Podcasts about Missionary Training Center

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Best podcasts about Missionary Training Center

Latest podcast episodes about Missionary Training Center

Y’s Guys Podcast
Basketball Reloads, Jonny Harline on Tight End Legacy, French & Italian Department Chair Bob Hudson

Y’s Guys Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 8, 2025 119:02


This episode of Y's Guys, hosted by Dave McCann and Blaine Fowler, is packed with BYU sports news, heartfelt moments, music, and humor—all presented by BradyPlus and distributed by the Deseret News. The show kicks off with major announcements in BYU basketball, including the return of Richie Saunders and Keba Keita, and excitement around the upcoming arrival of AJ Dybantsa. With the addition of Xavion Staton and other key players, the roster for next season is shaping up to be one of BYU's biggest and most athletic ever. The hosts also react to Dallin Hall entering the transfer portal and recap AJ's standout performance in the McDonald's All-American Game.The first guest is Jonny Harline, BYU's legendary tight end best known for his 2006 game-winning catch against Utah. Jonny reflects on BYU's recent win over Utah in Salt Lake and breaks out the guitar to perform two songs live—one acoustic and one electric. He talks about the correlation between football and music, shares his thoughts on the rising market for tight ends like Trey McBride, and encourages young athletes through his tight end football camps.Later, Bob Hudson, the Chair of BYU's French and Italian Departments, brings laughs and cultural insight as he explains how he balances his Kentucky drawl with fluent French. A former Murray State offensive lineman, Hudson shares stories from his recruiting trip hosted by Kalani Sitake, helps translate football terms into French, and breaks down BYU's offensive line potential for the 2025 season. He also speaks about his mission to Paris, learning languages at the Missionary Training Center vs. the classroom, and why France is often misunderstood by Americans.The show concludes with reflections on the life of Elaine Michaelis—a trailblazer in BYU athletics—and updates across spring sports including volleyball sweeps, softball wins, track records, and the women's golf team prepping for Big 12 Championships. Special shout-outs go to Casey Clinger for breaking the 10,000-meter school record and the BYU landscaping team for winning a national title—four of whom will be guests on next week's show, along with BYU women's head basketball coach Lee Cummard. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This Week in Mormons
3/22 – Podcasters Talk about Resigned Podcasters

This Week in Mormons

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 22, 2025 75:53


Popular Mormon Podcasters Resign from LDS Church, a Step Ahead of Excommunication Publication Date: March 17, 2025 Source: Religion News Service Valerie and Nathan Hamaker, hosts of the "Latter Day Struggles" podcast, resigned from the LDS Church ahead of a disciplinary council. The couple faced concerns from local church leaders over their podcast, which addresses faith crises among Mormons. They emphasized their commitment to helping those in faith crises and felt the disciplinary process was unjust. The Hamakers will continue their podcast and support groups despite their resignation. https://religionnews.com/2025/03/17/popular-mormon-podcasters-hamakers-resign-from-lds-church-a-step-ahead-of-excommunication/?fbclid=IwY2xjawJKY0tleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHYOFtWY6QpzuYwVkrLtnTAZ4DQIoPFwYpHkZIba3rAlMDzaAF9WGeBskIg_aem_r0OhNgeIJ8k69s1Vt3ZBLQ Church Announces New Gospel Library Resources Publication Date: March 19, 2025 Source: The Church News The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints added new resources to its Gospel Topics and Questions section, focusing on race, women's service and leadership, and religion and science. These updates aim to provide more insightful answers to frequently asked questions about the Church's doctrine and policies. https://www.thechurchnews.com/members/2025/03/19/church-announces-new-gospel-library-resources-race-women-science/ Utah Couple on ‘The Amazing Race' Describes Meeting at the Missionary Training Center Publication Date: March 13, 2025 Source: Deseret News Scott and Lori Thompson, a Utah couple competing on "The Amazing Race," met at the Missionary Training Center while serving as missionaries for the LDS Church. They shared their faith-based love story and how their mission experiences strengthened their relationship. https://www.deseret.com/faith/2025/03/13/scott-lori-amazing-race-love-story/?fbclid=IwY2xjawJKZgVleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHRqzw-B3EbItmprKBj2YuUBngYu9BaSVHo8u6n76NGhl-ep_uY-k8msbbg_aem_3DgpQ69e9ktKofhCxUROtQ Latter-day Saint Leader Seeks Positive Texas Temple Outcome Publication Date: March 17, 2025 Source: Deseret News A stake president from the LDS Church sent a letter to Fairview, Texas, asking the town to reaffirm its commitment to allow the construction of the McKinney Texas Temple. The Church and the town had previously negotiated a mediated agreement, but there are concerns that the town may not honor it, potentially leading to legal action. https://www.deseret.com/faith/2025/03/17/fairview-texas-temple-latter-day-saints-letter-seeks-positive-outcome-mckinney/

Preserving Families Podcast
S3 E8: Making Your Home A Missionary Training Center

Preserving Families Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 24, 2025 56:00


Mark and Janie bring on their daughter Callie to discuss the importance of missionary work, and preparing our children for missions. They emphasize the need for sending prepared and ready men and women to the mission field, Callie gives great insights and tips and experiences to drive this topic home.

missionary training center
Growing Up In Polygamy
From Polygamy to Missionary: My Unlikely Journey

Growing Up In Polygamy

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 16, 2024 71:30


In this video, Melissa interviews Sam about his incredible journey from growing up in a polygamous FLDS community to serving as a Mormon missionary in Chile. Sam opens up about the challenges of leaving behind his polygamist roots, adapting to a new culture, and sharing his faith in a foreign country. This candid conversation reveals the highs and lows of his mission, the impact it had on his beliefs, and how it shaped the person he is today. Whether you're curious about the FLDS, Mormon missions, or Sam's personal journey, this interview offers a unique and eye-opening perspective. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for more engaging stories and interviews! 00:00:00 Transition from FLDS to Mormon Missionary 00:07:49 Life at the Missionary Training Center 00:15:49 Overcoming Language Learning Challenges 00:23:44 Navigating Missionary Rules and Expectations 00:31:43 Language Immersion Experience in Chile 00:39:26 Experiences as a Tall Missionary in Chile 00:47:07 Reflections on Missionary Work 00:55:21 Life as a Missionary in Chile 01:03:13 Support and New Beginnings with the Wyson Family Join our NEW Patreon HERE: https://patreon.com/growingupinpolygamy If you or someone you love has left polygamy and needs assistance, please reach out to "Holding Out HELP" at 801-548-3492 or visit their website at www.holdingouthelp.org At Growing Up In Polygamy our mission is to "Create compassion for communities that have been misunderstood, marginalized and/or abused by their leaders, and to empower those who have left by giving them a platform to share their stories with the world." If you would like to DONATE to this cause you can do so here: https://donorbox.org/growing-up-in-polygamy Insta: @growingupinpolygamy New website is now up! www.growingupinpolygamy.com Theme Song created by @artcowles Please feel free to reach out to us! growingupinpolygamy@gmail.com ✅SUBSCRIBE NOW : https://shorturl.at/inqrE ➡️ Checkout our other Videos:

The Ultimate Coach Podcast
Forged in Fire - Olga Kovářová Campora

The Ultimate Coach Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 7, 2024 59:28 Transcription Available


In this profound episode, Olga Campora shares her inspiring journey from growing up in communist Czechoslovakia to becoming a transformational coach dedicated to empowering men in the United States. She reflects on the influence of her mother's unwavering support and the mentorship she received from a Czech yogi who opened her eyes to the limitless possibilities within her. Olga speaks passionately about her work with men, helping them confront hidden challenges and rediscover their purpose. Her unique approach emphasizes creating safe spaces where men can be vulnerable, allowing them to explore their deepest selves and reconnect with their authentic desires.Olga also delves into her transformative “Be With” session with Steve Hardison, which she describes as a life-changing experience that deepened her understanding of unconditional love, self-forgiveness, and peace. She shares her commitment to serving as a compassionate guide for her clients, encouraging them to embrace their true selves and create lasting legacies. Through her story and coaching philosophy, Olga offers listeners invaluable wisdom on resilience, purpose, and the power of being. This episode is a heartfelt exploration of legacy, identity, and the courage to fully embody one's potential.About the Guest: Olga Kovářová Campora, PhD., is the author of Saint Behind Enemy Lines, published by Deseret Book. Born and raised in the Czech Republic, she joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints while studying at T.G. Masaryk University in Brno, where she earned a Master's Degree in physical education and a Ph.D. in education. Olga initially worked as an educator, yoga teacher, and lecturer before moving to the United States in the early 1990s. She was later invited to help establish the Czech language program at the Missionary Training Center in Provo, Utah, which is renowned for preparing missionaries of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints through intensive language, cultural, and spiritual training. Olga is married to Randy Campora, bass trombonist for the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, and they have two sons. Their family is notably international, with one daughter-in-law from Sweden and another from Brazil, making their gatherings rich with cultural diversity. Together, they fluently speak four languages and are proficient in four others, totaling eight languages. Recently, Olga became a proud grandmother to her first grandson, Liam, born in May. Professionally.Olga is the founder of LYTA ("Launch Your Third Act") and a transformation coach. She helps men eliminate physical fatigue, anxiety, and emotional emptiness to rediscover their purpose and create fulfilling lives. With her Ph.D. in Education and experience as a yoga therapist (E-RYT 500+) and Life Force Yoga Practitioner, Olga combines academic knowledge with practical wellness expertise. Her mission is to empower men to create enduring legacies that impact their families and the world for generations.https://www.olgacampora.com/ https://www.facebook.com/olgacampora https://www.instagram.com/olgacamporacoaching/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/olga-campora-phd-23ab5340/ About the Host: A beacon of change and a catalyst for transformation, Ipek Williamson is a multifaceted professional who seamlessly integrates two decades of corporate expertise with a diverse skill set as a coach, mentor, speaker, author, meditation...

Leading Saints Podcast
Leading‏‏‎ ‎Like Elder David B. Haight | An Interview with Jim Ritchie

Leading Saints Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later May 25, 2024 76:39


Over the last 45 years, Jim Ritchie has been the founder or principal of multiple business adventures, including serving as senior vice president for Franklin Quest (now Franklin Covey). He is a member of the Brigham Young University President's Leadership Council for both Provo and Hawaii campuses, a member of the National Advisory Council for the Marriott School of Business, and has served as an adjunct professor at Provo. He has also served as a board member and NAC advisor to Southern Virginia University. Jim and his wife Carolyn Orton have spent over 20 years serving full time in Church service on four continents, including as bishop, stake president in Simi Valley, mission president in Roanoke, Missionary Training Center president in Ghana, Institute director in New Zealand, CES area director in Africa, regional representative in the Provo Region, director of the Willes Center at BYU-Hawaii, and most recently as the young single adult specialists for the Washington DC South Mission. The Ritchies have eight children and forty grandchildren. He is also the principal founder of the Ritchie Enterprises LLC which began in the late '60's, and part of The Ritchie Group, of which he says he is "the gray hair". Links Launching a Rising Generation of Leaders | An Interview with Steven Hitz and Michael Leonard Transcript coming soon Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights Coming soon The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, Kirby Heyborne, and many more in over 700 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Leading Saints Podcast
Making Repentance Hopeful | An Interview With Nate Sharp

Leading Saints Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 13, 2024 63:50 Transcription Available


Dr. Nate Sharp is a scholar and academic leader who currently serves as Dean of the Mays Business School at Texas A&M University. He was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, served in the Korea Seoul West Mission, then taught Korean at the Missionary Training Center in Provo, Utah, while attending Brigham Young University. Nate graduated from BYU's Marriott School of Business with bachelor's and master's degrees in accounting and later completed a PhD at the University of Texas at Austin. During his time at Texas A&M, Nate has served in multiple leadership positions, received multiple awards recognizing excellence in research and teaching, and been widely published in business magazines. Nate married Holly Carroll, they are the parents of five children, and their oldest daughter is currently serving in the Peru Lima Central Mission. Nate has previously served as an elders quorum president, ward Young Men president, ward executive secretary, bishopric counselor, high councilor, and bishop. He currently serves as stake president in the College Station Texas Stake, a calling he has held since 2016. Links Linking Every Sacrament Meeting to Christ | An Interview with Thomas Griffith Thomas Griffith's BYU Speech: The Very Root of Christian Doctrine Why Every Ward Needs Digital Ward Missionaries There is already a discussion started about this podcast. Share your thoughts here. Transcript coming soon Scriptures referenced in this podcast: Doctrine & Covenants 45:3-5, John 5:38-40 Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights 2:30 In a previous episode, Nate talked about having digital missionaries for the ward and the blog they created and the impact it made. 4:30 Getting called as stake president 8:40 Their stake has a large number of single adults. The recent changes to put singles and students in leadership has created lots of positive change in the singles ward. 10:45 Nate currently works for Texas A&M and is the dean of the Mays Business School. 12:30 The role of being a dean is about building relationships, selfless service, and elevating the school. The values they have on campus have created an environment similar to BYU. 19:30 Stimulating a positive culture as a stake president. They set a vision of creating a culture and doctrine of belonging. Including more students in leadership opportunities even if they won't be there very long. 22:50 Approach to mentoring bishops and helping them establish culture in their wards 25:30 The bishop has the opportunity to demonstrate to the youth hopeful repentance. 28:15 How can bishops apply this idea of hopeful repentance? Let the youth know you are proud of them for coming forward with their sins. Share hope filled conference talks about repentance. The more modern resources the better. 35:00 Creating a Christ centered sacrament meeting. Helping people feel lifted up and not weighed down after sacrament meeting. 45:00 Christ is our advocate and pleads our cause. Nate shares Doctrine & Covenants 45:3-5. 50:00 Overcoming our view that our relationship with God is transactional. 55:00 John 5:38-40. Getting over the checklist mentality. The scriptures are an instrument to lead us to Jesus Christ. 1:00:40 Seeing how Jesus changes people's lives and brings back their testimonies The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner,

Canadian Church Leader's Podcast
Bonus Episode: Getting Practical with Jon Wright on Nurturing a Culture of Biblical Generosity & Year-End Giving

Canadian Church Leader's Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 6, 2023 28:52


For this 30-minute episode, we're stepping away from our usual podcast format to dive deep into a topic that we know many pastors feel stuck or uncomfortable in – the art of communicating about giving and generosity to a church. Our friends at Generis are passionate about helping pastors nurture a culture of biblical generosity and stewardship in your churches. Join Jon Wright from Generis, and Executive Pastor Jordan Michalski from Soul Sanctuary, as they provide insights to guide and lighten your load as you foster a healthy culture of giving in your community. Bio | Jon has worked as an entrepreneur, founding and leading a product development company for 15 years, and served eight years as Executive Pastor at Grace Church in Eden Prairie, MN. He and his wife, Julie, also led a Missionary Training Center in Germany for several years. As an Executive pastor, Jon was a client of Generis. He found the process so effective and beneficial that he joined their team. He has 30 years of experience in innovation and execution in multiple settings; corporate, non-profit, church, and global missions. Jon brings an entrepreneurial mindset to church culture and strategic planning. He is passionate about healthy teams, ministry effectiveness, next-generation leadership development, and resourcing it all through generosity. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Give⁠ today⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to CCLN and help seed a hopeful future for the Church in Canada. Show Notes: FREE Resource: Best Year-End Giving Ever | Strategies for abundant year-end giving and growing generosity in the new year. Reach out to Jon personally at jon.wright@generis.com Get Connected! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Blog & Episode write-up⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join our Mailing List! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe on YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Share a Canadian Church Story⁠

Connect First Baptist Enterprise
September 15 - Update from Nick Carmichael at the International Missionary Training Center

Connect First Baptist Enterprise

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 15, 2023 17:43


international carmichael missionary training center
Mi Duole Cycling Podcast
Suited Up with Derek Bleazard

Mi Duole Cycling Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later May 8, 2023 52:45


Derek is the owner and co-founder of Beckett and Robb, a made-to-measure custom men's clothing business, sourcing materials and production from England and Italy. He grew up in Boise Idaho playing every sport he could get his hands on. His basketball coach was very disappointed in the growth spurt he experienced after high school while on an LDS mission. “Where was that height 3 years ago??” . He served a mission to Caracas, Venezuela, and met his wife Tara afterwards while they were teaching Spanish at the Missionary Training Center. They have 4 amazing kids. They love to travel and camp together.  Derek is incredibly coordinated and picked up cycling when his wife signed them up for the Spudman triathlon after they moved back to Utah from the Bay Area. Less than 3 years later he was doing half Ironmans and on the podium at Lotoja. Like most of us, he likes gear (especially bike gear, ski gear, and modifications to his RAM truck). His business is world class men's clothing with the highest quality fabrics and tailoring found anywhere. Beyond that, he provides his clients direction on making sure they have the perfect look they are after. He is cognizant of every detail and can dress a 20 year old hipster, a newly returned missionary, a boardroom executive, a tech mogul, NBA or other professional athletes, a working professional, or boring church dads.  His work after a degree from BYU included both business and clothing. Derek has always been interested in clothing but has a unique ability to do a deep dive once he gets passionate about something. (Ask him about how he perfected the Neapolitan pizza he makes from scratch.) His low level OCD makes him the perfect suit guy and bike buddy. It's likely that Derek has done the deep dive on nearly everything he rides, drives, or wears, which makes him a fountain of information. And maybe most importantly, he is one of the most loyal and considerate friends you could ever have.

The Latter-day Disciples Podcast
Ep. 64 | Principles of Becoming Latter-day Disciples

The Latter-day Disciples Podcast

Play Episode Play 22 sec Highlight Listen Later Apr 4, 2023 56:59


In this solo episode, Meghan commemorates her 10 year anniversary of leaving on her mission to Japan, Fukuoka! She shares her intense and excruciating Missionary Training Center experience, insights from her journal entries over those first 6 weeks, and parallels between becoming a missionary and becoming a true Latter-day Disciple. This episode is raw, vulnerable, and real. We hope you listen to it like you would a parable, and are able to glean through the Holy Ghost principles for your own journey of becoming a Latter-day Disciple of Jesus Christ. You're invited to Awake and Ascend! Join us for the Latter-day Disciples Virtual Conference, taking place April 21-22nd. Keynote speaker Michael Rush, and others of your favorite podcast guests are coming together to discuss the gospel doctrines we think we know but from a new perspective - one designed to reveal the light and power you need for the days ahead!For more information and to register, click here. 

Mormon Discussions Podcasts – Full Lineup
Rameumptom Ruminations: 086: An MTC Instructor Goes Through a Faith Crisis Part 2

Mormon Discussions Podcasts – Full Lineup

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 13, 2023 52:33


Last week we discussed working at the MTC and experiencing a faith crisis with the wonderful Megan Spence. Megan worked as an instructor at the Missionary Training Center, during her time at BYU. While working for the church, she went through a faith crisis. Today we continue the conversation and dive deeper into some of… Read More »Rameumptom Ruminations: 086: An MTC Instructor Goes Through a Faith Crisis Part 2 The post Rameumptom Ruminations: 086: An MTC Instructor Goes Through a Faith Crisis Part 2 appeared first on Mormon Discussions Podcasts - Full Lineup.

Rameumptom Ruminations
Rameumptom Ruminations: 086: An MTC Instructor Goes Through a Faith Crisis Part 2

Rameumptom Ruminations

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 13, 2023 52:33


Last week we discussed working at the MTC and experiencing a faith crisis with the wonderful Megan Spence. Megan worked as an instructor at the Missionary Training Center, during her time at BYU. While working for the church, she went through a faith crisis. Today we continue the conversation and dive deeper into some of… Read More »Rameumptom Ruminations: 086: An MTC Instructor Goes Through a Faith Crisis Part 2

Mormon Discussions Podcasts – Full Lineup
Rameumptom Ruminations: 085: An MTC Instructor Goes Through a Faith Crisis Part 1

Mormon Discussions Podcasts – Full Lineup

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 6, 2023 49:27


Today, Megan Spence joins the podcast to share her story with the audience. Megan worked as an instructor at the Missionary Training Center during her time at BYU. While working for the church, she went through a faith crisis. In this episode, we discuss her time at the MTC and some of the details of… Read More »Rameumptom Ruminations: 085: An MTC Instructor Goes Through a Faith Crisis Part 1 The post Rameumptom Ruminations: 085: An MTC Instructor Goes Through a Faith Crisis Part 1 appeared first on Mormon Discussions Podcasts - Full Lineup.

Rameumptom Ruminations
Rameumptom Ruminations: 085: An MTC Instructor Goes Through a Faith Crisis Part 1

Rameumptom Ruminations

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 6, 2023 49:27


Today, Megan Spence joins the podcast to share her story with the audience. Megan worked as an instructor at the Missionary Training Center during her time at BYU. While working for the church, she went through a faith crisis. In this episode, we discuss her time at the MTC and some of the details of… Read More »Rameumptom Ruminations: 085: An MTC Instructor Goes Through a Faith Crisis Part 1

Latter Gay Stories
168: Laurie Lee Hall | From Temples to Transformation

Latter Gay Stories

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 26, 2022 97:29


At age five Laurie Lee Hall knew she was different, but she didn't have words for what the “difference” was. For her, language—and better understanding wouldn't come until many decades later. Few transgender people have had more influence on Mormonism than Laurie Lee Hall. Prior to (and sometimes during) her process of transition she served as a Bishop, Stake President, and Chief Architect for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She designed numerous temples, chapels, designed the rebuilding of the Provo City Center Temple, and the design of the Missionary Training Center in Provo, Utah. Did the First Presidency and other Church officials know she was transgender? Yes! And how they interacted and treated her is part of this interview. Laurie's story is fascinating look at Mormonism, the inner workings of the church, and how honesty and authenticity create incredibly beautiful and resilient people. #LaurieLeeHall #LDSChurch #Transgender #FirstPresidency #ProvoTemple #LatterGayStories

Leading Saints Podcast
T10 The Misunderstanding of Repentance | An Interview with David Durfey

Leading Saints Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 25, 2022 74:14


David Durfey's 39-year career with Seminaries and Institutes has included serving as a teacher for 12 years, as a region and area director, and director of the Institute at Utah Valley University. In the Church he has served as branch president of the Missionary Training Center in Provo, bishop, counselor in multiple stake presidencies, and as a patriarch. Highlights 02:00 Introduction to David Durfey 06:00 David designed an institute course on repentance and forgiveness. He tells the story of working with Elder Andersen to write the book, The Divine Gift of Forgiveness. 11:50 Repentance is NOT punishment, penalty, or payment for sin. David talks about how the meaning and translation of the word repent got misinterpreted. 13:50 While there can be pain in repentance, that pain is not repentance. The cause of the pain is the sin not the repentance. Repentance is not the suffering; it relieves the suffering. 15:50 Jesus Christ has already suffered for the sin but you will suffer because of the sin. 16:30 Repentance is not a checklist or a change of behavior. An atheist can change their behavior but that's not repentance. Repentance has to be through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. 18:30 Repentance and forgiveness is not through the Church. The Church can guide us through the process but repentance and forgiveness come solely through Jesus Christ. 19:15 Confession is not repentance. 20:10 David explains why repentance is not through the Church. 21:40 Repentance is a relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. Repentance is not turning from sin but turning to Jesus Christ and beginning to live a Christlike life. 22:45 Sin hurts, not repentance. How do we shift the shame of repentance to a more hopeful outlook? It all starts with understanding the power of the Atonement. 25:00 Stopping the behavior is not going to heal the past. It has to be through Jesus Christ. 25:55 The key to repentance is first understanding the fall of Adam and Eve and that we are all sinners. 28:10 David paraphrases the words of Boyd K. Packer. The root of Christian doctrine is the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Any other doctrine or teaching in the Church that does not touch that root is dead. We deal a lot with the leaves and branches in the Church but we aren't getting down to the root. 29:30 Any time we see the word "doctrines" in the scriptures it's always negative. For example, the doctrines of men. There is only ONE doctrine. That is the doctrine of Jesus Christ. 30:15 David tells about one of the most impactful experiences of his life. He was a young father serving as branch president at the missionary training center and President Packer came to speak. The main points of the talk were: You won't be judged on how many baptisms you get. Your success will be determined by what kind of parents and grandparents you are. Focus less on teaching commandments and more on teaching the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Every teaching has to be focused on Jesus Christ. 33:00 The story of Mary and Martha. The one needful thing is to know Jesus Christ. 36:30 How can we be better at focusing on Christ in our Sunday meetings and in our daily lives? David Shares D&C 6:34-37 and explains how. 43:20 Learning to forgive ourselves. If Jesus isn't going to condemn me then who am I to condemn me? We can't condemn anyone, even ourselves. 45:30 D&C 19. This scripture says that we will suffer but not for our sins. We are not capable of suffering for our own sins. 47:30 Quoting Elder Andersen's book, “If we worry whether we have paid back or suffered enough for our sins it will impede our ability to repent and feel forgiven, bringing painful discouragement with it.” 48:00 Advice to a bishop helping someone through repentance. A bishop's number one priority should be helping that individual come unto Christ and accessing the Atonement. 52:20 Not being able to participate in ordinances,

Leading Saints Podcast
The Misunderstanding of Repentance | An Interview with David Durfey

Leading Saints Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 23, 2022 74:14


David Durfey's 39-year career with Seminaries and Institute has included serving as a teacher for 12 years, as a region and area director, and director of the Institute at Utah Valley University. In the Church he has served as branch president of the Missionary Training Center in Provo, bishop, counselor in multiple stake presidencies, and as a patriarch. Highlights 02:00 Introduction to David Durfey 06:00 David designed an institute course on repentance and forgiveness. He tells the story of working with Elder Andersen to write the book, The Divine Gift of Forgiveness. 11:50 Repentance is NOT punishment, penalty, or payment for sin. David talks about how the meaning and translation of the word repent got misinterpreted. 13:50 While there can be pain in repentance, that pain is not repentance. The cause of the pain is the sin not the repentance. Repentance is not the suffering; it relieves the suffering. 15:50 Jesus Christ has already suffered for the sin but you will suffer because of the sin. 16:30 Repentance is not a checklist or a change of behavior. An atheist can change their behavior but that's not repentance. Repentance has to be through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. 18:30 Repentance and forgiveness is not through the Church. The Church can guide us through the process but repentance and forgiveness come solely through Jesus Christ. 19:15 Confession is not repentance. 20:10 David explains why repentance is not through the Church. 21:40 Repentance is a relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. Repentance is not turning from sin but turning to Jesus Christ and beginning to live a Christlike life. 22:45 Sin hurts, not repentance. How do we shift the shame of repentance to a more hopeful outlook? It all starts with understanding the power of the Atonement. 25:00 Stopping the behavior is not going to heal the past. It has to be through Jesus Christ. 25:55 The key to repentance is first understanding the fall of Adam and Eve and that we are all sinners. 28:10 David paraphrases the words of Boyd K. Packer. The root of Christian doctrine is the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Any other doctrine or teaching in the Church that does not touch that root is dead. We deal a lot with the leaves and branches in the Church but we aren't getting down to the root. 29:30 Any time we see the word "doctrines" in the scriptures it's always negative. For example, the doctrines of men. There is only ONE doctrine. That is the doctrine of Jesus Christ. 30:15 David tells about one of the most impactful experiences of his life. He was a young father serving as branch president at the missionary training center and President Packer came to speak. The main points of the talk were: You won't be judged on how many baptisms you get. Your success will be determined by what kind of parents and grandparents you are. Focus less on teaching commandments and more on teaching the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Every teaching has to be focused on Jesus Christ. 33:00 The story of Mary and Martha. The one needful thing is to know Jesus Christ. 36:30 How can we be better at focusing on Christ in our Sunday meetings and in our daily lives? David Shares D&C 6:34-37 and explains how. 43:20 Learning to forgive ourselves. If Jesus isn't going to condemn me then who am I to condemn me? We can't condemn anyone, even ourselves. 45:30 D&C 19. This scripture says that we will suffer but not for our sins. We are not capable of suffering for our own sins. 47:30 Quoting Elder Andersen's book, “If we worry whether we have paid back or suffered enough for our sins it will impede our ability to repent and feel forgiven, bringing painful discouragement with it.” 48:00 Advice to a bishop helping someone through repentance. A bishop's number one priority should be helping that individual come unto Christ and accessing the Atonement. 52:20 Not being able to participate in ordinances,

Siblings in Zion
Mormonism to Mushrooms | A Conversion Story

Siblings in Zion

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 19, 2022 101:26


In this season's finale, the siblings welcome special guest Brother Jordan to tell his story of converting to the LDS church at 18, going the Missionary Training Center *twice*, serving a mission in Buenos Aires where he was held at gunpoint multiple times and suffered from ‘Jeep Butt', attended BYU for a year before finally deciding to stop playing the game, how he eventually befriended Brother Dan, and how they recently reconnected via the influence of ‘caps'! This episode is also available entirely on video on YouTube - Check it out and subscribe for more - https://bit.ly/sizyoutube --- http://siblingsinzion.com http://facebook.com/siblingsinzion http://instagram.com/siblingsinzion http://twitter.com/siblingsinzion YouTube: https://bit.ly/sizyoutube Theme Music: 'The Falls' by Umbrellaman - http://umbrellamanband.com

Dialogue Journal Podcast
Dialogue Gospel Study #67 w/Jordan Harvey

Dialogue Journal Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later May 23, 2022 64:08


Jordan Harvey is a native of Las Vegas, Nevada and a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He comes from a part-member family with interracial parents. Jordan served in the Chile Rancagua Mission before attending Brigham Young University and teaching at the Missionary Training Center. Following college, Jordan attended theRead More » The post Dialogue Gospel Study #67 w/Jordan Harvey first appeared on The Dialogue Journal.

Kenna’s Korner
To Our Fellow Over-thinkers

Kenna’s Korner

Play Episode Listen Later May 21, 2022 33:59


Christian joins Kenna to reminisce about their days in the Missionary Training Center. They tell the funny story of how they met and how they've maintained friends this long even while living in different states. Kenna opens up about her experience getting therapy and how Christian and Kenna support each other through their mental health struggles. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/mckenna-loveless/support

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Parrish The Thought
LDS Missionary, Elder Ashton Burgon | Tell me about your "Sacred Grove" moment.

Parrish The Thought

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 11, 2022 40:49


My guest today is a newly called missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Elder Ashton Burgon. If you recall, about 7 months ago I had my daughter, Emily on prior to her entering the mission field to Bentonville, Arkansas. Ashton is a good friend of hers. As part of entering the MTC or Missionary Training Center in Provo, Utah, they are tasked with interviewing someone who has joined the LDS faith and what that journey looked like. I joined the church in August of 1995. Elder Burgon has been assigned to serve the people in the Independence, Missouri area for the next 14-months. Contact Elder Burgon - Ask him about his mission Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100074367711343 #IndependenceMissouriMission #LDSMissionary #LDSChurch #Mormon #MormonMissionary #SacredGrove #JesusChrist #LDS #ChurchOfJesusChristofLatterDaySaints #ParrishTheThought #ParrishTheThoughtPodcast #IAmAMormon #LatterDaySaints #LoveThyNeighbor #2ndCommandment #CovenantPath #ProphetsAndApostles #IndependenceMissouri #IndependenceMO #GatheringIsrael #GatheringOfIsrael #AshtonBurgon --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/parrishthethought/message

Go Ye Forth - Sharing Latter-day Saint Mission Experiences from Around the Globe
Casey Leloux - Japan, Okayama - 1987 - 1989 - Ep. 13 - LDS missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Go Ye Forth - Sharing Latter-day Saint Mission Experiences from Around the Globe

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 23, 2022 65:05


Follow our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/groups/goyeforthpodcast/ Welcome to the Go Ye Forth podcast, where we hear inspiring stories from returned missionaries of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who have served all across the globe. I am your host Jason Bringhurst. On today's show, I speak with Case Leloux who served in the Japan, Okayama mission from 1987 to 1989. Case is someone who gives it his all in whatever he is doing and I think that you'll enjoy hearing about his mission. And in my missionary minute, I talk about times and seasons. So let's get to it! ---- Listen to the show to hear it all! --- A big thanks to my good friend Casey Leloux. In today's missionary minute, Case spoke about how he didn't want the hard goodbye at the airport so he had said his goodbyes the night before he left and had a buddy take him to the airport, but then his parents and girlfriend surprised him and met him at the airport in San Francisco as he was flying from the MTC to his mission, and how he was a wreck for the next couple of hours. There is a time and season for everything. I am 100% on board with Case on this. I had a difficult goodbye at the MTC. In fact, my family and my girlfriend dropped me off. I tell you, there was part of me wondering what I was thinking by leaving them all behind. But then the Spirit of God and of the missionary work got into my heart at the MTC and I was on fire with the gospel. I couldn't wait to get out and teach the people in France. But then 2 months later, here we were again at the Salt Lake Airport. I wanted to see all of my friends and family and girlfriend one more time, but if I'm being honest, I kind of didn't want to because at that point I was a missionary. I was mentally on my mission. And that brought me back to being Jason. Yet I wasn't Jason. I was Elder Bringhurst. And there were more tears and more goodbyes and I think it is so wise that the Church has moved away from all that. As Case said, you say all your goodbyes before dropping your missionary off at the MTC now. In fact, I was surprised that they took down the big sign out front that said “Missionary Training Center” probably so people wouldn't stop and get pictures there. They work with the efficiency of Chick-fil-a. You just pull your car in. A missionary greets you and helps your missionary with their luggage and then they are off. Like Jimmy Johns, it's freaky fast! I'm using too many fast food analogies here. But it is a drive-through drop-off. And it's a better way. There is a time and season for those goodbyes. And then there is a time and season to focus on your mission. Well, that's about it for today's show. If you or someone you know has served a mission and you think that they would be a fun guest for the show, please contact me @ goyeforthpodcast@gmail.com If you liked the show, please subscribe so that you are notified when new episodes come out. We would also appreciate it if you could rate and review the podcast in Apple podcasts, or share it with a friend. Until next time, wax strong in the gospel my friends! This is not an official production of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The opinions expressed are by the host and guest.

Siblings in Zion
Missionary Training | Mormon Indoctrination - Part 3

Siblings in Zion

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 27, 2022 54:45


As we continue in Sister Lisa's journals, we arrive at the Missionary Training Center in Provo, Utah - where young men and women encounter a kind of ‘indoctrination bootcamp' before heading out for 1.5-2 years to spread 'the gospel' 24/7. She shares her experience of acquiescing to the control over her life including her communications, reading materials, schedule, talking points, and especially her privacy.  This episode is also available entirely on video on YouTube, complete with helpful (and funny) visual aids - Check it out and subscribe for more - https://bit.ly/sizyoutube --- http://siblingsinzion.com http://facebook.com/siblingsinzion http://instagram.com/siblingsinzion http://twitter.com/siblingsinzion YouTube: https://bit.ly/sizyoutube Theme Music: 'The Falls' by Umbrellaman - http://umbrellamanband.com

Harvesting The Lord’s Way™
Making Christ the Cornerstone of All We Do & Say

Harvesting The Lord’s Way™

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 26, 2020 56:47


In this episode, we are pleased to welcome a guest from the Missionary Training Center as we discuss the 'how' of Harvesting The Lord's Way.

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Truthome
Leaving the Mormon Church

Truthome

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 9, 2020 35:01


On our first ever podcast episode we are talking to a woman named Sarah. Sarah is an ex-Mormon and we got to have a conversation about how her life as a Mormon was growing up. We talked about her mission, her working at the Missionary Training Center, her doubts with the church and so much more. We're excited for y'all to listen to it! Enjoy!

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Exactly Enough Time
Called to Serve

Exactly Enough Time

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 25, 2020


In February my son, Taft was extended a call to serve a 2-year church mission with the assignment to labor in Lima, Peru. According to that original plan, we would have put him on an airplane to the missionary training center (MTC) in Lima this morning—June 25th. Of course a worldwide pandemic in March has altered many of the hows and wheres of missionary preparation and service since then. Note: You can read more about the feat of bringing tens of thousands of foreign-serving missionaries home safely, here. My son, Trey, who was serving in Sonora, Mexico was one who’s mission was cut short. He returned home on March 31st. Without hesitation, our biggest pandemic perk has been having these boys at home together—in this unexpected way—and I couldn’t resist sitting them down to talk openly about returning home from and heading out to a mission—this most fascinating aspect of our religious culture. We are definitely a missionary family. Both Geoff and I served as young adults (Geoff served in Boise, Idaho and I served in Frankfurt, Germany) and Taft is now my 4th son to serve. Clark served in Salt Lake City (the south mission, speaking Spanish) and Chase served in the Missouri, St. Louis mission. For this conversation I solicited questions via social media and we were able to discuss most of them. I hope you’ll don your curiosity cap and listen with an open mind. This is not about what we believe so much as it is about the life and experiences of a young missionary. Of course I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below, and there is plenty more to explore if you keep reading. [photo] Meeting Elder Trey Julian at the Spokane airport on March 31st. [photo] Elder Taft Julian attending his first day of missionary training in Peru (via Zoom) June 24th. [photo] Trey tells a story of La Familia Fierro—this is the photo I promised to share! I must admit that recording this conversation with my boys is selfishly motivated—we’re living through such an interesting time in world history—that I am grateful to add this to my growing collection of Covid-19 experiences. [photo] There’s a decent chance that you either know someone who has or is currently serving a mission for the LDS church—you’ve likely seen two white-shirted men on biking or walking on the street before and you have even had a pair of Elders or Sisters on your doorstep, but they and what they do may still be unfamiliar to you. For this reason, here are a few additional resources …A concise list of 10 Things to know about missionaries. LDS missionaries on WikipediaLife in a Missionary Training Center (video)What missionaries teach and what we believe can be explore at comeuntochrist.org . Right now, missionaries are doing most of their teaching online, via Facebook and Zoom, so it’s easy to connect with them. We (the Julians) respect everyone’s right to believe or not believe as they choose, but I love the scripture my son, Clark sent in a text message to Taft this morning (see below.) He added, “Elder Julian has been sent!” “For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tiding of good things? ” — Romans 10:12-15 [video] A glimpse into the life of a missionary of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints[video] I opened this episode with the song, Called to Serve as sung by a choir of missionaries. As always, thank YOU for listening!

Beach Theory
Missionary Training Center! S2 E22

Beach Theory

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2020 35:50


Michael has entered the Missionary Training Center for the Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter-Day Saints and has begun his missionary training! He shares getting his first companions and life as a missionary in the MTC. He gained 10 pounds eating a lot. He also had a lot of fun goofing off and hiding a treasure for his brother. Aside from all the fun and games, he shares how he spent most of his time in class learning how to teach the Gospel of Jesus Christ and how to help others understand the scriptures and doctrine of Christ. It was a fun time, but mostly, it was a holy time of spiritual growth! On our channel The Beach House, we used to do vlogs about our lives. Ever since then we've changed the direction of our channel, but we were missing having that record of our lives (and so were our viewers!). We decided to keep that going 2019 style, by starting a podcast! If you haven't yet, check out all of our channels: The Beach House Becca Beach The Becca & Ryan Show Treasure Family --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/beachtheory/support

jesus christ gospel beach house mtc missionary training center
This is the Gospel Podcast

Stories in this episode: Kristen moves from her hometown to a new city for a new job after a spiritual prompting and quickly finds herself headed toward even bigger transitions; only six months after his reactivation in the Church, Derek struggles to make sense of his new culture at the Missionary Training Center.  SHOW NOTES:   TRANSCRIPT: KaRyn: Welcome to "This is the Gospel," an LDS Living podcast where we feature real stories from real people who are practicing and living their faith every day. I'm your host, KaRyn Lay.  There's a well-known theory about the way we experience and adapt to a culture that's new or unfamiliar to us. It's the theory of culture shock. And even if that's a new phrase to you, you're probably a little bit familiar with the four stages. They show up all the time in pop culture, on TV, and in other spaces. First, there's the honeymoon phase. And if you've ever been in a new relationship, you know this stage. Everything is rosy and beautiful and romantic. And you're captivated and excited by the differences between you and whatever your new love is, whether that's a new city, a new romantic partner or a new job, or maybe it's even a new faith tradition. Well, that honeymoon is exciting and it makes you feel alive but just around the corner is the negotiation stage. This is when all the differences between your culture of origin and the new culture feel completely overwhelming, difficult, maybe even disgusting. For me, this stage was embodied by the Korean shrimp. That's right, you heard me, shrimp. About three months into my new life abroad, after the glow of all the lantern festivals had worn off, I started to notice that the shrimp were fully intact in my food. Not just legs or shells, but like full heads with great, big, beady eyeballs, like something from outer space or the Black Lagoon staring at me from my soup. And it couldn't handle it. I was filled with an unholy rage every single time I would order food that I thought was shrimp-free, only to be surprised by a hidden eyeball or a hidden leg popping out of my noodles. I just wanted shrimp that looked like shrimp. American shrimp. I know how ridiculous that is, now. I get it, they're just shellfish. But at the time, those shrimp came to represent everything that was difficult or hard about living in another country.  The good news is that after that negotiation phase where everything feels difficult, eventually, you move into the adjustment and finally, adaptation phases. This is where you can finally see the good in both the new and the old, and find ways to integrate them into your current life. Sometimes it takes months and sometimes it takes years. And in some cases, it never actually comes. But in all cases, that culture shock changes us. And if we let it, it can change us in good ways. Well, today we've got two stories about the way these shocks to the system play out in our spiritual lives and how God can use them to help us see ourselves and his plan for us in a new light.  Our first story comes from Kristin, whose experience with culture shock came in two very distinct waves that had everything to do with one another. Here's Kristin.   Kristin: I am definitely the type of person who is pulled into challenging situations so that I can learn and so that I can experience because I am a creature of comfort. I'm not a huge risk-taker. So it takes God kind of pushing me over the edge to go give it a shot. I am from Las Vegas, Nevada and I currently live just outside of Buffalo, New York with my husband and my two stepkids. And I never in a million years imagined I would live outside of Buffalo, New York with a husband and two stepkids. In Las Vegas, I worked often with the public affairs office or church headquarters, and then when there was a job opening, they kind of asked if I'd be interested in applying and I kept saying no because I loved my life. I had a great life in Las Vegas, I loved my job. I had a house, I had a great ward, I had, you know, I was from Las Vegas, and I loved my crazy hometown. I had no interest in moving. But then one day they called and I was decorating the church gym, it was for Christmas party, the ward Christmas party. And they said, "Hey, we have this job opening, you know, we'd like you to consider it." And I was literally on the ladder in the church gym and I said, "Oh, okay, I'll consider it." I felt like I needed to at least investigate it. I still wasn't thinking it was something I would be interested in, but I went ahead and flew out for the interview. And I remember when they called me to say that out of all the applicants that they wanted me to take the job, and would I consider it and I was standing outside of my office in Las Vegas. And I stood there and I thought, I guess I'm moving to Utah. And it just so matter-of-fact, it was one of those very few times that the directive was that clear for me. And so that's what I did. I picked up and moved to Utah. I moved to Salt Lake City in January 2014 with me and my dog, I had a chocolate lab named Jazzy. And I didn't really know people in Salt Lake. I didn't really know Salt Lake outside of Temple Square. So it was like moving to truly a foreign place. And when you don't know people, if you're someone like me, I'm more of an introvert than people would imagine. It's always hard to move, no matter where you are, you know, you're excited, you're scared, you're nervous, you can't wait, you get in touch with every single emotion. And so the job itself was really interesting, I think it's very different than most people imagine. When you say that you are a church spokesperson, I think a lot of times they think, it's like you're working at the temple or something like that, but it's really not. So it was different, it was a bit of a culture shock that way. It's tricky. I mean, working in public affairs, or being a church spokesperson is filled with really high highs and really low lows. At least it was for me because you hear the best of things and you get to experience some of the really great things in our religion. But then you also hear the really hard and you feel the really hard, you feel people's anguish over a policy they don't like or when a missionary is hurt or killed on their mission. I mean, you hear it all. So it was, it was challenging on days and some days it was really happy and some days it was really hard.  It's funny, I never expected to be a church spokesperson, I don't think I fit the stereotype of what people expect a church spokesperson to look like. I mean, I obviously don't wear a white shirt and tie, I think people expect that. I was in my 40s, single. I have been known to swear now and then, I drink Dr. Pepper on a daily basis. You know, I just had this whole different life experience. But when I got there, I found out that's exactly why they wanted me was that I wasn't the stereotypical person and I had a different set of experiences. So if you go back in my life to my teenage years, and even my early college years, I definitely had a life plan figured out. And it was a good plan. I'd always wanted to go on a mission, and then I figured I would get married by the time I was 23 or 24. I would have five kids, they would be all boys. I even had like a list of names picked out. And you know, I'd be the stay-at-home mom that had the really good stacks and the fun holiday decor. And I would maybe work at a home decor store so I could get discounts or something. That was my plan for my life. That was, I mean, that was the dream, right? But it didn't turn out that way. I did go on a mission, I went to Ecuador. And I came home, and I went back to school, I still didn't know what I wanted to be when I grew up. And I really did fall into public relations. Or I guess I should say, it feels like I fell into public relations, but if we're looking at it with a spiritual lens, I'm quite certain that it was some sort of guidance from God saying, you know, try this out, you'll be good at it, because you're going to need to make a career out of it. That job was very much one of those kinds of situations. Where it was God saying, "Okay, here you go. This is what he had in store for you— go. Here you go." And yeah, my life didn't turn out as I had planned at all. But thank goodness it didn't. When I first got here, to Utah, I had talked to a couple of people who had worked in this position before me and I had asked them for insight and advice and tips and whatnot. And I remember one of the people had said, "Oh, you're going to need at least three years." It's funny, I didn't quite— I didn't think I felt quite settled, but I remember going home back to Las Vegas on a road trip, and that didn't quite feel like home. And I was eager to get back, I was eager to get back to my little place. And I was eager to get back to my little world that I had created here. And I think that was you know, it was well over a year into it. That was a really interesting feeling for me to feel, you know because I hadn't quite considered Salt Lake home yet. But the fact that I was kind of longing to get back was, was telling to me. I think one of the things that really helped me to feel settled was just some of the people, the amazing people that I was suddenly finding myself surrounded by. That was one thing that really helped me to adjust. And I would say the same about life in Las Vegas or life in Buffalo. It's really made all the difference is the people that you meet along the way and the connections, these very soulful connections, that you make. People cross our paths, and that's not coincidental. For example, one of the friends that I met in Salt Lake, that I do believe that God put right in my path, and at the time, I had no idea why. And this friend was about my same age, she had gotten married in her 40s to someone who had children, she was the second wife. And it became such an important friendship, almost like a mentorship. And so when it came time for me, she was kind of like my wedding coach.  It was interesting, I had kind of sworn off dating for a long time because my job was so stressful. And I never quite knew if people wanted to meet me because they wanted to meet the person in the job or if they wanted to meet me, which was a really interesting position to be in. But with Matt, I remembered his goodness. And I tell people that all the time, I remembered that he was just a really good guy. And he's an even better guy now. But I remembered his goodness. And so that's kind of where I was like, "Well, okay, it's Matt, of course, I'll meet up with him." So I met Matt as a freshman in college in 1991, we lived at Desert Towers, and we became friends freshman year, and we were friends all through college. After my mission is when I had a little crush on him, but he was dating somebody else. And that was that and it was 25 years later, before we ever crossed paths again. So we didn't even cross paths on like social media or anything until after he was divorced. And then the same friends who had tried to set us up and college, set us up again. And that's how we got reconnected. I was living in Salt Lake at the time, he is a law professor in Buffalo. And so when our mutual friends set us up, it was a really quick reconnection. I got married at age 43 and this was in the fall of 2016. And I kind of did everything at once. I got married, became a wife, became a stepmom, moved, left a career—did it all at once. Just rip off the band aid and go for it, so I dove in big time. And it was a lot. I mean, it is a lot. Those are all big life transitions on their own, but we did it, I did them all at once. My co-workers and I all joke that I was the reverse pioneer. So I move, you know, pack up my stuff and move east this time. And again, it was kind of the if you want to feel every single emotion, move somewhere new, where you don't know anyone. We had to make this work, right? But it was, I felt like it was great for our relationship because it made me just bond really quickly with my husband and with his kids because they were the only people I knew. It's been great, but it's also been really hard for the first, gosh, even the first year, I got physically just sick from the stress and the unknown and the ambiguity that was suddenly in my life. And my job for 20 plus years has been to control situations, you know. And so that is what I'm good at, is to put out the plan, put the implementation plan together, get everything lined up and make it all a great. That has been my job for 20 years. And I thought I was kind of good at it. But here I was, thrown into this new Western New York Life that I had chosen to be part of and I suddenly had none of that. And I was sick all the time, just physically sick from the tension and the ambiguity and the unknown. And I tried to not tell people about that and tried to not make a big deal of it. And I hadn't even told my friends this, but two of my friends that I had made in Salt Lake City, called me up and said, "We're coming out there, here's the dates, are you okay with that?" And I said great. And so they get out there and we spent like a day at the quick care because I had been so sick, I was so dehydrated that they had to take me to the quick care and get IV's and things like that because I had been so physically sick over this. And we jokingly refer to that as their "FEMA Trip," that they were my rescue, they were my FEMA rescuers that weekend.  When Sharon Eubank gave a talk a couple of years ago, she talked about the incident in Florida, where there were two kids that had gotten washed out in the waves. The rescuers couldn't get the kids, but this couple on this, on the shores, saw what was happening and they gathered people together and they formed a human chain of like more than 80 people leading out to these kids. And they were eventually able to rescue those kids. And I think that, especially throughout the past five, six years, so between the time I left Las Vegas, and now the time in Buffalo, I feel like I've been the one out in that wave, in that whirlpool, and there are at least 80 people making that chain to rescue me and to help me through these culture shock periods of my life. And I've been on the receiving end of that and it's been remarkable.  One thing that I now think is kind of funny, at the time it didn't feel very funny. I had never realized how much I associated my job and my career, my paycheck, with my self-worth, until I didn't have that. Because when I moved, I suddenly didn't have a job and I didn't have a career. And that's been a really big adjustment for me, I really didn't realize how much of my own self-worth was tied up into that job. And so it's been really tricky for me to kind of separate those two things and kind of rediscover my worth and the contributions I make and remind myself that I do bring value to the things that I am doing. One day, I remember just feeling a little bit lost. I do some little freelance projects and a little bit of contract work here and there. And I was just thinking, oh, I just really miss having a team. I wish I had a team, I'm so much better when I work within a team to bounce ideas off of people. And the impression came to my mind, "You are in a team. It's team Dimick." It kind of stopped me dead in my tracks because I do have a team. It's just a whole new team and it's a whole new focus on this team. It's a distinctly different role than I've played in the past. I've never been the wife, I've never been a stepmom before. But that's where God has placed me right now. And I am figuring out how to do it little by little. There have been a lot of moments when I've thought, "Oh, wow. I don't know anything about this." Like everything from you know, helping my stepdaughter learn how to read better or become more confident in her reading skills, to things like making dinner and having meal plans or budgeting. Like these things that are so every day to most of my friends, because they have been married 25 years. But this is brand new to me. Because before I got married, you know, I spent time working on careers and things and I made a really mean chocolate chip cookie, but I'm telling you I had yogurt and scrambled eggs for dinner most nights. And so I'm finally feeling like, okay, I can make a decent dinner. And I know how to grocery shop now and put together a meal plan for the week. But those even simple things like that were really new to me. I think there have been a lot of little things, little gifts of God's grace or tender mercies that have really helped me see that this is okay, that this is God's path for me. I was taking my stepson to seminary one morning, it was cold and wintery. I mean, and remind you, I live in Buffalo. So it is legit winter. And we were driving, I'm driving him to seminary, it is pitch black and cold. And he got out of the car and ran into the church building. And I started driving back and I just thought, oh wait, this is exactly what I had dreamed of. This is the kind of moment that I had dreamed up. It's different than I thought it would be, but this is still exactly what I had dreamed of. Little things like family moments, dropping kids off at seminary, contributing to something bigger than me, putting together a life with these humans. It's pretty great. Now I can look back and see very clearly, that my move from Las Vegas to Salt Lake was very much a preparation for this next big phase of life because Salt Lake has a winter. Las Vegas winters are like in the 50s, Salt Lake actually had snow. But that was totally preparing me for winter in Buffalo, like I bought my first pair of snow pants in Salt Lake. But just getting through that process of learning how to move and learning how to adjust and learning how to make friends and reestablish a new life was really, really a good preparation for me into this next phase. It was a baby step into transition. So I think Heavenly Father sometimes has to shock us into new phases of life or new places or new anything. If He needs us to get going, if He needs us to get going further than we think for ourselves, I think sometimes He has to throw these things in our way. Because we are really creatures of comfort, it is easy to be comfortable and not progress as much as maybe we need to or as much as he needs us to. I think that's where the tricky thing comes in, is like how much do we trust that God has a plan for me? When we do trust that, I think that's when it makes it easy for us to—not easy— it makes it clear for us that we need to keep going through the hard, through the scary, through the unknown, because we believe and we trust that God has a bigger plan for us and that He's not going to let us down. Recently, I was worrying about something. By nature, I am a worrior. And and so the whole trust thing, even though God has continually helped me through my life, I still worry. I'm trying not to, but I do. But the other day I was in primary helping and they started singing the song, "My life is a gift. My life has a plan. My life has a purpose in heaven it began." And I grabbed my phone as soon as I could and I started recording it. And I've listened to it so many times. And of course, the kids are screaming at the top of their lungs, just like they do. And it is so fantastic. And I just keep thinking, okay, it's that simple. It's that simple. It's, "My life is a gift. My life has a plan. My life has a purpose." And I hope that I can have that same trust and enthusiasm that these little babies can, these little kids can because I really do believe that our heavenly parents have this very distinct plan for us, they're not leaving us hanging. And if it's anything like the rest of my life has been, the plan for the future is going to be more than I ever envisioned for myself, so I better just go along for the ride. KaRyn: That was Kristin Howey Dimick, a proud member of Team Dimick and former spokesperson for The Church. I think sometimes we assume that a foreign culture is only about geography. But what I loved about Kristin's story was that reminder that we are surrounded by the unique traditions and social customs of others in so many different spaces in our lives. New jobs, new family structures, those can all be very real kinds of culture shock. And as we shuffle our way through the transition, sometimes gracefully, and sometimes, well, not so gracefully, (remember the shrimp?), it's not a bad idea to remember that God is present in the shifting and trust that our ability to navigate in our new culture is filled with His grace. And sometimes that grace is manifest in the kind of friends who spend the weekend with you at the InstaCare.  Our next storyteller is Derek, whose entrance into the MTC, the Missionary Training Center, came with its own brand of culture shock. Here's Derek,   Derek: As I entered the Missionary Training Center for the first time, I looked around at all the other missionaries, and I kind of felt like a fish out of water. I never planned on going on a mission or being involved in the gospel at all. But instead, here I was. How did I end up here? I grew up in a place that had a large population of members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and my family, even though we really weren't actively engaged in the gospel, we still went to church because it was the thing to do. Like in a way, we were punch card members, you know? We'd punch in and we'd punch out. When I was seven years old, my father had a work injury that really changed our family's lives in a lot of ways. And it made us a lot less mobile and a lot less able to do things that we were usually able to do. And so one of those things that we kind of took out of our lives was church. When I graduated high school, I was hanging out with my friends and doing what I wanted to do. Life was kind of going, you know, in neutral, if you will, but nothing was really happening. Honestly, I always had the question in the back of my mind, what am I doing with my life? So, I was sitting at home, and I heard someone knock at the door. And a guy was there, who was dressed in a suit, he was in his like, mid-40s and he asked to speak with me inside. So I said, "Okay, sure, I guess." And at that point, I knew he was from the church. My friends were all trying to get me to go to church. And so I'm like, oh, maybe this guy is from, from the ward, and he wanted to talk with me about going to church. So he sat down and he started to tell me that he was my home teaching companion. And I said, "I'm not sure I'm following here, but I don't go to church."  And he said, "That's okay. You don't have to go to church to be my companion." And he said, "I'd like to go on some visits with you if that's okay, to some of these families."  And I said, "I don't think I'm going to do that, I'm sorry. But thank you, I appreciate the offer."  And he says, "Well, I have your number, so why don't I send you a text every once in a while, let you know when I'm going. And if you feel up to it, then we can go."  So, I said, "Alright, cool." And then he left. A couple weeks later, he sends me a text and says,  "Do you want to come see this family with me? No pressure, you don't have to teach or anything."  And I said, "No, I'm fine." So this went on for like a month or two where he just would text me randomly and say, hey, I'm going to go visit these people, do you want to come along?" And I'm just still confused on why this guy's even texting. I just didn't understand it. And one night, I got this text and I was like, all right, let's see what he wants, sure. And he said, "Hey, no teaching tonight but do you want to go out for dinner? I'm hungry, are you?" I was usually out with my friends, vut I was home and I was hungry. I'm always hungry. I said, "All right, that's fine. Let's do this." We go out to a restaurant and he actually took the time to talk to me instead of wanting me just to come to the next event or whatever. Nobody has ever done that for me. I want to say a month later or so, he sent me a message saying, "Hey, just a little reminder, I'm going to see a family. Do you want to come?" And I just had to say yeah. I just really liked his company and he just was really nice to me. And I'm like, "You know what? Why not? I've got a free night. I'll give it a shot." So I went to go see this family. And we talked to them, had a great time, actually. And as time kept going on, I kept going. And I started to really fall in love with this teaching thing. This was kind of cool to me. Well, one night, he was dropping me off. He just sat in my driveway with me and we just talked about everything. And in my mind, I was always still thinking about what was happening in my life. Was I progressing, was I doing anything with my life? And he must have had a spiritual impression to talk to me about that. Because he started to really pick apart my issues and say, "What are you doing with your life?" I told him, I have no idea. It's a great question. He said, "You should go on a mission."  I said, "I don't know about that. I've got a girlfriend, I've got a job, I'm probably gonna go to college." And he just was really nice and supportive and said, "You know what, College is a great, great thing. And I think you should stick with that." And then he said, "But I really feel like you would do so well on a mission. I feel like you can touch people's hearts in a different way than anybody else. I feel like if you go, there's going to be somebody that will need you and only you." And it was a little heavy for me. I remember thinking about my mom, even though we weren't active in the church at all, my mom still said prayers every night without fail. I knew that because I walked into a room plenty of times while she was praying. And so I wanted to give this a shot. Got down on my knees and I said a prayer and I said, "Heavenly Father, please just guide me to where you want me to read so I can get whatever answer I need to get out of this sense of confusion." I said "Amen" and I opened it up, it was the Book of Mormon, and all I read, and I didn't know much about the Book of Mormon, but it was talking about the Nephites and the Lamanites, and they're going to war. An impression that I felt was "Whose side are you on? Are you on the Lord's side? Are you on Satan's side?" And it hit me hard. So at that point, I just really felt prompted to say another prayer, but this time, get on my knees and say one vocally and start talking to Heavenly Father, because if He gave me that kind of answer, then maybe He can give me more. So I got on my knees and I started saying a prayer. I just started feeling that I really needed to do something with my life. And that thing was actually to go on a mission. The first people I told were my parents. And initially, they were both a little shocked, because they never thought that I would go. It was funny because my mom was actually very skeptical. Because I mean, she even looked at me and said, "Wait a second, I'm not sure if I'm speaking to my son. You know, I'm a little confused here, where my son go?" And I said, "No, this is real. This is really what I want to do." And they both embraced me and gave me so much love and support.  The next person I wanted to tell was my home teaching companion that kind of helped me get to this point. And I simply told him, like, Let's meet for lunch, I got something to tell you. And so we went to a place to sit down and eat. And he said, "So what's this all about what's going on?"  And I just said, "I want to go on a mission." And I remember he just, he stopped eating his lunch. I think he dropped his fork, like actually, physically dropped the fork. And he was like, "You're lying to me, you're pulling my leg, this can't be real." And I said, "No, it's it's real." We both started to cry together. Because this was something that he knew that I needed, and other people needed. And I knew that I needed it to.  And so after that, I told my Bishop and said, "Hey, I'd like to prepare to go on a mission." And obviously, he was shocked. And he said, "Well, I guess we need to get started on on the process of going." And so, you know, I went through the repentance process, and I started to do the right things so that I could prepare to go. And so he said, "You know, I have some scriptures for you to read. And also I'd like you to go into mission preparation classes." This was about March or April or so. And so we were a little bit into the year, and I kind of missed out on some of the lessons. And I didn't really know what was going on necessarily, because it was all kind of new to me. But I felt like I was getting so much more knowledge and it was amazing. And as I was going through these classes and kind of meeting my Bishop every week, you know, I expressed to him that I just don't know if I have enough knowledge to go on a mission. I just didn't know if I did. And he looked at me, he says, "You know what, a talk just came out recently by Elder Neil L. Anderson, it's called 'You Know Enough.' Go home and read that. And I just want you to know that you do know enough, that you've got this." So, for the next 60 days, I just prepared as much as I could, getting as much knowledge as I could. And in August, I left on my mission. In the Missionary Training Center, you do a lot of role-play teaching, where you teach other missionaries the lessons that are in "Preach My Gospel" and help them to teach you back so that you're ready to go out in your mission field. I remember we were about to teach the first lesson, which talks about the restoration of the church, and I remember just reading over it and being like, "Oh yeah, I got this. This is fine. The restoration, Joseph Smith, First Vision, lots of things, I knew a lot of that. And so I said my part and then my companion took over. He started talking about the Book of Mormon, and how the Book of Mormon was the writings of the ancient people here in America about Jesus Christ. And I looked over and I was like, wait, what? I kind of did like this doubletake. And I was so blown away because I had no idea that the Book of Mormon, the whole thing is actually about the people here on the American continent. I had no clue. Talk about culture shock. The one key piece of our gospel is the Book of Mormon, and I had no idea that the entire thing was based here. Another experience I had in the Missionary Training Center, we were all gathered together for a devotional, all the missionaries were gathered together. And the opening hymn was a hymn that I'd never heard of, and it's "Hope of Israel." And I remember all the missionaries, every single one of them, at least I felt like, all of them were seeing with such fervor and such power. And they were all like— it's like they've known this since they were young. And I was clueless. And I just sat there in silence, looking at all the other missionaries and I knew at that point that this is definitely something that I'm going to have to work on, you know. And that I didn't, I didn't have a lot of the knowledge that I feel like all the other Elders and Sisters had. As I progressed on my mission, I finally read the Book of Mormon, all the way, cover to cover and I was able to feel that it was true, instead of just having a little scriptures here and there. There was a quote from Elder Anderson's talk, "You Know Enough," that I always kept with me, that helped me to keep going and to feel like I actually was doing the right thing. And he said, "Nearly 40 years ago, as I contemplated the challenge of a mission, I felt very inadequate and unprepared. I remember praying, 'Heavenly Father, how can I serve a mission when I know so little?' I believed in the church, but I felt my spiritual knowledge was very limited. As I prayed, the feeling came, 'you don't know, everything, but you know enough.' That reassurance gave me the courage to take the step into the mission field." You know, when I first read this, I thought, wow, like, what he was going through 40 years ago, was the exact same thing that I was going through right now. That quote helped me to conquer all these feelings of inadequacy and lack of understanding. This whole experience really taught me a lot about myself. And even though I didn't have all the lingo and all the knowledge of the gospel, and all the songs memorized, or any of that, my desire to serve the Lord and my desire to be a disciple of Jesus Christ was enough. And I'm so grateful for that.   KaRyn: That was Derek. While Derek's experience at the MTC was definitely unique, I think you'd be hard-pressed to find any returned missionary who didn't think going on a mission was a shock to their system. I actually think it's built that way on purpose. Truly, truly, because transformative experiences require a sort of humility that is quickly invoked when we have to rely upon the Lord for everything. And what better way to invite us to be humble than to give us moments where, as Derek put it, we are truly fish out of water.  I don't know about you, but I hate to feel stupid. Nothing makes me feel stupider than being wrong. And there's nothing that can make you feel more wrong, and bumping up against a different way of moving in the world. Because if my Korean friends can eat their shrimp with those big dangly black eyes and 4 million legs on them, and I can't, what does that mean about me? My anger during the negotiation phase of culture shock was often a result of my fear of being wrong. That fear may have been irrational most of the time, but it was still present, I had to deal with it. And here's what's amazing about that talk that Derek shared from Elder Neil Anderson, at the beginning of the talk, Elder Anderson says, "You don't know everything, but you know enough." That tightrope act of not knowing everything, but still knowing enough requires that we let our Father in Heaven guide our steps when we're faced with surprising new situations and experiences. A while ago, I was in Florida for work, and we attended a sacrament meeting in a ward that was filled with so many different cultures. If you've ever been to South Florida, you understand this. There were so many different ways of understanding the world present in that one room. And everything in the meeting seemed totally normal, completely in line with the church culture that I was accustomed to. But when it came time to bless the sacrament, the young men in that ward did not get up and stand in neat rows in front of the sacrament table like I was used to. Instead, they gathered around the table tightly, shoulder to shoulder with one or two boys even standing on the steps of the rostrum to get closer. It looked like a football huddle. And everything in me wanted to say, "Whoa, whoa whoa, that's not how you do it. Line up, get in line." But the spirit pierced my heart and told me just watch, see things in a new light. As they prayed and blessed those Sacrament emblems, suddenly, I understood that ordinance better than I had ever before. This was a family feast and those were Christ's children circled as close as they could, to the body and blood of our Savior. They were rejoicing together, celebrating the beauty of that shared and yet miraculously individual touch of the Master's hand through the sacrament. And I was humbled because I don't know everything. And in fact, my way of doing things isn't the only way to do things. But I do know enough to know that God was present in that huddle. Culture shock is a gift, an opportunity to let down our carefully guarded walls and our ever-present need to be right so that we can see things differently. Maybe, more importantly, so that we can see ourselves differently. And when the honeymoon is over, and we're done negotiating, we can find adjustment and adaptation through God's greatest gift, the grace of Jesus Christ's atonement, which is actually the only culture that truly unites us all. That's it for this episode of "This is the Gospel." Thank you to Kristin and Derek for sharing their stories. We will have the transcript of this episode as well as the links to Elder Anderson's talk and Kristin's best advice for surviving big life transitions in our show notes at ldsliving.com/thisisthegospel. You can find the episode on the list and then the show notes are on the individual page, so go there and check it out. We love hearing from you on our pitch line. If you have a story to share, leave us a short three-minute pitch at (515) 519-6179. You can find more about this episode and what themes we're working on right now by following us on Instagram and Facebook @thisisthegospel_podcast. And now that we're back in the full swing of the season, would you do us a favor? Will you please share your experience with the podcast on Apple or Bookshelf PLUS+ by leaving us a review? We have instructions on how to leave a review on the website if you're new to it. We really do read every single one and they are an important way for us to get your feedback and help other people find the podcast.  This episode was produced by me, KaRyn Lay with story producing and editing from Kelly Campbell. It was scored mixed and mastered by Mix at Six studios and our executive producer is Erin Hallstrom. You can find past episodes of this podcast and other LDS Living podcasts at ldsliving.com/podcasts. Have a great week!

Throwback Parenting
Episode 023: Will My Child be Ready for Missionary Service? Part 1

Throwback Parenting

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 23, 2019 50:31


Our son has been serving as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for the past two years. He came home last week, and we are beyond excited. The reunion was sweet, and we are trying to soak in every second of the time we have with him before he leaves for college in a few weeks. Our second son has his mission call and will report to the Missionary Training Center on November 6. In this season of life, as we welcome one missionary home and prepare to send another one out, missionary service is on our minds. In this episode, we discuss why it is vital to start preparing our kids for missions long before their mission calls come, how that preparation entails FAR more than spirituality alone, what skills missionaries need to be successful, and how to start teaching those things. If you are a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and have kids of any age, this episode is for you. (And, by the way, all the skills we discuss are necessary for a smooth transition into adulthood, whether or not they choose to serve missions.) Find show notes here: http://www.lynnettesheppard.com/episode23/

Mormon Happy Hour Podcast
MHH79: McKenna-geddon, The Heated Aftermath Pt 1

Mormon Happy Hour Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later May 30, 2019 78:06


Recently, Mike Norton aka NewNameNoah presented an expansion of information that was previously presented regarding McKenna Denson when she came forward with allegations of rape at the hands of the Missionary Training Center president in the 80’s, Joseph Bishop. This further information, and the manner in which Norton presented it has erupted a firestorm of … Continue reading "MHH79: McKenna-geddon, The Heated Aftermath Pt 1"

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Mormon Happy Hour Podcast
MHH80: McKenna-geddon, The Heated Aftermath Pt 2

Mormon Happy Hour Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later May 30, 2019 96:30


THIS IS PART 2 of a panel discussion. Recently, Mike Norton aka NewNameNoah presented an expansion of information that was previously presented regarding McKenna Denson when she came forward with allegations of rape at the hands of the Missionary Training Center president in the 80’s, Joseph Bishop. This further information, and the manner in which … Continue reading "MHH80: McKenna-geddon, The Heated Aftermath Pt 2"

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Second Chances Podcast
Second Chances Ep 30: Ron & Esther Marcotte

Second Chances Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 5, 2019 28:44


Program host Greg Hennis interviews Ron & Esther Marcotte, missionaries to Ecuador. During today’s program, Ron & Esther share how God led them to the mission field, as well as discussing their Missionary Training Center for Ecuadorians, Timothy’s Abode. Second Chances is a production of Ascend Television Network.

Leading Saints Podcast
How I Lead as General Relief Society President | An Interview with Julie Beck

Leading Saints Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 18, 2018 56:14


Interview transcript available below. Julie Bangerter Beck served as Relief Society General President from 2007-2012. She was born in Salt Lake City, Utah with nine siblings in Granger and Alpine, Utah, and in Sao Paulo, Brazil where her father served as mission president. She is a graduate of Dixie College (now Dixie State University) and Brigham Young University. Before her service as Relief Society General President, she served on the Young Women general board, as First Counselor in the Young Women General Presidency, and with her husband, Ramon, at the Missionary Training Center in Provo, Utah. Sister Beck is currently vice-chair of the Board of Trustees of Dixie State University. She also serves on the executive committee of the BYU Alumni Association. Her new book Joy in the Covenant shares deep-seated feelings and beliefs and draws heavily from her own experiences, the lives of her parents, and the lessons she learned from them. Highlights 5:40 Sister Beck's father and his service in the church 7:00 Sister Beck's parents' leadership examples 7:30 Advice from her parents as she served in leadership callings 8:30 Lessons from her father 9:10 The Lord builds his church through building people 9:40 Experience working with a general Young Women board member 13:20 Delegating in callings 15:00 Delegating as General Relief Society President 16:50 Her role as General Relief Society President- Agent of the Prophet 20:15 Relief Society President is an agent to the bishop and serves under his keys 22:35 Relief Society President's keys when set apart/Daughter's experience as Relief Society President 25:30 How to navigate the relationship between a Relief Society President and the Bishop 29:10 How to measure success in leadership/ Preach My Gospel pages 10-11 32:00 Sister Beck's experience being called as General Relief Society President with President Hinckley 34:00 President Hinckley's counsel and emphasis that presidents choose their own counselors 37:30 Counselors help the president be the best they can be 40:45 Best practices for a sister that sits on a ward council 44:00 What was her first day like as General Relief Society President 51:00 How being a General Relief Society President has made her a better follower of Jesus Christ Links Joy in the Covenant Interview Transcript [00:04:00] Kurt: Today, I’m in downtown Salt Lake City in a room with sister Julie Beck. How are you? Julie: I’m doing great. Thank you. Kurt: Good. Well, this is quite an opportunity. I’ve seen you on TV a lot but never in person, so this is a great opportunity. Julie: People look different in person. Kurt: Right? You’re a little more blonde than I think I remember you. Julie: It’s called being outside and sun-bleached hair. Kurt: Nice, okay. Good. You recently poured your heart and soul into a book project that you recently released called Joy in the Covenant. What was the impetus for this book project? Julie: The impetus was that I had been preparing messages for a number of events and things, and I wanted to share them with my family. But in today’s world, you can’t just send out an email, and I decided I needed to protect those messages, and they needed some refinement. I wanted them for my family and friends, people who have been asking me to share. So I thought, “We’ll see if we can collect these into something that would [00:05:00] be a book. And I am quite pleased with it, how it turned out. Kurt: I was able to read a good amount of it, and there are some engaging stories here, some that I never realized we’re part of your past like going to Brazil, and some of those things that obviously had an imprint on your life. Julie: Well, these are messages prepared after my release as General President. So they’re much more autobiographical or personal just because of the places I was able to share each message. They’re all standalone messages but they connect with themes running throughout,

The Salt Lake Tribune's Mormon Land
A Q&A with MormonLeaks officials and their quest to expose the faith’s secrets | Episode 43

The Salt Lake Tribune's Mormon Land

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 7, 2018 53:49


You probably read about a woman who secretly recorded an interview with her former Missionary Training Center president about alleged sexual misconduct he committed. Or maybe your heard that Mormon general authorities are paid more than $120,000 a year in salary. Perhaps you wonder about the LDS Church’s vast wealth. You swear you’ve seen that it has at least $32 billion in stock holdings. Well, if you know those newsy nuggets, it’s probably because of a website called MormonLeaks, which posts documents, recordings and videos secretly provided by church leaders, employees, sources, whistleblowers or other moles from within the Utah-based faith. So how did MormonLeaks get its start? What is its goal? Which leaks have been the biggest? And how does it navigate often-tricky ethical waters? We put those questions and more to the forces behind the website, Executive Director Ryan McKnight and technical director Ethan Dodge.

Mosaic
#MormonMeToo Part 2: The Church Responds

Mosaic

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 18, 2018


In the previous episode of this series, McKenna Denson shared her experience recording a conversation with her former Missionary Training Center president, Joseph Bishop, in which he can be heard admitting to sexual misconduct with multiple women while he was a leader in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. On the recording, she confronts him with the allegation that he raped her while she was a Mormon missionary in 1984, an allegation he denies.In this part of the series, the spiritual dimension of this story begins to untangle. How has the church responded to emerging facts — both "the church" as a collection of individual believers, as well as the corporate institution based in Salt Lake City?

jesus christ church saints salt lake city mormon responds missionary training center joseph bishop mckenna denson
Peculiar People Podcast
Episode 35: Ryan Ogden - Revive Humanity

Peculiar People Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 13, 2018 55:43


Ryan Ogden is from Richfield, Utah and is the Executive Director of Revive Humanity. He graduated from Utah Valley University with a communication degree and loves to do just that, COMMUNICATE. Either in Tagalog, Spanish, or English he loves to interact and be with people. After a two year mission for his Church in the Philippines he founded and became the Executive Director of Philippine Improvement Group (This is a 501(c)3 charitable organization that leads the way to improvement by teaching, healing, and increasing the stability in the Philippines). He has lead many service tours to the Philippines and other places around the world. He taught the language of Tagalog at the Missionary Training Center for 2 years. In 2011 He founded Revive Humanity, an international, non-profit, non-government, non-denominational, humanitarian organization dedicated to the pursuit of providing long-term solutions and sustainability to individuals and communities.  On this episode of the Podcast, Nate and Ryan do a deep dive on his experiences serving all around the world, and the very personal, very inspirational reason he chose to spend the last 10 years living a unique life of service instead of the more traditional path of marriage and family.  

Atheist Nomads
Episode 246 – Now with twice as many babies!

Atheist Nomads

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 12, 2018


This week Merry Cole is back and brought along little baby Blithe. In the news we have the Idaho Gov and Lt. Gov race, Mormon creepiness, the SBC president's resignation, healthcare, and more! We're back on Thursday. NEWS David Silverman placed on leave following a complaint An Idaho Lt. Gov. candidate thinks women who get abortions should be executed Idaho state Sen Bob Nonini is running for Lt Governor and took part is a candidate forum with other candidates on the “CrossPolitic SHow and Podcast” which is a Christian political show. All three candidates agreed that abortion is murder. The host, David Shannon asked if women who get abortions should get the death penalty and Nonini agreed saying, “Yes. There should be no abortion and anyone who has an abortion should pay.” After the backlash that he deserved for saying that he tried to backtrack on Twitter saying: "LET ME BE CLEAR-I have always been a pro-life supporter. That means classifying abortion as murder & I believe we should consider penalties for individuals involved in these procedures. I NEVER said or agreed the death penalty should be considered." Harley Brown is running for Idaho governor again because God wants him to and wants him to be President Harley Brown is once again a candidate to be Idaho's next governor, why? Because God wants him to be president and told him to run for Governor. A lawyer for the LDS church responded to rape allegations against the former head of the Missionary Training Center by gathering all church discipline and legal records on the victim and sent that to the accused's son who sent it to the media Salt Lake march to stop Mormon bishop interviews with children about sex More research has been done about Trump and Christian Nationalists New York is threatening to sue if the Trump administration goes through with their religious protections for healthcare workers The Maryland legislature has passed a bill to ban gay conversion therapy Matt Barber thinks Jesus advocated for the second amendment. Maybe he just needs to try turning the other cheek. The head of the Southern Baptist Convention has resigned because of an "inappropriate relationship" Children from a Muslim family in Britain called the authorities on their parents over abuse, isolation and attempts to turn the kids into extremists. They made the kids watch an ISIS beheading A South African pastor would pray for forgiveness each time he'd rape teenage girls After being reported as saying Hell does not exist, the Pope clarified that it does This episode is brought to you by: * Travis McGee * Danielle * Michael * Darryl * Arthur * George * Mike * The Flying Skeptic * Kim * Rachel * John * Josh * Rob * Al from South Carolina * Henry * Alexandra * Alan You can find us online at www.atheistnomads.com, follow us on Twitter @AtheistNomads, like us on Facebook, email us at contact@atheistnomads.com, and leave us a voice mail message at (541) 203-0666. Theme music is provided by Sturdy Fred. DOWNLOAD EPISODE

More To Say
Sexual Assault And The LDS Church

More To Say

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 29, 2018 19:54


On March 19th, the website MormonLeaks released an audio recording. It was an anonymous woman and a man named Joseph L. Bishop. She accuses him of sexually assaulting her in 1984 — at the Missionary Training Center in Provo. He was the MTC President; she was a young missionary. Link to original show: http://radiowest.kuer.org/post/authority-abuse-and-lds-church

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Mormon Matters - (Dan Wotherspoon ARCHIVE)
471: Reflections on the Recently Revealed MTC Sexual Abuse Cases, Part 1

Mormon Matters - (Dan Wotherspoon ARCHIVE)

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 28, 2018 70:48


Within the past ten days, Mormonism has been rocked by a recoding and transcript released through MormonLeaks that depicts the confessions of a former president of the Missionary Training Center in Provo, Utah—Joseph Bishop—about his improper sexual behavior with at least two sister missionaries, including the one who in an interview with Bishop confronted him about his attempting to rape her. This episode, featuring the wonderful panelists Jennifer Finlayson-Fife, Katie Langston, and Judy Dushku, reflects on this story and the developments that have unfolded since it broke, including the LDS Church's Newsroom responses to it—responses that many have criticized for their wrong-spiritedness and for actually causing additional harm and trauma for many members of the church community, especially those who have been victims of sexual abuse or who have had any experiences in which the difficult claims they have made have not been believed or have been ignored, leading to no action taken against perpetrators. Host Dan Wotherspoon and the panel in no way offer quarter for the tremendous evils depicted in this story and its aftermath, but they also consider issues of how this public scandal and shaming being felt by leaders who failed these sisters in this and other cases might lead to positive changes in church policies regarding one-on-one interviews behind closed doors, and in many other areas. In fact, later in the evening this episode was recorded, the church indeed did release new guidelines for bishopric and stake presidency interviews. Finally, the four of them consider these scandals and their effects on the spiritual lives of Latter-day Saints, particularly on those who had already been struggling with aspects of the church and wondering if it is wise for them to continue to associate with it. How do the panelists deal with news like this and other disturbing revelations about church and the human failings of those in key leadership positions? Are they able to separate in their minds and souls such things from their own deeply held spiritual convictions? And if so, how? This two-part episode is a great discussion, full of compassion, insight, and hopefulness. Please download and listen to both sections! NOTE: As this is released, it is being rated "explicit" only as a precaution due to the subject matter being discussed, as well as two instances of swearing (not any of the "big" ones, we promise!) and an anatomical term and description that isn't one that many Mormons are used to hearing or discussing.

Mormon Matters - (Dan Wotherspoon ARCHIVE)
472: , Reflections on the Recently Revealed MTC Sexual Abuse Cases, Part 2

Mormon Matters - (Dan Wotherspoon ARCHIVE)

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 28, 2018 86:28


Within the past ten days, Mormonism has been rocked by a recoding and transcript released through MormonLeaks that depicts the confessions of a former president of the Missionary Training Center in Provo, Utah—Joseph Bishop—about his improper sexual behavior with at least two sister missionaries, including the one who in an interview with Bishop confronted him about his attempting to rape her. This episode, featuring the wonderful panelists Jennifer Finlayson-Fife, Katie Langston, and Judy Dushku, reflects on this story and the developments that have unfolded since it broke, including the LDS Church's Newsroom responses to it—responses that many have criticized for their wrong-spiritedness and for actually causing additional harm and trauma for many members of the church community, especially those who have been victims of sexual abuse or who have had any experiences in which the difficult claims they have made have not been believed or have been ignored, leading to no action taken against perpetrators. Host Dan Wotherspoon and the panel in no way offer quarter for the tremendous evils depicted in this story and its aftermath, but they also consider issues of how this public scandal and shaming being felt by leaders who failed these sisters in this and other cases might lead to positive changes in church policies regarding one-on-one interviews behind closed doors, and in many other areas. In fact, later in the evening this episode was recorded, the church indeed did release new guidelines for bishopric and stake presidency interviews. Finally, the four of them consider these scandals and their effects on the spiritual lives of Latter-day Saints, particularly on those who had already been struggling with aspects of the church and wondering if it is wise for them to continue to associate with it. How do the panelists deal with news like this and other disturbing revelations about church and the human failings of those in key leadership positions? Are they able to separate in their minds and souls such things from their own deeply held spiritual convictions? And if so, how? This two-part episode is a great discussion, full of compassion, insight, and hopefulness. Please download and listen to both sections! NOTE: As this is released, it is being rated "explicit" only as a precaution due to the subject matter being discussed, as well as two instances of swearing (not any of the "big" ones, we promise!) and an anatomical term and description that isn't one that many Mormons are used to hearing or discussing.

EM Weekly's Podcast
EP 46 Is your Water Safe

EM Weekly's Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 1, 2018 51:42


Marcello Some of Marcello past experiences includes: Director of Entrepreneur Development for Utah's Governor's Office of Economic Development. Strategic Consultant. Commercial and Hard Money Lending. National coordinator for EFY youth camps. Business to business software sales representative. Owner of two sound and lighting/disc jockey companies. Executive Vice President of a clothing/fashion corporation. Director of Marketing for an online business. Advertising Manager for Utah Valley State College. Teacher, tutor, trainer, large-group speaker for the Missionary Training Center in Provo, UT. Portuguese teacher. Seminary and religious institute teacher. PURAVAI  Is the purest prepackaged storage water in the emergency preparedness market. When it comes to emergency storage water, even one little bacterium in the water can multiply over time and become billions of bacteria. It's called CFUs (or Colony Forming Units of Bacteria). Tested independently by one of the top labs in the world, our biggest competitor measured in at 3,330 CFUs per mL, yet when PURAVAI was tested by the same lab, the result: ZERO CFUs. That's a HUGE deal because what that means is your PURAVAI water is able to remain safe to drink, even decades later!!  LinkedIn:  linkedin.com/in/marcellosurjopolos Website: https://puravai.com/home12787606 Twitter:  @msurjopolos‏ Facebook:   https://www.facebook.com/marcello Email: marcello@puravai.com Phone:   Advertisers Titan HST https://www.titanhst.com/ EM Weekly www.emweekly.com Resources  https://www.emweekly.com/downloads/category/free-template/  

Learn Chinese Insights Podcast
Learn Chinese Insights Podcast Episode 007: Malachi McGee

Learn Chinese Insights Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 1, 2015 19:09


In this episode, I interview Malachi McGee. Malachi originally came to Taiwan 7 years ago as a Mormon Missionary. Listen on to find out: Why Malachi decided to stay on in Taiwan even after his missionary term was up About the Missionary Training Center program’s intensive Mandarin course Why he decided to stay on in […] The post Learn Chinese Insights Podcast Episode 007: Malachi McGee appeared first on Chinese Learn Online.

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Two Brothers Two | HD | ENGLISH
Two Brothers Two: Preparing to Serve in Cambodia - Episode 5

Two Brothers Two | HD | ENGLISH

Play Episode Listen Later May 29, 2015


In this episode, we experience ups and downs with 19-year-old Luke in the Missionary Training Center, where he is preparing to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Cambodia.