Walden's Will Serve in St. George

Elder James and Sister Linda Walden are heading for the Provo Missionary Training Center … again!  After serving 2 years in Australia (2014-16), the Lord – and Southgate Stake President James Bown – determined their skills and talents were needed again in another part of the vineyard … right here at home in St. George, UT!  Although Sister Walden admits she said, “no, no, no … probably a dozen times,” they finally agreed to serve for 12 months with the option to extend. Although they don’t know for sure what this mission entails, they do know they will be providing Member and Leader Support in the 6 wards in the Southgate Stake (and perhaps other assignments yet to be determined).

MLS couples in this area serve under the direction of the president of the Utah St. George Mission and it is likely their main calling will be to share the fullness of the gospel of Jesus Christ, reactivate and rescue less-active members, retain new converts, strengthen young single adults, and support stake and ward leaders. The Walden’s will most certainly also provide a great and lasting influence on young missionaries.  

The Walden’s “job description” lists the skills/experiences the Lord needs for this calling include Church leadership, fellowshipping and teaching experience, good interpersonal and social abilities, and a loving desire to help others develop a testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ. This seems like the perfect fit for this amazing couple!  

We look forward to watching your growing enthusiasm in this new calling as you set another important example to your family as well as to the rest of the B7 Ward.

Rest in peace, dear sweet Katie

Katie, the Labradoodle service dog of Debb Johnson who was diagnosed with polio as a toddler, passed away suddenly in the early morning hours of Tuesday, September 17, 2019 of complications from seizures.  She was 4 ½ years old (that’s 27 in “dog years”).  

Katie was an active member of the B7 Ward, regularly attending – though usually sleeping thru – Sacrament meeting, Relief Society and / or Sunday School.  She was a favorite of ward members young and old who loved to stroke her velvety ginger-colored fur coat or scratch her silky soft ears.

Sister Debb remembers, “Some things people do in their daily lives without even thinking can be difficult or impossible for someone in a wheelchair. It makes me smile to remember how Katie would hear me drop something and come running to pick it up for me.  I didn’t even have to ask.  Katie was also a life saver when it was time to get ready for bed. She pulled off my shoes and socks every night. And, imagine how hard it is trying to pull the door closed while backing my wheelchair out of the way. I could just say, 'Katie, get the door,' and she’d shut it for me.  She was my wingman, my buddy, and best of all she loved to show and receive affection. How did Katie change my life?  She put joy and independence into my days. I loved her dearly and she loved me back."

According to the Americans with Disabilities Act, "service dogs are defined as canines of various breeds individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities." A service dog is not considered a pet but is specially trained to assist the handler with something directly related to his or her disability.

Katie will be missed by her many friends in the ward and certainly by her most important person Sister Debb. While Katie can never be replaced, Sister Debb is hoping one day she will be able to introduce another 4-legged family member to her neighbors and ward friends. 

Rest in peace, dear sweet Katie.

Regresa con honor, Elder Rowan Berry

Elder Rowan Berry, youngest son of Jason and Leah Berry, entered the Provo MTC on Wednesday, September 3, 2019 for his final preparations to serve the Lord and His children in the Alabama Birmingham Spanish-speaking Mission. (Elder Rowan is the family's 2nd Spanish-speaking missionary. Elder Logan Berry is currently serving in the Equador Guayaquil Mission).

Elder Rowan Berry is about the same age as John Brown, the first missionary in Alabama and, it seems based on his talk in Sacrament meeting, he has the same exceptional speaking ability. 

The experience of missionary John Brown in Alabama is typical of other early missionaries. Community members assumed the 17-year-old dressed in ragged clothing was a simple cotton picker. They gathered to hear him speak one day in 1843, expecting entertainment by mocking the young preacher. After he began, however, the crowd members silenced and "were as motionless as statues of marble." Brown was well-treated afterward. 

In early 1844, there were approximately 120 members of the Church in Alabama in three congregations. Three months later, in areas including Mississippi, there were approximately 190 members in seven congregations. Early converts were often baptized in the Alabama River, and many immigrated West to avoid persecution. In 1930, there were nearly 2,520 members of the Church in Alabama. Several members came to Alabama employed by the military and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

Today, there are over 38,000 members of the Church in 7 stakes / 76 wards and branches in Alabama's singular mission. The Birmingham Temple, the only temple in "the heart of Dixie" is located in Gardendale, Alabama, a suburb of Birmingham. The 10,700 square foot temple, with two ordinance rooms and two sealing rooms, was dedicated on September 3, 2000 by President Gordon B. Hinckley to become the Church's 98th operating temple.

Nuestros pensamientos y oraciones están contigo, Elder Berry.