DC Day 4 and Dinner

UPDATED

- Ate breakfast with a zone-full of Elders and Sisters.
- Visited two more condos.
- Went to a softball game and got a little sunshine on my skin.

Went to the BYU Management Society (DC Chapter) dinner at the Georgetown Marriott.

BYU Management Society Dinner

Elder M. Russell Ballard, member of the Quorum of the 12 Apostles in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, received the Distinguished Public Service Award, and was accompanied by other General and Area Authorities: Elder Quentin L. Cook (Quorum of the 12), Elder Earl C. Tingey (Presidency of the 70), Elder Clayton M. Christensen, and Elder Matthew Eyring.

Notable US government leaders included Senator Harry Reid (Senate Majority Leader, D-NV), Senator Orrin Hatch (R-UT), Senator Bob Bennett (R-UT), and Senator Gordon Smith (R-OR). Also in attendance were members of foreign delegations (I caught name tags of "Director of Mission" for the Phillipines, among others) and the Ambassador from China.

Other names (sponsors from the program, mentioned during the announcements, or seen in the crowd) were names that I recognized from my time at RFP. I won't take the time to list them now, but they are well-established LDS business leaders and others at the "pinnacle of their professions;" many were senior fundraisers.

Elder Ballard spoke about how much press the Church has received over the last several years--much more so than in any other time in our history. While reaffirming the Church's stance of political neutrality in his remarks (this he did amidst the chuckles that came as he named off prominent LDS politicians and adminstative officials--from both parties--who were in attendance, seated right in from of him), he mentioned the interest in the Church that came about becuase of Mitt's candidacy. He cited major newspapers, other groups, and bloggers as he discussed the potential impact of Mitt's "Mormon" faith on his candidacy. I'd like to search out some of the quotes he used; one prominent news site wrote to the effect that the religious bigotry exhibited in this presidential race didn't hurt Governor Romney, it really hurt all of America; going even further to assert the evils of both religion- and race-baiting.

Elder Ballard cited the large amount of false, misleading, and otherwise ill-intentioned information about the Church that is available, especially on the Internet. Then he asked this group, leaders of business, government, and Church, chapter members and special guests: "What are you going to do about it?"

He encouraged members of the Church--explicity emphasizing even Church leaders--to join in the public discussion and defense of the faith. He spoke of his travels with Elder Cook, meeting with heads of major newspapers and other media companies, urging them to be accurate and fair in their reporting. He spoke of a 6-page letter that a missionary friend of his had written to a news provider, refuting many points of a recent broadcast with facts and strongly urging them to step up into "real" journalism by taking the time to examine the facts, and then report those.

Referencing the writings of Paul and the Articles of Faith, he spoke of "seeking after" things that are virtuous, lovely, and of good report. Elder Ballard stated that "seeking after" implies active participation, not passive acceptance. Returning to a theme (which I believe he spoke on at a BYU-Hawaii devotional or graduation), he encouraged those in the room to use the Internet--whether through your own blog or by contributing to others'--to not only correct error, but to share experiences. By this, he mentioned that there are certain times and places for testimony (Church, teaching, private conversations), and we are to share it, especially when in a setting where the other people involved are receptive to that witness. He then spoke about what we should say and write in public settings--not forcing our religion upon anyone--to help contribute to the growing wealth of good, correct, and positive information about the Church. He mentioned speaking/writing about (1) how Church service has blessed you, (2) how Family Home Evening has strengthened your family relationships, (3) the impact of family councils, prayer, and/or scripture study, (4) where you learned to respect the beliefs of others, and many other things (I wish I could remember all his examples!) of that nature.

Although the previously mentioned things might not be the typical "Fast Sunday" testimony topics, I think these are great examples of personal witnesses of what the Church has done for me and my life. Often, as a missionary, I would meet people who would say, "Oh, I knew a Mormon once. S/He was such a wonderful person; I really respect and admire him/her." I think what Elder Ballard was trying to tell us is that we need to "close the gap" for these people -- they see our examples and in many ways admire the things we do. But do we positively assert that we are that way or that we do those things because of our Savior, His Church, and his teachings?

Elder Ballard also spoke of those who faithfully fulfill Church service, while serving their constituents in the public office to which they have been elected. Of those people, he said that they deserve our deep respect.

It was a great evening.