35. To Three Dear Friends

A letter written in Maceió, Alagoas, Brazil, on Monday, May 18, 1970, to three friends who were also serving as missionaries: Evan A. Ballard in the West Spanish American Mission, Jeff Boswell in the Samoan Mission, and Steve Hill in the Germany South Mission.

To my beloved friends and brothers,

“Ever and always startling is the swiftness with which time goes, the speed at which life passes. My departed hours—where are they? The poet asked in anguish. The weeks seem hours only.” As time slips ever away, this thought from Richard L. Evans seems appropriate. How starkly true the thought, the realization that weeks seem hours only. A missionary appreciates such a thought, wishing at moments that time were his control. It is with this thought in mind that I choose once again to resort to mass communication tactics.

The richness and goodness of life is at times nearly overwhelming. My life is busy and full, but even fuller is the gratitude of an overflowing heart for the blessings I enjoy. Life itself is a great privilege—it is a joy to live in this glorious dispensation of time. I count my family and friends and you, my associates in the work of the Lord, as among my greatest blessings. We are members of the Church of Jesus Christ, we hold the priesthood of God, we are elders in Israel, we have a knowledge of the truthfulness of this “marvelous work and a wonder.” The pure love of Christ, as scripturally termed, has swelled within my heart to expand into happiness and joy.

Since my last communication with most of you, we have lost a beloved leader and prophet, President David O. McKay. His kindly counsel, his loving wisdom, his grateful example are missed. There is no doubt of the glorious home¬coming he has had on the other side. And there is no doubt that President Joseph Fielding Smith is anointed of the Lord to preside among us now, standing as His prophet and mouthpiece. But I loved President McKay. Although never having met him personally (I have been in his presence), I feel the loss of a personal friend. In his life, more than in any other man of this generation, could I see in perfection a truly Christlike life. As Harold B. Lee explained at his funeral, “As a special witness of our Lord and Master, he lighted the lamps of faith of many by the intensity of the fire within his own soul.” I like that. He lighted the lamps of faith . . . by the intensity of the fire within his own soul!

On this day I stand particularly humbled, aware a bit more of my relationship with God and the trust that is mine. Yesterday I was appointed president of the branch of Maceió. Coupled with the responsibility of being a missionary and a district leader, I sense more than ever a necessity to rely on the Lord. Here I am presiding over the most important organization in the state of Alagoas, the Church of Jesus Christ. This is the Lord’s work. It cannot fail. To that degree that we allow ourselves to be instruments in His hands we shall be successful.

With all of you I share the solemn witness that is mine. God lives. Jesus Christ is the Son of God and our Savior. This Church was organized by Christ Himself through a prophet called Joseph Smith. The kingdom is rolling forth.

Upon my mind recently has been impressed the thoughts: He who would be a disciple of Jesus Christ must be the servant of all. Righteousness is power. Sacrifice brings forth heaven’s blessings. The gospel, when its ordinances and principles are faithfully obeyed, is the power of God unto salvation; it is real; here and now our lives can be changed, uplifted, sanctified.

May heaven’s blessings be more fully ours as we continue in the great trust committed to our care. I subscribe myself your friend and brother,

Elder Dean B. Cleverly