Monday, January 5, 2009

This Seems Odd

I'm in an e-mail group of moms whose sons are serving missions in the Dominican Republic.  One of the moms said that yesterday her son e-mailed her and told her that the Mission President was not happy with their "numbers".  So he took away their temple privileges.  I will probably be struck down for this, but that seems wrong.  (That was also the consensus of the moms in my group).  I know Brian and his companion are working really hard.  As are most of the other missionaries.  It is not their fault if people don't want to listen to them.  You can't make people listen and accept the gospel.  It seems wrong to deny the missionaries the spiritual uplift that they get from going to the temple.  Now, when things are hard, is when the need it most.  

I know I shouldn't second guess a Mission President.  But sometimes it's hard not to.

9 comments:

kimberly said...

That seems very counter intuitive to me. (Is that one word or two?)

Laura said...

I don't know - but it's a good word!

Liz said...

That's ridiculous! It burns my hide! The only thing that should keep one out of the temple is their own lack of worthiness. Use the moxy Laura!

Sarah said...

I have a feeling that what the mission president actually said probably got changed somewhere down the line like that telephone game. Sometimes Angelo and I will have a really good heart to heart conversation and I think we totally understood eachother and later I will find out (usually from Jared) what Angelo thought was said and I am like, "What?! Do you speak English? I didn't say anything CLOSE to that!" It may be hard, but I would trust that the mission President's call was inspired and that he is being led by the Spirit before I trust info being received second hand.

Laura said...

I would like to believe that Sarah, but I'm just not sure. This mom's son is not an AP (Assistant to the President), but he's a missionary with a lot of responsibility. He is in contact with the AP's, who work with the MP. So I don't think the information traveled through too many people before it got to him. So I think I tend to believe it. I will ask Brian when I e-mail him next week.

And if the Mission President did make this rule, you would hope it was inspired, but as Robert said, even Mission Presidents make mistakes. I just can't help but believe that it's the missionaries and, ultimately, the work that will be hurt by this rule.

Shel said...

I would also hope that there was a miscommunication gone wrong somewhere, too! It would seem in that case, that the Temple would be the very place you would want to be, hmmmmm. I do understand that we are dealing with humans who are all capable of making mistakes and we are all imperfect, so I know I can't say for sure what is the right or wrong answer, but I know turning to the Lord in the case where "numbers are low" could only help. I'm sure those great missionaries, including Brian, will be greatly blessed for their persistence and diligence.. they are doing some fabulous work!

Rhonda said...

So all this time I'm coming back to your bookmarked blog and coming up with the "Walmart's Open" entry. I kept thinkin', "Why doesn't she update her blog?" Only today do I notice the Nov. date. Duh! That's where I left my comment to you! Anyways, the one thing I always remind myself is the old addage "the church is true but the people aren't perfect." All priesthood holders can and do make mistakes. Oh, the stories Landon tells about his old mission president! But I am sorry....I hate the numbers game and the implications of this stink. :(

Laura said...

Rhonda, I'm glad you finally made it to the right post!

Lori Hurst said...

Ick. However it happened - I'm sorry. I feel sad if Brian has lost being able to go to the temple - what a loss. Come get my seasons of Criminal Minds, sit down, turn it on and forget about life and reality for a bit (it is what I do and the reason I like watching my shows). Better yet - call me and I will run them over - give me an excuse to go get a Sonic diet coke with cherry and lime!