ and bring families together across the veil. The fact that Lucifer hijacks this technology does not mean he owns it.

Returned missionaries have a vast array of resources available to them to strengthen testimony and transition to post-mission life. The church has such programs as “my plan for returned missionaries”, leaders who are trained and care about the the sons and daughters of god under their care, and for every anti-Mormon website there are a plethora of resources to build knowledge, faith and testimony. To start, go to churchofjesuschrist.org and search for “Returned Missionaries” or “Early Returned Missionaries”. All can help them find and use these resources.

Society is not simply drifting, it is accelerating towards evil. There is a constant re-hash of anti-Mormon sentiment on the internet and social media. In addition there is more openness about the humanity of our church leaders, past and present. All of this forms a perfect storm for a crisis of faith.

In this toxic, noisy, intolerant environment, one cannot simply drift. During Lehi’s vision of the Tree of Life, he struggled through darkness before arriving at the tree:

1 Nephi 8:5 And it came to pass that I saw a man, and he was dressed in a white robe; and he came and stood before me.

6 And it came to pass that he spake unto me, and bade me follow him.

7 And it came to pass that as I followed him I beheld myself that I was in a dark and dreary waste.

8 And after I had traveled for the space of many hours in darkness, I began to pray unto the Lord that he would have mercy on me, according to the multitude of his tender mercies.

Lehi had an Angel of the Lord to guide him through the darkness. Most of us, me most definitely included, do not have the faith he had to summon an angel, but the Lord, in his tender mercy, planned even for the least of us:

1 Nephi 8:19 And I beheld a rod of iron, and it extended along the bank of the river, and led to the tree by which I stood.

21 And I saw numberless concourses of people, many of whom were pressing forward, that they might obtain the path which led unto the tree by which I stood.

23 And it came to pass that there arose a mist of darkness; yea, even an exceedingly great mist of darkness, insomuch that they who had commenced in the path did lose their way, that they wandered off and were lost.

24 And it came to pass that I beheld others pressing forward, and they came forth and caught hold of the end of the rod of iron; and they did press forward through the mist of darkness, clinging to the rod of iron, even until they did come forth and partake of the fruit of the tree.

In the history of mankind, the mists of darkness have never been greater. Throughout history, the adversary has attacked the church through violence, with former saints leading the charge. Today, he has augmented his tactics, using God given technology to twist the truth, deny the faith, and lead an army of apostates to denounce His kingdom through lies, doubts and fear. His attack is fiercest on those most detrimental to his kingdom. Serving and returning missionaries.

Missionaries must prepare themselves before their missions, and returning missionaries must work to maintain and grow their faith and testimonies. Yes, leaders and programs are not perfect. Yes, they will be tried, offended, bewildered and confused and at times, simply lost in the mists of darkness. They must remember to doubt our doubts, use the resources available to us to search for truth and cling to the iron rod the Lord has so purposefully prepared for these latter days. We as members and friends need to be sensitive to the struggles these returning missionaries face, and to project the love that the Savior Jesus Christ has for them.

We have returned home and joined that ever increasing throng of returned missionaries. We love the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We love this restored church, led by Apostles and Prophets called and ordained through priesthood power. Fifty years ago, I served as a young missionary. Catherine and I have both served temple missions and we are now completing a senior mission together.

We served for nine months in Lyon France, strengthening members, teaching leaders and specialists about the self-reliance and emotional resilience programs. We spent the last nine months of our mission in Athens, Greece, shepherding the humanitarian work so desperately needed there. We have been blessed to serve with people of many denominations and all walks of life, who follow the Light of Christ in the service of their fellow man. Their example has humbled and inspired us. Our prayer now is that this great work will continue and the donations of the members of the church, great and small, will continue to bless and improve the lives of all in this historic land.

All missionaries, seniors in particular, must invent their mission. The Lord never tells in minute detail what we must do. As a result, missions can be tumultuous, but the rewards of seeking inspiration, serving Him full time and leaving our comfort zone small in the rear view mirror, are vast. For a time, we leave the world, and returning home from such a spiritual oasis is a change, even a shock, but is a bold and beautiful step for each of us.

Welcome home.

Tags bible, christianity, faith, jesus, missions, returned-missionaries

Mission

Our Ukrainian Refugee Friends

Post author By Catherine Frodsham
Post date May 3, 2025
No Comments on Our Ukrainian Refugee Friends

Catherine Frodsham 3 May 2025

This is Tatiana and Ilya Chekaramit. They are Ukrainian refugees that live in Athens Greece. He has a doctorate in Agriculture Science. They lost their large home and their farm in the Ukraine war. They live in a very small one bedroom apartment with two small single beds, a little desk, an old computer, three small old wooden chairs, one shelf, a little sink in a kitchen closet area, a drawer with a zip lock bag of old pictures, one small fridge and a hot plate. They have no table for meals, no TV and no music.

They don’t speak Greek or English. They are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day saints and have been sealed together. Our Athens branch had a temple trip and 4 people went with our Senior sisters. They went. They were so happy to go.

I remember one Sunday maybe a month after we came from Lyon, France, we were still getting to know the branch members. It was a fast & testimony meeting. Ilya got up and walked up to the front and he didn’t stay at the pulpit, he stood behind the half wall in front of where the branch presidency sits. He bore his testimony in Ukrainian. I was not even aware of that because I just assumed it was Greek. Brother Price stood up after and started to sob and he said we just witnessed a miracle. I asked Bro. Price what he meant and he told me after the meeting that these two wonderful Ukrainian Refugees come every Sunday and they don’t understand Greek or English or any other language. They understand their covenants. We had witnessed a miracle in our little Athens branch.

Family photos. All they were able to save from the war

They understood the importance of the sacrament and partaking of the sacrament each Sunday. I would watch for them to come through the door. If I was playing the keyboard they would come and give me a hug before taking their seats. I LOVE THEM. We communicated – not through words but through love. I knew they loved me, and they knew I loved them.

Ilya had a stroke a few weeks ago. While Tim and Elder Kanellis went to his hospital room to give him a blessing, I waited with Tatiana in the waiting area, and we talked through google translate on our phones. It was so hard because some words do not translate so we knew, kind of, what each other was saying.

Luckily Ilya has recovered enough to go home. He can walk some, but he is very weak. It is too hard to come to church so the missionaries take the sacrament when they can. It is a harder life here in Greece. Most of our members do not have cars. Everyone has to walk, take buses or the metro to church. It even takes us an hour to drive to the metro and then go all the way down in Athens to church. It is a struggle for all members to get to church.

Tim and I went to say goodbye to Brother and Sister Chekaramit last week. Our mission is coming to an end, and we are going home. My heart hurt seeing the conditions they live in. They were so happy to see us and had us come in. Since they only had three chairs…Ilya pulled up a plastic stool and sat on that. We had brought food for them, and I helped Tatiana put it away. She was telling me about her big house and now look where we are and she smiled and shrugged her shoulders like, Oh well!

I am in awe of these stalwart pioneers. No matter what, they hold on to their testimonies of our Savior Jesus Christ. They keep their temple covenants and their baptismal covenants. They love others. They are happy and know who they are. They know God loves them and that possessions are not what brings happiness. They are grateful for their lives and know they will live with Heavenly Father again if they endure to the end.

I want to be just like them. I love this son and daughter of God. I will always remember them and will look for them when we all return to our Heavenly Father. I am grateful to call Tatiana and Ilya, our eternal friends.

Tags bible, christianity, church, faith, Greece, jesus, Missionary work, temple, testimony, ukraine

Mission

Easter in Greece

Tim Frodsham

For my family, the celebration of Easter has always been an Easter egg hunt on Saturday, Easter baskets Sunday morning and a special Easter program at church. The real celebration in the west is Christmas. Weeks, or even months before December 25, we begin our selection of Christmas presents, choose a tree and decorate it as a family. Christmas letters, Christmas cards, gifts, baked goods and other treats to neighbors and fellow saints at their doorstep. Christmas hymns and talks at church throughout the month and the preparation and delight of Christmas morning.

Christmas in Greece

Eastern or Greek Orthodox Christians do it differently. Christmas is a subdued affair compared to the western commercialized extravaganza from October through December, although there are strong traditions. Christmas celebrations in Greece run from 6 December, the name day of St Nicholas, to 6 January, the Epiphany or baptism of Jesus.

The Karavaki involves decorating a wooden boat instead of a Christmas tree. Greece is a maritime nation, and the boat symbolizes the prayer for the sailors to return safely home.

Kallikantzaroi are evil spirits that appear during the 12 days of Christmas, from 25 December to 6 January. They climb down the chimneys to instigate their own kind of mischief. To foil them, a yule fire is kept burning the entire 12 days.

Agios Vassilis or Saint Basil is the Greek version of Santa Claus and is tasked with bringing presents to the children. His birthday is 1 January, which makes for an interesting New Year, Christmas mix.

Kalanta are Greek Christmas carols which are sung Christmas Eve by the youth, in the streets and door to door. The expectation is to give them a little cash for their performance. We did not know this our Christmas in Greece, and I am sure there are a few youth disappointed in those stingy foreigners.

Smashing the Pomegranate. When leaving for church services on New Years, the husband puts a pomegranate in his pocket. He re-enters the house, right foot first, then turns around and smashes the pomegranate in front of the house. The bigger the splash and the better the seeds spread, the better the new year will be.

Some of the traditional breads and treats prepared during the Christmas season are Christopsomo or Christ’s bread, Vasilopita or St Basil’s cake. Cookies such as Melomakarona, Kourampiedes, Melomakarona and Kourampiedes.

The Epiphany is the final celebration of the Christmas season which commemorates the baptism of Jesus.

In General, Christmas celebrations are powerful, but subdued. Other than the Christmas singing on Christmas Eve, we did not see a large outward expression of Christmas. The big celebration is Easter

Easter

Much of the Easter description and some of the pictures below are borrowed from a presentation by our Mission President, David Nelson. The Easter celebration begins well before Easter Sunday.

First is Apokries, which essentially means, “No More Meat.” It is a 3-week prelude to the 40-day Great Lent prior to Easter. Lent is a time of solemnity and fasting, so the Apokries is a time of indulgence: Eat, Drink, & Be Merry! Costumes and masks offer anonymity and freedom of expression. These festivities date back to Ancient Greek feasts organized to honor Dionysus, god of wine, fun and fertility, as a celebration of spring and nature’s rebirth. Red and white Easter bracelets are worn through March, then put on a tree on April 1st and hang on a tree branch for birds to use to make their nests.

Τσικνοπέμπτη or “Thursday of the Smoke of Grilled Meat” is a BBQ feast where the Greeks roast a pig. This occurs the Thursday of the second week of Apokries. Lent is considered meat-free (but not dairy-free), Wednesday and Friday are days of fasting in the Greek- Orthodox Christian tradition, this makes Tsiknopempti one of the last opportunities for people to eat meat. The last two Saturdays of Apokries and the first Saturday of Lent are also times to remember the dead.

Clean Monday: 40 days before Easter, begins the days of Lent. It is a traditional day of house cleaning, began when women would clean their pots of grease from cooked meat, in preparation for the Lent fast. This is also a day for flying kites. We saw stores filled with colorful kites, though not many were flown while we were in Greece because of the weather.

Images of Kira Sarakosti (Lady Lent) from David Nelson

Children bake or paint the figure of a seven legged women, then break of a leg each of the seven weeks till Easter. The last leg is cut on Holy Saturday and hidden in a dried fig or walnut. The one receiving it is lucky.

Lazarakia, sweet, spicy Lenten bread. From David Nelson

Eight days before Easter, is Lazarus Saturday, celebrating the raising of Lazarus from the dead. Tradition holds that in order to escape Jewish persecution, he fled to Larnica on Cypress. His traditional burial sight is the Church of St Lazarus and there are unique celebrations on Cypress for this day.

Holy Week

Palm Sunday, celebrates the Christ’s entrance into Jerusalem. Greeks are allowed to eat fish on this day, commemorating the miracle of the loaves and fishes.

Tuesday of Holy Week, Athenians gather to hear the Hymn of Kassiani, or Hymn of the Fallen Woman. It is heard only once a year.

On Holy Wednesday, children go out to gather grape leaves from the freshly budded vines.

On Holy Thursday, these grape leaves are used to make dolmadakia, which is rice wrapped in the leaves. Greeks may also visit a church for a small bottle of olive oil which has been blessed. They then apply this oil to their children’s hands, feed, forehead, etc.

Children dye hard boiled eggs red. The egg symbolizes the sealed tomb, and the red signifies the blood of Christ. One egg is saved until the next Easter season. On Saturday, last year’s is taken to the church and cracked. The prosperity you will see the next year depends on how well the egg was preserved. Also on Thursday, They make butter cookies called Koulourakia and breads called Tsourekia and Tsourekakia. These are not to be eaten before the end of Saturday.

Holy Thursday evening is the longest service of the year, depicting one of the darkest times in the world. It consists of a reading of 12 lessons depicting the crucifixion and burial of Christ.

On Good Friday is a candle lit procession through the streets, following the “Κουβούκλειο” (Kouvoukleio) depicting the coffin of Christ.

It starts inside the church where a picture or statue of the crucified Christ is lowered into the coffin. It is then taken outside the church for a procession through the streets, with men, women and children following with candles.

Great Saturday is the day between the crucifixion and resurrection and is the day for the tradition of the “Holy Fire” in Jerusalem. for 1200 years, tradition has that divine light descends into the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

Today, the “Holy Fire” is distributed by air to all Eastern Orthodox nations from the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and is then brought to each parish before the day is over. People gather before midnight at their church, most waiting outside. The flame is brought out, usually into a darkened cathedral, and the fire is spread from candle to candle. People then pour out of the cathedral to light the candles of those waiting outside, so all are lit before midnight. At the stroke of midnight, the day of the resurrection, fireworks and music celebrate the coming day.

Almost as impressive is the stream of people, walking to their homes carefully preserving their lit candles. The flame from the candle will be kept burning for days, weeks and even months to remember what happened in the tomb Easter morning.

Easter day is for celebration. Families gather for traditional meals, games and family time. After our church services, I enjoyed a traditional Greek Easter meal with family in our building.

Young Lamb or Goat is roasted along with kokoretsi (lamb offal, or parts of the liver, heart, kidneys and tongue, wrapped in the intestines). As I walked home from the metro station, I saw families, out in their yards, turning the lamb or goat and the kokoretsi. It is definitely an acquired taste.

For many Greeks, these traditions are their only link to knowledge and faith in their Savior. Their faith requires little other veneration and works other than these Christmas and Easter traditions. There is much more to say about Greek Christmas and Easter traditions, but our focus here is to show the power of these traditions in the lives of the Greek people, and how tradition can strengthen and maintain our own faith.

Family Traditions

As a family, we built traditions through the years. We held a simple shepherd’s meal Christmas Eve. Placing a sheet on the living room floor, we brought out simple foods, crackers, cheese, figs and other dried fruit. My children looked forward to that as a highlight of the Christmas season and brought the tradition into their own families. We focused on giving, baking gifts for friends and neighbors, serving and being mindful of others. My eldest daughter’s most powerful memories are from just such an experience.

For Easter, we followed the normal traditions of Easter, egg hunts, the Easter bunny and of course, church services, but as I have watched the Greek people celebrate the resurrection, I wish we had done more.

Traditions are powerful. One of the reasons the church is making little headway in the eastern orthodox countries is the plethora of tradition. Traditions bind individuals, families and generations together, and to their faith.

We need to harness the power of traditions, not only as families, but as a church. The brethren are emphasizing the celebration of Easter, and for good reasons. Traditions are most powerful in binding people to true faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Tags christianity, Easter, faith, Greece, jesus, lent, Missionary work

Mission

Philippi & Lydia

Tim Frodsham. 13 April, 2025

On a humanitarian trip to the city of Serres we visited a community center associated with a refugee camp on the outskirts of town. We decided to take a small detour on the way home and visit the ancient city of Philippi. The Apostle Paul preached to the Philippians and was imprisoned there for a time. Most scholars agree that the Paul’s letter to the Philippians in the New Testament is authentic, but is most likely a composite of fragments of letters he wrote to the saints there.

King Phillip II conquered the city in 356 BC and named the city after himself. Gold discovered nearby enriched the city, and Phillip II established a mint there.

We spent a few hours walking through the ruins of Philippi, enjoying what some of our more outspoken young missionaries refer to as “another pile of dead rocks”. That may be. After a while, the “piles” of Greek and Roman ruins do seem to blend together.

In younger days, I took my family on a 5 week tour of historical sights of the modern church in the U.S.A. I have walked the streets of Old Jerusalem, tracing the footprints of Jesus. Now, walking the deserted streets of Philippi, I felt that same spirit of sacrifice and testimony. We gazed into the jail where Paul was purportedly imprisoned, where he crouched in the dungeon like cell and wrote encouragement to the saints.

After the city of Philippi, we drove to the traditional site of Lydia’s baptism. She is thought to be the first convert to Christianity in Europe (Acts 16:14,15). She listened to the preaching of Paul and was converted along with her household The traditional site of her baptism is a quiet, peaceful stream surrounded by rather rugged, dry, hill country.

We have our own unique challenges in these the last days, but we have a common bond with all generations of believers. From the time of Adam, the adversary has plagued all generations. From slaying Abel, the persecution and death of prophets throughout Jewish history, the crucifixion of Christ and the martyrdom of his apostles, the sacrifices of the reformists to the death of Joseph Smith. We don’t worship the sites of early Christian struggles, but learning the history of Christianity gives us history and perspective into our own spiritual journey.

Tags bible, christianity, faith, god, jesus

Mission

Zone Conference Feb 25

Tim Frodsham. 2 March, 2025

Every six weeks, give or take, the Athens Zone of the Greece Bulgaria Mission gather for a conference. This comprises all of the young missionaries in Greece: Four young missionaries in Thessaloniki, six young missionaries in Athens and four young missionaries on the island of Crete. Also attending are senior couples and a duo of single sisters who run the office in Athens. The conference is small, but this thin leaven does incredible things. “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.” Romans 1:16

President and Sister Nelson, Hornbarger and Christensen

We start out at Mars Hill to hear from missionaries who are arriving as well as departing.

The young elders and sisters provide most of the training, focusing on precepts from “Preach My gospel”.

Our mission president Nelson focused on building branches and eventually wards and stakes in a sustainable way. After decades of missionary work in Greece, there is one small branch in Thessaloniki, and another in Athens. Several decades ago, there were five branches in the country.

Recent converts have been migrants and asylum seekers, who have been led to receive the gospel where they could not in their own country, but most are transient and bring little long term strength to the latter-day church. What is needed is strong, permanent members who serve as branch presidents, bishops, relief society presidents and other leaders. Leaders who prepare the this country for a temple.

This is The Church of Jesus Christ. We are commissioned by our Savior to spread his gospel: “And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.”Mark 16:15

Tags bible, christianity, church, Greece, history, jesus, Missionary work, missions, Zone Conference

Mission

Prayers vs. Blessings

Tim Frodsham, 28 January, 2025

I have always been an ardent student and advocate of priesthood blessings. When my children were young, I would spend time contemplating, seeking inspiration from the Holy Spirit before laying my hands on my precious charges to bless them in time of need, or time of change. Priesthood blessings were an integral part of important events such as the first day of school, start of college, start of a mission, before marriage and dealing with a problem or crisis. Don’t let this small list hinder you from taking advantage of any opportunity to bless your children, your grandchildren and any others who cross your path.

Quotes in this blog are from the April 2018 Russell M Nelson, “Ministering with the Power and Authority of God”.

“Brethren, we hold the holy priesthood of God! We have His authority to bless His people. Just think of the remarkable assurance the Lord gave us when He said, ‘Whomsoever you bless I will bless.’ It is our privilege to act in the name of Jesus Christ to bless God’s children according to His will for them.”

Using priesthood power, as a father and grandfather, I called down angels from heaven to surround, protect and nurture the children God entrusted to my care. At the time, we were forbidden by church leaders to record these blessings, and it was not until an empty Nester that the brethren encouraged us to record these moments to pass on to our children.

“Not long ago, I attended a sacrament meeting in which a new baby was to be given a name and a father’s blessing. The young father held his precious infant in his arms, gave her a name, and then offered a beautiful prayer. But he did not give that child a blessing. That sweet baby girl got a name but no blessing! That dear elder did not know the difference between a prayer and a priesthood blessing. With his priesthood authority and power, he could have blessed his infant, but he did not. I thought, “What a missed opportunity!”

In a post on my regular blog, I described a hike down the Zion Narrows, where my young scout leader called down the powers of heaven. It was more than a tremendous prayer. There is a powerful difference between offering a heartfelt prayer to our God, and using Priesthood authority to call down the power of Heaven.

“It is a remarkable blessing to serve in the Lord’s true and living Church with His authority and power. The restoration of the priesthood of God, including the keys of the priesthood, opens to worthy Latter-day Saints the greatest of all spiritual blessings. We see those blessings flowing to women, men, and children throughout the world.”

As a young father and scout leader, I also had home teaching assignments to several families, one of which was my youth leader in the post on the Zions Narrows. I was working in my yard one day when he came down the street to tell me his parents were divorcing. He wanted me to come give him and his siblings a priesthood. On entering their home, mom was there, but from the icy reception, I knew she wanted nothing to do with priesthood or blessings. I started with the youngest child, and rather than pronouncing a prayer of council, I gave a blessing. I called down angels to protect and comfort this tiny daughter of God. Child by Child, I worked up the family, using Priesthood power and authority to call blessings, protection and comfort on this distressed family. When I finished the last child, That confused, stressed and shaken mother sat down in the chair for her own blessing. I was honored to pronounce upon her a priesthood blessing as well.

“Brethren, there are doors we can open, priesthood blessings we can give, hearts we can heal, burdens we can lift, testimonies we can strengthen, lives we can save, and joy we can bring into the homes of the Latter-day Saints—all because we hold the priesthood of God.”

Among other things, the power of the priesthood sets us apart form all the religions and all the sects of the world. We as fathers have a right and privilege to call down the powers of heaven in behalf of our wives, our children, family and any in our circle who request a blessing from God.

Tags blessings, christianity, church of Jesus Christ of latter-day Saints, family, jesus, Ministring, priesthood

Mission

Changing of the Guard

30 September, 2024 Tim Frodsham

Last July, our mission president, Roland Léporé. And his wife, Amie, completed their three years of service to the people of southern France and returned home. They were replaced by Jason and Jennifer Soulier. They could not be more different.

President Léporé is a quiet, soft spoken man whose spiritual presence dominates the room. In zone conferences and other meetings, he stayed in the background for most of the meeting, speaking occasionally and allowing his missionaries to conduct and present. Many missionaries told us that when they were in the presence of President Léporé they felt they were in the presence of Christ. He was true shepherd. The young sisters and elders knew he was a true servant of the Lord, and they loved him.

President Soulier was a salesman in his former life, and exudes the confidence and energy of a motivational speaker. Where President Léporé’s meetings were quiet and thoughtful, those of President Soulier tend to be more loud and boisterous, They both work. I understand there is little overlap as one president replaces another. One president and his family leave before the other arrives. I think the brethren do that for a reason. They want the incoming presidents to follow the Savior, to use their own talents, and that of their companions in their sinngular manner, to move the mission forward as servants of Jesus Christ, using the talents unique to them.

Both couples are powerful men and women. Both are servants of Jesus Christ. Both have a mantle of leadership. Both focus on the work of the Lord and bring that work to fruition in utilizing their unique talents and gifts endowed from on high.

Unfortunately, we served with the Souliers for just a few months before we were transferred to Greece. During that time, I was impressed with their insight and problem solving abilities. Like their predecessors, they are people of faith. They are called, and are responding to that call to the best of their abilities and more, abilities that are magnified by the power of the spirit.

We are now serving with President David and Emily Nelson of the Bulgaria Greek mission. Not many missionaries have the experience of serving under three mission presidents. We are just getting to know them, and they too have a unique style of leadership. He is gentle, thoughtful and willing to listen to even the smallest need. They love the missionaries, love of the Lord and the Lord magnifies their talents as well in His infinite, intimate way. We are truly blessed.

Tags bible, christianity, church, france, Greece, jesus, Missionary work, missions

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!

Tags Bern Temple, bible, christianity, faith, france, god, jesus, Mission, Missionary work

Mission

Miracle Sunday

Catherine Frodsham, Sunday July 7th 2024

Several weeks ago, I taught Relief Society. I had a month to prepare, although some of that time was taken with some special family events. I was asked to teach on a Conference Talk by Ulisses Soares on being Confident Covenant Keepers. I speak little French, and many of the Sisters in the ward speak no English, so I made a power point presentation on parts of the lesson in French and had sisters read them. I also had a sweet translator named Helena. She is 18 years old and is the Relief Society Presidents daughter. I had lots of pictures of my family in the power point and I told a couple of personal stories. The reason I told those stories was so the sisters could see how I got through some very hard things in my life by staying true to the covenants I had made in the temple. That gave me strength. I am pretty honest and told of my weaknesses as well. I told a story of being on the floor and I couldn’t get up after my husband Zane died. But I remembered my eternal covenants and I prayed for help. The Lord sent angels to help me get up. The lesson went well and we had lots of discussion. One sister came up at the end and said some women in this room are still on the floor. That was interesting. The French people tend to be very proud and private. Most of the sisters would not ever tell a personal story let along reveal weaknesses. BUT, here is the miracle!!!! A cute sister that I see each week who is very quiet and does not engage with anyone came up to me after sacrament meeting the next week. She was nervous but she came up to me and said, “you don’t know me but I was in Relief Society last week and heard your lesson. I went home and told my husband about your lesson. He is not a member. He has not been interested in church although we have a son serving a mission in Africa right now. He told me I could invite you and your husband over to dinner in the next few weeks”. She said he is changing in some ways. I said Tim and I would be so happy to come over to dinner.

I told Tim about this on our way home from church and he said there are reasons we are here. More and more miracles happen when we turn our hearts over to God and let Him lead us. We just need to be willing to go where he asks us to go. There have been several people that we have met and I have looked them in the eye and I know we are here for them. I have told them that when I feel that so strongly. Here are the few by name because I want to remember when I said this: Machilo – baptized in May. Yebei –from China and still investigating. Clarmont – I love this young man. He will be a Bishop someday. His family are 7th day Adventist and are very against him being baptized. Members I know I am here for – Theresa, Martine, Munashe, Laetitia, and all our missionaries who we love!

God is a God of love. We all need to be loving and kind and welcoming. I am grateful to be a missionary in the Lyon France Mission.

Tags christianity, faith, france, jesus, missionary, Missionary work, missions

Mission

Baptism of Machilo

Catherine Frodsham 30 June 24

When Tim and I first got to Lyon last November we were very sick with COVID. It took us a few weeks to recover, and the first activity we were able to attend was a ward Christmas dinner. We struggled to find our church building which is indistinguishable from the surrounding apartment buildings. Several floors of apartments were remodeled to make our meetinghouse. On the 3rd floor, a large room with a baptismal font is where we have baptisms and ward dinners. It is not very big but we manage. I was a bit overwhelmed with not speaking French, but was drawn to a cute couple from Zimbabwe. I walked across the room and started talking to them. The girl was so cute and her name was Munashe, his name was Machilo. We started to talk and I asked him a ton of questions.

When I found out he was not a member, I was shocked because he acted like a member, was so kind and had all the right answers. I remember saying , “why aren’t you a member, whats holding you back”? He started to laugh and said I am working on it. From then on we hosted them and the sisters who were teaching him at our apartment once a week for lessons and dinner. We did that from December through May. What a joy to have this wonderful young couple in our home.

They had been trying to get married for months. Assembling the paperwork necessary for a wedding license was difficult as they needed a number of documents from their home government. France does not recognize weddings in a church. It has to be done by the government and then after that you can go to a church and do a wedding ceremony. In the meantime, Munashe was expecting a baby in March. I remember early on Machilo said “ Should I get baptized first or get married first?” I loved that! I said you need to get married first, otherwise you would have to move out!! We laughed! We had such great lessons.

The sisters were Sis. Fraga, Sis. Ariiotima, & Sis. Molinet. Sis. Molinet was giving a lesson and she challenged Machilo to be baptized on May 4th. I remember thinking that was so far away. But it was very inspired especially a month later when they got their wedding date from the government. Machilo and Munashe got a wedding date from the government for Saturday April 27th. I realized then that God is in charge and we need to trust Him.

On March 26th little Elsie was born. What a sweet little baby. We all are in love with her. Machilo and Munashe call us her “Gogo” and “Khulu” which are grandma and grandpa in the Zimbabwe tribe they are from.

Then they were married on Saturday April 27th. Then on Saturday May 4 we all came to the church building. I worked with Laetitia (RS president) and Bishop Nelson and we planned a beautiful wedding and baptism feast. Machilo loves white cake with white frosting and I made him a wedding cake. We bought flowers and decorated very simply. I had fun with the decorations. We had the baptism and then we cut the cake and had a party. It was so fun to celebrate. The french like to eat long meals and party into the night. Bishop was worried but it was all done in 3 hours. So fun to celebrate Machilo. Just for information. Last Sunday June 23, Machilo was called to be the Ward Clerk. He was made an Elder. We are so proud of him.

We had many discussions with the two of them, answering questions and testifying of the truthfulness of the Gospel and the church Machilo was joining. Meeting after meeting, the spirit filled our tiny apartment. He is one that the Lord prepared for us to meet.

Tags Baptism, christianity, church, faith, france, jesus, Missionary work