Supporting Dale on his mission

Dear family,

A letter came yesterday from Mom that now prompts this open letter to you. She doesn't know we're sending this out, and we guess she doesn't necessarily need to.

For the past few months Gene has been in an unusually tight financial bind because of his new job and moving expenses and a new baby. His $30 a month towards Dale's mission has been paid by Dad and Mom, along with their own $20. This accounts for $50 of the necessary $100 a month. We add another $30, bringing the total to $80. We don't know how much any of you are regularly paying, but Jackie gives much of what she earns, which may account for the remaining $20.

Now this is a big sacrifice for Dad and Mom, and properly so, and one for which they will be blessed. But we think it is a sacrifice greater than they alone should be asked to bear. We think everyone should have opportunity to reap some of the blessings that surely come to those who support the Lord's program. From our own experience, we can testify gladly that such blessings do indeed come. Sacrifice brings for the blessings of heaven. Prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it (Malachi 3:10).

If each brother and Jackie were giving a mere $10 a month, that would be $80 (and leave the $20 for the folks, not to mention the car payments they assumed on Dale's car). Ten dollars would be a light load for anyone. That much is easily wasted on not so important things each month.

There is still another dimension. Dale will be supported now, whether we as a family or the ward does it. Aside from our opportunity to have the blessing is a responsibility to honor our parents. We are so indebted to them, for they have given us life and no person short of the Savior can give us any greater gift. We cannot readily think of a way more meaningful to show them that we do honor them. Words can tell them we love them, but doing something is where the action is.

Now we hope you receive this in the spirit we intend it. If you're willing or able to help, forward any money to Mom around the first of any month. You can make a check to the Nampa LDS Fifth Ward and send it with a donation slip filled out like this:

[A sample donation slip was shown]

If you do it this way, you will receive a receipt and the donation becomes tax deductible.

May God bless you all. And may you know the peace, the prosperity, the joy that a loving Father has blessed us with.

With all our love,
Dean & Claudia


The Cleverly Newsletter, Feb 12, 1974 [Vol 1 no 3]