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Something special

I’m 14 years old, and I just recently started reading the New Era. It is so special to me. Every story I have ever read in it has had something good for me to remember. I look forward each month to getting such an inspirational magazine. I can’t put it down until I’ve read it from cover to cover. It creates a special mood and atmosphere and makes my testimony of the Church stronger and more meaningful.

Leslie Severino
Simi Valley, California

The resuscitation of Gudmundur

Since my ancestors come from Iceland, I was interested in the article in the December 1981 issue titled “Land of Fire and Ice.” I am pleased that the gospel is again being accepted in that country. The first missionary to Iceland referred to in the article as Gudmundur Gudnasson was my great-grandfather Gudmundur Gudmundsen. Some of the information concerning this initial missionary effort does not agree with my family’s genealogical records nor with previous articles in the Church News and the Improvement Era. In addition to Gudmundur’s name being misspelled, you should know that he and his companion started their missionary work in Iceland during 1851–52, not 1855. Also, it was Thorarem Haflidaasson who was drowned, not Gudmundur.

Gudmundur became president of the branch in 1853 and in 1855 came to America and settled in Lehi, Utah. The New Era is a magazine of high quality. We appreciate it as a source of inspiration and good information for our teenagers and ourselves.

Stewart Gudmundsen
Midland, Missouri

A New Era in education

I am a missionary in the Canada Winnipeg Mission. I was in a city called Brandon in Manitoba when we took this picture of us four missionaries and also some kids from the New Era Elementary School. From right to left the elders are David L. Goepel, Timothy P. Goldhardt, Jeff DeMille, and Quinn C. Jensen.

Elder Timothy P. Goldhardt
Canada Winnipeg Mission

And everything in it

I just love the New Era and everything in it—the Mormonisms, the Photo of the Month, the Message, and all the other articles. I’m 11 years old, and I’ve just started reading the New Era. I really appreciate all the work that makes it possible.

Kallen Fisher
Sierra MadreI California

My life is focused

Thank you for the article “Before the Call” in the March 1982 issue. It has really inspired me. Ever since I was little, I have wanted to go on a mission. I used to always say, “Someday I will go on a mission,” but I didn’t ever really prepare for it. But since reading this article, I’m determined to prepare. If I should marry before I am called to serve as a missionary, I will go later with my husband. But now my life is focused on a mission. I want to serve my Heavenly Father whom I love with all my heart.

Dona Davidson
Ogden, Utah

“The Blessings of an Honest Tithe”

I would like to express my thanks to the New Era for the message in the January–February 1982 issue “The Blessings of an Honest Tithe” by President Marion G. Romney. I now realize the true meaning of tithing. I have come to realize the many blessings one receives by paying a full and honest tithing. I have decided that I will always be among those who keep this commandment.

Jacqueline Harman
Logan, West Virginia

Words cannot describe

Words cannot describe how I felt when I saw that my issues of the New Era had arrived. For the past six months I have been struggling through life without them because of a postal strike. It was during this time that I realized how much I relied on the New Era for spiritual strength and growth. I find the reading selections so uplifting and fulfilling that I know this magazine is inspired of our Heavenly Father. I know the Lord loves each one of us, and I wanted to share this knowledge with everyone.

April Holt
Rickering, Ontario, Canada

Learning to rely

The New Era is a strength in the lives of many people. Thank you for providing inspirational messages and stories each month. Each time I read the New Era, I feel uplifted and motivated and my testimony grows. I especially enjoyed “My Dad, the Mission President” by Janet Hirschi in the April 1982 issue. Janet learned how to totally rely on her Heavenly Father. I have been trying to do this in my life. I know this Church is true and that each of us is a child of God. Magazines like the New Era inspire the youth of today to strive to reach their goals and their potential.

Rose Wearne
Tempe, Arizona

Star Lake thanks

Congratulations on the excellent feature article “Snow at Star Lake” by Richard M. Romney in the January-February 1982 issue of the New Era. It captures the meaning of this annual event to the LDS youth involved.

A. J. Catana
Director, Star Lake Campus State University of New York at Potsdam