July 16-22, 2023
SUNDAY
Lukas and Camille Maring will be moving next Saturday to Den Haag. He was released as a counselor in the Bishopric and she from the Primary. Both will be missed by the Utrecht Ward. Sam Lund was sustained as the counselor in the Bishopric. He is an American, served his mission in Chile, so he speaks English and Spanish. He is working on Dutch. Most members of our ward speak or at least understand English. We also have several Spanish speakers.
Leana has been to church for three weeks in a row and is now on date for baptism September 10. She is a wonderful person, has a great desire to know the principles of the gospel and follow Jesus Christ.
MONDAY
Doug was invited by our District Leader Elder Wood to give the Spiritual Thought in District Council today. Following is his outline:
Spiritual Thought on Testimony
- WHAT IS A TESTIMONY
President Oaks:
“A testimony of the gospel is a personal witness borne to our souls by the Holy Ghost that certain facts of eternal significance are true and that we know them to be true. Such facts include the nature of the Godhead and our relationship to its three members, the effectiveness of the Atonement, and the reality of the Restoration.”
Elder Stevenson:
Your testimony is a most precious possession, often associated with deep spiritual feelings. These feelings are usually communicated quietly and described as a “still small voice.” It is your belief or knowledge of truth given as a spiritual witness through the influence of the Holy Ghost. Acquiring this witness will change what you say and how you act.
Key elements of your testimony, confirmed by the Holy Ghost, include:
[1] God is your Heavenly Father; you are His child. He loves you.
[2] Jesus Christ lives. He is the Son of the living God and your Savior and Redeemer.
[3] Joseph Smith is a prophet of God called to restore the Church of Jesus Christ.
[4] The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is God’s restored Church on the earth.
[5] The restored Church of Jesus Christ is led by a living prophet today.
II. How Do I Keep My Testimony?
Elder Stevenson:
“I believe a testimony is innate within us, yet, in order to keep it and more fully develop it, Alma taught that we must nourish our testimony with much care. As we do so, “it will get root, and grow up, and bring forth fruit.” Without this, “it withers away.”
“Each beloved member of the First Presidency has provided us with direction on how to keep a testimony.
“President Henry B. Eyring lovingly taught us that ‘feasting on the word of God, heartfelt prayer, and obedience to the Lord’s commandments must be applied evenly and continually for your testimony to grow and prosper.’
“President Dallin H. Oaks reminded us that to retain our testimony, ‘we need to partake of the sacrament each week (see D&C 59:9) to qualify for the precious promise that we will ‘always have his Spirit to be with [us]’ (D&C 20:77).’
“And President Russell M. Nelson kindly counseled recently:
‘Feed [your testimony] truth. …
‘… Nourish yourself in the words of ancient and modern prophets. Ask the Lord to teach you how to hear Him better. Spend more time in the temple and in family history work.
‘… Make your testimony your highest priority.’”
- Examples of Testimony
Peter:
13 ¶ When Jesus came into the coasts of Cæsarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?
14 And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets.
15 He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?
16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.
Matthew 16:13-16
Joseph Smith:
22 And now, after the many testimonies which have been given of him, this is the testimony, last of all, which we give of him: That he lives!
23 For we saw him, even on the right hand of God; and we heard the voice bearing record that he is the Only Begotten of the Father.
D&C 76:22-23
Joseph Smith:
President Oaks said: “The Prophet Joseph Smith provided a wonderful example of this. When he was persecuted for telling people about his vision, he likened his circumstance to the Apostle Paul, who was ridiculed and reviled as he made his defense before King Agrippa (see Acts 26). ‘But all this did not destroy the reality of his vision,’ Joseph said. ‘He had seen a vision, he knew he had, and all the persecution under heaven could not make it otherwise. … So it was with me,’ Joseph continued. ‘I had actually seen a light, and in the midst of that light I saw two Personages, and they did in reality speak to me. … I had seen a vision; I knew it, and I knew that God knew it, and I could not deny it, neither dared I’ (Joseph Smith—History 1:24–25).’”
“I had actually seen a light, and in the midst of that light I saw two Personages, and they did in reality speak to me; and though I was hated and persecuted for saying that I had seen a vision, yet it was true; and while they were persecuting me, reviling me, and speaking all manner of evil against me falsely for so saying, I was led to say in my heart: Why persecute me for telling the truth? I have actually seen a vision; and who am I that I can withstand God, or why does the world think to make me deny what I have actually seen? For I had seen a vision; I knew it, and I knew that God knew it, and I could not deny it, neither dared I do it; at least I knew that by so doing I would offend God, and come under condemnation.
JSH 1:25
Elder Bruce R. McConkie
And now, as pertaining to this perfect atonement, wrought by the shedding of the blood of God—I testify that it took place in Gethsemane and at Golgotha, and as pertaining to Jesus Christ, I testify that he is the Son of the Living God and was crucified for the sins of the world. He is our Lord, our God, and our King. This I know of myself independent of any other person.
I am one of his witnesses, and in a coming day I shall feel the nail marks in his hands and in his feet and shall wet his feet with my tears.
But I shall not know any better then than I know now that he is God’s Almighty Son, that he is our Savior and Redeemer, and that salvation comes in and through his atoning blood and in no other way.
God grant that all of us may walk in the light as God our Father is in the light so that, according to the promises, the blood of Jesus Christ his Son will cleanse us from all sin.
In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, amen.
The Purifying Power of Gethsemane, General Conference, April 1985
Douglas K. Glauser
On 18 July 1973 I said in my journal “I know that God lives and I have a testimony of Christ and the work I am engaged in.” On 19 July 1973 “…I had the opportunity to give [Elder Roberts] a blessing. It was wonderful and I could really feel the spirit of the Lord with me. Again, I must say God lives.”
- My Testimony and Invitation
Some are going home in a few days, others in a transfer or two and other at some point. My invitation is to consider the health of your testimony at the present time and then commit to nourish it “evenly and continually” for your lifetime.
TUESDAY
Departure interviews were today for six of the departing Elders. We love to meet with them each for a few minutes and hear about the things they have learned on their mission and their plans for the future.
Elder Tadje's family came to The Netherlands to pick him up. They came to the office today after his interview with President. It was so good to meet this wonderful family! Seeing the joyful reunion was precious!
Drew Tadje with his mom and dad💙
WEDNESDAY
We had just finished dinner when I noticed a text from one of our former missionaries, Madeline Nay. She and her family are back in The Netherlands and were in Gouda. I contacted her and found they were still at the office visiting with the VandeWal's. So we quickly walked back and had a very nice reunion with Madeline and met her family. This is one of the joys of our mission...to make friends with these amazing young people. Of note, Carter just received his mission call today...Texas McAllen Mission. He is so excited to be serving a mission!
THURSDAY
Another morning of departure interviews. For lunch all the missionaries that are going home come for lunch. Sister Watson makes her now-famous Tomato Soup, buys fresh bread, and we all enjoy lunch together. At 15:00 we gathered at the Mission Home for the Departure Meeting. At this short meting those going home share some things they have learned while on a mission. Today, President showed them the new Welcome video that was made by Elder Snow and Sisters Anderson and Bair. It will be shown on Orientation Day to all the incoming missionaries. It is well-done!
Atticus Snow is an amazing artist. Several months ago he was asked by President Watson to paint a specific scene. Even two weeks ago, Elder Snow had not found the time to do it. So it was a complete surprise to President Watson when he walked into his office and saw the finished painting. It really is stunning! President asked us to tell what we see and maybe what the horses and plow and man represent as related to missionary work. Listening to everyone's interpretation was very moving. I see the horses as two missionaries, moving steadily forward with guidance from their President to prepare for the planting. The Harvest comes later, but for now, we prepare.
Then it was time for photos...and some fun😁
FRIDAY
We had 10 new Elders arrive today! The trainers gathered at the Amsterdam Building to wait for their new companions.
SATURDAY
We had a wonderful time with the VandeWal's and Rick and Geurte Harskamp, friends from the Utrecht Ward. Rick is the ward clerk and Geurte is a counselor in Relief Society. They have two sons. They are a delightful couple, always looking for ways to serve others. We met at their house and visited for a little while. Geurte served a lovely dessert. This is a very Dutch custom that we have really come to love. Anytime we are in someone's house, there is a dessert served on a nice plate with a little fork.
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