The Journey of a Disciple Book 1 - South Africa: Journey of a disciple, #1

By Perry Hessenauer

The Jouney of a Disciple

 

The title of the book, The Journey of a Disciple, gives an indication of the content to follow, but what was the reason for writing this history? For the last 30 years the author has kept a journal of significant events and revelations as he walked the path of divine obedience and destiny. In stating that he walked the paths of divine obedience and destiny, it must not be assumed that the writer makes any claims to perfect righteousness or superiority. Rather that he has strived as all humans do, who have a desire to obey God, to live a good life by obedience to the laws of the gospel, inasmuch as his capacity has given him power to do so. The path of a disciple is not an easy journey and has required much effort along the way.

 

The reader may find many entries very simple and uncomplicated because this is how they were written, the writer never intended or considered that they may ever be read by numerous others. The book will comprise of (1) The actual record of events and reflections taken directly from the journal, (2) Historical information from the authors memory to give the journal extracts context of the writer's life at the time of writing. (3)The actual recorded revelations from the Lord Jesus Christ to the author, which increase in depth and maturity over time. The dated entries which are revelations will be annotated as such to provide clarity for the reader to differentiate between journal entries and revelations. Additionally, some pictures will be inserted but sparingly. This book starts in 1992/1993 and is a direct transfer of the authors private journal; nothing has been omitted. It should be noted that there are sometimes many months without any entries and in these instances the author will provide some brief historical information to provide context. 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Perry Hessenauer
• Release date: Sep 6, 2022
• ISBN: 9781636256504

Perry Hessenauer

The author is an educator who has worked in nine different countries. After working in  numerous employment roles the author decided in his early forties that he wanted to do something more meaningful with his life. Perry then began his teaching career and over the next decade or more gained a BA Education degree, a MA degree and partial doctorate degree while working full time. 

Book preview

Copyright © Perry R Hessenauer

ISBN: 978-1-63625-650-4

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other non-commercial uses permitted by copyright law. For permission requests, contact [Perry Hessenauer / [e-mail]].

The book is a non-fiction spiritual memoir. Some names of living individuals have been changed.

First publication in digital format 2022

The Journey of a Disciple - Book 1 South Africa

Table of Contents

Copyright © Perry R Hessenauer

Forward

Introduction

Chapter 1: 1993

Chapter 2: 1994 January to May

Chapter 3: 1994 June

Chapter 4: 1994 July to September

Chapter 5: 1994 October to December

Chapter 6: 1995

Chapter 7: 1996 January to February

Chapter 8: 1996 February to December

Chapter 9: 1997

Chapter 10: 1998

Chapter 11: 1999

Chapter 12: 2000 January to Mid-June

Chapter 13: 2000 Mid-June to Mid-December

Appendix 1: Church Callings

Appendix 2: Priesthood Line of Authority

Forward

23rd June, 2020 [Revelation]Ω

Continue in thy writing for thy history contains great treasures of spiritual knowledge that can be imparted to bless others who seek to understand the complexities of life and discipleship. Thou shalt be guided and directed by the spirit to remember and reveal important information and experiences with deep spiritual connection and meaning. These writings will help others gain insight into their own spiritual journey.

Introduction

The title of the book, The Journey of a Disciple, gives an indication of the content to follow, but what was the reason for writing this history? For the last 30 years the author has kept a journal of significant events and revelations as he walked the path of divine obedience and destiny. In stating that he walked the paths of divine obedience and destiny, it must not be assumed that the writer makes any claims to perfect righteousness or superiority. Rather that he has strived as all humans do, who have a desire to obey God, to live a good life by obedience to the laws of the gospel, inasmuch as his capacity has given him power to do so. The path of a disciple is not an easy journey and has required much effort along the way.

The purpose of this book can be conveyed in the words of the prophet Nephi who stated his purpose in recording ancient scripture, "For the fullness of mine interest is that I may persuade men to come unto the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, and be saved" (1 Nephi 6:4). It will be clear to some that the writer is a Latter-Day Saint and a member of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. For those with previous biases, do not concern yourself that the contents will try to persuade you to believe the doctrine of the LDS church. On the contrary, the writings relate predominantly in purity to the relationship of the disciple with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ and give a great deal of insight into the individuals life and struggles, along with the support, love, guidance and direction received from the Lord over many years, while striving to stay grounded on the straight and narrow path which leads to eternal life, for all who are true followers of the Lord Jesus Christ.

The reader may find many entries very simple and uncomplicated because this is how they were written, the writer never intended or considered that they may ever be read by numerous others. The book will comprise of (1) The actual record of events and reflections taken directly from the journal, (2) Historical information from the authors memory to give the journal extracts context of the writer’s life at the time of writing. (3)The actual recorded revelations from the Lord Jesus Christ to the author, which increase in depth and maturity over time. The dated entries which are revelations will be annotated as such to provide clarity for the reader to differentiate between journal entries and revelations. Additionally, some pictures will be inserted but sparingly. This book starts in 1992/1993 and is a direct transfer of the authors private journal; nothing has been omitted. It should be noted that there are sometimes many months without any entries and in these instances the author will provide some brief historical information to provide context. 

Finally, the names of the author's immediate family have been changed but not the author's; however, those who know the author will easily identify all of the people spoken of.

Chapter 1: 1993

A group of people posing for a photo Description automatically generated

From left: Elder Tiede, Brian, Perry, Adrien, , Elder Cline

Sunday 29th August 1993

Today I received the Melchizedeck Priesthood under the hands of President Michael Calteaux. Brother Rosenbrock, Elder Cline and William Pienaar assisted. My mother, brother and sister were present. My blessing said that I would be able to love. This blessing is the greatest gift of all, I have been truly blessed. I now have the priesthood which I longed for my entire life. It is my prayer that I will live worthily and have sufficient faith to bear the priesthood of God with courage & honour, and that I might set an example that would please my Father in Heaven and the Lord Jesus Christ. I am eternally grateful for this honour that has been placed upon me.

Received Melchizedeck Priesthood 29th January 1993; Married 29th January 1994; First date on 11th; First home after being married 11 Vista Road (2+9=11). The significance of this is that the numbers are all 11 or 29; 2+9 = 11.

Monday 6th September 

I have moved into my new cottage. I’m happy and I feel my family is happy. Today I spoke to Derek on the phone and I feel great deal of concern and compassion for him. I care a great deal for Natalie as well. I hope I can help find a way that will make both of them happy. I believe Heavenly Father will help me to help them.

I’m grateful to heavenly father for my life and for the gospel. I feel at peace tonight. I can feel heavenly father’s love. My only desire is to live my life and the gospel in accordance with my heavenly father’s will. If I strive to do my best heavenly Father will help me.

Tuesday 7th September

After finding out about the abuse Natalie had suffered before she divorced Derek; I decided to ask her out on a date to go with me to the Spring ball at the church on Saturday, 11 September. 

2nd October 1993

In the space of 3 1/2 weeks since my last entry so much has happened. I have entered the holy Temple of the Lord Jesus Christ and my Heavenly Father (HF). I have received my endowments in the Johannesburg South Africa Temple. Endowments are promises from HF based on obedience to the commandments and sacred covenants made in the temple; for example, obedience to the law of chastity - which states that a man or woman shall have no sexual relations except with their lawfully wedded husband or wife.

I have also at this time developed a deep love for Natalie. It is my hope that it is Heavenly Father's will that Natalie and I are meant to be together. Although Natalie has a great deal of affection for me her heart is not yet ready to feel as I do. It is my prayer that heavenly father would heal her wounds and help her to grow closer to him. It is also my hope that when she is ready she will be able to love me as I love her. Let heavenly Father's will be done.

Unfortunately Derek is now aware of my affections for Natalie. I believe he has now become my enemy. The scriptures say that if we obey the commandments heavenly Father will soften the hearts of our enemies. It is my prayer that Heavenly Father will safeguard Natalie and myself against Derek and that through the power of the Lord the Lord’s will, will be done.

I have learnt their Heavenly Father expects obedience, sacrifice, and unconditional love from us. If we strive towards and can obtain these godly attributes from the Lord and Heavenly Father, and if we can endure the trials of faith, we will receive all the righteous desires of our hearts, and obtain great joy. We need to love all our brothers and sisters unconditionally, it is required of us.

If we are able to learn to love unconditionally without expecting anything in return, we would have obtained the highest of godly attributes, that of charity. It is my pray that I might always be sufficiently humble and meek that my heart may always be filled with the Lord's love, that Satan might have no power over me. This is a obedience and sacrifice. It is my prayer that Natalie will also be able to sacrifice herself unconditionally to the will of the Lord. I love her and desire that she would obtain eternal life and joy.

2nd October 1993

Heavenly Father has endowed me with the most noblest of all gifts that can be bestowed upon man or woman. The power to love truly and devoutly. This has been given so that my heart may be purified and my character strengthened. Also, that I may have a higher aim and positive motive to every action in my life. The ways of the Lord are wonderful if we can but understand them. I pray that Heavenly Father (HF) brings about this change and bestows this wonderful gift upon the one that I love. I pray that this understanding might remain alive in my remembrance. In the name of Jesus Christ.

12 October 1993

Today, I assisted Elder Tiede (full time missionary) in my first blessing. I did the anointing. I felt truly privileged on this most sacred occasion. We blessed a two month old baby that was near death. Being with this little boy I felt the presence of the Lord. I also felt the depth of the love the mother had for her child. This woman had placed her faith in the priesthood and our Heavenly Father. As the priesthood holder I felt an awesome responsibility to live worthily, and to be pure so as to honour my priesthood. I looked at this little boy and saw that he was living soul, and I looked at his mother and saw that she was living soul, and I knew that HF loved them. I knew that what was happening was part of heavenly father’s plan. For an instant I glimpsed the sacredness of life and the greatness of our Father in Heaven. Elder

Tiede, my friend also left today. I will miss him.