Elder Boehrer and I went to a very interesting Fireside last night. It was at the Stake Center in the city of Baltimore. I have to say that I was concerned about driving through Baltimore at night because there are some areas that can be pretty scary, but it was great. The thing we have both noticed about the people in Baltimore and in surrounding areas, is that they are very friendly and cordial. I am used to the people in California who are of a different color and they sometimes act entitled (I hope that doesn’t offend anyone), but it’s the truth. Here in Baltimore, they don’t care who you are, what your color is, they have a smile on their face and they are always ready to help with whatever you need. I am learning everyday to love not only our mission but the people we associate with here in this area.
Ok, back to the Fireside. It was entitled “The Brotherhood of Man”. There were three speakers: Pace J. McConkie, who is the nephew of Bruce R. McConkie. NOTE: Bruce R. McConkie passed away in 1985. He was a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and a very knowledgeable man, especially relating to the scriptures. Dr. Vanessa Torbenson, MD was the second speaker. Dr. Torbenson is a physician who specializes in Obstetrics and Gynecology. She spoke about an incident she had in the college she attended. She had a friend who was very liberal and of a difference race. They enjoyed each other’s company and had many long discussions realizing that they didn’t have the same beliefs, but they were still friends and colleagues. One day this roommate participated in a protest about something that Dr. Torbenson was in favor of. For the next few weeks the roommate ignored Dr. Torbenson, until finally the doctor confronted him and asked what was wrong. He thought that because he had been in a protest that she didn’t approve of, she would not want to continue her friendship. Just the opposite, she assured him that their friendship was based on just that friendship and that it didn’t matter what his beliefs are, they would always be friends.
TJ Trusty, a young black 16 year old boy, who is an honor student and an athlete. He is the youngest of seven children, six of them are girls! He is the only black student in his high school. What are the odds?? He gave such a moving speech. He told what is was like to be the only black student and how much it helped being the youngest of seven children. He learned how to speak his mind. Can you imagine being raised with six sisters and the only boy!? That would prepare you for almost anything 
Brother McConkie is a civil rights lawyer and a professor at Morgan State University, where he is the founder and director of the Robert M. Bell Center for Civil Rights in Education. Prior to that he was an attorney for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). And, no he is not black, he is very fair and has blonde hair, but what an advocate for civil rights not only for the black population but for ALL people. He said that people will be taught the gospel in all four corners of the earth and that we are all children of our Heavenly Father who loves us very much. There was in attendance many civic and religious leaders. One of the people in attendance was a clergyman in one of the oldest Baptist Churches in Baltimore. It was just a great feeling to meet with all of those people and to know that we are all brothers and sisters and that the Lord has a plan for us. It helped Elder Boehrer and I to be aware of how we treat others.
Our work in the office is progressing. Elder Boehrer got a call from a member in Utah who’s daughter is dating a non-member and they plan to get married. The young man doesn’t want to meet with the young Elders, so the Dad asked if we would take the opportunity to meet with the two of them. Of Course! It will be a great opportunity to share the Gospel and to get to know others in our ward.
A busy, but very good weekend!