Journal June 6-18, 1962

June 6 (continued)—I’ve noticed, very recently, an interesting phenomenon: each time that I have a counsel to give to the Leroys or to Valerie, I feel the help of the Spirit. What makes this unexpected is that I have no Priesthood responsibility for either of them. It’s Floyd Jorgenson, or perhaps rather her bishop, who has that stewardship for Valerie, until we’re married, and President Renaud has it for the Leroys. But these are the people I love with all my heart, and so I feel a strong desire to help them and to get involved in their problems, to advance their well-being. I wonder whether God doesn’t grant a special power to one who loves and wishes to serve, as long as he doesn’t abuse it. If that’s [147] how it is for me, I’m grateful beyond measure.

June 10—The Molinas are still dangling; Sister Molina is still drinking coffee, and Brother Molina can’t bring himself to commit to pay a full tithing. They’re going to miss their baptismal appointment today. We’ll have to set one for later.

June 12—This is a difficult time. I gave Brother Fruchet the first instructions which will prepare him to do his duty as branch clerk. We’re dividing up my second-counselor tasks, in principle. Everybody’s getting ready to make do without me. But I really don’t feel as if I’m finished here. Yesterday, I found President Renaud in a terribly discouraged condition, [148] having convinced himself that his duties are greater than his abilities. For an hour and a half, I encouraged him, I reasoned with him, I counselled him, and his mood was visibly lightened. He said later that he wished I could stay here my whole mission—a compliment for which I thanked him. He replied that he didn’t say it to flatter me, but because he was thankful that I get involved with the branch’s problems, and that I love it—a love that I have no inclination to deny. It will hurt a lot to have to leave this branch, particularly now that everything begins to get going as it should, that the members begin to show the fruits of the Spirit. I’ll leave so much barely started: especially my fireside study classes, and the training and employment of the MJM. And, as the Preacher says, who knows whether the man who will take my place will be wise or foolish… But that’s not what ought to worry me. As long as I’m here, I’ll do [149] my best for the love of the branch and of Him who sent me here; if I succeed, the honor won’t be mine. I hope only that my replacement will do much better, whether he be wise or not. The Molina family is going backward abominably. Maybe they’ll be brought to repentance at some future date, but right now their situation isn’t encouraging. If, after all the chances they’ve had, they don’t seize this opportunity to make their covenants with the Lord, I wouldn’t wish to be held responsible for the consequences. On the other hand, Mme Fauchard, President Renaud’s employer, is showing evidence of honesty. If she continues in her current path, she could be baptized fairly soon.

June 18—These investigators came to Sunday School: [150] Mme and Mlle Fauchard, Mme Chaussonnier, M Jehanin and his son Jean-Claude. Mme Fauchard is among our acquaintances since Brother Hasoppe was here; we’ve been teaching Mme Chaussonnier since we tracted her out less than two weeks ago; and ten minutes of tracting brought us to know the Jehanins, father and son. At the end of the day, Mme Chaussonnier asked for baptism; Jean-Claude Jehanin came to our MJM study class and expressed his testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith and of the Church; and Monique Cauche, Mme Fauchard’s daughter, nearly asked for baptism as well.

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