Jul 30, 2014

Letters from Teach in Texas

I was just thinking how few of these letters I will be able to share with you before Teach comes home. It's only 3 weeks!!!

I love this story. Please realize I had to take out the real name of the church.

So, I have to tell you this crazy story. I'm going to tell you the name of the church but if you choose to share this story please take out the name. So I went on an exchange with my Sister Trainer Leaders this week. In that city there is a massive church. City Book Church. I'm pretty sure it is truly the whore of the earth. It takes up about a block and a half and is about 3 times the size of one of our buildings. They teach how to "protect yourself from Mormons" The preacher is a huge anti-mormon man and spreads vicious lies. They have classes just talking about anti-mormon "doctrine" so obvi this is a huge trial for anyone that serves there. 
But my STL was telling me a story about a man in their ward. Elder Martino of the Quorum of the Seventy is in their ward and he is... very well off. One time about 3 years ago, this church had a pair of garments on display. So, Elder Martino goes into the building and confronts the preacher and tells him to take the garments down. He says no. With the power and authority that this man has to prophesy he says, "Take these garments down or you will go to Hell." This "man of God" from City Book Church refuses to and doesn't care that it will send him to Hell. Elder Martino says, "Take these garments down or I will buy this entire church and demolish it to the ground and no one will ever hear of City Book Church again." The man took down the garments.
 
How cool/crazy is that?!?! First of all, the persecution is so real. But second of all. I admire Elder Martino's willingness to always stand as a witness of God and to stand for truth and righteousness. He was willing to buy this church just so it could be demolished. I just.... wow.

And I can't believe there is really so much awful ... hatred, lies, and persecution against the church. Obviously the church is true.


Obviously. :)


Can't wait to give you a big hug, Teach!

6 comments:

Dog-Walker said...

I'm so sorry to hear that, Sister Teach. :( I never heard of that religion that would do something very terrible to the true Church. At least Elder Martino confronted that Anti-Mormon prophet about the garments on display. I know that garments are way too sacred to be shown in public. That's one thing everyone should learn about in the true Church. :)

Denise said...

How awful! I had to look up garment as I am not familiar with the term or what it was but when I looked it up and had better understanding, I was mortified. I remember when I was in college, my roommate was Baptist. She asked me, "Why do you Catholics worship the Mother Mary so much?" But she said it in a criticizing way. She really didn't want to understand. My point is- We all have symbols and things of imporantance in our religions and to call out and bash them is not okay. I guess I can't understand religion knocking to begin with. I feel that as long as your religion teaches you faith (believing in something you can't see and in a greater good) and teaches you morals and good things...why so much Hate??? I'm sorry Teach!

Mom of 12 said...

Well said, Denise!

LeAnn said...

Wow, that is quite the story. You know I think we are going to all have more persecution; but we do know Satan will not win this war.
Love that girl of your and the testimony she has.
Blessings for all!

Anonymous said...

Many in our town are not respectful to the missionaries of your church, I think it is disrespectful and just plain dumb and ignorant..I am not of your faith but I respect your missionaries young men and young ladies, I would never argue over religion and find it disgusting, the young men and young women are witnessing their faith, there are many who are evil and not nice to the missionaries..Their families miss them and it is at great sacrifice in this world they do their Missions...Many are blessed by Our Lord and Savior, I have prayed for you daily and your family to be returned to them safe and sound and still on fire for the LORD! Your life is changed only for the better and how proud your mother and father are for your sacrifice and love of the LDS faith, if more young people did missions the juvenile court system would be void of young people committing crimes, they would be praising God and living a wonderful life, KUDOS TO YOU TEACH ON YOUR MISSION AND ENJOY YOUR SOON TO BE RETURN TO YOUR WONDERFUL MOTHER, FATHER AND SIBLINGS!!!!!!!!!!!! Ciao!!!

Anonymous said...

I meant to say I find it terrible that you are able to witness your faith with many who mock your intentions, you are Godly and Righteous and you are doing God's work, if others that are young and impressionable would go on a mission the juvenile courts would not have the many children and young adults there for committing crimes, they would be on fire for GOD not committing crimes, plain and simple...hope I made some good sense, God's Blessings for your commitment and your faith!