A Hedgehog's Tale

A Noble Father

2011-08-08T15:49:00.000-06:00

“ I was born on March 1, 1944 in a county village named Orevita-Mare in Rumania from a family of peasants. I was the second of three brothers and lived at home with my parents until the age of seven. My father had some education and this enabled him to work at the town hall of our village as a secretary. Around 1949 or 1950 the communists changed the old system and fired all the people with experience and replaced them with unskilled labor from the nearby industrial cities. My mother at the time was taking care of the house, children and also working the land.

“In 1951, I started primary school in my village. In about the same year or may it was in 1952. I saw the communists for what they really are, very heartless people. It was one summer night while my mother and I were sleeping and my father was away at work, that we heard shooting and shouting from the streets of my village. We were to frightened to investigate and in the morning we discovered that our village was filled with soldiers and they didn’t let anyone out of their homes. About midday they ordered all the CHIABURI ( Chiaburi are rich people who owned about 4/5 acres of land including their homes), to pack their clothes and what they could carry into small wagons. They said that the CHIABURI were exploiting the other people of the village and from now on there will be no more CHIABURI in our country. These poor people (CHIABURI) were loaded into small wagons and sent into the desert with very little food of water. They had to build their own village and work very hard in digging their own wells, cultivate the land. They were there for about 5/6 years. My father’s two sisters and their families were also sent to the desert called Baragan.

“In 1955, I started secondary school in another village called Vinju-Mare, because there wasn’t any secondary school in our village. This was about 3 ½ miles from my home. My father worked in the same village as a cashier accountant for the fire and construction wood deposit. My father and I would walk back and forth. During the winter the snow was to deep and to cold for me. My parents pay for me to live in a dormitory. The first year something happened at my father’s job to change all of this. My father’s boss stole 90,000 lei , he was caught at inventory time. But since he was a member of the Rumanian communist party, before and after the World War II. My father was not a member. The communist party in that village claimed in court that is was impossible to charge only one man, when there were two men working together. They had another inventory and found a pay receipt sighed by my father and his boss. This receipt was for 2,000 lei. So they charge my father alone with his boss for stealing. My father was charge for 2,00 lei and was sentenced to two years in jail. He also had to pay back the 2,00 lei and his had to pay 90,00 lei and was sentenced to ten years. My father had to pay all the 2,00 lei because they said that his boss had to much to pay. While my father was in jail, my mother had to work very hard to take care of us and our home.

“My grandmother lived with us at this time and she helped out by spending all her money for my father’s lawyers. I will never forget that year because it was so hard for my mother. We had nothing left in house to eat or money to buy anything with. My mother work like a slave to feed us and tried to send food to my father too.

“During this time my mother was still paying for my school. There were times we didn’t have the money and I was sent home. My father came home about three weeks before the end of secondary school. He was so weak he couldn’t help my mother much around the house. I didn’t finish my schooling because of this. I stayed home to help my parents.

“By 1958/60 the government had taken all the land and animals. They also took all the farm tools, at this time that called the farms COLLECTIVE FARMS. Now all the people had to work together for the state. The villagers had to work for the agriculture farms every day and at the end of the year, depending on how many days they work, they would get some grain.

“In 1960, I started a trade school at a city about 25 miles from home. There I lived with my mother’s brother family, staying with them for three years. In 1963, I finished trade school and was qualified as a locksmith mechanic. In Autumn of 1963, I started to work at a factory in Uzinell Mecanice Turnu-Serverin. Every weekend I use to ride my bike from Turn-Severin to my parents home. I word hard at my job and since it was a good job, I listened to the secretary of the communist party in my factory. He warned me that if I didn’t join the party I would be out of job. He also said that my family would probably be deported to Baragan like my father’s sisters. So after consulting with my father we reached the conclusion that communist party. That was in 1965, when I did that most terrible that in my life but I pray that GOD to forgive me this. In the winter of 1966 I went in to the service for 16 months. In the summer of 1967, I came home and started to work at my old factory job. Five or six moths later I was transferred to another factory in the city of Hunedora, where I had cousin working.

“In 1969, six months before our vacation my cousin Adrian Ariciu and I filled out applications for a vacation to Turkey. We didn’t know if the Rumanian police would approve them or not. All we could do was pray. On September 30.1969, my cousin and I started our vacation to Tyrkey from Bucharest, Romania. We passed thru Bulgaria and on the scone of October 1969, we arrived in Istanbul, Turkey. On the 3rd of October, my cousin and I ran to the Turkish police and ask for political asylum. Here we found three or four Rumanians who we thought at first were secret agents sent to take us back to the bus. But after a few minutes we found out they were there for the same reason as my cousin and I. After we were interrogated by the Turkish Police we were sent to safe place. We stayed in the Turkish camp for about a week. This camp was owned by a Orthodox and Catholic Organization. We were told by this organization to fill out forms for immigration to USA. But before we complete the forms my cousin return to Romania. Few years later I learn from my mother that my cousin Adrian was killed in a motorbike accident. I knew that my cousin as killed by someone for he did not like motorbikes.

"On March 6th of 1970, I was sent to Rome, Italy by the organization. Upon arrival we received enough money for food and renting a room. After waiting for 4/5 months I was called by an interview at the American Consulate in Rome, regarding my application to immigrate into the USA. I was refused because I was a member of the Communist Party of Rumania. After this bad news, I was told I could immigrate to Australia. My application was approved and on Feb 18th, 1971, I landed in Melbourne, Australia.

"Since I couldn’t speak English my first year in Australia, I had to work for General Motors Holden in Port Melbourne. After I had translated my Rumanian diploma into English and by then I had learn English. I went to work for Victoria Railways at the Joliment workshops. I work there until July 26,1974, when I got my visa for the USA. I flew to Los Angeles to visit a friend of mine name Dumitru Popita. My friend’s wife introduced my to my wife Janet. Janet and I were married in 1974. I thank God that I came here to lived. I pray that I may stay here always.”

James Dumitru Ariciu had to tell the Immigration and Naturalization Service.

Recent Meetings

2011-02-20T22:56:00.003-07:00

This past week has been an eye opener. I didn't grow up in the church and most of what the young men are asked to do is new to me. I greatly appreciate the resources the young men have to utilize. I often say to myself, "I wish I had this growing up, it would have kept me out of trouble!" The program is beautiful and it is all centered on helping these boys become worthy Melchizedek Priesthood holders and missionaries. The ultimate goal is being married in the temple.

In recent meetings that I have attended I have seen a tremendous effort from the leaders to teach us the importance of scouting and young men. President Allphin stated that if all the boys get out of scouting are merit badges and becoming an eagle scout, then we have failed them. It is our duty, not only in Young Men's but throughout, to teach and inspire these boys to prepare to serve a full-time mission. We need them, the Lord needs them.

Some might say that the Lord doesn't need them, some might say He could do it better on His own. This looks beyond the mark. Missions are for the missionaries just as much if not more so than the people being taught. Elder Parmley, now an emeritus member of the Seventy, asks us a simple question on my mission. He asked, "Why is it the Lord sends missionaries home the minute they actually become a good missionary?" I have often reflected on this. The Lord is preparing us for the rest of eternities. Within those two years, I have learned what it means to be a disciple of Christ and how to become more like Him everyday. I resound a statement I heard Elder Holland say, "My mission means everything to me."

Not only this but there are a great many people who need the truth. The worth of souls is great in the eyes of the Lord, therefore it should be great in our eyes. Many are looking for the truth and don't know where to find it. I can testify of the joy the gospel brings a downtrodden heart. It has saved me from much suffering and it will for many. If I didn't go I would have the blood of many on my hands. There were many who would not have found the truth in this life if I didn't go. I believe it is the same for others. Alma and the sons of Mosiah said it best in these two scriptures. Alma stated, "Yea, and from that time even until now, I have labored without ceasing, that I might bring souls unto repentance; that I might bring them to taste of the exceeding joy of which I did taste; that they might also be born of God, and be filled with the Holy Ghost." (Alma 36:24) Mosiah 28:3 states, "Now they were desirous that salvation should be declared to every creature, for they could not bear that any human soul should perish; yea, even the very thoughts that any soul should endure endless torment did cause them to quake and tremble." The story of Alma and the sons of Mosiah has been and always will be my favorite passages of scripture. They inspire me.

The Lord has asked us through His prophet. I sustain President Monson, our wise and inspired leader. We need more missionaries and it is our duty to see that it is done.

Unconstitutional!

2011-02-15T16:26:00.002-07:00

"If those who so carefully drafted the checks and balances into our Constitution could have looked into the future and seen what the Supreme Court of the United States would do to their masterpiece, they would have been dismayed. Through the process of supposedly "interpreting" the Constitution, the Court has twisted beyond recognition just about every conceivable clause to justify the transfer of all sovereignty from the states to the federal government, to broaden the powers of the federal government beyond any definable limit, and then to make it possible for all such powers to fall into the hands of the executive branch of government. We may still give lip service to the checks and balances of our constitutional republic, but the phrase is now quite hollow."

-President Ezra Taft Benson, former Secretary of Agriculture under President Eisenhower

Eugenics

2010-10-19T14:36:00.006-06:00

Throughout history we have seen times of equality and times of oppression. The latter happens more often. Equality is only widespread when the gospel has been brought to earth and lived. The reasons for oppression vary. Some have used military power, heritage, nationality, race, and even religion to oppress the lower class. No matter what is used it can be tracked back to the father of all lies, Satan.

Let me first say that I do not believe Charles Darwin to be an evil man. I do not believe him to be a devil worshiper or what ever one may call him. I believe he was trying answer very important questions. Unfortunately, his theories have become widely accepted as fact. It is no way, shape, or form a law of science. Natural selection is one of these theories. May I add as well that Darwin would not accept some the interpretations. One of these interpretations is eugenics (though often used interchangeably).

The eugenics movement started over a hundred years ago. It encouraged reproduction of people with "desirable" traits and discouraged those with genetic disorders or "undesirable" traits. The most notable and horrific event associated with this was the Holocaust.

For the last two semesters the concept of eugenics has often popped its ugly head into my class discussions. Some of the time it has been in jest, but most of the time it has been quite serious. For example, yesterday we were talking about addicts. A story was mentioned about a reformed heroin addict who tried to help others reform. One of my classmates said that "we should leave such people alone and let natural selection take its course." I was appalled. How could we be the ultimate judge of these people's fate? How can we simply ignore someone who needs our help? On another occasion, a story was related about a person who made a obviously dumb decision. In response to this, a classmate stated that they and all who are like them should be sterilized. One of the most prevalent examples, has a popular quote that goes along with it, "It isn't personal, it's just business." It doesn't matter who you hurt, as long as you get what you desired. "It's a dog eat dog world out there." This is the reason I was never successful at sales.

"I had become part of a system that is comfortable with zero accountability," I always liked that quote from Iron Man. We are comfortable with this because we believe it is a natural inclination, that the strongest survive. It astonishes me that this concept is still alive because we have seen the evil it produces.

In the New Testament, the Lord mentioned helping the poor more than anything else. "Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees." Heb. 12:12

One Religion, One Truth

2010-10-12T08:45:00.002-06:00

"For years the evidence of the Egyptians, Greeks, Babylonians, etc., has been brought into court as a powerful refutation of the Bible's claims to originality and inspiration. Their voices do indeed refute the claim of conventional Christianity to the absolute originality and exclusive inspiration of the Bible, but the Bible itself never made such claims. What the outside texts prove is the antiquity and universality of the gospel and its central position in the whole history of the civilization. It is not a local or tribal tradition on the one hand, nor is it the spontaneous expression of evolving human intelligence on the other, but is the common heritage of all ancient civilizations, battered, corrupted, and distorted in most cases, to be sure, but always recognizable in its main features and much too ingenious and elaborate to be the product of independent discovery."
-Hugh Nibley

I am an African - Thabo Mbeki

2010-10-06T16:55:00.000-06:00

Nkosi sikelel' iAfrika

2010-10-06T16:54:00.000-06:00

Oh South Africa! How I miss you!

2010-10-06T16:37:00.003-06:00

The Social Gospel

2010-09-05T20:09:00.004-06:00

Often, I find this to be central to many people's ideas of Christianity. The Lord Jesus Christ in his earthly ministry spoke more on helping the poor than on anything else. I have a favorite quote in the front of my scriptures that states, "Wealth is determined by how many people you serve and how well you serve them." Humanitarian Aid is highly important to the Lord. He loves all equally. The oft quoted Good Samaritan parable shows His devotion to even the most poor and cast down individual. Though many people view Jesus Christ in this manner and think Christians should follow suit, which they should with all their hearts, it was not His central message.

The so-called social gospel is a small part of a big whole. I often feel that many Christians and non-Christians focus too much upon this part rather than the big picture. I believe in the statement "actions speak louder than words" and I try to adhere to it. I agree with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints' PA stance. That is to not get involved in contentious debates but to live what we believe and try to help others whether spiritually or temporally. I believe that is the way Christ would have it. He lives true principles and with perfect integrity He sticks to it. So what is the Lord's central message? Faith, repentance and follow Him.

The problem with the social gospel isn't helping others but it is taking a small part and casting the rest away. The point of Jesus Christ's atonement and ministry was to provide a way and example for us to become like God. It was to bring out the best in us. John quotes Jesus saying, "If ye love me, keep my commandments." With this in mind is it any wonder why Paul states, "For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified." 1 Cor. 2:2 He knew full well that a person having a testimony for Christ's atonement would follow in his footsteps. So "what manner of men ought ye to be? Verily I say unto you, even as I am." 3 Nephi 27:27

The Ancient Order of Things

2010-08-29T20:22:00.004-06:00

As Americans, we "are endowed by [our] Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." Thomas Jefferson meticulously went over each word of the Declaration before he was finished. The Constitution was in like manner produced with the Bill of Rights included. These men were inspired by the great God of the
These documents for years have been subtly nipped at by unconstitutional interpretation, judicial rulings, and even certain amendments. The thread is being cut that binds liberty to us.
Recently, I have noticed a subtle but consistent shift against religious freedom. It has been going on for decades. We hold an individual right to vote, for our voice to be heard. The right to vote is the right to publicly declare your beliefs. The Declaration and the Constitution were based on the beliefs of the Founding Fathers. Yet, we are revoked the same privilege by many people. Religious freedom has been decimated to freedom of worship and nothing else. In the public square, your vote is often cast aside and you are asked, "Where is your evidence?" "Well, it is my belief." "Well, that isn't good enough." I have seen those acting according to their God given right called bigots, homophobes, and un-American.

I agree with Archbishop Francis George, who said, "Religious freedom cannot be reduced to freedom of worship or even freedom of private conscience. Religious freedom means that religious groups as well as religious individuals have a right to exercise their influence in the public square. Any attempt to reduce that fuller sense of religious freedom, which has been part of our history in this country for more than two centuries, to a private reality of worship and individual conscience as long as you don’t make anybody else unhappy is not in our tradition. It was the tradition of the Soviet Union, where Lenin permitted freedom of worship (it was in the constitution of the Soviet Union) but not freedom of religion."

I will miss Utah

2009-07-26T21:47:00.002-06:00

From its terrible drivers to its strange pseudo-LDS culture, Utah has been a major trial. However, I love the landscape, the history and the real LDS culture. There are many great people here. Our ward is full of amazing people who serve the Lord to their fullest capacities. It has been wonderful to be in the land where the Apostles of the Lord and His Prophet live. I will never forget that and being able to see and meet some of them. How wonderful it is to have Jesus Christ's true church in the world today with inspired men who receive revelation again like in ancient days. But most of all I will miss my family here. I love my family. Coming from a small family, it has been different for me to be thrust into a new and bigger family, but they have accepted me and pulled me in as one of their own. Morgan, Alison, Grace, and Jack have been such an upliftment in my life. I love them. I look forward to being able to go there often. It brings everlasting joy to my soul. I will greatly miss them and Alison's wonderful family.

The BC I will also miss. Some may say it was a waste for us to come out to Utah to go to LDSBC and then turn around and go right home. I believe the Lord wanted us to go the BC. We experienced so much and I have had some of the greatest teachers in my life there. Brother Hardy has motivated me even more to become a CES teacher. His passion and love for the Gospel has inspired me to keep going no matter the cost.

Tertullian

2009-07-22T14:58:00.002-06:00

Tertullian was one of the early Latin Fathers, who lived in the 2nd and 3rd century. He joined the church when he was 40. He was a prominent lawyer and grew up in the schools of thought. After much study, he realized the church did not have the gift of prophecy, which he highly sought after. As a result, he left the church. Here are a few of his quotes:

"the Church is the spirit working through an inspired man; the Church is not a number of bishops. The final decision remains with the Lord, never with the servant; it belongs to God alone, not to any priest."
"Show me therefore, you who would be apostolic, some prophetic examples, and I will acknowledge the divinity of your calling."

A quote from Joseph Smith

2009-05-19T11:03:00.003-06:00

"What is the Purpose of Existence?
Think for a moment, of the greatness of he Being who created the Universe; and ask, could he be so inconsistent with His own character, as to leave man without a law or rule by which to regulate his conduct, after placing him here, where, according to the formation of his nature he must in a short period sink into the dust? Is there nothing further; is there no existence beyond this veil of death which is so suddenly to be cast over all of us? If there is, why not that Being who had power to place us here, inform us something of the hereafter? If we had power to place ourselves in this present existence, why no have power to know what shall follow when that dark veil is cast over our bodies? If in this life we receive our all' if when we crumble back to dust we are no more, from what source did we emanate, and what was the purpose of our existence? If this life were all, we should be led to query, whether or not there was really any substance in existence, and we might with propriety say, "Let us eat, drink, and be merry, for to-morrow we die!" But if this life is all, then why this unceasing trouble? But this life is not all; the voice of reason, the language of inspiration, and the Spirit of the living God, our Creator, teaches us, as we hold the record of truth in our hands, that this is not the case, that this is not so; for, the heavens declare the glory of a God, and the firmament showeth His handiwork; and a moment's reflection is sufficient to teach every man of common intelligence, that all these are not the mere productions of chance, nor could they be supported by any power less than an Almighty Hand; and He that can mark the power of Omnipotence, inscribed upon the heavens, can also see God's own handwriting in the sacred volume: and he who reads it oftenest will like it best, and he who is acquainted with it, will know the hand wherever he can see it; and when once discovered, it will not only receive an acknowledgment, but an obedience to all its heavenly precepts. For a moment reflect: what could have been the purpose of our Father in giving to us a law? Was it that it might be obeyed, or disobeyed? And think further, too, not only of the propriety, but of the importance of attending to His laws in every particular. If, then, there is an importance in this respect, is there not a responsibility of great weight resting upon those who are called to declare these truths to men? Were we capable of laying any thing before you as a just comparison, we would cheerfully do it; but in this our ability fails, and we are inclined to think that man is unable, without assistance beyond what has been give to those before, of expressing in words the greatness of this important subject. We can only say, that if an anticipation of the joys of the celestial glory, as witnessed to the hearts of the humble is not sufficient, we will leave to yourselves the result of your own diligence; for God ere long, will call all His servants before Him, and there from His own hand they will receive a just recompense and a rightous reward for all their labors."