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Show BYLAVARRG. WEBB Deseret News staff writer BERLIN, GERMANY I resident Spencer W. Kimball last reek completed a whirlwind seven-natio- n European tour during which he was met with love and gratitude wherever he visited and taught the saints. Hie trip included stops in Bern and Zollikofen, Switzerland; Vienna, Austria; Milan, Padova, Rome and Catania, Italy; London, England; Berlin, Germany; Warsaw, Poland; and Dresden, German Democratic Republic. At most places, the prophet talked intimately with missionaries in the area and then spoke to members and investigators in mission-wid- e or multi-stak- e conferences always stressing the basic principles of the gospel. Members wept and laughed with joy in the presence of the prophet, stood m long lines to feel his firm handshake and listened intently as he taught. They marveled at bis health and vitality and were thrilled by his quick wit, easy smile and humility. Accompanying President Kimball were his wife, Camilla; Elder David M. Kennedy, special representative of the First Presidency, and his wife, Lenora; Dr. Ernest L. Wilkinson Jr., the Presidents personal physician; and D. Arthur Haycock, the Presidents personal secretary. The Church President arrived first in Switzerland Aug. 13 and during a quick visit installed a new presidency at the Swiss Temple and met with members and missionaries. Percy K. Fetzer of Salt Lake City and his wife, Thelma Woolley Fetzer, were installed as the new temple president and matron. Then the Presidents party flew to Vienna, Austria for the first visit by a President of the Church to that city. The prophet was met with a rousing reception at the airport. Dozens of members and missionaries snapped photographs, shook hands and presented Pres. Spencer W. IGmball addresses Italian members in the Congress Palace in Rome. flowers. At a reception later for branch, district and mission leaders of the Austria Vienna Mission, the guests untiringly greeted each Viennese member with warmth and affection. Asked by one member how he stays so young. President Kimball responded, I cant afford to get old. During the reception, President Kimball was taught some local songs and was entertained by a yodeler. The members sang and danced in their native dress and children sang, I Hope They Call Me on a Mission. Each time President Kimball met a young boy, even if only a few years old, he said, Oh, another missionary. He asked parents to follow his example and begin teaching their children when very young to be missionaries. In Milan, Italy, Aug. 16, the President spoke to about 800 members and investigators. He taught the basic principles of the gospel by quoting the Articles of Faith and explaining them to the members. We are all sons and daughters of God, the prophet said and the gospel is free to all men. But we must live according to the laws cf Christ We cannot change the program to suit our convenience. Sister Kimball spoke several times during the tour and stressed love and family relationships. Nothing is more important than these things, she said. We cant start too young teaching love to our children. When children begin life this way, they will stay on the narrow path. She told the members to set goals. Life has many difficulties, but if we have goals, we will have the strength to overcome. Although in most cities the members heard the prophets message through an interpreter, they could feel his warm spirit and they listened carefully. In Padova, Italy, a gathering of 1,000 was hushed as President Kimball rose to speak. He testified of the importance of the Book of Mormon and told how it complements the Bible. He counseled the members to sustain and support the laws and authorities of the country where you live, and added that missionaries are not to get involved in political discussions or politics of any type. With these teachings in mind, we feel governments everywhere should open their doors to our missionaries," he said. He told members to seek after Im home and ready to serve. He told them not to immediately aspire to high jobs in the Church, but to do their best in whatever job they are given. All jobs in the Church are bigger than we are, he said. He said every normal young man and woman should want to be married and he warned against postponing families until schoolwork is completed. Divorce is a horrible, terrible thing, he saiu, adding that individuals should properly marry in the first place and then divorce will never even be considered. In London and Berlin President Kimball stressed living the commandments. The Ten Commandments are still in force and are valid, he said, his voice almost a whisper yet still distinct and powerful. Dont commit adultery, kill, bear false witmess, steal, or do any of those things. We believe firmly in these doctrines. Nothing less than strict adherence will take anyone to salvation. In several meetings the President talked about temple work and said that originally there were many scriptures in the Bible about temple ordinances. He said the millions who have died without hearing about Christ will have the chance to accept the gospel and Church members must now do temple work for them. He told about Christs original Church, and traced the apostasy through the ages. Then Joseph Smith came forward and prayed sincerely. The Father and the Son came to earth and said they would reorganize their Church, the prophet This stupendous experience that this young said. man had was real and true. Of that we are positive. He said for the next few decades, Joseph Smith received revelation and organized the Church like the original Church. Doctrines came back to earth one by home, go visit your bishop and say, Missionaries greet Pres. Kimball after the Rome meeting. all good, praiseworthy things, including music and the arts. In Rome, Aug. 18, the national television station covered the evening meeting. President Kimball told about the growth of the Church. There are larger churches, he said, but none are growing as fast as ours. We have some 4 million members, more than when Jesus was upon the earth. He stressed that all members have the obligation to carry the gospel message by telling their neighbors about the Church e and by contributing to missionary work. The Church leader told how succession to the Church presidency is handled when the present prophet passes away. The president of the Council of Hie Twelve becomes President of the Church and he names another apostle to take his place, he said. Throughout the tour the President Kimballs party kept up a hectic pace and the prophet had little time to rest. The rigors of traveling and going through several time changes seemed to have little effect on him. In Catania, Italy, Aug. 19, President Kimball held a special meeting with the missionaries and counseled them to continue to be missionaries even after they full-tim- return home. This is a million-yea- r mission, he said. When you go home you work for the Lord. As soon as you get one. President Kimball bore testimony of Jesus Christ. He told the story of Peter, who knew that Jesus was the Son of the living God, and added, As Peter said, I also say, that Jesus is the Son of God. He is divine and He is the leader of this kingdom. He reveals His words to His prophets, and I know it, like Peter knew it on the same basis. We love you, you are dear to us, he told the members. We prry for you. President Kimballs visit was the first time members in most cities had met a prophet. Ill remember that firm handshake and steadfast look into my eyes the rest of my life, said a member in Rome. WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 3, 1977 CHURCH 3 |