Mormonism & the Mormon church

One of the side effects of being a Mormon missionary is that you meet lots of great people. (Probably because you simply meet lots of people, period.) Some of my best friends today are those I met while serving a mission in Brazil. That includes my mission companions, other missionaries who weren’t my companions, and families living in Minas Gerais. Those friendships and associations are among the best I have.

As I hinted above, meeting lots of people means you meet several negative or unfriendly persons as well. But those relationships fade quickly and the good ones remain.

Missionary work isn’t easy but the benefits are numerous.

When I started this blog, I intended to talk more about my experiences as a Mormon missionary. As a missionary in Brazil, many people were surprised to find out that being a missionary was a temporary assignment and that I would return to be a layman in the Church and pursue other professional goals. They were also surprised to learn that Mormon missionaries don’t receive a salary but in fact pay their own way. These sacrifices, combined with long hours of mental and physical exertion make being a Mormon missionary a demanding job.

But on the other hand, there was never a time when my tasks were so focused and clear cut. I felt important and productive. I met so many good people, among both the Brazilians I taught and among the Brazilian and Americans that were my companions. I repeatedly felt the Holy Spirit affirm the truthfulness of what I was doing and teaching and learning.

Being a Mormon missionary wasn’t easy, but I’m so thankful for what it did for me. President Gordon B. Hinckley said that missions are a tithing on the first 20 years of your life — not easy, but after doing it God opens the windows of heaven.

The idea of “eternal” or “celestial” marriage is among the most unique (and appealing) doctrines of Mormonism. Unlike other marriage ceremonies that end in the words “until death do you part”, marriage ceremonies performed in Mormon temples include the promise that couples that are faithful to each other and to God may continue as husband and wife for the rest of eternity, joint heirs with Jesus Christ. This is one of the most appealing promises of becoming a member of the Mormon church and among the biggest rewards for living a Christian life.

An article at LDS Church Temples has more information on Mormon marriage.

This weekend as I watched General Conference on TV, I couldn’t help but feel a bit melancholy during President Hinckley’s talk. Gordon B. Hinckley became prophet and president of the Mormon church when I was a freshman in high school. He is the prophet that I grew up with, that sent me on a mission, and who I’ve heard speak the most. His talk this weekend was reflective and personal, as if he was alluding to his own upcoming passing. Despite that tone, President Hinckley ended the talk by saying, essentially, ‘This isn’t an obituary. I look forward to seeing you in October.”

I found it interesting to learn today that two years ago on President Hinckley’s birthday, President George W. Bush awarded Gordon B. Hinckley the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest award given to civilians. I can’t think of anyone more deserving.

In the Mormon Church, Thomas Monson is the president of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles. This means that when the current president of the Church Gordon B. Hinckley passes away, Thomas S. Monson will (most likely) become the new prophet and president of the Church.

This weekend was the semi-annual General Conference, which we watched on TV. (It’s 4 hours on Saturday and 4 hours on Sunday.) The men are also expected to attend a priesthood meeting Saturday evening, so it is an additional 2 hours of meetings that day.

At the Saturday evening priesthood meeting it was interesting hear President Thomas Monson speak so openly and candidly. Though he has always seemed warm and friendly as a speaker, he was particularly warm and even entertaining this evening. His intonation and facial expressions make it easy to listen to his talks. I think that in turn makes it easier for his stories to uplift because he can keep the audience’s attention so well. President Monson told several uplifting stories that evening. I look forward to rereading his talk when it becomes available within a few weeks in print.