A letter from Mark Perry...

A letter from Mark Perry--one of my seminary students I was associated with who has now become a full time missionary in Germany. What a wonderful period of harvest this is now for me for the years of seminary teaching I put in--my students have become as spiritual sons and daughters to me.

Dear Brother Anderson and Family!

I received your letter last week and I wish to thank you for it, also for the contribution, it helped a lot! I am so grateful for the influence that people like you have had in my life. Bro. Anderson, as I look back I will never forget those years I spent in seminary with you; I learned so much and often the things I learned have caused reflection of my real purpose in life. If I can only learn to radiate the things I have learned so that others can learn from me, my purpose is partly fulfilled. We need more people like you all in the church and that's one of the reasons that I am over here, to help find them! The work is going fantastic over here right now! We are in the middle of a mission fast right now to help improve the mission spiritually and I know as we do this, and as you back home continue to pray for our success, we will continue to bring people to the Lord's true church! May the Lord bless you during this beautiful Christmas season and always.

Love, Elder Mark Perry

September 22, 1974

Today was a special day in our lives – Tom has been called on his mission – the London South Mission. I am so impressed with his devotion to the Lord and his quiet, determined, self-control. I’m so grateful that the Lord arranged for us to play a part in rearing Tom for a portion of his young teenage and adult life. [Enclosed are some note cards in which Kirk wrote “regarding my respect and love for Tom”. He writes that “while there are those in our country who cry for external controls… to protect them from their lack of self-control, Tom has quietly come to rule over himself by self control.” Kirk expresses his gratitude for “sharing the home atmosphere with this extraordinary spirit that I cherish and love so much.” Kirk lists the following things that he likes about Tom “a) his sense of humor, b) wrestling, c) his strength, obedience and simple faith.” Kirk reports that Tom “is prepared to render a remarkable service in a culture alien to him but yet keep his principles intact; Tom has refused to become bitter as he has encountered personal injustices (loss of his parents); Tom has great generosity of spirit; he is a model to his brothers and sisters and his family because he is absolutely without guile and prejudice; he desires to be involved – to give of himself, and accordingly will impart the wonder of this great religion to others; he is comely.]