MORMON SOPRANO

Over the past year, the official Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saint “website to the world” – MORMON.ORG – has been implementing a new, personalized format filled with searchable member profile pages, and video spotlights. If you have a facebook account, you’ve likely seen a few sidebar ads and videos featuring these individuals. It’s Mormons “unplugged”! Telling their stories, sharing their opinions, and faith, and lives, all in their own words. (more…)

LDS Tongan Temple

On Thurs. Jan 7, 2010 [Wed Jan 6 in North America] a baby boy was born in the LDS (Mormon) Nuku’alofa Tonga Temple. The circumstances surrounding this unusual occurance were nothing short of miraculous. Mormon Soprano has received permission from all parties involved to share the story with you, as told by Sister Frederika ten Hoopen (“Sister Teni”), serving as an LDS Sister Missionary Nurse in Tonga:

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“I went to the [Tonga] Temple last night. I had taken my watch off at home (something the brethern have asked us to do), so I ended up leaving 20 minutes earlier than usual, and arrived early, [about 6:30 PM] planning to attend the 7:00 PM session. As I was entering, the brothers at the desk said they needed a nurse urgently, and asked me to go into the waiting room!

Tonga Temple

“What I did not know at the time of my arrival is that the phones and internet had gone down at the temple, and no one could call out. The Acting [Temple] President had tried to find me, but no one knew where I was, as I am now working as a proseletyzing missionary. He began to fervently pray for me to come to the 7:00 temple session, and had just completed his prayer when I walked in the door.

“When I entered [the temple waiting room], there was the mommy sitting in a wheelchair in all her white [clothing] and she had already delivered most of the baby. I was very concerned about the baby, and felt the tremendous urging of the spirit prompting me as to what to do. I give all the praise to the Lord! I had to scoop him out of her [undergarments] and turn him over to get him to breathe, and then came that famous cry! They do not have twist ties in Tonga, so I asked for scissors, and elastic bands. I cut the cord and put the elastic bands on. All this time, Sister Clayton [a temple worker] was helping me, as she has had 8 children and many grandchildren! We lifted the mother out of the wheelchair and onto the floor where I delivered the placenta (afterbirth). It took a few pushes and I needed to help it along, but finally it came. In Tonga, the family takes the afterbirth and ceremonially buries it, so it was important to have it preserved.

proud parents with Sister Teni holding the baby

“The mother of the baby’s name is Ati. She is a teacher here in Liahona, and had just returned from BYU Hawaii where she had been taking a course. Her due date was set as February 14th, and she had seen her doctor the night before she came to the temple [with everything appearing on schedule]. She and her husband decided to attend a session at the temple together, where she went into labor without warning. Her husband was by her side the whole time of the delivery.

“I could hardly believe it, but the birth only took 20 minutes for all of this to happen from beginning to end! At this point, the ambulance arrived and took mother & baby to the hospital, and all was well! In the meantime, I noticed that I never got one drop of blood, or anything on me! I was able to wash up, get ready for the session, and attend just as planned!

Sister Teni, Mommy Ati & Baby Teni Keleitoni Temipale and Sister Clayton

“The next morning [Sister Clayton] and I went to the Hospital to see the baby. Mom and Dad were waiting for us. They [gave us a great honor] and asked us to name their baby. His name will be “Teni Keleitoni Temipale“, which is the Tongan translation for our names, [ten Hoopen & Clayton] plus the Temple.

“I joined the church 11 years ago in New York City, which has changed my life forever. This was another incredible blessing, to be of some small service in the Kingdom.

I have a testimony that the Atonement can heal all ills of this society, and the world! I share these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

With Love, Sister Teni (ten Hoopen)”

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Sister Teni’s life is also a miraculous story. She was born and raised in Canada, and moved to New York City in 1980. She joined the LDS Church in 1998, and three months after her baptism, travelled by train with her two boys to live in Utah. A little over a year ago, she chose to serve at her own expense as a single Senior Missionary. She was originally called to the Samoa mission, but one week before arriving at the Missionary Training Center in Provo, Utah her assignment was changed to be the Missionary Nurse in Tonga. After arriving in Tonga, her mission President sent her to serve in Niua – more famously known as “The Other Side of Heaven“, and became the first white (palangi) single Sister Missionary to serve there. Delivering a baby at the Temple is just one of the many miraculous and unique experiences of her missionary service. She is beloved by the Tongan people:

[Sister Teni] is truly a remarkable and wonderful example of Heavenly Father’s answer to many prayers.  The lives she’s touched, the miracle of her being here in Tonga, that’s another story all together!  She has escaped near death, survived a typhoon [the Tsunami that hit Niua in September] nursed the survivors, healed and witnessed a true miracle, baptized families, delivered a baby in a Temple, and saved one person I know very well–literally saved their life.  She is an answer to prayers, my very own Angel, and quite a few others feel that way, too! 

- Sister Kathleen Peaua, a Latter-day Saint living in Tonga

We thank Sister Frederika ten Hoopen (“Sister Teni”) for her selfless service, and for sharing her story and testimony with us. We also welcome baby Teni Keleitoni Temipale to the world, and extend best wishes to his family!

The holy scriptures teach that there is a great battle being waged for the souls of mankind. The forces of good and the forces of evil surround us. Often, the physical battles related in the scriptures are symbolic of the spiritual battles we each must fight in order to stay on the straight and narrow path, following our Savior, Jesus Christ. Along our path, we must make choices that will either draw us farther away, or bring us closer to light and truth.

In the MoSop Movie below you will see images depicting two battle stories found in The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ. In 72 BC, an invading force threatened to destroy the entire Nephite nation. Their military leader, Captain Moroni, united his people quickly by tearing his coat and writing upon it all of the things worth fighting for (family, wives, children, freedom, and God). He hoisted this “Title of Liberty” upon a staff, and waved it throughout the land rallying his people to victory.

Ten years later, the country is once again threatened. This time, defences are weak, the soldiers are worn down and discouraged. They are in critical need of reinforcement. A leader named Helaman recruits 2,000 young men called the”Stripling Warriors“ . These young boys fearlessly march into battle to defend the freedom of their family and country. Despite daunting odds, the inexperienced youth are victorious. Their faith never wavers, and not one is lost in battle. These men explain to Helaman that they trusted in the words and prayers of their mothers. They believed that Christ would deliver them and strengthen them, no matter how difficult their task.

Today, faithful Latter-day Saints of all ages go out into the world to share the restored gospel message. Just like Helaman’s little army, they have limited experience, and face daunting challenges. However they go forth with faith. They trust that Christ will strengthen them no matter how difficult their task. At their own expense, they willingly sacrifice their time to share the things that matter most with any who will listen. These valiant individuals are bringing needed reinforcement of hope and peace to the world.

It is Jesus Christ who will strengthen each soul during our individual battles of life. He has promised that He will magnify our efforts as we go forth to serve our fellow men and make the world a better place.

The text for the song ”Fight The Good Fight” is taken from passages by the Apostle Timothy:

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness..and not to me only, but [unto all] that love his appearing.” – 2 Tim 4: 7-8

The Apostle Paul taught exactly HOW  to prepare ourselves for battle against the forces of evil:

“Be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”

“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”

“Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness…and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked…and the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God”

“Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;…that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel.” - Ephesians 6:10-20

I received an invite on my Facebook this afternoon to join a “Global Prayer Rally Event” which a faithful Latter-day Saint has created. I think it is very admirable, and a great reminder for us all to follow the request of a prophet of God! Here is the description which accompanied the Global Event invitation:

At the beginning of our last General Conference, President Thomas S. Monson stated:

President Thomas S. Monson

“It has been my privilege during the past six months to meet with leaders of countries and with representatives of governments. Those with whom I’ve met feel kindly toward the Church and our members, and they have been cooperative and accommodating. There remain, however, areas of the world where our influence is limited and where we are not allowed to share the gospel freely. As did President Spencer W. Kimball over 32 years ago, I urge you to pray for the opening of those areas, that we might share with them the joy of the gospel. As we prayed then in response to President Kimball’s pleadings, we saw miracles unfold as country after country, formerly closed to the Church, was opened. Such will transpire again as we pray with faith.” – (emphasis added)

This will make a lovely addition to our New Year list, and a great Family Night discussion. What a blessing it is to have a living prophet on the earth today. Let us follow the prophet, and all join our faith and prayers together. May our missionaries be blessed, may the countries of the world open their doors, and may each of us find new ways to spread the JOY of the gospel message near and far!

Brigham Young University Broadcasting and The Mormon Tabernacle Choir have joined forces to create a new music video of director Mack Wilberg’s arrangement “Called To Serve“. A favorite hymn of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, this song is a lively anthem which pays tribute to those who follow Jesus Christ’s charge to “Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.” (Mark 16:15). Similar to another stirring and well-known anthem “Onward, Christian Soldiers”, this hymn inspires each of us to reach out, serve others, and share the good news of our King, Jesus Christ!

(Give video several seconds to Load)

The following beautiful story, published this week, illustrates the power of music to touch and inspire a life forever. It also testifies of the great truth that you are never too old for change! (more…)

Dear Friends,

The following article was published yesterday in one of Ghana’s leading newspapers. This is the testimony of a man named Edward Dwemoh. He explains his conversion story, and offers compelling scriptural argument for the Book of Mormon. I found Brother Dwemoh’s words extremely sincere, intelligent and motivating. I hope that you will as well.

Why I joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints

By E.R.K. Dwemoh | Thursday, February 21, 2008 –

“ Accra Daily Mail: Ghana’s Leading Private Daily Newspaper”

Many are the relatives, friends and acquaintances who have asked me at one time or the other: “Why did a person like you join the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints?” Usually, I have smiled and mumbled a few words, or said nothing at all.

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“Beautiful words of love – Coming from God above, How sweet, how dear the words we hear! They’re beautiful words of love”- Hymn 271

Elder M. Russell Ballard

Once again I am filled with gratitude for a loving Father in Heaven who knows our individual needs and answers our prayers. Tonight, I received an answer to my many recent prayers. I found a commencement speech just given on December 15, 2007 by Elder M. Russell Ballard, one of the 12 Apostles of our church. He was addressing the graduating class at BYU Hawaii about the “power of words” and the “New Media” that is shaping our world through the Internet – which has now opened up a “worldwide conversation”.

“New Media consists of tools on the Internet that make it possible for nearly anyone to publish or broadcast to either a large or a niche audience.”

Elder Ballard states that the conversation we most need to be involved in is our faith in Christ, and His restored gospel. His talk reminded us that there are many ways in which we can bear testimony of our Savior, and stand for truth and righteousness.

“The combined effort is certainly worth the outcome if but a few are influenced by your words of faith and love of God and His son Jesus Christ.”

This talk was a direct answer that I should not be discouraged, and that if I can bring some happiness and beauty and light to one little corner of the internet universe, I believe my effort is worthwhile. I see a clearer vision for my little blog.

In four short days I will begin my “musical mission” with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Most of the time, I will be sharing my love of Jesus and His gospel by singing music. But other times, I will be able to tell people with my own words about what I believe. This is one of the things that brings me great joy, to share my testimony of the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ. To those of you who may stumble into this site, and also to all those who regularly take the time to drop by, I would like to share some of my basic beliefs.

In the year 1820 a young farmer boy living in rural New York state wanted to know which church he should join. There was a religious revival going on in his area. He was attending all of the different congregations and listening to their ministers and realized that each of them could read the same Bible scripture and yet interpreted it completely different. Who was right and who was wrong? He turned to the Bible for guidance. He read:

“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” James 1:5

The boy Joseph Smith

The boy went into a grove of trees near his home and knelt down to offer up a prayer to God. He had simple faith that God would somehow answer his prayer and let him have the wisdom that he needed. Here is what happened in his own words:

”I saw a pillar of light exactly over my head, above the brightness of the sun, which descended gradually until it fell upon me…When the light rested upon me I saw two Personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description, standing above me in the air. One of them spake unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other—’This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!’

Joseph sees God the Father and The Son

God the Father and Jesus Christ appeared to the boy Joseph! They answered all of his questions including his original prayer of which church to join by telling him not to join any of them at that time. The heavens were open! God had actually spoken once more to a chosen witness, just as in ancient times! The world could never be the same again. I personally believe this story. My soul is filled with joy to hear it.

I know God is real. I have had too many experiences in my life with feeling His presence to not know that. I believe that He is a real, glorified, and deified man. He is our Father in Heaven and we are His children. We are literally created in His image. We lived with Him before we were born, and we can return to live with Him after this life ends. He loves us individually. He knows us personally. He wants us to succeed. Even when things seem hopeless and we want to quit, He will not abandon us. I know this is true.

Joseph Smith had many angels and heavenly beings appear to him to teach him; persons who had lived on earth before and are now glorified, such as ancient prophets, John the Baptist, Peter, James and John, and other apostles. Joseph Smith was chosen to be the first prophet of modern times (what we call the “latter-days”).

Joseph Smith translating the Book of Mormon

Joseph was entrusted to translate an ancient record of scripture that is called the “Book of Mormon” written by prophets who lived on the American Continent from 600 BC to 400 AD. This was not a replacement of the Bible, but rather a new book of scripture which became a second witness of biblical truth.

Joseph accomplished many great and miraculous things working as the servant of God on the earth. This enabled a restoration of the same church that Jesus had established. It was named “The Church of Jesus Christ, of Latter-day Saints”.

Resurrected Christ by Walter Rane

The prophet Joseph was persecuted all of his short life for telling the story of his vision, and for declaring to be God’s prophet. Members of our church do not worship Joseph Smith, for he was just a man who served God – but we love him and honor what he and his family sacrificed. Eventually he and his brother were murdered by a violent mob. That mob had been fueled with hate and lies. They thought that when they killed Joseph, they would also kill the church he helped establish. However, they were very wrong. It was not a man’s church. It belonged to Jesus Christ, and He was in charge. Jesus had promised to never let the truth fall from the earth again. Jesus Christ’s church and His message is now spread throughout the earth bringing joy and peace and continuing miracles everywhere it goes.

I have shared a few core reasons why I am a member of the church, and why I want to dedicate hours of my time and years of my life as an unpaid member of its Choir. Our invitation as Latter-day Saints (“Mormons”) is simple: come and join us! You should bring all the truth and goodness and joy that you already have, and let us add some more.

First, learn about us straight from the source. There are many ways you can. You can start by reading about us at an official website.

A Latter-day Saint Meeting House

Come to Sunday church service in your local area – all are welcome! You can attend with a Mormon friend or just walk in the door by yourself. Someone will be there to greet you. You can find out what time the meeting begins by doing a search online. You can request a free copy of the Book of Mormon, and set aside some time to read it – you will finally find out what is behind that odd nickname for our church of “Mormon” – and I promise it will be the most important book you can ever read.

Latter-day Saint missionary Elders

Say hello to those nice young Mormon missionaries with the suits and nametags next time you see them. Find out their names and where they are from. You will make their whole day to talk to someone friendly. Ask them why they wanted to give up two years of their young lives, at their own expense, to allow people to treat them with rudeness every day (and chased by a lot of dogs!). You can invite those missionaries to teach you about the church.

Sister Missionaries

Talk to the Mormons that you know. Don’t be afraid to ask all your questions. Learn all you can about us straight from the source. Then you can do what the boy Joseph Smith did. Go to a favorite quiet place, and pray. Ask your Heavenly Father sincerely if what we are sharing is the truth. You have that right, and your Heavenly Father wants you to do that. While you are there, you can spend some time talking to Him. Thank Him for your blessings and for loving you, share your fears, and your questions and your concerns…tell Him everything. I know that He always hears our prayers, and He will always answer yours. Now, not many of us are going to have a vision in answer to our prayers! Sometimes the answers come to me as a thought in my mind, or a very peaceful warm feeling, or a desire to do something. And sometimes, things are a little quiet. We have to wait awhile before we hear the answer. Maybe Heavenly Father wants to know that we are truly sincere and willing to keep coming to Him, or maybe there is something else that needs to happen first. So, continue to pray on a regular basis. If we are listening, and if we keep ourselves ready to hear, the answer will always come.

Heavenly Homecoming

I have experienced that all of my life. Chances are you have already, too. Tonight I actually got to hear Him speak to me through Elder Ballard! This was probably my favorite quote of his talk:

“In many cases, it is with words that you will accomplish the great things that you will now set out to do…Make sure that the choices you make in the use of new media are choices that expand your mind, increase your opportunities, and feed your soul.”

Creating this blog has truly expanded my mind and all my boundaries! I have had the opportunity to “meet” new friends and strengthen my existing ties. Best of all, writing here feeds my soul. There is no better way to describe it. Hearing from you, my cyber friends, is always a wonderful gift! I don’t always have time to answer back, but I will try. I do hope you will write your thoughts and feelings, ‘join the conversation’. I hope you will also feel a little braver, like I do, from Elder Ballard’s encouraging words:

“You too can tell your story”

Since officially publishing my blog last week, I have heard from some of the most amazing people “out there”! My Stat tracker tells me that over a thousand of you have visited me from 28 states, and 12 countries so far. Who are all of you?! It’s nice to “virtually” meet you! I am touched that you would spend some time reading my site. I’m in a complete “learn-as-I-go” mode. I have learned a couple of cool things so far. Did you know that there is such a thing as a “Bloggernacle”? I sure didn’t! (more…)