Memo #131 (64 to go)

Date written March 24, 2008 Date mailed August 1, 2011
To: My beloved Family and Friends
From: Dad, Grandpa etc.
Re: Work for the dead continued
Share this at: http://www.prattmemos.blogspot.com

One of the most flagrantly broken commandments by the most members of the church, is keeping the Sabbath day holy. There in Sacrament meeting we renew our covenant (promise) to keep it. Notice in the blessing on the bread the words that I underline: “O God, the Eternal Father, we ask thee in the name of thy Son, Jesus Christ, to bless and sanctify this bread to the souls of all those who partake of it, that they may eat in remembrance of the body of thy Son, and witness unto thee, O God, The Eternal Father, that they are willing to take upon them the name of thy Son and always remember him and keep his commandments which he has given them; that they may always have his Spirit to be with them. Amen.”
By faithful obedience we bind ourselves to God, and He to us, that we may be worthy to be bound to our family for all time and eternity and Jesus says that “All those who receive this covenant of my Father, which he cannot break, neither can it be moved.” D&C 84:40
What does the foregoing have to do with, “Work for the Dead?” EVERYTHING! A simple little act as partaking of the sacrament emblems each Sunday can make all the difference. What sparked the prophet Joseph Smith to investigate and find out about this great work?
He had an older brother whom as a small boy he idolized as small brothers so often do. Alvin died suddenly in the very prime of life in his mid twenties before the church was restored.
A vision was given to Joseph Smith, the prophet, in the temple at Kirtland, Ohio January 21, 1836. The occasion was the administration of the ordinances of the endowment as far as they had been revealed. The prophet sees his brother Alvin in the celestial kingdom. The doctrine of salvation for the dead was revealed. Section 137 reads as follows:
“The heavens were opened upon us, and I beheld the celestial kingdom of God, and the glory thereof, whether in the body or out I cannot tell.
I saw the transcendent beauty of the gate through which the heirs of that kingdom will enter, which was like unto circling flames of fire;
Also the blazing throne of God, whereon was seated the Father and the Son.
I saw the beautiful streets of that kingdom, which had the appearance of being paved with gold.
I saw Father Adam and Abraham; and my father and my mother (Not yet dead); my brother Alvin, that has long since slept;
And marveled how it was that he had obtained an inheritance in that kingdom, seeing that he had departed this life before the Lord had set his hand to gather Israel the second time, and had not been baptized for the remission of sins.
Thus came the voice of the Lord unto me, saying: All who have died without a knowledge of this gospel, who would have received it if they had been permitted to tarry, shall be heirs of the celestial kingdom of God;
Also all that shall die henceforth without a knowledge of it, who would have received it with all their hearts, shall be heirs of that kingdom;

For I, the Lord, will judge all men according to their works, according to the desire of their hearts. (Notice, desires of the heart must also be accompanied by the proper works!)
And I also beheld that all children who die before they arrive at the years of accountability are saved in the celestial kingdom of heaven.” Doctrine and Covenants section 137
Little children cannot repent; wherefore, it is awful wickedness to deny the pure mercies of God unto them. For they are all alive in him because of his mercy. And he that saith that little children need baptism denieth the mercies of Christ, and setteth at naught the atonement of him and the power of his redemption. (vs19-20)
“Wo unto such, for they are danger of death, hell, and an endless torment, I speak it boldly; God hath commanded me. Listen unto them and give heed, or they stand against you at the judgement seat of Christ.”(vs 21)
“For behold that all little children are alive in Christ, and also all they that are without the law. For the power of redemption cometh on all them that have no law; wherefore, he that is not condemned, or he that is under no condemnation, cannot repent; and unto such baptism availeth nothing. The mercies of Christ and the power of his Holy Spirit, and putting trust in dead works... this thing ought not to be; for repentance is unto them that are under condemnation because they have broken the law.” Moroni Ch. 8 (it’s only 30 vs. long. You might want to read it all)
and Jesus was crucified between two thieves. And one of them, which were hanged railed on him. Saying, “if thou be Christ, save thyself and us.” But the other answering rebuked him, saying, “dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation. And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds but this man hath done nothing amiss.”
And Jesus said unto him, verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise. Luke 23:39-43
To those who don’t know the answers to other things they believe that the thief went straight to heaven with Jesus. But that isn’t what it says. Everyone goes to Paradise when they die the righteous to happiness where they rest from all the cares and frustrations of mortality the rest are also in paradise but they must be taught by the righteous that they may repent. So the worthy are only resting from the pains and cares of this world, but are very busy meeting with and teaching those like the thief that they might repent and be ready for baptism and the other ordinances if they will accept them.
Now the last section of the Doctrine and Covenants gives great insight on the conditions in Paradise for both the righteous and those who are in prison of their own making here on earth.
This section was a revelation given to the Prophet Joseph F. Smith October 3, 1918. He was the son of Hyrum Smith and a nephew of Joseph. It concerns the Savior’s visit to the spirits of the dead while his body was in the tomb. Where was the thief? Keep reading!
President Smith wrote: “I opened the Bible and read the third and fourth chapters of the first epistle of Peter and as I read I was greatly impressed, more than I had ever been before, with the following passages; “For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the spirit: By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison; which sometime were disobedient, when once the long suffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was preparing wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.” “For for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.” 1 Peter 4:3, 18-20 and 4:6
So Jesus did not return to his Father during the few hours, (parts of three days) that his body lay in the tomb. But he was in the world of spirits teaching the hope of the gospel to those imprisoned in fetters of their own making just as the wicked today may be walking the streets but are in a prison of their own making and where was the thief? Read on!
“And I saw the hosts of the dead, both small and great. And there were gathered in one place an innumerable company of the spirits of the just, who had been faithful in the testimony of Jesus while they lived in mortality; and who had offered sacrifice in the similitude of the great sacrifice of the Son of God and had suffered tribulation in their Redeemer’s name. All these had departed the mortal life, firm in the hope of a glorious resurrection, thru the grace of God the Father and His only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ. I beheld that they were filled with joy and gladness, and were rejoicing together because the day of their deliverance (resurrection) was at hand. (They would have been resurrected immediately following the Savior’s three days later.)
They were assembled awaiting the advent of the Son of God into the spirit world, to declare their redemption from the bands of death...While this vast multitude waited and conversed, rejoicing in the hour of their deliverance from the chains of death, the Son of God appeared, declaring liberty to the captives who had been faithful. And there he preached to them the everlasting gospel, the doctrine of the resurrection, and the redemption of mankind from the fall and from individual sins on conditions of repentance.
But unto the wicked he did not go, and among the ungodly and the unrepentant who had defiled themselves while in the flesh, his voice was not raised. Neither did the rebellious who rejected the testimonies and the warnings of the ancient prophets behold his presence nor look upon his face.
Where these were, darkness reigned, but among the righteous there was peace.
And the saints rejoiced in their redemption, and bowed the knee and acknowledged the Son of God as their Redeemer and Deliverer from death and the chains of hell. Their countenances shone, and the radiance from the presence of the Lord rested upon them, and they sang praises unto his holy name.... I wondered at the words of Peter ~ wherein he said that the Son of God preached unto the spirits in prison, who some time were disobedient, when once the long suffering of god waited in the days of Noah ~ and how it was possible for him to preach to those spirits and perform the necessary labor among them in so short a time (parts of 3 days)
and as I wondered, my eyes were opened, and my understanding quickened, and I perceived that the Lord went not in person among the wicked and the disobedient who had rejected the truth (on earth) to teach them: But behold, from among the righteous, he organized his forces and appointed missionaries clothed with power and authority, and commissioned them to go forth and carry the light of the gospel to them that were in darkness, even to all the spirits of men: and thus was the gospel preached to the dead. (and the thief would have been there)
And the chosen messengers went forth ( I hope soon to be one of them) to declare the acceptable day of the Lord and proclaim liberty to the captives who were bound, even unto all who would repent of their sins and receive the gospel.
Thus was the gospel preached to those who had died in their sins, without a knowledge of the truth, or in transgression, having rejected the prophets.
These were taught faith in God, repentance from sin, vicarious baptism for the remission of sins, the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands. And all the principles of the gospel that were necessary for them to qualify themselves...for the judgement.” D&C 13

Oh the greatness of our God, His love, mercy, and grace. All of his children will be saved that choose to be saved in some degree of glory according to their works weather living or dead! Live for it and let us aim for the Celestial kingdom as a family!
My love always,
Dad, Grandpa Pratt etc.
Richard Marden Pratt
Dad often enjoyed the hymn book he has mentioned some of his favorites before. He loved the messages in them.
One of the great women of the early church was Eliza R. Snow enjoy her great hymn,
How Great The Wisdom and the Love
How Great the wisdom and the love that filled the courts on high and sent the Savior from above to suffer, bleed, and die!
His precious blood he freely spilt; His life he freely gave, a sinless sacrifice for guilt, a dying world to save.
By strict obedience Jesus won the prize with glory rife: “Thy will, O God, not mine be done,” adorned his mortal life.
He marked the path and led the way, and every point defines to light and life and endless day where God’s full presence shines.
In mem’ry of the broken flesh we eat the broken bread, and witness with the cup, afresh, our faith in Christ our Head.
How great, how glorious, how complete, redemption’s grand design, where justice, love,. And mercy meet in harmony divine! (Hymn 195 text by Eliza R. Snow 1804-1887)
(One of her’s that Dad also loved is: O My Father #292)

Here are a few quotes from: Eliza R. Snow: First Lady of the Pioneers by Jaynann Morgan Payne
September Ensign 1973 (for the full article go to LDS.org)

“Change is the key word to this dispensation. The righteous, like gold, must be seven times purified.”

In 1866, when the Relief Society was reorganized, Eliza was set apart as president over the entire sisterhood of the Church.

“Prove all things and hold fast that which is good” was Eliza’s motto.

The year 1835 was a critical year in Eliza’s life, for with the publication of her beautiful poems, she had become famous and sought after. Her autograph album contains the priceless signatures of Queen Victoria of England, Charles Dickens, Lord Alfred Tennyson, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Susan B. Anthony, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Victor Hugo, Abraham Lincoln, John Greenleaf Whittier, and Oliver Wendell Holmes, to name but a few.

Though “fragile,” Eliza was an amazing organizer. She served as general Relief Society president for 21 years, from 1866 to 1887.

Memo #130

July 1, 2011

To: My beloved family

From: Dad, Grandpa Pratt etc.

Re: Salvation of the Dead

One of the greatest proofs that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is the true church of Christ and the only true church, is His plan, in His church, to save every soul no matter, when or where they lived. Inasmuch as certain ordinances have been designated by him as essential to salvation such as baptism. Then it is obvious that his perfect plan would be so designed as to reach all the dead, before the final judgement, who have died without ever hearing the gospel and when converted receive the saving ordinances. And this part of his great gospel plan is called, “Salvation for the Dead” every soul will hear it wherever they are, and when they accept it, mortals, who are faithful members of His Church, may go to a sacred place built for that purpose, called a Temple of God. There they vicariously are baptized, confirmed, males receive the Melchzedek Priesthood, Washed and anointed and receiving the highest ordinance of all “Eternal Marriage.”

Every soul that has died and will die ‘til all consigned to this planet have done so will be in the Paradisaical glory - a transition place until the resurrection and judgement is completed.

Those who have the Priesthood authority (The authority to act in the place or name of God) will be called to missions there to teach and preach the saving ordinances and those who receive them will then have these ordinances performed here on earth that they will be able to receive all the blessings including eternal marriage by proxy. Proxy is someone living doing something for the dead that they can’t do for themselves. That they may enjoy all the blessings that the faithful have here on earth. No one will be forgotten. Remember the Lord said to the repentant thief on the cross: “Today thou shalt be with me in paradise.” meaning that the thief would there be taught the great plan of Salvation which if he accepts it will be validated by one on earth that he too may be cleansed of his sins and receive all the blessings. What a fantastic doctrine. And I repeat, ALL other churches both Christian and non Christian haven’t any plan that approaches it. In fact they have NO plan. How could anyone of them then make any valid claim to being the true church of God.

“Work for the dead is taught solely by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, for it is one of the vital signs of the true church of Jesus Christ, and all men may be perfectly assured for it is a divine truth; where this doctrine is not taught and practiced, there the true Church is not to be found.” Doctrines of Salvations Vol. II page 138

If belief alone were sufficient, as taught by most if not all so called Christian churches, then even the devils, who fear and tremble would be saved. They recognized the Savior and declared on several occasions that he was the Son of God. And the devils in the days of the sons of Sceva declared that they knew Jesus and Paul, yet they were far from the road to salvation.

Ibid 139

The story is told in “Rise of the Dutch Republic” by Motley. When Christianity was taken to the tribes of Europe, Radbod a Trisian Chief, was apparently converted and ready for baptism. Just before the ceremony was to be performed a singular thought crossed his mind, and he asked, “Where are my dead forefathers at present?” Wolfran, the Catholic bishop replied, “In hell, with all other unbelievers.” Mighty well,” said the heathen chieftain, “Then I will rather feast with my ancestors in the halls of Woden, than with your little starveling band of Christians in heaven. The Trisian converts were being made Lucifer-like, without agency, at the point of a sword, yet Radbod maintained his personal integrity to the end. “Entreaties and threats”, Motley says, “were unavailing and he went to his death rather than enter into a rite that would separate him from his ancestors.” Ibid 137

I had a somewhat similar incident in Kiribati Islands. I was trying to teach, with a language barrier, work for the dead and how their dead ancestors could receive all the ordinances “vicariously.” these were new converts and had not yet heard of such a thing. When they finally understood, pandemonium broke out as they all excitedly chattered to each other. When peace was restored one old man named Iakoba (Yakoba or Jacob) came up and demanded that I show him how baptism could be done for his dead father. Before he would sit down I had to run him thru a dry baptism. Standing by him in the customary stance for baptism for the living. I repeated that I was now baptizing him, calling him by name for and calling his dead Father by name, and then simulating the immersion in water. He seemed to understand and went back to his seat (on the floor, no furniture.) And was weeping with joy. I could only hope that he understood that it was just play acting and I think he did. What a fantastic and beautiful doctrine.

The world scoffs at the idea of vicariously doing something for someone else that they can’t do for themselves and the whole message of the gospel is “vicarious.” Beginning with our Savior hanging on the cross to save all from death and redeem all that believe. What a fantastic example of “vicarious”. For we couldn’t do it for ourselves. He did it for us!

In the world itself we practice this principle thru our elected officials and in the business world, following proper procedures we can receive what is called, “Power of Attorney”, with that authority we can perform all business transactions for the company or individual we are empowered to represent. We are doing it vicariously!

In fact our own salvation can only come by securing ourselves to our departed ancestors by vicariously searching them out, performing all the ordinances for them AND HAVING OURSELVES SEALED TO THEM.

The last two verses of Malachi and it’s the last in the old testament recorded about 400 B.C. says: “behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord.

And he shall turn the hearts of the fathers to the children. And the hearts of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.”

“What would the curse be? Why no one could inherit it in the resurrection neither we nor our ancestors for the family only can do so, and the family has to extend in an unbroken line back to our first parents in the Garden of Eden. The earth will be cleansed and celestialized and become the Eternal “Heaven” of the family of Adam down to the last person to be born and die upon it WHO HAVE proven themselves. So work for our dead is as vital to us as it is to the dead. For they without us cannot be made perfect and neither can we without them.

Now perhaps you can understand why for the past fifteen or so years I have spent countless hours as an ordinance worker in the Temple. And Carolyn has spent endless hours collecting the names of our dead ancestors and many of you have spent many many hours seeing that all our ancestors are receiving the saving ordinances that we perform. The work for them fills our responsibilities. Whether they accept it or not is their choice.

Who was Elijah? He was the last prophet to hold the sealing power for the living and the dead and lived about 900 B.C. The Bible says he was caught up into heaven in a fiery chariot.

Moses, was also translated, so they could return to earth in their mortal bodies and restore their keys or authority. Moses holds the keys to the gathering of Israel. Elijah holds the keys to the sealing of the living and the dead and the Lord, who holds all the keys has specified that these keys must be passed from mortal to mortal. Hence, when the keys are taken from the earth because of wickedness the last one to hold them must remain in the flesh until a new dispensation.

April 3, 1836 Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery (two witnesses) bowed in humble prayer in the newly dedicated Temple at Kirtland, Ohio, the first Temple in this dispensation. At the conclusion of the prayer, “ the veil was taken from our minds, and the eyes of our understanding were opened.

We saw the Lord standing upon the breastwork of the pulpit, before us and under his feet was a paved work of pure gold, in color like amber. His eyes were as a flame of fire; the hair of his head was white like the pure snow; his countenance shone above the brightness of the sun; and his voice was as the sound of the rushing of great waters, even the voice of Jehovah saying. “I am the first and the last; I am he who liveth, I am he who was slain; I am your advocate with the Father. Behold your sins are forgiven you; you are clean before me; therefore, lift up your heads and rejoice...for behold I have accepted this house, and my name shall be here; and I will manifest myself to my people in mercy in this house.

Yea, I will appear unto my servants, and speak unto them with mine own voice, if my people will keep my commandments, and do not pollute this holy house.

Yea the hearts of thousands and tens of thousands shall greatly rejoice in consequence of the blessings which shall be poured out, and the endowment with which my servants have been endowed in this house.

And the fame of this house shall spread to foreign lands; and this is the beginning of the blessing which shall be poured out upon the heads of my people. Even so Amen.

After this vision closed Moses appeared before us, and committed unto us the keys of the gathering of Israel from the four parts of the earth, and the leading of the ten tribes from the land of the North.

After this Elias appeared and committed the dispensation of the gospel of Abraham, saying that in us and our seed all generations after us should be blessed.

After this vision had closed, another great and glorious vision burst upon us; for Elijah the prophet, who was taken to heaven without tasting death stood before us, and said; “Behold the time has fully come, which was spoken by the mouth of Malachi - testifying that he (Elijah) should be sent, before the great and dreadful day of the Lord come - to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the hearts of the children to the fathers, lest the whole earth be smitten with a curse.- Therefore, the keys of this dispensation are committed into your hands; and by this ye may know that the great and dreadful day of the Lord is near, even at the doors.” Doctrine & Covenants 110

The keys held by Elijah and restored to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery are the keys of the sealing power of the Priesthood which makes all the ordinances pertaining to the eternity of the family possible. And the righteous family meaning those who keep all the commandments are the only ones who can expect eternal life and to dwell on this celestialized earth with the Savior forever. And this applies to the DEAD as well as the living. Oh my dear family and anyone else who may read this, be sure your house is in order, be sure that you are sealed to your husband / wife and your children, be sure that

you are living by every word that has come from our Savior. (Remember too that if a spouse didn’t keep their covenants, Heavenly Father will still honor your personal covenants as you keep them and all will work out.) Oh what weeping what sorrow what despair will come upon those who at the judgement bar of God are dammed - meaning everything stops for them. They can go no further now and eternally and the best they can hope for is to be resurrected alone and single and spend eternity as servants to those who obeyed.

The gospel of Jesus Christ has been restored. The gift of the atonement has been given us by our Savior. We can repent of the things that we have done wrong and we can by making and keeping sacred covenants be with our families and with Jesus Christ eternally. Live for it! Embrace the plan of happiness and have joy in this life and in the life to come.

All My Love,

Dad, Grandpa Pratt (Richard Marden Pratt)

The following is from memo #115 a comment that was submitted. I thought you’d enjoy it!

I was so excited to find this website last evening. Richard Pratt, your father and grandfather, was along with one other person, the man most responsible for my coming into the Church, and his stirring testimony the thing I remembered most any time I was struggling in my early years in the Church.

After teaching seminary all those years he was assigned to teach Institute of Religion for his last year of his CES career (as I remember it), at age 65(?).

As a non‑member I was invited to attend his Book of Mormon class by my roommate, Dale Thompson, of Tremonton, Utah. At the end of the class I was walking out of the classroom when Brother Pratt stepped in front of me blocking my way. Toe to toe he looked me square in the eyes, indeed, looking right through me. He then bore the most powerful testimony I ever heard, which was simply this. With a thrilling fervor he said, "Steve, This Church is True!"

I walked down the hall and remember saying to myself, "I don't know if this Church is true; but I know, that man is not lying."

As I alluded to already, any time I was doubting or struggling whatever the cause, I saw him, his eyes looking right through me, bearing that testimony ... and all was well again.

Such is the power of a man who qualifies for the Spirit and bears his testimony with all his heart. I can honestly say, few are there that would have the courage to bear such a bold and powerful testimony to a total stranger. He did; and I will forever be grateful for it!

God bless you and your family. I was moved to indescribable tears of joy to find this website, and tears of sorrow to realize I missed a chance in this life to say thank you again.

I've book marked this blog and intend to read through his many notes. How stirring they are! What an additional blessing to find out that we are on the same page with our political convictions, which was something important to me shortly after my conversion. It made me feel like I was in some small way thanking him through my work as a political writer and editor.

Thanks again to the Pratt family! God Bless You all!

Steve Farrell

You may want to go back and read some of the memos again. Enjoy.

Memo #129

To: My Beloved Family & Friends

From: Dad, Grandpa etc.

Re: Marriage

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” Declaration of Independence

Sadly, it appears that 99.5 percent of mankind seem to believe that this means that our life gives us liberty to pursue happiness according to our own carnal desires, which always has and always will lead to bondage in this life and eternal suffering here after.

Our life belongs to the God who made us and He made us that we might have joy, but we can only have joy eternally by living as He lives. He is not asking the impossible for his burden is easy and his yoke is light.

Living contrary to His way of life is to follow Satan and his burden is horribly heavy and his yoke is eternally crushing.

And the very nucleus of all happiness, even the very foundation of all joy is centered in the family, a man and a woman joined together for time and all eternity who with their children and children’s children will secure to themselves the power to become as He/She is and there is no other way. Anything short of this will bring eternal regrets to those who have not accepted this offer of eternal glory.

Divorce is not an option except in the case of abuse in all of its hydra-headed horrors. Any man and any woman who will live the laws of God by marriage and obedience to the covenants there of can have a happy marriage here and eternal felicity here after. Actually three actions followed by both husband and wife, will secure this eternal joy 1. Gentleness, 2. meekness, and 3. love unfeigned.

When my sweetheart died nearly eight years ago on July 13, 2000, I started writing these memos in an effort to prepare our extensive family now numbering over 200 to be prepared to meet her when they pass thru the curtain we call death and enter into that beautiful land named by God as Paradise. Here we wait for the resurrection when our physical bodies come forth out of the ground to rejoin our spirit bodies and thus become immortal souls as our Savior resurrected at Jerusalem three days after his crucifixion. And who was the first person he went to at that awesome moment, a woman named Mary Magdalene. And why her? It should seem obvious to all. Wouldn’t you want to meet your eternal companion first, above all others, when you are resurrected?

Blaspheme cries the world. They who defame marriage by their adulterous living would deny God the very heart of all happiness, an eternal, forever, sweetheart and companion.

There is a collection of 26 books called The Journal of Discourses a record of sermons of the early prophets and apostles. In volume II starting on page about 78 is recorded a sermon by Apostle Orson Hyde on the marriage of Jesus. When he finished, Brigham Young concluded the Semi-annual conference by saying ,“Amen and amen to the splendid discourse of the Saviors marriage, if I had time I could add a great deal more to it.”

But we do not teach it to the world. And only indirectly in the church but refer to it every time we say, Father in Heaven or sing "O My Father” and in so many other ways.

I wish I could sit down with each of you and your children and teach you the fantastic future that lays ahead for every person that enters into the eternal marriage covenant. For the Lord Himself has said. “Then shall they be Gods, because they have no end; therefore shall they be from everlasting to everlasting. Because they continue; then shall they be ABOVE ALL, because all things are subject unto them. Then shall they be Gods, because they have all power, and the angels are subject unto them.

“Verily, verily, I say unto you, except ye abide my law ye cannot attain to this glory.

For strait is the gate, and narrow the way that leadeth unto the exaltation and continuation of the lives and few there be that find it, because ye receive me not in the world neither do ye know me.

But if ye receive me in the world, then shall ye know me, and shall receive your exaltation; that where I am ye shall also be.

This is eternal lives ~ to know the only wise and true God, and Jesus Christ, whom He hath sent, I am he, receive ye, therefore my law.” Doctrine and Covenants 132:20-24

I am thinking of that future which is eternal. It is our Heavenly Father’s desire and mine that it be an eternity of happiness for you and it will be if you grasp it.

Grandma appeared to me a few weeks ago dressed in the prettiest dress she ever had, a light blue in color. She appeared to be about 25 years old and beckoned to me to hurry up and get over there. Since then my health has failed rapidly and I’ve become so weak I can only walk a few steps with a cane. I expect by the time you receive this memo (about March 2011) NOTE Dad gave me a couple to insert before he gave me this book of memos so he was right on! I will be with her. If you have only a civil marriage now you can easily change that by going to your Bishop and get his instructions as to how to make it an eternal one.

There are three types of marriage in the world. Two of these are of the world and at the best will only last ‘til one of the couple dies. The third is doing it the Lord’s way and by obedience to the covenants it will last forever. So I will soon be with my wife never to be separated again.

I will briefly describe the three. 1^st. And I’m paraphrasing right out of the scriptures so that I might more easily explain. The first and most common marriage throughout the entire world is just to start living together. No matter what kind of promises they make to each other the longest such a marriage can last is ‘til one of them dies. That is the end, they will not meet again as I am going to soon meet your Grandma.

This is the most prevalent type of marriage in the world currently and is called common-law. Sadly only about ten percent of such last even until death.

The 2^nd. Type of marriage is arrived at by the couple going to the county recorder’s office and buying a license to marry. It comes in duplicate. They take this to anyone authorized by the state, which includes all religious leaders, Christian and non Christian. A justice of the peace, judges, many attorneys, some sheriffs, captains of ships and others.

The officiator does not need to perform any type of ceremony. All he/she really has to do is get five signatures on the license, present one to the couple and send the others to the recorders office. This is called a civil marriage. The five signers are the couple, the officiator and two witnesses eighteen years old or above. In fact one officiator to see if it would be accepted signed his dogs name, Fido, and it never came back so it must have been accepted. This is called a civil marriage, about fifty percent stay together ‘til death.

I’ve performed many of these in two different countries, several states and for both members and non members. And can do so now although retired but I have turned down any that has asked since then. All these end at death.

The third type of marriage and God’s way. The Church Proclamation of Marriage states:

“We solemnly proclaim that marriage between a man and woman is ordained of God and that family is central to the creators plan for the eternal destiny of his children.”

“If a man marry a wife by my word which is my law and by the new and everlasting covenant, and it is sealed unto them by the Holy Spirit of promise by him who is anointed unto whom I have appointed this power and the keys of this priesthood; and it shall be said unto them ~ Ye shall come forth in the first resurrection...and shall inherit thrones, kingdoms and powers. That marriage, if both parties KEEP their covenants is ETERNAL. They will be reunited at the death of the second one to go. I cannot even imagine the future without may darling wife.

I’m having Rose enclose The Family A Proclamation to the World. I have underlined a few lines although it is ALL eternal truth!

My Love always,

Dad, Grandpa Pratt etc.

The Family

A Proclamation to the World

The First Presidency and Council of the Twelve Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter‑Day Saints

We, the First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter‑day Saints, solemnly proclaim that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children.

All human beings—male and female—are created in the image of God. Each is a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents, and, as such, each has a divine nature and destiny. Gender is an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose.

In the premortal realm, spirit sons and daughters knew and worshipped God as their Eternal Father and accepted His plan by which His children could obtain a physical body and gain earthly experience to progress toward perfection and ultimately realize their divine destiny as heirs of eternal life. The divine plan of happiness enables family relationships to be perpetuated beyond the grave. Sacred ordinances and covenants available in holy temples make it possible for individuals to return to the presence of God and for families to be united eternally.

The first commandment that God gave to Adam and Eve pertained to their potential for parenthood as husband and wife. We declare that God’s commandment for His children to multiply and replenish the earth remains in force. We further declare that God has commanded that the sacred powers of procreation are to be employed only between man and woman, lawfully wedded as husband and wife.

We declare the means by which mortal life is created to be divinely appointed. We affirm the sanctity of life and of its importance in God’s eternal plan.

Husband and wife have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other and for their children. “Children are an heritage of the Lord” (Psalm 127:3). Parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness, to provide for their physical and spiritual needs, and to teach them to love and serve one another, observe the commandments of God, and be law‑abiding citizens wherever they live. Husbands and wives—mothers and fathers—will be held accountable before God for the discharge of these obligations.

The family is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan. Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity. Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities. By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families. Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children. In these sacred responsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners. Disability, death, or other circumstances may necessitate individual adaptation. Extended families should lend support when needed.

We warn that individuals who violate covenants of chastity, who abuse spouse or offspring, or who fail to fulfill family responsibilities will one day stand accountable before God. Further, we warn that the disintegration of the family will bring upon individuals, communities, and nations the calamities foretold by ancient and modern prophets.

We call upon responsible citizens and officers of government everywhere to promote those measures designed to maintain and strengthen the family as the fundamental unit of society.

This proclamation was read by President Gordon B. Hinckley as part of his message at the General Relief Society Meeting held September 23, 1995, in Salt Lake City, Utah.

You can read many articles about the proclamation at: http://lds.org

They are up lifting and inspire me to do my best to live the three things Dad suggests couples do for a happy marriage.

1. Gentleness, 2. Meekness and 3. Love unfeigned. I know these are Christ like traits.

When I type Dad’s words I remember coming in to see him and how hard he worked to make these happen for us! I miss him immensely! I really appreciate all he did to make these come together for us.

Memo #128

May 1, 2011

To: My Loved Ones

From: Dad, Grandpa etc Richard M Pratt

Re: Marriage

“In the heavens are parents single? No, the thought makes reason stare.

Truth is reason, truth eternal, Tells me I've a Mother there.” Eliza R. Snow

Or in the words of President Brigham Young, “We were created upright, pure, and holy, in the image of our father and our mother, the image of our God. Discourses of Brigham Young 51

Mankind are here because they are the offspring of parents; who were first brought here from another planet, and power was given them to propagate their species, and they were commanded to multiply and replenish the earth.” Ibid 105

How does God transfer mortals from one planet to another? By the process of “Translation.” What this means exactly we don't know but the mortal body is still mortal and must die at some later time. A few examples from the Bible was the “City of Enoch” and John the Revelator and from the Book of Mormon, the Three apostles known as the Three Nephites. All of these remain in that condition until the coming of the Lord.

Apparently then Adam and Eve were translated from a previous world to this one and placed in the Garden of Eden and were given an opportunity to go back to a mortal stage subject to death by eating something that would change their bodies.

“When was there a beginning? There never was one; if there was, there will be an end; but there never was a beginning, and hence there will never be an end.” Ibid 47

There never has been a time when there have not been worlds like this, and there never will be a time when there will not be worlds organized and prepared for intelligent beings to dwell upon...there never was a time when man did not exist, and there never will be a time he will cease to exist...the Priesthood of God is unchangeable in its system of government and its gospel of salvation.

Man is the offspring of God ~ No human being has the power to organize his own existence. Then there is a greater than we. Are we our own in our bodies? Are we our own in our Spirits? We are not our own. We belong to our progenitors ~ to our Father and our Mother and our God.

Things were first created spiritually. The Father (and our Mother) actually begat the spirits and they were brought forth and lived with him (them).

I want to tell you, each and everyone of you, that you are well acquainted with God our Heavenly Father (and God our Heavenly Mother). You are all well acquainted with them, for there is not a soul of you but what has lived in their home and dwelt with them year after year, and yet you are seeking to become acquainted with them, when the fact is, you have merely forgotten what you did know. There is not a person here today but what is a son or daughter of these beings. In the spirit world their spirits were first begotten and brought forth, and they lived there with their parents for ages before they came here. This perhaps, is hard for many to believe, but it is the greatest of nonsenses in the world not to believe it. If you do not believe it, cease to call him Father; and when you pray, pray to some other character. Ibid 50

The Lord created you and me for the purpose of becoming Gods like himself; when we have been proven in our present capacity, and have been faithful with all things he puts into our possession.

How many will become thus privileged? Those who honor the Father and the Son; those who receive the Holy Ghost, and magnify their calling, and are found pure and holy; they shall be crowned in the presence of the Father and the Son. Ibid 57

of securing to yourselves eternal life ~ to live and enjoy these blessings forever; you will say that is the greatest blessing that can be bestowed upon you. To live forever and enjoy the society of wives, children, and children's children, to a thousand generations, and forever; and also the society of brethren, sisters, neighbors, and associates, and to possess all you can ask for to make you happy and comfortable. What blessing is equal to this? What blessing is equal to the continuation to live, to the continuation of our organization? Ibid 96

How much matter do you suppose there is between here and some of the fixed stars which we can see? Enough to frame many, very many millions of such earths as this. Ibid 398

and were it possible that man could number the particles of the earth, (I take it a particle to be a speck of sand) yea millions of earths like this, it would not be a beginning to the number of thy creations; and thy curtains are stretched out still; and yet thou are there; and also thou art just and thou art merciful and kind forever. Moses 7:30

Yet with all this vast kingdom. Our Father has but one goal. ~ “TO BRING TO PASS THE IMMORTALITY AND ETERNAL LIFE OF MAN.” Moses 1:39

Like any good Father (and Mother) his eternal energies are to give to his children all that they are willing to receive. And in the quote above the two words IMMORTALITY AND ETERNAL LIFE have two different meanings.

Immortality is to live forever in some degree of happiness or even intense misery as will be the sons of Perdition. Immortality was automatically assured by the Savior, Jesus Christ, on the cross to every soul. Nothing has to be done to earn it. It is a free gift.

Paul explains why by telling us that we did not bring death into the world:saying, “If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the first fruits of them that slept.

For since by man came death, (Adam) by man came also the resurrection of the dead. “For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.” but every man in his own order: Christ the first fruits; after ward they that are Christ's at his coming.” 1 Cor. 15:17-23

Now I'm going to take a dangerous course, and word the rest of this in modern jargon. It's dangerous for you, because if you are motivated to qualify yourself simply for the grand reward then you will still be disqualified as an eternal manager. But hopefully the modern wording will be so clear that you will be motivated to develop that pure love of Christ which is absolutely essential to Eternal life or leadership in the kingdom. (Yes, I know I’ve used this quote a few memos back but it is absolutely imperative that you understand it.

“For who so is faithful unto the obtaining these two priesthoods of which I have spoken, and the magnifying of their callings, are sanctified by the Spirit unto the renewing of their bodies. They become the sons of Moses and of Aaron and the seed of Abraham, and the church and kingdom, and the elect of God.

And also all they who receive this priesthood, receive me saith the Lord;

For he that receiveth my servants receiveth me, and he that receiveth my Father receiveth my Father's Kingdom; THEREFORE ALL THAT MY FATEHR HATH SHALL BE GIVEN UNTO HIM.

And this is according to the oath and covenant which belongeth to the priesthood, Therefore all those who receive this oath and covenant of my Father, which he cannot break, neither can it be moved.

But who so breaketh this covenant after he hath received it, and altogether turneth therefrom, shall not have forgiveness of sins in this world nor in the world to come.

And wo unto all those who come not unto this priesthood which ye have received, which I now confirm upon you who are present this day, by mine own voice out of the heavens; and even I have given the heavenly hosts and mine angels charge concerning you.

And I now give unto you a commandment to beware concerning yourselves, to give diligent heed to the words of eternal life.

For you shall live by every word that proceedeth forth from the mouth of God.

Comment: Notice that God is making a covenant with an oath to all who qualify themselves which He cannot break. You in turn also will make a covenant with an oath to live by every word that proceedeth forth from the mouth of God. Included in that oath and covenant you will receive two priesthoods, the lower being called the Aaronic and the higher the Melchizedek. ~ Priesthood means that God delegates to all who receive it the right to act in his name. And by appointment over any area of his vast holdings you govern, control, speak and officiate as tho you were God.

This life is a proving ground to see if we are dependable. Perhaps the smallest assignment we might receive here is home and / or visiting teaching. Only responsible for three to five families, if we can't be dependable in serving their needs, how can we be favored with Godhood and be trusted with the welfare of a world or worlds?

How about tithing? How can we be trusted with the vast riches of a world or many worlds if we are not dependable in our paltry little contributions here.

Or if we are not faithful in our prayers how could the Father let us rule over a vast area if we were not faithful in communicating with the head office. And all of the rest of the commandments.

But the greatest qualification for eternal leadership is marriage for time and all eternity which can only be performed in a temple dedicated for that purpose. No man will ever preside over a world or even a house in town who does not have one of our Father's daughters sealed to him, to walk by his side to bare his eternal children and be a forever helpmeet which means to help him meet the challenges of worlds without end. And that daughter is to rule with her husband as an equal partner forever.

Who desires to enter the eternal world and be a servant, when the promise is held out that we may be sons and daughters of God, Kings and Queens. Let us be among those who qualify to rule and reign in the Celestial worlds forever. Few there will be that arrive at that glorious state, and why; because their hearts are set so much upon the things of this world and aspire to the honors of men that they do not learn this one lesson. That the rights of the Priesthood are inseparably connected with the powers of heaven, and that the powers of heaven cannot be controlled nor handled only upon the principle of righteousness.

That they may be conferred upon us, it is true; but when we undertake to cover our sins, or to gratify our pride, our vain ambition, or to exercise control or dominion or compulsion upon souls of the children of men in any degree of unrighteousness, behold, the heavens withdraw themselves; the spirit of the Lord is grieved; and when it is with drawn, Amen to the Priesthood or the authority of that man. Behold ere he is aware, he is left unto himself, to kick against the “pricks” to persecute the Saints, and to fight against God. D&C 121:34-38

I love the following description of a women worthy to be an eternal Mother in Heaven.

“Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies.

The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.

She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. She is like the merchants ships; she bringeth her food from afar.

She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a protion to her maidens.

She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard. She girdeth her loins with strength and strengtheth her arms.

She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night. She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.

She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. She is not afraid of the snow for her household; for all her household are clothed with scarlet.

She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple. Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land, she maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.

Strength and honor are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and she shall rejoice in time to come.

She looketh well to the ways of her household; and in her tongue is kindness. Her children rise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.

Favor is deceitful, and beauty is vain; but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised. Give her the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.” (Proverbs 31:10-31)

(Marriage continued next memo)

Love, Dad, Grandpa etc. Richard Marden Pratt

The Women in our lives by Gordon B Hinckley October 2004 General Conf. (see it at: lds.org)

“And the rib, which the Lord God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man.

“And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman” (Gen. 2:20–23).

And so Eve became God’s final creation, the grand summation of all of the marvelous work that had gone before.

Notwithstanding this preeminence given the creation of woman, she has so frequently through the ages been relegated to a secondary position. She has been put down. She has been denigrated. She has been enslaved. She has been abused. And yet some few of the greatest characters of scripture have been women of integrity, accomplishment, and faith.........

How thankful I am, how thankful we all must be, for the women in our lives. God bless them. May His great love distill upon them and crown them with luster and beauty, grace and faith. And may His Spirit distill upon us as men and lead us ever to hold them in respect, in gratitude, giving encouragement, strength, nurture, and love, which is the very essence of the gospel of our Redeemer and Lord. For this I humbly pray, in the sacred name of Jesus Christ, amen. (READ THE TALK IT IS POWERFUL!)

LDS Women Are Incredible! By Quentin L. Cook of April 2011 general conference

Author and historian Wallace Stegner wrote about the Mormon migration and gathering to the Salt Lake Valley. He did not accept our faith and in many ways was critical; nevertheless, he was impressed with the devotion and heroism of our early Church members, especially the women. He stated, “Their women were incredible.” 1 I echo that sentiment today. Our Latter-day Saint women are incredible!

God placed within women divine qualities of strength, virtue, love, and the willingness to sacrifice to raise future generations of His spirit children.

A recent United States study asserts that women of all faiths “believe more fervently in God” and attend more religious services than men do. “By virtually every measure they are more religious.” 2

I was not surprised by this result, particularly as I reflected on the preeminent role of families and women in our faith. Our doctrine is clear: Women are daughters of our Heavenly Father, who loves them. Wives are equal to their husbands. Marriage requires a full partnership where wives and husbands work side by side to meet the needs of the family. 3

These two talks are powerful and you can enjoy them as modern day witness about women, going along with Dad's memo. lds.org is a wonderful site - try it out and learn!

Memo #127

April 1, 2011

To: My Loved Ones

From: Dad & Grandpa Pratt etc.

Re: Continuation of personal life in a distressed world

Interesting story before I type Dad’s memo. I was thinking of Dad’s poem about I can’t and could not recall it clearly. I looked on google and found some similar but then a few more words and bingo it came up! Something in my head said to read the paragraph above the poem and it was like a hug from Dad. A sweet tender mercy that touched my heart. I hope you enjoy the poem and we can live by it’s words. Dad sure did!

“On days when I wonder how I can keep going, I remember the words of a poem that one of my favorite high school teachers, Richard Pratt, taught me years ago:”

I can't—a poor, pale, puny imp

Too lazy to work and from every duty does shirk.

I can—a giant, unbending he stands.

And he can conquer who thinks he can

In spite of the throngs who doubt him.

Memo 127

War has cursed the earth since Cain slew his brother Abel, yet the Father of us all uses war, “He certainly doesn’t cause them, wicked men must bare that responsibility,” but He brings to pass his great purposes of eternal peace by allowing wars to happen. Certainly man has been taught peace and love. And to physically restrain wars could only be done by removing free agency from the earth and that God will not do. And to physically refrain would be war.

Many miracles happen during war time. I’ve recounted some in the past. Many more will happen as wars escalate in frequency, ferocity, and brutality until the Lord comes at which point the war-mongers will be removed from the earth and only peace loving, peace practicing people will remain.

Starting with the Revolutionary War our nation has been involved in (I’m not sure of the number) ten or twelve conflicts. Half or more of them in my lifetime including World Wars one and two. Which are labeled the most destructive of history.

I was too young to serve in World War I and too old for all the rest or engaged in an occupation that made me draft free such as farming in the case of World War II. I’ve had mixed feelings of both relief but also regret that I missed that experience.

I think of my boyhood friend and our family farm hand, August Auckarook. Born in Russia about 1900, witnessed the awful Russian Revolution and the loss of his entire family therein. Escaping to America, drafted into the United States army, serving with great distinction in France and Germany. Buried alive by an exploding shell and before he suffocated unburied by another shell and severely wounded. He died as a result of those wounds by his mid-twenties. However he lived four or five years after and worked on our ranch. Then four or five years ago, he came to me from the World of Spirits and asked to be baptized and given the Priesthood so that he could be called on a mission to serve his people in that Paradisaical glory where the departed spirits live.

Or my friend Bill Ames we were home teaching companions in Wenatchee, Washington Branch about ethe same age and same number of children. The President assigned us to work with a young family who were leaving the church and joining some Pentecostal group. We set up an appointment with them. We arrived at the designated time only to find that the husband had gone fishing to avoid us. After an unsuccessful half hour with his wife in which she treated us very coldly we got up to leave with no intention of returning. As we started to leave she warmed up slightly and said. “Before you go administer to my sick daughter. She has been diagnosed with cancer and given only six months to live.” we thought what a strange request from someone leaving the church. We told her we would leave it up to the girl, whom of course we knew. We were ushered into a back bedroom and there lay this beautiful little nine year old. They had taken her out of school and were trying to make her as comfortable as possible at home. We explained to that sweet baby as best we could that Jesus could heal her and explained the administration procedure. Her eyes lit up and she eagerly asked us to give her a blessing. We did and left. Two or three days later we called back and found that the child was back in school and free of cancer. The mother coldly informed us that the doctor must have made a wrong diagnosis and closed the door in our face. Now I mention this to bring me up to the real story of Bill.

Bill was studying to be a doctor and enlisted in the Korean War as a medic. He was soon promoted and placed in charge of a group of medics. One night after a fierce battle the valley floor was covered with the dead and wounded. The wounded, moaning and crying out for help. Bill was ordered to wait 'til dark and then they would have a chance to bring out the wounded with less casualties of their own as the enemy still had the area under their control. But the full moon made so much light that Bill's men would be fired upon every time they tried to enter the area. Finally Bill told his men to lay low for a few minutes and he would be back.

Withdrawing to where he could be alone, he raised his hands heavenward and by the power of the Holy Priesthood, commanded a black cloud to form in the cloudless sky and hide the moons light. Almost instantly the moon was hid and the darkness such that they could only be guided to the wounded by their distress calls. And of course the enemy couldn't see to fire on them. As soon as they finished removing all they could hear, the cloud disappeared and no further efforts could be made in rescuing anyone but Bill felt that they had gotten them all.

Bill returned safely got his degree and moved to Canada to practice. He visited me a couple of times here in Provo. I assume he is now dead as most of my generation are.

Then there was the young man from a Southern Idaho town serving in the army in Vietnam. At that time after one year of service the soldier was sent home for a month and then returned to duty. For the last four or five nights before coming home for his thirty day rest he had a recurring dream. In the dream he was leading a patrol of four or five men into enemy territory. Coming to a turn in the jungle trail, he was shot by a sniper in the heart and killed instantly.

He had a great reunion with his family, told only his grandmother of the dream and told her he would not be coming back. Shortly after he had returned to his unit he found himself leading a patrol as he had dreamed. As he approached the turn in the trail, he thought, “no use trying to avoid it”, and pushed on, a shot rang out and he was shot right on the heart by a high powered armor piercing bullet. It knocked him flat on his back and he lay there hurting terribly. He thought, “so this is what being dead is. Then he thought, “but I was taught in primary that you don't hurt when you're dead.” He reached up to his tunic pocket right over his heart and pulled out his tiny serviceman’s Book of Mormon. They are about three inches by five inches and one half inch thick There was the bullet. It had penetrated about half way thru the book, about three eighths of an inch and stopped on page three hundred eighteen, Alma Chapter 44 and had slightly indented the word God in verse four which reads:
“Now ye see that this is the true faith of God; yea, ye see that God will support, and keep, and preserve us, so long as we are faithful unto him, and unto our faith, and our religion; and never will the Lord suffer that we shall be destroyed except we should fall into transgression and deny our faith.”

He returned home safely at the end of his second hitch and of course carried his much cherished Book of Mormon.

The Korean War took place in the early 1950's and was a scourge indeed. Utah was represented in that struggle by the 213^th Field Artillery from Southern Utah. It was composed of about six hundred men. They came mostly from Richfield, Cedar City and Fillmore. They were engaged in several terrible battles yet all of them returned home alive.

We also had the 1457^th Engineer Battalion who performed a decade before the Korean War. This was in the first war with Iraq. Engineers are in the most hazardous areas of wars. They go before the regular troops clearing the way, therefore they suffer the heaviest of casualties. They are always the most decorated of any troops. When they were gathered at Kuwait to come home it was discovered that all were present, all were alive; not one was killed. In fact when the government heard of it they sent several high ranking officers to Salt Lake to inquire about it and to express national gratitude for their service.

But the most interesting of them all I've saved for the last. It's the story of a man from Vietnam. He is a small man physically but a giant spiritually. In his home town, Saigon; which is the capital of Vietnam with near two million residents he was known among the church members as the “good shepherd of Saigon.”

Barely five feet tall he weighed sixty eight pounds when inducted into the Vietnamese Army. The minimum weight was supposed to be seventy pounds but they took him anyway. His rifle was taller than he was. He fought for over two years in the front lines and not even wounded. He said he was too small for a target. He finally was promoted to Captain and assigned to non combat duty.

Some where along the line he came upon a U.S. Soldier with a stalled motor bike. Speaking good English he asked if he could help. He soon had the bike going and as the soldier got on to leave, he asked, “by the way what do you know about the Mormons?” “Tay” had never heard of them and answered that he was Buddhist. Soon he was a member of the church and then became the president of a branch of two hundred fifty members or more.

Oh! His name was NGUYEN VAIV THE later when becoming an American he changed it to “THE VAN NGUYEN” for their custom is the reverse of English in that their sir name is first. His name is pronounced “TAY VAN WIN”.

In his near forty years in Vietnam he never knew peace, war was the way of life and his youthful years were ones of constant loss of family members. He remembers his childhood with great love. Listen to a description of his home and marvel. He described it as half of a building about twenty five by thirty feet divided in half making it a sort of duplex each side being one room about fifteen by twenty feet. The floor was just dirt, hard packed dirt. There were no glass windows and only the exit door with a glassless window with wooden bars. The end opposite the door was partitioned off by a bamboo curtain behind which his father and stepmother slept, no furniture. He and a sister five years older slept together during his early years on a mat. There was a home made stove of sorts made of mud and all the walls were of dried mud, nothing painted and he has fond memories of that as a happy home. Even tho his mother died when he was only two and four or five years later his father was shot while coming home from work. Their stepmother abandoned them taking everything that was loose. An uncle and aunt moved in to take care of them, each dieing within two years followed by a grandmother who also soon died and another uncle and aunt who also died.

Then at the age of 10 and 15 years they alone and dependent on supporting themselves he and his fifteen year old sister, “BA” made a pact to always take care of each other. Which they have faithfully kept.

At this early age, ten and fifteen, they either starved or took care of themselves. They decided to go into business for themselves. They sold their half of their home and had a much smaller one built. How could it be much smaller? With the few dollars left they rented an outdoor stall in the open market place. Getting up each morning before daylight, they would walk four or five miles out into the country, buy all the produce they could carry and sell it in their stall. In the evening they ate their one meal of the day, of whatever they had left over. They succeeded and in a year or two hired a helper.

Then his sister married and Tay could return to school. Here he excelled especially in languages. (I wonder how “BA” found time to be courted, but she did.) She was also very upset with Tay joining the church and herself has remained a Buddhist.

Tay writes to her regularly and remembering their covenant to take care of each other sends her, in his words, “a little money”.

Today things are very desperate in that country since it fell into the hands of the communists. Starvation is the way of life. Many live on as little as five to ten dollars a month and what they can raise.

Today “BA” with her husband and children still live in the same area in the same kind of house, one that she and Tay built. Now at sixty five, Tay lives in a nice home in Salt Lake City with his wife “Lien My Le” (Leen). They have three grown children and grandchildren. Tay is an agent for the FBI and serves as a translator in several languages. At conference time the church uses him to translate and broadcast conference and often at other occasions.

How did his success all happen. He gives all the credit to his Heavenly Father and his church membership.

At the end of the war as Branch President he helped many of his Saigon branch to escape to the point that he was captured and spent three years as a prisoner of war in a “re-education facility” where the treatment was more than brutal. Tay's 135 fellow prisoners appointed him as cook to help him from having to participate in the inhuman hard toil they were forced into. They never had enough to eat. One day he was allowed one chicken and a few wilted vegetables. Imagine that for 135 hungry men. To divide the chicken equally he ground it up into fine pieces and put it in the soup, mostly water. Each got one cup as their main meal and usually the only meal of the day.

He finally escaped and after four years was reunited with his family. His three children didn't even know him. And somehow they and the branch members wound up here in Provo, Utah. The branch was reorganized here in Provo with him as President. At his release I was blessed to follow him as President and he served as my clerk and translator. So I've heard these stories from his own mouth, and he is indeed my brother.

He has also written a two hundred fifty page book of his miraculous experiences and how the Lord has preserved his life for so very many times. The name of the book is “When Faith Endures” you will find it a gripping story. And is available at LDS book stores.

These stories are about people who in the face of great odds turned their lives over to God and he helped them to move forward. Turn your lives over to our Heavenly Father and live the gospel for it is true!

My love always,

Dad, Grandpa Pratt etc.