Poetic Reflections
A Missionarie Remembers
by
Book Cover & Preview Text
A Call to serve came to our bishop For us to serve a mission. I sat in awe with what was said, I scarce could hardly listen. How could this be? My health is bad Have trouble with my heart, Can't see, can't hear, diabetes too And that is just a start. But loving God, I then said yes I'd certainly try to go. In all my years since baptism, I'd never told Him no. Staying home with family Would really be so nice. But when the Lord calls on us, Then we must sacrifice. So off we went To our assignment out West. Vowing each moment That we'd do our best. But when we arrived there To my great surprise I saw unhealthy missionaries I couldn't believe my eyes Wheelchairs and crutches And all kinds of aid, Getting assistance From everything made. Not asking for help, Just serving the Lord. Going out everyday Obeying the word. I felt so ashamed With the problems I had. When I saw their condition, I felt really bad. So with the blind and the cripple, The deaf and the lame, I'll just do my duty And try not to complain. There's nothing for us here And nothing to compare With the blessings we'll get When we live with Christ up there. So what are you waiting for? There's plenty to do. The work in God's kingdom Is depending on you. You don't have to be perfect, Just willing to start With a love for your Father And a kind willing heart. By Francis B. Mooneyhan Jr. May 2008
Formats
Book Details
About the Book
Prior to his departure to serve as a Family History missionary in Salt Lake City, Frank wrote a poem about both the wonderment of his “call” and of what lay in wait for him. His concerns about his age and poor health were soon dismissed upon his arrival in the mission field when Frank noticed that there were many who suffered far more than he, thus inspiring a poem about the willingness of others to serve God despite major obstacles in their lives. He recited this poem as part of his three minute introduction and arrival speech to his missionary group, many of whom requested a copy. Working in the Genealogy Library, Frank helped in the restoration of books and assisted his wife as lab photographer. He continued to write poems as missionaries entered and departed the mission and was quickly dubbed the “lab poet.” Instead of writing a traditional daily journal, his wife suggested that he write his feelings and thoughts through poetry. This challenge helped Frank occupy his mind in a positive direction while struggling with daily health trials and his poetry journal evolved into this book, a compilation of heartfelt, inspired and jovial poems.
About the Author
Frank Mooneyhan was born during the Depression, the oldest child of a sharecropper. Although his education as child was limited, the Air Force later provided him with many learning opportunities. Frank's zest for learning pulled him through challenging circumstances, which only fueled his determination to succeed and provide for his family. At age 54, he earned a B.S. in Business Administration from Limestone College. He remains an avid lifelong learner. As a young adult, he met and married his sweetheart, Kitty Watson, and together they raised seven children. Frank worked as an engineering supervisor for DuPont, served as Master Sergeant for the Air National Guard, and taught vocational courses for ATEC and Central Carolina. As a convert to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Frank's testimony has remained strong. He has served the church in many areas from scoutmaster to bishop. At age 77, while working as an ordinance worker in the Columbia, South Carolina LDS Temple, Frank and Kitty were called to serve a `Church and Family History Mission' in Salt Lake City, Utah. Despite multiple health issues, he accepted the challenge.