I want to share an experience with you that most of you have never heard, I think. It goes back to the days when I was growing up in Castle Valley. You remember I told you that when we first arrived in the valley, we began attending church in Moab because there was no branch in Castle Valley at the time. That was also back in the day when church meetings extended from early morning until late afternoon every Sunday, rather than the consolidated schedule, which came soon after we arrived in our new home--thank goodness for that.
At that time we only had one car, so we all left early Sunday morning to make it to priesthood meeting. The women just hung out at the park while we went to priesthood. A couple hours later we all attended Sunday School, and several hours after that we had sacrament meeting, after which we would return to the farm. In between times, we would remain at the park to wait for the next meeting. We didn't know anyone in Moab at the time, so the park was our only option. As you might imagine, it was exhausting, but I learned the importance of going to church even when it is inconvenient and costly. Some time later, the stake began talking about forming a Castle Valley branch. By that time, there had been other families move into the valley and particularly an influx of Latter-day Saints. It was incredible as I look back now that people from all over the country converged on Castle Valley at that time and that there was a sufficient number of members in the valley to organize a functioning branch. Maybe that doesn't sound too incredible to you, but realize that Granny and Grandpa were essentially then the age of mom and I now (late-forties). Just imagine picking up everything and moving down to an area where we knew absolutely no one to a little piece of land that had no well or electricity...yet. That's what happened at the time to our family. So now back to the story.
Well, of course, everyone was wondering who would be called to be the branch president. Back then, it could have been any number of people, I suppose. But the Lord knew who would faithfully fill that role, and through local leaders the Lord called Grandpa to that position, which he held for fifteen years I believe--much longer than the duration bishops are typically called today. That's why everyone called Grandpa "President Stucki"--even to this day, because he was the branch president of the Castle Valley congregation for so long. The Lord knew the faithful work Grandpa would do for Him in that part of the vineyard.
It was great having Grandpa lead the branch. He was constantly involved helping people, and it took him away from the farm many times when he needed to be working on his own place. On Sundays, Grandpa was gone all day from early morning until well after church ended. I never heard him complain--not once. He filled this position well and gave it his all. I remember hearing Grandpa conduct meetings and preside and share his wisdom and testimony with us all. We really enjoyed it. Granny, too, was very supportive and patient. She knew the Lord needed Grandpa to be branch president, and she stepped up her contributions to the farm, the family, and the Church so Grandpa could fulfill his responsibilities. Grandma organized the library and got it off on the right foot from the very beginning. She also contributed to the Primary and Relief Society.
It was during this time that I was called into the Elders quorum. Imagine that. I was only 18-years-old. The branch gave us all many opportunities to serve, often in two or three positions at the same time, and though I was just a young man, I was called to serve with Ron Drake in the Elders quorum presidency. I very much enjoyed serving there. We had some fine men in the branch then that influenced my life for good at that time--Ron Drake, Jack Cluff, Paul Cluff, Jerry Ehlers, Mike Ricketts, and Jeff Whitney to name just a few (Bowthorpe, Montague Kusell, Ernie Faust). I will always love and appreciate those men for accepting me and including me in their circle of friendship.
Well, it was during that time as I was preparing for my mission that Grandpa came to me and said that Paul Cluff, the first counselor in the branch presidency, wanted to meet with me to extend a calling. I was young at the time and could hardly imagine what it would be.
I was thinking something like "Wow. I wonder what is in store for me now. Can you imagine Mathew Stucki will be the elder's quorum president before he even leaves on his mission, or maybe something even more impressive than that." I'm not sure what I was thinking exactly, but needless-to-say, I was excited for the upcoming interview. Well, I met with Brother Cluff there in our home. He said "Mathew we would like to extend a calling to you. We would like you to serve as ...waiting, waiting, waiting... the Primary chorister for the branch. Would you accept that calling?"
The words just hung in the air. I'm not sure I concealed my disappointment very well, but of course I said yes and willingly accepted. After Brother Cluff left, I was troubled by this call. I went to an empty room in our home, knelt down, and pleaded with the Lord "I am preparing for my mission. I am trying to do what is right, but I just don't understand this calling. What is in it for me?" Immediately, I received a complete answer. As clearly as if someone spoke the words to me, I heard "It's not for you. It's for the children."
At this point, I had never considered that option. My thoughts were all about me. So when this answer came abruptly, I knew it was from the Lord. My prayer changed from seeking guidance to acknowledging gratitude for receiving my answer. It just so happened that my primary chorister position turned out to be one of the most rewarding callings I have ever had. The children responded well to me, and we had fun times singing songs of faith and gospel preparation. Can you imagine an 18-year-old boy teaching Primary songs? Back then we sang different songs than the children do now. But we had loads of fun, and my efforts were welcomed and appreciated. Remember, this was just a little branch. And even though there were only a relatively few children in Primary, they would sing for me, and for that, I was grateful. Later, when I received my mission call to Finland and delivered my farewell address, the children sang a special missionary song to me to bid me farewell. I will always remember this kind and touching gesture when I left for the mission field.
I firmly believe that if you do something kind for someone else, it will always come back to you tenfold in the end. The Lord teaches us that if we bear difficulties with patience and strive to bring joy to others, we will be handsomely rewarded.
Turn the other cheek, pray for them that despitefully use you and persecute you, and love your enemies are not idle phrases. The Lord has commanded that we follow Him in these areas and promised us happiness and life eternal in return.
I don't have all the answers and neither do you...but we know where we can find them, and with faith we can have confidence that we will be blessed and edified for choosing the right.
The Savior has our best interest at heart, and He teaches us and provides commandments for our benefit. This I know from personal experience. I have spent a life time putting His words to the test, and I know from experience, that they are true.
Of this knowledge, I humbly and gratefully testify.
