And my opinion is...

Abel Evan's History

2009-12-02T12:44:00.000-08:00

Abel Evans

COURAGEOUS ELDER

Based on the book,

Indefatigable Veteran—History and Biography of Abel Evans,

A Welsh Mormon Elder,

written by Ronald D. Dennis,

Rhydybont Press, Provo, Utah 1994

Samuel and Anne Evans were newlywed and poor. They lived in a

laborer’s cottage and worked on a farm in Wales called Hedgehog Castle.

On June 17, 1812, Anne gave birth to their first child, a baby boy. Although

Samuel and Anne had been forced by the laws of England to be married in

the Church of England (also known as the Anglican Church), they were

allowed to choose the church in which their son would be named and

christened. Most parents took their infant children to the local vicar of the

Anglican Church, but Abel’s parents were members of a group called the

Independents. The Independents were “nonconformists” who were fiercely

opposed to many of the Anglican Church’s beliefs. They strongly

encouraged their members to study the Bible and think for themselves.

Farmhouse at Hedgehog Castle

Samuel and Anne took their newborn son to the Independent Chapel

for christening and named him Abel.

Abel grew up as a farm boy, but his family moved to Merthyr Tydfil,

a industrial mining town, by the time he was a teenager. As he grew and

became a man, he probably began working in the mines where cave-ins and

explosions were a constant danger. During winter months, the miners spent

six days a week in the mines and only saw daylight on Sundays. Abel

attended church on Sundays at the Independents’ Bethesda Chapel. He was

well-respected and was asked to serve as a deacon in the Sunday School.

Independent Chapel at Llanboidy

Bethesda Independents Chapel in Merthyr Tydfil

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Abel’s 32nd year of life was one of change. His Mother died of

pulmonary tuberculosis and, within a few weeks, Abel first met the Mormon

missionaries.

Missionary work began in Wales in 1840, when Brigham Young and

Heber C. Kimball were serving missions in the British Isles. Because of the

positive reception they had received in Wales and their love for the people,

the Church leaders sent other missionaries. In 1843, Lorenzo Snow called

William Henshaw, an English convert who had married a Welsh woman, to

establish his family and preach the gospel in Merthyr Tydfil. By the end of

1843, he had baptized nearly eighty converts.

Many negative stories were circulated about the Mormons. A Baptist

reverend in the area wrote:

The foolish and madmen who call themselves

‘Latter-day Saints’ have arrived . . ..

I did not think there were men so stupid in Wales

to believe such a heap of nonsense and

presumption.

I’m sorry to say that a number of the dregs of

society are now believers. They are baptized at

night, and those receiving baptism must undress

for them and go to the water stark naked.

The Independents took a different approach to the Mormons. They

challenged the Mormon missionaries to two debates, the first on the topic of

miracles and the second on baptism. The Independents believed that

miracles such as healings had ceased at the time of Christ and that the proper

method of baptism was by sprinkling. The Independents selected Abel

Evans, rather than their minister, to represent them in the debates. After the

first debate, it was reported that Abel Evans, “an intelligent and gifted young

man,” “a warrior from his youth,” had “appeared victorious in the eyes of

the public. His brethren were extremely proud to have such a young man of

hope in their midst.” During the second debate, Abel Evans, the hero of the

first debate, fell silent. Abel listened to the missionaries he was supposed to

be debating. He was persuaded and his heart was touched. He knew the

message was true, and he had the integrity and courage to follow his new

convictions. After the debate, Abel went with the missionaries to the river

and was baptized.

The Independents were shocked. It was reported that Abel’s father, Samuel

Evans, was greatly distressed: “His lament the next night at the meeting at

Bethesda [Chapel] was extraordinary, and all he could do was wonder and

ponder as to what had bewitched his son.” Samuel Evans soon found out.

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Only four days after Abel’s baptism, Samuel Evans and another of his sons

were baptized, with other family members soon to follow.

For the next six years, Abel Evans served as a missionary in Wales,

preaching the gospel, administering to the sick, casting out devils, suffering

persecution, baptizing many new converts and strengthening the Church.

Although Church records from this period are incomplete, it was reported

that Abel baptized over two thousand souls during his first mission.

At one conference of the Church, individuals possessed of devils were

disrupting the proceedings. The presiding officer commanded evil spirits to

depart and the audience responded with such such powerful “Amens” that

the neighbors thought it had thundered. Although this sent most of the

devils packing, two women who were more stubbornly possessed continued

to be disruptive. The presiding officer closed the meeting, called the elders

together, including Abel Evans, to deal with them. The women, who had

been frequently possessed elsewhere and were living in sin, were biting,

kicking and swearing most awfully. When the women were

excommunicated, they laughed and derided, saying that was what they

wanted. Once the evil spirits were cast out, however, the women dressed

their upper garments which they had previously torn off themselves and

went home without further disruption, weeping bitterly when they learned

they had been excommunicated.

Although Abel had, before his baptism, argued that miracles had ceased, he

became known as one whose priesthood blessings had miraculous force.

Through Abel, the Lord healed many believers of various maladies,

including several cases of cancer and cholera. In one instance, Abel

administered to a sister suffering from a cancer that had terribly eaten away

her face and nose and bored holes in her jaws. The smell of the cancer was

so horrible that no one would stay in the house with her. Following a

priesthood anointing and blessing, the cancer was killed and her face began

to heal. Eventually, she grew new flesh and skin and a new nose.

In a small town on the Isle of Anglesey, the town crier—whose job it was to

make public announcements in a loud voice throughout the town—refused

to announce the sermon Abel Evans would be preaching that evening. Abel

learned that it was the local Methodist minister who was imposing this

restriction. In a letter describing the situation and his response, Abel said:

[The town crier] was free to announce dogs and

swine, fairs and games—in short, everything

except for a preacher of the Saints. Then I had to

take the honor to myself of announcing throughout

the town in his place; and together with

announcing the sermon I was obliged to announce

to the public why I was taking the job of the

restricted crier in question. And the people

testified that I filled his office much better than he.

I don’t intend ever to try to obtain his services

again, rather I shall announce myself. And

perhaps if the crier is not able to escape from the

Methodist clutches of his minister, everyone in

[town] will begin to announce himself also. After

the trouble I took and the threats I received, an

excellent meeting was held, and many testified that

they believed on the sayings that cause some to

begin in Christ.

In late 1849, Abel was notified that church leaders in Council Bluffs, Iowa

(where there was a large company of Welsh Saints), were requesting him to

cross the Atlantic with the next company. Abel began preparations

immediately, and about three months later he boarded the Josiah Bradlee, a

sailing vessel the Church had chartered to take 263 emigrating Saints from

Liverpool to New Orleans.

Abel kept a journal of the crossing.

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4830-1057-3568.1/10 10

The following are some of the excerpts from Abel's Journal:

Feb 19 Harsh wind and almost all the Saints sick. Wm Rees and

myself watching over them day and night.

Feb 20 Everyone very sick except for two, Jones and myself. We

were carrying the pots out and tending to them.

Feb 24 Today we saw a fish half the length of the ship. It was about

thirty yards long!! This sunday I married Lewis Davis

and Sarah Rodgers on board ship.

March 1 The wind very contrary. The elders agreed to pray for a

favorable wind.

March 2 Strong favorable wind driving us along quickly.

March 10 Strong rain. Pouring rather like floodwaters. John Carver

and Mary Ann Eames are married.

March 27 The daughter of Hannah Hughes from Llanelli dies at six in

the morning. She was cast into the sea before seven. She

went from our sight before sinking.

Other passengers kept journals or recorded memories of the voyage. The

leader of the Saints, Thomas Day, recorded what happened when one of the

brethren was involved in two activities at once:

To Day A Church meeting was held upon deck.

James Needham Cought a Fish weighing 10 lbs,

while we was Administering the Sacrament And

drew away many of the Saints which caused

confusion.

Another passenger reported the following healing:

[A] little boy . . . fell through the hatchway of the

vessel, alighting upon his head on the ring an bolt

of the lower hatchway. When he was picked up it

was found that the force of the fall had driven the

iron upon which he struck into his head, and within

a minute afterwards the injured palce puffed up

like a distended bladder. Of course, he was

knocked insensible and apparently lifeless, but

Brother Evans and one or two other Elders

immediately administered to him, and while their

hands were upon his head the swelling entirely

disappeared and he was restored to consciousness

and to health.

Another passenger reported that when a severe epidemic of fever broke out,

threatening the destruction of many on board, Abel Evans felt that their only

hope was securing the favor of the Almighty, and determined to muster all

the faith he could in appealing to the Lord.

He called together four Elders of experience who

were on board, and asked them to retire with him

to the hold of the vessel and unite in prayer. They

did so again and again without any apparent good

result, and Brother Evans marveled at the cause. It

was such an unusual thing for him to fail to have

his prayers answered, that he was surprised that is

should be so that instance, and he could only

account for it by lack of union or worthiness on the

part of the Elders. He therefore called the four

Elders again to retire with him to the hold of the

ship, and took with him a basin of clean water.

When they had reached a scheduled place where

they were not likely to be overheard or distrubed

by others, he talked to the Elders about the

necessity of being united in faith and clear of sin

before God if they desired to call upon Him and

receive a blessing. “ Now,” he said, “I want each

of you Elders, who feels that his conscience is

clear before God, who has committed no sin to

debar him from the enjoyment of the Holy Spirit,

who has faith in the Lord Jesus Christ sufficient to

call upon the Almighty in His name and claim the

desired blessing, to wash his hands in the basin!”

Three of the Elders stepped forward and did so; the

fourth could not—his conscience smote him. He

was therefore asked kindly to retire, and the four

others joined in earnest prayer before the Lord and

rebuked the disease by which the people were

afllicted. The result was that the epidemic ceased

its ravages and the sick recovered from that very

hour, much to the surprise of the ship’s officers

and others on board who knew nothing of the

power by which such a happy result was

accomplished.

Not only was Abel busy with his priesthood duties as an Elder and as 1st

Counselor to Thomas Day, he was also busy romancing a lovely 21-year-old

woman named Mary Jones. Mary was the only member of her family to

convert to Mormonism.

One evening, when Mary was about seventeen years old, Mary was tending

the children of a family that was investigating the Church. Mary was in the

loft with the children where she could not be seen, but she was listening

intently to the missionaries’ words. After one of the missionaries spoke in

tongues, the other interpreted, saying that there was someone listening to

them that night whom they could neither see nor hear. This person, he

continued, would join The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and

continue faithful throughout her life. Mary believed the missionary was

talking about her, and four years later she was baptized. As she was

preparing to leave for Zion, Mary asked her mother for a lock of hair to

remember her by. But her mother replied, “No, if you have got to go to

destruction you’re not taking my hair with you.” Leaving her family, she

boarded the Josiah Bradlee, but would soon start a new family with Abel

Evans.

Abel and Mary were probably married in St. Louis, after which they boarded

the steamer that took them to Council Bluffs. They remained in Council

Bluffs for two years with Abel serving as an assistant to the bishop of the

Welsh branch and as a high councilor. A little over nine months after their

marriage, Mary gave birth to a beautiful baby daughter, but she lived only

ten months. In 1852, the Evans family crossed the plains with the Welsh

Company. Upon approaching the Salt Lake Valley, the Welsh members

already living in the valley, sent a welcome wagon with a load of fruits such

as watermelons, mushmelons, potatoes, pickle cucumbers, grapes, and other

treats they had not tasted all summer.

Abel and Mary settled in Lehi, Utah where the family grew with the birth of

more children and the addition of plural wives, Martha Morgan and Jane

Davis. In all, Abel fathered 15 children. Over the years, Abel became an

American citizen and served as a counselor in the bishopric, a member of the

city council and city marshall.

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In April of 1865, Abel attended general conference. His name was

announced as one who was called to serve a mission. He answered the call,

leaving his family behind, and returned to Wales to preach the gospel. In

January of 1866, President Brigham Young called Abel to serve as District

President.

Abel served faithfully for as long as his health would permit. In April, Abel

contracted an illness from standing guard in all night long in poor weather

while Saints were boarding a ship in Liverpool. He continued to serve in his

demanding role, continued to travel and preach, suffering further exposures,

until he was too weak to stand. He would neither complain nor allow others

to speak of his illness while he was on the Lord’s errand.

Abel Evans died on November 30, 1866, in the service of God. His

tombstone in the cemetery at Merthyr Tydfil reads:

“Whoso loseth his life for my sake and the gospel shall find it again.”

Josh's letter 11/26

2009-11-29T09:20:00.001-08:00

Top of Form

I'm sure you would be glad to hear that I did keep the day holy by partisipating in the turkey bowl this morning. It was alot of fun. I haven't played football in along time. I think I will be sore tomorrow. But I'm glad to see the church is the same all around the world... Well I woke up at 6:30am but I didn't want to work out because we were going to play football so I wrote a thanksgiving poem.

Thursday Sacrament

The turkey’s an ugly bird
no form or comeliness
or beauty to desire for.
A kind of vulture, my teacher said
that eats both the living and the dead.

Two evenings have gone by
since we killed our bird together
shot it through the side
scourged and plucked its feathers.

Today we stuffed the bowels full
placed it in the crucible
until the pink turned white
it no longer seemed to be
the bird we shot from flight

The tables covered white linen first
my father carves the beast
so his family may eat:
broken bread, broken meat,
broken hands, broken feet
broken wings, broken tears
broken heart, broken fears

Thanks you ugly vulture
I dont know why
somehow your death
means I can fly

As we eat this first and last supper
our hearts are over filled
with flesh of the bird we killed
all that remains: napkin and table cloth
and hope that the human condition is not lost.

The end
‘
I don’t know about the second to last stanza but it’s a work in progress only it probably won’t progress any time soon.

Well Brian was right about Bro Lund those were my feelings exactly. I have such a hard time talking about the Atonement for that exact reason. I feel there is no way to express it and the closest way is through some sort of fiction. Some epic or myth, some story. My poem is supposed to express this. That somehow through Christ the huge pool of human tormoil of human suffering--the great human cacophany and distance may strike a cord. We are all responsible to all and for all and I more than all the rest and so I am in a way guilty of the whole human condition. Everything will be made okay and just through Christ. Nothing now is just where as everything without it is unjust. David I appreciated your letter. Mom I forgive you for not writing me... You too Rachel and Matt and Cubby. Yes I got the fedEx package. Thank you for the socks and the hypothermia protection. We actually kind of had an Indian summer the last two weeks. It was the warmest it’s been since I got to Brainerd. Now it is cooling down again. I loved hearing about that case. It sounded really intence. They should probabably should make a movie out of it.

Well I might have sometime later to type but for now I am very greatful for my family. I am greatful for each of you. I'm excited for what is to come. I'm greatful for this chance to serve a mission. I’m greatful for all those who came before. I am now reaping what I did not sow and sowing what I will not reap. We had a lesson with a really neat family. The only reason they let us in was because they have seen so many missionaries and seen them treated rudely by others and by themselves and still they keep coming. He asked how do we do it. We answered best we could. I felt a great surge of hope. There are many many many who are like him who perhaps will invite missionaries in because I--and because my companions and other missionaries will keep knocking--keep trying. sowing seeds. Someday they will hear us and perhaps join us in the beautiful land of Zion. I'm greatful for those who came before in bringing this great country and the standard of freedom into the world. The many who died that we may live. It is up to us that their sacrifice will not have been in vain now, but in an eternal perspective and thanks to Christ it cannot and will never be in vain.

Hurrah for Israel.

With gratitude for my wounderful family,
Elder Sabey

ps did you ever get my message about sending me winter boots? I wasn't sure if it sent. If not I was just hoping that you could send me my winter boots. That should be the cheepest way to get warm boots.

Bottom of Form

Josh's letter 11/9

2009-11-09T09:56:00.001-08:00

This week my companion and I have recieved quite a bit of praise that is not well deserved. Things in Brainerd have picked up but it is not because me and my companion are so great. In fact I argue with my present companion far more than any before. He is a good missionary though, a very stong leader. The bishop told the mission presendent that he could not be happier with the missionaries and another women said that we cannot be transfered becuase she needs us in her home to help her and her husband and children. The weird thing is we hardly know the bishop--who is new, or the lady. I feel almost guilty. I'm not being self disparaging, we just really didn't deserve it but it was nice. It is really easy to feel terrible and like a failure as a missionary. I think this is because we have so little control. It is the Lord’s work not ours. I originally thought that I was going to come and convice people of the truthfulness of the restored gospel. Either through elequence of logic or the "power" of my testimony. But all these things have no influence unless the investigators opens their heart and if they do that then all of a sudden I matter even less because it is the Holy Ghost that teaches then. Logic is fickle and elequence is momentary and for the most part unappreciated anyhow. And even testimony is dependent on the chemistry of the conversation. It is impossible for my testiomy to be born with any sort of power unless the situation allows it. I am far less a teacher and far more a finder. Though missionaries are the teacher finders and the ward is the full time finders. The work moves so slow until we find someone. Finding the person is by far the hardest and biggest part of the job.

We had an amazing stake conference. Pres and Sis Howell gave talks and the whole meeting was focused on missionary work. It was held an hour and a half away from Brainerd in St Cloud in the university there. There was over a 1000 people. Sis Howell gave a fabulous talk about how god’s plan--or his responsibilities he gives us--are not a burden but a blessing. Then the pioneers of the area got up and bore testimonies. One half of the people present were first generation members and converts. The pioneers talked about going to Utah for the temple and then Chicago and then Minneapolis "our own backyard" (3 hours away). They talked about meeting in houses and stores then dependent suday schools and then branches and wards and now this newly organized stake. It was the first stake confrence of the new stake and there was a lot of zeal for the gospel and missionary work. It was a beautiful sight.

Does anyone sleep down stairs...I have a feeling my room may be no more...Sounds like it might be worth it though. But I do have an objection to having Cubbies friends come over to watch TV downstairs. It is much more fun to play a game or outside. I know that’s what mom has always said and it’s true. I do not remember a time spent on a game system that would have been better spent in a more social and active/interactive enviroment. Don’t get me wrong (Rachel) I still think there’s alot of fun and in moderation they can be a blast but the Sabey household is famous for its acivities. I like it that way. I'm just saying...

Dad, first off I really enjoyed your letter this week. I think I might incorporate your preface to a blessing. I missed St Crispen’s day and Tom’s Bday. I got Toms letter a day or so after. I forced my companion to listen to the speech anyhow. I dont think he appreciated it like he should. Actually he didn't appriciate it at all. I'm glad to hear you went to save Bro Jensen. Sounds like a wonderful ox in the myer situation. I think I would have been scared though. I'm glad he's okay. That’s a dangerous thing to be lost, wet at night in the mountains. I remember several mountain adventures with you: Hiking out the sande de cristo mnts. That was one of those heroic--in our own minds--moments. Same with climbing capitol. That was a memory never to be forgotten and yes mona lisa smiled and will always smile as I reflect on that trip and many of the other expirences that seem like moments caught on a film, a "panoramic drama", the emotion and strife and joy put into a single still frame of mountain grandure. I love the mountains. They are a legacy of you to me. The mountains of the lord. We all climb mountians and they are dangerous and hard and not really fun at all but I can imagine no more joy than standing on top of a mountain with my family looking down into the lakes and valleys below. All goes down. That to me symbolizes the temple and families continuing on forever. Running down the trail together. So give me this mountain--let us climb and see what’s on the other side of the mountain. Every time we have ascended a mountain and returned no where but home again it was not the same place we began. The mountains have changed me and so have you Dad. I recall a preisthood blessing where perhaps you and I were carried up unto an exceedingly high mountain on the wings of your faith. And you saw a beautiful picture there that you painted to me through loving words. Words that I saw clearly. I will always remember and that will keep me moving when I do not feel I can. Thanks for the pictures Dad. I love you. Happy BDay.

Love you all
PS. My adress:
901 12th Ave NE

Josh's letter 11/1

2009-11-04T07:15:00.001-08:00

We taught 23 lessons this week. That is the most I've taught in a week my whole mission. You said that I must be working hard; I hope that is true. But sometimes it is hard to feel like I'm working hard. It isn't at all like track or any sport. It is easy to feel your body working hard. It is much harder to work hard on a mission. you have to work hard in prayer and in attitude. I was told by several people that the mission would be the hardest thing I've ever done. I dont feel like it is any more exhausting than anything else I might be doing (college for example). I was always warn out after a week of school. The mission is literally a full time job and unrelenting. There is no weekend. But I am also less tired than I was at school. I think as a cause of having no week end. The weekends are what really exhausted me. I'm tired on the mission alot too but there aren't deadlines or anything to stress me. It is all subject to other people’s dictation, which can be much more abnoxious than deadlines because I have no control over it.

Okay a few questions: Did you ever recieve the cd I sent? Did you ever look up that talk I mentioned? Just curious. I haven't heard any update on Vila Pueblo. I haven't heard any word on homemade christmas presents. Did Matt of Rachel or Brian or David or Ali dress up as anything for Halloween? (I didn't forget cubby he was a lumber jack) Did you follow the tradition and watch Ghost and Mr. Chicken? Is the family still in contact with Ali? Oh and if you do send socks, it would be nice if they were really warm socks.

Okay so it hasn't snowed much yet. The warmest it's been since I came to Brainerd was 50 degrees and that was just the other day. Most of the time it’s been below freezing or right around it. There are some of the nicest people in this ward. Have I told you about Brother Lund? He is the greatest guy. But this ward has some real struggles. So many people of the ward are less active because of some events that have happened in the last few years. One of which was the divorce of the former bishop and his wife. Both of whom are some of the nicest and most liked people in the ward. The Bishop now attends another ward becase of a court order and his former wife no longer attends. I think the recent conflict is magnified by the fact that most of the members have to drive thirty minuets to an hour, some even three hours, to come to church. So it is really easy to decide to not go to church. We are hoping for two baptisms this up comming month. We have a lesson with Danielle Higgins tonight who is our most promising progressing investigator.

Rachel you wrote me twice in a week... that’s got to be a PR for you. Ha ha Well thank you for your letters. I will change a little but no worries I'll still be as obnoxious as I was before I left. But you better change. You’ll have alot of expirences in the next two years that will be really growing experiences. So when is you big competitio? I thought there was some competitions coming up. I remember you had that latin group competition but how about the competition that you got the dress for? And how in the world did you earn $1000 dollars (I think I remember that that was the amount you earned for it). That’s alot of money.

Dad, I was jealous hearing about the yard projects I was missing out on. But the lord allowed me to be able to find some people this last week to be able to help--most people wont let us help. One person we were able to help started crying because her dad had always helped her before but he was now in a nursing home and she was struggling to do it by herself. It is such a privilage to be able to help someone when they need it. The real problem is finding people who will acept help even when they need it.

Mom and dad, I have thought several times this last week about how greatful I am for my parents who have taught me so much about the gospel. My dad was at every service project and my mom held no guile with anyone. They were both eager to serve and slow to be offended. They loved all the members of the ward. Perhaps this is what most impressed me. They did not simply show face honor to all but truly loved and became friends with both poor, rich and humble and they both loved going to church and had passion for its tenants and principles. I loved hearing about Brother Comstcock. I think I've decided that I have no chance of being a good parent so if I ever have kids I'll send them to you guys to raise. Sound good?

Alittle more about Brother Comstock. It's been interesting to me that recent converts and less active members have been far more sucessful at obtaining referals for the missionaries. Some might say that is because they have friends who aren't members but I doesn’t appear to be the case. I think it is because in these cases they are in the process of repenting. They are actively using the atonement in their lives. They are anxiously engaged in a good cause. I love the line in D&C 121 that says how long can rushing water remain impure. We must remian as rushing water in the gospel. If we are staggnent we become filthy. The atonement is the way that we can improve every aspect of out life, from relationships to school work to dancing. It is the way we move beyound ourselves and into the eternal. We can improve because of the hope we have that is in Christ our lord. If every member were to actively using the atonement in their lives they would, I have no doubt, as if led by an invisible hand, find people who need to hear the gospel.

I love you all,
Elder Sabey
PS Before I run out of time I want to tell David to talk to Brian about girls. Beause Brian and I discovered a little someting about them last year. Girls will be girls and they do have a hard time becoming "just friends". They thrive on being close, being needed and wanted. I'm sure Rachel and maybe mom will argue about some of this and they probably will have a valid point but I'm still right. I'm just saying that I think She'll have a hard time even if she says it's a good idea. Just ask Brian.

PPS The Vikings beat Green Bay--It's kind of a big deal.

ppps I've heard alot of interesting things from people about Obama here... I'm courious what Bruce and Margret have to say...

Josh's letter 11/1

2009-11-02T10:03:00.000-08:00

Josh's letter Oct 12

2009-10-12T10:20:00.001-07:00

First off, so I dont forget: Dad I enjoy getting your letters. They come either Monday after my email or Wednessday. I really like gettting them on Wednessday because It is always fun to have a letter halfway through the week. I might not do a good job at answering your questions though because I read it and then several days go by before I respond. I enjoy hearing about your work. Good job on the summary judgments. I hear David is thinking about going into law...someting I was actually thinking about the other day.

Next in importance come the matters of the heart. I hear Brian and Dia are pretty much...what is it called...oh yeah, falling in love, as it were, if you will. Anyhow Brian expressed to me that she is similar to me in her ability to carry on intellectual conversation and in her writing...in which case, if this were true (or even possible) I would have to strongly urge against continuing the relationship. As someone who knows myself, no one deserves such a fate as being married to someone like that... So for what its worth, If you continue the relationship dont say I didn't warn you. But sense that is not possible I have nothing against it. It sounds like there is more passion in this relationship than there was with Arisa and that is probably a good thing. Probably the most important thing in relation to future happiness is her testimony so I'll let you be the judge of that--and maybe he mother. She is fairly young but I have come across alot of people here in Brainerd who are 18 and living together and even have a baby so... If the winter’s cold enough, I guess age isn't as important. We are actually going to be teaching one of these couples. They were very nice and didn't go to church. They seemed mainly courious and missed our first appointment but what can you say, they are only 18. I still have faith that something good might happen with them.

That is one of the real blessings of the mission so far. I have been givin a chance to see intimately different cross sections of people’s lives that have been formed from different choices. I use to think, not to long ago, that I could think hard enough and discover truth. I think we dont realize how influenced our thoughts are by society and family and friends and things that we have taken for granted. An example would be The Bible being the ultimate source of knowlege. This idea was started by some reformer and has become a given in so many people’s minds. They dont even realize that they are putting faith in something that has no substance. Another example is the renaissance that was invented by 17th centry historians in France I believe. Now we assume that the dark ages were dark and then suddenly the renaissance came and everything became modernized and a boom in learning and the arts etc. This is something we don’t realize we have been putting faith in something that someone told us that is not true. So it is with our own development of philosphies. It has been so interesting to me to hear different people’s philosphies of life. I wonder how long their philophies will last them. I talk to people who are doing what too many kids and adults out here in the country do. Smoking, living together, just having "fun" in what can be a boring and cold place. I was talking to a LA last night who says that he doesn't like being told what to do by a prophet who says he talks with God so he can controll people. He says he perfers a freer life style. This is such a sad pittiable statement. Could anyone in their right mind truly imagine the prophet of Christ's church, President Thomas S Monson, trying to gain power over people and control them? Fair is fowl and fowl is fair. The truth is that Christ's way, The prophets way, the church’s way, Mom and Dad’s way have always been the way of freedom not chains. It is the freedom of the rope swing in the back yard. It is the freedom of gravity. It is the freedom of standards, of self respect, of happiness. It is the freedom to choose eternal life rather than giving away your choice to someone who would have you his.
It is a sobering thing to see people put faith in a philosophy that is as insubstancial as the freedom they seek. It is not hard to know that this church is true. It is not hard to see that it is the way to ahppiness. Just look at people around us. Be observers of the world. Be part of others lives and we will easily see who is happy and who is not. The hard thing to do is do it. I dont really know why but I think it must have somthing to do with our greatest fear--that we are powerful beyound meausre.

Last off, Happy Bday David. You’re old. So is Brian and so am I. I don’t like it. You and Brian will probably be all married when I get home. Lame. But I guess I can put my greif behind me for one second and express my gratitude to you. You have always been the frame of the siblings. You held us all together. Who can be mad at David? I could a few times but for the most part David is the Sam-wise-gamgie of the Sabey family. Thanks for being the friend that is the hero behind the scene. If everyone in the world had a friend like David It sure would be hard for people to feel alone and misserable. Let us all strive to be a friend to those who need it. A friend like Mr Scrooge became, (insert the last lines of a Christmas carol--something about he was true to his promise, he became the best friend the best man the world had ever seen.) I glad you'll be with me,dave, there at the end of all things

Brian's Brimhall Essay

2009-10-11T16:00:00.000-07:00

Mountains

I climb mountains. Eugene L. Roberts did too, and encouraged others to do so, organizing some of the first Timpanogas climbs. In my grandma’s words, he did it because “Mountains are there to be climbed.” This recalls the famous answer George Mallory gave when asked why he wanted to climb Everest: “Because it is there.” Mountains are there and they are meant to be climbed. That is why I climb mountains. Of course, the next question is “Why are they meant to be climbed?” Why is it good to climb mountains? Because of the view? Because of the challenge? For the exercise? For the experience of nature? Because mountains are like temples, sacred and revelatory? Take your pick; none of these answers satisfies me. Yes the view can be incredible, yes the challenge and exercise and experience of nature is enlivening. Yes there is absolutely something about the high places of the earth that commands reverence, and brings us closer to God. But the experience itself is the only complete answer for this and a thousand other “whys” about doing good things. Experience is what we gain on our earthly mountain climb, replete with soul-stilling glory and pied beauty, as well as heart-wrenching suffering and monotony’s deadening trudge. And when a Job or Joseph asks God why, He does not answer. He merely affirms that He is God, we are His children, He is in control, and all these things shall give us experience—“Just keep climbing,” in effect. That we should ask “why” is human. But we must be careful not to value the abstracted, objectified, speakable explanation of reality more than reality itself—which we simply experience.

There is, I believe, value in being able to ponder, put into language, and discuss our experience—it allows us to connect with other people and identify patterns and meanings. But there is a certain point at which this system simply fails. Poetry, art, and music are all languages that greatly expand our ability to express human experience, but even these will never be entirely sufficient. And even if we could find a way to express through some form of language the totality of human experience, still the expression would be no substitute for the experience itself. And reading about climbing mountains will never substitute for climbing them. Those of us who spend a lot of time and energy reading, learning, discussing, classifying, and systematizing need to balance our focus by remembering to experience the indefinable, irreducible world, and to stand in awe. I am not suggesting that we should live unexamined lives. I have recently read Plato’s stunning Apology of Socrates, and as I read, Socrates renewed his status as a great hero of mine. But if he had done nothing more than examine life, his legacy would have been as a tickling cymbal. He was a man of action, and his examination of life was not a merely cerebral exercise. He acted out his philosophy to his death. He also asked difficult “whys” and came to few conclusions. But despite his self-acknowledged ignorance, when his life’s mountain was climbed, he was not afraid to walk into the valley of death—and he had a bright hope that there was another more glorious mountain on the other side of the valley. We should examine our lives, but we should examine courageously and not questioning fearfully; and we should stay planted in the life-giving soil of experience, of the real world. So to those who sometimes get bogged down with difficult “whys,” I would simply respond with a smile: “Go climb a mountain.”

Joshua's letter Sept 28

2009-09-28T12:56:00.000-07:00

Joshua's letter Sept 28

I did receive a very nice letter from Brian. He told about a conversation he had with a teacher where little of the initial question was resolved but that the teachers sincerity of generosity and caring left an untellable mark on him. This true caring is the whole law of moses and the new law as well. True concern for another's well being and existence is the antithesis of sarcasm and shallow selfishness that is quite prevalent in the world and in myself. To purify our selves is the quest of life. Thank you Brian for the letter.

I had a miracle this week. Her name was Karla. She is a 23 year old women from Mexico. She has the Mexican black hair and Dandy's eyes. She is short and has the kind of sincerity that Brian talked about. She had received the missionary Discussions in Mexico but had never been baptized. She came to the US to be a nanny through some sort of program. Last week she found out that her parents would be separating. "No surprise" she said "but it doesn't ease the pain. My mom doesn't deserve this. I was really angry with my Dad but I can't judge him, my parents aren't perfect. I miss my family" She continued to explains that the day we knocked on the door was the day after she had found out. She knew that God was looking out for her. I knew that that was true. As Nephi knew, I do not know the meaning of all things nevertheless I do know that God loveth his children. I was sobered by the realization of who I represent. I hadn't wanted to track that street because I didn't think we would find anyone home. But we had planned it the night before and so we went ahead and did it. I do no know what would have happened if we hadn't. I wonder how many people we haven't been there fore that we could have. We are in the work of saving souls it is a sobering and serious task. It is the profession of our profession. Hurrah for Israel! She came to church on Sunday and we are meeting with her Tuesday.

There is a family in the ward that is struggling financially. They still have us over for dinner and are willing to do anything for us. I hate to ask them to do anything for us. All I can see is what it will cost them to help. I see the money each mile will cost and each "pork chop". But the ward is promised blessings as they help the missionaries. I am caught in a catch 22. Do I ask them for help and be another burden or ask for nothing and deny them the ability to help. I don't know what to do a lot but I do love this family. they are the Baks. I hope and know that God will bless them for their goodness. I understanda little bit more about the women that gave a penny to the temple and Christ says that she has given more then all the others for she has given all she hath. This is true of the Bak family. they serve with all they have. If they can they will help and will do all they can to help. They give their all, and there is nothing less ask of us all and may we all truly give our all every time we serve or pay tithing or fast offering or anything (not all our money but with our blessing, with out reservation--all we hath.)

To answer Dad's question about food. I eat spaghettia lot. Sometimes lasagna. It depends on the meal. Breakfast I normally have cereal. Lunch I have a sandwich or something else that sounds good at the time. Dinner is normally at a members house. It is often some noodle thing unless it is a wealthierfamily then it is anything from hamburgers to orange chicken. I haven't eaten anything crazy yet. Most of the members are originally from Idaho or Utah anyhow.

I can't remember the other questions, sorry I'll try and remember to bring the letter with me next time. I do really enjoy your letters. I also like hearing about your work and cases. Have you gone further with Vilo Pueblo yet?

WE ran into a guy who wanted us to find him some legal help. I wished you were there. He is a nice guy but from what I gathered he pulled over to the side of a road because he was having cat troubles. A teenager was looking for a book in his back seat while driving and rear ended him. I assume this man named Dave didn't want to accept any settlements and he didn't have very good representation and probably had some sort of temper or exaggerated something and so he lost credibility in front of the jury or judge and so lost on some technicality about he didn't have his emergency lights on (which he swears he did).That's my diagnosis. I feel bad for the guy. Both he and his wife have hospital bills and he is fighting trough a recent diagnosis of some kind of cancer. He had the police report and everything. I think he is a nice guy and feels he didn't receive justice and now cant get back on his feet. I pity him and wish I could help some how. But I assume he did receive justice maybe not Justice but I'll bet he brought it upon himself.
thats my court case for the week.
Well good bye family--god be with you tell we meet again.
Elder Sabey
ps how are things with Rachel and Pierce. and how is Tennis and Track going
pps I haven't heard anything about ali. We are trying to teach someone from Iraq but there is a very largelanguige barrier. (maybe we could fly him out... jk)

Joshua's letter Sept 28

2009-09-28T12:48:00.000-07:00

I did receive a very nice letter from Brian. He told about a conversation he had with a teacher where little of the initial question was resolved but that the teachers sincerity of generosity and caring left an untellable mark on him. This true caring is the whole law of moses and the new law as well. True concern for another's well being and existence is the antithesis of sarcasm and shallow selfishness that is quite prevalent in the world and in myself. To purify our selves is the quest of life. Thank you Brian for the letter.

I had a miracle this week. Her name was Karla. She is a 23 year old women from Mexico. She has the Mexican black hair and Dandy's eyes. She is short and has the kind of sincerity that Brian talked about. She had received the missionary Discussions in Mexico but had never been baptized. She came to the US to be a nanny through some sort of program. Last week she found out that her parents would be separating. "No surprise" she said "but it doesn't ease the pain. My mom doesn't deserve this. I was really angry with my Dad but I can't judge him, my parents aren't perfect. I miss my family" She continued to explains that the day we knocked on the door was the day after she had found out. She knew that God was looking out for her. I knew that that was true. As Nephi knew, I do not know the meaning of all things nevertheless I do know that God loveth his children. I was sobered by the realization of who I represent. I hadn't wanted to track that street because I didn't think we would find anyone home. But we had planned it the night before and so we went ahead and did it. I do no know what would have happened if we hadn't. I wonder how many people we haven't been there fore that we could have. We are in the work of saving souls it is a sobering and serious task. It is the profession of our profession. Hurrah for Israel! She came to church on Sunday and we are meeting with her Tuesday.

There is a family in the ward that is struggling financially. They still have us over for dinner and are willing to do anything for us. I hate to ask them to do anything for us. All I can see is what it will cost them to help. I see the money each mile will cost and each "pork chop". But the ward is promised blessings as they help the missionaries. I am caught in a catch 22. Do I ask them for help and be another burden or ask for nothing and deny them the ability to help. I don't know what to do a lot but I do love this family. they are the Baks. I hope and know that God will bless them for their goodness. I understand a little bit more about the women that gave a penny to the temple and Christ says that she has given more then all the others for she has given all she hath. This is true of the Bak family. they serve with all they have. If they can they will help and will do all they can to help. They give their all, and there is nothing less ask of us all and may we all truly give our all every time we serve or pay tithing or fast offering or anything (not all our money but with our blessing, with out reservation--all we hath.)

To answer Dad's question about food. I eat spaghetti a lot. Sometimes lasagna. It depends on the meal. Breakfast I normally have cereal. Lunch I have a sandwich or something else that sounds good at the time. Dinner is normally at a members house. It is often some noodle thing unless it is a wealthier family then it is anything from hamburgers to orange chicken. I haven't eaten anything crazy yet. Most of the members are originally from Idaho or Utah anyhow.

I can't remember the other questions, sorry I'll try and remember to bring the letter with me next time. I do really enjoy your letters. I also like hearing about your work and cases. Have you gone further with Vilo Pueblo yet?

WE ran into a guy who wanted us to find him some legal help. I wished you were there. He is a nice guy but from what I gathered he pulled over to the side of a road because he was having cat troubles. A teenager was looking for a book in his back seat while driving and rear ended him. I assume this man named Dave didn't want to accept any settlements and he didn't have very good representation and probably had some sort of temper or exaggerated something and so he lost credibility in front of the jury or judge and so lost on some technicality about he didn't have his emergency lights on (which he swears he did). That's my diagnosis. I feel bad for the guy. Both he and his wife have hospital bills and he is fighting trough a recent diagnosis of some kind of cancer. He had the police report and everything. I think he is a nice guy and feels he didn't receive justice and now cant get back on his feet. I pity him and wish I could help some how. But I assume he did receive justice maybe not Justice but I'll bet he brought it upon himself.
thats my court case for the week.
Well good bye family--god be with you tell we meet again.
Elder Sabey
ps how are things with Rachel and Pierce. and how is Tennis and Track going
pps I haven't heard anything about ali. We are trying to teach someone from Iraq but there is a very large languige barrier. (maybe we could fly him out... jk)

Ideas on teaching

2008-10-19T19:39:00.000-07:00

Having taught in a public school for going on 2 years, I've started to see feel great about some things and concerned about other things. I love the idea of the 21st Century Learning. Its core concept is to help facilitate students learning, to motivate good questioning, to catalyze passion for subjects and to make the classroom student oriented, not teacher directed. I love these ideas. However, I am very concerned about public education. There are several things that I worry me. First, teachers are not happy. I walk down the halls and most of the teachers' heads are down. Inside our office, the teachers are focused on computers, correcting and grading. I think they are all wonderful people, but they are worn out, overworked and caught up in the daily requirements of a teacher. The second concern I have is the bureaucracy without vision. I had an interesting experience.

So, here is what I'd do in an ideal world of teaching:

No teacher would teach more than 3 days a week. They would work a full week, but two of the days would be time to create, prepare and organize. The students would have "computer" days or hands-on days where the teacher is not present in the classroom, but the students are still in class. The days the teachers work would be staggered so the students each day would have some classes with teachers and some classes as work times.
All administrations would have a goal to help teachers with innovative ideas. This would include having grant writers at every level of education to help write grants, and to help find organizations who would be interested in grants. This would encourage thinking of projects that the teachers would be interested and thus naturally increase not just the passion of the teachers, but also the energy. When creativity is increased, energy increases.
Classrooms would be arranged so the students can move around easily. The goal would be to have students sit for less than 20 minutes at a time. The teachers would work in roat

Girls 4th year Backpacking 2008

2008-10-17T15:44:00.000-07:00

With backpacks on our backs, and excitement in our hearts, we started up the Wheeler Lakes trail.