A WALK DOWN MEMORY LANE
BRUXELLES
A SPECIAL TIME, A SPECIAL PLACE
A SPECIAL TIME, A SPECIAL PLACE
THE "DIPLOMATS" OF EUROPE
Throughout the city of Bruxelles, there are many murals painted on the sides of buildings. Although this gentleman is not a diplomat, I've always loved this depiction of a dueling figure, which we see whenever we take the Number 63 bus into the downtown area. What an appropriate image for the capital city of Europe, which brings together dueling diplomats from many lands to resolve their differences and find solutions, which hopefully makes life better for the people of Europe!
The European Parliament is at the heart of the European Union. This display of flags suggests the complexities involved in the creation of a unified entity speaking for "Europe." In 1876, the German Chancellor, Otto von Bismark, wrote: "Qui parle Europe a tort. Notion geographique." ("Whoever speaks for Europe is wrong. It is a geographical expression.") Today countless political players make decisions on behalf of "Europe."
The fascinating interplay of heads of government, the President of the Commission, the Court of Justice, members of the
Parliament, the countries of the Eurozone, the President of European Council, and a myriad of civil servants from all
members states, makes decision-making very difficult. It is an economic union and embryonic political system with no Constitution, often contradictory treaty obligations, no central bank, and no common language! (English is the common working language so we had no communication problems.)
Like these chefs in the Parliament, the many countries represented in the European Union, all have different "tastes" and ideas about which direction the EU should go!
We were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Margaret Thatcher, the former Prime Minister of Great Britain. Mrs. Thatcher was a great leader and friend of the United States. She "fought" for the things she believed in to make England great, even if it meant being isolated in the "Club of Europe"! A special table was set up in the Parliament for admirers to express their condolences, which David did on behalf of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
AMBASSADOR OF AFGHANISTAN
It was a great pleasure to get acquainted with H.E. Homayoun Tandar, the Ambassador of Afghanistan to the European Union, Belgium, and Luxembourg. We engaged in an interesting conversation about the future of his country and the turmoil across the world. It brought to mind the Lord's words in 1831 to the Prophet Joseph Smith: "And again, verily I say unto you, O inhabitants of the earth: I the Lord am willing to make these things known unto all flesh; for I am no respecter of persons, and will that all men shall know that the day speedily cometh; the hour is not yet, but is nigh at hand, when peace shall be taken from the earth, and the devil shall have power over his own dominion. And also the Lord shall have power over his saints, and shall reign in their midst, and shall come down in judgement upon... the world." D&C 1:34-36. May peace and the blessings of the gospel come to all nations and people throughout the earth in these latter-days!
AMBASSADOR OF PAKISTAN
The Ambassador of Pakistan to the European Union, Belgium and Luxembourg, H. E. Munawar Saheed Bhatti, is a well educated and very articulate diplomat. He was especially forthcoming on difficulties encountered in the Pakistan and India relationship, and his desire to overcome obstacles to peace. I was reminded of the black-tie dinner at Mount Vernon Virginia, hosted by President John F. Kennedy for the President of Pakistan, General Mohammad Ayub Khan. My hope, expressed to Ambassador Bhatti, was that religious liberty would bring the blessings of heaven to all nations.
President George Washington's words came to mind: "Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports. In vain would that man claim the tribute of patriotism, who should labor to subvert these great pillars of human happiness, these firmest props of the duties of men and citizens.... And let us with caution indulge the supposition that morality can be maintained without religion. Whatever may be conceded to the influence of refined education...reason and experience both forbid us to expect that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle."
This wonderful singing group from Latvia, as well as the European Union Member Countries, all interpret the "music" of politics differently. We became very good friends with the representatives of the Baltic States and worked with them constantly on the issues of religious freedom. This performance in the Yehudi Menuin salle of the EU Parliament, was the venue for many cherished memories with our European friends.
A luncheon in the EU Parliament between sessions of a diplomatic conference found David seated between two very influential delegates. On his right is The Lord Hylton, M.A., A.R.I.C.S., House of Lords, London (Oxford educated.); and on his left is Dr. Jamel Zarrouk, Chief Economist, the Islamic Bank of Development, Ryiad ( M.A. at the University of Michigan, where he studied with Paul McCracken, and Ph.D. University of Colorado. He lived with an LDS family during his student days in Maryland, while doing research at the Library of Congress.)
Our loadstone during our mission was to follow the Spirit of Revelation each day. In this manner, the Lord placed us in constantly changing relationships and friendships, which may be called upon in the years ahead to further His work. Lord Hylton of the United Kingdom and Dr. Zarrouk of Saudi Arabia are good examples of high-level individuals in positions of influence who may be very helpful to the Church in the years to come based upon a friendship which began in Bruxelles.
In the Parliament, the press is ever ready to interview and record the Members on decisions they have taken that day, and what the future might hold for their constituents. Interestingly,
legislative initiatives come from the European Commission and not from the Members of Parliament.
The United States Constitution has it right: "We the People of the United States, in order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America." Preamble.
legislative initiatives come from the European Commission and not from the Members of Parliament.
The United States Constitution has it right: "We the People of the United States, in order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America." Preamble.
David is pictured here with probably the most important man in the European Union, Herman Van Rompuy, President of the European Council, who chairs meetings when the Heads of State and Government meet in high-level council sittings.
At the annual Prayer Breakfast (held each year) in the Parliament, President Van Rompuy, a former Prime Minister of Belgium, spoke about his Christian beliefs and "life as a road to perfection." He said: "as we come closer to reaching it, the end
of life approaches. In that sense the culmination of the good life
is sometimes very near to the end of it. Those who achieve it earlier in their lives are on the road to sanctity. Human beings like me need much more time to get there!" He impressed David with three qualities as they exchanged greetings on more than one occasion: First, he had a very firm handshake; second, he had very clear and penetrating blue eyes; third, he was a good listener.
David noted that in his remarks at the Prayer Breakfast, President Van Rompuy said: "No one has seen God, let alone God the father." David said: "I thought to myself, every Primary child knows more than the President of the European Council!" His term of office expires in 2014 and he has been a steady and good friend. We will be sorry to see him go, and wish him God speed in his future endeavors.
Sometimes not everyone wants to get "on board" at the Parliament, but would rather jump from the sinking "Titanic" before it goes down. Such is the case in the European Union, where the voyage is stormy and often through very rough seas. One shrewd observer has stated: "Discourse is no mere verbalization of conflicts or systems of domination, but the very thing for which and with which one fights, the power one is aiming to seize." Michel Foucault (1971).
As shown in this famous painting in the well known Ryks Museum in Amsterdam, many of the countries in the European Union need to be rescued from impending political, social and financial disasters! Our efforts were well repaid as the European Parliament and Council of the European Union, adopted "EU Guidelines on the Promotion and Protection of Freedom of Religion"in June 2013. As we were departing from Europe the next month, it was heartwarming to see this major step forward in the cause of religious liberty. Many wonderful friends in the Parliament, Commission, Council and NGO community joined us in this successful effort to provide a European benchmark for the implementation of religious freedom by the European Union.
Along the walking street just off the "Grand Place", is another example of urban art work. The countries of Europe need to face their problems together, and not retreat, or go back down like the people in this painting are doing. They need to continue to press "onward" and "upward" for the common goal of a united Europe! The live mannequin you see on the right is also symbolic of a paralyzed Europe in the face of serious crises, which constantly beset the member countries.
David enjoyed the receptions and socializing at the European Union Parliament. This event in the grand concourse of the Parliament, was a celebration of the freedom and democracy now prevailing in the Baltic States of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. MEP Sandra Kalniete (Latvia) was typical of the bright, well-educated women taking their place in the world of European politics.
This part of the world still bares the scars of domination by the Soviet Union following World War II. We found the down-trodden of Europe, and those nations and people who suffered the injustices and harshness of totalitarian dictatorships, to be especially appreciative of American ideals and the humanitarian work of The Church of Jesus Christ
of Latter-day Saints.
Special Friendships and Memories
Juri and Vatiare Rudiger met at the Brigham Young University Hawaii while they were students. Juri, with his German-Russian heritage, was raised in Eastern Europe, and Vaitiare with her South Pacific and Tahitian heritage, were faithful members of our Brussels Ward. We found ourselves being substitute grandparents to their adorable children, which was especially nice on the day their daughter was baptized and confirmed a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
THE WONDERFUL CASARES FAMILY
Awaiting Ambassador and Mrs. Kovanda's
arrival for dinner at our Ambiorix Square residence.
Ambassador and Mrs. Kovanda of the Czech Republic
to the United Nations
This picture shows us with some of our fellow missionaries at the beautiful Waterloo home of our friends Orlando and Astrid Casares. Orlando has a thriving global law practice based in Brussels, where he met his beautiful Danish wife, Astrid.
Pictured with us are Elder and Sister Okelberry from Preston, Idaho, where he raises those tasty Idaho potatoes, which keep the McDonalds franchises well supplied with their basic fries.
Brother Okelberry had recently returned home for hip replacement surgery, and was back at work in Brussels within three weeks, a miracle which brought great rejoicing by their 14 children, numerous grandchildren, and fellow missionaries!
soon to depart for his mission. We miss them very much!
THANKSGIVING WITH SPECIAL FRIENDS
To Darelyn's left is her best Brussels friend and visiting teacher, Rebecca Bertz (whom David called "Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm", because of her joyful personality and splendid spirituality). Rebecca is Swiss-German by birth and a long-time Brussels resident. She is a shining example of the Savior's admonition to care for the poor and down-trodden, as she volunteers her time to work with the homeless of Brussels.
We gathered at the Bertz home for an American Thanksgiving Day with the wonderful Voightlander family, now in Mexico City for another U.S. Department of State assignment; and new friends from Africa.
Rebecca kept us well supplied with the finest fruits and vegetables, and made weekly visits to our home, to be sure we were getting along just fine. What an angel she is and we miss her a great deal as well as all of our dear friends!
We have a great love for our dear friend Regina Mukondola and her wonderful family, pictured here at our Brussels II chapel after Sacrament meeting. Regina works with an African Ambassador, and proudly wears the beautiful and colorful African costumes with spectacular head pieces to special events. Three of her children are still studying, and one is pursuing his career in the U.S. They each bring a wonderful light to all they meet, whether in Belgium or in the United States.
We miss the international flavor of the 23 countries represented in the Brussels II Ward. Saints from Belgium, France, Germany, Switzerland, Armenia, Russia, the United States, England, Peru, Brazil, Portugal, Denmark, Kenya, Ghana, Hungary, and the Netherlands, to name but a few.
We bid a fond farewell to these special friends and sang "God Be With You Til We Meet Again" with tears of joy and love in our hearts for the blessings of the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ, which will draw the elect from all nations, kindreds, tongues and people of all the world in the latter-days.
The evening of Sunday, June 29, 2013, concluded our mission to Bruxelles with a not-to-be forgotten program and reception at the stake center, where diplomats, scholars, missionaries, members and friends gathered for a special showing of Lee Groberg's production "Fires of Faith." Pictured left to right: David and Darelyn; Professor Guido Letre, Resident Scholar in English History, Culture and Biblical Studies, Katholic University of Leuvan, Belgium; Serge Vanderische, LDS Public Affairs Director for Belgium, and U.S. Embassy staff; Claude Bernard, LDS Public Affairs Director for Brussels, and Professor at the Free University of Brussels.
The "Fires of Faith" tells the story of the
father of the King James Version of the Bible, William Tyndale, who was imprisoned for translating holy scripture into English and died a martyr's death by strangulation and burning outside of Brussels in 1536. In a letter to the authorities, he begged for "a warmer cap...a warmer coat also...also a piece of cloth to patch my leggings... but above all my Hebrew Bible."
At the end of the program, we were suprised and honored to be presented with a farewell gift of the "Christus" sculpture, His arms extending an invitation to come unto Him. What joy filled our hearts and what sadness engulfed us, as our departure was imminent!
Serge and Claude made our association on the Public Affairs Council a joyous experience, for they are great advocates of religious liberty and very talented friends, whom we love and will miss a great deal!
Two days later, we were flying home with sweet memories and thousands of new friends, to be always remembered in the heart of Europe!
Adieu, Adieu and Adieu Cher Amis!
Arriving at the Washington, D.C. Reagan National Airport around midnight, having travelled all day from Bruxelles; we were exhausted!
(When we arrived in New York, there was only one available seat left on the flight to D.C......so we decided that I would fly and David would take the train. We were to meet at Reagan Airport.) When I arrived at Reagan National Airport, these three handsome men were there to greet me!! I was shocked to see our two sons, John and Taylor, standing with David!!!! He had just run into them in the airport...and was stunned also!!
What a fabulous and unexpected surprise!!!!!
RETURN AND REPORT
CHURCH OFFICE BUILDING
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH
We felt the love and support of Bill Atkin, Deputy General Counsel, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, throughout our mission, and were delighted to provide a detailed report on the progress of the work in Europe.
We were pleased to report significant progress in maintaining and expanding religious freedom; the establishment of positive and lasting relationships with many Ambassadors, decision-makers and opinion leaders; forward progress on strategic Church issues; the establishment of credible networks of scholars, civil society, and religious leaders; and the Spirit of Revelation, which we experienced in making the gospel message central to the European Union.
ELDER M. RUSSELL BALLARD
OF THE QUORUM OF THE TWELVE
We were thrilled to make a personal report of our mission to Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve on Sunday, May 18, 2014, when he visited the Mount Vernon Virginia Stake for a special conference in the Washington, D.C. area.
We expressed the strong impression to him, that during our
labors, the petition of the Prophet Joseph Smith to the Lord in connection with the dedication of the temple at Kirtland, Ohio in 1836, had been, in part, answered upon our heads. There, in the 109th Section of the Doctrine & Covenants, are recorded these words:
"Remember the kings, the princes, the nobles, and the great ones of the earth... That their hearts may be softened when thy servants shall go out from thy house, O Jehovah, to bear testimony of thy name; that their prejudices may give way before the truth, and thy people may obtain favor in the sight of all...."
This had been our experience and we felt greatly blessed by
the Lord in this special assignment the past two years.
And so this incredibly unique mission as
"Diplomatic Representatives to the European Union" has come to an end. We will forever cherish the memories of these past two years in Bruxelles, and never forget the wonderful missionaries, members, Ambassadors and leaders of Europe that we have met, who all work diligently each day in trying to solve the issues that confront this magnificent region of the world, to establish peace, justice and religious freedom for all the children of Our Heavenly Father
WE ARE GRATEFUL FOR THE LOVE AND SUPPORT OF OUR DEAR FAMILY
We are grateful for seven wonderful children (Paige, Heather, Lindsey, Jordan, John, Ashley and Taylor) and eighteen grand- children, who have prayed for us and supported us throughout our three missions, which took us from their presence.
We love them with all our hearts, and will be eternally grateful for their love and support! We share the joy of the Gospel of Jesus Christ with them, as we live in anticipation of the Savior's return, and the magnificent blessings of His Millennial reign on earth.
THE BYU HOMECOMING FOOTBALL GAME
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Elder Lance Wickman, is my stake president from when I was a kid! I am friends with his sons, Ethan (a composer and professor of music) and Josh. So good to see his picture!
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