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On a mission for Jesus Christ
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| These three young men, who are devout Mormons, are headed down the sidewalks in Sparta with a definite purpose in mind – meeting the residents of this community and spreading the message of Christ. L-R: Jason, Ryan and Humberto. |
Sharing the message of their faith
By Kim Swindell Wood
Editor
kim@myspartanews.com
Three young men have been walking countless miles for several weeks to deliver a message of utmost importance to the Sparta-White County community.
The message is simple – trust in Jesus.
The message is simple – trust in Jesus.
Ryan, Humberto and Jason can be seen spryly walking across town, with their backpacks securely fastened as they set out on their daily mission of spreading the word of Jesus Christ.
However, their mission is sometimes greeted with skepticism, but this does not deter this trio of believers. Ryan, Humberto and Jason are Mormons.
Ryan and Jason are both 21 years old, while Humberto is the youngest, at 20. These three men are assigned to the Nashville mission, which has 32 missionaries who are transferred every six weeks.
Ryan said at least two other Mormons have served in the mission field in White County within the past few years, with one staying at least four months and the other remaining approximately three months.
Jason said they study the scriptures in the morning and spend several hours in prayer throughout the day.
“We go out to try to serve and teach and to really learn how to be Christ-like, - to try to stay productive,” said Jason. “Sometimes we go out and try to knock on doors, be involved in church activities and basically try to bring people to Christ.”
Jason said he feels they have been accepted well in the community and have received a positive response from those with whom they have spoken. However, there have been some negative reactions.
The missionaries fund living expenses individually. Jason said it costs $10,000 for two years for each missionary.
“You sacrifice school and dating and family,” said Jason. “We only talk to our families twice a year.”
However, correspondence via mail is allowed and helps keep them inspired.
“It’s not something we have to do – it’s because we really want to serve the Lord,” said Jason. “The ancient missionaries – Peter, James, John – they all went their own ways, and sometimes they had a tough time. They just taught the simple message that Jesus is the Christ.”
Ryan has been a missionary 23 months; Jason, 21 months; and Humberto, one month. All three men are from different states, but have one common goal in their faith – to teach the world about Christ. Osmond is from Utah, but said he may be moving to England for a brief time. Humberto is from Texas, and Ryan is from Arizona.
Family support has been a key factor for each of the three men. Although none of them are married, they did indicate they had plans to marry one day and have children.
“People here are very familiar with the Bible,” said Jason. “And we love the Bible. The Book of John, in fact, is my favorite. The Book of Mormon is a record of the people of Ancient America who believed in Jesus Christ thousands and thousands of years ago. “
The men were asked about the difference in the Book of Mormon and the King James Version of the Bible and why mainstream Christians sometimes question the contents of the Book of Mormon.
“I think their whole life they have been taught that this is the Bible and this is all God will ever say to us,” said Jason. “We believe there are more records to come, like the Dead Sea Scrolls. We believe God [still] speaks – he didn’t just speak [for a specific period of time] and that was it. There’s more. The world’s a big place.”
“We believe in endurance to the end – always keeping the commandments,” said Ryan. “We can’t just say we accept Jesus Christ and now we can go and do something against the commandments of God.”
Although they don’t get to see their families, Jason had a special opportunity to see his dad in March, when his dad performed a musical show for the missionaries. Jason is a member of the well-known Osmond family, of Utah, who entertained Americans for many years on T.V. His father is Jay Osmond.
When the three men complete their missionary work, they will go back home and resume their normal lives.
“We do this simply to serve,” said Jason. “It’s not to gain anything other than to really help others. The goal is to prepare the people for the second coming of Jesus Christ.”
The three young men were asked to explain why the Mormons once practiced polygamy, which is a topic they all agreed had been approached by numerous people with whom they have shared their message.
“The church, at one time, did practice polygamy, just as they did in the Bible in ancient times,” said Ryan. “God has a purpose for all things. And whatever that purpose is, he reveals it to his prophet. And the prophet spreads that amongst the followers of Christ. There was a time when the [Mormon] church practiced it [polygamy]. But when the time came that God’s purpose didn’t need it any more, he told the prophet at that time that it should be done away with.”
Jason was asked if the Osmond name had opened doors for him during his mission work. He replied that the name has helped, but he does not want it to overshadow the true purpose of his work. However, he did elaborate on his family’s Mormon faith.
“The thing I’ve come to learn is that it’s this church, and through Jesus Christ – only Jesus Christ, because it’s his church - that has protected my family in a world that is the most wicked business,” said Jason. “It’s kept them together and kept them righteous. Everyone makes mistakes, but they still love each other. You see families in this business that are torn apart. It’s their faith in Jesus Christ and them really trying to express that [that] has really held them tight.”
Ryan, Humberto and Jason will remain in Sparta and White County until they are transferred to another destination.
However, their mission is sometimes greeted with skepticism, but this does not deter this trio of believers. Ryan, Humberto and Jason are Mormons.
Ryan and Jason are both 21 years old, while Humberto is the youngest, at 20. These three men are assigned to the Nashville mission, which has 32 missionaries who are transferred every six weeks.
Ryan said at least two other Mormons have served in the mission field in White County within the past few years, with one staying at least four months and the other remaining approximately three months.
Jason said they study the scriptures in the morning and spend several hours in prayer throughout the day.
“We go out to try to serve and teach and to really learn how to be Christ-like, - to try to stay productive,” said Jason. “Sometimes we go out and try to knock on doors, be involved in church activities and basically try to bring people to Christ.”
Jason said he feels they have been accepted well in the community and have received a positive response from those with whom they have spoken. However, there have been some negative reactions.
The missionaries fund living expenses individually. Jason said it costs $10,000 for two years for each missionary.
“You sacrifice school and dating and family,” said Jason. “We only talk to our families twice a year.”
However, correspondence via mail is allowed and helps keep them inspired.
“It’s not something we have to do – it’s because we really want to serve the Lord,” said Jason. “The ancient missionaries – Peter, James, John – they all went their own ways, and sometimes they had a tough time. They just taught the simple message that Jesus is the Christ.”
Ryan has been a missionary 23 months; Jason, 21 months; and Humberto, one month. All three men are from different states, but have one common goal in their faith – to teach the world about Christ. Osmond is from Utah, but said he may be moving to England for a brief time. Humberto is from Texas, and Ryan is from Arizona.
Family support has been a key factor for each of the three men. Although none of them are married, they did indicate they had plans to marry one day and have children.
“People here are very familiar with the Bible,” said Jason. “And we love the Bible. The Book of John, in fact, is my favorite. The Book of Mormon is a record of the people of Ancient America who believed in Jesus Christ thousands and thousands of years ago. “
The men were asked about the difference in the Book of Mormon and the King James Version of the Bible and why mainstream Christians sometimes question the contents of the Book of Mormon.
“I think their whole life they have been taught that this is the Bible and this is all God will ever say to us,” said Jason. “We believe there are more records to come, like the Dead Sea Scrolls. We believe God [still] speaks – he didn’t just speak [for a specific period of time] and that was it. There’s more. The world’s a big place.”
“We believe in endurance to the end – always keeping the commandments,” said Ryan. “We can’t just say we accept Jesus Christ and now we can go and do something against the commandments of God.”
Although they don’t get to see their families, Jason had a special opportunity to see his dad in March, when his dad performed a musical show for the missionaries. Jason is a member of the well-known Osmond family, of Utah, who entertained Americans for many years on T.V. His father is Jay Osmond.
When the three men complete their missionary work, they will go back home and resume their normal lives.
“We do this simply to serve,” said Jason. “It’s not to gain anything other than to really help others. The goal is to prepare the people for the second coming of Jesus Christ.”
The three young men were asked to explain why the Mormons once practiced polygamy, which is a topic they all agreed had been approached by numerous people with whom they have shared their message.
“The church, at one time, did practice polygamy, just as they did in the Bible in ancient times,” said Ryan. “God has a purpose for all things. And whatever that purpose is, he reveals it to his prophet. And the prophet spreads that amongst the followers of Christ. There was a time when the [Mormon] church practiced it [polygamy]. But when the time came that God’s purpose didn’t need it any more, he told the prophet at that time that it should be done away with.”
Jason was asked if the Osmond name had opened doors for him during his mission work. He replied that the name has helped, but he does not want it to overshadow the true purpose of his work. However, he did elaborate on his family’s Mormon faith.
“The thing I’ve come to learn is that it’s this church, and through Jesus Christ – only Jesus Christ, because it’s his church - that has protected my family in a world that is the most wicked business,” said Jason. “It’s kept them together and kept them righteous. Everyone makes mistakes, but they still love each other. You see families in this business that are torn apart. It’s their faith in Jesus Christ and them really trying to express that [that] has really held them tight.”
Ryan, Humberto and Jason will remain in Sparta and White County until they are transferred to another destination.
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Reader Comments
The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the view of myspartanews.com.
brando82 wrote on Dec 30, 2009 10:51 PM:
" Way to go "lukelav"... way to be a jerk. It's statements like that from closed minded (simple) people that turns non-believers away. keep up the "good" witness.... or simply keep your mouth shut (or in this case fingers off the keyboard) Regardless if what they believe are wrong or right... at least they are spreading their word instead of judging "sinners" from the pews. "
white dove wrote on Jan 1, 2010 1:57 AM:
" i just have to say something here. I am a church of Christ and in the bible it clearly states that elders must be married, have children, and rule their own homes wise. While i do not believe in what they teach as they do so by twisting the words of God and base it upon one vision of one man named joesph smith instead of the words of Jesus Christ himself. I would not condemn them nor say to them they were preaching falsely, instyead i get out my bible and i read the scriptures right back at them that has left many mormons leaving my home in questioning of their faith in morman.. what better way to teach these young men where they are wrong is to let them come into your house and sit down with you and you and them each talk about your faith and their faith. they want to get to the same place that we all do and in doing these we each learn something from each other and we get to have a bible study at the same time. I have yet to have a mormon not leave my house without questioning his faith.. the bible, perfect law of liberty will never fail you at any time..because jesus words are very powerful even more powerfull then the little creed books or the little book of mormon written by a simple man named joseph smith who claims he had a vision.. bible never said another book would be made, it never said another prophet would come.. he only said i will go and prepare a place for you then i will return and get you..something to think about there cause jesus never lied!! "
amazingrace wrote on Jan 2, 2010 12:53 PM:
" If every church would do as some of the other denomanations did and witnessed,we might alll be better off. There are only two religious orgnaizations that do this that i know of. The other is one that most people talk about and won't answer their door to. WE as christains need to witness and maybe we won't be talking about the others thoat try and get the word out. At least the Mormons make you stop and think. Who knows, their views could change with someone witnessing to them. We just need not put down these young men. This is how they where raised and at least they are sacrificing to try and do good whether we agree with their religion or not. Don't get mad and slander them, pray and talk with them. Don't be afraid of them. "
summersoulchild wrote on Jan 3, 2010 2:03 PM:
" I'm NOT a religious person and in fact do NOT believe that a GOD is anything more than a story not unlike the TOOTH FAIRY that has been passed down the generations. NEVERTHELESS, the MORMON ppl are most definitely are one of only a couple of faiths in AMERICA that I can testify LIVE their religion. GOOD kids, GOOD families, GOOD/POSITIVE leaders. They are NOT judgmental of any religion and very sincere, kind ppl.
LUKELAV: Clearly you know NOTHING about the Morman faith. They too carry the KING JAMES version of the HOLY BIBLE. So, before you leave such an ignorant comment. do yourself a favor, pick up a dictionary and look up the word IGNORANT, then go from there.
There are SO MANY ridiculous "rumors" out there that are so untrue about the Mormon faith for sure. I've lived long enough to hear them all. Multiple marriage is something the Mormon church banned a very long time ago. Unfortunately, there was a small group that chose NOT to follow the Prophet of the church, broke off and chose to call themselves by the same name with the simple word "REFORMED" at the end. THOSE are the group of ppl who call themselves Mormon and practice multiple marriage. They've been around forever and the church can do nothing more than ignore them and try to witness to them of their wrongdoing. They are NOT real or true Mormons by any stretch of the imagination. HELLO?? Does anyone ever study something they question or comment about anymore??
Sadly, I personally find the southern bible beaters (generally Baptist or a form of) rude, irrationally arrogant and weekend bible warriors. What a sad reputation to have but certainly greatly deserved. "
LUKELAV: Clearly you know NOTHING about the Morman faith. They too carry the KING JAMES version of the HOLY BIBLE. So, before you leave such an ignorant comment. do yourself a favor, pick up a dictionary and look up the word IGNORANT, then go from there.
There are SO MANY ridiculous "rumors" out there that are so untrue about the Mormon faith for sure. I've lived long enough to hear them all. Multiple marriage is something the Mormon church banned a very long time ago. Unfortunately, there was a small group that chose NOT to follow the Prophet of the church, broke off and chose to call themselves by the same name with the simple word "REFORMED" at the end. THOSE are the group of ppl who call themselves Mormon and practice multiple marriage. They've been around forever and the church can do nothing more than ignore them and try to witness to them of their wrongdoing. They are NOT real or true Mormons by any stretch of the imagination. HELLO?? Does anyone ever study something they question or comment about anymore??
Sadly, I personally find the southern bible beaters (generally Baptist or a form of) rude, irrationally arrogant and weekend bible warriors. What a sad reputation to have but certainly greatly deserved. "
jdsmith57 wrote on Jan 3, 2010 2:03 PM:
" I appreciate the Sparta Newpaper for printing this article. I served a mission for the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Boston Mass during 1976-78. I want to thank the people of Sparta for their sincere believe in Jesus Christ. Although we (members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) and members of other Christian churches have different views of the details - most believe the purpose of this life is to love one another. We believe that by serving one another we serve the Lord. And as we serve the Lord we come to know the Lord. May those who read this note pray and ask the Lord to give them a chance to serve others and then have the courage to do so. I know that as missionary, the greatest thing I learned was the value of service. It has made a large difference in my life and the lives of those around me. May the Lord bless the good people of Sparta.
Sincerely,
Joseph Smith,
Owasso OK "
Sincerely,
Joseph Smith,
Owasso OK "
ps4478 wrote on Jan 5, 2010 5:30 PM:
" Ok, I have a question. Look at all the faiths there are in this world..Church of God, Church of Christ, Baptist, Mormon, Catholic, Pagan just to name a few...so which one is right? Which one is going to get you into heaven? I myself am wiccan. I believe in all faiths but trust none. So tell me which one is the true one? Look at how many versions of the bible there are. Which version is right? What all has been lost during all the translations? "
dks wrote on Jan 8, 2010 6:07 PM:
" ps4478,
I'll answer it. First, your premise that there are many versions or translations of the Bible are wrong. The Bible was not written in some hyroglific texts requiring a Rosetta stone to translate. The first century texts of the Bible were written in Hebrew and Greek. They were translated ONCE, into English. Various post modern versions can be compared to the original texts. There are no substantive differences in those versions. You don't have to wonder if a translation is right, you can go to the original texts to compare. Second, you (as an individual) determine what is right, because we all have an appointment with death... then to face the greatest mystery of all time...alone. If you're comfortable entering eternity equipped with pagan beliefs and sacriments, more power to you. I'm not.
Personally, the first century texts called the Bible are sufficient, the philosophy sound, and the belief system expressed by those texts comforting. There is nothing worse in my mind facing death without the forgiving grace of Jesus Christ. I've seen tortured souls with no faith, and with no power left to believe or hope in anything. It is a sad sight. The choice is always yours, as God's gift is freewill. "
I'll answer it. First, your premise that there are many versions or translations of the Bible are wrong. The Bible was not written in some hyroglific texts requiring a Rosetta stone to translate. The first century texts of the Bible were written in Hebrew and Greek. They were translated ONCE, into English. Various post modern versions can be compared to the original texts. There are no substantive differences in those versions. You don't have to wonder if a translation is right, you can go to the original texts to compare. Second, you (as an individual) determine what is right, because we all have an appointment with death... then to face the greatest mystery of all time...alone. If you're comfortable entering eternity equipped with pagan beliefs and sacriments, more power to you. I'm not.
Personally, the first century texts called the Bible are sufficient, the philosophy sound, and the belief system expressed by those texts comforting. There is nothing worse in my mind facing death without the forgiving grace of Jesus Christ. I've seen tortured souls with no faith, and with no power left to believe or hope in anything. It is a sad sight. The choice is always yours, as God's gift is freewill. "
Ronnie Bray wrote on Feb 21, 2010 8:33 PM:
" I take my hats off to any person that willingly responds to a call to leave their homes, families, educational and vocational pursuits to spread a message of hope and light in a world that is often dark and despairing.
Some comments fail to see the forest for the trees, and represent the dark and despairing world.
Asking questions about God, faith, salvation, and man's place in the wider scheme of things distinguish humanity from the non-inquiring, and it must be recognised that a great amount of beauty and good have resulted from such spiritual quests.
That there are variations in the paths to God thus obtained is true, but the person that uses such differences as causus belli has already lost sight of God.
There is an unfortunate tendency among believers and non-believers to sound off about things concerning which they know little. With uninspired opinion this is de rigueur but in matters of fact it is inexcusable. Each of us has a solemn duty to speak the truth when truth is available.
dks,makes statements about the Bible that are patently wrong. The Holy Bible is not a first century CE document, but a collection of discrete monographs spanning several centuries, culminating in the early years of the second century CE.
The New Testament documents were written entirely in Koine Greek known as Koine, exclusively in use as the written language for Aramaic speaking Palestinians.
The claim that the texts were 'translated once' into English is untrue.
Those Hebrew monographs that were accepted as reflective of the salvation history and spirit of proto-Judaism were written in Hebrew and in Aramaic with a good amount of loan words from other languages and culture with whom the Israelites rubbed shoulders and at times crossed swords and cudgels.
There have been many, very many translations into Latin, Greek, and various forms of the English language, mostly in part due to restrictions placed on translating Bible books into common tongues, the penalty for disobedience was death.
There are some scholarly books about the transmission of the 'English' Bible through the various stages of translations to and from intermediate languages before they were available in English.
The notion that there was a single step from the 'original tongues' into English is an error.
The question about 'loss' through translation is an excellent question, but we need to go back even further than the translations to the eras when these books were written, then redacted, then modified to suit changing theological fashions etc, and where we find that many books mentioned in the biblical texts are nowhere to be found. They have not been preserved.
There are discrete accounts of the same historical events that differ exceedingly as recorded.
Some words were not able to be translated they were unknown. Translators inserted their own word or phrase so as not to leave a gap in the text and a marginal note confessing, "I haven't a clue!" although that would have been honest.
It is not possible to compare any biblical text with an 'original' text because there is not one single original text in existence and probably has not been for the better part of two millennia.
Many versions of the Bible are wrong, none is infallible, none is inerrant, and those familiar with the text know for themselves that the errors are there to an alarming degree.
I am not aware that there is any sanction imposed for leaving this world with a head full of erroneous beliefs; not according to the Bible itself.
It is wickedness, not believing that the sun goes around the earth, that attracts God's condemnation.
Christians are bound to follow in Christ's footsteps as closely as they can. They do not follow Christ when they undertake to correct those who are not mistaken at the tops of their voices, but who are humble enough to know they do not know everything, but trust that God is loving and merciful and that He will be kinder than some of those that elect themselves to positions as gauleiters.
Whatever spiritual path you are on, or if on none, it is moral and godly to be kind to others, even those dratted Samaritans!
Go pleasant, and love all men. "
Some comments fail to see the forest for the trees, and represent the dark and despairing world.
Asking questions about God, faith, salvation, and man's place in the wider scheme of things distinguish humanity from the non-inquiring, and it must be recognised that a great amount of beauty and good have resulted from such spiritual quests.
That there are variations in the paths to God thus obtained is true, but the person that uses such differences as causus belli has already lost sight of God.
There is an unfortunate tendency among believers and non-believers to sound off about things concerning which they know little. With uninspired opinion this is de rigueur but in matters of fact it is inexcusable. Each of us has a solemn duty to speak the truth when truth is available.
dks,makes statements about the Bible that are patently wrong. The Holy Bible is not a first century CE document, but a collection of discrete monographs spanning several centuries, culminating in the early years of the second century CE.
The New Testament documents were written entirely in Koine Greek known as Koine, exclusively in use as the written language for Aramaic speaking Palestinians.
The claim that the texts were 'translated once' into English is untrue.
Those Hebrew monographs that were accepted as reflective of the salvation history and spirit of proto-Judaism were written in Hebrew and in Aramaic with a good amount of loan words from other languages and culture with whom the Israelites rubbed shoulders and at times crossed swords and cudgels.
There have been many, very many translations into Latin, Greek, and various forms of the English language, mostly in part due to restrictions placed on translating Bible books into common tongues, the penalty for disobedience was death.
There are some scholarly books about the transmission of the 'English' Bible through the various stages of translations to and from intermediate languages before they were available in English.
The notion that there was a single step from the 'original tongues' into English is an error.
The question about 'loss' through translation is an excellent question, but we need to go back even further than the translations to the eras when these books were written, then redacted, then modified to suit changing theological fashions etc, and where we find that many books mentioned in the biblical texts are nowhere to be found. They have not been preserved.
There are discrete accounts of the same historical events that differ exceedingly as recorded.
Some words were not able to be translated they were unknown. Translators inserted their own word or phrase so as not to leave a gap in the text and a marginal note confessing, "I haven't a clue!" although that would have been honest.
It is not possible to compare any biblical text with an 'original' text because there is not one single original text in existence and probably has not been for the better part of two millennia.
Many versions of the Bible are wrong, none is infallible, none is inerrant, and those familiar with the text know for themselves that the errors are there to an alarming degree.
I am not aware that there is any sanction imposed for leaving this world with a head full of erroneous beliefs; not according to the Bible itself.
It is wickedness, not believing that the sun goes around the earth, that attracts God's condemnation.
Christians are bound to follow in Christ's footsteps as closely as they can. They do not follow Christ when they undertake to correct those who are not mistaken at the tops of their voices, but who are humble enough to know they do not know everything, but trust that God is loving and merciful and that He will be kinder than some of those that elect themselves to positions as gauleiters.
Whatever spiritual path you are on, or if on none, it is moral and godly to be kind to others, even those dratted Samaritans!
Go pleasant, and love all men. "
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Lukelav wrote on Dec 29, 2009 8:50 AM: