Deseret News | BYU basketball: Player, companion hurt in attack

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BYU basketball: Player, companion hurt in attack

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Anonymous | 5:25 p.m. Oct. 15, 2008

There was, is and I expect always will be risks to being a missionary. Some places are worse than others. A long time ago my companion and I were attacked on the street in a small town in North Carolina. That degenerated into a serious street brawl. A few cuts and bruises and the fact we had done a fair amount of damage to our attackers seemed to make it much better.

Our mission president officialy chastised us. After that was over he seemed to enjoy the gory details.

Suprisingly the work went better after than, since we qualified as "good ole' boys.

Iq92 | 5:29 p.m. Oct. 15, 2008

Utes, Aggies, Cowboys, Aussies...all in a days work.

My son got his head cracked open by thugs in Russia; a Dr. sewed it up at the kitchen table.

1stTimeReader | 5:35 p.m. Oct. 15, 2008

I suspect in Elder Ferguson's home town (Montana?)the story will be more about him and less about Elder Collinsworth.

Comments continue below

Anonymous | 5:54 p.m. Oct. 15, 2008

So, you don't feel that it is of interest to the BYU sports community that one of their own was beaten?

Who cares where this article is? Church News, Sports section, front page, last page, Editorial, Help Wanted Ads... It seems like you read it just fine.

IS this seriously one of your concerns?

No wonder we have a screwed up world.

Sal | 6:08 p.m. Oct. 15, 2008

All these comments. Wow! I think I'm gonna throw up. Very strange people we are indeed

Katrina | 7:03 p.m. Oct. 15, 2008

Silly comments. What a rabid bunch of people. We cannot help it but we embarrass ouselves over and over.

SoCalUtahFan | 7:03 p.m. Oct. 15, 2008

Common people. He is both a b'ball play and a missionary. Obviously, missionary is important enough to him to postpone --that's why he is over there.

(BTW, I am not Mormon, just used to live in Utah for many years and have lots of Mormon friends)

Good luck | 7:22 p.m. Oct. 15, 2008

that is nothing to be wished upon anyone. question is who would attack a 6-10 American?

socalmon | 8:42 p.m. Oct. 15, 2008

Out of ugly things, good things can result, ESPECIALLY when in the service of the Lord. These missionaries are heroes, in a destitute world.
As scarey and demonic as it is, I believe there will be much consolation from the wonderful majority of Aussies, during the persuit of the perpetrators of this crime. This, in turn, will have a better ending I'm sure. My prayers are with them.

Hope my son is safe... | 8:44 p.m. Oct. 15, 2008

on the streets of Pocatello...

Good Question | 8:49 p.m. Oct. 15, 2008

Good Luck at 7:22.... How would they think he is American? I thought it was a world church but I guess your right it is American and specifcally regionally based church within the US. We have not crossed those boundries and even have alienated us further with some of these posts. Kinda dishearteniing.

It is news | 10:14 p.m. Oct. 15, 2008

Yes it is news when missionaries get attacked. This is bigger news because Collinsworth is a well known basketball player, thus a public figure of sorts.

Belongs in Church News? | 10:20 p.m. Oct. 15, 2008

Why would a story about a local boy being stabbed belong in the Church News?

California Cougar Fan | 10:52 p.m. Oct. 15, 2008

Missionaries serve out of love for the people.
How the people react does not affect this love.
Many, many people reject the message of the Restored Gospel.
Those who accept the message of love are worth all of the hate and anger of those who do not accept.

All missionaries know of the dangers of direct, personal service. The angels protect the missionaries.

Go Cougars!

Rui Reid-Sydney, Australia | 10:59 p.m. Oct. 15, 2008

As a member from Sydney, I am appalled at the vicious attacks on our missionaries, no matter where they are. This is another one of those situations as members we need to pull together at times like this. My son served a mission in Perth, Western Australia and as a mother you will always be concerned about your children no matter where they are. Our prayers are constantly sent Heavenwards for our children. This is also my prayer for these 2 missionaries, that they will have a speedy recovery.

Re:Real Cougar | 11:47 p.m. Oct. 15, 2008

It seems to me like the story on this incident from all the media is the same, so I don't know what you think is "way off"

CTR | 12:16 a.m. Oct. 16, 2008

Missionaries are attacked all the time and it is not breaking news unless they happen to "be somebody". Try to remember that Elder Collingsworth is just that, ELDER, He is not a BYU basketball player right now!

RE: socalman | 12:46 a.m. Oct. 16, 2008

Heroes? First I want to say that I would not wish upon anyone what happened to these boys. What they believe and want to "share" with others is their business and choosing to go on a mission is a noble thing. I hope the best for them and their families. However, the men and women who serve in our armed forces and protect the rights and liberties of all Americans, including those granted to our beloved mormon missionaries, are the true heroes. Please don't link the two together.

Bert | 4:40 a.m. Oct. 16, 2008

You don't have to be a missionary to be in danger of such an attack. It can and does happen all over the world to all sorts of people. It is one of the negative aspects of the world we live in.
I am glad that there remain men and women of faith who refuse to let such violence intimidate them and who are able to confidently strive to do their bit towards making this world a better place and in this case attempting to share a message of hope.
My prayers also are with these two young men specifically as I pray for all of our missionaries generally every day. Their example and courage makes me relect upon the contribution that I make in the Church and realise that sometimes I do take the easy path. Time to change that.

Mike R. | 8:08 a.m. Oct. 16, 2008

The reports trickling out of Australia point to Lebanese Muslims who did the attack. It appears to be religiously motivated. So much for the so called "Religion of Peace." The attackers apparently were not real Australian.

My brother got attacked while on his mission in England. A couple of drunk guys punched him and his companion out and shot them with a pellet gun. My brother suffered facial injuries and broken glasses. The Mission President was a retired cop from South Africa. The bad guys were brought to justice, did jail time, had to pay restitution, and were generally slapped around by the UK justice system. The attack happened in broad daylight.

Hmmm? | 8:26 a.m. Oct. 16, 2008

If everyone is so concerned about the missionaries, why do people insert "Go Cougars" like anyone reading this cares about the cougars. If someone is reading this they are concerned about the missionaries, not the cougars.

I'm glad your priorities are in line.

Gretzky | 8:28 a.m. Oct. 16, 2008

exactly where in the Sydney North mission? Newcastle? surfing town? where? the young Australians HATE americans especially young americans. the older WWII crowd loves and respects americans. but the younger Aussies up through their 40's do not. very sad.

Anonymous | 9:06 a.m. Oct. 16, 2008

thanks, DN, one of you mid-article ads is covering some of the story

Anonymous | 10:29 a.m. Oct. 16, 2008

What does the LDS church have to do with this article? Sports usually brings out all the hate in all the world on these blogs. Geesh...not too religious if you ask me and others. I hope for a quick recovery for these boys.

Re: Hmmm? | 8:26 a.m | 10:37 a.m. Oct. 16, 2008

Perhaps they are concerned that the injuries sustained in this attack will hinder his playing ability. And it also gains the interest of BYU fans because of the title. "BYU basketball: Player, companion hurt in attack"

And also because many people posting here are very selfish and shallow.

Anonymous | 10:50 a.m. Oct. 16, 2008

Chris is a wonderful missionary and I know he will not let this attack stop him from finishing his mission and returning to the BYU basketball team and leading them to the NCAA championship.

A.M.S. | 11:03 a.m. Oct. 16, 2008

Jeepers, don't the scriptures advise us to not throw the first stone? (Hmmmmm....) For those who are not into scriptures, there is always the saying "If you can't be big, don't be little". Why must we be contentious? Low self-esteem???

Anyway, I would like to add my love & prayers to the many others who have admiration & concern for these two young men serving their God & their fellow man. Heal up and GO GET 'EM! Perhaps you will even have the opportunity to teach your attackers that hate, violence, & (possibly) meth or other drugs, are not the way to obtain self-confidence, respect, & power.

For those of you who think God is to blame for all bad things that happen in this world, please call your local LDS missionaries or leaders for education regarding the gift of agency for mankind. If you study hard & deep enough you will learn that there are eternal laws that even Christ & Heavenly Father are bound by. I have had personal experience in this &, when I learned the REAL why's behind other's actions, I still mourned my losses but, have been able to forgive and have peace.

Please. Go.

Clifton | 11:44 a.m. Oct. 16, 2008

I am from Montana and LDS. Great Falls has two Stakes, and having been a member of one of the Wards there am now doing a lot of head scratching, but can't say I know of the Ferguson Missionary. However, regardless of where any Missionary is from, regardless of whether or not he is a sports hero or just the water boy, regardless of whether he attended PODUNK U or BYU,all should be given a fair shake when it comes to reporting on such incidents as this. The Savior never practiced nor taught elitism, and neither should we. By the way, we get a lot of Missionaries from Utah up here, and we treat them like our own.

Ed | 11:56 a.m. Oct. 16, 2008

This proves that idiots live in other places, somewhere other than West SLC and LA

kenny | 12:16 p.m. Oct. 16, 2008

missionaries all over the world get into trouble every day;auto accidents,illness,companions fighting,missionaries getting sent home,missionaries getting harrassed,etc. But when its a missionary/sports player then MT jumps on that story. They like the hype.We have the every day common missionary who serves anywhere with out fanfare. Then there is the guy who leaves the sports thing behind to serve and he becomes a celeb.
We say good going elder to most missionaries but to the missionary/sports player we say can I have your autograph!!!!!!!!!!!

FormerGreen Baret Former Bouncer | 12:21 p.m. Oct. 16, 2008

Why would someone attack a 6'9" man and his companion??? In my profession I know of several incidents where fellow bouncers would participate in something like this just for practice. Disgusting as that is, it's a reality.

sis | 1:15 p.m. Oct. 16, 2008

Really, does everyone really think that the only reason this article is in the paper is because he is a BYU basketball player. Funny thing is that right now he is a missionary serving God in Sydney Australia, not a BYU basketball player. And yes, everyone needs to get their story straight. All I can say is thank goodness, for Elder Ferguson jumping in and fighting like a champ..(Chris said that) My prayers are with both missionaries

Herb Gravy | 1:57 p.m. Oct. 16, 2008

Anonymous: Then, please, read The Church News!

Troutman | 2:12 p.m. Oct. 16, 2008

Gretzky: You are so right! While tracting daily in Queensland Hot,Humid,Heat, the old WWII'ers would say: "Don't want none of your religion Yank, but come on in for a glass of lemonade, you Yanks saved our bacon in WWII, otherwise we would be flying the flag of the Japanese!" time and time again I got these remarks. But as we would pass by the young people, it was always dirty remarks, scathing remarks, fighting remarks, etc. The Aussie young people are very angry and it worries me as to where there country is headed in the future!

Hmmmnnn . . . . | 2:13 p.m. Oct. 16, 2008

Are there really former Green Berets who don't know how to spell "Beret"? Seems fishy. I normally don't care about spelling on internet message boards (criticisms of spelling usually occur only when the writer runs out of better arguments) but when it makes me doubt the authenticity of who the person claims to be or what they say, then I feel like pointing it out. Anyone can claim to be anyone on here.

Signed,

Former Bodyguard to Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson

gail | 3:14 p.m. Oct. 16, 2008

This article would have been improved by emphasizing that two LDS missionaries were attacked. why should the name of the "companion" not come up until the third paragraph? are missionaries held in higher or lesser esteem by their prior BYU ball team affiliation, or lack thereof? both men are sacrificing to serve a mission. please recognize both of them equally.

Keriama | 4:04 p.m. Oct. 16, 2008

I lived in Sydney for about a decade and know that the Aussies are not as religious a people as Americans. In fact, even back in the 1980s and 90s I could detect intolerance to Mormons and JWs by some. When our new chapel was almost completed, someone had painted over the "Mormon" in a yard sign (referring to what type of building was going up) and ommitted the "m." That was disappointing.

I think that all future missionaries should be in pretty good health. It should be compulsory for each individual to learn some form of martial arts/self defense for their own protection. I know we have the Holy Ghost to guide and inspire us, but that's still not gonna stop unprovoked attacks on them. Every year we seem to lose several Elders to murder/manslaughter (or accidents). We are living in a far more dangerous, immoral and intolerant world now, and the Adversary's forces are doing all in their power to interfer with LDS conversion rates.

God bless these two brave, wonderful Elders. I'm very grateful they are safe.

to: "gail" and everybody else | 5:04 p.m. Oct. 16, 2008

OH MY GOSH, I MEAN OH.....MY......GOSH!!! (i am writing in capital letters because i am YELLING!!!) PEOPLE LISTEN TO MOST OF YOU, THIS IS JUST AN ARTICLE OF INFORMATION ON AN EVENT THAT HAPPENED TO A LOCAL UTAH BOY ON HIS MISSION!!!!! seriously, one hundred and thirty something plus comments, and some of them complaining about this thing or that, complaining about people saying go cougars or go utes, or the companions name was mentioned here and not there, and on and on and on.... Please give it a rest, this story is about letting us know about an attack on two missionaries in Aussie land, PERIOD!!!!

BTW, my prayers are simply with the missionaries, i had similar experiences on my mission, God bless you both, we know He will!!!

Johnny Utah # 9 | 5:25 p.m. Oct. 16, 2008

Re: A.M.S. | 11:03 a.m

If God is not to blame "for all bad things that happen in this world" and that we do in fact have free agency and the privilege of choice...

Then why is it that many have posted that the Lord intervened to save these missionaries?

There are many posts similar to: Anonymous | 10:43 a.m. Oct. 15, 2008 where they stated "I have no doubt that the Lord helped save their lives by having that person in the car shine their headlights on them."

Does the man driving that car not have free agency? Or is only people that do bad things that have the free agency? Everybody wants to thank the lord for the good acts that people perform, when really it was their own decision. Just the same as the bad acts. Right?

Instead of thanking the lord, I'd like to thank the man driving the car. He made a wise decision to protect the lives of others and is very brave.

re:Johnny Utah # 9 | 10:22 p.m. Oct. 16, 2008

You are trying to make a point, I know, but, it's sort of a "duh" point. The guy in the car saved their lives. Was it inspired, was it luck? Does anyone really know or understand?

My cousin's son was murdered in Russia while on his mission. The church handled it with respect and dignity, which was nice, but he was still dead. It's always sad to lose a young life full of promise.

Being a BYU basketball player might have added a small bit of the "celebrity" factor in this incidence, but not to the importance or non-importance of either young man.

So, I guess to anyone who claims to know, who gains a testimony by any of this, congratulations.

As for me, I'm just going to wait this life out, living the best life I can, and maybe figure it all out on the other side.

Any missionary, military person, any American traveling abroad right now is a target.

Wendy Rojas | 10:24 p.m. Oct. 16, 2008

While on my mission in Jacksonville, FL, on Halloween night 1994, some guys intercepted two missionaries as they were walking home. Elder Heath was targetted first and his companion, Elder Clah, turned to help him out and received a terrible beating (the doctors said he would need surgery to restore his eye socket). He was healed miraculously and I will never forget seeing them both at the November zone conference and hearing Elder Heath express love for Elder Clah, and then Elder Clah saying that he was willing to give his life in defense of Elder Heath. It was very touching and the feeling of Chrislike love in that room is something I will never forget. The whole zone was blessed by witnessing their forgiveness of the perpetrators and the love these missionaries shared for having endured through this experience together. Good things come out of bad experiences. The hand of the Lord is revealed even, and I should say, especially, in "tragic" circumstances. Love you, Elders, thank you for what you taught me 14 years ago.

Lebanese men !!! | 11:29 p.m. Oct. 16, 2008

This was a hate crime. From the mission "they saw two Lebanese men approaching them on the sidewalk. With no words exchanged or any kind of confrontation, the elders stepped onto the grass to let the Lebanese men pass. Suddenly they attacked our missionaries and began beating them. At one point Elder Ferguson saw his companion being beaten by both the men and picked up one of the men and threw him into the street. Then a third Lebanese man joined in. This all happened within two blocks (& clear view) of McDonalds. Suddenly a man drove by. His car lights frightened the three men and they ran off.

A bit of humor: Elder Collinsworth received a call from the mission doctor in the hospital and the elder began first saying, ï¿½Hey, doc! Iï¿½ve got a stabbing pain in my back!ï¿½

Oxy Moroni | 11:48 p.m. Oct. 16, 2008

How can you call it a hate crime if no words were exchanged?

Sorry, It's called assualt at that point.

Bob Rennie | 7:40 a.m. Oct. 17, 2008

Like many teachers in our Church we just presented a lesson on our Prophet Joseph Smith. It recounted an incident where he was attacked and tarred while sleeping with his young son. No one would question whether or not this was a hate crime.

I believe that there is a good chance that the attack on our two missionaries was hate related. It should be investigated with hate in mind.

John Pack Lambert | 5:40 p.m. Oct. 17, 2008

To Wendy Rojas,
Comments like yours are what keep me reading these boards despite the negativity. They are the rare lights of hope in general gloom.
On the other hand it is probably because of incidents like that that in several missions missionaries are counseled to not go door to door after dark on Halloween.

Dennis | 9:30 p.m. Oct. 17, 2008

Go Cougs. I wish him well and and god bless. We are an up and comming team and need this guy back. Go Cougs and we will welcome you back to the Marriot Center a hero for your experience. Go Cougs and bless Elder Collinsworth and his return to the Cougs.

Death/Injury chance higher for n | 9:53 p.m. Oct. 19, 2008

A few years ago the LDS church did a study of the applicable statistical data and found the risk of death or serious injury are much lower for missionaries than for others in the same age group. (do a Google search)

Anonymous | 12:43 a.m. Oct. 20, 2008

i live in australia and we ddint hear anything about this.

Don | 9:31 p.m. Oct. 30, 2008

It's really sad to see how people respond to these kinds of things. They nearly always qualify their hatred with a comment such as "It's always sad when these kinds of things happen, but..."

I was also saddened to see anti Muslim comments. While it's true that the attackers were Lebanese, it's also true that the man who saved them was from Sudan, and very possibly Muslim himself. Truth is that there is good and evil in every people.

My son is good friends with the new zone leader in this area. There much more to this story than what has been reported here or what will be reported. Angels were watching over these two.

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Scott G. Winterton, Deseret News

Chris Collinsworth, right, played in all 35 games last year for BYU, averaging 2.5 points and 1.5 rebounds per game. He's been in Australia on a mission for about six months.