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In His Own Words: An American in Brussels

Elder Robert Thomas Van Den Dungen Bille is a young American serving as a full-time missionary in Belgium and The Netherlands for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was born in Utah, spent most of his life in Beverley, England, and spent the last five years prior to his mission living in Gilbert, Arizona. He was at the site of the Brussels train bombing just 12 hours before the attacks last week.

We had just a few minutes to interview him today (March 28) via email during his break time. This article is a hybrid of his weekly correspondence and answers to specific questions, as it relates to the Brussels bombing attacks.

Excerpt from his weekly correspondence:

“I’ll begin with the somewhat obvious — my heart truly goes out to everyone directly and indirectly involved in everything that happened in Brussels. I’ve really got to consider myself blessed, because just 12 hours before the Metro bombing, my companion and I were on that exact Metro train that was bombed, heading home from a day in Brussels. Let me repeat that. 12 hours before the Metro Bombing, we were on the EXACT SAME train that was blown up. We also take a train that passes through the airport on a weekly basis; I still can’t really comprehend how blessed I am to have avoided all that stuff. I am currently serving in Leuven, which about a 25 minute train ride from Central Brussels; so while I’m pretty close to it all, I still feel quite safe and distanced from it. There was a bomb threat at the Leuven Station, about 4 minutes from me, but that turned out to be nothing.”
Brussels

Elder Robert Thomas Van Den Dungen Bille often travels via bike, while serving in Belgium.

LM: What was your initial reaction to the Brussels bombings?

EV: My initial reaction was embarrassingly casual; I don’t think I fully grasped the magnitude of what was going on, only a few miles away from me. We were lucky to have received multiple updates throughout the day, and after each update, it began to sink in more and more. I wouldn’t say I am angry, I am more confused I suppose. I don’t really understand why; what was the ultimate goal? Who benefited? Why? I suppose these are questions terrorists ignore, but I really don’t understand. Anger never really set in, I guess I was caught up feeling more like, “Is this real life?”

LM: Do you feel insecure about moving in and around Brussels? 

EV: Yes, I do feel insecure about moving around. Although I am not stationed in Brussels, the effects can certainly be felt in the surrounding cities. We were given the go ahead to take public transportation, but my companion and I have made the decision to avoid it as much as possible. I’ve grown up in a safe environment my entire life, so being suddenly exposed to something like this is …  scary. I think the most thing I am insecure about, is proselytizing. These terrorists aren’t really too fond of Christianity, or any other form of religion besides their own, and I am out here, 7 days a week, proselytizing and preaching about it. I suppose it scares me that I could knock on one door, and my life could change.

LM: Has your religious/spiritual faith bolstered you? 

EV: With that being said, my faith has bolstered me. I’ve made the conscious decision to move forward with faith, knowing that the Lord will provide a way and a warning for me. I also have immense faith in the Lord’s hand, regarding these attacks. Those four Elders, and that one Sister missionary were being watched over, and protected. The Lord had a hand in their protection, without a doubt in my mind.

What are local people saying?

EV: The locals are pretty angry; mostly with the government for allowing unchecked immigrants to enter the country. It’s been a pretty hotly debated topic, whether immigrants should be allowed in or not, and it’s a pretty 50/50 split on the matter. Most of the local Belgians would agree that something needs to be done in Molebeek (The part of Brussels that houses most of the immigrants, and is known for its ISIS connections). Yet nothing really seems to have been done, even after the attacks. The saddest part, is that most of the Belgians believe this is simply the beginning. It is almost as though they have resigned to the fact that there is more to come.

Additional excerpts from his weekly correspondence:

“The day of the attacks was a weird one — we essentially had to stay in our apartment the entire day, with limited contact, wondering what was going on in the outside world. Honestly, it was a pretty bizarre day in my short life; having to actually have a conversation and a plan about what to do in the event of an ISIS terror attack; these are the types of things I see on the news; stress about, but ultimately end up forgetting about it. But now I’m in it; I’m living close to it; it is way more real. I am sure you heard about the four missionaries that were caught up in the attacks, and my thoughts are with them continuously. My bishop here in Leuven is actually quite good friends with one of the Senior Elders (Elder Norby), and we will be going out to see the missionaries involved soon.”
Brussels

Elder Robert Thomas Van Den Dungen Bille enjoys a moment with some furry friends.

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College Wrestling: Camas Grad Heads to Nationals

For 2012 Camas High School graduate, Tyler Weiss, heading to a national college wrestling tournament, is the culmination of years of hard work, perseverance, and sheer will power.

Weiss is part of the Brigham Young University (BYU) Wrestling program that is sending six wrestlers to the National Collegiate Wrestling Association’s (NCWA) National Tournament next week, in Orlando, FL.

The 22 year-old BYU sophomore, who recently completed LDS Church missionary service in Brazil, is pleased with the results from a regional tournament that has put his team in this position.

Traveling to the nationals with Weiss is Coach Craig Miner; Tyler Carlyle, 22, Sophomore and Team Captain; Blake Solomon, 21, Freshman; Joe Cooprider, 23, Senior; Derek Mcclure, 18, Freshman; and Ben Peterson, 21, Sophomore.

“I love the competitive aspect of wrestling,” says Weiss, who began wrestling as a Freshman at Camas High School. “You work hard and you see the results. It’s really rewarding.”

These young men have been wrestling since mid-October, and practice four days a week. The wrestling season officially started in early November, and the team travels every other week to compete.

“We have a really good team filled with good guys,” said Weiss, who competes in the 133 weight class. “It’s good to get back into wrestling.”

 

BYU Regionals

The BYU Wrestling Team is sending 6 wrestlers to Nationals.

 

The team thinks highly of their coach, Craig Miner, but he demurs.

“I’m not teaching them anything,” adds Miner. “Tyler C runs the practices, and I just do what I can to help them. I’ve done the fundraising, and get the travel arrangements taken care of. Plus, it was hard getting the program accepted at BYU.”

Miner explained that the university had dropped wrestling last year, and that he and several others lobbied hard to get the program reinstated.

“We’re grateful they accepted the program,” said Miner. “After the season ends, we’ll work hard to get it reinstated for next season.”

Last year, with the fate of the program unknown, Weiss asked his family and friends to pray for the program to return.

“We were relieved when Tyler called us to say the program was reinstated,” said Matt Weiss, Tyler’s father. “Tyler has loved wrestling ever since he started at Camas High School. He loved Coach Hartman, and he’s put a lot of time and effort into the sport.”

Weiss learned wrestling from Hartman at Camas High School. He said Hartman’s program taught him how to work hard, and be tough.

“These kids have done very well,” added Miner. “We expect them to win. They placed well at Regionals, and I think we’ll carry that momentum into next week. They have a lot of talent.”

Wrestling Practices at BYU

Carlyle said the team puts into the effort everyday.

“Tyler is the lightest guy in the room, but he’s one of the toughest,” Carlyle said. “In wrestling, it’s almost always who is the most mentally tough who wins. It’s really a mindset of ‘I’m going to score.'”

The BYU Wrestling team practice routine consists of a warmup, to get sweating. Then, they go over technique points, and get conditioned doing matches.

“We’ll make one guy stay in and toughen up to compete with several teammates,” said Carlyle. “He won’t have a second to catch his breath. Plus, we don’t run a lot, as we feel that doesn’t add anything to our practices. And Tyler always works hard to make his cuts.”

Solomon says: “Weiss is always giving his all and works through it, and doesn’t use his size as an excuse.”

Regarding next week’s National Tournament, Weiss says: “I’d be happy to be All-American, in the Top 8. I want to be in the Finals.”

So, do wrestlers have to be fearless?

“Yeah,” says Weiss. “I’d say that they have to be able to control their fears and not let their fears control them. Sometimes my fears are what drive me to work even harder. Fear of being beaten or not giving enough are the fears wrestlers need to have. There’s a saying in wrestling that goes ‘fear no one but respect everyone,’ meaning that you shouldn’t be afraid of anyone but that you need to respect everyone and not look past anyone.”

To learn more, visit www.byuwrestling.com

 

Regional NCWA Tournament

The BYU Wrestling Team poses after a stellar performance at Regionals.

 

Tyler Weiss

Matt Weiss, Tyler Weiss, center, and Annie Weiss celebrate with their son at Regionals.

 

Wrestling victory

Tyler Weiss started wrestling at Camas High School.

 

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LDS Church Responds to Boy Scout Gay Policy Vote

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints responded today to the Boy Scouts of America vote on its membership policy with the following statement:

“For the past 100 years, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has enjoyed a strong relationship with Boy Scouts of America, based on our mutual interest in helping boys and young men understand and live their duty to God and develop upright moral behavior. As the Church moves forward in its association with the Boy Scouts of America, Church leaders will continue to seek the most effective ways to address the diverse needs of young people in the United States and throughout the world.

Supportive of Gay Youth Participation

The Church’s long-established policy for participation in activities is stated in the basic instructional handbook used by lay leaders of the Church: “young men … who agree to abide by Church standards” are “welcomed warmly and encouraged to participate” (Handbook 2: Administering the Church [2010], 8.17.3). This policy applies to Church-sponsored Scout units. Sexual orientation has not previously been—and is not now—a disqualifying factor for boys who want to join Latter-day Saint Scout troops. Willingness to abide by standards of behavior continues to be our compelling interest.

These standards are outlined in the booklet For the Strength of Youth and include abstinence from sexual relationships. We remain firmly committed to upholding these standards and to protecting and strengthening boys and young men.

The Church appreciates BSA’s reaffirmation of its commitment to “duty to God,” which includes service to others and moral behavior—central principles of our teaching to young men. As in the past, the Church will work with BSA to harmonize what Scouting has to offer with the varying needs of our young men. We trust that BSA will implement and administer the approved policy in an appropriate and effective manner.”

The LDS Church also said that a letter signed by the First Presidency of the Church is being sent to all Latter-day Saint congregation leaders throughout the United States.

To learn more about the church’s official position, visit www.lds.org

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Boys Scouts Change Policy on Gay Youth

Breaking News from KPVI: At Texas meeting, Boy Scouts approve new policy to allow openly gay scouts but not openly gay leaders. The vote was 61% in favor, according to Grand Teton Council Executive Clarke Farrer.

Under the proposal drafted by the BSA national board, openly gay adults will remained barred from serving as Scout leaders.

Today’s vote is unlikely to end the intense debate over the BSA’s long-standing policy.

Several church-sponsored Scout units want to continue to banning opening gay youth, and have threatened defection. Other units welcome the change, but have vowed for the acceptance of openly gay adult leaders.

To learn more, visit www.bsa.org

 
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