And the killer's name and present location can be easily found by doing a google search. Earlier this month, 60-year-old mission President Jos Maria Batalla, a native of Argentina, died of cardiac arrest after battling COVID-19 for two months. Sometimes these challenges can culminate in serious mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression. He stayed behind while his wife--my aunt May--went, instead). But if you feel like you could use some extra help in certain areas, here are a few other articles that might be helpful. [53] President Benson's other counselor, Gordon B. Hinckley, presided at Wilson's funeral, which was also attended by L. Tom Perry of the Twelve, Taylor, and seven hundred others. He was the kind of missionary that Reed Benson particularly appreciated. 1977 news accounts say Bjelde. Adjusting to any type of change can affect your mental health, including becoming a missionary. is complicated and at times intense. On 21 January, Sister Melissa Peterson, 22, of Snowflake, Arizona, was killed when a truck struck the rear of the car in which she was riding. You have reason to stand tall and be grateful that the Living Son of the Living God knows all about your sorrows and afflictions.2. By way of background regarding this appalling event, victim James E. Christensen had been disabled as a youth in, as I recall, some kind of accident. Missionary work can be hard. Without excusing his behavior, this companion was expected to not only do missionary work but to look after James. Once the missionaries' safety in these areas was determined, North American missionaries began to return around September 1994. Photo courtesy of Rex and Nicole Persons family. An 18-year-old missionary from Utah and his companion were killed in a car accident in Texas on Tuesday, according to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. You are one of the good guys Benson. I will hasten to add, common sense should have been enough, but surely an inspired mission president should have seen this immediately. [11], The bodies of the missionaries arrived in Salt Lake City on Delta Flight 705 on Sunday, May 28. One thing that probably worked in Bjelde's favor was that the official cause of death was a burst cerebral aneurysm that Christensen had suffered in the crash a decade before. In hindsight it was a stupid mistake, and I deeply regret that I was not more thoughtful and sensitive, as well as outspoken, about the potential dynamics of this combination. "I guess it's fear of the unknown. We didn't know who they were. [40], It was early theorized by Bolivian and U.S. officials that this group resisted U.S. anti-drug policies, possibly being connected with drug traffickers. police he had held Christensen down in a tub of scalding water [14], At this time, the United States had three main goals in Bolivia, "fostering democracy, supporting economic stabilization and development and reducing production of coca, the plant used to make cocaine,"[20] of which the single largest interest was "the impact that production of the coca and cocaine has on the body politic up here. A 20-year-old missionary from Utah and his companion were killed Thursday in a head-on collision in New Mexico, according to a news release Friday from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. When the church severed its ties with the Boy Scouts of America, his parents said Creed carried on, pressure-washing and repainting all the dugouts at a Little League baseball diamond to earn his Eagle Scout Award. He didnt move or talk and would stare blankly ahead. "Nor do we have a complete roster of all missionaries who now face physical, emotional and intellectual challenges as a result of accident or illness suffered on their missions. In November, on an obscure island in the Indian Ocean, Chau - a 26-year-old American adventure blogger, beef-jerky marketer, and evangelical missionary - was killed by the isolated tribe he . Nothing should surprise me anymore. Fetal Deity But how can you strengthen your companionship when you struggle to get along? Joseph Standing - New Georgia Encyclopedia "[41][65] Two of the agents served as liaison between the Embassy and the Minister of the Interior, which heads the Bolivian police. But does Mormonism allow that? Missionary Dies after Being Struck by Vehicle He had been an honor student at Carbon High School, and had begun attending the College of Eastern Utah, while working as the night manager at Wendy's Restaurant in Price. But he was a kindly soul, with a "good spirit about him," if you will pardon use of such language in this context. According to witnesses, after the act, a commander of the group realized, "it's not him, we were wrong." Missionaries are encouraged to learn how to work with and love their companions, but when you are with someone 24/7, it is likely that conflict may occur. Dont give up or fear rejection, for God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind (2Timothy 1:7). However, according to a report by the U.S. State Department, "Patterns of Global Terrorism, 1990," a new judge had still not been appointed by the end of 1990. At press time, no funeral arrangements had been made. Why Utahs independent bookstore network is thriving, Utah hydrologic outlook warns of rising waterways due to snowmelt as temperatures heat up, Higher densities may be coming soon to your SLC neighborhood. I am [living] completely in the moment, she said. Photo courtesy of Rex and Nicole Persons family. No one will ever do that as well as someone who is close to you and who loves you. Later, three Peruvians, Elders Manuel Hidalgo, Cristian Ugarte, and Oscar Zapata were killed in Peru for similar reasons on August 22, 1990, and March 6, 1991. Peralta later stated: I think that my brother's death was a kind of message to me, a message that was expressed in the most crude, the most violent, the most bloody manner possible. Similar feelings were expressed at a memorial service held Sunday May 28 in the Sopocachi Stake Center in La Paz, Bolivia. Sway is taking a hiatus from her studies at Utah Tech University to help out. That was followed by her son mouthing the word amen at the conclusion of their nightly prayer together. After all, the Lord has had His servants preach two by two for many years for many reasons (see Doctrine and Covenants 42:6; Alma 10:12; Alma 15:18). "[25][26], Terrorist acts against the LDS Church in South America did not end with the deaths of Wilson and Ball. I was Facebook friends with both Elder Luke Carter and Elder Eli Fowler. Chad and Marla, who met and married 15 years ago, say they want to do everything they can to give Creed a fighting chance to recover from his injuries. Since they were hungry, they decided to eat. It's absolutely baffling that he got off with no jail time. Marla Leonard-Waggoner, Creeds mother, was recuperating from knee surgery at home on Dec. 1 when she received a call at 1 a.m. from the mission president telling her son had been in a terrible accident. Both missionaries were wearing seatbelts at the time of the accident.. For many missionaries, though, minor mental health challenges can still come up. I was not in Kentucky when Elder Christensen died, so I cannot speak to the specific events or aftermath. ladell Orrin Hatch (RUT) echoed his colleague, calling the killings "a heinous act" of terrorism; "their service was in no way political, and they were innocents in this despicable act."[16]. and had beaten him several times because of his 'sloth. You can submit your own article, ideas, or feedback at liahona.ChurchofJesusChrist.org. Mormon Missionary Murdered by his Companion steve benson Feb. 2013 I recently received email correspondence from a family member of a Mormon missionary who was horribly and tragically killed by his companion while serving in the Louisville-Kentucky mission--which, at the time, was headed by my uncle, Reed Benson, as its president. God always wants you to find joy and happiness, especially on a mission. Helen Lane, Bolivian desk officer for the U.S. State Department, expressed the Bolivians' dismay at the slayings, The Bolivian governmentfrom the president on downis shocked by the crime. [69](107) By February 8, 1990, the trial seemed to be entering into its final phases, when Judge David Rivas Gradin felt that the key testimonies of two women would enable him to reach a verdict. [14] Between 1984 and 1989, targets of the LDS Church in Latin America were hit by terrorists sixty-two times. In addition to using the United States as a scapegoat for Bolivia's problems, FAL Zarate Willka "sought revenge for their political party's poor showing in Bolivia's recent national election," on May 15, blaming the United States for this as well, claimed Gelbard. I am tempted to use this information as ammunition to help my parents see that the Church is harmful, but know that would only fuel the hurt and cause more arguments. "Further, we do not have a complete list of those missionaries whose lives were taken before being able to enter the mission field. [36] Members brought in their meals. Vallow and her husband, doomsday . It sounds like much of poor James' life was tragic. [45] Thus, Bolivian Marxist ideologues and politicians such as FAL Zarate Willka considered United States anti-drug and military aid programs as violating their national sovereignty. STE 1058, Provo, UT 84601, Springville LDS missionary and companion killed in Texas car crash. Although the culture, food, or people might be different from what youre used to, you can always find things to love. I had never heard anyone else mention the story of what happened to James before (it seems to me it was kept very quiet, not in the news, etc., but I could be wrong). The Governments of Bolivia and the United States both responded with outrage shortly following the attack. And what if he had; would he have been separated from Elder Christensen; or just encouraged to "pray for patience," and show more love. You have time set aside once a week where you and your companion can talk openly and lovingly about your companionship. . Too bad Church HQ did not listen to the local leaders who,after all, knew Christensen best. I only recently found out about all of this because for so many years, it was too painful for my mother to talk about. Re: Coming Forward: Years After the Killing of a Family Member at the Hands of the Victim's Companion and in My Uncle's Mission Field, a Courageous Woman Speaks Out for Justice & Truth They might be struggling with a personal issue or have a weakness that is hard to manage. He died Sunday after being hit by a vehicle while serving in the Sweden Stockholm Mission. He remained conscious for a few minutes, then died in an ambulance. (Marla Leonard-Waggoner) Marla Leonard-Waggoner and her son, Creed Waggoner, who was injured while serving a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Boston. Damn cult! Young died at the hospital. Thank you,". Angela wrote back again, this time to share disturbing details surrounding the death of James E. Christensen at the hands of his missionary companion: Steve, I didn't include this in the original e-mail, but before he was scalded/killed, he was indeed beat with a belt on a regular basis, along with other abuses of which weren't specified by mom. Perhaps, if Reed Smith sees this, he can again post and shed pertinent light on what occurred, as he saw and understood it from his unique vantage point. Whatever happened to James' killer? Elder Bailey had been serving since July 2013. Twinker Was he acquitted? According to Erwin Birnbaumer, Paraso Stake President, the bomb caused an estimated $16,000 in damage. Again, thank you again for mentioning James story. Southern ExMo At least it was more than the pathetically meager reference offered up by the Louisville KY mission's reunion website--although the list of dead on the "Mahonri" memorial webpage was followed by a bizarre observation from Apostle M. Russell Ballard: "Since the day of the Prophet Joseph Smith, we've had approximately 447,969 missionaries serve in the world,' Elder M. Russell Ballard said in 1989. It burns me up hearing how callously others placed the blame for his death squarely on himself. This is not a time to nitpick your companions personality or habits, but rather a time to lovingly identify things you can work on together to improve your companionship with the goal of becoming better missionaries. Only five more American elders had arrived by September 1996, when regular groups of Elders and Sisters began arriving. According to Thomas Vea, who served in the Cochabamba Bolivia Mission from March 1990 to March 1992, "90% of the missionaries were Bolivians" at this time, as no new American missionaries were called at this time and those few already in Bolivia completed their missions. It simply was a bad match. But to my mind, the most blame goes to Mormonism itself, the false, cultish, system that propagates these pressures, while falsely claiming that they come from and are validated by God. "[67] Yujra later confessed to having participated in the attack on George Shultz. The mother was convinced that it was a miracle.[27]. was killed Friday when she was hit by a truck while biking. I'm a 30-year-old single mother and left the [Mormon] Church when I was 17. My name is Angela Voss and I recently came across one of your contributing posts to exmormon.org. A typical missionary day begins by waking at 6:30 a.m.* for personal study. I suppose such a condition could conceivably mitigate criminal charges. He was still in high school when he put in his mission papers, and so he was part of that wave of young men who first desired to go when they could at 18.. He was a country boy at heart, so it was natural for him to want to be back in the country. Elder Carter began his missionary service in November 2020. True, and when you throw people together, with little or nor regard to how well they can get along, then tell them they can't leave each other's presence, bad things happen. In this respect Elder Belde was a victim of Mormonism too. ", One witness for the defense, a psychiatrist, called Bjelde a "chronic schizophrenic.". However, a judge was appointed in 1991, and by June the case was predicted to conclude sometime over the next few months. They singularly (and defensively, I might add) focused their energies among themselves on how, after James was injured in his pre-mission accident, his local Church leaders advised him not to go on a mission but that he ignored their advice and went anyway. "It's pure Cuban terrorism, I don't think there is any question about it," said Ambassador Robert Gelbard. What was brought to bear upon the LOCAL leaders? In January, a 24-year-old elder serving in his home country of Haiti died after being admitted to a hospital with health complications; a 19-year-old elder from Utah was killed in a car crash in Arkansas; and a 20-year-old Nigerian serving a mission in his homeland died after a sudden health episode (unrelated to COVID-19).. She said most progress with traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients occurs within the first two years, which is why she has decided to stay with Creed for the next year or two in Boston, home to some of the worlds best medical care. On Valentines Day, Creed achieved another milestone, saying the prayer on his own. I just can't see him as a victim. What is so touching about this is that Creed has always loved little children, Moody said. I also have a relative with a mental disability--although mild--who is about to embark on an LDS mission. Here are some thoughts to consider as you make the transition to a missionary lifestyle. One post on Carters page noted: My heart is absolutely broken and devastated. Merovea Two years ago, she lost her mother. I was so surprised when I found that post. Missionaries face rejection, physical exertion, challenges of learning languages and getting used to new cultures, homesickness, and so on. Of course it's an. Oh brother. When Juan attempted to hide, the agents shot him. I took that message from the embassy as a type of blackmail, pressure, and action with respect to my person. They did, however, have the following name and brief biographical information: "James E. Christensen, 24, Kentucky Louisville, Moroni, UT 1977". He became the young man that other people liked being friends with, President Thomas said, remembering Elder Bailey as someone who was happy and who others liked to be around. They did the same thing to my cousin. He seemed capable of communicating any desire to leave, or any abuse he was suffering, which to my knowledge he never did. I was not shocked at all when you mentioned the Benson family blamed him. Being a new missionary can be a stressful experiencehere are a few ways to make the transition easier. The good news, which Marlas older sister Jenny Moody has chronicled on the Messages for Creed Facebook page she manages, is that her nephew is back in rehab. Before his junior year of high school he decided to move to Richfield to live with an aunt and uncle and their three children. I cannot in my wildest dreams imagine that someone could beat another person and kill them and then be left free to live their life. My parents are TBMs, as are my three brothers. Reach out to your mission president or his wife, or talk about your concerns with a leader. I can't imagine anyone staying in the Church after such an event. In this context, human beings and human reasoning always take a back seat, and there is always the opportunity to finally place blame on the victim, while escaping responsibility further by invoking "God's will.". Her first husband Jason, Creeds father, died of an asthma attack at age 32 when Creed was 3 years old. As a result, the prisoners protested their innocence, and began staging a hunger strike on March 31. This dream has been a great comfort to me and has helped me to understand and accept their deaths. It can be nodding his head, giving an OK sign or mouthing a simple amen while praying with his mother. I'm likely as frustrated with them for not seeing the truth as they are with me for not seeing THEIR truth. It's a futile situation but I hope they are able to find a truth that doesn't harm them someday. Response These missionaries are typically young men, who undertake missionary duties . Elders Jeffrey Brent Ball and Todd Ray Wilson, two American missionaries of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) were killed in La Paz, Bolivia on May 24, 1989 by members of the Fuerzas Armadas de Liberacin-Zarate Willka terrorist group who associated them and the church they represented with perceived American imperialist activities. It is absolutely deplorable to blame this mentally challenged young man with his own torture and death! sltrib.com 1996-2023 The Salt Lake Tribune. Many worried about their investigators, who would not receive regular contact, and who, if the missionaries were transferred or redeployed, might not be contacted again for "quite some time. The day is spent proselytizing by following up on appointments, visiting homes or meeting people in the street or other public places. A young man who had a smile on his face and was somebody that people naturally enjoyed being around, Elder Mason Lewis Bailey, 19, died on March 2, after he was involved in an accident while serving in the Stockholm Sweden Mission. While that companion has his or her agency, you also have your own agency to choose to be obedient. Doctors had to remove a portion of the left side of his skull to treat his hydrocephalus and put a shunt in to drain the fluid from his brain. An optometrist in St. George, Chad flies out once or twice a month to reunite with Marla, Creed and the rest of the family. Re: Mormonism has a history of being a violent faith. [14] FAL Zarate Willka was a relatively unknown terrorist group apparently formed around 1985. It was there that they spent two and a half days reading the entire Book of Mormon. At least 40 of the 177 killed missionaries identified died in robberies. Springville LDS missionary and companion killed in Texas car crash One of them was a video from an LDS primary class of young children singing Popcorn Popping on the Apricot Tree, which has been shared with Creed. That is, until we came to one grave, wherein she got a heavy look on her face and refused to tell me about him, other than that they were close and he was her cousin. DebbiePA The group later claimed responsibility for an attack on the Bolivian Parliament and caused a blackout in La Paz with another bombing. Dont be afraid to look for ways to have fun. 2nd LDS missionary dies in 2 days | KSL.com Memorial Day last year, I was with my parents in Moroni [Utah], at a Christensen family reunion (my paternal grandmother is a Christensen). Edited 3 time(s). Yes, he should have spoke up. It would be another way for the world to learn the modus operandi of TSCC. How sick to blame the disabled missionary. [14][17] Such findings were further confirmed as authorities learned that one or more of the rebels had received bomb training in Cuba. Missionaries were pulled out over the Fourth of July in Huanuni, Oruro, a "hot spot," where in an unreported incident in the mid- 1970s the Elders' home was blown up in their absence, killing the members who were staying there.[61](88). It occurred during a heavy rainstorm. Degrees of disobedience vary, and if you ever feel like a situation is hindering the work, you always have support. McPheters hit the streets with a Bolivian policeman, where they "went through it with a fine-tooth comb and developed witnesses who saw and heard things," in an effort to reconstruct the chronology of the crime. He said the community is stunned and that thousands have joined in fasting and praying for. These were the first assassinations in memory, at least in several years. Hes reading and talking and then something happens and you are scared that [a seizure] will happen again.. A lie by ommission? [27] While they were allowed to attend their meetings on Sunday, including the memorial service,[56] and were reported to be "in good spirits," [59] that week was still difficult. That night in Wellington, Stake President Roger Branch interviewed Wilson's younger brother, Brad, as he prepared for his mission. Dont forget that he or she is a child of God, just like you! noaccountyet He was the seventh of ten children born to mine electrician Arvil Ray Wilson and his wife Elaine Bunderson Wilson of Wellington, a small town about five miles southeast of Price, Utah. Lutheran missionary Doraci Edinger, 53, was murdered in Mozambique in 2004 after she criticized the government for indifference about criminal rings she said are murdering people to steal and market their organs for transplant. Re: Response For me, the death of my brother meant that I had to give myself up at some point, I was a fugitive for three years. It takes something greater and more powerful than us. At home, he would have family members to help him.
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