Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Dec. 5, 2009
Querida Norris Familia!
Thanks for the photos i never tire of seeing my family and no one else is sending photos! those sweet potato balls sound amazing! and it sounds like you did a great job on the rest of the dinner. Dad wrote me and told me how good it all tasted lol i am slightly jealous!
Things are well on my end of things. I hit the field in only 3 weeks now, the count is on.
I know that this gospel is true, and that missionary work is the work of God, that when Christ says in Jacob 5 that He will call helpers and He will work with them that He literaly meant that His hand will be in everything and the missionaries will receive help along the way. The restored gospel changes peoples lives for the better and brings joy, tht is the motivation for sharing it, one is simply sharing their happiness. I love you guys always and love to hear from you.
Love,
Elder Spencer Fogleman
Thanks for the photos i never tire of seeing my family and no one else is sending photos! those sweet potato balls sound amazing! and it sounds like you did a great job on the rest of the dinner. Dad wrote me and told me how good it all tasted lol i am slightly jealous!
Things are well on my end of things. I hit the field in only 3 weeks now, the count is on.
I know that this gospel is true, and that missionary work is the work of God, that when Christ says in Jacob 5 that He will call helpers and He will work with them that He literaly meant that His hand will be in everything and the missionaries will receive help along the way. The restored gospel changes peoples lives for the better and brings joy, tht is the motivation for sharing it, one is simply sharing their happiness. I love you guys always and love to hear from you.
Love,
Elder Spencer Fogleman
Monday, November 23, 2009
Sent Nov. 18, 20009
¡querida mama!
I really love Peru. We went to the temple today and the lima temple is small but beautiful! My stomach is finally becoming acustomed to the food and am really starting to love some of it. Though it really is too much rice, like almost every meal we have had here has had huge servings of rice! our mail only goes out once a week, so sorry in a couple of days you will get a letter that is a little old. It goes out on Monday and takes like 5 days to get to you but anything you send takes like 3 weeks. The street address is:
Apartado Postal
12-167
Lima 12-Peru
but they gave us an address that also works:
Elder Spencer Fogleman
Peru, Lima East
Av. Melgarejo 159
Urb. Campo Verde
La Molina, Lima, PerĂș
I think the second one works better; one is a PO Box anyways. People also get Dear elders here-once a week-basically they get printed out in provo and sent down here through the church's pouch system so those will probably only take a week to reach me.
I love you tons and am so happy to be here! i cant wait to be fluent so that I can better communicate with the people; the two bolivians I am rooming with speak so fast!
¡Buena suerte! ¡le amo! ¡hasta ver, para siempre Dios estĂ© con vos!
Your Son,
Elder Spencer Fogleman
ABOUT PERUVIAN FOOD

Peru is famous throughout South America for its food. As a major fishing nation, fish is abundant, and prepared with imagination.
Below is some interesting information on Peruvian Food
The primary ingredients found in nearly every Peruvian dish are rice, potatoes, chichen, pork, lamb, and fish. Most of these meals include one of the different kinds of "aji", or Peruvian hot pepper, which mainly are: yellow aji pepper, red aji pepper, red rocoto pepper
Chicken, pork and lamb were introduced to Peru 500 years ago, when Spaniards came to America. Other ingredients, like potatoes, were already being grow in the Peruvian Andes and were taken by the Spaniards back to Europe.
Today more than 200 varieties of potato can be found in the Lake Titicaca area. They range in color from purple to blue, from yellow to brown. Sizes and textures vary as well. Some are smalls as nuts; others can be as large as oranges.
I really love Peru. We went to the temple today and the lima temple is small but beautiful! My stomach is finally becoming acustomed to the food and am really starting to love some of it. Though it really is too much rice, like almost every meal we have had here has had huge servings of rice! our mail only goes out once a week, so sorry in a couple of days you will get a letter that is a little old. It goes out on Monday and takes like 5 days to get to you but anything you send takes like 3 weeks. The street address is:
Apartado Postal
12-167
Lima 12-Peru
but they gave us an address that also works:
Elder Spencer Fogleman
Peru, Lima East
Av. Melgarejo 159
Urb. Campo Verde
La Molina, Lima, PerĂș
I think the second one works better; one is a PO Box anyways. People also get Dear elders here-once a week-basically they get printed out in provo and sent down here through the church's pouch system so those will probably only take a week to reach me.
I love you tons and am so happy to be here! i cant wait to be fluent so that I can better communicate with the people; the two bolivians I am rooming with speak so fast!
¡Buena suerte! ¡le amo! ¡hasta ver, para siempre Dios estĂ© con vos!
Your Son,
Elder Spencer Fogleman
ABOUT PERUVIAN FOOD
Peru is famous throughout South America for its food. As a major fishing nation, fish is abundant, and prepared with imagination.
Below is some interesting information on Peruvian Food
The primary ingredients found in nearly every Peruvian dish are rice, potatoes, chichen, pork, lamb, and fish. Most of these meals include one of the different kinds of "aji", or Peruvian hot pepper, which mainly are: yellow aji pepper, red aji pepper, red rocoto pepper
Chicken, pork and lamb were introduced to Peru 500 years ago, when Spaniards came to America. Other ingredients, like potatoes, were already being grow in the Peruvian Andes and were taken by the Spaniards back to Europe.
Today more than 200 varieties of potato can be found in the Lake Titicaca area. They range in color from purple to blue, from yellow to brown. Sizes and textures vary as well. Some are smalls as nuts; others can be as large as oranges.
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Thursday, November 12, 2009
First Letter From PERU
Hola mi familia!
I am in Peru! we got to the ccm at about 1 am and then got to bed a little after 2, so i am so tired! I only had to move my clock forward two hours from my Utah time, so I guess Im only 3 hours ahead of you guys. We get to take a nap after lunch to try and lose the jet lag so im excited about that because we got up at 6:30 today like always.
Its wierd because im typing on a spanish keyboard so there are some differences that make it tough but i am glad they let us let you know that we arrived safely.
i dont konw a lot about my schedule so i will let you know my daily schedule as soon as i know it, but i do know that my P-day is on wednesday, so thats when i get to email again.
Guess what mom...elder torsak is my new companion so you have even more to talk about with his mom! she took tons of pictures yesterday so you should be getting some through email.
The sheet they gave us said don't send packages because it costs so much to have it go through customs' not that you can't, just its beeter to put money into the missionaries acoount and then let him buy what he needs. But for christmas i should be out in the field. i do think its best not to send me a package while i am in the mtc though.
la comida es muy interesante pero es comida! for breakfast we had french toast but they don't use syrup down here; i can only imagine how expensive it would be to get here! and then we had this juice that was made from cantelope that was kinda chunky so it was like eating it but it was liquid. im interested to see what is for lunch!
The facility here is really nice! like nicer than provo! its smaller tho, only 3 buildings and its surrounded by a huge wall; every building in Lima is surrounded by a gate and wire.And our rooms hold six but they reall arent bigger than the provo rooms, probably longer but then thinner so it eguals out. the beds area also on like 6 feet long which works fine for me but is a litle small for my companion!
I love all of you so much, and am thankful for the oppurtunity to serve the Lord. im ecstatic to be in Peru! even in the impoverished city it is beautiful, especially the weather; i can't wait to see what everything looks like outside the city! Thank you for everything you have done for me and all the letters. i feel your love as much as the savior's!
Your son, brother and grandson,
Elder spencer Fogleman
I am in Peru! we got to the ccm at about 1 am and then got to bed a little after 2, so i am so tired! I only had to move my clock forward two hours from my Utah time, so I guess Im only 3 hours ahead of you guys. We get to take a nap after lunch to try and lose the jet lag so im excited about that because we got up at 6:30 today like always.
Its wierd because im typing on a spanish keyboard so there are some differences that make it tough but i am glad they let us let you know that we arrived safely.
i dont konw a lot about my schedule so i will let you know my daily schedule as soon as i know it, but i do know that my P-day is on wednesday, so thats when i get to email again.
Guess what mom...elder torsak is my new companion so you have even more to talk about with his mom! she took tons of pictures yesterday so you should be getting some through email.
The sheet they gave us said don't send packages because it costs so much to have it go through customs' not that you can't, just its beeter to put money into the missionaries acoount and then let him buy what he needs. But for christmas i should be out in the field. i do think its best not to send me a package while i am in the mtc though.
la comida es muy interesante pero es comida! for breakfast we had french toast but they don't use syrup down here; i can only imagine how expensive it would be to get here! and then we had this juice that was made from cantelope that was kinda chunky so it was like eating it but it was liquid. im interested to see what is for lunch!
The facility here is really nice! like nicer than provo! its smaller tho, only 3 buildings and its surrounded by a huge wall; every building in Lima is surrounded by a gate and wire.And our rooms hold six but they reall arent bigger than the provo rooms, probably longer but then thinner so it eguals out. the beds area also on like 6 feet long which works fine for me but is a litle small for my companion!
I love all of you so much, and am thankful for the oppurtunity to serve the Lord. im ecstatic to be in Peru! even in the impoverished city it is beautiful, especially the weather; i can't wait to see what everything looks like outside the city! Thank you for everything you have done for me and all the letters. i feel your love as much as the savior's!
Your son, brother and grandson,
Elder spencer Fogleman
Monday, November 9, 2009
Where Spencer is currently
Learn a little about the Missionary Training Center
http://www.mtc.byu.edu/themtc.htm
At the Church's Missionary Training Center (MTC) in Provo, Utah, young men and women as well as retired men and women from around the world come together to prepare to serve the Lord. The purpose of the MTC is to provide an atmosphere of peace, love, trust, confidence, and respect in which missionaries can prepare for missionary service.
Missionaries dedicate 18 months to two years to missionary service. Approximately 52,000 members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are currently serving as full-time missionaries. They are called to serve in one of 334 missions in approximately 120 different countries around the world. Missionaries begin their service at a Missionary Training Center, where they prepare to become messengers of the Lord, bringing glad tidings to families around the world. As representatives of the Church, missionaries believe that people throughout the world can obtain life's greatest happiness from following the teachings of Jesus Christ.
Each Wednesday several hundred missionaries enter the Provo MTC. The eager missionaries enter an exciting world of learning. The MTC curriculum consists of up to 12 weeks of studying doctrine, learning to teach the gospel of Jesus Christ effectively, and developing excellent communication skills. When missionaries are called to serve in foreign lands, their training also includes learning a new language. The Provo MTC is well known for its language teaching program. Approximately 50 languages are taught at the Provo MTC. The teaching staff is composed largely of former missionaries, who are well acquainted with missionary life. Using state-of-the-art language training technology, the Provo MTC fulfills the prophecy that "every man shall hear the fullness of the gospel in his own tongue . . . through those who are ordained unto this power" (D&C 90:10).
The Provo MTC is a beautiful campus designed to accommodate up to 4,000 missionaries. The facility includes a large gymnasium, cafeterias, a medical clinic, a bookstore, a mail center, laundry facilities, classrooms, and residence halls. A day at the MTC can involve many different activities, including visiting the cafeteria, enjoying some exercise in the gym, and engaging in personal study. Missionaries spend much of their time in classroom activities.
Although the MTC has excellent facilities and an outstanding training curriculum, missionaries feel that the spirit of the MTC is their best learning and teaching aid. The MTC experience is the fulfillment of a life-long dream for many missionaries, and yet they anxiously await the day when they will depart to their assigned missions. After weeks of training, missionaries leave prepared to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with people around the world.
For more information about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, or to request a visit from missionaries, visit the official Church "Learn More" site, or call toll-free at 1-888-LDS-7700 or 1-888-537-7700.
http://www.mtc.byu.edu/themtc.htm
At the Church's Missionary Training Center (MTC) in Provo, Utah, young men and women as well as retired men and women from around the world come together to prepare to serve the Lord. The purpose of the MTC is to provide an atmosphere of peace, love, trust, confidence, and respect in which missionaries can prepare for missionary service.
Missionaries dedicate 18 months to two years to missionary service. Approximately 52,000 members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are currently serving as full-time missionaries. They are called to serve in one of 334 missions in approximately 120 different countries around the world. Missionaries begin their service at a Missionary Training Center, where they prepare to become messengers of the Lord, bringing glad tidings to families around the world. As representatives of the Church, missionaries believe that people throughout the world can obtain life's greatest happiness from following the teachings of Jesus Christ.
Each Wednesday several hundred missionaries enter the Provo MTC. The eager missionaries enter an exciting world of learning. The MTC curriculum consists of up to 12 weeks of studying doctrine, learning to teach the gospel of Jesus Christ effectively, and developing excellent communication skills. When missionaries are called to serve in foreign lands, their training also includes learning a new language. The Provo MTC is well known for its language teaching program. Approximately 50 languages are taught at the Provo MTC. The teaching staff is composed largely of former missionaries, who are well acquainted with missionary life. Using state-of-the-art language training technology, the Provo MTC fulfills the prophecy that "every man shall hear the fullness of the gospel in his own tongue . . . through those who are ordained unto this power" (D&C 90:10).
The Provo MTC is a beautiful campus designed to accommodate up to 4,000 missionaries. The facility includes a large gymnasium, cafeterias, a medical clinic, a bookstore, a mail center, laundry facilities, classrooms, and residence halls. A day at the MTC can involve many different activities, including visiting the cafeteria, enjoying some exercise in the gym, and engaging in personal study. Missionaries spend much of their time in classroom activities.
Although the MTC has excellent facilities and an outstanding training curriculum, missionaries feel that the spirit of the MTC is their best learning and teaching aid. The MTC experience is the fulfillment of a life-long dream for many missionaries, and yet they anxiously await the day when they will depart to their assigned missions. After weeks of training, missionaries leave prepared to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with people around the world.
For more information about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, or to request a visit from missionaries, visit the official Church "Learn More" site, or call toll-free at 1-888-LDS-7700 or 1-888-537-7700.
Friday, November 6, 2009
Current Mailing Address
Elder Spencer Michael Fogleman
Peru Lima East Mission
Provo Missionary Training Center
2005 N 900 E
Provo, UT 84604
Peru Lima East Mission
Provo Missionary Training Center
2005 N 900 E
Provo, UT 84604
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Note from Stephanie
Stephanie posted something on your Wall and wrote:
"Hey stacy you might want to share on spencers blog about Dear Elder http://www.facebook.com/l/9b694;elder.com , because you write an e-mail and they send it as a letter, which is easier than E-mailing due to the time limit he has on the computer! Any way I thought people might want to know! It is really easy to use"
"Hey stacy you might want to share on spencers blog about Dear Elder http://www.facebook.com/l/9b694;elder.com , because you write an e-mail and they send it as a letter, which is easier than E-mailing due to the time limit he has on the computer! Any way I thought people might want to know! It is really easy to use"
Letter
Sent: 10/29/2009 8:35:44 A.M. Pacific Daylight Time
Subj: Hello Again
I don't always get to email twice in a week but because this is our first time emailing and because we have service on our P-day we got to email again. Um as far as the athletic shoes and book bag go there aren't any here to buy for myself, so if you could I would really appreciate you sending them, and i did like the one from Mr. Mac. other than that we get a discount at the book store so i'll only spend around 20-50 dollars on spanish books lamenations and laundry supplies. but i will have to dry clean my suit-because its winter attire already i have to wear my suit all the time for these three weeks. so i will have to get that dry cleaned and its 7 dollars a time and only includes one pair of pants each time :( so you can reimburse for that stuff and that would work fine. also i forgot to get the stamps you had for me before i came in so i only have enough to send two letters and one is in the mail. plus i dont have the addresses of the people who gave me cards before leaving. all of the cards are in the smaller blue bin on top of all the gray ones in my room if you want to know whick addresses to sen me. Unfortunately Kurt Torsak is not in my district but we will probably be on the plane together on the way to Lima!
Say thanks to stacey for me for updating the blog and sending ther picture of Kaleia and Luke to me! Feel free to forward any part of my emails.
Dad congrats on the Free Milkshake lol and thanks for keeping in touch. I look forward to your notes and emails. I got a letter from Stephanie and Jamie adn that was awesome! I the emails are bieng forwarded to them as well. If, they are, Thank you Stephanie and Jamie.
I unfortunately wont be able to read anymore of your emails until next tuesday, but am grateful for your support.
yesterday I got to place my first Book of Mormon, through the RC, but you will hear more about that in the letter I sent you.
I love you all soo much and know that this gospel is true. I know that Christ's church as been restored on the earth and that it holds the answers people are seeking. I am in the right place and am so excited!
Buena suerte! Les amo! Para Siempre Dios esta' con vos hast ver!(roughly translated-god be with you til we meet again).
Humbly,
Elder Spencer M. Fogleman
P.S. I hope grandma is doing well with her cancer testing and you can let Omi and Grandpa Ron know I don't have much down time, but am really busy! lol Shaun and Shayla I love YOU!!
Subj: Hello Again
I don't always get to email twice in a week but because this is our first time emailing and because we have service on our P-day we got to email again. Um as far as the athletic shoes and book bag go there aren't any here to buy for myself, so if you could I would really appreciate you sending them, and i did like the one from Mr. Mac. other than that we get a discount at the book store so i'll only spend around 20-50 dollars on spanish books lamenations and laundry supplies. but i will have to dry clean my suit-because its winter attire already i have to wear my suit all the time for these three weeks. so i will have to get that dry cleaned and its 7 dollars a time and only includes one pair of pants each time :( so you can reimburse for that stuff and that would work fine. also i forgot to get the stamps you had for me before i came in so i only have enough to send two letters and one is in the mail. plus i dont have the addresses of the people who gave me cards before leaving. all of the cards are in the smaller blue bin on top of all the gray ones in my room if you want to know whick addresses to sen me. Unfortunately Kurt Torsak is not in my district but we will probably be on the plane together on the way to Lima!
Say thanks to stacey for me for updating the blog and sending ther picture of Kaleia and Luke to me! Feel free to forward any part of my emails.
Dad congrats on the Free Milkshake lol and thanks for keeping in touch. I look forward to your notes and emails. I got a letter from Stephanie and Jamie adn that was awesome! I the emails are bieng forwarded to them as well. If, they are, Thank you Stephanie and Jamie.
I unfortunately wont be able to read anymore of your emails until next tuesday, but am grateful for your support.
yesterday I got to place my first Book of Mormon, through the RC, but you will hear more about that in the letter I sent you.
I love you all soo much and know that this gospel is true. I know that Christ's church as been restored on the earth and that it holds the answers people are seeking. I am in the right place and am so excited!
Buena suerte! Les amo! Para Siempre Dios esta' con vos hast ver!(roughly translated-god be with you til we meet again).
Humbly,
Elder Spencer M. Fogleman
P.S. I hope grandma is doing well with her cancer testing and you can let Omi and Grandpa Ron know I don't have much down time, but am really busy! lol Shaun and Shayla I love YOU!!
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Letter #1!

Hola mi familia!
I'm finally getting to write to you! First and foremost I want you to know that I love and miss you! The MTC has been great-I cant believe I have been here less than a week though bc I'm starting to forget that I had a life before the MTC or what it was like. The food's been decent, nothing compared to your cooking mom, and my body is finally adjusting to it. My district is amazing all the guys have bonded so well. I am no longer excited to leave for Peru in 3 weeks bc it means saying goodbye. I am in a tri-MANionship, as we call it, meaning i have two companions. both are going to Lima, East in three weeks as well. They, Elders Shock and Porter are really cool and really chill elders.
There are some things I need. It turns out they don't give a book bag so it's been kinda a pain to carry everything around. If there's anyway to get one to me that would be great! If your feeling generous i could also use new athletic shoes-the mesh in mine ripped which means the shoe lost its integrity or support. A tie rack would also be really convenient and any money because they do give us a lot from the bookstore but not everything we need. If you want you could send me a check-they can cash them here for you-or put it into my account-i have my debit card. If you can't i totally understand, i have enough to get by on-it would just be nice. I hope you posted my address on facebook-i would love to hear from friends. also a new pic of me in my missionary attire as the profile pic would be great!
I will try and answer ur questions but i have a limited time online. Mom dont worry i am doing great-i dont know what u felt my first night bc i was asleep-tho i didnt sleep well and dreamed of home so that may have something to do with it. I hope your are feeling better now.I just got back from the temple and the spirit is so strong in the temple as a set apart missionary wearing the black name tag. Thanx for the notes of encouragement dad. I have seen melissa a couple of times but not Carl. Give my congrats to Shaun on the victory and my wishes of luck for next week. Sunday was interesting bc it was almost all in Spanish, which we have been praying in since the second day! by the fourth day we have been contacting in spanish but i dont feel quite comfortable in the language.We have 11 elders in our district bc of our tir-MANionship and our whole zone sang God be with you till we meet again in spanish to the elders of District C who left this morning. We might be hearing from an apostle tonight-ill keep you informed. and i havnt met the person working my old position yet.
Im not in the district of that elder we met at brick oven and will have to fill you in on our daily schedule some other time bc im running out of time, but at 3:30 i was in class! Im in class a lot! :)
Gracias familia. I love you! Buena suerte y God be with you til we meet again. Tell shayla I love her.
Humbly,
Elder Spencer M. Fogleman
Monday, October 26, 2009
Then and NOW
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Facebook Friends
For those of you on Facebook: Spencer's mom put together a wonderful picture book of his final days...
http://www.facebook.com/inbox/readmessage.php?t=1160770706133
http://www.facebook.com/inbox/readmessage.php?t=1160770706133
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Spencer's Farewell Luncheon
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2009
Here are pictures from the fairwell luncheon this past Sunday. Spencer...Elder Fogleman gave a great talk in church that morning and at 12:30 was set apart as a missionary.
What exactly does it mean when we are “set apart” for a Church calling?
Ronald D. Maines, “I Have a Question,” Ensign, Feb. 1992, 51
Ronald D. Maines, Sunday School teacher, Franklin Ward, Oakton Virginia Stake.
Among the great blessings the Lord has extended to his people is the “privilege of organizing themselves according to [his] laws.” (D&C 51:15.) One of the heavenly patterns the Lord has revealed for this purpose is the calling and setting apart of worthy members to labor in the Church.

Those who hold divinely delegated authority issue a call to us on behalf of the Lord. This action is sustained by the common consent of the local Church membership. Then, through a priesthood blessing, we are set apart from the world to focus our time and talents on a specific labor for the Lord.

In previous dispensations, when God’s followers were called to serve the Lord, they were also set apart to fulfill their service. Through Moses, for example, the Lord set Joshua apart to lead the children of Israel into Canaan. Note how well the pattern established anciently matches the practice in the Church today:
“The Lord said unto Moses, Take thee Joshua … and lay thine hand upon him;
“And set him … before all the congregation; and give him a charge in their sight.” (Num. 27:18–19.)

In the early Christian church, Barnabas and Saul were set apart for missionary work. (See Acts 13:2–3.) Earlier, the Apostles had set apart Stephen and six others to oversee assistance to the widows and other needy members. (See Acts 6:1–6.)

In our dispensation, we again enjoy the blessings accompanying this ordinance. As a priesthood ordinance, the action of setting an individual apart involves divine power, promise, and holiness. It is a special event which may be accompanied by an outpouring of the Spirit. As with other gospel ordinances, the inspiration attending this ordinance may deepen our understanding, elevate our spirits, remind us of our possibilities, and motivate us to a higher, richer quality of life.

We receive an investiture of authority from the Lord when we are set apart. We can thereafter act as the Lord’s authorized agents and carry out his errands with his approval: “Wherefore, as ye are agents, ye are on the Lord’s errand; and whatever ye do according to the will of the Lord is the Lord’s business.” (D&C 64:29.) The Lord has admonished, however, that our authority to act on his behalf and to receive revelation pertaining to our callings is strictly circumscribed by the specific office of our calling. (See D&C 43:2–7.) Thus, one must never assume more authority than lies within the bounds of his or her own calling.
When we are set apart, we also receive the right to obtain knowledge and revelation to accomplish our assigned tasks. We prepare our minds to receive that counsel by following the commandments, praying, studying, and pondering the duties of our callings. As we do so, it is our privilege to enjoy knowledge that, as Joseph Smith described it, “shall greatly enlarge the soul without hypocrisy, and without guile.” (D&C 121:42.) We may experience a flow of ideas that can guide us, help us develop plans and solve problems, and give us a clear, proper vision of our tasks.

We also have the right to receive special strength of body and spirit. As we seek this strength, we must also gird ourselves for the work. Having been set apart for the work of the Lord, we must, in a manner of speaking, set ourselves apart from the world to the work of the Lord’s kingdom. By being set apart, we promise to consecrate a portion of our time and talents to magnify our callings.
It should be noted that only those who preside over priesthood quorums receive keys when set apart. Therefore, the word keys is to be used only when setting apart these officers and not when setting apart counselors, high councilors, leaders in auxiliary organizations, or teachers in any organization. (See Bulletin 1990–1, p. 1.)
The fruits of devotion to the Lord and sacrifice for his kingdom are delicious. By consecrating our abilities and time to the Lord, we not only improve the quality of the lives of those whom we serve, but we too are changed. A calling to serve in the Church, with the privileges and responsibilities conferred on us when we are set apart, is an opportunity for God to create in us a more Christlike mind, a purer heart, and a nobler spirit. All that he requires is our willingness to serve faithfully.
Here are pictures from the fairwell luncheon this past Sunday. Spencer...Elder Fogleman gave a great talk in church that morning and at 12:30 was set apart as a missionary.
What exactly does it mean when we are “set apart” for a Church calling?
Ronald D. Maines, “I Have a Question,” Ensign, Feb. 1992, 51
Ronald D. Maines, Sunday School teacher, Franklin Ward, Oakton Virginia Stake.
Among the great blessings the Lord has extended to his people is the “privilege of organizing themselves according to [his] laws.” (D&C 51:15.) One of the heavenly patterns the Lord has revealed for this purpose is the calling and setting apart of worthy members to labor in the Church.
Those who hold divinely delegated authority issue a call to us on behalf of the Lord. This action is sustained by the common consent of the local Church membership. Then, through a priesthood blessing, we are set apart from the world to focus our time and talents on a specific labor for the Lord.
In previous dispensations, when God’s followers were called to serve the Lord, they were also set apart to fulfill their service. Through Moses, for example, the Lord set Joshua apart to lead the children of Israel into Canaan. Note how well the pattern established anciently matches the practice in the Church today:
“The Lord said unto Moses, Take thee Joshua … and lay thine hand upon him;
“And set him … before all the congregation; and give him a charge in their sight.” (Num. 27:18–19.)
In the early Christian church, Barnabas and Saul were set apart for missionary work. (See Acts 13:2–3.) Earlier, the Apostles had set apart Stephen and six others to oversee assistance to the widows and other needy members. (See Acts 6:1–6.)
In our dispensation, we again enjoy the blessings accompanying this ordinance. As a priesthood ordinance, the action of setting an individual apart involves divine power, promise, and holiness. It is a special event which may be accompanied by an outpouring of the Spirit. As with other gospel ordinances, the inspiration attending this ordinance may deepen our understanding, elevate our spirits, remind us of our possibilities, and motivate us to a higher, richer quality of life.
We receive an investiture of authority from the Lord when we are set apart. We can thereafter act as the Lord’s authorized agents and carry out his errands with his approval: “Wherefore, as ye are agents, ye are on the Lord’s errand; and whatever ye do according to the will of the Lord is the Lord’s business.” (D&C 64:29.) The Lord has admonished, however, that our authority to act on his behalf and to receive revelation pertaining to our callings is strictly circumscribed by the specific office of our calling. (See D&C 43:2–7.) Thus, one must never assume more authority than lies within the bounds of his or her own calling.
When we are set apart, we also receive the right to obtain knowledge and revelation to accomplish our assigned tasks. We prepare our minds to receive that counsel by following the commandments, praying, studying, and pondering the duties of our callings. As we do so, it is our privilege to enjoy knowledge that, as Joseph Smith described it, “shall greatly enlarge the soul without hypocrisy, and without guile.” (D&C 121:42.) We may experience a flow of ideas that can guide us, help us develop plans and solve problems, and give us a clear, proper vision of our tasks.
We also have the right to receive special strength of body and spirit. As we seek this strength, we must also gird ourselves for the work. Having been set apart for the work of the Lord, we must, in a manner of speaking, set ourselves apart from the world to the work of the Lord’s kingdom. By being set apart, we promise to consecrate a portion of our time and talents to magnify our callings.
It should be noted that only those who preside over priesthood quorums receive keys when set apart. Therefore, the word keys is to be used only when setting apart these officers and not when setting apart counselors, high councilors, leaders in auxiliary organizations, or teachers in any organization. (See Bulletin 1990–1, p. 1.)
The fruits of devotion to the Lord and sacrifice for his kingdom are delicious. By consecrating our abilities and time to the Lord, we not only improve the quality of the lives of those whom we serve, but we too are changed. A calling to serve in the Church, with the privileges and responsibilities conferred on us when we are set apart, is an opportunity for God to create in us a more Christlike mind, a purer heart, and a nobler spirit. All that he requires is our willingness to serve faithfully.
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