In response to our family's reaction when we announced that we were completing mission papers

6 September 2021

Dear family,

All of you witnessed yesterday during our family video conference that mother and I weren’t exactly on the same page as far as our missionary application. I was unwittingly creating anxiousness for her with the process of completing the online senior couple missionary application. I have apologized to her and I’ve notified the bishop that we’ve put everything on hold. So for those, who were taken aback by the “announcement,” you can rest assured that we will not move forward on this until mother and I both feel completely comfortable in doing so.

To me, filling out the online recommendation form was mostly a first step in helping us—as we review the questions in the application and as we counsel with our priesthood leaders (bishop and stake president)—to determine what is the right kind of mission for us, if at all, and when is the right time in light of our circumstances. However, it does require us to create a timeline and that was causing some heart burn, as you saw. So everything is on hold.

Please know we will not pursue a mission that would be hurtful to mother, but work within her health limitations and under the guidance of priesthood leaders. I have felt a need that we take some steps to see what opens up for us, if anything, like what happened when we moved from Gresham to Vancouver.

Some of you may be asking, so what’s the rush, dad?

There is no rush, but there are two factors that motivate me most to encourage us to pursue a mission sooner than later even though we’ve just moved into a beautiful new home:

1. TIME: I spent hours and hours interviewing and encouraging senior couples (those 55 years and older) in our stake, trying to help them commit and prepare for a senior couple mission. I had very little success. So many couples wanted to wait until the “right time.” The right time never came and then became impossible as their health deteriorated with age.

Your own Grandfather Smith mentioned later in life that it saddened him that he and your grandmother didn’t serve a mission when they could have. As with all of us, aging and health ultimately closes that window of opportunity.

2. EXAMPLE: Our oldest grandchildren are now getting to the age where they are eligible to serve missions. I feel our example of serving a mission will help you as parents encourage and prepare your children to serve the Lord full-time when it’s “time” (18-25 years of age) than anything else we can do. Reminding your children to pray for grandpa and grandma on their mission will help them appreciate that the best thing they can do in their youth to show their love for the Lord is to serve Him full-time for a period.

This is what motivates me to want to serve a mission. I apologize to mother and to you if I was overzealous and insensitive to feelings in the family.

We will go slow, if at all, in moving toward a mission. We appreciate your concern and counsel as we continue to contemplate and pray about this direction in our lives.

Love,
Dad

In response to a young married couple about delaying childbirth

18 May 2021

Hello, (Name)…

So nice to hear from you. It’s always fun to re-connect.

I appreciate the question. I remind you that I am the father of 9 children (Vivienne and I wanted children as soon as we were married but they were slow in coming…much to our disappointment, our first didn’t come until almost 2 years after we were married). I’m also the father of a married son and his wife who have wanted children but they’ve been unable to have children naturally. Now 10 years later, and only through the miracle of In Vitro Fertilization, they are expecting their first child.

So I don’t look through the same “lens” as a young, vibrant, healthy, married couple as you two are.

But I wholeheartedly endorse the Church’s statement on birth control in the Church Handbook that states: "Those who are physically able have the blessing, joy, and obligation to bear children and to raise a family. This blessing should not be postponed for selfish reasons.”

So two principles are taught in the Handbook: (1) don’t delay for selfish reasons; and (2) it’s completely up to you two as you counsel and pray together on the matter. You’ll need to decide if your wife’s athletic pursuits are selfish or frivolous...or not. We won’t judge you or look down on you. But only share my personal feeling that despite the challenges of bearing and rearing children, the greatest joy in life is found in bearing and rearing children.

Now that I’ve seen what my son and his wife have had to go through, I openly express the opinion that I think couples should try to have children as soon as possible while they can. That day may pass them by more quickly than they imagined. We have many friends who looked to us with envy when they saw us still enjoying the blessing of children in the home when their two or three children had already left the nest and they suddenly woke up as empty nesters earlier than expected and found themselves longing for more, but now had regrets that they had delayed or prevented having as many children as they could.

I wish you well in your prayerful discussions as to priorities in life…remembering this statement in the Handbook: "Children are one of the greatest blessings in life, and their birth into loving and nurturing families is central to God’s purposes for humanity.” I don’t know they could have said it any better that child bearing is an extremely high priority in God’s Plan of Happiness. 

All the best,

Crismon

In response to the question: What did you learn about Jesus Christ?

31 March 2021

Upon my release as stake president, the local Institute Director, Edgardo Gubelin, asked me: "What did you learn about Jesus Christ during your nine years of service?" I offered a brief answer:

I learned that Jesus Christ is my Savior in the past (1 Nephi 19:9, 2 Nephi 2:6-8), present (Alma 7:11-13, D&C 19:15-19) and future (Moroni 7:36, D&C 45:3-5). Jesus of Nazareth—who is the same yesterday, today and forever—truly is my eternal Savior and King!

Letter to President Tyson Papenfuss when he was called to replace me as stake president on March 6-7, 2021

 7 March 2021

Dear President Papenfuss,

Please know how pleased I am by your call to replace me as stake president of the most wonderful stake on the planet. The Lord knows you and has chosen you to bless the members of this stake in a different way. Please feel no need to be a President Lewis. Your leadership will be different, but it will be just what our stake needs.

So I support you and will pray for you, just as you so faithfully did for me.

Unfortunately, this calling has a LOT of administrative duties. I will help you sort them out as much as you want or need. I hope you can do so without stressing over it all. You’ll eventually find your stride and it will become second nature in time. That’s because this is the work of the Lord and He will not forsake you. He will be with you every step of the way.

To help you, I’m leaving for you the following:

• The enclosed flash drive has lots of information you can review that will help you identify your responsibilities (you’ll be so grateful you have counselors and high councilors to delegate to :)
  
  

• Door keys that should open just about every door in the stake (guard it carefully :)

• There are some printed items in your bottom right desk drawer that may be helpful. Feel free to toss over time, but they will also help you recognize some of the current actions.

To continue our transition here are some topics we’ll want to cover over the next few days:

• Confidential documents such as boundary considerations

• Current disciplinary actions

• Financial responsibilities

• Conducting living ordinance temple recommends

• Keeping safety a priority during the pandemic

• Relationship to the Area 70

• What’s available to you on the website

• Current programs (youth summer camps, Single Adult Conference, YSA emphasis, etc.)

I’m sure there will be more when you look over the agendas (on the flash drive) and the Handbook, the most important resource of all.

In the meantime, please remember that above else you are the spiritual leader of the stake. Above your many administrative duties, is your duty to preach and teach, to strengthen testimonies and build faith in Jesus Christ. Your first priority is to live the gospel and teach and testify of the gospel wherever you are—whether in sacrament services, in council meetings, in Sunday School classes. Above all else, you are a teacher!

I hope this is helpful. Please do not stress. You have LOTS of time to assimilate it all and you’ll see that it will start to fit into place as you continue to counsel with your counselors and other stake leaders.

And I’m here and will be happy to try and help if ever you have a question that may be perplexing to you or your presidency. 

You’ve been called of the Lord and you will be a mighty stake president because he will make you mighty. You are a blessing to all of us!

With love and admiration,

Crismon Lewis

Backstory on the two branches in the Mount Hood Stake

12 March 2021

The stake presidency set a goal in late 2013 or early 2014 to add two more units to the stake within a couple of years. Convert baptisms were on the rise (a high of 40 in a year) and we were working hard (in response to President Monson’s plea) to rescue less-active members.

It wasn’t until later that we realized our goal was only attainable if we added “specialty” units—like Spanish and YSA. That wasn’t our original intention. But other factors realigned our vision and focus.

We were blessed to see the Lord’s hand in what followed.

Gresham YSA Branch

In 2012 President Monson announced the new missionary-age-policy sparking a huge spike in full-time missionaries. With the sudden growth of missionaries, from 75,000 to 90,000, many new missions were created, including a new Washington Vancouver Mission—a break off of the Oregon Portland Mission.

Because Coordinating Councils follow mission boundaries, it also resulted in the creation of a Vancouver Coordinating Council. That led to moving the Portland and Gresham Stakes into the new coordinating council (and mission) across the Columbia River into Vancouver.

As a consequence, the Mount Hood YSA Ward was dissolved and Gresham YSA members were assigned to the new Springwater YSA Ward in the Portland Stake and the Mount Hood YSA were assigned to the Alder Creek Ward in the Milwaukie Stake.

Within a year, it became apparent to the stake presidency that the YSA in our stake were not willing to drive all the way to Milwaukie for church services and activities. There are very few good east-west roads between Sandy/Damascus and Milwaukie. We were greatly concerned about the YSA in our stake.

In January 2016 we created a new Mount Hood YSA Branch meeting in Sandy with Trent Westover as branch president. 

We immediately saw an increase in activity among the YSA, but things got a bit complicated when many YSA in the Gresham Stake started drifting to our YSA branch meetings in Sandy.

Finally, there were some modifications to the Coordinating Council north of Vancouver and two stakes from the north were assigned to the Vancouver Coordinating Council. We then successfully appealed for the Portland and Gresham Stakes to return to the Portland CC.

When that happened in 2020 we were able to dissolve the Mount Hood YSA Branch and create the new Gresham YSA Branch that now meets in the Troutdale building across from Reynolds HS. The branch continues to be a part of the Mount Hood Stake and is presided over by the same members of the previous Mount Hood YSA Branch presidency (Steve Lindhorst, Brian Allen and Clay Ramberg with Marc Ellinger as clerk).

Due in a great part to the influence of the many polynesian (mostly Tongan) YSA members from the Gresham Stake, the new Gresham YSA Branch is very vibrant today and could soon become a ward once sacrament meeting attendance consistently reaches 100 members.

Pioneer (Spanish) Branch

Around that same time, in mid-2016, there were a few Hispanic members attending the Sandy River Ward, thanks to the encouragement of SR Ward Bishop Don Hokanson. Soon the group began to grow requiring leaders to provide Spanish translation of their sacrament meetings.

About that time, Carlos Ibarra and his two daughters moved into the Sandy River Ward. Carlos had been married to Anna Rattray, daughter of Charles and Marlene Rattray, of the Tickle Creek Ward, who introduced the Church to him. Carlos became a strong member.

After their marriage, the Ibarras moved to Oregon City. Sadly Anna contracted cancer and passed away. 

Carlos, his two daughters and the Rattrays, who had moved to Oregon City to help their daughter during her illness, returned to live in Sandy. Carlos, a native of Guatemala, accepted a call from Bishop Hokanson to serve as the Spanish Group Leader for the fledgling group attached to the Sandy River Ward.

Soon missionaries were assigned to the Group and the numbers began to grow. By early December 2016 the Group was approved by Church headquarters to become the Pioneer (Spanish Branch), an independent branch, with Brother Ibarra called as the Branch President.

Within a few months, the branch was moved to the stake center, meeting in the Relief Society room, so it was more centrally located between the “pockets” of Hispanics living in Gresham and Sandy.

Thanks to Covid, many missionaries serving in Latin American countries were assigned to domestic missions in 2020, including the Oregon Portland Mission. So we are currently blessed with two sets of Spanish-speaking missionaries, including a companionship living in Estacada to work with Hispanics there.

For the past 4+ years, the membership has fluctuated showing great promise at times. Over those years we have “called” (assigned) many bi-lingual members and families in our stake to attend the branch to help provide leadership support. However, it has been difficult on some families where only one or two members of the family are bi-lingual.

Finally and only recently, at President Ibarra’s recommendation, we have “released” all bi-lingual anglo members to return to their home wards so there is no longer a need for English translation during sacrament meeting.

We decided it’s time to “sink or swim.” But it has left the branch seriously lacking in leadership. Both President Ibarra and the EQ President Cody Garrison are serving in their positions without counselors. 

The hope is that Brother Hernan Toledo (a former bishop in Chile) living with his wife and granddaughter living in the home of Vaughn Lewis (WH), will step up to help with the leadership. President Ibarra will fill you in.

Inasmuch as the branch continues to suffer from lack of leadership, it would make sense to merge the Pioneer Branch into the much stronger Evergreen (Spanish) Ward that meets in the Stark Street building in the Gresham Stake. This ward is the same longtime Spanish unit that was originally located in the Portland Stake.

We have purposely not merged the two units for two reasons: (1) President Ibarra is a very strong leader and is still moving forward with great faith that the Pioneer Branch will thrive some day; and (2) the Area Presidency has made it clear that they feel Spanish units can help offset the “migration” of Saints to Idaho, Utah and Arizona; they’ve made it known that they prefer each stake creates and grows small Spanish units rather than merge them.

By the way, we typically designate the longest-serving bishop as the stake “senior bishop.” His responsibility is to conduct the Bishops Welfare Council, which meets quarterly. We have scheduled those meetings for 8:30 to 9:00 pm immediately following Bishopric Training meetings, to avoid burdening the bishops’ schedules.

President Ibarra, who has served now for almost 4.5 years, serves as the “senior bishop” of the Bishops Welfare Council.

Suggestions for the living ordinance recommend interviews for first-time temple goers

12 March 2021

President,

Helping members going to the tempe for the first time is one of the stake president’s greatest joys and challenges.

Usually they’ve come with a lot of wonder, fears and some times misconceptions—well-mean friends telling them that it’s REALLY different!

Our role is to remove their fears and help them know it’ll be a joyous experience. You’ll know if you’ve done a good job if at the end of your interview they say something like, “I’m excited to go!”

I hope the attached description of the questions and discussions I used might help. I’m not suggesting you go down the list, but you may find some of these ideas resonate with you.

I’ll also share the Google doc with you so you can create your own, if you want.

Hope it helps,
Crismon

Living Ordinance Recommend Interview:

Suggestions for the first-time endowment

The following are some thoughts on how, during the Temple Recommend interview, the stake president can introduce first-time temple goers on the purpose of the temple ordinances and what to expect.

Before entering the Temple...

What you should know

• ●  Some say the temple is a different experience. One reason is that this is an ancient ceremony brought forth into modern times so naturally it’s different—but not weird.

• ●  Even though clothing is used in the ceremony, you will never be immodest.

• ●  You will never be put in a position where you will be embarrassed or uncomfortable;

  you’ll always have someone next to you who will guide you and explain what to do.

• ●  Once inside the temple you can ask all the questions you want—there are no secrets—

  though sometimes the answer is to simply go back to the temple often and ask the Lord.

  What you should do

• ●  If you haven’t done so already, (a) schedule an appointment with the temple, (b) select and invite an escort, and (c) invite the number of people allowed to accompany you.

• ●  Purchase at least one pair of garments (we suggest you don’t get a lot at first so you can try on different styles and textures).

  Support Materials to Review:

  The Church provides excellent preparatory materials on www.ChurchofJesusChrist.org such as:

• ●  Overview of resources: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/temples?lang=eng

• ●  How to make your experience more meaningful:

  https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/temples/prepare-for-your-temple-visit?lang=eng

• ●  About the temple endowment:

  https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/temples/what-is-temple-endowment?lang=eng

• ●  Personal preparation for temple blessings by Elder Russell M. Nelson:

  https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2001/04/personal-prepara

  tion-for-temple-blessings?lang=eng

• ●  Prophets provide an overview of all the temple ordinances:

  https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/temples/prophetic-teachings-on-temples?lang=eng

• ●  Sacred temple clothing video (4:12 min):

  https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/temples/sacred-temple-clothing?lang=eng

• ●  Room-by-room tour of the Rome Italy Temple video (11:31 min):

  https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/media/video/2019-01-1000-two-apostles-lead-a-virtu al-tour-of-the-rome-italy-temple?lang=eng

Understanding why Temples and ordinances...

Why the endowment

• ●  We all fall short so it’s difficult to comprehend or even imagine how, in our weaknesses, we can ever actually return to God’s presence—it’s simply too big of a leap in our minds.

• ●  God says if you’re willing to make and faithfully keep ordinances with covenants—such as baptism, confirmation, sacrament, etc.—you are now entitled to be taught, step-by-step, how to return to His presence.

• ●  The endowment is a story—it’s your story and my story—on how God brings His children back into His presence, as He promised to do when He introduced His plan to us in the premortal life.

  What are you expecting?

• ●  What have you heard about the temple?

• ●  Have you heard that it’s very different or ceremonial?

  Why do we even have temples?

• ●  Why do you think what we do in the temple is so different than what we do in a chapel?

• ●  What’s the difference between being secret and sacred?

  Why does God have us perform physical or mechanical rituals or ordinances?

• ●  Why don’t we just go in the woods and give our hearts to Jesus? (faith is action)

• ●  Why a physical act or ritual? (we remember better when we do)

• ●  Why do we perform mechanical actions like go down into water, have hands placed on

  our head, or partake of bread and water? (symbolism teaches us)

  How are we dual beings? (we all have a body and spirit)

• ●  How does our body help our spirit? (fasting)

• ●  How does our spirit help our bodies? (avoid addictions)

  How does God teach us through ordinances?

• ●  How do physical or bodily actions help us? (we remember, we feel, we learn)

• ●  How do covenants strengthen our spirit? (our commitment is deep inside us)

  What are covenants? Why are covenants so important?

• ●  Can we negotiate with God? (“I’ll pay my tithing if you’ll help me get a good job”) No!

• ●  Why are we willing to accept God’s terms? (D&C 130:7 “All things...past, present and

  future...are continually before the Lord” so He knows what’s best for us)

  Mosiah 18:8-9 - Prime example of how God’s terms are better than we can even imagine

• ●  What do members agree to do? (come into fold, mourn with others, comfort others,

  stand as a witness)

• ●  What does God agree to do? (redeemed of God, first resurrection, eternal life) Wow! He makes us promises beyond what we would have even imagined!

Inside the Temple

In the living ordinance interview, the stake president is encouraged to be more explicit about what exactly happens in the temple to help reduce fears or concerns.

Main Entrance

• ●  Enter the temple with your escort and a pair of temple garments (do not wear yet)

• ●  You or someone will scan your living ordinance temple recommend

• ●  The attached right portion of recommend will be removed for recording

• ●  Enter a men’s or women’s locker room

  Men or Women’s Locker Room

• ●  You will dress completely in white

• ●  You will be introduced to Initiatory or Washing and Anointing ordinance—the first part

  of the Endowment ceremony—in the Initiatory room adjacent to the locker room

• ●  Males workers administer to men, female workers administer to women

  Steps of Initiatory Ordinance: first part of the Endowment Ceremony 1. Washing

  a) The Officiator uses only a few droplets of water, not immersed in a font
  b) Why would God want us washed? (no unclean thing can enter His presence)
  c) Does this make us pure? (God sees and treats us as we will become - D&C 130:7)

  It’s a reminder that even though we’re not perfect when we enter the temple, God wants us to see how He sees us—not as we are, but as we will become (D&C 130:7).

  2. Anointing
  a) With what are we typically anointed in the Church? (consecrated olive oil)
  b) Why olive oil? (symbol of Garden of Gethsemane, which was an olive orchard) c) Olive press applies extraordinary force to get a droplet of oil out of the olive;

  When it first comes out it’s red, then turns the clear color we see. Why? (reminds

  Us of the price Jesus paid for us)
  c) Oil used to anoint the king of Israel (1 Samuel 15:1-7; 16:12-13)

3. Temple Garment
a) Did your bishop read to you the statement on temple garments?
b) If so, what is the purpose of temple garments? (protection)
c) How can the temple garments protect us? (spiritually, reminder of covenants)

Rest of Endowment Ceremony

• ●  Enter an instruction room with seating by gender plus an altar and a curtain in front.

• ●  Why seating by gender? (all ordinances, except sealing, are made between God and

  individuals; no distinction or preference to married couples)

• ●  Much of the ceremony is on video; it’s a narrative of God’s plan including: (1) premortal life; (2) creation of the earth; (3) purpose of a garden; (4) how and why the Fall of Adam and Eve; (5) why a Savior is needed and how he reverses the effects of the Fall.

• ●  You will be invited to make covenants with regard to: (1) Law of Obedience; (2) Law of Sacrifice; (3) Law of the Gospel; (4) Law of Chastity; and (5) Law of Consecration.

• ●  Covenants represent steps back to the presence of God.

• ●  As part of the symbolism, very simple ceremonial clothing is used, but you will never

  remove clothing or be immodest. Did you view video about Sacred Temple Clothing?

• ●  At the end of the ceremony you will be introduced to a veil. (a) What would be the symbolism of a veil? (Something you pass through that causes a change) (b) Have you ever been through a veil before? (Yes, when I was born) (c) What was the effect? (Forgot premortal life with God) (d) What do you think a veil at the end of this ceremony would represent? (death) (e) You then go into the most beautiful room in the temple.
  (f) What is that room? (Celestial Room) (g) What would it represent? (entering into God’s presence)

• ●  There you will be welcomed into the loving embrace of those you invited to participate in the ceremony with you. You will love the Spirit you will feel there.

• ●  It’s here you can ask all the questions you want of your family and friends.

  It really is a most wonderful experience as we stand in awe of the power and beauty of God’s plan to bring His children back into His presence.

  After answering questions from the candidate, conduct a Temple Recommend interview. We learn in the Temple how God instructs us

  Some find the temple experience so different and wonder why so. The account in 3 Nephi 11 illustrates well how God uses all the senses to teach His children.

  11:3-7 - Hearing: “...they did open their ears”
  11:8 - Sight: “...they cast their eyes upward”
  11:14-15 - Touch: “...that ye may feel the prints of the nails in my hands” 11:16 - Speak: “...they did cry out with one accord”

Biggest challenge for Church leaders nearing end of pandemic

12 March 2021

As you know, it’ll be awhile before we see the cameras come down and members coming back to in-person meetings and services.

One concern is the risk that virtual meetings have caused us to be “lazy” and coming back may not be easy.

When Elder Whiting, in our Saturday morning meeting with the stake presidency, asked if there was anything we wanted him to address in his message to the stake during the general session, that was the only item we brought up: a concern that members won’t come back.

That’s why he talked about that it’s time to “awaken and re-engage” in the work of the Lord during his talk. 

Anyway, so you’re aware that’s a concern as we opened up our meetings to allow up to 150 people to attend in person, only Estacada is drawing more than 100 people to their sacrament meetings. All the others are still at 50-60.

You’ll probably want to address as a presidency some time how to encourage members or assure them that it’s safe to come back.

All the best,
Crismon

Helps for setting apart and releasing full-time missionaries

12 March 2021

President,

There is no set procedure for setting apart or releasing a full-time missionary. Please review the Handbook on the subject.

Attached will give you an idea on how I handled it. Most setting aparts and release interviews lasted about 45 min.

Again, you do not have to do what I did, but maybe this will be helpful since you may not have seen these since your own missionary setting apart! :)

Crismon

Setting Apart or Releasing a Full-Time Missionary

This is another one of those very special moments for a stake president. Helping a full-time missionary depart for a mission or return home is always a memorable occasion. Here some thoughts on both events that may be helpful:

Missionary Setting apart

• ●  While the family is being seated in the High Council room, I invite the missionary into the stake president’s office for one more brief interview: Are you packed? Are you still worthy? Do you have any questions about a setting apart?

• ●  There is no opening or closing prayer because it’s not an official Church meeting, simply a setting apart.

• ●  After getting acquainted, I conduct a brief discussion with the family around D&C 35:13-14 and ask them what does it mean to be weak, unlearned and despised and why are they the Lord’s qualifications for full-time missionaries?

• ●  I usually invite the family members, or at a minimum the immediate family members, to share why this is a special moment for them to have this missionary serve?

• ●  I invite the missionary to stand and bear his / her testimony one more time to his / her family.

• ●  I invite the father, if worthy (temple recommend holder), to join with me in the setting apart.

• ●  We set apart the missionary on behalf of the President of the Church and set apart as a full-time missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints....”assigned to serve” in the designated mission; do not set them apart to their mission because the destination may change.

• ●  Remind the missionary that even though he/she may not have a name tag yet, they are a full-time missionary in every way and are expected to keep mission rules and standards from that moment on.

  Missionary Release Interview

• Typically this is done with the missionary while the family waits in the foyer.

• ●  Open and close with kneeling prayer.

• ●  Questions usually ask:

  • ○  Are you glad you served?

  • ○  What was a highlight for you?

  • ○  What areas in your mission did you serve and for how long?

• ○  Was there a favorite place you served and why?

• ○  Was there a special experience or two you can share with me?

• ○  Was there a favorite part of the gospel that you came to appreciate?

• ○  Did you enjoy teaching and testifying?

• ○  What did you come to appreciate most about our Heavenly Father?

• ○  What did you come to appreciate most about our Savior, Jesus Christ?

• ○  What did you learn about Elder / Sister (his or her name)?

• ○  Did you grow close to your mission president and his wife?

• ○  Did you enjoy working with your companions?

• ○  Did you have a favorite companion and why?

• ○  Did you keep the mission rules?

• ○  Were there any worthiness issues while on your mission?

• ○  Did you come home with a current temple recommend?

• ○  Were you able to attend a temple while on your mission?

• ○  Did you complete a My Plan so we can help you with your future plans?

• ○  What are your future hopes and plans?

• ●  Remind the missionary the date and time he / she will report to the Stake High Council

• ●  Has the missionary been scheduled to speak in the family ward sacrament meeting?

• ●  Please share with me your testimony one more time as Elder / Sister (name)

• ●  I then follow with my testimony and expression of gratitude for their service

• ●  You may now remove your name tag...thank you for your valiant service

• ●  Kneeling closing prayer

Attempting to comfort a friend and priesthood leader who was falsely accused

 11 March 2021

Good morning, my dear friend…

You’ve been on my mind and heart ever since the disappointing news that emerged from the events of last weekend. Fortunately, very, very few people in our stake are aware there was a last-minute change to the stake presidency and are aware it involved you. For everyone else, nothing has changed in your life. You are still a loved, respected, and admired former bishop and current member of the Stake High Council and a worthy temple recommend holder. So I hope you can go forward with your head high and with confidence that the Lord is still with you in every way.

In other words, there’s no need to be embarrassed because virtually no one knows what transpired.

I have had a couple of thoughts come to me in my study this morning that may be comforting:

• I read President Ballard’s latest General Conference address where he said: “Each night when I pray, I ask the Lord to bless all who are burdened with grief, pain, loneliness and sadness. I know that other Church leaders echo that same prayer.”

So know that the President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles is praying for David Hawkins.

• I don’t think it’s a coincidence (it never is, is it?) that in this week’s Come Follow Me study on page 45 there is the header “The Savior can lift me 'up out (my) afflictions.’ " Then it lists five scripture blocks that are all very appropriate for someone who has been wrongly maligned and hurt by others. 

I would just add for the scripture block D&C 121:7-8 to please read through verse 10.

You are a mighty man, my friend, but what you’re shouldering right now may be the test of a lifetime. I’m so very, very sorry you’re in the midst of a fiery furnace of emotions and a broken heart. You’ll appreciate the rich and comforting promises in the scripture blocks listed on page 45.

You’re in my prayers that the pain will not destroy the man and that you’ll not allow bitterness and hurt to overpower you or your faith in the Lord and His Church leaders. The wonderful promise in the Isaiah reference is that God will NEVER forsake us. He is walking with you through this trial and affliction. I hope you’ll be able to see Him.

You are among the Lord’s chosen and great ones. I’m sorry you are being called on to prove it so again in this way.

With love and admiration,

Crismon

Counsel to Duraye after she left the Alcohol Rehabilitation Ranch prematurely

10 March 2021

Dear Duraye,

Please know how sorry I am for how sternly I talked to you last night. You’re right, it was not Christ-like and I hope you can forgive me.

Because we’re on such different wave lengths as to how we see things, it’s probably best we not visit on the phone again but maybe stay in touch via email or text. I truly hope you can continue to find healing on the route you’re taking. I’m glad you feel pleased with your progress since leaving the Ranch.

When I learned that you’ve returned to the same apartment in Scottsdale, I feel strongly that you not reach out to the family or hope they reach out to you. I think everyone in the family believes that returning to the same place where you fought your demons is like walking into a lions den. If you connect with family, eventually it’ll slip where you’re living, the word will spread and you’ll find the family extremely disappointed that you’ve put yourself at tremendous risk of reverting to old habits.

My recommendation is that you continue to build relationships with your ward family and look to them for the love and kindness we all seek. I suggest you lay low from the family and move forward with your ward family’s help to prove, in time (at least a year), that you really are healed and able to live sober.

As I mentioned several times…and it’s true…we all love you and are praying for you. Please don’t ask or expect anything more than that right now from your family. 

Hugs,
Crismon

Hi, again, Duraye…

I don’t know if you even want to hear from me again, but I wanted you to be aware of something that may not have occurred to you.

When it comes to re-establishing a relationship with your family including your daughters…assuming that’s important to you…that which everyone is looking for from you is (1) a sincere recognition that you are ill (have a serious addiction) and (2) that you are willing to do whatever it takes to get well (not expect it be on your terms). 

I realize you think going to the Ranch for 2-3 months proved both #1 and #2, but as you saw in the reaction from the family, no one believes you were sincere with either.

So no matter what you think in your heart is the truth, as you said, perception is reality and reality with the family, including your daughters, is that you’re still not serious about recognizing your illness and professionally addressing it.

It occurs to me that if anyone else in our family (I have not told anyone, only Vivienne) learned that you’re back in your old apartment in Scottsdale, they would consider that rock solid evidence that Duraye still refuses to accept she’s seriously ill and refuses to get the treatment needed to address her level of addiction. 

In other words, if you ever want to re-connect with your family, including your daughters, I strongly, strongly recommend you find another place to live as soon as you can. I realize you have a support network in that ward, which is wonderful. So my counsel is that you let the bishop know that you are looking for a place to live…possibly a basement apartment with a member family, or even a room in the home of another single sister.

I can’t stress enough how much not living alone would help restore trust with your family.

If they learned you were back in the same apartment alone where you battled your demons (demons always come back, if they ever left), I personally think you will push back restoring trust by years. It sends an unmistakable signal that you want to go back to the “old” Duraye and her “old” life.

I realize your options are limited, but please let the bishop know how much you need to get out of your apartment…not just because you don’t have any furniture…but because you are at high risk alone in that apartment and need to be around others, preferably who live the gospel. As you so well know, loneliness triggers addictions.

Duraye, you are sitting on a powder keg in that apartment and it will explode before you ever get to see your grandchild. Satan will make sure of that. That’s his singular goal…to destroy lives and disrupt family relationships.

Please actively pursue a way to move elsewhere in your ward. I hope this is helpful and not offensive. 

Love,

Crismon

A warning to Duraye about living alone in her old apartment

9 March 2021

Hi, again, Duraye…

I don’t know if you even want to hear from me again, but I wanted you to be aware of something that may not have occurred to you.

When it comes to re-establishing a relationship with your family including your daughters…assuming that’s important to you…that which everyone is looking for from you is (1) a sincere recognition that you are ill (have a serious addiction) and (2) that you are willing to do whatever it takes to get well (not expect it be on your terms). 

I realize you think going to the Ranch for 2-3 months proved both #1 and #2, but as you saw in the reaction from the family, no one believes you were sincere with either.

So no matter what you think in your heart is the truth, as you said, perception is reality and reality with the family, including your daughters, is that you’re still not serious about recognizing your illness and professionally addressing it.

It occurs to me that if anyone else in our family (I have not told anyone, only Vivienne) learned that you’re back in your old apartment in Scottsdale, they would consider that rock solid evidence that Duraye still refuses to accept she’s seriously ill and refuses to get the treatment needed to address her level of addiction. 

In other words, if you ever want to re-connect with your family, including your daughters, I strongly, strongly recommend you find another place to live as soon as you can. I realize you have a support network in that ward, which is wonderful. So my counsel is that you let the bishop know that you are looking for a place to live…possibly a basement apartment with a member family, or even a room in the home of another single sister.

I can’t stress enough how much not living alone would help restore trust with your family.

If they learned you were back in the same apartment alone where you battled your demons (demons always come back, if they ever left), I personally think you will push back restoring trust by years. It sends an unmistakable signal that you want to go back to the “old” Duraye and her “old” life.

I realize your options are limited, but please let the bishop know how much you need to get out of your apartment…not just because you don’t have any furniture…but because you are at high risk alone in that apartment and need to be around others, preferably who live the gospel. As you so well know, loneliness triggers addictions.

Duraye, you are sitting on a powder keg in that apartment and it will explode before you ever get to see your grandchild. Satan will make sure of that. That’s his singular goal…to destroy lives and disrupt family relationships.

Please actively pursue a way to move elsewhere in your ward. I hope this is helpful and not offensive. 

Love,

Crismon

One last hurrah? A letter to bishops about their keys to the preparatory gospel — the gospel of repentance

5 March 2021

Dear Bishops and Branch Presidents…

One last hurrah?

You may remember the attached slide presentation at our Bishopric Training last month in which we discussed how you and the young Aaronic Priesthood holders exercise the keys of the Preparatory Gospel, which prepares members to receive the blessings of the higher priesthood, even the blessings of exaltation.

There was one more thing I wanted to share.

As you noticed, the preparatory gospel “...is the gospel of repentance and of baptism, and the remission of sins.” (D&C 84:27)

All three reference the stunning blessing of cleansing God’s children of sin.

Have you ever wondered why bishops are set apart as Judges in Israel, "a common judge” (a judge among all people) as explained in D&C 107:72-74? And why is it that you can’t share this responsibility or duty with elders quorum presidents, with their newly delegated responsibilities?

Because you and you alone hold the full keys of the preparatory gospel—“the gospel of repentance and of baptism and the remission of sins." When you receive confessions and then counsel with members in helping them back onto the covenant path, you are using your keys as the president of the Aaronic Priesthood and thus the keys to the preparatory gospel—the gospel of repentance.

You are also ordained a High Priest in the Melchizedek Priesthood so you can preside and judge among all within your ward (common judge). 

I’m not sure why I’m sharing this. It’s just something that has lingered with me since that training. I hope in some way it will be helpful to each of you in recognizing how very special and sacred is your calling…and how you are functioning in a very import Aaronic Priesthood role.

Maybe it will also help you lift and bless the young men in your wards to recognize their role in helping all of God’s children to repent, be baptized (and renew that and other covenants with the sacrament each Sunday) and enjoy the peace and joy that comes from a remission of sin.

You are all mighty men in Israel and it’s been such a joy and honor to meet often with you and serve with you.

With love and admiration for the work you are doing. You’ll continue to be in my prayers.

Crismon Lewis

Recommendations for Sunday meetings during inclement weather

12 February 2021

Bishops and Branch Presidents…

As we all know, we’re having quite a winter event this weekend and it’s expected to go into Sunday, though there is hope that rain will come later on Sunday and temperatures will warm up significantly by Monday.

We remind you that safety comes first and therefore we recommend you take one of the following actions this Sunday:

1. Conduct all meetings virtually with the bishopric conducting sacrament meeting via webcast from the chapel (only if the bishopric can get to the building safely);

2. Conduct all meetings virtually with the bishopric conducting a sacrament meeting or devotional from home;

3. Suspend all meetings conducted by your ward or branch and invite members to conduct their own devotional at home, including administer the sacrament where possible.

Thanks to the pandemic, we’ve had “practice” doing all three of the above options. But, unless the weather conditions change dramatically in the next 24 hours, please do not expect or invite members—for their safety—to attend any meetings in person this weekend.

We appreciate you counseling with your counselors and decide which direction you want to take and then notify members far in advance. 

Gratefully,
Stake Presidency