I the Lord am Bound - Elder Berg's Email (Doug Johnson)

Prelude: The following email is from a missionary that served with us in Alabama along with my response to his email. As a mission president I often had the responsibility of delivering “bad news”, but this is one of those experiences where the “bad news” turned out to be truly faith promoting experience. From: andy berg [mailto:bergandr@hotmail.com] Sent: Sunday, September 16, 2012 7:11 PM To: djohnson@projectcontrol-inc.com Subject: RE: Alabama Birmingham Mission Reunion President Johnson, How have you been? It's been a long time since I've seen you and Sister Johnson, and I'm sorry to say we won't be able to attend the reunion this year. However, I felt impressed to tell you about a huge impact you made in my life and mission. I don't know if you remember, but I sure remember the sound of your voice on my answering machine half way through my mission. You had called to tell me that my older brother was diagnosed with brain cancer. I later found out that he wasn't expected to live more than a year. You shared some things with me about priesthood power that you had highlighted for me. You gave me a blessing. Before that I felt like I had to go home to be with my brother for his last year alive. I had already convinced myself that that was what I needed to do. If I had done that, I think I would have had one last time period to spend with him before he died. But you inspired in me a better choice. After I talked to you, even though it was possible I would never see him again, I felt like I should finish my mission. I felt impressed that if I poured my whole soul into it, I would see him again and he would be healed. After that my whole mission changed. My concept of faith changed. My life changed. One week before I returned home, I heard news from home. The doctors thought they had the wrong patient because my brother showed no signs of ever having cancer, and his last visit they still thought may be the last. I returned home to my brother, never seeing him while he had cancer, in perfect health. He now has a wife and two year old son, and is still completely free of cancer. I am grateful for what you did for me. You changed my mission and, along with the faith of many others helped my brother to be healed. I just wanted to say thank you. I wasn't sure you knew how things ended up. I am doing great. I will get my Bachelor of Arts degree in May; I have a beautiful wife, a baby girl, and another on the way. Thanks for being such an awesome person. You are one of the people I think of when I think of people I'd like to be like. I am grateful for your service as my mission president. It sure has meant a lot to me. Your friend, Andy Berg From: Doug Johnson [djohnson@projectcontrol-inc.com] Sent: Monday, September 17, 2012 11:55 AM To: 'andy berg' Cc: 'Mom Johnson' Subject: RE: Alabama Birmingham Mission Reunion Andy - Thank you for sharing the "rest of the story" with me, we were not aware of the final outcome. Yes, that is certainly one of those "faith promoting" experiences that is a reminder that God is in the details and he does not go back on his promises (D&C 82:10). Yes, I remember the experience well. I do not remember the specific advise that was given, but I do remember having the distinct impression that we needed to leave it in the hands of the Lord. He was in a far better position to take care of your brother than you would have been able to do by going home. Yes, I know that you were concerned with the very distinct possibility that you might never see your brother alive again. However, I also remember that you told me that you were at peace with your decision to stay. It is times like those that will help us to remember the importance of placing our "faith & trust" in the Lord. Neither one of us knew what the outcome would be, but having a knowledge of God's eternal plan gave both of us peace that God would not forget your brother nor would he forget you. Obviously there are several scriptures that come to mind as I think about the "lessons learned" from this experience. When God made this world it was with the intent that we would learn from our experiences on earth and those experiences would help us to develop greater "faith" and a greater love for our Father in Heaven. You remember when the Lord said, "And we will prove them herewith, to see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them" (Abraham 3:25). You had accepted a call to serve the Lord and your willingness to do all that the "Lord your God did command" qualified you for the blessings, "... for ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith" (Ether 12:6). This story is a reminder that we are all "instruments" in the hands of the Lord and God will work His miracles through those that have been called to serve. God is the one that does the healing and we are the ones that will be the recipient of God's great love, if we are able to "hold onto the rod" and trust in the Lord. "Blessed is the man that endureth temptation (and trials): for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him" (James 1:12). Sorry you will not be able to attend the reunion. We are looking forward to seeing as many of the missionaries as possible. If you happen to be in the area, please drop by and visit. We would love to meet your wife and children and to visit with you again. Again, thank you for sharing that experience. If it is OK with you, I would like to let the other missionaries know the "rest of the story", since I am sure that they will all (those that were serving with you) remember the experience. All of the missionaries at that time were fasting and praying "mightily" in behalf of your brother and you, so I am sure that it will help to strengthen their faith and testimony and will cause them to remember the great experiences that they had while serving their missions. It is interesting to note that most missionaries will never know just what impact they had on others while they were serving their missions, so stories like yours will help them to recognize that God knows what they did and it is not always important that we are aware of the "rest of the story" all of the time; however, it is nice to have a few of those stories to give us strength. Your story is one of those!! Thank you, Doug Johnson

COURAGE – by Jamie Johnson

One of my favorite things to do is to swim. I was a swim teacher for many years, and I learned a lot about courage when I was teaching so many kids. The first thing I taught my students was to never say, “I CAN’T”. Only say, “I WILL TRY”. If they said can’t then they would always panic, sink, and swallow water. But if they were brave, courageous, and listened to exactly what I said, then they would float.
It is okay to have “butterflies in your stomach”, that is what we say when we are nervous about something. Sometimes we have the butterflies when we are in a performance, or starting school, sometimes it is hard to talk to a new person, or try something new, or just going out of your comfort zone. Every time we are courageous and do something even if we have the butterflies then we feel great after. And even better is that it will be easier to do it the next time.
I remember a time I had the butterflies. Juliet our cousin was getting married and we went to her reception. She was marrying Larry Cook, his dad is one of the 12 apostle, so President
Hinkley was at the reception. I really wanted to say hi to President Hinkley and shake his hand, but I was really nervous. Thoughts were going through my head like, “he is too busy, I should leave him alone, or what will I say to him.” Finally I got up enough courage to go and say hi to the Prophet. He shook my hand and asked me my name. I was shocked that he asked about me. I was so grateful that I overcame my nervousness so I could take advantage of the opportunity before me to be in the Prophet’s presence. I would have felt terrible if I went home without meeting him.
Courage is being scared to death, but saddling up anyways.
I know that Heavenly Father has given the opportunity to come to earth to learn and to strive to become like our Brother Jesus Christ. I am so grateful for the Gift of the Holy Ghost that can help us at times when we are nervous and give us the courage to progress and better ourselves.

Following Jesus by Andrea Johnson

For Spring Break last year my family went to the “BIG CITY” Salt Lake. I call it the “BIG CITY” because in my Kindermusik class we learned all about cities. I loved the City. I saw lots of cars, taxis, big buildings, a lost dog, and my favorite - statues, and the temple.

When we were in the Temple Visitor’s Center I walked up a long ramp that looked like I was going up in the sky. When I got to the top I saw a really big statue of Jesus. It was so big. I walked right up to Jesus and just stood there and stared at him. I saw the holes in his hands and feet. I felt really good in my heart. My mom said it was time to go, but I didn’t want to go I wanted to stay there with Jesus. So we sat down on the chairs and looked at Jesus and talked about him.

I know that Jesus loves me and if I follow his example and do what is right then I will be with him again for real. I am really glad that I can feel him in my heart.

True Color - By Zac Johnson

As I was thinking about what to talk about, I came across a talk by Jeff S. Mcintosh written in last year’s December Ensign. Brother Mcintosh tells a story of selling suits in a department store. He said that as you entered the store there were a few suits displayed at the front that sat under a really bright light which gave the suits a clean cut color. There were always a few customers that would want to try the suits on. Once the customers came out of the dressing room and looked at the suit, it did not have the same look that it did under the bright light at the display. It looked more dim and dull. He would then have to take them out in the sunlight which displayed the suits “true” color.

I have a pair of pants that always confuse me… When I put them on inside they look a dark green so than I pick my shirt and everything else out based on that color; however, I than get outside in the light where the pants show their “true” color which is brown. I than have to go back inside and change because nothing I picked out matches the pants!

This of course ties directly to our Savior Jesus Christ being our spiritual light which gives us the “true” guidance and helps us show our “true” color.

John 8: 12: Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness but shall have the light of life.

Brother Mcintosh said “striving to choose with true light will help us make proper choices for our families and ourselves. And by looking to God through the guidance of the Holy Ghost, we will not be deceived but will know good from evil.”

There is no doubt in my mind that Jesus Christ brings out the “True” color in everyone. The transformation that Christ brings to someone is such an amazing experience to be a part of. I have had numerous experiences where I have been able to see Christ change the life of others and show their “True” color.

Reed & Missy - By Reed Johnson

Reed Journal Entry:
Date: June 6, 2010

Fall 2009 - My dog Missy got out of our yard, which is kind of scary because we live by a busy highway and I didn’t want her to get lost or hurt, so I ran after her. I finally caught her by one of the neighbors house (Dallin Kemp). Missy pulled away from me and got away again! I was sad because it was by the “dangerous road”. So I knelt down and said a prayer. Right after I was done praying then Dallin (17 year old priest in the Ward) came out of his house and ran after Missy and caught her. I saw him coming with Missy and he walked Missy home with me. I told him thank-you. Once I put her back in the kennel, then I went inside into my room and said a prayer to Heavenly Father and said thank-you for answering my prayer.

The following was added by my Dad:

June 6, 2010 – I was sitting on a seat in the chapel today, following sacrament meeting, waiting to talk to a few quorum members. Dallin Kemp made it a point to come sit by me and share with me this experience from his perspective. Dallin asked if I remember the time last fall that he helped catch our dog. He then told me that he looked out his window and saw the dog get away from Reed. He then saw Reed get on his knees and say a prayer. Dallin, with tears in his eyes, expressed his appreciation for Reed and being such a great example to him! I also truly shared my appreciation for him and the example that he sets for the youth of the ward. I am so grateful for Reed and his example and his testimony of prayer. I love you Reed and am so proud of you for relying upon your Heavenly Father.