A compilation of News Articles Concerning the slaying of five LDS missionaries 1988-1991

Deseret News Archives,

Saturday, May 27, 1989\

Edition: Metro\

Section: Church News

Page: 4 \

Length: Short: 23 lines\

FIRST PRESIDENCY GRIEVES OVER DEATHS OF 'MARTYRS'\

The First Presidency on Thursday, May 25, issued the following statement concerning the death of two missionaries in LaPaz, Bolivia:

"We are grieved to learn of the assassination of two of our missionaries last evening in LaPaz, Bolivia. Information received indicates that Elder Jeffrey Brent Ball of

Coalville, Utah, and Elder Todd Ray Wilson of Wellington, Utah, were gunned down in front of their living quarters as they were about to enter the front door.

"We regret that anyone would think that these representatives of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, who have been sent to preach the gospel of peace,

would be characterized as enemies of any group.

"They have died as martyrs in the cause of the Lord. We extend our love and sympathy to their families and pray that they may be comforted and sustained in this

hour of tragedy."

Deseret News Archives,

Saturday, May 27, 1989\

Edition: Metro\

Section: Church News

Page: 4\

Length: Short: 36 lines\

TWO MISSIONARIES SERVING IN BOLIVIA ARE ASSASSINATED BY TERRORISTS

Two missionaries serving in the Bolivia LaPaz Mission were assassinated by terrorists late Wednesday, May 24, as they were returning to their apartment in LaPaz.

Elders Jeffrey Brent Ball, 20, and Elder Todd Ray Wilson, 20, were gunned down by automatic weapons fire about 10:20 p.m. Bolivia time (8:20 MST).

Elder Ball was the son of Alfred Brent and Lois Joyce Bates Ball of the Wanship Ward, Coalville Utah Stake. He entered the Missionary Training Center last June.

Elder Wilson, who entered the Missionary Training Center last July, was the son of Arvil Ray and Elaine Bunderson Wilson of the Wellington 3rd Ward, Wellington

Utah Stake.

Newspapers in LaPaz said a group identified as Armed Forces of Liberation has claimed responsibility for the slayings.

"We are heartbroken at this terrible tragedy that has occurred," said Mission Pres. Steven Rich Wright. "It's a terrible unprovoked attack on innocent victims who

have nothing to do with the political and social philosophies of this or any other group."

Pres. Wright said the missionaries were apparently chosen at random. A small, yellow compact car drove by the complex, firing into a crowd with 9 mm weapons.

The mission president was notified of the shooting incident by another missionary, who also lives in the apartment complex, and immediately went to the scene. One

of the elders died immediately; the other died 10 to 20 minutes later en route to a local hospital.

American officials at the U.S. embassy in LaPaz were meeting May 25 to discuss the shooting.

Deseret News Archives,

Saturday, June 3, 1989\

Edition: Metro\

Section: Church News

Page: 1\

Length: Short: 24 lines\

COMPANIONS TO THE END\

Dedicated missionaries in life, Elders Jeffrey Brent Ball and Todd Ray Wilsondied together in La Paz, Bolivia - cut down by machine gun fire from terrorists-while

serving the Lord.

Their bodies were returned to Utah May 28. On the cover, airport workers in Salt Lake City place one of the cardboard-encased caskets into a waiting hearse.

The elders were eulogized in funeral services May 30 in Coalville and Wellington, Utah, attended by members of the First Presidency and other General Authorities.

Deseret News Archives,

Saturday, June 3, 1989\

Edition: Metro\

Section: Church News

Page: 3\

Length: Medium: 61 lines\

SADNESS MARKS MISSIONARIES' 'HOMECOMING' \

The airport homecoming for Elders Jeffrey Brent Ball and Todd Ray Wilson on May 28 was not the joyful kind usually experienced by returning missionaries; it was

shaded by sadness, solemnity and reverence.

The two companions, both 20, were assassinated by terrorists May 24 as they were returning to their apartment in La Paz, Bolivia. Elder Ball was from Wanship,

Utah, and Elder Wilson from Wellington, Utah.

The bodies were flown by a commercial jet to the Salt Lake International Airport. The two caskets, encased in cardboard, were removed from the cargo hold of the

plane and placed into waiting hearses. The missionaries were companions to the end.

Elder Ball's family members stood on the windy tarmac and watched. Elder Wilson's family opted to remain in Wellington, a 125-mile journey southeast of Salt Lake

City, where they attended regular Sunday meetings, while a local mortician, a family friend, obtained Elder Wilson's body at the airport.

Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Council of the Twelve and Elder Russell C. Taylor of the Second Quorum of the Seventy stood with Brent and Joyce Ball, their

18-year-old son Greg, and their missionary daughter, Wendy, as the caskets were removed from the airplane. Also with the family were Brent Ball's brothers and his

84-year-old father.

Elder Ballard patted Sister Ball's hand as she wiped her eyes. Greg, stocky and athletic like his older brother, clutched his mother's arm to comfort her. Wendy, who

was brought home from her field of labor in Guatemala to be with the family in the wake of the tragedy, struggled to maintain her composure.

Speaking for the First Presidency and all of the General Authorities, Elder Ballard later said to news reporters inside the airport terminal: "We join with everyone in

expressing our deepest feelings of trauma and upset over this awful thing that has happened to Elder Wilson and Elder Ball. We express to all of the friends of the

two families, on behalf of them, their appreciation for the outpouring of love and feelings that have come to these families.

"These missionaries returned to us today in these caskets have fulfilled a noble service in the country they lived in. Missionaries continue to serve in South America

and we pray that hearts will be softened and tragedies like this will never occur again to such wonderful, good men who have devoted their lives to preaching the

gospel of peace, indeed the gospel of Jesus Christ."

Responding to reporters' questions, Elder Ballard said the Church will continue to do missionary work and will do all it can to protect the more than 37,500

missionaries serving throughout the world.

He said missionaries in Bolivia were confined to their apartments for a few days until the FBI released the findings from its investigation into the killings.

Asked if the Church would endeavor to make missionaries less visible, the apostle said that he did not know how that could be done. He added that by virtue of

their clean-cut, neat appearance, missionaries stand out whether they be Bolivian or American.

Deseret News Archives,

Saturday, June 3, 1989\

Edition: Metro\

Section: Church News

Page: 16\

Length: Medium: 81 lines\

'GREATER LOVE HATH NO MAN'\

We were shocked that two missionaries, preaching the gospel of peace, were gunned down by automatic weapons fire May 24 as they were returning to their

humble apartment in LaPaz, Bolivia.

Elder Jeffrey Brent Ball of Wanship, Utah, and Elder Todd Ray Wilson of Wellington, Utah, were on the Lord's errand, spreading the news of eternal life when

mortal death ended their missions here on earth.

United in mourning, Latter-day Saints throughout the world grieve together. We weep with the families of Elder Ball and Elder Wilson. We feel of their sorrow and

grope for appropriate, consoling words.

They were only 20. They became martyrs in the service of God - valiant men whose testimonies had placed them in such a circumstance that their lives would be

taken.

They had been on their missions less than a year, but they had already developed a great love for the people to whom they had been called to preach the gospel of

Jesus Christ. Their letters home were filled with expressions of love for the Bolivian people and for the missionary work they were performing.

They were among their beloved new friends, when they drew their last breaths.

Jesus said, "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." (John 15:13.)

Elder Ball and Elder Wilson had laid down, as it were, their personal lives when they accepted calls to join the ranks of missionaries sent out into all the world to

preach the gospel. They turned from their own interests and individual pursuits in order to serve the Lord with the full extent of their ability. When they made their

decision to serve, their thoughts were on the good they could accomplish; little did they know that they would be assassinated by terrorists, that they would literally

lay down their lives in their field of labor.

I n his last speech to the Nauvoo Legion a few days before his martyrdom, Joseph Smith said: "I do not regard my own life. I am ready to be offered a sacrifice for

this people; for what can our enemies do? Only kill the body, and their power is then at an end. Stand firm, my friends; never flinch . . . for he that is afraid to die for

the truth, will lose eternal life. . . ." (History of the Church, 6:500.)

Even with all our understanding of the gospel, knowledge of the scriptures and experience in human behavior, we cannot fully understand why such tragedies are

allowed to happen. We cannot fully explain why the Lord's servants - faithful saints throughout history and now Elder Ball and Elder Wilson - are permitted to die at

the hands of the enemies of truth and righteousness.

In the 14th chapter of Alma is an account of how Amulek pleaded with Alma to exercise the power of the priesthood and save the righteous people from being

burned to death. Amulek could see only from the human and mortal perspective. Alma, impressed by the Spirit and seeing the eternal perspective, said:

"The Spirit constraineth me that I must not stretch forth mine hand; for behold the Lord receiveth them up unto himself, in glory; and he doth suffer . . . that the

people may do this thing unto them, according to the hardness of their hearts, that the judgments which he shall exercise upon them in his wrath may be just." (Alma

14:11.)

I n our grief, we rely on the balm of comfort found in the scriptures and gospel principles that Elder Ball and Elder Wilson had devoted their lives to teaching. We

derive some comfort in knowing that those who die in the Lord's service are caught up in His glory.

"Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them." (Rev.

14:13.)

How we wish this great tragedy had never happened. How we wish Elder Ball and Elder Wilson, at the end of their appointed missions in Bolivia, would have been

able to have returned to their loved ones in Utah to pick up the threads of their personal lives, that they would have been permitted to marry worthy young women in

a temple of the Lord and raise children in righteousness.

But we, as Amulek, see only the short-term consequences of the evil actions taken against these two young men. As Alma, we must look beyond here and now; we

must turn to eternity for our comfort. As we do so, we realize Elder Ball and Elder Wilson are not dead to the Lord, or in the eternal perspective, to their families.

They live. Their missions have not ended. Their field of labor only has changed.

Deseret News Archives,

Saturday, June 3, 1989\

Edition: Metro\

Section: Church News

Page: 4\

Length: Short: 40 lines\

BOLIVIANS EXPRESS LOVE FOR MISSIONARIES\

Love and a reaffirmation of faith were expressed at a special memorial service for Elders Jeffrey Brent Ball and Todd Ray Wilson held May 28 in the La Paz

Sopocachi stake center.

More than 1,500 Church members and friends of the Church, including government officials, press representatives, Church leaders and 120 missionaries attended

the service, the largest ever held in the stake center, said La Paz Bolivia Mission Pres. Steven R. Wright.

"A great outpouring of love was expressed for the missionaries," he reported. "There has been an overwhelming response from members, not just locally but

nationally." He said condolences of stake presidents and regional representatives were similar to the expressions made by the press and civic leaders.

"A great deal of grief was expressed; they were two of our best," he said. "But now our missionaries are ready to get back to work. They are anxious to return to

their normal activities."

He said members reacted in "total shock and horror" to the incident, and many came to the mission offices to be consoled in their grief. Government leaders also

visited the offices to offer their consolations. The considerable press coverage has been "extremely favorable to the Church," he said.

At the services, Pres. Wright quoted from Joseph Smith, saying "no unhallowed hand could stop the work of the Lord."

Pres. Sixto Quispe of the La Paz Constitucion Bolivia Stake, expressed deep condolences to the missionaries' families, and said, "We should not fear. We must go

forward with progress and not falter, nor fall back."

Bishop Rene Lopez of the Villa Victoria Ward, where the missionaries were laboring, shared his "great sorrow and anguish in behalf of the members for this terrible

tragedy," and renewed his commitment to missionary work.

Also sharing testimonies at the service were Philippe Kradolfer, regional representative; and former companions of Elders Wilson and Ball.

Deseret News Archives,

Saturday, June 3, 1989\

Edition: Metro\

Section: Church News

Page: 3\

Length: Medium: 91 lines\

CHURCH LEADERS EULOGIZE SLAIN ELDERS\

ELDER BALL IS `STILL ON A MISSION'

By John Hart, Staff Writer

"Jeff has gone home. He has gone home to God," President Thomas S. Monson said at funeral services eulogizing Elder Jeffrey Brent Ball, who was slain in Bolivia

May 24.

"He's gone home on a missionary transfer," President Monson continued. "He is still on his mission; he has not been released. He carries on in the spirit of missionary

work."

President Monson spoke at services presided over by President Ezra Taft Benson. The prophet, accompanied by his wife, Flora, offered brief remarks extending his

love to the family. He spoke of his love for missionary work and testified that, "This work has just begun."

He stood at President Monson's side as his second counselor read a letter of sympathy and encouragement to the family from the First Presidency.

About 1,000 people attended the services held in the Coalville stake center.

Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Council of the Twelve also spoke at the funeral. Elder Monte J. Brough of the Second Quorum of the Seventy and counselor in the

Utah South area presidency attended.

Other speakers included Pres. Myron A. Richins of the Coalville Utah Stake; Bishop Larry J. Vernon of the Wanship Ward; and Sister Wendy Ball, Elder Ball's

sister who came to the funeral from her mission in Guatemala.

Following the services, mountain skies were darkened and distant thunder echoed over the cemetery, located near Elder Ball's hometown of Wanship, as the

gravesite was dedicated. Bishop Vernon described the ashen, rain-streaked skies in just four words: "And the Lord wept."

In his address, President Monson declared: "As the Lord rose, so shall Jeff Ball rise in the resurrection, and go on toward exaltation in the celestial kingdom. This is

my testimony, it is my faith and my belief - it is my knowledge, and I share it with the members of the Ball family today."

He then spoke to Elder Ball's parents: "You entrusted your son to our care, and to the care of the Lord. And while all did not work out as we had hoped, and you

had hoped, I think he would say, "Do not grieve, Mother. Do not sorrow, Father. I am on the Lord's errand, and He may do with me as He sees fit.'

"There is not a missionary parent in this Church whose heart is not bleeding, and whose eyes have not wept tears over the passing of these two splendid

missionaries," said President Monson.

"After this service is concluded, and after Jeff's body has been laid to rest in mother earth in these beautiful valleys of the mountains," President Monson continued, "I

would like to declare that the void in the heart and the grieving in the soul can be ameliorated in only one way - and that's through the intervention of the giver of

peace, the Prince of Peace, the Lord Jesus Christ."

President Monson said that Elder Ball had left a heritage of faithful service in Bolivia. "His fellow missionaries said to the reporters, "We will carry on in the spirit of

our calling.

"I have every confidence that the work will go forward with even greater acceleration."

In his address, Elder Ballard read a letter to Elder Ball's parents from Pres. Steven R. Wright of the Bolivia La Paz Mission. Pres. Wright told of interviewing Elder

Ball just five days before the incident. "As he left the office, I gave him a big hug. I told him I loved him. I will always be grateful that he knew that you and I loved

him."

Elder Ballard said that, "We are doing all that we can to understand the nature of this attack, but I know Elder Ball and Elder Wilson well enough from all I have

heard and read, . . . that as far as they are concerned, they would say, "Carry on the work in Bolivia and every other nation of the world.'

Elder Ballard said that since the days of Joseph Smith, some 447,969 missionaries have served in the Church. Of those, 525 have lost their lives while serving,

through accident, illness or other causes. "That is less than one-tenth of 1 percent," he said. "When you contemplate that number, it appears that the safest place to

be in the whole world is on a full-time mission."

Pres. Richins and Bishop Vernon expressed love to the Ball family, and thanked them for the strength they showed during this trying time.

Elder Ball's sister, Wendy, who returned from Guatemala for the funeral, said her brother always had a sense of humor, and wrote about giving his first missionary

discussion in Spanish. He struggled through the first part, then asked the investigator if he had any questions. The investigator shook his head and replied, "I am

sorry, young man. I don't speak Italian."

"Jeff just laughed," she said. "He always told us to keep a sense of humor."

Deseret News Archives,

Saturday, June 3, 1989\

Edition: Metro\

Section: Church News

Page: 3\

Length: Medium: 93 lines\

ELDER WILSON `WORTHY OF GOD'S BEST'

By Gerry Avant, Church News Assistant Editor

A spirit of love and comfort reigned in Wellington, Utah, May 30 as one of its valiant sons was laid to rest in a peaceful cemetery atop a hill on the outskirts of this

small mining community in eastern Utah.

Elder Todd Ray Wilson, who was shot to death with his companion in La Paz, Bolivia, on May 24, was eulogized as a faithful missionary who died while bringing

light and understanding, truth and testimony "to the sons and daughters of Lehi."

Speakers eulogizing Elder Wilson at the funeral in the Wellington Utah Stake center included President Gordon B. Hinckley, first counselor in the First Presidency,

and Elder L. Tom Perry of the Council of the Twelve. Elder Russell C. Taylor of the Second Quorum of the Seventy and a counselor in the Utah South Area

Presidency attended.

Also speaking at the service, which was attended by about 700 people, was Pres. Rodger Branch of the Wellington Utah Stake. Elder Wilson's eldest brother, Dan

Wilson, and a sister, Diane Wilson Christensen, read a family tribute to the slain missionary.

President Hinckley, after reading a letter from the First Presidency to family members, told them the Church wept with them. "Missionaries are so dear to the entire

Church that when one is lost through death the entire Church grieves," he said.

"In going as he went," President Hinckley told Elder Wilson's parents, "your son has become part of a small number who will be remembered always in the records

of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Many have died in this cause. Many have given their lives 0 thousands - for their testimony of the truth, but only

few have been gunned down by hateful men who loved not the Lord nor His works.

"And now," said President Hinckley, "Elder Wilson and Elder Ball have been shot to death while they, as missionaries of the Church, served the Lord in faith and

truth. So the names of Elder Wilson and Elder Ball will be engraved forever in the history of this Church as those who lived as faithful servants of God and died as

martyrs to His eternal works."

President Hinckley spoke of the Bolivian people, referring to them as Lamanites, "a remnant of great peoples of ages past."

"What a mission," exclaimed President Hinckley, "to bring light and understanding, and truth and testimony, and to witness to the sons and daughters of Lehi of their

great inheritance.

"A boy from Wellington - this quiet little town in Utah - [was called] to go as a messenger of eternal truth to that far away land."

President Hinckley further said, "He might have given his life in other causes. He could not have given it in a greater cause than this. We wonder why it happened,

why a strong and faithful and good young man who responds to a call to go into the mission field should lose his life while in the service of the Lord. We cannot

explain it. We can only say the wisdom of God is greater than our wisdom, that mortal life . . . is only a passing episode in an eternal journey and that it really doesn't

matter whether we are here for a long time or a short time in this probation."

He explained there is missionary work to be done on both sides of the veil. "I think," he said, "as we weep here, there will be those who weep with gladness on the

other side of the veil. I think particularly Lehi and Sariah and their children and progeny rejoice over the good work of one who tried to lift and help some of their

posterity in the land of Bolivia.

"We weep, of course. The Lord said, "Thou shalt live together in love, insomuch as thou shalt weep for the loss of them that die. . . .those that die in me shall not

taste of death, for it shall be sweet unto them.' " (D&C 42:45-46.)

Elder Perry, in his address, noted that the day before the funeral was Memorial Day on which honor was paid to noble and great men and women who gave their

lives to preserve freedom.

"Today," Elder Perry told the funeral gathering, "we have a memorial day to honor a young man who gave his life, and not only [so others mayT enjoy freedom on

this earth but freedom in the eternities to come.

"We meet today," Elder Perry further said, "with sadness and with hope. Sadness at the loss of a loyal, devoted and faithful servant of our Father in Heaven, who

went willingly into the mission field, taught and trained and lifted, and touched the hearts of thousands as he spread his message of hope and good cheer and the great

opportunity of enjoying life eternal to a nation that is so troubled, so much in poverty, with so little hope.

"He has given the ultimate sacrifice. He joined 17 others since 1831 who have had their lives taken from them by an assassin as they served in the mission field. In all

those years, just a few have given the ultimate."

Pres. Branch expressed his love for the Wilson family and appreciation "for what Todd has taught me."

In the tribute to their brother, Dan Wilson and Diane Christensen were seemingly supported by an alliance of faith and hope. They ended the tribute, quoting in

unison what they felt their brother would be worthy of saying: "I have fought a good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith."

Deseret News Archives,

Saturday, June 3, 1989\

Edition: Metro\

Section: Church News

Page: 4 \

Length: Medium: 95 lines\

FAMILIES HONOR SLAIN SON'S MEMORIES\

ELDER BALL TOUCHED LIVES FOR GOOD

By R. Scott Lloyd, Staff Writer

Each life that touches ours for good

Reflects thine own great mercy, Lord;

Thou sendest blessings from above

Through words and deeds of those we love.

- Hymns, No. 293.

"Although we might ordinarily sing this hymn at a funeral, I think in this instance, it is well to sing this and remember the young elders who were slain," the chorister

said during Sunday School opening exercises May 28 in the Wanship Ward. "As we sing this, let's remember Jeff."

Several in the congregation could not contain their emotion while the hymn was sung, and some left the chapel to regain their composure.

Elder Jeffrey Brent Ball did touch many lives, affirm family and friends in this tiny, alpine community about 45 miles east of Salt Lake City.

"He was one of those young men that, as you raise your own children, you would like them to turn out like him," Bishop Larry J. Vernon said in a Church News

interview, his voice breaking.

Indeed, youngsters looked up to Jeff, his father, Brent, told the Church News. "In the house in which we lived in Salt Lake, there's a sign on the front lawn, "We love

Jeff.' We understand it was the kids in the neighborhood that put itup.

"And Jeff loved kids," the father added. "He loved to go to orphanages in Bolivia, and he loved to have them come up to him and hang on him and kiss and hug him."

The sign in their old neighborhood is a reminder to the Balls that Jeff is still remembered there, even though the family moved to Wanship seven years ago to operate

their business, the Rafter B Gas and Grub.

Since then, Jeff made his mark. He was student body vice president at North Summit High School and junior class president the previous year. He was on the

all-state football team three years, was varsity football team captain for two years, and was on the wrestling team.

He excelled, his father said, because of his intensity. And with like intensity, Jeff pursued his desire to serve a mission.

"When he started to make plans to go on his mission, he charged ahead and did not look back," his mother, Joyce, remembered.

"There was not a letter he wrote to us that he did not end by saying he was thrilled to be there, that he was working hard, that he loved it," she said.

His attitude, according to his father, was expressed by something he gave his parents before he left. It was a photocopied picture of the Savior. On one side was the

statement, "I never said it was going to be easy." On the other side was written, "I only said it would be worth it."

Elder Ball commented before leaving for the mission field, his mother recalled, that he felt the worst possible feeling would be to return home knowing you had not

tried as hard as you could. Both parents feel their son did give his full effort, although neither could have known that he would lose his life in the Lord's service.

Even so, his father said he is convinced Elder Ball would have answered the mission call had he known what the eventual outcome would be. "And the thing that's

incredible to me, is I honestly feel I would let him go again."

The parents said they feel no bitterness in the wake of the tragedy.

parents before he left. It was a photocopied picture of the Savior. On one side was the statement, "I never said it was going to be easy." On the other side was

written, "I only said it would be worth it."

Elder Ball commented before leaving for the mission field, his mother recalled, that he felt the worst possible feeling would be to return home knowing you had not

tried as hard as you could. Both parents feel their son did give his full effort, although neither could have known that he would lose his life in the Lord's service.

Even so, his father said he is convinced Elder Ball would have answered the mission call had he known what the eventual outcome would be. "And the thing that's

incredible to me, is I honestly feel I would let him go again."

The parents said they feel no bitterness in the wake of the tragedy.

Brother Ball said he hopes the incident does not thwart the missionary effort. "I hope the missionary program quadruples. This one instance is not going to stop the

Church from growing. The gospel is true and the word's got to get out. And I think it would be a real shame if this incident hindered the effort in Bolivia, because Jeff

loved the people so much."

Elder Ball's sister, Wendy, who was brought home from her mission in Guatemala to be with the family, commented: "The people Jeff was teaching are ready! They

are ready to hear the gospel. The prophecies about [the LamanitesT blossoming as the rose are happening right now."

Still wearing her missionary badge engraved with the name "Hermana Ball," Wendy said she plans to complete the four months she has left on her mission. The

decision has not yet been made whether she will return to Guatemala or finish in a Spanish-speaking mission in the United States.

The Balls' youngest son Greg, who turns 19 in July, is preparing for a mission. Bearing a strong resemblance to Jeff, he is also a good athlete, and plans to emulate

his brother's diligence as a missionary.

Regarding the tragic event in Bolivia, Greg said: "It has made my desire to serve a mission even stronger. I want to go even more. Maybe I can finish Jeff's mission,

or go on and have one of my own."

Deseret News Archives,

Saturday, June 24, 1989\

Edition: Metro \

Section: Church News

Page: 5 \

Length: Medium: 76 lines\

`WISELY, CAUTIOUSLY,' MISSIONARY WORK PROCEEDS IN BOLIVIA \

Missionary work is proceeding "wisely, prudently and cautiously" following the May 24 slaying of two full-time missionaries, Elders Jeffrey B. Ball and Todd R.

Wilson, according to Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Council of the Twelve.

Elder Ballard returned recently from a tour of Bolivia, Peru and Ecuador. He and Elder Charles Didier of the First Quorum of the Seventy, president of the South

America North Area, met with missionaries and the general membership.

"We toured nine missions and gave instructions to the missionaries concerning safety precautions they need to observe, including returning to their apartments by 9:30

p.m. and how to travel and conduct themselves in the present climate," Elder Ballard said.

"Contrary to rumors I've heard since I returned," he added, "the missionary elders are still wearing white shirts and ties, the sister missionaries are dressing as they

always have, and the missionaries are wearing their name tags.

"We're just being more attentive to caution," he noted, adding that "we will continue with our efforts in those countries, and we'll do it wisely, prudently and

cautiously."

Elder Ballard said Richard T. Bretzing, managing director of Church security, also met with the missionaries in La Paz and gave them "guidelines for taking

precautionary measures." Bretzing is a retired FBI agent.

A news conference was held in La Paz, Elder Ballard said, "to dispel the myth that the missionaries have something to do with government agencies."

He added: "There has been a misconception, and I don't know where it came from, that in South America the missionaries have been perceived as being connected

with U.S. government agencies. This is, of course, absolutely untrue.

"Our missionary guidelines have always been that the missionaries are not to engage in political discussions of any kind. This is the case regardless of where they

serve in the world. Ours is a simple responsibility of proclaiming the message of the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ to the world, and nothing more."

While in Bolivia, Elder Ballard met with the federal minister of religions and the Catholic archbishop, both of whom expressed their concern and support.

The work of sharing the gospel in the Bolivia La Paz Mission halted for a few days after the tragic event as missionaries were asked to stay in their apartments for

security reasons. During that time, members brought in meals to them.

In the aftermath of the deaths, the Bolivian public has become more sympathetic to the Church, mission Pres. Steven R. Wright said. Newspaper coverage included

the reaction of the families of the slain missionaries, and editorials praised them for their "great example of faith and courage in light of tragedy," Pres. Wright added.

Closer ties with the government have also been realized, and the local police have become more sympathetic to the missionary work, Pres. Wright noted.

The greatest change, however, has been "in the way members are cooperating with the missionaries," the mission president said. "There is more friendshipping and

fellowshipping, and members have increased their efforts in finding investigators. Members have been given courage to talk to their friends about the gospel. Doors

have been opened both here and in the Bolivia Cochabamba Mission."

On a personal level, Pres. Wright said he appreciated the calls he received from the Ball and Wilson families. "They called to comfort me," he said. "That was a great

testimony, and example of the kind of inner strength that comes to members in these situations."

In related events, the United States government has announced that as part of a program to combat international terrorism, it is offering a $500,000 reward for the

arrest and conviction of the assassins. Police released a description of two men and a woman believed to have carried out the murders.

"The reward can be picked up only after the capture, trial and conviction of the persons responsible for this act of terrorism," a government statement said.

Deseret News Archives,

Saturday, July 8, 1989\

Edition: Metro\

Section: Church News

Page: 4\

Length: Short: 36 lines\

TWO SUSPECTS ARRESTED IN MISSIONARY KILLINGS\

Bolivian authorities have arrested two brothers suspected in the shooting deaths of two missionaries here May 24.

The missionaries, Elder Todd R. Wilson, 20, of Wellington, Utah, and Elder Jeffrey T. Ball, 20, of Coalville, Utah, were gunned down by automatic weapons fire as

they were about to enter their La Paz apartment. One died at the scene and the other died en route to the hospital. (See Church News, May 27 and June 3.)

The two men who were arrested June 30 are Nestor and Felix Encinas, members of the Zarate Willika Liberation Army that claimed responsibility for the murders

and other terrorist acts.

The arrests were announced by Interior Minister Eduardo Perez, Bolivia's top law official. Officers said they have significant evidence linking the suspects to the

crimes.

Three other members of the rebel group were arrested earlier in the week in connection with the bomb attack against former Secretary of State George Shultz.

Robert Wharton, press attache at the U.S. Embassy here, said FBI investigators and a $500,000 reward for information leading to the conviction of the missionaries'

killers were factors that may have helped in the investigation, but the arrests were the result of "good, solid police work on the part of the Bolivians."

Observers said the sentence for convicted murderers in Bolivia carries a 15- to 20-year prison term. In addition, the killers could also be charged with sedition

against the state, which carries a 30-year prison term. Bolivia has no death penalty.

Deseret News Archives,

Saturday, July 15, 1989\

Edition: Metro\

Section: Church News

Page: 10\

Length: Medium: 52 lines\

PRECAUTIONS TAKEN AGAINST TERRORISM\

Church leaders are taking precautions in some South American countries to protect missionaries and Church property against terrorist activity aimed toward

foreigners.

Security has been increased following damage to two meetinghouses in unrelated incidents in Bolivia and Chile, and plans made several weeks ago to lower the

profile of American missionaries in Peru and Bolivia are being implemented this week. (See related story on page 3.)

According to leaders, the number of missionaries in the seven missions in the two countries is being reduced to 180, the ratio of local missionaries to Americans is

being adjusted to 70-30, and each American will have a local missionary companion.

In Santa Cruz, Bolivia, the meetinghouse of the Hamascus Ward was dynamited July 10, ripping eight doors off the hinges, destroying the front entrance, and

breaking windows, said Pres. Erwin Birnbaumer of the Santa Cruz Paraiso stake. Santa Cruz is a tropical city about 325 miles east of La Paz.

He estimated damages at $16,000, and said police guards have been hired to watch the building and others in the city.

Otherwise, "everything is functioning as normal," he said.

In a country where such bombings are unusual, Bolivian newspapers have publicized the event and originally conjectured that the bombing is related to the shooting

deaths of two missionaries in La Paz in May. The Church has been on the front pages of Bolivian newspapers for a month, said observers.

Police said the bomb used at the meetinghouse was planted, and later detonated by electronic means. No group claimed responsibility for the bombing, unlike the

pattern customary with the Zarate Wilka Liberation Front group that claimed responsibility for the shooting deaths of the missionaries. Rather, the bombing may be

similar to bombings that occur more frequently in Peru amid increasingly unsettled economic conditions.

In Chile, seven unidentified masked gunmen raided a meetinghouse in the Santiago Chile La Florida Stake on July 4, setting a fire that destroyed stage curtains, a

sound system and damaged some ceiling tiles, according to Church leaders. Damage was estimated at $12,000.

Police said the men held 14 people in the small chapel in the La Florida suburb south of Santiago at gunpoint and then threw a firebomb. The main structure was not

damaged.

The incident was described as a typical Fourth of July crime, and believed to be the work of political extremists. The number of such incidents has significantly

decreased in recent years, said leaders.

Local observers said the work of the terrorists in both countries was aimed against foreigners, and not specifically against the Church. The pattern of terrorist activity

is more against outsiders, such as tourists, rather than anything else, they said.

Deseret News Archives,

Saturday, July 15, 1989\

Edition: Metro\

Section: Church News

Page: 3\

Length: Short: 17 lines\

SOME MISSIONARIES IN BOLIVIA, PERU ARE 'REDEPLOYED'

"In view of unsettled conditions in some areas, the Church is redeploying some of its missionaries in Bolivia and Peru," the First Presidency announced July 11. "The

changes will bring into balance the number of local missionaries with those from other countries. (See related story on page 10.)

"In order to avoid unnecessary expense involved in transfers to other missions, some missionaries with one to three months of service remaining will be released early

from their assignments in Bolivia and Peru."

Deseret News Archives,

Saturday, September 9, 1989\

Edition: Metro\

Section: Church News

Page: 5 \

Length: Medium: 71 lines\

BOLIVIA TRAGEDY PLAYS ROLE IN CONVERSIONS\

Conversions do not usually hinge on tragedies, but in this small South American country recently, tragic occurrences played essential roles in three baptisms.

The roots of this story trace back nearly 14 years and several thousand miles from La Paz, to Brigham Young University. At that time, a Bolivian couple, Oscar and

Olga Lobo, had arrived in Provo, Utah, to study, and became acquainted with Steven R. Wright, a graduate student teaching English to non-natives.

The Lobos were among Wright's students, and on several occasions, the young couple expressed to their professor the strong desire that Oscar's parents join the

Church, as Oscar and his younger brother, Luis, had previously done.

During the years that followed, Oscar's parents, Jorge and Elena Lobo, had various contacts with the Church, but never arrived at the decision to be baptized. On

one occasion, the couple became acquainted with Pres. Grant Faucett, former president of the Argentina Buenos Aires North Mission, and his wife, Betty, as the

Faucetts were traveling through South America with their son. But despite the example of their children and friends, the Lobos remained only superficially involved in

the gospel.

Then a major development occurred. Tragedy struck in May 1989 and two missionaries, Elders Todd Ray Wilson and Jeffrey Brent Ball, were assassinated by

terrorists in La Paz. Arrangements for the services of Elder Wilson were made in Wellington, Utah, by Faucett Mortuary, owned by Grant Faucett, the former

mission president in Buenos Aires.

During the funeral, Sister Faucett was seated by Marsha Bryner, whose son, Bill, had been working in the La Paz mission office at the time of the two missionaries'

deaths. While they were conversing, Sister Faucett mentioned they had some non-member friends in Bolivia whose sons were members of the Church. Sister Bryner

sent a letter to her son, telling him to see if he could locate Jorge and Elena Lobo. "Maybe now is a time to see if they are ready to hear the gospel," she wrote.

When Elder Bryner received the letter, the possibility of ever finding the couple seemed minimal, as he had no current address, and La Paz is a city of more than 1

1/2 million inhabitants. The weekend after receiving his mother's letter, however, Elder Bryner was invited to attend a family home evening at the home of Jorge

Vidovic, a recent convert in his area. Vidovic's mother, Celfa, who was investigating the Church, had invited two friends over to hear the missionaries' presentation.

The couple was Jorge and Elena Lobo.

The Lobos readily agreed to attend Church and listen to the discussions. Soon, they asked for baptism, along with Celfa Vidovic.

This was the news that Oscar Lobo, residing in Arizona, had hoped to hear since his days at BYU. He quickly called his younger brother Luis, who lived in

Alabama, to pass on the good news. Upon hearing the scheduled baptism date, Luis realized that he would be in South America on business during that time, and

phoned his parents to tell them he would be there to perform the baptism.

Oscar made one more phone call - to his former English teacher, Steven Wright, now president of the Bolivia La Paz Mission.

A week before the baptisms, Elder Bryner was transferred to a city 12 hours from La Paz, and it appeared that he would be unable to attend the baptismal service

of the family to whom the Lord had so miraculously led him. Once again, a circumstance intervened to allow him to see the fruits of his labors. On his way to his new

assignment, a car accident injured Elder Bryner. In order to allow his fractured collar-bone to recuperate, he remained in the mission office, making it possible for

him to witness the baptisms.

The Lobos and Celfa Vidovic were baptized on Aug. 2 by Luis Lobo, and confirmed by Pres. Wright, who reaffirmed that "despite the great tribulations that this

mission has endured, the Lord continues to bless the missionary efforts in this part of His vineyard."

Deseret News Archives,

Saturday, October 7, 1989\

Edition: Metro\

Section: Church News

Page: 9 \

Length: Medium: 60 lines\

- Replace fear with faith

- Continue moving forward

- Pray fervently

MISSION SERVICE NOT UNDULY RISKY\

`MEMBERS OF CHURCH HOLD FRONT-LINE POSITION IN CONTEST FOR SOULS OF MEN'

Members must possess the faith, courage, and commitment their pioneer forefathers had if they are to continue building the kingdom of God in a world in which

terrorism is on the rise, said Elder M. Russell Ballard in his Saturday afternoon address.

A member of the Council of the Twelve, Elder Ballard is adviser to the South America North Area Presidency. He spoke of the assassination of Elders Todd Ray

Wilson and Jeffrey Brent Ball in Bolivia last May and other missionaries who have died from illness or accident since the first of the year.

"Our sorrow at the loss of any missionary," said Elder Ballard, "can be tempered by this declaration from the Lord Himself, "And whoso layeth down his life in my

cause, for my name's sake, shall find it again, even life eternal.' " (D&C 98:13.)

Elder Ballard said missionaries have always faced trials and tribulations, and terrorism now has been added.

"Sometimes terrorists attack Church members or Church property because they believe, mistakenly, that the Church represents the interests of a country. Contrary

to such misguided beliefs, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has no past or present affiliation with any government agency of any country, including the

United States of America."

Elder Ballard assured members they have no reason to feel that serving a mission is unusually dangerous or risky. He pointed out that the death rate of young male

missionaries from the United States serving worldwide is one-fifth the death rate of young males of comparable age living in Utah, and is one-seventh the rate of

young males of comparable age in the general population of the United States.

"The battle to bring souls unto Christ began in the premortal world with the war in heaven. (See Rev. 12:7.) That same war continues today in the conflict between

right and wrong between the gospel and false principles," said Elder Ballard.

"The members of the Church hold a front line position in the contest for the souls of men. The missionaries are on the battlefield fighting with the sword of truth to

carry the glorious message of the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ to the peoples of the earth. No war has ever been free of risk. The prophecies of the last

days lead me to believe that the intensity of the battle for the souls of men will increase, and the risks will become greater as we draw closer to the Second Coming

of the Lord.

"Preparing our families for the challenges of the coming years will require us to replace fear with faith."

Elder Ballard further said, "The Lord has not yet said, "The work is done,' so we must continue moving forward. . . . The work will continue to grow and prosper

throughout the world."

With an emotion-filled voice, Elder Ballard concluded his address, imploring members to "pray fervently every day" for the missionaries' safety and protection.

Deseret News Archives,

Saturday, August 25, 1990

Edition: Metro

Section: Church News

Page: 4

Length: Short : 38 lines

GUNMEN SHOOT, KILL TWO PERUVIAN MISSIONARIES

Two missionaries, both natives of Peru, were shot to death Wednesday, Aug. 22, about 1:30 p.m. in the outskirts of

Huancayo, Peru, approximately 150 miles southeast of Lima, Peru.

The tragedy was reported to Church headquarters in Salt Lake City by Pres. Juan Angel Alvaradejo of the Peru Lima East

Mission.

The mission president identified the victims as Elder Manuel Antonio Hidalgo, 22, of Arequipa, Peru, and Elder Christian

Andreani Ugarte, 21, of Trujillo, Peru.

"We are shocked and saddened by this tragedy," the First Presidency said in a statement Aug. 23. "We express our deepest

sympathy to the parents and families of the two martyrs.

"Elder Hidalgo and Elder Ugarte were ambassadors of the Lord Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, and they were sharing

His message of love and brotherhood with their fellow citizens of Peru. They and their fellow missionaries are sent into the

world solely to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ and have no political agenda or association of any kind.

"We pray for an end to the hatred and misunderstanding which led to this tragedy."

The First Presidency said Church authorities were monitoring conditions and taking every precaution to ensure the safety of

other missionaries.

Elder Hidalgo and Elder Ugarte were reportedly going to the home of members for lunch when gunmen alighted from a car

and shot them with pistols. Details of the tragedy were sketchy as police launched their investigation.

Elder Hidalgo was the son of Manuel Francisco Hidalgo and Virginia Pella de Hidalgo. He had served as a missionary since

April 27. Elder Ugarte was the son of Justo Tito Ugarte and Gladys Ines Ayaviri de Ugarte. He had served as a missionary

since Sept. 8, 1988, and would have completed his mission in early September.

Deseret News Archives,

Saturday, September 15, 1990

Edition: Metro

Section: Church News

Page: 3

Length: Long : 102 lines

PERU MISSIONARIES `EAGER TO CONTINUE'

Missionaries in Peru are eager to continue their work of successfully sharing the gospel with Peruvians, despite a recent incident in which two missionaries were

killed, according to Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Council of the Twelve.

Elder Ballard was in Peru from Aug. 27-31, following the shooting deaths of two missionaries. He visited three cities where he met with most of Peru's missionaries

and stake presidents.

A member of the Missionary Executive Council, Elder Ballard was accompanied by Elder Angel Abrea of the Missionary Department, and Elder Charles Didier and

Elder Hartman Rector Jr. of the South America North Area presidency.

"We feel the missionaries can continue their service safely under security guidelines as they are doing in Bolivia and in other parts of Latin America," said Elder

Ballard.

"Both the North American and Peruvian missionaries want to continue the work," said Elder Abrea. "They really have a testimony that the Lord will be with them,

and they will keep on working."

In the meetings, Elder Ballard assured missionaries and members of the love and prayers of the Brethren and the Church, and issued directives for the best possible

security for missionaries serving in that country. Videos of the meetings were sent to all missionaries who could not attend the meetings because of distance.

During the visit, the General Authorities met with the families of Elders Christian Andreani Ugarte and Manuel Antonio Hidalgo who died at the hands of gunmen on

Aug. 22.

"We extended the love of the First Presidency, the Council of the Twelve, all the General Authorities, and the membership of the Church," said Elder Ballard.

He noted that the Ugarte and Hidalgo families attended the missionary meetings. Elder Ugarte's father, Justo Tito Ugarte, spoke at one meeting and said that the

Lord has brought peace to his family. "He said he knew his son is doing the work of the Lord on the other side. He encouraged other missionaries not to fear, and

not to give up because of this unfortunate incident in the quest to take the gospel to the honest in heart in Peru."

Elder Ballard added that a son and daughter of the Ugarte family are preparing to serve missions in the near future.

The parents of Elder Hidalgo, who have been members just a few months, expressed a similar feeling. In a letter to President Ezra Taft Benson, Brother Hidalgo

wrote:

"With profound sadness we received word of the death of our son, Manuco, as he was called when he was at home. We know that this separation is temporary and

that we will soon be reunited with him for all eternity, since we have set a goal to go to the Lima Peru Temple to be sealed as a family this January.

"Our Father in Heaven wanted to have him at His side to continue as a missionary preaching His gospel in the spirit world, and we understand that, and feel joy and

gladness that he is continuing his work.

"Moreover, nothing or no one can stop my wife and I - when the time comes - from being ready for a call from the Lord to follow our son's example in going

forward to preach the gospel and save souls."

At the missionary meetings, which were held in Lima, Trujillo and Arequipa, Elder Ballard and the other leaders outlined again missionary security procedures and

guidelines and "refreshed their memories on those security guidelines that were given earlier."

Every missionary proselyting area was carefully reviewed by the area presidency, the mission president and the stake president to be certain it was a safe location, he

said.

"We encouraged the stake presidents to be sure that the bishops and ward mission leaders know where their missionaries are, and that they give support and help,

and watch over and shepherd the missionaries," said Elder Ballard.

"We are doing and will continue to do all within our power to reduce any risks that could harm the missionaries. However, in today's world of violence, the Church

cannot eliminate all risk nor guarantee absolutely that a missionary never will be ill, or injured, or harmed.

"We're trying the best we know how to ensure the safety of all missionaries wherever they are laboring. We are as concerned for the welfare and protection of the

Latin missionaries as we are the North American missionaries. We have the same concerns all over the world. Today, Satan is stirring in the hearts of wicked men

and women all over the world."

He said the missionaries "love and care deeply about the people they are serving, and want to continue in the service of the Lord. These dedicated missionaries

illustrate so powerfully to the rest of us that "there is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear." (1 John. 4:18.)

Elder Ballard compared the missionary force of 43,000 to a city of the same size, which would have far more problems on a daily basis.

"It's obvious that the Lord has His arms around His Church, and His arms around His missionaries and He's watching out for them. But we still can't assure that

someone won't get hurt."

Elder Abrea said that stake presidents told him that "we know that this is a very difficult time we are living in, but to have Elder Ballard here and to know that the

First Presidency is praying for us reassures us about the Church and our testimonies."

The Church leaders also said that an emergency fund has been established for the stake presidents in Peru to assist families who are having economic difficulties.

Stake presidents expressed their gratitude to the faithful saints that pay fast offering for this help.

A national austerity plan imposed Aug. 10 by the Peruvian government to halt steep inflation brought sharp increases in prices.

Thursday, March 14, 1991

Edition: Metro

Section: News

Page: B2

Length: Short : 35 lines

SHOOTING CLAIMS PERUVIAN LDS MISSIONARY

A missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was killed in a March 6 shooting incident in Peru, a church spokesman said Thursday.

The death marks the third in six months among Peruvian natives serving LDS missions in their own country and the fifth missionary killed in Latin America in the past

two years.

Oscar Zapata, 20, a native of Piura, Peru, was shot soon after getting off a bus in the remote mountain town of Tarma. He was with another missionary, also a

Peruvian, at the time of the shooting, according to local police, and had been serving in the Peru Lima East Mission just two weeks at the time of his death.

Church spokesman L. Don LeFevre said the release of information about the shooting death was delayed because of the time involved with getting information out of

the remote area.

There are no suspects or other information about the shooting, he said. No one saw where the shot came from, and police in Peru have been questioning residents of

nearby buildings, a church news release said.

Two other Peruvians serving LDS missions in their home country were killed Aug. 22 about 125 miles east of Lima by guerrilla terrorists, who beat the pair and

stabbed one before shooting both of them once in the head.

The gunmen left a sign next to the bodies of those missionaries accusing the pair of being imperialists' supporters.

On May 24, 1989, Utah missionaries Jeffery Brent Ball, of Coalville, and Todd Ray Wilson, of Wellington, were killed by gunmen outside the front door of their

apartment in La Paz, Bolivia.

Back to Papers

Back to the main page