400th anniversary of the King James Version of the Bible

One of Elliot's primary purposes as a missionary to Oklahoma is to share the message of the mission of Jesus Christ, as contained in the Bible: "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."  (John 3:16.) 

This past week marked the 400th anniversary of the first publication of the King James Version of the Bible.  The King James Version gets its name from the English King who commissioned a new translation of the Bible, a translation that has become the most widely used English Bible and is the official English language version of the Church.

A story from the Church Newsroom reports:

Like other Christian denominations, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believes the Bible to be the word of God, and members are encouraged to study it and follow its teachings. In a 2007 general conference address titled “The Miracle of the Holy Bible,” Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said:

It is not by chance or coincidence that we have the Bible today. Righteous individuals were prompted by the Spirit to record both the sacred things they saw and the inspired words they heard and spoke. Other devoted people were prompted to protect and preserve these records. Men like John Wycliffe, the courageous William Tyndale, and Johannes Gutenberg (pictured) were prompted against much opposition to translate the Bible into language people could understand and to publish it in books people could read. I believe even the scholars of King James had spiritual promptings in their translation work.

For those who would like a free copy of the Bible, the Church makes them available here.

And here is a link to a documentary that describes the Church's effort to publish a Latter-day Saint edition of the King James Bible. Included in the publication were new chapter headings, cross-referencing footnotes linking all of the standard works, a topical guide or subject index, an improved bible dictionary, a gazetteer, and color maps. Selections from the Joseph Smith Inspired translation of the Bible were also included.

Happy Mother's Day!

One of the rules missionaries for the Church live by is that their communication with family back home is limited to a weekly email or letter and two phone calls per year, one on Christmas and the other on Mother's Day.  Those phone calls are precious experiences for the families.  We look forward to them, savor them while they last, and hate to hang up when it's time to let our missionary go.

Since today is Mother's Day, we had one of our calls with Elliot.  It was so great to hear from him and to know that he is doing well and is happy.  He is such a positive person.  He enjoys the people and the culture of Oklahoma, and the entire experience of being a missionary.  Nothing seems to phase him -- not the heat, the humidity, the bugs, and the rest of the challenges he faces.  He sends his best to everyone and appreciates the letters and emails he receives.  We'll talk to him again in December!

And in the spirit of Mother's Day, enjoy a fun video after the jump.

Missionary news from around the world: Japan and the Ivory Coast

The Church posted two news stories recently about missionary service in Japan and the Ivory Coast.  Here are brief excerpts and links to the stories.

Japan

We previously posted about missionaries in Japan and how they were affected by the earthquake and tsunami and associated problems at nuclear plants (here, here, here, and here).  In a recent story, the Church reports that some missionaries will return to areas of Japan that had been evacuated:

Six weeks after a 9.0 earthquake and devastating tsunami hit Japan, some missionaries that were previously removed from the Japan Tokyo and Japan Sendai Missions will return to areas now considered safe within those missions. These missionaries will be transferred in the near future, with other missionaries likely returning as conditions continue to improve.

Missionaries will return to areas located a significant distance from the region most affected by the earthquake and tsunami. Those returning to the Japan Tokyo Mission will be serving in areas to the south and west of Tokyo, while those returning to the Japan Sendai Mission will be located at the northern tip and western side of the island.

We're sure those missionaries will be glad as their missionary service begins to return to normal.

Ivory Coast

The Ivory Coast has been hit with political strife in recent months, leading to the suspension of all missionary activities in the country.  The Church reports:

A disputed presidential election has led to widespread violence in the Ivory Coast during the last few months, leaving hundreds of people dead. There are no reports of deaths or injuries among Latter-day Saints in the country, and all missionaries are reported safe.

The Church moved all missionaries who are not native Ivorians out of the Ivory Coast in December. Non-Ivorian missionaries have been evacuated to the nearby countries of Benin and Togo, with the mission president operating from Togo. Ivorian missionaries have been given temporary leave to return to their homes or to stay with local members until it is safe to resume missionary activities. 

We're glad to hear all the missionaries are safe and will watch for further developments on this story.

Oklahoma sports report

It's been over a month since our last Oklahoma sports report.  Not that there hasn't been news to report, especially now that the Oklahoma City Thunder have advanced to the second round of the NBA playoffs, where they are facing the Memphis Grizzlies.  Last night the Thunder won game 2 of their series by a final score of 111-102, led by All-Stars Kevin Durant with 26 and Russell Westbrook with 24.  The series is tied 1-1.

But that wasn't the biggest Oklahoma sports story of last night.  No, the biggest story involves Roman Owen, coach of the women's basketball team at Mid-America Christian University in Oklahoma City.  Coach Owen attended the Thunder game last night and walked away $20,000 richer after nailing a half-court shot between the third and fourth quarters.  Even Kevin Durant took notice, posting a picture of himself with Coach Owen on his Facebook page.  Enjoy the video.

Tornado tales: An update

I recently posted a story about tornadoes that struck Tushka and Atoka, Oklahoma, in mid-April.  Since that time, far more severe tornadoes and storm systems have wreaked havoc all across the southern United States, with Alabama taking the most direct hit.  The pictures of devastation in Tuscaloosa are unimaginable.  Recent reports put the death toll in Alabama at 236, with over 2,200 injured.  Nationwide, 362 tornadoes occurred during last week's storms, including a record-setting 312 in a 24-hour period.  April 27 was the most deadly day in the United States for tornadoes since 1925.  This video (below) shows the awesome power of the tornado that tore through Tuscaloosa.

Meanwhile, back in Oklahoma, recovery efforts in Tushka and Atoka continue.  A disaster recovery center operated by FEMA, the Oklahoma Emergency Management Department, and the Small Business Administration has opened in Tushka for those affected by the April 14 tornado.  The Red Cross is also offering aid to local residents.  Governor Mary Fallin has requested federal financial aid to help local towns, the county and utilities with infrastructure repairs and other storm-related costs.  And finally, country music is helping to raise funds.  Reba McEntire, who was raised in Atoka County, and Blake Shelton, a native of Ada and a current resident of neighboring Johnston County, will host the “Tornado Relief Concert” on May 26 in partnership with the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma and Choctaw Casino Resort at the Choctaw Event Center in Durant.

Newhall First Ward missionary newsletter

Here is the most recent Newhall First Ward missionary newsletter from Sister Connie Hollingworth.  We really appreciate her putting this together every month!  If you've been keeping track, you may wonder why there is no letter from Amanda Beach.  She returned from Brazil very recently.  It's good to have her home.  And you'll see that Brett Gardiner will return home this week, just in time to help his parents move to Newhall Second Ward.  Enjoy the newsletter after the jump.

Elliot's May 2 email

Here's the latest email from Elliot.  Six more days until our Mother's Day call!

Hey family!

That's crazy that they got him [Osama bin Laden]. I actually had heard about it this morning and it's a big shocker. I wonder how it'll change tracting and stuff this week.

Okay-so for the phone call next week I'm actually not too sure yet when exactly we can do it. We have possibly 2 dinners that we're going to, and I'm not sure exactly how it'll work out, but I can promise to call after 4 my time, 2 yours. I could probably get permission to let you know later on in the week when I know for sure. Otherwise hopefully I can call later on around 5ish!

The work was kinda slow this week, for some reason appointments were just falling through and stuff. But it was still cool. We got some new investigators and actually still taught quite a few lessons. It's just great when you're out all day, feeling like nothing's happening, and then the very last door you knock before it gets too dark to tract ends up in a lesson. That's the best feeling. Going back to the apartment knowing that you did what you were supposed to, found that person you needed to, and feeling exhausted is the best for me. Nothing like it.

Other than that I'm doing good. I'm getting fed and staying healthy So I'm happy.

Sorry for the short email but I gotta run!

Love you!

Elder Elliot Adair