As a young missionary in Chile, Elder Shayne M. Bowen and his companion were arrested by military police and placed in prison. Later in his life, another test of faith occurred with the death of a son. Despite adverse events, and perhaps because of them, Elder Shayne M. Bowen and his wife, Lynette, have developed an enduring faith over a lifetime of service, including his present calling as a member of the First Quorum of the Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This is an unusually diverse and interesting interview filled with lessons learned that can uplift and encourage all.
As a girl in a small Montana town, Karen Payne went to confession regularly at a nearby church. Her story of joining The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints amid opposition is one story, but a more unique aspect of her life is having ten children and watching all eight who have thus far reached missionary age serve missions for the Church-- all of this without the help of a husband who was traveling for work most of the time. This Conversations interview displays some of what she has learned from her experience. Some of her traits are reflected by excerpts from short interviews with each of her ten children taped prior to the interview.
Sheri Dew is known among members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for her wit and engaging personality. In this episode of Conversations, Heidi Swinton interviews Sheri about her early life, her sports career, and other life experiences to date. Overcoming obstacles along the way, Sheri has become a best-selling author, currently serves as the president of a major publishing company, has served as a general officer of the Relief Society organization, and is in constant demand as a speaker. This interview is filled with homespun wisdom related in the engaging manner that has made Sheri Dew a well-known name.
In his unusually long service of 23 years in the First Quorum of the Seventy, Elder Marlin K. Jensen has had many experiences that have shaped him and his wife, Kathleen. This informal interview includes experiences from his beloved rural ranch to high-profile assignments in various parts of the world, including the most recent one as Church Historian and Recorder and Elder Jensen's involvement with a milestone achievement: the publication of the Joseph Smith papers. Also included is experienced-based advice on families, Church service, perseverance, choices, and other topics to enrich the life of the audience.
This is a compelling interview with Elder Lance B. Wickman and his wife, Patricia. Elder Wickman is an emeritus member of the First Quorum of the Seventy who currently serves as general counsel for the Church. Elder Wickman married, experienced combat duty in Vietnam, and began a family and career. Along the path of life, the Wickmans have had sobering experiences as well as powerful and uplifting ones. The Wickmans discuss war experiences, marriage, families, relationships, and much more, all interlaced by the influence of the gospel of Jesus Christ. This interview is unusually diverse and well worth experiencing.
An interview with Mark Eubank, who was spent a 42-year career as a television weatherman and recently completed service as the director of the Church visitors' center in Laie, Hawaii. Mark describes his lifelong interest in the weather with anecdotes about how it has affected him and others, including his service as lead weatherman for the 2002 Winter Olympics. Mark also discusses several scriptural events relating to the weather and the role of the weather in the modern restoration of the gospel.
Jane Clayson grew up in Sacramento, California, and attended Brigham Young University on a music scholarship. But life's experiences led her to become a prominent network news anchor, which she gave up to become what she wanted to be all along --- a wife and mother. In this episode of Conversations, Jane Clayson Johnson is joined by her husband Mark Johnson. Host Ruth Todd leads the discussion as they talk about the stress, struggles and hectic life of Jane's broadcast career, as well as some poignant and touching moments from the Johnson's experiences in life and how the gospel has guided each step. This informal interview contains excellent counsel that can be useful to all.
This fast-paced Conversations interview with professional football hall-of-famer Steve Young reflects the energy displayed throughout his life. Steve explains his growing-up years in Connecticut, his unlikely rise to become the starting quarterback for the Brigham Young University football team, then on to the struggles and ultimate triumph in professional football. He also discusses his mentors, his courtship and marriage, and his outlook on life, as well as the charitable organizations he began. Through it all, this informal interview demonstrates Steve has maintained a perspective based on the gospel and is a now a respected husband, father, and businessman.
Richard G. Hinckley grew up in the home of future Church President Gordon B. Hinckley and experienced all the normal activities of boyhood. His wife, Jane, grew up as the daughter of a famous tennis player. In this episode of Conversations you will hear an interesting account of their courtship, excellent advice on many aspects of life, and some unique experiences connected with their long service to the Church. Also included are explanations of the powerful influence of Elder Hinckley's mission to Germany as a young man and his unexpected call as a General Authority of the Church. This informal discussion allows listeners to become better acquainted with the Hinckleys.
Elder William R. Walker is a member of the First Quorum of the Seventy, one of the leading councils of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He currently serves as the Executive Director of the Temple Department of the Church. This informal interview with Elder Walker and his wife Vicki outlines how the paths of their lives have taken them all over the world and provided learning experiences they can now share with others. Personal experiences with Presidents Gordon B. Hinckley and Thomas S. Monson are shared, along with other insights into various assignments the Walkers have responded to in their service to the Church.