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Showing posts with label Missionary Work (LDS). Show all posts
Showing posts with label Missionary Work (LDS). Show all posts
Friday, January 29, 2021
Mormon Mentions: Katie Tallo
If you're not sure what a Mormon is, let alone a Mormon Mention, allow me to explain: My name is Susan and I'm a Mormon (you've seen the commercials, right?). As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (commonly known as the Mormon or LDS Church), I'm naturally concerned with how my religion is portrayed in the media. Because this blog is about books, every time I see a reference to Mormonism in a book written by someone who is not a member of my church, I highlight it here. Then, I offer my opinion—my insider's view—of what the author is saying. It's my chance to correct misconceptions, expound on principles of the Gospel, and even to laugh at my (sometimes) crazy Mormon culture.
(Note: In 2018, Russell M. Nelson—president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints—made an impassioned plea to members of the Church and to the media to always use the full and correct name of the Church instead of referring to it by its various nicknames. This led to the renaming of many Church entities, including its famous choir, which is now The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square. Although I have been trying to think up a clever new name for this feature that is more in line with President Nelson's request, for the moment it remains "Mormon Mentions.")
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Whenever I read a book that is set in a real place, I'm always curious to know which details about it are true and which are made-up to suit the story. Elgin—a town in Ottawa, Canada—plays a big role in Dark August by Katie Tallo. The way she describes it, especially as an abandoned village decimated by a toxic waste explosion, makes it sound like a fascinating place. Unfortunately, she did not include an author's note explaining what in the book is factual and what is not, so I had to do some digging on my own. Here's what I found:
While Elgin is, indeed, a real place, the whole toxic waste explosion/ghost town thing is 100% fiction. If you Google the town, you will see that it's a teensy (population: about 300) village southwest of Ottawa that appears to be a quaint, lovely place to live.
On the second page of Dark August, Elgin is described as "a settlement carved from nothing in the 1830s by Mormon missionaries." This bit of history appears to be true-ish. This website attributes the town's founding to members of the Halladay Family, but it does mention that missionaries from the Church arrived in the area in the 1830's and, in 1834, a large group of converts left the area for Mormon settlements in the United States. Church history websites (like this one) confirm the presence of missionaries there, who converted many people in the area. Genealogical information from FamilySearch also confirms that Halladays were prominent in the area in the 1800's. However, it appears that Tallo's characters were not based on real members of the family.
If you know anything about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, you probably know that it has always valued both community and missionary work. A number of towns and cities in the United States (especially in Utah, Idaho, Arizona, and California) as well as several in Mexico and Canada were, in fact, settled by early pioneers, missionaries, and members of the Church. The city I live in is one of them :)
Tuesday, March 28, 2017
Sweet Is the Work Offers Inspiring Lessons from Early Sister Missionaries (With a Giveaway!)
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is well known for sending missionaries to all corners of the globe to teach people the Gospel. The majority of these missionaries have—historically—been young men. However, many "senior" couples also serve as do thousands of young women. When did the Church start extending official mission calls to women? Although many women served as unofficial missionaries (most as companions to their husbands) before then, the first female called to be a full-time proselyting missionary was set apart all the way back in 1898. I had never heard of Amanda "Inez" Knight, who earned a place in LDS history by accepting this historical call.
When Breanna Olaveson heard about Knight and other early sister missionaries, she knew she wanted to write about these courageous and faithful women. Her new book, Sweet Is the Work: Lessons From the First Sister Missionaries, tells the stories of twelve women who left their homes to serve the Lord in the mission field. They endured sickness, mob violence, anxiety, the deaths of children, and many other afflictions in order to bring the Gospel to far-flung nations. Their tales are fascinating as well as inspiring. Sweet Is the Work is a slim volume, so Olaveson doesn't go into a lot of depth on any of the women, which is unfortunate. While I always appreciate a nice, quick read, I did want a little more substance out of this book. Still, it provides an interesting peek into a piece of Church history that I knew little about. Anyone with an interest in LDS missionary work will find it a worthwhile read. I know I did.
(Readalikes: Reminded me a little of At the Pulpit: 185 Years of Discourses by Latter-day Saint Women by Jennifer Reeder and Kate Holbrook, eds.)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
To the FTC, with love: I received a finished copy of Sweet Is the Work from the generous folks at Covenant Communications. Thank you!
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Interested in more opinions about Sweet Is the Work? Follow along on the book's blog tour:
Schedule:
*March 27th: http://heidi-reads.
*March 30th: http://lisaisabookworm.
*March 31st: http://www.
For a chance to win your own copy of Sweet Is the Work, plus a $25 Amazon gift card, fill out the Rafflecopter below. Good luck!
Thursday, March 03, 2016
Mormon Mentions: Fiona Barton
If you're not sure what a Mormon is, let alone a Mormon Mention, allow me to explain: My name is Susan and I'm a Mormon (you've seen the commercials, right?). As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (commonly known as the Mormon or LDS Church), I'm naturally concerned with how my religion is portrayed in the media. Because this blog is about books, every time I see a reference to Mormonism in a book written by someone who is not a member of my church, I highlight it here. Then, I offer my opinion—my insider's view—of what the author is saying. It's my chance to correct misconceptions, expound on principles of the Gospel, and even to laugh at my (sometimes) crazy Mormon culture.
--
In The Widow, a debut novel by Fiona Barton, Detective Inspector Bob Sparkes is looking into the disappearance of a 2-year-old girl. He and a sergeant knock on the door of a person of interest in the case:
When he [Mike Doonan] cracked open the door onto the walkway, it was not his Good Samaritan neighbor with his Saturday delivery of lager and sliced bread but two men in suits.
"If you're Mormons, I've already got enough ex-wives," he said, and made to close the door."
(quote from Page 77 of uncorrected proofs)
You'd be surprised how many times police procedurals mention detectives knocking on doors being mistaken for Mormon missionaries. It's the clean-cut, suit-wearing thing, apparently. This particular mention, with its not-very-subtle reference to polygamy, made me laugh out loud. Although plural marriage has not been practiced in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (the mainstream church is vastly different from its splinter groups, including fundamentalist sects that continue the practice) for over 100 years, the polygamy misconception/stigma remains. Even while I chuckle over this quote, I want to make one thing perfectly clear: members of the modern LDS Church do not practice polygamy. Okay? Okay.
Wednesday, February 17, 2016
Mormon Mention: Kali Wallace
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In Shallow Graves, a debut novel by Kali Wallace, the main character—recently deceased Breezy Lim—is talking to a friend. The topic under discussion is Mr. Willow, the leader of a cult who claims he can "fix" undead people like Breezy. This exchange between Rain and Breezy occurs at the 30% mark in the e-ARC of Shallow Graves: "Is he as scary as they say? I'm picturing the mutant offspring of Charles Manson and Ted Bundy."
"He looks like a middle-aged Mormon missionary," I said, and Rain laughed. "I didn't realize he was famous."
- You'd be surprised at how many times book/movie characters are described as looking like Mormon missionaries. Why? Because that's probably the easiest, most visual way of conjuring an image of someone who has a clean-cut appearance. The connotation of the phrase goes beyond that, though, indicating that the person is also honest, honorable, even innocent. All of which Mormon missionaries should be. Not only do they abide by strict dress and grooming standards (read more here), but they also adhere to an exacting code of personal worthiness. If elders and sisters are doing their best to live by these standards, then they are, in fact, clean, virtuous, and worthy of serving as the Lord's ambassadors.
(Book image from Barnes & Noble; missionary image from nearingkolob.com)
Thursday, October 08, 2015
Mormon Mentions: Melissa DeCarlo
If you're not sure what a Mormon is, let alone a Mormon Mention, allow me to explain: My name is Susan and I'm a Mormon (you've seen the commercials, right?). As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (commonly known as the Mormon or LDS Church), I'm naturally concerned with how my religion is portrayed in the media. Because this blog is about books, every time I see a reference to Mormonism in a book written by someone who is not a member of my church, I highlight it here. Then, I offer my opinion—my insider's view—of what the author is saying. It's my chance to correct misconceptions, expound on principles of the Gospel, and even to laugh at my (sometimes) crazy Mormon culture.--
In The Art of Crash Landing by Melissa DeCarlo, Mattie Wallace and her friend go to visit a man, looking for information about Mattie's mother. He invites them in. Then:
Mr. Hambly clears his throat, "Latter Day Saints? Jehovah's Witnesses?"
Luke and I both laugh. I think he's laughing out of surprise, but I'm laughing because Luke, in his white dress shirt and dark tie, really does look like a religious door-knocker, which is probably what gained us entrance into the Hambly home in the first place.
(Quote taken from Page 258 of an uncorrected proof)
-- The Church's missionary program is legendary all around the world. Mormon missionaries are easily recognizable by their white shirts and ties (men), conservative skirts and blouses (women), and black name tags (all). They're also well-known for going door-to-door delivering messages about Jesus Christ. Or trying to, anyway. Mattie's assumption that she and Luke are allowed inside because they're religious representatives is pretty optimistic, since I'm pretty sure most people run and hide when they see the LDS missionaries (or Jehovah's Witnesses) coming. A pity, since everyone can benefit from an uplifting religious discussion. Unless, of course, your visitors are of the Mattie/Luke variety—people who look like missionaries, but are actually nosy strangers wanting to know all your secrets ...
Thursday, September 10, 2015
Seminary Teacher Offers Practical, Spiritual Advice for RMs in Second 10 Questions Book
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
Benjamin Hyrum White, a Utah seminary teacher, wrote 10 Questions to Answer After Serving a Mission to help RMs make the most of post-mission life. "Blueprints for success as a missionary on the mission are not too different than the blueprints for success when you return home (2)," he assures. White encourages RMs to continue to practice the good habits they established over the last 18 months - 2 years by studying their scriptures, attending church meetings (including Institute classes), engaging in temple work as often as possible, keeping the law of chastity, serving others through callings, etc. Further, he insists that while it may seem selfish, this is the time for RMs to focus on what comes next in their lives. By pursuing an education, faithfully serving in their wards, and dating with the intent of marrying in the temple, they are, in fact, preparing themselves for "lifetime service in the kingdom of God" (15).
Using a quick, easy-to-read format, White proposes ten questions RMs should ask themselves. These include, "How Will I Adjust From Preach My Gospel to Live My Gospel?"; "How Will I Accomplish My Educational Pursuits?"; and "How Will I Endure to the End through the Grace of Jesus Christ?". In each section, White explores the different topics using scripture, quotes from General Authorities, and personal experiences. At the end of each chapter is a list of resources (talks, websites, books, etc.) for further study. Although 10 Questions to Answer After Serving a Mission remains short and to-the-point, it covers a lot of ground, always focusing on what is most important (hint: it's not video games). Written with a sensitive, upbeat tone, the book should help RMs feel both inspired and reassured. It's a thin book, which can be read quickly and easily; however, a slow savoring would be most beneficial. Frequent typos and other editing errors, which I find often in books from this publisher, distracted from the volume's message. Still, it's a useful, unintimidating resource that will help returning missionaries remain close to the Gospel while navigating the day-to-day practicalities of moving on with their post-mission goals.
(Readalikes: 10 Questions to Answer While Preparing for a Mission by Benjamin Hyrum White)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for discussions of sex (although they are respectful and non-graphic)
To the FTC, with love: I received a finished copy of 10 Questions to Answer After Serving a Mission from the generous Benjamin Hyrum White via the folks at Cedar Fort. Thank you!
Saturday, March 14, 2015
What's It Like to Be An LDS Missionary? New Picture Book Gives Kids an Inside Look.
(Image from author's website)
Do you ever wonder what it's really like to be a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints?
When David and Megan receive letters from their Uncle Clay, they get a little taste of what an LDS mission is all about. They learn how elders and sisters teach people the Gospel, serve others, bear their testimonies, and invite everyone to come unto Christ. They also hear about more mundane parts of the missionary experience, like learning to eat unfamiliar foods, living with a companion, dealing with rejection, and exercising to keep their bodies strong. Most importantly, Uncle Clay assures them they don't have to wait until they're older to be missionaries—there are things they can do right now, as kids, to prepare themselves to serve the Lord. After all, you don't have to wear a name tag to help and teach other people!
I don't review many picture books, but when Benjamin Hyrum White asked "Sister BBB" to take a look at his newest, I couldn't resist. I Hope They Call Me on a Mission, written by White and illustrated by Corey Egbert, is an uplifting, informative tale about what LDS missionaries do day in and day out. It gives a great overview, with bright, appealing pictures to enhance the text. I especially like the "What Can You Do Now?" sections, which help kids understand that they can do many things right now to not only help them serve missions in the future, but also to live Christ-centered lives in the present.
While I Hope They Call Me on a Mission may be difficult for young children to read by themselves, it's a great tool for parents/teachers to use for Family Home Evenings, Primary lessons, and Sacrament Meeting entertainment. Middle graders will enjoy absorbing all the information in the book as well. Personally, I plan on sharing it with my own offspring in an upcoming FHE. You should, too.
Want more opinions of I Hope They Call Me on a Mission? Follow the book's blog tour here.
Want more opinions of I Hope They Call Me on a Mission? Follow the book's blog tour here.
(Readalikes: Hm, I can't think of anything. Can you?)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
To the FTC, with love: I received a finished copy of I Hope They Call Me on a Mission from the generous folks at Cedar Fort. Thank you!
Monday, July 07, 2014
Mormon Mentions: Gabrielle Zevin
If you're not sure what a Mormon is, let alone a Mormon Mention, allow me to explain: My name is Susan and I'm a Mormon (you've seen the commercials, right?). As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (commonly known as the Mormon or LDS Church), I'm naturally concerned with how my religion is portrayed in the media. Because this blog is about books, every time I see a reference to Mormonism in a book written by someone who is not a member of my church, I highlight it here. Then, I offer my opinion—my insider's view—of what the author is saying. It's my chance to correct misconceptions, expound on principles of the Gospel, and even to laugh at my (sometimes) crazy Mormon culture.
****
On the very last page of The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry,
Gabrielle Zevin describes a sales rep named Jacob Gardner like this: "He even walks like he has a calling. He could be mistaken for a missionary. In point of fact, he was raised Mormon, but this is another story" (258).
Gabrielle Zevin describes a sales rep named Jacob Gardner like this: "He even walks like he has a calling. He could be mistaken for a missionary. In point of fact, he was raised Mormon, but this is another story" (258).
- If there's one thing we Mormons are known for throughout the world, it's our missionary program. While many senior couples and older single women serve missions for the LDS church, the majority of its proselyting force are men and women between the ages of 18 and 21. Despite the fact that these young people are spending 18 to 24 months away from their families, friends, educations, careers, etc., they are well-known for their enthusiasm and zeal. LDS missionaries love teaching and testifying of Christ through both their words and their deeds. That kind of passion gets noticed, hence Zevin's description of Jacob Gardner's zest for literature being missionary-like in its fervor.
To learn more about missionary work—including why members of the LDS church serve missions, what they teach, and what day-to-day missionary life is like—please visit LDS.org.
(Book image is from Barnes & Noble; missionary photos are from the LDS Media Library)
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
Mormon Mention: Jennifer McMahon
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But the reality was, they'd had few visitors over the years: the occasional Mormon or Jehovah's Witness, census takers, a man checking facts for the town assessor's office (quote found at Location 2559 [62%] of e-ARC).
Quotes like these make me chuckle because it's true, Mormon missionaries are a tenacious lot. They will go to the ends of the earth (literally) to find people interested in hearing their message. Most proselyting missionaries are young (between 18 and 21 years of age, typically) and full of enthusiasm for sharing their beliefs with others. It's hard to resist that kind of youthful zeal! I love the spirit they always have about them—it's a joy that comes from loving and serving the Lord. Although Ruthie's visitor turns out to be much more sinister than a religious representative, I can definitely see LDS missionaries tromping through the snow to share their message with her and her family.
A word about Jehovah's Witnesses: Although I have been guilty of ignoring the doorbell when representatives of this church come calling, I have to say that I had several wonderful JW friends growing up. They were kind, gracious people whom I admired very much. Also, my mom used to have a Jehovah's Witness missionary who came to see her on a regular basis. She said the woman was more faithful than her visiting teachers (LDS women are assigned to visit other women in their wards [congregations] each month) and that they always had wonderful conversations about religion.
What do you do when religious representatives come calling?
Monday, October 21, 2013
Mormon Mentions: Jennifer DuBois
Here we go:
In Cartwheel, a murder mystery by Jennifer DuBois, we meet Sebastien LeCompte. The boy with the oh-so-pretentious name lives next to the accused murderer in the crumbling mansion his parents left behind when they were killed in a plane crash. The wealthy young man is an eccentric and agoraphobic, not someone who ventures very far from home. Naturally, then, he's confused when he hears a knock on his front door:
"Nobody ever came to his door anymore; even the Mormon missionaries were sick of him, having learned long ago that he'd do absolutely anything to detain them (he told himself that this was due to high-minded social experimentation, and not grave and crushing loneliness)" (70).*
Probably the most noticeable representatives of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are its missionaries. Currently, there are around 80,000 men and women serving missions all over the world. Young missionaries (men are allowed to serve at 18, women at 19) are generally assigned to proselyte, meaning they spend their time (2 years for boys, 18 months for girls) teaching people about Jesus Christ and His plan for all of us. Older, married couples can also serve, although their mission assignments are more varied. Some are called to staff Church historical sites, work with genealogical records/research, do clerical jobs for mission offices, teach religion classes to college students, etc..
Although many missionaries are sent to exotic locales, a mission is not a vacation—it's a full-time responsibility that is not just voluntary, but also paid for by the missionary and his/her family. During their missions, junior missionaries are asked not to watch television, listen to popular music, play on the Internet or contact friends/family except via letters, emails and bi-annual phone calls (on Christmas and Mother's Day). Despite the many sacrifices they are asked to make, most missionaries find these years of dedicated service to the Lord to be among the most fulfilling of their lives.
Want a peek at what missionaries do all day? This is a great video from Mormon Newsroom about missionaries serving in in the U.K.:
Mormon missionaries are known for their enthusiasm and tenacity. They believe so strongly in the message they're giving that they want to share it with everyone. In reality, they probably would not have "given up" on Sebastien, especially since the things they teach—faith in God, helping other people, eternal families, etc.—are, in fact, the very things that can combat depression and loneliness.
If you want to know more about missionaries and what they do, please visit: http://mormon.org/missionaries
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Thin, Readable Volume Motivates, Prepares Potential Missionaries
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
Whether they are fresh-faced teenagers or wrinkled senior citizens, there is one thing all Mormon missionaries have in common—their zeal. Even on the difficult days, they carry an enthusiasm for the work they've been called to do. They're strong, they're faithful, they're true. You may not be able to fathom why a person—especially one in the prime of his/her life—would give up 18 months to 2 years to pound the pavement looking for people to teach about the Gospel of Jesus Christ, but you can't deny the power of their testimonies. They believe with a fervor that is plain to see and invigorating to feel.
Because serving a mission is such a monumental and life-changing experience, it's not surprising that many books have been written on the subject. Benjamin Hyrum White, a seminary teacher in Orem, Utah, adds to the collection with 10 Questions to Answer While Preparing for a Mission. The aim of the book is to "motivate ... and sincerely prepare [you, the missionary] for the most rigorous and most rewarding stretch of service up to this point in your lives" (xii). To that end, White asks 10 critical questions, including Am I Ready to Work Hard for Over Sixty Hours a Week? Am I Clean and Worthy to Represent the Lord? Do I Have An 'Eye Single to the Glory of God'? And, most importantly, Do I Have a Testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ? Using scriptural passages, quotes from General Authorities and personal experiences, White dissects each topic, suggesting ways in which potential missionaries can ensure an answer of Yes to each question asked.
While the information given in the book is nothing new, it does provide an excellent road map for those planning to serve missions. It's also straightforward, upbeat and encouraging. My favorite part about this slim volume is actually its structure—it's broken up into short chapters, making it quick and readable, even for those who do not enjoy reading. The small, thin book is also the perfect size for tucking inside a scripture case for easy, convenient gospel study. A few copy editing errors keep 10 Questions from being truly polished; nevertheless, I recommend handing it to LDS teenagers especially, as it will help inspire and prepare them for one of the most powerful experiences of their lives: their missions.
(Readalikes: I haven't read any other books on this subject, but I know they're out there!)
Grade: B
If this were a movie, it would be rated: G for nothing offensive
To the FTC, with love: I received a finished copy of 10 Questions to Answer While Preparing for a Mission from the generous Benjamin Hyrum White. Thank you (for the book and the nickname)!
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