Week 33
This past week a group consisting of four Skanska team leaders, as well as Jens Carlsson, Carl-Axel Karlsson, Elder and Sister Lofgran, and Orson Teubner went to see the work of a potential vendor in downtown Stockholm. Orson, the Church’s project manager commented to the vendor how the work would need to be perfect. He spent a good amount of time describing the level of craftmanship required and testifying that “It will be Jesus Christ’s house. He will dwell there and that is why it needs to be perfect.” I felt the spirit testify of his words. It is His work.
Orson, Eric, LeAnn and Jens
Week 34
As on-site missionaries, Sister Lofgran and I have a chance to get to know the workers and Skanska staff. We have a special opportunity to use one of the existing buildings on the temple grounds for a Welcome Center. This is planned to be available for new worker onboarding, and community outreach during the construction of the temple.
We are excited to provide workers with a brief introduction to the church and answer the question why temples are being built, and inform them of the sacred nature of the temple. We look forward to having the Welcome Center open for the workers during lunch and for weekly Fika where they can come to learn more.
We are also planning to open the Welcome Center for the community one evening a week to visit and learn more about the new temple .
Week 35
As missionaries living in Sweden we are a curious attraction to many people. Swedes are very friendly, yet generally not the first to start a conversation with a stranger. They often look at our name tags askance or hide behind sunglasses trying to read the name of the church but we know they are looking—and we love the attention for the church’s sake.
A friend explained to us recently:
“The missionary name tags are a beacon to the spiritually curious, and a literal fulfillment of baptismal covenants to take upon us the name of Christ”.
We are learning to remember that we have been called and set apart for this work, with the authority and power from the Lord Jesus Christ. We are honored to wear our name tags and strive to be like him among the people of Sweden.
Week 36
Progress is continuing in the planning of the temple Welcome Center and a vision for it’s use is emerging. We have the opportunity to create a beautiful and peaceful space that can, to some degree, reflect the reverence of the temple. With this reverent setting we can invite the Lord’s spirit to touch all who come. For workers who will be inspired to do their best work with a higher purpose; for community members to learn of the blessings of the temple in the neighborhood, and members throughout Sweden who will share in the excitement, faith and renewed preparations to enter their new temple.
“And from this place they may bear exceedingly great and glorious tidings, in truth, unto the ends of the earth, that they may know that this is thy work, and that thou hast put forth thy hand, to fulfil that which thou hast spoken by the mouths of the prophets, concerning the last days”
Dedicatory pray for the Kirtland temple.
D & C 109:23
Week 37
In Elder Holland’s past conference talk he quoted G. K. Chesterton who said:
“that thanks are the highest form of thought; and…gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.”
As a Senior Missionary couple, we have experienced the Lord’s hand in so many ways. During our training at the MTC we were asked to write down the miracles or tender mercies we had experienced in the one week we were there. We were surprised, when we realized all that the Lord had given us. It is so easy to receive a tender mercy, a small miracle, an answer to prayer, but do we give thanks and express gratitude for it?
Just this week we were taking a meal to a member of the ward, our Bishop, whose wife has been in the hospital. We had tried calling and leaving messages but without a response. We were driving around and found a house, but the name by the doorbell was not the bishop’s name. We decided to offer a prayer, which we did, and in moments we received a phone call from the bishop. A prayer was answered immediately, a tender mercy given.
We hope to see those miracles that happen every day and not only see them but acknowledge and give thanks for them. It has been a privilege to associate with the people who are working so hard to make the Stockholm Temple a sacred and beautiful place where the Savior can dwell and where the people here in Sweden can make and keep holy covenants.
Week 38
Not all experiences shared here are of seeming importance, however the mention of simple successes should be recognized and not be overlooked. Let me explain.
The permit approval for a significant portion of the temple construction was not expected to be reviewed by local authorities and politicians until the middle of October which would have created some uncertainty in the design and a delay of the contractor’s work. The architect understood the urgency for approval said it would be ‘long shot’ if the issue would even be placed on the docket for consideration earlier.
Making our desires known to the Lord to have the issue considered earlier became a matter of fasting and prayer. I firmly believe that through the quiet influence of the spirit upon sympathetic hearts, efforts were made to allow for the permit review and approval granted earlier than expected.
It cannot be overstated that the Lord ‘s hand is over this work and it is our opportunity to recognize it.
Week 39
A member from our Västerhaninge ard told us that as she was out in the community last week, she received an impression to go by the Temple construction site. As she walked over to the site, she met one of the construction workers. After striking up a conversation, she asked what it was like to be working on the temple? He said he had never worked on a project like this where everything was so exact, organized and high quality. He then said he felt it a privilege to have this opportunity. This project was beyond anything he had ever worked on before.
As construction missionaries, we don’t often know what the workers think of the project. There are stressful situations, problems and conflicts can arise, but it’s wonderful to know that this worker valued the work he was doing and considered it an opportunity like no other.
“We participate in the work of creation whenever we cultivate the earth or add our own constructions to this world as long as we show respect for God’s creations. Our contributions may be expressed through the creation of works of art, architecture, music, literature, and culture, which embellish our planet, quicken our senses, and brighten our lives…” Bishop Gerald Causse.
”God left the world unfinished for man to work his skill upon [it] …that man might know the joys and glories of creation.” Thomas S. Monson
Week 40
National “Cinnamon Bun Day” October 4, 2024
Today is ‘Cinnamon Bun Day’ in Sweden and it’s a big deal! It’s hard to go anywhere in the city without smelling cinnamon. This gives us as construction missionaries an opportunity to celebrate with the country and say thanks for what our workers do and for who they are. Providing the workers with a small gesture of gratitude is a way to demonstrate the Saviors example of love and appreciation. As we expect more workers soon, we will continue to celebrate the accomplishments of each as we provide a ‘Fika’ break each week. We look forward to sharing time with each worker and getting to know them personally and as we launch these efforts, ‘Cinnamon Bun Day’ is a great place start.
Week 41
A week ago we held our first Fika break for the workers at the Welcome Center location and a few of the workmen showed up. It was a good start to what will be many more to come. We had a church temple video running without sound as we chatted and got to know each other. As the video ran, showing the beautiful pictures of various temple interiors, I noticed their distraction from our conversations as they were quite interested with what they were seeing on the screen—and I had to wonder what they were thinking. I day- dreamed for a moment about how they might be amazed at the workmanship or the number of temples but mostly if they could feel a sense of peace in these spaces.
As we soon begin our ‘on-boarding’ program to introduce the purpose of temples to the workers, we pray that each may feel something of the temple’s spirit and peace
Week 42
Week 43
Missionary opportunities come in many ways. We meet people daily on-site, we share Fika (traditional Swedish ‘coffee’ break) with workers, or just speak casually with people as we travel about.
We are learning , as we speak with people, that Swedes are rather religious but somewhat private about it. This assures us that while not visibly religious, they still ask themselves and seek the answers to life’s questions—that a loving Heavenly Father has provided through prophets.
Our responsibility is to pray for and have charity for all people that they may know that we love them genuinely because we know they are God’s children and need to ‘come unto Christ’. This is our purpose
Week 44
Johan, one of the workers over the construction of the temple moved to another project. Johan had taken us on-site many times, orienting us on what was happening with the project. We did get to say goodbye and have a chance to invite him to return for the Open House. We wish him well, but he will me missed.
Mandy, one of the workers with the excavation company is leaving today for an extended medical leave. She has an office on the upper floor of the construction trailer and we would see her often when we went to the office. Over time we’ve gotten to know about her and a little bit about her family. She is a Christian and it’s been easy to have some gospel conversations with her. She is very devoted to her family and faith. We feel blessed to be able to associate with people such as Johan and Mandy.
President Nelson stated that, “How we treat each other really matters! How we speak to and about others at home, at church, at work and online really matters. Today, I and asking us to interact with others in a higher, holier way.”
As we work with these wonderful people our desire is to love as the Savior did. To see the people we work with as the Savior sees them.
LeAnn and Mandy Johan
Week 45
We had visitors this week. Sister Yee, Second Counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency as well as Elder Alan Phillips, General Authority Seventy and their company Irina and Marie. We were able to pick them up from the hotel in Stockholm and bring them to Zone Conference. Afterwards we walked to the temple site and took a peek thru the fence. We loved our time with these wonderful people dedicated with all their might, mind and strength in the service to the Lord. Sister Yee suggested that we ponder what the Almighty can do. In His work it is He who leads. She counseled us to keep ourselves soft and to lean into this growing place and time— turning to Him. She suggested to start with a list—watch it change and grow—let go or embrace. When we ponder His words we will accept His vision and feel of His love. This was wonderful guidance for us. Sister Yee is a tender soul and we felt her love.
Elder & Sister Lofgran
Week 46
Just days ago, President Russell M. Nelson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, dedicated the Deseret Peak Utah Temple. He offered these comments:
“When I contemplate the privilege of dedicating the Deseret Peak Utah Temple this weekend, I am filled with awe at all the Lord is doing for His people.” President Nelson continues, “When I was born, there were just six operating temples in the Church. The Deseret Peak Temple will be the 200th in the world. Just think of it! It took the Church until the year 2000 to dedicate the first 100 temples, and now, just 24 years later, we are dedicating the second 100. The Lord is truly hastening His work. I am filled with gratitude for the Lord’s mercy in guiding us to bring temples closer to members of the Church throughout the world.”
Currently there are 367 temples in operation, under construction or announced around the world. With so many, an ever increasing number of church members are being afforded the opportunity to attend a temple. When those temples are completed, 95% of the members of the Church will live within 2 hours or 200km of a temple.
It is a wonderful time we are living in. We are a small part of this work but so grateful we can participate in the process of bringing forth another temple for the Lord here in Stockholm, Sweden.
Week 47
Thanks be to God…
Sweden is a large country geographically. It is approximately one thousand miles long and 300 miles wide. In the USA an equivalent distance would be the west coast from the Canadian border down to southern California. The Stockholm Temple will be the only temple in this country. We have learned from conversations with members of the church here, how very important this temple is to them. With the help of Daniel Palm, National Communication Director, for Sweden, we made a video describing our new “Visitor’s Center”. We showed video of the renovations on the patron housing as well as the ‘construction phase’ of the visitor’s center which we plan to open in mid-January 2025. This video was then sent to over 1600 members of the church here in Sweden.
We invited the members to pray for the workers on the temple site, for their safety and that they would be able to do their best work for the Lord’s house. We also invited members to host a Fika (Swedish ‘Coffee Break’) or a luncheon for the workers, and to come, visit, and get to know them. We also invited all members to send their love and support to the workers through letters of appreciation, pictures from primary children, and expressions of how important the temple is to them. We hope to fill the walls with messages of gratitude and appreciation, not only for our workers here at the Stockholm Temple construction site, but for a loving Heavenly Father.
How much better it would be if all could be more aware of God’s providence and love and express that gratitude to Him. Ammon taught, “Let us give thanks to {God}, for he doth work righteousness forever. Our degree of gratitude is a measure of our love for Him. President Russell M. Nelson
Week 48
This week we had an interview with Inger Hoglund for Sweden’s Liahona Magazine. Inger’s enthusiasm for the temple’s completion is palpable. This is a common feeling from the members here. When we have the opportunity, we encourage the members to prepare now for the temple, even though the temple is in the early construction phase. A metaphor for temples are mountains. The Lord has often used mountains as a sacred place to teach His servants sacred things and reveal unto them His works and His will for His beloved children. The scriptures contain accounts of Nephi, Moses, the brother of Jared, and the Savior Himself going up to a mountain to commune with our Heavenly Father. Temples are the mountain of the Lord’s house in our day.
A few years ago, I had the opportunity to hike through the mountains of Nepal. I trekked to Kala Patthar which overlooks Everest Base Camp at an elevation of 18,519 feet above sea level. This opportunity came to me only after years of preparation, both physical and mental. During our trek we often saw helicopters going up and down the valley, taking people who had altitude sickness back to Katmandu for treatment. To be at that altitude you can’t cheat. You have to prepare meticulously to survive. Are we as careful and intent about our preparation to “ascend into the hill of the Lord” in His holy temples?
President Russell M. Nelson teaches us that, “those who enter the temple are also to bear the attribute of holiness. … We can acquire holiness only by enduring and persistent personal effort.” There is much to do here as we prepare spiritually for the temple which may seem afar off.
Sister Lofgran
Week 49
Overcoming the Darkness – Light the World
This past week we had a special GLAD FIKA with traditional treats like ‘Luciakattar’ (saffron buns) and ‘Julmust’ (Christmas soda). We wanted to provide a festive time for the workers. During Fika we took the opportunity to show the recently released, Light the World video. We thanked them for their work on the temple and let them know how much we appreciate them!
Swedes are masterful in their displays of light. On the first Sunday in December and every Sunday after, Swedes light a candle and place an ‘adventsljustakar’, (triangular advent candlesticks) in their windows that signal the countdown to Christmas. By the end of the first week of December, it seems as though every home, shop and office in Sweden is displaying electric candlesticks.
In Matthew 5:14-16, Jesus compares his followers to light, saying we “are the light of the world,” unable to be hidden.
Sister Lofgran
Week 50
Skanska provided Smårgåstårta (a dish of Swedish origin which is composed of layers of bread bound with large amounts of filling and garnish, similar to a layered cream cake yet savory), for all of the workers today. Orson took the opportunity to speak to the workers and thank them for the work they are doing. He told of a subcontractor, a carpet installer, whose father had worked on the original Stockholm Temple back in the 1980’s. This subcontractor remembered going to the Stockholm Temple Open House as a child where his father showed him the white carpet he had installed. His voice filled with emotion as he described the experience. It was a memory of forty years ago and still a tender experience for him. Orson invited all the workers to return to the open house with their families, when the temple is complete. We hope that the workers will feel the Spirit of the Holy Ghost as they work on the temple and when they return to see the completed temple.
Week 51
his past week we had many visitors to the site. The architect and his consultants attended the Smörgåstartå and then walked the temple site to review the project process. Consultants range from landscape and architectural design, to an accessibility specialist to engineers. There were twelve visitors from this group. During this time, our project manager took a moment to explain what happens in the temple and what temples means to the members of the church here in Sweden and throughout the world. We then showed the 2024 temple timeline video ‘Dotting the Earth’ illustrating a timeline of temples being built starting in 1877 and continuing until today and beyond—where we now have 202 temples dedicated, 9 under renovation, 51 under construction and 114 temples announced.
“The temple is where we climb high above the smoke and the fog of these earthly things and we learn to read by God’s eternal stars a course that will lead us safely back home.”
Harold B. Lee