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MormonTimes.com: Gentle exposure to the gospel at Cherry Hill Campground
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Outstanding! | 7:03 a.m. June 21, 2008
What a great example to all members of the Lord's Church. Let's all
try to do something to help build the Lord's Kingdom every day.
Sceen Age | 7:12 a.m. June 21, 2008
As a convert myself, I have to say I LOVE people like this! Good for them!
Comments continue below
Denny | 8:16 a.m. June 21, 2008
Isn't that nice. Being harassed by someone while you're trying to
have a good time. Wow.
AZ | 9:33 a.m. June 21, 2008
What a great example of missionary work. Didn't read anything about anyone
being harrassed. Sounds like it improved a whole lot of lives. Funny how some
think that missionaries force people to listen to them.
Choice | 9:35 a.m. June 21, 2008
[Laughing] Reading down through these comments sure tells you a lot about
people. Some see the glass half empty, and others see it half full.
KM - Maybe a little honesty would help your situation. Tell him what you do with his literature and that you aren't interested. He doesn't want to offend customers, he'd quit if you would be straight with him.
Denny - I didn't read anything about harassment. In fact, the convert couple is overjoyed. You could stand to be a bit more honest as well.
KM - Maybe a little honesty would help your situation. Tell him what you do with his literature and that you aren't interested. He doesn't want to offend customers, he'd quit if you would be straight with him.
Denny - I didn't read anything about harassment. In fact, the convert couple is overjoyed. You could stand to be a bit more honest as well.
chillgrandma | 9:40 a.m. June 21, 2008
We love that campground. We went there for a family reunion years ago and it is
one of kid's fondest memories.
Ernest T. Bass | 10:04 a.m. June 21, 2008
It's stories like this that give me a warm feeling inside.
Cricket | 10:30 a.m. June 21, 2008
KM, you are not being kind to your egg man. You should be truthful with him.
You should kindly tell him you are not interested in reading his publications.
He is wasting his money by giving you the publications and there is false hope
being created by you in accepting the publications. You can still be polite to
him, and you should be. But to be kind, you should be honest.
KM | 10:36 a.m. June 21, 2008
Choice,
That's just my point. Being polite means not telling people what you think of their religion, so I have no desire to be rude to my egg guy. Being polite also means that you shouldn't take cases where people are already engaged in a business transaction with you and using it as an opportunity to try to convert them.
Again, these people have paid money to stay at this campground. They should not have to be put into a potentially awkward discussion over religion with the people to whom they have paid money. This is just common courtesy. There are times when it would be appropriate to share one's religious beliefs, but this is not it.
That's just my point. Being polite means not telling people what you think of their religion, so I have no desire to be rude to my egg guy. Being polite also means that you shouldn't take cases where people are already engaged in a business transaction with you and using it as an opportunity to try to convert them.
Again, these people have paid money to stay at this campground. They should not have to be put into a potentially awkward discussion over religion with the people to whom they have paid money. This is just common courtesy. There are times when it would be appropriate to share one's religious beliefs, but this is not it.
Me again | 11:07 a.m. June 21, 2008
In Ezek. 34-11 it does not state "For thus saith the Lord God; Behold, I,
even I, will both search my sheep, and seek them out (unless I am already
engaged in a business transaction with them or if it may make them feel
awkward). Kudo's to these wonderful missionaries.
RE:KM | 11:28 a.m. June 21, 2008
You don't have to ridicule the guy's religion. Just tell him that you
are already committed in your faith. Express respect and gratitude that he
cares to share with you but that you are not interested. Think of it this way.
How would you want someone to respond to you if the shoe were on the other foot?
If worse came to worse you could have a conversation abou your common beliefs.
Clyde | 12:00 p.m. June 21, 2008
We stayed at this campground when I was a child. I loved it. They had huge sweet
cherry trees. They were in season and you could pick and eat as many as you
liked. We climbed trees and played all evening. It had a great family atmosphere
and I would reccommend to my friends to camp there. I'm glad to learn that
the owners are humble enough to practice their religion in their everyday life.
Bert | 12:19 p.m. June 21, 2008
This whole Gentle thing is extremely offensive. What an elitist group.
As for kindly telling someone they are not interested; we all know how well that works with most Mormons.
No means maybe, "let me come at this from an other angle. After all we are the only true church."
As for kindly telling someone they are not interested; we all know how well that works with most Mormons.
No means maybe, "let me come at this from an other angle. After all we are the only true church."
Tacky | 12:26 p.m. June 21, 2008
Invitation to watch a movie?
I�d be pretty upset if I showed up expecting entertainment, and my family was subjected to religious proselytizing while on vacation. I am sure some campers enjoyed the religious revival, but I wonder how many more became disgusted and left? For some reason, there are people who do not understand that religious as well as political affiliations are private, individual matters. I am offended when accosted by folks I have never even met before, who want to know my affiliation and want to �share� theirs, or worse, point out why they think I am wrong. This kind of personal intrusion certainly has no place in business, whether it is a campground or egg delivery service.
I�d be pretty upset if I showed up expecting entertainment, and my family was subjected to religious proselytizing while on vacation. I am sure some campers enjoyed the religious revival, but I wonder how many more became disgusted and left? For some reason, there are people who do not understand that religious as well as political affiliations are private, individual matters. I am offended when accosted by folks I have never even met before, who want to know my affiliation and want to �share� theirs, or worse, point out why they think I am wrong. This kind of personal intrusion certainly has no place in business, whether it is a campground or egg delivery service.
Not so Bert | 1:24 p.m. June 21, 2008
If the missionaries come to your door and you tell them not to come to your
residence anymore, they won't. Now, once the missionaries rotate out and
new ones come in then you might get a visit again. There are no
'angles' to it. You sound paranoid.
Vernal Roid | 1:30 p.m. June 21, 2008
I've done buisness with the loyds and I would say the examples that they
are in following there religion is probally all the missionary work that they
have to do. Bruce is an outstanding person,(He was incharge of the place when I
did buisness with him) My experiance with the Loyds and there son in law Blair
is an example of how to be a good person and succeed in buisness.
barbara davis | 2:03 p.m. June 21, 2008
HOW WE LOVED THE LLOYDS. THEY HAVE DONE A FANTASTIC JOB. WE HAVE HAD SEVERAL
FAMILY REUNIONS THERE OVER THE YEARS. NO ONE WAS PRESURRED THERE. IF THEY
DIDN'T WANT TO PARTICAPATE, IT WAS THEIR CHOICE. THEY HAVE BUILT SUCH A
PEACEFUL PLACE THERE, SO THAT I COULDN'T IMAGINE ANYONE GOING AWAY WITHOUT
GOOD FEELINGS ABOUT THEIR STAY. WE ARE SO HAPPY THAT MARY LOU AND GRANT'S
CHILDREN ARE CARRYING ON WHAT THEIR PARENTS STARTED SO MANY YEARS AGO.
Tony | 2:08 p.m. June 21, 2008
I'm even 'worse' than a non-LDS; I'm EX-LDS. But I do get
missionaries at my door, ward members, neighbors, work associates, and some
family members who try to share a 'gentle' message. I have found a
great way to handle that situation.
I offer to listen if they will give me equal time to express my gentle beliefs.
Nine times out of ten, this stops them in their tracks because most of them are not truly interested in dialogue. One time out of ten we end up having a fascinating and memorable conversation that makes both of us feel respected and valued.
Equal time for equal expression. It's a great approach! Try it next time you visit Cherry Hill.
I offer to listen if they will give me equal time to express my gentle beliefs.
Nine times out of ten, this stops them in their tracks because most of them are not truly interested in dialogue. One time out of ten we end up having a fascinating and memorable conversation that makes both of us feel respected and valued.
Equal time for equal expression. It's a great approach! Try it next time you visit Cherry Hill.
mystory | 2:29 p.m. June 21, 2008
This article reminds me of when I worked in a hotel in Atlanta. As concierge I
would try to know the worship service hours for all Faiths, i.e., Catholic Mass
times, Baptist, LDS,etc. One man from Utah ask me for phone for LDS Atlanta
Temple. When I gave him the Ordinance hours from memory his response was "
You know a lot about THE CHURCH , I should send the missonaries to talk to
you." I was so offended that just because I knew my job this man would
assume I needed missionaries. In my position, I could not tell him my outrage.
My point being is to all LDS...just because we are friendly and helpful DO NOT
try to convert us. Courtesy and respect are a two way streets. And, NO, he was
not kidding. Now I am very reluctant to even attempt to have any establish a
rapport with people who I know see every new acquaintance as a potential
convert. To use a business to proselytise is so very wrong.
Sheep | 3:02 p.m. June 21, 2008
I appreciate articles like this. Now I know where NOT to camp with my family.
To Not So Bert | 3:50 p.m. June 21, 2008
I was a missionary, I know the tactics. Once an area has been tracted out, you
start over again. We kept notes and knew who was home, who said they were not
interested, and which houses were empty.
We were instructed to act dumb if you went to a door where someone previously said don't come back. Say "Oh gosh that must have been the previous missionaries". Our message was too important to not keep trying.
When someone said we're baptist we're not interested, we were to say Oh we just want to share a spiritual message. If we got in we started in on the first discussion.
When one of your prophets says every member a missionary, you believe that God is telling you to do it. There is no saying to God, "well, they said they weren't interested."
I was once where you are. You believe you have a mandate from God to be persistent.
We were instructed to act dumb if you went to a door where someone previously said don't come back. Say "Oh gosh that must have been the previous missionaries". Our message was too important to not keep trying.
When someone said we're baptist we're not interested, we were to say Oh we just want to share a spiritual message. If we got in we started in on the first discussion.
When one of your prophets says every member a missionary, you believe that God is telling you to do it. There is no saying to God, "well, they said they weren't interested."
I was once where you are. You believe you have a mandate from God to be persistent.
Why the fuss? | 3:54 p.m. June 21, 2008
I agree that a vacation spot should not be a place for active proselytizing.
However, that doesn't seem to be what is happening in this. An invitation
is extended to campers, nothing more. I think it's a lovely example of how
one might share any beliefs: invite someone into a conversation and don't
pressure. It doesn't sound the situation mentioned in this article would
have potential for awkwardness in the least. An invitation is extended, an
answer or reply is not expected or demanded. If someone wants to attend the
film or concert, they can. If they don't, it's not a big deal.
Fredd | 4:00 p.m. June 21, 2008
I love the LDS. I wish I could tell them how odd their beliefs are but they
always get mad and call me an "anti". Oh well, at least I know where
to go camping.
RE: mystory | 4:29 p.m. June 21, 2008
Your story reminds me of a recent weekend trip we had to attend a temple
wedding. We asked the man at the hotel desk the best way to get to the temple.
He told us to go up the highway and exit right when we see it. He then added,
"If you don't see it, you're BLIND." He was funny in a sly
way. I appreciate hotel workers that take the time to know things like that,
regardless of their faith.
Ryan | 4:40 p.m. June 21, 2008
I would like to let everyone know how great the Lloyd's are as people. I
had the opportunity of working at the Cherry Hill campground during my High
School Days. I also attended the same LDS Ward as the LLoyd Family which gave
me the opportunity to "INVITE" great people both Non-LDS and LDS to
watch the movies. It was a simple invitation that we did. NO PRESSURE
INVOLVED! If they weren't interested in attending then we kindly said,
"ok, have a great vacation". We weren't out forcing anyone to
attend or preaching. It was just a kind invite.
Being LDS I have been invited by the Jehova Witness' and Baptists to attend their events. I did attend a nice Baptist Tent revival which was enjoyable. Although I'm still active LDS I appreciated their kindness to invite me! There is no need to argue or trash each others beliefs...The important thing to remember is that we are all Children of the same Loving Heavenly Father.
Being LDS I have been invited by the Jehova Witness' and Baptists to attend their events. I did attend a nice Baptist Tent revival which was enjoyable. Although I'm still active LDS I appreciated their kindness to invite me! There is no need to argue or trash each others beliefs...The important thing to remember is that we are all Children of the same Loving Heavenly Father.
Morgan | 5:44 p.m. June 21, 2008
I don't care how "nice" the Lloyds are. I'm never going to
the Cherry Hill campground. I'm tired of Mormons thinking that every place
and moment is an appropriate opportunity for them to share their religion. Is
there seriously anyone left in this state who hasn't been approached?
I'm now being hounded by missionaries in the local park and Target parking
lot. Why can't they just wait for interested folks to come to them. Talk
about high-pressure salesmen!
mystory | 6:00 p.m. June 21, 2008
To Re:mystory @4:29
Thank you for your kind words. I am sorry that I did not add that most of the other LDS simply asked where the Temple was and just thanked me. By no means did I mean to imply that every time someone asked for directions they did the same "missionary thing". If you have ever been to the Atlanta Temple you know how hard it is to find. I guess I was just so proud of my knowledge ( showing off) I was taken aback. Did not intend to make broad statement about all. I respect your Faith and hope not to offend. I have gotten past that gentleman, was just citing an example. Thank you.
Thank you for your kind words. I am sorry that I did not add that most of the other LDS simply asked where the Temple was and just thanked me. By no means did I mean to imply that every time someone asked for directions they did the same "missionary thing". If you have ever been to the Atlanta Temple you know how hard it is to find. I guess I was just so proud of my knowledge ( showing off) I was taken aback. Did not intend to make broad statement about all. I respect your Faith and hope not to offend. I have gotten past that gentleman, was just citing an example. Thank you.
I'm happy | 6:37 p.m. June 21, 2008
I'm am happy and have been EXTREMELY BLESSED that the missionaries and
members of the LDS Church gave me MULTIPLE OPPORTUNITIES to hear about the
Church 30 years ago. I have had a WONDERFULLY fulfilling life, 5 wonderful
children raised up in the Gospel of Jesus Christ and I could NEVER have even
imagined such peace and joy before I became aware that the Lord had restored the
fullness of His Gospel. I'm VERY thankful the members and missionaries
didn't give up on me. When life is this good; naturally you want to share
with those whom you care about.
RE: mystory | 7:01 p.m. June 21, 2008
No worries, friend, I wasn't offended at all. I was just relating an
experience with asking someone at a hotel where a temple was. We can be a bit
overbearing. The man in your experience, I noticed his choice of words were
"I should send the missonaries to talk to you." That's just a bit
blunt, not that he should be sneaky. Many LDS take their faith quite seriously,
which can be a blessing sometimes and a curse far too many times :) Enjoy your
day.
happy4u | 7:03 p.m. June 21, 2008
Good for you. Now leave the rest of us alone.
Jessica | 7:28 p.m. June 21, 2008
I bought season passes for my two daughters last year for the Cherry Hill Water
Park. I will never do that again. The manner of dress, the language and the
adult beverages that were present at Cherry Hill reminded me of Lehi's
"Tree of Life" vision. My kids were doing everything in their power
to hold fast to the iron rod.
I don't think the current atmosphere at Cherry Hill is conducive to the spirit or learning about the gospel.
I don't think the current atmosphere at Cherry Hill is conducive to the spirit or learning about the gospel.
I'm Happy Too | 8:05 p.m. June 21, 2008
Happy and thankful for the missionaries who knocked on my door numerous times
over the years whom I told 'no thank you', or 'I'm not
buying what your selling'. Thankful for the time when they came and I did
feel the spirit of God. So forgive me if I sit back and smile at the negative
posts about missionaries, I see the old me in you.
To:I'm Happy Too | 9:18 p.m. June 21, 2008
"I see the old me in you"
And this is the height of spiritual arrogance. You cannot fathom that there are people who are just as adamant about their faith and are completely fulfilled spiritually and are not LDS. If you see the "old me in you" it just means that you were lacking something when the Missionaries came. I am lacking nothing. My belief in my faith is real, totally fulfilling and not lacking your version of truth. I am glad you are happy. Can you not realize that others are just as sure and just as happy as you are? That is why it is insulting to be referred to as "lacking the fullness" of the Gospel.
And this is the height of spiritual arrogance. You cannot fathom that there are people who are just as adamant about their faith and are completely fulfilled spiritually and are not LDS. If you see the "old me in you" it just means that you were lacking something when the Missionaries came. I am lacking nothing. My belief in my faith is real, totally fulfilling and not lacking your version of truth. I am glad you are happy. Can you not realize that others are just as sure and just as happy as you are? That is why it is insulting to be referred to as "lacking the fullness" of the Gospel.
WORTH IT | 9:19 p.m. June 21, 2008
If "offending" visiting customers over 40 years resulted in the
baptism of just one person, it would still be well worth it.
Chip | 10:45 p.m. June 21, 2008
This is a really interesting take on the Church and their proselytizing. Usually
we are accussed of leaving people out of our activities and being un-friendly.
Now we are being chastised for inviting them. I'm so confused.
D Jay | 11:36 p.m. June 21, 2008
I knew the Lloyds' growing up, and have many wonderful memories of Cherry
Hill. I cannot imagine either Grant or Mary Lou ever saying anything that would
offend anyone in any setting (unless saying, "Why yes, we're
Mormon" is offensive, which apparently it is to some of the posters on this
board).
I know longer live in Utah, and we love our community here. A friend in our ward recently told us of a conversation with one of her neighbors, who is Baptist. The neighbor made the point to go to her home and let her know that because she is Mormon she is going to Hell. We all found it rather amusing, and our friend took no offense.
For those on this board who take offense at being "approached" by Mormons, be it friends, missionaries, or total strangers: we mean no offense, and only wish to share what brings us true happiness; and if that offends you, remember that being offended is your choice, not ours. We're not going to stop sharing, so feel free to keep getting offended. Your comments here really make you look small.
I know longer live in Utah, and we love our community here. A friend in our ward recently told us of a conversation with one of her neighbors, who is Baptist. The neighbor made the point to go to her home and let her know that because she is Mormon she is going to Hell. We all found it rather amusing, and our friend took no offense.
For those on this board who take offense at being "approached" by Mormons, be it friends, missionaries, or total strangers: we mean no offense, and only wish to share what brings us true happiness; and if that offends you, remember that being offended is your choice, not ours. We're not going to stop sharing, so feel free to keep getting offended. Your comments here really make you look small.
Anti | 12:30 a.m. June 22, 2008
I'd really enjoy a week at this camp. I'm not sure if they would
appreciate me and the strong biblical witness I bring in return.
I always invite the mormon missionaries in for milk and cookies. RM's are even more enjoyable to spend time with, amazing thing is they always get terribly offended when confronted with biblical truth.
Thanks for the recommendation on the camp.
I always invite the mormon missionaries in for milk and cookies. RM's are even more enjoyable to spend time with, amazing thing is they always get terribly offended when confronted with biblical truth.
Thanks for the recommendation on the camp.
Re: Anti | 2:13 a.m. June 22, 2008
I have had hundreds (literally) civil, honest discussion and I have never been
offended by the discussions. I have learned however that the professors of
various religions understand the same exact passages of the Bible so
differently, that it I have no confidence in discovering truth through Biblical
"discussions". Whose versions of the Bible do you accept? There are a
great many I have discovered by experience.
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The guy who delivers my eggs is a Jehovah's Witness and every third or fourth time I have to listen to a little spiel and get one of those Watchtower publications and I find it annoying. To be polite, I just take the stuff and throw it out when he's gone, but I'm sure he misinterprets this as interest on my part.