Not long after, tragedy occurred. I didn't think anyone else knew about it.. Once the missionaries' safety in these areas was determined, North American missionaries began to return around September 1994. Ambassador Robert Gelbard. sltrib.com 1996-2023 The Salt Lake Tribune. 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. It's absolutely baffling that he got off with no jail time. On one occasion, his mother said, he came home frustrated because he couldnt do as many bench presses as he saw collegiate stars doing at the NFL combine. "[16] The general climate in Bolivia reflected dissatisfaction with these policies. 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 An LDS missionary from Benton, Ark. According to witnesses, after the act, a commander of the group realized, "it's not him, we were wrong." After surgery in Boston, Waggoner said, he is now back home and recovering in Tucson, Arizona. My heart goes out to both of their families and all of their close friends. That's a stumper. Jeffrey Ball and Todd Wilson worked in a particularly poor, rough section of La Paz that was "well known for its brothels and bars, and the fact that most of the people in that part of town wouldn't say anything about what they saw. [28][33][34][35][36] Mylroie was the first to find them. As far as I can tell, Bjelde is now 56 years old, and still lives in his native Wisconsin. Their eighteen-year-old brother Greg was preparing to serve a mission as well. Thank you,". 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 This action resulted in the suspension of the trial for the other five defendants. For her part, Marla is no stranger to grief. When he showed it to his mother the next morning, she discovered a bomb inside the box. 1 U.S. interest in Bolivia is doing away with that problem. Tell that to mentally-disabled Elder James E. Christensen: dead at age 24, due--according to family members of Ezra Taft Benson defending their own--to his failure to obey priesthood authority. Others have also buoyed the familys spirits. [58], Following the assassinations, all missionaries were ordered to remain in their rooms for one full week. Mara Sanchez Carlos, head of the department's Bolivia desk wrote Senator Hatch, "There are eight defendants, three of whom are at large, and they got 30 years. That is a pretty standard defense for the Church when something goes wrong. His companion, Elder Rudger Clawson who later became president of the Council of the Twelve Apostles of the Church was unharmed. [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. A lie by ommission? (Interestingly enough, a mission assistant to my uncle Reed Benson, named Reed Smith, has in the past posted about this terrible episode on the Recovery from Mormoisn bulletin board. I was not in Kentucky when Elder Christensen died, so I cannot speak to the specific events or aftermath. Although the culture, food, or people might be different from what youre used to, you can always find things to love. They didn't want to give the Church a bad name, or at least that's my suspicion. Brad left just 3 months after Todds death and served in the Spain, Seville mission. Missionaries end their day by 10:30 p.m. 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. 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 . No doubt he got some bad advise in going on a mission, but I also understand that within the Mormon culture, missionary pressures, from prospective missionaries, their families, local ward members and leaders, etc. Fides uses the term "missionary" for all the baptized, aware of what Pope Francis explains in his Apostolic Exhortation, Evangelii gaudium: "In virtue of their baptism, all the members of the People of God . Someone not being ready for the gospel is not a reflection of your ability as a missionary. Elder Belde, by all appearances, was a model missionary. 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. Mentally, he was O.K. If a situation has become unbearable, lock yourself in the bathroom for a while and soak in a hot tub. Glo One former sister missionary reports being accosted by groups of students demanding to know why Bolivia should change its coca culture because the United States had a drug problem. Our deepest sympathies go to the families of these faithful missionaries, and we express our love and condolences to all who love them, he said in the release. On Valentines Day, Creed achieved another milestone, saying the prayer on his own. "We are saddened to share news of the passing of two young missionaries of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, who were killed in a head-on traffic collision on Tuesday in Denton,. (Chad Waggoner) Creed Leonard, right, poses for a photograph with his stepdad, Chad Waggoner. The mother was convinced that it was a miracle.[27]. 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 He also was an ace student, earning a near 4.0 GPA in high school, and mentored special-needs students. As one sister of Wilson expressed over ten years later, "It is something you never forget. Elder Mason Lewis Bailey from Richfield, Utah, serving in the Sweden Stockholm Mission since July 2013, died after being struck by a vehicle while he and his companion were walking along a road on their way to an appointment. While Juan's sister tried to get the order reversed, his mother watched her son die.[15]. 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. More than 1,500 people attended this meeting, including 120 missionaries. ladell He was not required, however, to undergo jail time.&. At this point, Id like to share--with her personal permission--her thoughts, expressed as a relative of James E. Christensen, the Mormon missionary who was slain at the hands of his own companionand who, in death, was blamed for his death. Greyfort Being a new missionary can be a stressful experiencehere are a few ways to make the transition easier. That means he had companions that were able to work with him. 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. She gave me permission to share the contents of her correspondence with me here, including her full identity. Without excusing his behavior, this companion was expected to not only do missionary work but to look after James. Seek guidance from Heavenly Father through prayer and scripture study. [26][38], At first, beyond the note received at newspaper offices, officials knew little about FAL Zarate Willka's philosophy. They did, however, have the following name and brief biographical information: "James E. Christensen, 24, Kentucky Louisville, Moroni, UT 1977". "[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]. Michael Austin Davis of Corinne, Utah, and 20-year-old Tyson Gene Haycock, of Miles City, Mont., who had been serving the faiths New Mexico Farmington Mission, died in the crash. Mormon Observer The No. 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 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. Starting a mission can sometimes feel like youre starting an entirely new life. 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. 'Of those 447,969, (some) 525 have lost their lives while serving as full-time missionaries,' he added. [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. felt that Christensen, who suffered several physical disabilities because of his accident, was lacking in appropriate When Juan attempted to hide, the agents shot him. Surely parenthood has been just as challenging as serving with a disabled companion (I am assuming he has experienced parenthood). Church leaders and former companions expressed condolences and renewed their dedication to missionary work. Mormonism has a history of being a violent faith. Creeds companion suffered several fractures, including a broken pelvis and a broken knee. In order to save more money for his mission, he dropped his classes and continued to work late at night. forbiddencokedrinker (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). 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. These incidents were reported to the Mission President, Steven R. Wright, who did not feel inspired to remove missionaries from the area, but counseled them to live close to the spirit and follow that inspiration. Reed Smith Here are some thoughts to consider as you make the transition to a missionary lifestyle. My sympathies to everyone that loved Elder Christensen and to the family that is still affected by his loss and the circumstances surrounding it. I thought I might look into the court records but was not sure where to start. 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. "I speak for the other missionaries when I say I'm scared right now. is complicated and at times intense. Both of his parents are from Richfield, so both sets of grandparents were from here, said President Thomas. This is not to criticize Reed Benson, but only to question the "inspiration" component in this context. On the contrary, religion has played a prominent role in politics since the European colonization of the 1500s. summer 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. steve benson All rights reserved. Creeds family caught a flight that same day to Boston to be by his side at Massachusetts General Hospital. "[63] These changes reduced the ratio of North American missionaries to their Latin counterparts to about 30/70. His only miscue, his mother said, was when he confused the holiday with his birthday since he had received a gift that day. How do you kill someone and NOT serve prison time??? You were called to serve and help people come unto Christ, and that includes your companion. Twinker 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. One of the men was killed instantly as a bullet penetrated his heart. I had confidence they were with my son and helping to protect him. We express our love and deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Elder Carter and Elder Fowler and to the missionaries in the Texas Fort Worth Mission. 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 It simply was a bad match. Whenever someone is in a challenging situation, it always helps to know that it will only be for a short duration and then will end. [54] President Monson affirmed, "It is no small thing to have every missionary parent praying for you and knowing that your hearts are filled with sorrow." It was there that they spent two and a half days reading the entire Book of Mormon. [31], When missionaries did begin to leave their apartments, they did so at first without wearing their name tags,[36] though shortly after they resumed doing so. But this was the 70s when he went wasn't it? Brad was asleep on the couch, but awoke when he heard his parents crying. No one will ever do that as well as someone who is close to you and who loves you. Glo 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. I can't imagine how painful that was for her to continue to tell my brother no, he could not go on a regular mission. Turns out she had very good reason for that--she needed to protect her son. This is the first I have heard of the murder/torture of Elder James Christensen. That's deplorable! That August, according to the Salt Lake Tribune (8-13-77,) Bjelde was sentenced to five years probation and fined $3,500. It first surfaced in August 1988 in connection with a failed attack on former US Secretary of State George Shultz, who was in La Paz for talks with government officials. [5], Some assassinations of missionaries are because of anti-Mormon hostility, some are due to political reasons, and some are simply random attacks. Whether youre serving in your own country or one foreign to you, its always nice to have someone you can rely on. As I remember it, the situation involved a collision with a train. He didnt move or talk and would stare blankly ahead. 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. Learn more about guidelines and necessary forms. Although you both might have different ideas or expectations about missionary work, you both also have the same desire to serve God as missionaries. 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 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. Common sense must prevail. [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. It sounds like Elder Christensen only had a few months to go on his mission and that's just tragic. 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). 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. 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. An LDS missionary was killed by a hit-and-run driver as he and a companion walked along a dark section of Connecticut 63 on Friday night, police said. The next day, the First Presidency issued a statement reading in part: We are grieved to learn of the assassination of two of our missionaries . We regret that anyone would think that these , who have been sent to preach the gospel of peace, would be characterized as enemies of any group. We cant wait to hear from you! noaccountyet 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. The decision to offer a $500,000 reward was made on June 17 to encourage local residents to come forward with information. Angela has stepped up to confront and face down the Mormon Church for the deep suffering it has brought to her and her family. Or maybe he's a Mission President somewhere?) Even Jesus Christ Himself was rejected, and He was the perfect missionary. Contributed ByBy Marianne Holman Prescott, Church News staff writer. Was he some kind of relative of the LDS royalty? The other five, who are currently in jail, got sentences from five to 20 years." Soon thereafter, asked how he was doing, Creed raised his left hand and made the OK gesture and was later able to make the thumbs-up gesture. Your job is not to call your companion to repentance or to shame them. A middle finger goes to that god from me. There are two theories explaining why they left. To allow him to simply go on with her life is unbelievable to me. Her mother is a cousin of James E. Christensen, the Mormon missionary who was killed by his companion iwhile in my uncles mission. Bjelde had been charged with three counts of murder and one of aggravated assault. "[51] Parents of the missionaries were allowed to contact their sons and daughters during this time. Dan read from Wilson's missionary journal, "I know that my call was inspired of God and there is someone in Bolivia that only I can touch. We, the poor, have no other road than to rise up in arms. Utah's senior senator, Jake Garn (R) expressed, "Such wanton and cowardly acts are among the most disgusting and callous actions of which human beings are capable. How does the Lords wisdom bless our lives? 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. There is no question that these two should never have been put together. Or did TSCC defend him mainly to keep everything "under control," and keep this situation quiet? In a follow-up email to me, Angela said this about the Recovery from Mormonism site: A lot of eyes have been opened and a lot of healing has begun from posts on exmormon. I suppose it was during that time that Mason gained a strong testimony of the Book of Mormon.. He died Sunday after being hit by a vehicle while serving in the Sweden Stockholm Mission. [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. Bjelde was later diagnosed with schizophrenia during the investigation. Police discovered that one group member, Susana Zapana Hannover, had been a member of the LDS Church[15] and another had been receiving discussions from the zone leader over the area. Many people along the way are to blame, only the dead missionary lies blameless in this situation. But if you feel like you could use some extra help in certain areas, here are a few other articles that might be helpful. On Tuesday, Carter and his companion, Elder Eli Jon Fowler, 20, of Pueblo West, Colorado, were killed in a head-on collision in Denton, Texas. While this may seem unreasonable to an organization that constantly affirms its political neutrality and disavows any connection with any government, according to leftist groups, "the connection is so apparent that there is no need to explain or justify it. I will hasten to add, common sense should have been enough, but surely an inspired mission president should have seen this immediately. I suppose such a condition could conceivably mitigate criminal charges. 2007, 5456), 14 Ways to Get Your Emotional Health Back on Track (HeatherJ. Johnson, Ensign, Jan. 2019, digital only), Overcoming Discouragement (Self-Reliance Services, Ensign, July 2019, digital only). Coalville Utah Stake President Myron Richins said, "This is something we can't explain. Donate to the newsroom now. The Salt Lake Tribune, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) public charity and contributions are tax "[67] Yujra later confessed to having participated in the attack on George Shultz. I don't know if the killer was required to undergo treatment. You will get through hard things, become stronger because of them, and be the successful, Christlike missionary the Lord knows you can be. 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. Letting Go of Contention (Afton Nelson, Ensign, Jan. 2018, 2223), Three Things to Remember before You Judge (Chakell Wardleigh, Ensign, Jan. 2020, 7679), Bearing One Anothers Burdens (JeffreyR. Holland, Ensign, June 2018, 2429), Turning Rejection into Hope (Molly Holt, YA Weekly, Jan. 2021, digital only), How Can I Be a Successful Missionary? (Lauren Bangerter Wilde, Ensign, Oct. 2013, 3235), If I Had Known at 19 (Roger Terry, New Era, Mar. Not nearly so important and interesting is that, coincidentally enough, the killing of James E. Christensen by his companion occurred on my uncle Reed's birthday, January 2nd--he and I share the same birthday, which accounts for my middle name being "Reed"). It would be another way for the world to learn the modus operandi of TSCC. He could have thought of ways to help himself cope for the short time he'd be with this elder. Elder Belde should be in prison right now. What was brought to bear upon the LOCAL leaders? Dont be afraid to call down miracles for you and the work in your area. Cnl. When Creed was in fifth grade, for example, Chad said he arose every morning at 5:30 to do planks and push-ups to get in shape. My name is Angela Voss and I recently came across one of your contributing posts to exmormon.org. 1977 news accounts say Bjelde. And remember that Heavenly Father and the Savior are there to bear your burdens and challenges with you (see Matthew 11:2830). 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). twojedis They are unforgivable under any circumstances but seem especially so when the victims are young men who have made great personal sacrifices and dedicated themselves to serve their church and fellow man." Anyway, what leaves me pretty much speechless is that the guy served no time for this. The neurologist told them there were three phases in Creeds treatment: first, saving his life; second, getting him stable; and third, entering into rehabilitation. The family member of the slain missionary contacted me because she had read my previous account of that awful event on this site and reached out to express her appreciation, as well as to share her feelings--including her outrage--along with additional details surrounding the death of her Mormon missionary relative and how, in the aftermath, the killing has continued--all these years later--to impact her and her family. I am on the Lord's errand and he may do with me as he sees fit. I also have a relative with a mental disability--although mild--who is about to embark on an LDS mission. 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. He was a country boy at heart, so it was natural for him to want to be back in the country. While that companion has his or her agency, you also have your own agency to choose to be obedient. [2] Todd entered the MTC in July 1988. They had no explanation why the bomb had not gone off. Morgan Young was with his mission companion when someone opened fire on both of them. It was a shock because violent crime is not all that common in Bolivia. Hung jury? I just can't get behind Elder Belde not serving any time whatsoever the loss of a life. "[8], Jeffrey Brent Ball was born December 8, 1968, the second of three children born to Alfred Brent Ball and Lois Joyce Bates Ball of Wanship, outside Coalville, Utah, who operated the Rafter-B Gas 'N Grub as a family business,. If you feel your mental health is suffering beyond your control, reach out to your mission president to get the help you need. Facebook friends are sharing the news stories and sympathies as well. How on earth did this happen??? M. Russell Ballard, accompanied by Charles Didier of the Seventy, toured nine missions in early June in Bolivia, Peru and Ecuador. The accident is under investigation by local law enforcement, Penrod said. Its amazing how powerful a righteous example can be for a missionary who might be struggling. One final comment. A bomb exploded near his motorcade, but no one was hurt. Three Things to Remember before You Judge, 14 Ways to Get Your Emotional Health Back on Track. He was a good friend to so many both in the ward and in the community.. But these adjustments dont have to get the best of you. The only thing I found was his obituary, a picture of his grave and your post. 0:27. Political, not religious factors motivated the assassinations, and politics soon became involved. [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. You need to know that you are very inspirational to people interested in knowing and understanding the hidden "gospel principles" that are so harmful to the spiritual and physical lives of people and make this religion a veritable C U L T! They were greeting numerous people, who also were dressed in white as they entered the building. Such a call seemed plausible since the sisters didn't have a telephone. At press time, no funeral arrangements had been made. The whole situation makes me furious--and I sincerely blame the religious leaders for his death. In this respect Elder Belde was a victim of Mormonism too. He could not walk without a severe limp, and he slurred his speech such that you had to be very attentive to understand him. An 18-year-old missionary for the LDS Church was killed in Southern \nCalifornia Thursday when he was struck by a . You are one of the good guys Benson. No one deserves that. For example, when I served my mission, we had one hour every preparation day for emailing. If you keep trying to contact people regardless of the possibility that you might be rejected, youll be given power to find those people who are ready for the gospel.
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