"[53] Dan and Diane Wilson together concluded their brother's tribute, reciting what they felt their brother might say, "I have fought a good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith."[54][55]. As far as I can tell, Bjelde is now 56 years old, and still lives in his native Wisconsin. KUTV The family of the LDS Missionary killed in a Pennsylvania car accident Tuesday describe her as fun-loving and vibrant, with a love of the gospel and Jesus Christ.We are deeply saddened by the . It burns me up hearing how callously others placed the blame for his death squarely on himself. James entered the mission field and was assigned to a senior companion who eventually killed him, having apparently "snapped" from dealing with his impaired companion. He was one of the first missionaries who was able to go at 18, said Kenneth D. Thomas, president of the Richfield Utah East Stake. A twenty one year old LDS missionary from Bountiful, Utah, was shot and killed, and his companion wounded, by an as yet unidentified assailant Monday evening. I was Facebook friends with both Elder Luke Carter and Elder Eli Fowler. And a sad and perplexing story, Steve. Keep trying, keep loving your companion and those you serve, keep being obedient, and keep following Christ. While a few Americans remained in the mission, most were sent home or redeployed. On August 22, 1990, at about 1:30p.m., in Huancayo, Peru, members of the Tupac Amaru Revolutionary Movement (MRTA) ambushed Manuel Antonio Hidalgo of Arequipa, Peru and his companion Cristian Andreani Ugarte of Trujillo, Peru, serving in the Peru Lima East Mission. I remember your sharing it a couple of years ago. This is the first I have heard of the murder/torture of Elder James Christensen. When Juan attempted to hide, the agents shot him. Without excusing his behavior, this companion was expected to not only do missionary work but to look after James. On your preparation day, play sports with other missionaries or visit some of the historical or tourist sites in your mission, as appropriate and directed by your mission leaders. Their bodies were found with a sign saying, "This is how imperialists' supporters die." Or did TSCC defend him mainly to keep everything "under control," and keep this situation quiet? His youngest brother, James, later served a mission in Eastern Canada. (Again, James had reportedly been brain-injured in his youth and his local ecclesiastical leaders therefore thought it inadvisable that he attempt to serve a mission). My heart goes out to both of their families and all of their close friends. You are one of the good guys Benson. As missionaries, the two elders used social media to teach people to come to Christ. Their names "will be engraved forever in the history of this Church as those who lived as faithful servants of God and died as martyrs to His eternal work[s]. My heart truly goes out to that family. Feeling love frequently follows doing things to show love. The Salt Lake Tribune, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) public charity and contributions are tax FARMINGTON Two missionaries for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Farmington Mission died in a vehicle collision and one was injured on July 22 in the area of the Ramah Navajo Indian Reservation. 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. Think about how Ammon served King Lamonialthough they came from two different cultures, hearts were opened through service, and friendships were made (see Alma 17:2025). We are mindful of Elder Baileys family and loved ones during this difficult time and unite our faith and prayers with all Church members, who mourn at the death of a missionary, said Cody Craynor, Church spokesman. 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.. Putting the 24/7 burden of care for a handicapped person on a young inexperienced missionary, while also expecting him to proselyte, is the height of insanity. 2001, 15. "[16] The general climate in Bolivia reflected dissatisfaction with these policies. It seems it would have at least been in the news but I can't find any record of it. One of my apartments had a place where I could look out the window across my area. Re: Response But rather than being what you would call "spiritual," he was driven. [20][46], FAL Zarate Willka attacked religious targets, such as the LDS Church, because they viewed the church as an imperialist agent of U.S. interests. I was astounded to hear members of my family essentially holding this dead missionary responsible for his own demise, caused--as they perversely saw it--by his failure to follow local LDS priesthood authority. I was so surprised when I found that post. 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. 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. [2], Todd Ray Wilson was born May 5, 1969. 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. The two women were serving in the Georgia Atlanta North Mission. MexMom The first violent attacks against the LDS Church occurred in Colombia in 1983 where two meetinghouses were bombed eight times. A typical missionary day begins by waking at 6:30 a.m.* for personal study. . [9] A scholarship fund was also established in his memory. Photo courtesy of Rex and Nicole Persons family. [54] "Missionaries are so dear to the entire church that when one is lost through death the entire church grieves," said President Hinckley. [56][57] President Wright may have shared a dream he had which Ballard later quoted in General Conference: I saw these two elders dressed in white, standing at the doors of a beautiful building. On the plane, I kept thinking that Creed has a need of angels in my mom and his dad, Marla recalled. [67], Johnny Peralta claimed, "I am politically responsible for the actions of Zarate Willka, beginning with the attack against the companies of multimillionaire Mario Mercado to the last attack" including the attack on former Secretary George Shultz, the attempted assassination of Ambassador Robert Gelbard, the bombing of the Bolivian Parliament building, and the murders of Jeffrey Brent Ball and Todd Ray Wilson. We pray that all will be uplifted by the Saviors love and feel comfort during this difficult and trying time, Penrod said. 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.". Knowing Reed Benson as I came to--I was his missionary assistant for 8 months, and one of his closest advisors--I have no doubt that he was genuinely traumatized by this episode. 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]. Mentally, he was O.K. [11], The bodies of the missionaries arrived in Salt Lake City on Delta Flight 705 on Sunday, May 28. (Chad Waggoner) Creed Leonard, right, poses for a photograph with his stepdad, Chad Waggoner. Rivas (who was not allowed to rule on the case), along with the prosecuting attorney, Jos Rivero, sent a plea to the Justice Court of La Paz to appoint a new judge. You have time set aside once a week where you and your companion can talk openly and lovingly about your companionship. One might assume from this obit that he was killed in an accident. He didnt move or talk and would stare blankly ahead. The annual list says that the 20 "missionaries" killed include 8 priests, 1 male religious, 3 nuns, 2 seminarians and 6 lay people. Seek guidance from Heavenly Father through prayer and scripture study. Even Jesus Christ Himself was rejected, and He was the perfect missionary. The mother was convinced that it was a miracle.[27]. In order to save more money for his mission, he dropped his classes and continued to work late at night. I just can't get behind Elder Belde not serving any time whatsoever the loss of a life. Our hatred is implacable, and our war is to the death. I don't even know what to say to that. President Thomas said that Elder Bailey was the kind of young man who worked hard and saved his money and prepared so he could support himself on a mission. A schizophrenic was expected to take over the care of a handicapped missionary companion. JeffreyR. Holland, Missionary Work and the Atonement, Ensign, Mar. Horrible. When a missionary is disobedient, it can severely hamper the Lords work and put a strain on your companionship. In my mind, much more accountability rests with the Church which was entirely responsible for creating the circumstances of this death, including the false and dangerous mental and emotional states of the missionaries, church leaders, and others involved--including Reed Benson and myself. 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. It is generally felt that this group targeted American missionaries because they were such an easy mark. Here's the Salt Lake Tribune story. St. George As a former running back, Creed Leonard was used to fighting for an extra foot or yard, but now a different yardstick is used to measure his forward momentum. The circumstances of James death were shocking. The other received a spray of bullets in his stomach and back. [Mosiac Down Syndrome is a rare condition that afflicts a small percentage of children with Down Syndrome. How does the Lords wisdom bless our lives? They did, however, have the following name and brief biographical information: "James E. Christensen, 24, Kentucky Louisville, Moroni, UT 1977". I'm so glad we all left the church. But does Mormonism allow that? It seems like the family just wanted to this all to go away quietly. Three Things to Remember before You Judge, 14 Ways to Get Your Emotional Health Back on Track. Moody, who lives in Lubbock, Texas, posts the daily outpourings of love and support the family receives on the site and sends the most inspirational messages to Marla. Those boys came back changed men, President Thomas said. An LDS missionary from Benton, Ark. Degrees of disobedience vary, and if you ever feel like a situation is hindering the work, you always have support. Sway is taking a hiatus from her studies at Utah Tech University to help out. He also started reading portions of Dr. Seuss and Berenstein Bear books aloud, although the effort exhausted him. Elder Bailey had been serving since July 2013. Other missions in Bolivia and Peru saw similar patterns as the missions were reintegrated with American and Latin missionaries. This should not be a chance to complain or gossip about your companion; use this time to receive inspiration on how to help them best. (Beating him and scalding him in the bathtubso awful). When you struggle, when you are rejected, when you are spit upon and cast out and made a hiss and a byword, you are standing with the best life this world has ever known, the only pure and perfect life ever lived. One final comment. The a That may not sound like a big deal, but it was the first time he moved his eyes to look at me, said Marla, who wrote about it in her journal. 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. Whatever happened to James' killer? "[31] Another mother expressed of her son, "I just don't know how I'm going to live through the next year if he stays there. The Salt Lake Tribune, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) public charity and contributions are tax Mormon missionary Joseph Standing, an an elder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), was murdered in Whitfield County in 1879 at the hands of a mob comprising twelve local residents. Greyfort Tragic story. Antonio Rojas, a Bolivian officer assigned to the case, stated that while they were staking out the home of Susana Zapana (the suspect who had been a member of the LDS Church), At 11:30 p.m., Susana hadn't arrived to tell us who Horacio was. She must have been horrified at that situation but probably submitted to her husband's Mormon law of silence for all things unpleasant and potentially harmfull to the cult. 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. Elder Eli Jon Fowler, 20, of Pueblo West, Colorado. They didn't have cars and they didn't have many guns either. This dream has been a great comfort to me and has helped me to understand and accept their deaths. His companion was not hurt. So obviously, I don't have any inside information on what happened. He clearly understood what he was doing on a mission, and wanted to be there. In a public school, he would be given an aide to assist him all day. Thanks for posting it again with the additional detail from the extended-family member. Your job is not to call your companion to repentance or to shame them. When youre turned away, remember that everyone has their agency to choose to learn about or reject the gospel. deductible, Report a missed paper by emailingsubscribe@sltrib.comor calling801-237-2900, For e-edition questions or comments, contact customer support801-237-2900or emailsubscribe@sltrib.com. Mormonism has a history of being a violent faith. One agent, Michael McPheters, commented on the Bolivians' lack of equipment, "the only big case they'd ever had was when terrorists tried to kill George Shultz. JeffreyR. Holland, Missionary Work and the Atonement, 15. Adjusting to any type of change can affect your mental health, including becoming a missionary. 856 Jos Mara Ach Street (near Avenida Baptista), Garita de Lima neighborhood, 2; Jeffrey Brent Ball and Todd Ray Wilson, Political statement against the perceived violations of the, This page was last edited on 3 April 2023, at 13:27. [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. According to Erwin Birnbaumer, Paraso Stake President, the bomb caused an estimated $16,000 in damage. "Bjelde, who took Christensen to the hospital, reportedly told The church therefore made no appropriate plans to accommodate James's disability, and is therefore culpable. He was (and presumably still is) a good man, with a good heart. But was ultimately convicted only on Voluntary Manslaughter and aggravated assault. Missionaries face rejection, physical exertion, challenges of learning languages and getting used to new cultures, homesickness, and so on. Under the care of neurologists and nurses at Mass General, along with the loving support of his family, Creed has made progress in fits and starts. He was particularly well known for his hard work and aggressive missionary attitude. On Saturday, June 24, after following a "trail of suspects," police arrested Constantino Yujra Loza,[66] a sociology student, and his cousin, who was later released. And my four sons will never go on a Moron mission. A bomb exploded near his motorcade, but no one was hurt. Missionaries face rejection, physical exertion, challenges of learning languages and getting used to new cultures, homesickness, and so on. Last week, Creed suffered a seizure and has since stopped talking and reading. She is a 30-year-old single mother who lives and works in the Salt Lake City area. One of our men ran, 'stop, stop, stop,' and threw them both to the ground. It sounds like Elder Christensen only had a few months to go on his mission and that's just tragic. It appeared that his limitations were mostly physical. It can be easy to see the differences when youre having challenges in your companionship, but trying to find your similarities will help you feel united. "[2][27][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26], Other chapels were robbed, and another nearby chapel was nearly bombed. Political, not religious factors motivated the assassinations, and politics soon became involved. He was not required, however, to undergo jail time.&. Your help in compiling a more complete account of those we would honor will be greatly appreciated.". Political statement against the perceived violations of the national sovereignty of Bolivia by the United States. Such a call seemed plausible since the sisters didn't have a telephone. Response Coalville Utah Stake President Myron Richins said, "This is something we can't explain. "[51] Parents of the missionaries were allowed to contact their sons and daughters during this time. Elder Christensen was severely challenged. :-(. In May, an 18-year-old missionary from Utah and his 20-year-old companion from Colorado were killed in a head-on collision in Denton, Texas. Also suspected were two individuals known as "Horacio" and "El Sapo" (the toad), presumably the leaders of the group. But everyone still wants to finish their missions. Someone not being ready for the gospel is not a reflection of your ability as a missionary. Angela has stepped up to confront and face down the Mormon Church for the deep suffering it has brought to her and her family. Still, the initial diagnosis wasnt good. The day is spent proselytizing by following up on appointments, visiting homes or meeting people in the street or other public places. There was a push to pair North American missionaries with Latin missionaries as a precautionary measure. [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. Secondly, with him going, he should have gone on a service mission. I'm sure it's obvious by now that this grave was James Christensen's grave. Elder Fowler began his missionary service in January 2020. (By the way, I was later informed that my uncle Reed Benson did not leave the mission field over which he was presiding at the time in order to attend James E. Christensen's Moroni, Utah, funeral. Anyway, what leaves me pretty much speechless is that the guy served no time for this. One worked the ballistics equipment, while the other operated the lie detector. The family left their home and called the police, who came to investigate. In defense of their own, what members of the Benson family were doing was laying blame for Elder Christensens death at his own feet, saying that because he had failed to follow the counsel of his local Mormon Church leaders to forego a mission, he had paid with his own life. Salvation never was easy. How could we believe it would be easy for us when it was never, ever easy for [Christ]?1, When youre struggling to adjust to your new life as a missionary, you can find strength in knowing that the [Saviors] Atonement will carry [you] perhaps even more importantly than it will carry [those you are teaching]. Facebook friends are sharing the news stories and sympathies as well. 1977 news accounts say Bjelde. This is one of the more horrific things I have read on RfM. Do not sorrow, father. Melanie Barrick lent a computer to Cross for use in his online classes, and she employs Sway part-time in her Sweet Stuff Bake Shop in a Boston suburb. They have died as martyrs in the cause of the Lord. And the killer's name and present location can be easily found by doing a google search. . deductible, Report a missed paper by emailingsubscribe@sltrib.comor calling801-237-2900, For e-edition questions or comments, contact customer support801-237-2900or emailsubscribe@sltrib.com. Brad was asleep on the couch, but awoke when he heard his parents crying. Get the story, Steve. This is not to criticize Reed Benson, but only to question the "inspiration" component in this context. This page is not available in other languages. Your environment is different, youre away from your friends and family, and you have schedules and demands that are unique. Hes had numerous surgeries due to recurring problems with his shunt and the buildup of fluid on his brain. One of their friends has also started a GoFundMe page to help the family pay for future expenses related to Creeds long-term rehabilitation and medical care. He was clearly an adult at the time of his mission and it was clearly murder. He went on a mission. He could not walk without a severe limp, and he slurred his speech such that you had to be very attentive to understand him. As I remember it, the situation involved a collision with a train. In January, car accidents took the lives of five missionaries: a sister missionary serving in the North Carolina Raleigh Mission and four elders serving in the Iowa Des Moines Mission. My parents are TBMs, as are my three brothers. 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 While that companion has his or her agency, you also have your own agency to choose to be obedient. After abandoning the body, Juan's mother and sister took him to the Hospital Juan XXIII accompanied by one of the vigilant police officers, where he was refused medical attention, as police had ordered personnel to "not assist the terrorist." Deplorable. 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. This view of the LDS Church as Yankee is reinforced by a heavy American missionary presence, midwestern worship styles, centralization of the church in the United States, and the church's doctrinal justification of the United States Constitution. 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 just did the work, without worrying too much about the basis for his motivation. I had a friend whose companion (they served in San Francisco in the mid 70s) who kept insisting his companion must "Stop the car Elder, we're dragging a body" and other odd things. Dont take it personally when someone rejects Gods message. [28][62] Any new American missionaries who arrived were dark-complexioned or Hispanic, "not blondies. STE 1058, Provo, UT 84601, Springville LDS missionary and companion killed in Texas car crash. [14], One group that specifically targeted the LDS Church in Bolivia was known as Fuerzas Armadas de Liberacin Zarate Willka (Zarate Willka Armed Forces of Liberation, hereafter referred to as FAL Zarate Willka), named for a nineteenth century Indian hero. [10] His older sister, Wendy, described him as "a powerful authority who also had a caring soft side he tried to hide but couldn't. Both missionaries were wearing seatbelts at the time of the accident.. You were called to serve and help people come unto Christ, and that includes your companion. Re: Mormonism has a history of being a violent faith. However, a judge was appointed in 1991, and by June the case was predicted to conclude sometime over the next few months. This poor woman and her family, but the church is true, right? [14][17] Such findings were further confirmed as authorities learned that one or more of the rebels had received bomb training in Cuba. Once these missionaries' safety had been reasonably ascertained, fourteen American sisters and three Elders arrived between October 1995 and March 1996. "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. We didn't know who they were, but afterwards they turned out to be Felix and Nelson Encinas. Ball's funeral was attended by President Ezra Taft Benson and his counselor Thomas S. Monson, as well as Ballard and Monte J. Brough of the Seventy and over one thousand guests. He continued, "I think your son would say, 'Do not grieve, mother. Mormon Observer He could have talked to someone. You can submit your own article, ideas, or feedback at liahona.ChurchofJesusChrist.org. If a situation has become unbearable, lock yourself in the bathroom for a while and soak in a hot tub. I would use my time, pay the internet caf, and then quietly sit next to my companion until she was done. The cause of the accident is being investigated by local law enforcement, Penrod continued. By all accounts, Creed has a strong personality and gives his all to any task he undertakes. The problem is compounded when Mormon leaders come to believe that if they pray hard and live the commandments, both of which Reed Benson did, whatever they might do, or think, can be confidently viewed as inspired; and that the "Lord" will validate such decisions.
