Missed opportunity at gas station. Fri, May 16, 2008

05/16/2008. Journal entry. I was in a nearby city for an evening training seminar and after a late supper at a Chinese restaurant I headed for home. Before I got on the Interstate, I passed a gas station/convenience store, and felt inspired to stop there.

I went in and bought a newspaper, but I chickened out of offering the cashier some church material. I don't think she spoke any foreign languages, but I felt like I was supposed to offer her something, and I didn't.

Chinese at restaurant (supper). Fri, May 16, 2008.

05/16/2008. 1024. After the training seminar in a nearby city, I stopped by another smaller Chinese restaurant for a late meal. (I drove by myself to/from the seminar.) We had gone to a nearby Chinese buffet for lunch.

I went in, went up to the counter, ordered and paid, sat down, and put out some material on the table, both kinds of Chinese Book of Mormon (traditional script and simplified script versions), a couple DVDs (Finding Happiness and Together Forever), and a Chinese edition of the Liahona magazine, along with the same issue in English.

When the cashier/waitress brought out my egg roll, I started a conversation and offered her the two copies of the Book of Mormon. She was interested and enthusiastic about them, and gratefully accepted them. She also accepted the Finding Happiness DVD.

Later, when she brought out the rest of my meal, I asked if she also spoke Cantonese (in addition to Mandarin), and when she said yes, I offered her the Together Forever DVD. That DVD has a Cantonese audio track, but not a Mandarin audio track. But it also has sub-titles in Chinese, so that Mandarin-only speakers could at least read the sub-titles. However, the sub-titles are in traditional script Chinese (the kind used in Taiwan and Hong Kong), so people from mainland China may have difficulty in reading them.

Chinese at restaurant (lunch #2). Fri, May 16, 2008

05/16/2008. 1023. I met up with my group in another city. We were there for a hobby convention in the day, and a training seminar that was scheduled for 6:00pm. A little before 4:00 pm they wanted to go out to eat for either a late lunch or early supper, and they invited me along. I said sure, as long as it was Chinese.

We found a Chinese buffet restaurant nearby. I took in my Asian language book bag with me. We were seated, and then we attacked the buffet. When I got back to my seat, I took my standard stuff out of the bag: both kinds of Chinese Book of Mormon (traditional script and simplified script versions), a couple DVDs (Finding Happiness and Together Forever), and a Chinese edition of the Liahona magazine, along with the same issue in English.

When the waitress brought us our drinks, I couldn't tell if she noticed that the material on the table was in Chinese. I asked if she liked to read Chinese, and she showed definite interest, and enthusiastically accepted the simplified script Chinese Book of Mormon along with the English edition.

After paying, I offered the magazines and a DVD to the waitress, but she said other people brought by magazines. But she did accept the Finding Happiness DVD.

There was another smaller Chinese restaurant in an outlot in front of the buffet restaurant, and I thought I might go there for a late meal after the training seminar.

Japanese declined (lunch #1). Fri, May 16, 2008.

05/16/2008. 1022. I was out of town for a training seminar, and stopped for lunch at a national chain sandwich shop. I thought this may have been an inspired stop, but I wasn't sure. This chain's franchises are sometimes owned by immigrants, so I was hoping to find out that was the case here. I didn't take any material in with me, not knowing what foreign language I might encounter.

The people behind the counter were English-speaking non-immigrant folks, but there was a table of Asian men. I got my meal and sat across the aisle from them. After a while I concluded they were Japanese, and went out to my car to get my Asian book-bag that I normally take to Chinese restaurants. I keep most of the common Asian language (Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Cambodian, Indonesian, and Spanish) copies of the Book of Mormon in that bag.

(In order to make it obvious that you're coming back to finish your meal, and so the staff doesn't clear your table, you need to leave something there, and as I wasn't wearing a coat or jacket, I took off my glasses and left them on the table, and that's a good sign to the staff that you're coming back. Otherwise, they'll clean off your table, figuring you left.)

I put my book bag on the unused seat at my table, and took out a Japanese and an English Book of Mormon. When the other table had a lull in their conversation I asked if they were from Japan. One said yes, so I held up the Japanese Book of Mormon and offered it to him. He politely but firmly declined, indicating he already knew what it was.

DVD at gas station. Fri, May 16, 2008.

05/16/2008. 1021. I was taking a trip to another city for a training seminar. I stopped at a gas station for a bathroom break and to get something to drink. As I paid, the cashier seemed like she'd be receptive to something from church, but I brushed off the idea. As I walked back to the car, I felt like I really should offer her something, so I got out a Together Forever DVD, and went back in.

When I presented it, she was hestitant, but didn't say anything, and turned to the other cashier on duty. I asked the other cashier if I could leave it, and she said it was okay, so I gave it to the first who was closer. I described the DVD as being from my church and about couples.

Liahona at Chinese restaurant. Tue, May 13, 2008

05/13/2008. 1020. I stopped at a very nice Chinese restaurant for supper. I hadn't been here before. I offered the waitress a Chinese copy and English copy of the Liahona magazine. She accepted both.

Chinese declined at restaurant. Fri, May 9, 2008

05/09/2008. 1019. I was driving through a town adjacent to Indianapolis around supper-time and stopped at a Chinese restaurant that I hadn't been to before.

I ordered, sat down, and placed the normal stuff on the table: both kinds of Chinese Book of Mormon (traditional script and simplified script), an English Book of Mormon, two DVDs (Together Forever, and Finding Happiness), and Chinese and English copies of the Liahona magazine.

The cook brought out my meal but didn't seem to notice the material. They were rather busy, so I didn't engage him in conversation other than a quick "thank- you."

I read the English Liahona, and eventually went back to the counter to buy another soda. I took the three copies of the Book of Mormon with me, and asked the cashier if she like to read Chinese. She said yes. I showed the books to the her, and offered them to her, mentioning that they were from my church, and were free. But after reading the cover, she said something like "We're different." I took it to mean different religion. Her body-English was polite but firm in declining to receive them. I didn't go into the bi-lingual aspect though, and I don't think I took the DVDs to the counter either. She seemed rather busy, taking orders over the phone, working back in the kitchen, and preparing to-go orders, so I didn't go back to her to present the DVDs. (Oftentimes, they accept a DVD or two if they turn down the books, since it's easier to watch TV than read a book, and many restaurants have a TV/DVD combo going while they work.)

I think it would still be worth while going back to present the DVDs.

Please donate for Myanmar (Burma) relief.

The International Rescue Committee has been assisting refugees around the world for 75 years. 90% of funds raised are spent on programs and services, 6% goes to administration, and 4% to fund-raising.

They have much experience in serving refugees of all types, whether they be those fleeing political strife or suffering from natural disasters.

If you'd like to donate, there's a link on the above page to donate specifically for Myanmar (Burma) relief.

You can check out International Rescue Committee or other charities at: Charity Navigator to see how much of their revenue goes directly to program services, and how much goes for administration and overhead.

Here's Charity Navigator's page for International Rescue Committee.

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World Vision is another organization that already has people on the ground working in Myanmar (Burma). They are accepting donations for Myanmar too.

Here's Charity Navigator's page for World Vision.

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Also, from LDS Philanthropies: (There's also a donation link on that page.)

Church Responds to Myanmar Disaster

SALT LAKE CITY - The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints extends its sympathy and assistance to the citizens of Myanmar following the recent devastating cyclone.

Church leadership has approved funds to purchase large quantities of tarps, blankets, basic food, medical equipment, and especially clean drinking water for those in need. All items are being purchased in Myanmar or in nearby countries. The Church is partnering with Atlanta-based CARE International, a well-known non-governmental organization, to distribute the supplies.

Church humanitarian representatives will continue to monitor and assess the situation.

DVD at Chinese restaurant. Tue, May 6, 2008.

05/06/2008. 1018. On my way home I stopped for supper at a Chinese restaurant that I haven't been to before. I ordered, and while waiting for the food, put out the two kinds of Chinese Book of Mormon, an English Book of Mormon, and a Chinese Liahona on the table. And I read an article in the English Liahona of the same edition as the Chinese one. When she brought the food, the waitress didn't seem to notice them. On a return trip to refill my beverage, I asked her if she liked to read Chinese. She said yes, but she didn't have time to read. She mentioned that someone comes by her house once a month to give her a Chinese magazine from a church, but it's probably another church, since she didn't say it was the same as the Liahona, but said it was smaller.

She did accept the "Together Forever" DVD that I offered her. It has a Cantonese audio track, which she speaks, and traditional Chinese script sub-titles, which are good for both Mandarin and Cantonese.

I forgot to offer "Finding Happiness" which is another good DVD for those who are not from a Christian background. So that's something to plan for next time.

English at laundromat. Mon, May 5, 2008.

05/05/2008. 1017. I was doing a late-nighter at the 24/7 laundromat. The previous time I was there, a street-person hit me up just as I was getting into my car, and discombobulated me (which is usually their intention) such that I didn’t give them anything except money.

This week, I had just put the soap and fabric softener back in the car and was walking back towards the front door, a man on a bicycle hit me up for “bus fare.” He smelled of alcohol too, but technically could have been telling the truth since many Indianapolis buses have bike-racks on the front of them.

A post on the Feminist Mormon Housewives blog popped into mind, so I reached into my pocket and got out some change (I still had an excess of quarters). I told him I liked to give out Bibles, and asked if he needed a Bible. He said he had three Bibles at home. I said that’s great, and that our church believes in the both the Bible and the Book of Mormon, and I asked if he’d like a free Book of Mormon too.

He got a curious look on his face. I forget his immediate answer, but I felt it was appropriate to go back and get out a copy from my car. I gave him the quarters, and presented the Book of Mormon, which he accepted. He invited me to accompany him into the laundromat in the waiting area up front, and he asked me what it’s about. I responded with a quick sound-bite about believing in the Old Testament, the New Testament, and Another Testament, which is the third testament of Christ.

I believed he wasn’t going to be welcomed into the laundromat since he wasn’t a customer, smelled of alcohol, and they are picky about non-customers using the restrooms etc.

Besides, even though many alcoholics have a high tolerance level of alcohol, and can appear to be lucid (as he mostly was) when they have a high blood-alcohol percentage (it was coming out of the pores of his skin) there’s no good in preaching or sharing the gospel with someone who is under the influence. The best you can do is give them something (card, flyer, pamphlet, etc) that they can use to follow-up with when they sober up and if they're still interested when they’re sober. He was sober enough to ride a bike, so calling the police wasn’t needed, and getting himself home was up to him.

I think the best I could do was give him his $1, and get the book in his hands (and get him out of the laundromat), hoping that if he didn’t keep it and read it later, he’d pass it along (or even sell it, I don’t care) to someone who might really read it.

So after the “donations” and the sound-bite, I excused myself and went back to check on my wash, and then he left.

The BoM I gave him was in a plastic ziplock bag, was marked inside, had 2 pass-along cards in it, and a flyer listing the addresses of the local chapels with meeting times.

Russian, Croatian to church employees. Fri, May 2, 2008

05/02/2008. Journal entry. A couple weeks ago, one of the church employees with whom I associate mentioned that an employee of a company with whom he does business is from Croatia. I gave him a Croatian Book of Mormon, which he later presented to her. He later said that she was very pleased and excited to receive it.

Today, another church employee mentioned that someone whom he sees in her professional capacity is from Russia, so I offered him a Russian Book of Mormon, which he accepted, and plans to present to her.

Wolof at gas station. Fri, May 2, 2008.

05/02/2008. 1016. I was working with some church members, and one suggested I do a follow up at a certain gas station that was going to be on my way to lunch. I had been there at least twice before and placed Wolof and English copies of Gospel Fundamentals*.

So I stopped there on my way to lunch and bought something. There were two employees on duty, who appeared to be from Africa, and who were speaking a foreign language, but I couldn't figure out which language. I guessed French, and asked the one who was not the cashier "Parlez vous francais?". She said "oui." I then asked which country she was from, and she said Senegal. I then asked, in French, if she spoke Wolof, and she said "oui" again. I said, in Wolof, that I spoke a little Wolof, and she broke out into a big smile. Meeting someone who spoke any Wolof at all really made their day.

I assumed that the cashier was her husband. I asked him, in English, if he'd like a free book in Wolof from my church, our Sunday School manual. I asked if they were Muslim, and they were, and then I pointed out it was Christian material, and asked if that was still okay, and it was okay with them. They agreed to see it, so after I paid I went out to my car to retrieve the material. The lady went out to empty some trash, so she stopped by my car on the way in, and I gave the material to her. She was delighted to receive it and immediately started flipping through it.

I offered a French Book of Mormon, and some church movies with French audio, but she politely declined. Actually she said "that's okay", which Americans mean as "no", but I suppose she could have meant it as "it's okay for you to give them to me." I'll have to ask for clarification next time, as I may have misunderstood what she meant by that.

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* Note: English Gospel Fundamentals isn't listed at www.ldscatalog.com any more, but the catalog number is 31129-000 if you want to order by phone. It is the shortened version of Gospel Principles. Gospel Principles has 47 chapters and Gospel Fundamentals has 36. In languages where they haven't translated the Book of Mormon yet, they first translate Gospel Fundamentals, so I use the English version to pair with it, in order to make it into bilingual material. Another thing to note is that the church has renamed this publication, which used to be name "Gospel Principles (Simplified)". You'll find the latter name "Gospel Principles (Simplified)" on the older copies, and on many of the Lanauage Material Listings.

Wright's sermon: close to Book of Mormon curses.

I watched a video of Bill Moyer's interview with Rev Wright. And in that video is a clip of the controversial part of Wright's sermon.

BUT, Moyer's clip of Wright's sermon shows enough of the sermon to put the controversial lines in context.

Looking at Wright's sermon in context, shows me that Wright's premise is in line with the Book of Mormon's promises of blessings and cursings upon this land.

I will disagree with Rev Wright about whether the US government is actually fomenting drug use and helping to spread AIDS. Those parts may be just conspiracy theory.

But he lists enough other valid collective sins by our country and by our government that, in my opinion, would qualify our land to merit the curses promised in the Book of Mormon.

Our own (LDS) prophets have told us that all the sins of Sodom and Gomorrah are present in our country. I think some of the Brethren have said such sins are even more prevalent now. Many people have jokingly said that if God doesn't punish us for what's going on in our country, he's going to have to apologize to Sodom and Gomorrah.

We need to turn and better follow God's ways, both individually and collectively as a nation.

I think the slams against Rev Wright are akin to what people said in the Book of Mormon against Abinadi and Alma when they testified about the sins of the people, and warned them that God would curse (damn) them if they didn't repent.

Such warnings about consequences of obedience to God versus rebellion against God are also in the Old Testament. Keep God's commandments and prosper. Disobey God's commandments and face his curses.

I don't agree with everything in that sermon. But Rev Wright's pleas for God to damn America seem to me to be pleas for God to fulfill scriptural promises concerning the obedience/disobedience or righteousness/unrighteousness of a people or nation. Which promises are laid out plainly in the Bible, Book of Mormon, and Doctrine and Covenants.

In my opinion, those who are condemning Rev Wright over this matter are very close to making the same mistakes of King Noah's priests who called for Abinadi's death, and also those Ammonihahites who threw Alma and Amulek into prison.

Rather than saying Rev Wright is crazy or un-American, we ought to be saying that our country, collectively and as individuals, needs to repent of our wickedness. The guy's got a point, and the scriptures back him up.

Food crisis in our back yard: Haiti. Please help. Donate now.

Due to the recent food crisis, specifically rice, many people who have been living on the edge are now unable to get enough food to eat.

One place currently hit hard is Haiti.

I have found a charity that has a good track record in feeding the poor: Food for the Poor. They have an excellent rating at Charity Navigator, and the BBB. 96% of their income goes to actual program services. That is very good.

Here is their direct donation link for their Haiti food program. You can donate online, or mail in a check. If you mail in a donation, put their department number for the Haiti program on the envelope and your check. You can also donate to their other programs, or to their general fund.

Is it okay for Mormons to donate to charities other than the church? Sure is, see Alma 1:30.

You can also donate to the LDS church's Humanitarian Aid efforts by entering an amount on that line on an LDS tithing/donation slip. But I don't know if the church currently has any programs going on in Haiti.

English pass-along card at restaurant. Tue, Apr 22, 2008.

04/22/2008. 1015. I struck up a conversation with another customer at a sandwich shop. He was a native English speaker, and had studied German in school. I offered him a German Book of Mormon, but he wasn't interested. We segued into a disucssion on current events, and it turned out we had similar opinions, so we continued our discussion. When it came time to leave, I gave him one of my business-card size custom pass-along cards.

4th Annual FREE Central Indiana Family History (Genealogy) Conference.

FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.

Saturday, September 20th, 2008, from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.

LDS Church, 900 East Stop 11 Rd, Indianapolis, IN. Mapquest map. Google map. Google street view.

There will be 28 classes offered. Classes are free.

If you want a box lunch you can choose that option. There will be a charge for the box lunch. I don't have the cost for that as yet. There are also many restaurants close by.

A printed syllabus can be purchased for $6.50, or on CD for $1.00.

Website: www.cifhc.org.