January 22, 2024 • 42 mins
In this inspiring episode of 'Dear Daughters of God', host Stephanie Eccles dives deeper into the lives of Aka and Sio Setefano who share their transformative journey from drug suppliers to federal prison inmates to now leading a life rooted in faith. Hear about their unique prison experiences, the struggles they faced, the value of side jobs in prison, their learning during solitary confinement, and how faith guided them throughout. Aka shares her story of having her job reinstated after her confession and repentance. The interview, filled with personal anecdotes, wraps up with the couple's favorite scriptures and reflections on their lives now. Drawing parallels between the biblical figure Joseph of Egypt and Aka and Sio Setefano's experiences, Stephanie explores the theme of trusting God during trials. This episode gives us a profound insight into the transformative power of faith and repentance, even in the most challenging circumstances.
Thanks for listening! I'm on Instagram as deardaughtersofgod. Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/invites/contact/?i=1iyjqx0cq4kbk&utm_content=qr66nqv
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:00):
I am Stephanie Eccles.
This is dear daughters of God.
Episode 11.
The Lord made it prosper.
We are inspired by the true lifeexperiences of those around us.
My name is Stephanie Eccles.
I'm an educator counselor schooladministrator and natural
storyteller.
From my perspective as a memberof the church of Jesus Christ of
(00:21):
latter day saints, I share avariety of life experiences that
bring us hope.
Enjoy.
In our savior.
Jesus Christ.
Welcome to your daughters ofGod.
I trust you that way, becausethat's what you are to him.
To our heavenly father.
You are dear.
This episode is a part two ofthe interview with
Stephanie test (00:40):
AHCA
to foggy set a Fano.
Fano and CEO set a Fano.
This interview began in episodenumber 10.
held the product calleddaughter.
If you've not heard thatepisode, I invite you to pause.
And go back and listen to thatepisode first.
Okay.
And CEO.
(01:00):
We're both from American Samoa.
They met as adults in Maui,Hawaii.
CEO was Ockers drug supplier.
They both got involved inselling drugs.
And we're sentenced to federalprison.
They were not married at thetime they were serving.
They've since married.
After being released.
(01:22):
At the time that OCHA receivedher 189 month.
Sentence for federal prison.
that's, when she began toremember the lessons that her
mother taught her about thegospel of Jesus Christ.
She began to remember theprinciple of fasting and fasted.
That her sentence might bereduced.
She started praying and askingthe Lord for help.
(01:44):
And searching.
More.
About her faith.
The faith.
That she was raised in thechurch of Jesus Christ of latter
day saints.
That's a brief overview.
Of Hawkins seals life.
It's the interview took place inMaui, Hawaii.
In late November of 2023, we'resitting around OCHIN CEO's
(02:05):
kitchen table.
In their temporary housing,following the Hina fires.
And we're playing a little bitof musical microphones between
four of us.
You'll hear from OCHA and CEOand myself, and even a little
bit from my husband, Richard.
In the interview today.
Haka and seal will explain whythere's a need for one to work
(02:27):
and earn money while in prison.
They'll also talk about sidehustles.
In addition to their prisonjobs.
Most inmates have a side hustle.
The side hustle is a way theyuse their own talents to create
things.
Turn money.
Additional money directly fromone another.
By selling their creations orlabor.
(02:47):
To each other.
Let me clarify.
I have said money.
But really it's credit.
There are no cash transactionsin prison.
So they sell their creations ortrade labor.
For credit.
Amongst each other.
the credit is used to buyproducts at the prison
(03:07):
commissary, which is like thestore.
AKA we'll share a story about acertain job.
She received one prison And whyit was so significant for her
while.
Incarcerated.
They will both talk about theirfavorite scripture.
And it's influence in theirlives.
Now we'll go into the interview.
Aka's Mic Full interview Mult (03:28):
I didn't
Stephanie test (03:29):
realize the need to earn money while in
Aka's Mic Full intervie (03:31):
prison.
Yeah.
have three a day, But aside fromthat, so I'll be calling
Because you have to buy your ownhygiene.
sio (03:40):
So
Aka's Mic Full interview (03:41):
supply that have soap and their little
toothbrush and stuff.
But if you little better, that'sAnd there you you're indigent
all when come in there and thenyou have to learn,
I see.
Aka's Mic Full interv (04:01):
Everybody had something.
Everybody side my side wasmaking these handmade cards and
was selling.
Birthda So your side hustle wasmaking cards.
Aka's Mic Full interview Mu (04:12):
yes
sio (04:14):
there's so many smart people, talented people.
They can draw, They can,
Aka's Mic Full interview M (04:18):
wow, sing.
Talent is, in there is just sobeautiful.
sio (04:23):
You can pretty much live comfortably in there if you got
money.
They sell MP3s in there so youcan have music.
you download a song in acomputer, it's a dollar and 50
cents.
So a lot of people like to livecomfortable with, you
especially.
During downtime, like when weare locked down, you or you got
music to listen on, you got TV,you can watch TV till, you what,
(04:43):
10 o'clock when counts starts.
And then after the count on theweekends, you can watch movies
or all night, you can stay up,get people that stay up and play
cards.
a, a room, you yeah, if you havemoney, you can literally live
comfortable in there because youcan have people literally do
(05:03):
everything for you.
There's a guy that On CommissaryDay, he'll give you a list, of
what what
Aka's Mic Full interview Mul (05:09):
he wants.
Okay uh,
sio (05:10):
list.
Yeah, For the.
10 he owe me for this week, Iwant a peanut butter and ice
cream.
It's,
Aka's Mic Full interview M (05:16):
just
sio (05:16):
how
Aka's Mic Full interview Mul (05:16):
in there.
Yeah, they have a little, theyhave a in there for everything a
whole nother world.
Yeah.
sio (05:24):
Everybody has a little hustle, like they have people
that make Cheesecakes.
Aka's Mic Full inte (05:29):
Cheesecake, making cheesecake and the peanut
They make
sio (05:32):
pizza.
there's lot of hustle in there.
Yeah.
I be surprised at how thesepeople, these guys make pizza.
Pizza without a microwave, theycan make pizza without a
microwave using hot water.
yeah.
You can pretty much livecomfortably in there if you got
money.
This is fascinating to betterunderstand the culture and
(05:53):
prisons surrounding sidehustles.
Thanks for telling us all aboutit.
I think this leads well IntoAHCA's experience.
You mentioned that you had thiswonderful blessing regarding a
job that you were blessed with.
One of these official jobs.
That you received in prison?
I'm to think of it.
(06:14):
This morning in Sachar meetingin your talk.
You quoted a scripture, I'mguessing it's one of your
favorites.
you've said that it was ascripture that helped you in
this.
Prison's story.
Was it.
Perhaps the same scripture thatyou quoted this morning In your
sacrament talk.
Aka's Mic Full interview Mu (06:34):
Yes
Wonderful.
Then will you share thatscripture with us first?
Aka's Mic Full interview M (06:41):
Yes, yes It's in Proverbs 3, 5, and
it says a quote, Trust in theLord with all thine heart, and
lean not unto thine ownunderstanding.
In all thy ways acknowledge him,and he shall direct your paths.
that's what had guided methrough my prison time.
(07:01):
And coming out the otherscripture that I had shared in
my talk was in D& C 8210 where,I, the Lord, am bound when you
do what I say, and when you donot what I say, you have no
promise.
And I try to base my life now onthat because I want that
promise.
I, I want that promise to befulfilled,
Stephanie Mic Aka Interview (07:25):
Oh, That was beautiful archive.
Thank you.
So it was your favoritescripture in Proverbs.
That guided you in this nextstory.
Trust in the Lord with all thineheart.
And lean, not unto thine ownunderstanding.
In all thy ways acknowledge himand he shall direct eye paths.
(07:47):
So how does it all start?
Aka's Mic Full interview Mult (07:51):
I was in Connecticut and that it
so clear I knew something isgoing to 5, women do something
in jobs as Unicor in there, andthe other second job to that
(08:11):
was, in the one go, you go toUnicor or a which is their
prison store.
I ended up working the laundryand I was trying to get into the
commissary because that's wherethe money is at.
(08:32):
And your couldn't get intounicore.
So you prayed heavenly father.
I really need a good job here.
So what you said.
Aka's Mic Full interview Mu (08:43):
Yes and I I commissary and the
laundry are like.
together in that same field, Iwas in the laundry, so they were
hiring, and I, Heavenly Father,I would really like an
opportunity in getting in, Andthere's only, mind you, there's
only eight positions in thecommissary, only eight people
out of 5,
(09:04):
5,000.
There are eight positions in thecommissary.
And there are 5,000 women in theprison.
Who are competing for these.
Ideal eight positions.
And you get the job.
yes and I, went on the job, and I
was was like, I, and where I,hands I he did for I everything
(09:30):
heart, he before The, was makingthese handmade cards and was
selling.
And I had that so I whole bunchof razor blades taped in the
back of my utilize it to Cut mycards.
And So somebody somehow doingor, and
Stephanie test (09:53):
What was your intent with hiding them in the
back
Aka's Mic Full interview Mul (09:55):
of your locker?
that they don't see it, but onceyou break it like that already
weapon.
was first day of my how you getthat I knew how knew everything,
my heart, I who gave me thatjob, and you've got a lot of
people in there, there was a ofhaters that's been utilized by
(10:17):
the adversary to, whatnot.
I the security right beforelockdown, for count, Hey,
they're calling And who, you butthe station calling And I
calling?
stopped and was panicking.
I was like, why would they becalling me?
(10:39):
and I flashback, who did I talkwhat was, I say anything on the
the mind you before that?
They just did a search in unitfound Oh, no.
So go down there, I down thereand threw me say are these oh,
(11:04):
what They said said look and soI looked in it and I was I was
no, those are not mine.
I you sure?
said, yeah, no, those are mine.
Cause I white little lie, Ilied.
that.
that he know.
Anyhows, and I not mine.
(11:25):
sure, Okay.
You what?
okay, they're not yours that.
Okay.
sat in so they took the hole.
Yeah, Yeah.
they Because for one, I lied.
You thought you would lose thisgreat job if you can fast.
Aka's Mic Full interview M (11:48):
yes.
like, oh my gosh, HeavenlyFather, just gave job, and I'm
put in this position, and nowI'm lying?
and that's, and I still lied andI was like, Oh my gosh, my what
to do?
And Oh, was like, I was blown bythis whole test thing.
so went me was for maybe abouttwo months, maybe Oh.
(12:12):
So I sitting there and there,and read my came to Proverbs
three, five, need to confess,like those were yours.
And it clear as they, and so Ithe security.
I say, Hey, you know what I, Iwanted a em, I, you know what,
(12:32):
and I told him the truth, thosewere mine, I I cards not was no
I got this job.
And I lied for that because Ididn't want to It It no
intention I making cards out ofcards, was just my side I
(12:54):
explained to'em what hadhappened and my reasoning for
doing what, what I did and whatwhat those razor blades was for.
And so they said, so theyfinally did the paperwork and I
came out after I went in.
it was like, kind the ending ofthe summer and I came out, it
was snowing It must've been arelief to come out of solitary
confinement after being in therefor so long.
(13:17):
It was kind okay because Ididn't have to deal with other
people as much, you now, you butI still missed my job.
I was like, Oh, I never went theopportunity.
Um, the guy that would come inwas my boss and he would bring
in our commissary and I had toldhim had happened, know what?
Don't worry.
Wait until you come out.
(13:39):
and after I made thatconfession, he told me like,
don't worry.
job.
And I couldn't believe went out.
I got my job back.
I got my job back.
I, and, was like, I go insolitary and with a commissary
job, you're done don't get itwith that, you I was cleared,
(14:03):
and seen his hands over and overagain is the place where he
wanted me to be, to learn andgrow and when I finally got that
job, and that was the bestthing.
there, was just so much peaceand, starting to see the Lord's
hand
Okay.
Is this the period within yoursentence?
That you began to see the reasonwhy you needed to serve this
(14:28):
longer sentence.
Aka's Mic Full interview Mu (14:30):
yes was grateful for that.
I Really, that was time was aone on one time.
(14:55):
Going to tell us what happenedto her commissary job when she
was transferred fromConnecticut.
To California, to a prisoncalled Dublin.
The prison system decided totransfer prisoners.
Closer to their home states.
That was the reason for her totransfer.
Aka's Mic Full interview Mul (15:13):
So when I transferred from
Connecticut, I was hoping thatmy job would but the good thing
is that I had that
Stephanie test (15:29):
Oh, that's where you wanted to be.
not
Aka's Mic Full intervie (15:31):
really.
I wanted to go back to Oh, youliked the commissary.
I mean, you can earn more, Youget first shot I like the best
(15:53):
in took a little, maybe aboutthree I was in Oh, telemarketing
(16:28):
was not It was terrible.
I ended up getting a job inwhere I he I got back in the
Lord had blessed again But I hadto do my oh, know, I would like
(17:32):
to least five
That is so many hours of readingARCA.
It is no wonder that you gainedsuch a testimony.
Of our savior Jesus Christ.
And drew so close.
To your heavenly father.
(17:53):
Okay, where are you now at thispoint in your life?
Aka's Mic Full interview (17:57):
Today, my putting in the never, leaves
the by their I notice I mean,celestial, you want this, you
(18:35):
know, going to do this because Iwant this or Right.
that, know that comes Right.
tried those principles, try toput him first, I mean, he's
first.
(18:55):
Thank you for sharing thatinspiring message with us about
putting your heavenly fatherfirst in your life.
It's been a while since we'veheard from CEO.
C O do you have a favoritescripture?
sio (19:09):
Um, Philippians, I think for 15 seconds to all things,
through, through God, so for meComing home and then start over
again.
I know the Lord, our HeavenlyFather, will, will help me get
there, living a different life.
than what my life was in thepast, because change is good
too, you know.
making better change.
For me personally, I ratherchange from bad to good before I
(19:32):
leave this earth that way I can,do the work too for my Families
that already left, so maybe oneday I can reunite with them in
the afterlife.
We look forward to hearing aboutYouTube going to the temple and
doing that work.
Yes.
Okay.
You have the opportunity tospeak directly to your
grandchildren andgreat-grandchildren.
(19:55):
What would you say?
Aka's Mic Full interview (19:56):
think that I would like to share with
them would be based on thegospel.
do the best they can.
I just, I want them to know,learn of the gospel and to know
where they can find that comfortand peace, just to be ready,
(20:18):
whatever trials, That may comeand that they may know where to
go to to find that, comfort whenthat trial does come that dark
place in their life and knowthat, there is light and that's,
of our Savior and will bringthat
Thank you, Oka and C O forsharing your lives with us.
(20:41):
It has been inspiring.
Stephanie test (20:44):
You're welcome.
Aka's Mic Full interv (20:45):
Hopefully that somebody's struggling with
the same thing and that We mayall Help each other
Stephanie test (20:50):
Yes.
Stephanie Mic Aka Interview M (20:53):
A couple of weeks after our
interview and Maui ACO is ableto come to Utah to visit.
Her family.
While she was here.
She was able to go to thetemple.
To receive her endowments.
She did this at the SaratogaSprings temple.
I was able to be a part of thatblessing moment with her.
(21:14):
That day I met a dear friend ofBecause named Porsche louder.
Porsche was occas escort in thetemple.
Porsche's from Utah.
Portion AKA were inmatestogether in Dublin, the federal
prison in California.
Porsche was sentenced for realestate fraud.
(21:37):
HERSA told me that she was quiteshell shocked when she arrived
in prison.
You see everyone thought shewould just do probation and here
she was in prison in anotherstate.
Far away from her husband andher children.
She didn't know what to expect.
or how to manage prison life.
(21:59):
Well, she was there early on.
She noticed a woman in her unit.
And this woman, she had a lightabout her.
She looked happy and content.
Porsche thought, how could shebe content?
In a place like this.
Porsche wanted to talk to her.
(22:19):
On Sunday, Porsche went to thechapel for church services for
the Mormon church.
That was the nickname for Thechurch of Jesus Christ of latter
day saints.
Porsche was a member of thischurch.
ACO was there attending theservice?
Okay.
Took Porsche under her wing.
(22:40):
So to say, She taught Porsche.
How to manage life in prison.
She described a Porsche, theprocess of advocating.
For a job position.
And we're preferred roommates.
She shared with Porsche.
That she OCHA.
(23:00):
Fasted every Sunday.
That it was the fast team.
That brought her peace andstrength.
And helped her draw.
Closer to her savior JesusChrist Porsche was strengthened
and supported by Augustfriendship.
And advice.
It's helped her to find afulfilling area of prison
(23:23):
employment within the educationfield.
Porsche says.
We formed a lasting bond.
Maybe you could compare it tosoldiers.
That fought together.
You see when.
You were in prison.
Krisha says.
it's just, you.
(23:44):
And the Lord.
I am going to summarize a storyfrom the Bible.
The story of Joseph of Egypt.
I'll also share excerpts.
From a sermonette by elder L TomPerry.
His sermonette is called trustin the Lord.
He talks about Joseph of Egypt.
And his goodness.
(24:05):
And how you trusted in the Lordin these most difficult times
when he was enslaved.
And imprisoned.
as I share this story and theseexcerpts, I hope that you'll
draw a parallel.
Between.
How Joseph was prospered.
During his most difficult yearsin prison.
And how AKA was prospered as shetrusted the Lord.
(24:30):
Elder Perry says.
From the book of Psalms, weread.
Quote.
Trust in the Lord and do good.
So shalt thou dwell in the landand verily thou shalt be fed.
Delight thyself also in theLord.
And he shall give thee thedesires of the eyes and heart.
Commit thy way unto the Lordtrust also in him.
(24:53):
And he shall bring it to pass.
Beginning with the 37th chapterof the book of Genesis.
We read a remarkable story abouta family who had a large number
of boys.
One of the sons, Joseph.
Was loved by his father morethan his other brothers.
(25:14):
To show his love andappreciation for his son.
His father made him a coat ofmany colors.
And what has brother Saw thattheir father loved him more than
all his brother-in-law.
They hated him.
I could not speak.
He Sibley unto him.
(25:34):
Unquote.
Joseph also had a gift.
Of dreams.
These dreams did not help Josephsituation with his brothers.
and their anger towards him andtheir jealousy.
It just grew.
Swelled.
the older brothers conspiredwith each other.
(25:55):
This was their moment.
Let's kill him.
In verses 26.
Through 27, it says.
quote.
What profit is it?
If we slay our brother andconceal his blood.
Hum.
Let us sell him to theIshmaelites.
Let not our hand be upon him.
For his, our brother and ourflesh.
(26:15):
Unquote.
they did just that they soldhim.
For 20 pieces of silver.
Elder Perry says, quote.
But the Lord was with thisremarkable young man and he
seemed to never to bediscouraged.
Though a stranger, a slave, hiscountenance must have radiated a
special spirit.
When offered for sale, he waspurchased by a captain of the
(26:39):
King's guard.
It was only a short time beforeJoseph had so distinguished
himself to the captain.
That he made him ruler over hishouse.
Unquote.
It was at this time.
That the master's Weiss.
Hookah fond.
Look upon Joseph.
She even invited him and enticedhim.
(27:02):
To lie with her.
Then She twisted the tail.
She called out for help.
She claimed That Joseph.
Had come in and had attempted tolie with her.
Her husband.
Joseph's master.
Was furious.
(27:22):
And had chosen thrown in prison.
Where the King's prisoners werebound.
But not all was lost.
The Lord was with Joseph.
Versus 21 And through 23 says.
Pote, but the Lord was withJoseph and showed him mercy and
gave him favor in the sight ofthe keeper of the prison.
(27:45):
And the keeper of the prisoncommitted to Joseph's hand all
the prisoners that were in theprison.
The keeper of the prison lookednot to anything that was under
his hand because the Lord.
Was with him.
meaning Joseph.
And that, which he did the Lordmade it to prosper.
Unquote.
Back to elder Perry.
(28:06):
Sermonette.
Quote.
Past into Chris and shortlyafter Joseph were two of the
King's officers.
The chief Butler.
And the chief baker.
Joseph soon became acquaintedwith them.
Both of them had dreams becauseJoseph was a righteous man.
They asked him to interprettheir dreams.
(28:26):
Joseph was able to do this toone.
He said, You will not.
It had a prison.
But lose your life here.
To the other, he said, You willsoon have the opportunity of
returning to your position ofhonor with the Pharaoh.
(28:48):
Then he asked the one who wouldhave the opportunity of being
restored to his former positionto please remember him to the
Pharaoh because he hadprogressed as far as he could as
a prisoner.
The chief Butler.
Was restored to his position ofprominence.
In the king service.
But forgot all about Joseph inprison.
(29:11):
For two full years.
Unquote.
It was at this time that Pharaohhad a dream, a dream that was
very disturbing.
He called together.
That is Pharaoh where he calledtogether all his magicians and
Wiseman and insisted that thesemen interpret his dream.
(29:34):
But none of them would interpretthe dream.
He was very upset with theirinability to perform this
interpretation.
Then the Butler remembered.
His own faults.
And came the Pharaoh and said, Iremember a man that I met while
I was in prison.
When you were at one time, crosswith me.
(29:54):
Well, his name is Joseph.
And he can interpret dreams.
He interpreted my dream and thecooks dream.
And indeed.
His interpretations came true.
Uh, Pharaoh.
Had Joseph brought to him.
(30:15):
Joseph indeed.
Interpreted the Pharaoh'sdreams.
Matter of fact, every detail.
Explaining the seven years ofplenty.
And the seven years of famine.
He also laid out a specific planas to how.
The Pharaoh.
Should manage the years ofplenty in order to survive
(30:38):
during the seven years offamine.
It was clear to the Pharaoh.
That the spirit of God.
Was with Joseph.
Elder Perry says.
Quote.
Because of the service chose afriend or the Pharaoh said unto
his servants.
(30:59):
Can we find such a one as thisis.
A man in whom the spirit of Godis.
The Pharaoh recognized thatJoseph was indeed.
Directed by the Lord when hesaid.
Unto Joseph.
For as much as God has showedthe, all this.
(31:21):
There is none.
So discreet.
And wise as thou art.
When one follows the coursemarked.
By the road signs of the gospelof Jesus Christ.
And places his trust in theLord.
It's influence is such that itis manifest not only in action.
(31:45):
And Dede.
But by a marked and visiblechange in his very being.
There's a special light Had aspirit which radiates from his
eternal soul.
It can be described in wordslike brightness, light, joy.
(32:06):
Happiness peace.
Purity contentment spirit.
Enthusiasm.
Et cetera.
Unquote.
Uh, times in our lives.
We are bearing the consequencesof our own actions.
At other times, like in the caseof Joseph of Egypt, We are
(32:29):
carrying a burden, havingnothing to do with our own
actions.
But rather the sins of thosearound us.
That seems entirely unfair.
You remember hearing as a child,that life was not fair.
Perhaps you even said thisyourself as a parent to your
children, life is not fair.
(32:52):
Well, there's a scripture indoctrine and covenants section 1
22 verse seven.
That helps us understand fromour heavenly father's
perspective, from God'sperspective.
As to why this is so why life isnot fair.
It was revealed to Joseph Smith.
The first profit of thisdispensation while he was in
(33:15):
Liberty jail during thoseterrible winter months.
He was there because of.
False friends.
Traders and people who hatedhim.
He was also there through nofault of his own.
There were other leaders of thechurch in prison with him.
They were in a basement indeplorable conditions.
(33:37):
Where they could not standbecause the ceiling was too low.
It was during this time thatthey were in prison.
That the members of the churchwere going through.
Horrible persecution.
They were being driven fromtheir homes in the winter,
beaten, raped, and killed.
(33:57):
Joseph could do nothing about itbecause he was in prison.
During this time he receivesthis revelation.
It's in verse seven and I'llread it, but to summarize it
first.
The Lord tells Joseph.
That the hardship he is goingthrough.
That it is for as good.
That all these things that areseemingly bad.
(34:21):
In.
His life.
Can work together.
For his good.
Quote.
And if thou shall be cast intothe pit.
Or into the hands of murders.
And the sentence of death passedupon the, if that will be cast
into the deep.
If the billowing surge conspireagainst the.
(34:43):
If fierce winds become dineenemy.
If the heavens gatheredblackness.
And all the elements combined tohedge up the way.
And above all.
If the very jaws of hell shallkeep open the mouth wide after
the no thou my son.
That all these things shall givethe experience and shall be for
(35:03):
thy.
Good unquote.
Well, is it.
That all these bad things weretogether for his good.
Joseph Smith.
And the other leaders who wereeventually released from prison.
But But Joseph's life continuedto be full of hardship.
And eventually.
That led to his martyrdom.
(35:25):
This scripture points out thatour lives go on through eternity
and our experience here.
On this earth prepares us forthat eternal life.
But not just our life.
But our experience.
So greatly influences andcarries onto the lives of our
descendants and those around us.
(35:48):
Would anyone have guessed?
That a 14 year old meagerlyeducated and poor farm boy.
With a question for us, heavenlyfather.
Would have been given theopportunity to later translate a
book of scripture.
Called the book of Mormon.
Which is another Testament ofJesus Christ.
That the book of Mormon's firstpublishment would include 5,000
(36:09):
copies and is now published.
200 million copies.
Joseph Smith the same.
Farm boy.
I would be the first prophet ofthe restored church of Jesus
Christ in this dispensation.
Now nearly 200 years later, thischurch.
Spans the world with 17 millionmembers.
(36:30):
Speaking 188 published languageswith nearly 92,000 missionaries.
And serving 111 countries withhumanitarian aid.
Stephanie Mic Aka Intervie (36:44):
What about Joseph of Egypt?
After 13 years as a slave and inprison.
Because of the sins of thosearound him.
He ends up as the second incommand of all of Egypt.
Pharaoh most trusted andvaluable leader.
In this position, Joseph is ableto save his family, the children
(37:06):
of Israel.
In this way, his life is asimilitude of our savior.
Jesus Christ.
LACA.
Is reported to the guards bythose who are jealous of her
ideal position.
In the commissary.
She lies from fear and ends upin solitary confinement.
(37:27):
But.
This solitary confinement isbest.
Because in solitary, she learnshow to rely on her heavenly
father.
And she has time to pray.
And read the scriptures andponder.
And reflect.
She is blessed with wisdom.
To the spirit of God.
(37:49):
She came to understand that.
Repentance.
And the importance of tellingthe truth.
Even under pressure.
Then she was given back theideal job at the commissary.
Not only in Connecticut.
But later.
In Dublin in California.
In this position of trust.
(38:12):
She mentored Porsche through themost difficult time of
adjustment.
Jerry and her prison sentence.
In all three of their lives, thedifficult circumstances they
experienced.
We're for their good.
And for the good of generationsto come.
(38:32):
Are not the trials that we haveto go through in this life.
For our ultimate experience.
And for our good.
Near the end of the story ofJoseph of Egypt.
Joseph reveals his identity.
Who has brothers.
(38:52):
He says this.
In Genesis chapter 45, startingon verse four.
quote, And Joseph said unto hisbrethren.
Come near to me.
I pray you.
And they came near.
And he said.
I am Joseph, your brother.
Who me sold into Egypt?
(39:13):
Now, therefore be not grievednor angry with yourselves that
you sold me, Heather.
For God did send me before youto preserve life.
And God sent me before you topreserve you a posterity in the
earth.
And to save your lives by agreat deliverance.
So now it was not you that sentme Heather.
(39:37):
But God.
And he has made me.
Uh, father to Pharaoh.
And Lord of all his house.
And a ruler throughout all theland.
Of Egypt.
Unquote.
What we learn is that if we willtrust.
(39:57):
God.
Even in the hardest of times.
That's he will.
Help us.
In the darkest of times that ourlives.
He will support us, sustain us.
And see us through.
And that there is.
Uh, reason.
For the hardships in our life.
(40:18):
Not just now.
But in our eternal lives.
And in our descendants lives.
And in all those lives aroundus.
For generations to come.
God knows the end from thebeginning.
(40:46):
I would like to thank AKA toFoggia set.
Uh, Fano and CEO set up.
Bato.
For sharing their lives with us.
We have been so blessed by theirnew friendship.
I would also like to thank myhusband, Richard.
For helping me from thebeginning to the end in the last
two episodes.
For my new friend.
(41:08):
Porsche louder.
You heard me talk about her inthis episode?
She was August friend In Dublin.
Porsche is a speaker.
And an author.
She wrote the book livinglouder.
The compassionate journey, truefederal prison.
Porsche has motivated so manypeople.
(41:31):
With her down to earth.
Honest approach to life.
I'm so grateful for our newfriendship.
And for the insights that sheshared with me on this.
Episode.
She's going to be a futureguest.
On dear daughters of God.
Thank you Porsche.
(41:52):
And lastly to you, ourlisteners.
Thank you for helping us reach1000 downloads.
Of dear daughters of God.
That all happened because of youThank you so much for sharing
this podcast.
I asked you to please continue.
To subscribe.
To rate.
(42:12):
Best of all to share thispodcast with those you love.
Thank you for listening today.
For now I will say farewell.
Until we meet.
Again,
I am Stephanie Eccles.
This is dear daughters of God.
Episode 11.
The Lord made it prosper.
We are inspired by the true lifeexperiences of those around us.
My name is Stephanie Eccles.
I'm an educator counselor schooladministrator and natural
storyteller.
From my perspective as a memberof the church of Jesus Christ of
(00:21):
latter day saints, I share avariety of life experiences that
bring us hope.
Enjoy.
In our savior.
Jesus Christ.
Welcome to your daughters ofGod.
I trust you that way, becausethat's what you are to him.
To our heavenly father.
You are dear.
This episode is a part two ofthe interview with
Stephanie test (00:40):
AHCA
to foggy set a Fano.
Fano and CEO set a Fano.
This interview began in episodenumber 10.
held the product calleddaughter.
If you've not heard thatepisode, I invite you to pause.
And go back and listen to thatepisode first.
Okay.
And CEO.
(01:00):
We're both from American Samoa.
They met as adults in Maui,Hawaii.
CEO was Ockers drug supplier.
They both got involved inselling drugs.
And we're sentenced to federalprison.
They were not married at thetime they were serving.
They've since married.
After being released.
(01:22):
At the time that OCHA receivedher 189 month.
Sentence for federal prison.
that's, when she began toremember the lessons that her
mother taught her about thegospel of Jesus Christ.
She began to remember theprinciple of fasting and fasted.
That her sentence might bereduced.
She started praying and askingthe Lord for help.
(01:44):
And searching.
More.
About her faith.
The faith.
That she was raised in thechurch of Jesus Christ of latter
day saints.
That's a brief overview.
Of Hawkins seals life.
It's the interview took place inMaui, Hawaii.
In late November of 2023, we'resitting around OCHIN CEO's
(02:05):
kitchen table.
In their temporary housing,following the Hina fires.
And we're playing a little bitof musical microphones between
four of us.
You'll hear from OCHA and CEOand myself, and even a little
bit from my husband, Richard.
In the interview today.
Haka and seal will explain whythere's a need for one to work
(02:27):
and earn money while in prison.
They'll also talk about sidehustles.
In addition to their prisonjobs.
Most inmates have a side hustle.
The side hustle is a way theyuse their own talents to create
things.
Turn money.
Additional money directly fromone another.
By selling their creations orlabor.
(02:47):
To each other.
Let me clarify.
I have said money.
But really it's credit.
There are no cash transactionsin prison.
So they sell their creations ortrade labor.
For credit.
Amongst each other.
the credit is used to buyproducts at the prison
(03:07):
commissary, which is like thestore.
AKA we'll share a story about acertain job.
She received one prison And whyit was so significant for her
while.
Incarcerated.
They will both talk about theirfavorite scripture.
And it's influence in theirlives.
Now we'll go into the interview.
Aka's Mic Full interview Mult (03:28):
I didn't
Stephanie test (03:29):
realize the need to earn money while in
Aka's Mic Full intervie (03:31):
prison.
Yeah.
have three a day, But aside fromthat, so I'll be calling
Because you have to buy your ownhygiene.
sio (03:40):
So
Aka's Mic Full interview (03:41):
supply that have soap and their little
toothbrush and stuff.
But if you little better, that'sAnd there you you're indigent
all when come in there and thenyou have to learn,
I see.
Aka's Mic Full interv (04:01):
Everybody had something.
Everybody side my side wasmaking these handmade cards and
was selling.
Birthda So your side hustle wasmaking cards.
Aka's Mic Full interview Mu (04:12):
yes
sio (04:14):
there's so many smart people, talented people.
They can draw, They can,
Aka's Mic Full interview M (04:18):
wow, sing.
Talent is, in there is just sobeautiful.
sio (04:23):
You can pretty much live comfortably in there if you got
money.
They sell MP3s in there so youcan have music.
you download a song in acomputer, it's a dollar and 50
cents.
So a lot of people like to livecomfortable with, you
especially.
During downtime, like when weare locked down, you or you got
music to listen on, you got TV,you can watch TV till, you what,
(04:43):
10 o'clock when counts starts.
And then after the count on theweekends, you can watch movies
or all night, you can stay up,get people that stay up and play
cards.
a, a room, you yeah, if you havemoney, you can literally live
comfortable in there because youcan have people literally do
(05:03):
everything for you.
There's a guy that On CommissaryDay, he'll give you a list, of
what what
Aka's Mic Full interview Mul (05:09):
he wants.
Okay uh,
sio (05:10):
list.
Yeah, For the.
10 he owe me for this week, Iwant a peanut butter and ice
cream.
It's,
Aka's Mic Full interview M (05:16):
just
sio (05:16):
how
Aka's Mic Full interview Mul (05:16):
in there.
Yeah, they have a little, theyhave a in there for everything a
whole nother world.
Yeah.
sio (05:24):
Everybody has a little hustle, like they have people
that make Cheesecakes.
Aka's Mic Full inte (05:29):
Cheesecake, making cheesecake and the peanut
They make
sio (05:32):
pizza.
there's lot of hustle in there.
Yeah.
I be surprised at how thesepeople, these guys make pizza.
Pizza without a microwave, theycan make pizza without a
microwave using hot water.
yeah.
You can pretty much livecomfortably in there if you got
money.
This is fascinating to betterunderstand the culture and
(05:53):
prisons surrounding sidehustles.
Thanks for telling us all aboutit.
I think this leads well IntoAHCA's experience.
You mentioned that you had thiswonderful blessing regarding a
job that you were blessed with.
One of these official jobs.
That you received in prison?
I'm to think of it.
(06:14):
This morning in Sachar meetingin your talk.
You quoted a scripture, I'mguessing it's one of your
favorites.
you've said that it was ascripture that helped you in
this.
Prison's story.
Was it.
Perhaps the same scripture thatyou quoted this morning In your
sacrament talk.
Aka's Mic Full interview Mu (06:34):
Yes
Wonderful.
Then will you share thatscripture with us first?
Aka's Mic Full interview M (06:41):
Yes, yes It's in Proverbs 3, 5, and
it says a quote, Trust in theLord with all thine heart, and
lean not unto thine ownunderstanding.
In all thy ways acknowledge him,and he shall direct your paths.
that's what had guided methrough my prison time.
(07:01):
And coming out the otherscripture that I had shared in
my talk was in D& C 8210 where,I, the Lord, am bound when you
do what I say, and when you donot what I say, you have no
promise.
And I try to base my life now onthat because I want that
promise.
I, I want that promise to befulfilled,
Stephanie Mic Aka Interview (07:25):
Oh, That was beautiful archive.
Thank you.
So it was your favoritescripture in Proverbs.
That guided you in this nextstory.
Trust in the Lord with all thineheart.
And lean, not unto thine ownunderstanding.
In all thy ways acknowledge himand he shall direct eye paths.
(07:47):
So how does it all start?
Aka's Mic Full interview Mult (07:51):
I was in Connecticut and that it
so clear I knew something isgoing to 5, women do something
in jobs as Unicor in there, andthe other second job to that
(08:11):
was, in the one go, you go toUnicor or a which is their
prison store.
I ended up working the laundryand I was trying to get into the
commissary because that's wherethe money is at.
(08:32):
And your couldn't get intounicore.
So you prayed heavenly father.
I really need a good job here.
So what you said.
Aka's Mic Full interview Mu (08:43):
Yes and I I commissary and the
laundry are like.
together in that same field, Iwas in the laundry, so they were
hiring, and I, Heavenly Father,I would really like an
opportunity in getting in, Andthere's only, mind you, there's
only eight positions in thecommissary, only eight people
out of 5,
(09:04):
5,000.
There are eight positions in thecommissary.
And there are 5,000 women in theprison.
Who are competing for these.
Ideal eight positions.
And you get the job.
yes and I, went on the job, and I
was was like, I, and where I,hands I he did for I everything
(09:30):
heart, he before The, was makingthese handmade cards and was
selling.
And I had that so I whole bunchof razor blades taped in the
back of my utilize it to Cut mycards.
And So somebody somehow doingor, and
Stephanie test (09:53):
What was your intent with hiding them in the
back
Aka's Mic Full interview Mul (09:55):
of your locker?
that they don't see it, but onceyou break it like that already
weapon.
was first day of my how you getthat I knew how knew everything,
my heart, I who gave me thatjob, and you've got a lot of
people in there, there was a ofhaters that's been utilized by
(10:17):
the adversary to, whatnot.
I the security right beforelockdown, for count, Hey,
they're calling And who, you butthe station calling And I
calling?
stopped and was panicking.
I was like, why would they becalling me?
(10:39):
and I flashback, who did I talkwhat was, I say anything on the
the mind you before that?
They just did a search in unitfound Oh, no.
So go down there, I down thereand threw me say are these oh,
(11:04):
what They said said look and soI looked in it and I was I was
no, those are not mine.
I you sure?
said, yeah, no, those are mine.
Cause I white little lie, Ilied.
that.
that he know.
Anyhows, and I not mine.
(11:25):
sure, Okay.
You what?
okay, they're not yours that.
Okay.
sat in so they took the hole.
Yeah, Yeah.
they Because for one, I lied.
You thought you would lose thisgreat job if you can fast.
Aka's Mic Full interview M (11:48):
yes.
like, oh my gosh, HeavenlyFather, just gave job, and I'm
put in this position, and nowI'm lying?
and that's, and I still lied andI was like, Oh my gosh, my what
to do?
And Oh, was like, I was blown bythis whole test thing.
so went me was for maybe abouttwo months, maybe Oh.
(12:12):
So I sitting there and there,and read my came to Proverbs
three, five, need to confess,like those were yours.
And it clear as they, and so Ithe security.
I say, Hey, you know what I, Iwanted a em, I, you know what,
(12:32):
and I told him the truth, thosewere mine, I I cards not was no
I got this job.
And I lied for that because Ididn't want to It It no
intention I making cards out ofcards, was just my side I
(12:54):
explained to'em what hadhappened and my reasoning for
doing what, what I did and whatwhat those razor blades was for.
And so they said, so theyfinally did the paperwork and I
came out after I went in.
it was like, kind the ending ofthe summer and I came out, it
was snowing It must've been arelief to come out of solitary
confinement after being in therefor so long.
(13:17):
It was kind okay because Ididn't have to deal with other
people as much, you now, you butI still missed my job.
I was like, Oh, I never went theopportunity.
Um, the guy that would come inwas my boss and he would bring
in our commissary and I had toldhim had happened, know what?
Don't worry.
Wait until you come out.
(13:39):
and after I made thatconfession, he told me like,
don't worry.
job.
And I couldn't believe went out.
I got my job back.
I got my job back.
I, and, was like, I go insolitary and with a commissary
job, you're done don't get itwith that, you I was cleared,
(14:03):
and seen his hands over and overagain is the place where he
wanted me to be, to learn andgrow and when I finally got that
job, and that was the bestthing.
there, was just so much peaceand, starting to see the Lord's
hand
Okay.
Is this the period within yoursentence?
That you began to see the reasonwhy you needed to serve this
(14:28):
longer sentence.
Aka's Mic Full interview Mu (14:30):
yes was grateful for that.
I Really, that was time was aone on one time.
(14:55):
Going to tell us what happenedto her commissary job when she
was transferred fromConnecticut.
To California, to a prisoncalled Dublin.
The prison system decided totransfer prisoners.
Closer to their home states.
That was the reason for her totransfer.
Aka's Mic Full interview Mul (15:13):
So when I transferred from
Connecticut, I was hoping thatmy job would but the good thing
is that I had that
Stephanie test (15:29):
Oh, that's where you wanted to be.
not
Aka's Mic Full intervie (15:31):
really.
I wanted to go back to Oh, youliked the commissary.
I mean, you can earn more, Youget first shot I like the best
(15:53):
in took a little, maybe aboutthree I was in Oh, telemarketing
(16:28):
was not It was terrible.
I ended up getting a job inwhere I he I got back in the
Lord had blessed again But I hadto do my oh, know, I would like
(17:32):
to least five
That is so many hours of readingARCA.
It is no wonder that you gainedsuch a testimony.
Of our savior Jesus Christ.
And drew so close.
To your heavenly father.
(17:53):
Okay, where are you now at thispoint in your life?
Aka's Mic Full interview (17:57):
Today, my putting in the never, leaves
the by their I notice I mean,celestial, you want this, you
(18:35):
know, going to do this because Iwant this or Right.
that, know that comes Right.
tried those principles, try toput him first, I mean, he's
first.
(18:55):
Thank you for sharing thatinspiring message with us about
putting your heavenly fatherfirst in your life.
It's been a while since we'veheard from CEO.
C O do you have a favoritescripture?
sio (19:09):
Um, Philippians, I think for 15 seconds to all things,
through, through God, so for meComing home and then start over
again.
I know the Lord, our HeavenlyFather, will, will help me get
there, living a different life.
than what my life was in thepast, because change is good
too, you know.
making better change.
For me personally, I ratherchange from bad to good before I
(19:32):
leave this earth that way I can,do the work too for my Families
that already left, so maybe oneday I can reunite with them in
the afterlife.
We look forward to hearing aboutYouTube going to the temple and
doing that work.
Yes.
Okay.
You have the opportunity tospeak directly to your
grandchildren andgreat-grandchildren.
(19:55):
What would you say?
Aka's Mic Full interview (19:56):
think that I would like to share with
them would be based on thegospel.
do the best they can.
I just, I want them to know,learn of the gospel and to know
where they can find that comfortand peace, just to be ready,
(20:18):
whatever trials, That may comeand that they may know where to
go to to find that, comfort whenthat trial does come that dark
place in their life and knowthat, there is light and that's,
of our Savior and will bringthat
Thank you, Oka and C O forsharing your lives with us.
(20:41):
It has been inspiring.
Stephanie test (20:44):
You're welcome.
Aka's Mic Full interv (20:45):
Hopefully that somebody's struggling with
the same thing and that We mayall Help each other
Stephanie test (20:50):
Yes.
Stephanie Mic Aka Interview M (20:53):
A couple of weeks after our
interview and Maui ACO is ableto come to Utah to visit.
Her family.
While she was here.
She was able to go to thetemple.
To receive her endowments.
She did this at the SaratogaSprings temple.
I was able to be a part of thatblessing moment with her.
(21:14):
That day I met a dear friend ofBecause named Porsche louder.
Porsche was occas escort in thetemple.
Porsche's from Utah.
Portion AKA were inmatestogether in Dublin, the federal
prison in California.
Porsche was sentenced for realestate fraud.
(21:37):
HERSA told me that she was quiteshell shocked when she arrived
in prison.
You see everyone thought shewould just do probation and here
she was in prison in anotherstate.
Far away from her husband andher children.
She didn't know what to expect.
or how to manage prison life.
(21:59):
Well, she was there early on.
She noticed a woman in her unit.
And this woman, she had a lightabout her.
She looked happy and content.
Porsche thought, how could shebe content?
In a place like this.
Porsche wanted to talk to her.
(22:19):
On Sunday, Porsche went to thechapel for church services for
the Mormon church.
That was the nickname for Thechurch of Jesus Christ of latter
day saints.
Porsche was a member of thischurch.
ACO was there attending theservice?
Okay.
Took Porsche under her wing.
(22:40):
So to say, She taught Porsche.
How to manage life in prison.
She described a Porsche, theprocess of advocating.
For a job position.
And we're preferred roommates.
She shared with Porsche.
That she OCHA.
(23:00):
Fasted every Sunday.
That it was the fast team.
That brought her peace andstrength.
And helped her draw.
Closer to her savior JesusChrist Porsche was strengthened
and supported by Augustfriendship.
And advice.
It's helped her to find afulfilling area of prison
(23:23):
employment within the educationfield.
Porsche says.
We formed a lasting bond.
Maybe you could compare it tosoldiers.
That fought together.
You see when.
You were in prison.
Krisha says.
it's just, you.
(23:44):
And the Lord.
I am going to summarize a storyfrom the Bible.
The story of Joseph of Egypt.
I'll also share excerpts.
From a sermonette by elder L TomPerry.
His sermonette is called trustin the Lord.
He talks about Joseph of Egypt.
And his goodness.
(24:05):
And how you trusted in the Lordin these most difficult times
when he was enslaved.
And imprisoned.
as I share this story and theseexcerpts, I hope that you'll
draw a parallel.
Between.
How Joseph was prospered.
During his most difficult yearsin prison.
And how AKA was prospered as shetrusted the Lord.
(24:30):
Elder Perry says.
From the book of Psalms, weread.
Quote.
Trust in the Lord and do good.
So shalt thou dwell in the landand verily thou shalt be fed.
Delight thyself also in theLord.
And he shall give thee thedesires of the eyes and heart.
Commit thy way unto the Lordtrust also in him.
(24:53):
And he shall bring it to pass.
Beginning with the 37th chapterof the book of Genesis.
We read a remarkable story abouta family who had a large number
of boys.
One of the sons, Joseph.
Was loved by his father morethan his other brothers.
(25:14):
To show his love andappreciation for his son.
His father made him a coat ofmany colors.
And what has brother Saw thattheir father loved him more than
all his brother-in-law.
They hated him.
I could not speak.
He Sibley unto him.
(25:34):
Unquote.
Joseph also had a gift.
Of dreams.
These dreams did not help Josephsituation with his brothers.
and their anger towards him andtheir jealousy.
It just grew.
Swelled.
the older brothers conspiredwith each other.
(25:55):
This was their moment.
Let's kill him.
In verses 26.
Through 27, it says.
quote.
What profit is it?
If we slay our brother andconceal his blood.
Hum.
Let us sell him to theIshmaelites.
Let not our hand be upon him.
For his, our brother and ourflesh.
(26:15):
Unquote.
they did just that they soldhim.
For 20 pieces of silver.
Elder Perry says, quote.
But the Lord was with thisremarkable young man and he
seemed to never to bediscouraged.
Though a stranger, a slave, hiscountenance must have radiated a
special spirit.
When offered for sale, he waspurchased by a captain of the
(26:39):
King's guard.
It was only a short time beforeJoseph had so distinguished
himself to the captain.
That he made him ruler over hishouse.
Unquote.
It was at this time.
That the master's Weiss.
Hookah fond.
Look upon Joseph.
She even invited him and enticedhim.
(27:02):
To lie with her.
Then She twisted the tail.
She called out for help.
She claimed That Joseph.
Had come in and had attempted tolie with her.
Her husband.
Joseph's master.
Was furious.
(27:22):
And had chosen thrown in prison.
Where the King's prisoners werebound.
But not all was lost.
The Lord was with Joseph.
Versus 21 And through 23 says.
Pote, but the Lord was withJoseph and showed him mercy and
gave him favor in the sight ofthe keeper of the prison.
(27:45):
And the keeper of the prisoncommitted to Joseph's hand all
the prisoners that were in theprison.
The keeper of the prison lookednot to anything that was under
his hand because the Lord.
Was with him.
meaning Joseph.
And that, which he did the Lordmade it to prosper.
Unquote.
Back to elder Perry.
(28:06):
Sermonette.
Quote.
Past into Chris and shortlyafter Joseph were two of the
King's officers.
The chief Butler.
And the chief baker.
Joseph soon became acquaintedwith them.
Both of them had dreams becauseJoseph was a righteous man.
They asked him to interprettheir dreams.
(28:26):
Joseph was able to do this toone.
He said, You will not.
It had a prison.
But lose your life here.
To the other, he said, You willsoon have the opportunity of
returning to your position ofhonor with the Pharaoh.
(28:48):
Then he asked the one who wouldhave the opportunity of being
restored to his former positionto please remember him to the
Pharaoh because he hadprogressed as far as he could as
a prisoner.
The chief Butler.
Was restored to his position ofprominence.
In the king service.
But forgot all about Joseph inprison.
(29:11):
For two full years.
Unquote.
It was at this time that Pharaohhad a dream, a dream that was
very disturbing.
He called together.
That is Pharaoh where he calledtogether all his magicians and
Wiseman and insisted that thesemen interpret his dream.
(29:34):
But none of them would interpretthe dream.
He was very upset with theirinability to perform this
interpretation.
Then the Butler remembered.
His own faults.
And came the Pharaoh and said, Iremember a man that I met while
I was in prison.
When you were at one time, crosswith me.
(29:54):
Well, his name is Joseph.
And he can interpret dreams.
He interpreted my dream and thecooks dream.
And indeed.
His interpretations came true.
Uh, Pharaoh.
Had Joseph brought to him.
(30:15):
Joseph indeed.
Interpreted the Pharaoh'sdreams.
Matter of fact, every detail.
Explaining the seven years ofplenty.
And the seven years of famine.
He also laid out a specific planas to how.
The Pharaoh.
Should manage the years ofplenty in order to survive
(30:38):
during the seven years offamine.
It was clear to the Pharaoh.
That the spirit of God.
Was with Joseph.
Elder Perry says.
Quote.
Because of the service chose afriend or the Pharaoh said unto
his servants.
(30:59):
Can we find such a one as thisis.
A man in whom the spirit of Godis.
The Pharaoh recognized thatJoseph was indeed.
Directed by the Lord when hesaid.
Unto Joseph.
For as much as God has showedthe, all this.
(31:21):
There is none.
So discreet.
And wise as thou art.
When one follows the coursemarked.
By the road signs of the gospelof Jesus Christ.
And places his trust in theLord.
It's influence is such that itis manifest not only in action.
(31:45):
And Dede.
But by a marked and visiblechange in his very being.
There's a special light Had aspirit which radiates from his
eternal soul.
It can be described in wordslike brightness, light, joy.
(32:06):
Happiness peace.
Purity contentment spirit.
Enthusiasm.
Et cetera.
Unquote.
Uh, times in our lives.
We are bearing the consequencesof our own actions.
At other times, like in the caseof Joseph of Egypt, We are
(32:29):
carrying a burden, havingnothing to do with our own
actions.
But rather the sins of thosearound us.
That seems entirely unfair.
You remember hearing as a child,that life was not fair.
Perhaps you even said thisyourself as a parent to your
children, life is not fair.
(32:52):
Well, there's a scripture indoctrine and covenants section 1
22 verse seven.
That helps us understand fromour heavenly father's
perspective, from God'sperspective.
As to why this is so why life isnot fair.
It was revealed to Joseph Smith.
The first profit of thisdispensation while he was in
(33:15):
Liberty jail during thoseterrible winter months.
He was there because of.
False friends.
Traders and people who hatedhim.
He was also there through nofault of his own.
There were other leaders of thechurch in prison with him.
They were in a basement indeplorable conditions.
(33:37):
Where they could not standbecause the ceiling was too low.
It was during this time thatthey were in prison.
That the members of the churchwere going through.
Horrible persecution.
They were being driven fromtheir homes in the winter,
beaten, raped, and killed.
(33:57):
Joseph could do nothing about itbecause he was in prison.
During this time he receivesthis revelation.
It's in verse seven and I'llread it, but to summarize it
first.
The Lord tells Joseph.
That the hardship he is goingthrough.
That it is for as good.
That all these things that areseemingly bad.
(34:21):
In.
His life.
Can work together.
For his good.
Quote.
And if thou shall be cast intothe pit.
Or into the hands of murders.
And the sentence of death passedupon the, if that will be cast
into the deep.
If the billowing surge conspireagainst the.
(34:43):
If fierce winds become dineenemy.
If the heavens gatheredblackness.
And all the elements combined tohedge up the way.
And above all.
If the very jaws of hell shallkeep open the mouth wide after
the no thou my son.
That all these things shall givethe experience and shall be for
(35:03):
thy.
Good unquote.
Well, is it.
That all these bad things weretogether for his good.
Joseph Smith.
And the other leaders who wereeventually released from prison.
But But Joseph's life continuedto be full of hardship.
And eventually.
That led to his martyrdom.
(35:25):
This scripture points out thatour lives go on through eternity
and our experience here.
On this earth prepares us forthat eternal life.
But not just our life.
But our experience.
So greatly influences andcarries onto the lives of our
descendants and those around us.
(35:48):
Would anyone have guessed?
That a 14 year old meagerlyeducated and poor farm boy.
With a question for us, heavenlyfather.
Would have been given theopportunity to later translate a
book of scripture.
Called the book of Mormon.
Which is another Testament ofJesus Christ.
That the book of Mormon's firstpublishment would include 5,000
(36:09):
copies and is now published.
200 million copies.
Joseph Smith the same.
Farm boy.
I would be the first prophet ofthe restored church of Jesus
Christ in this dispensation.
Now nearly 200 years later, thischurch.
Spans the world with 17 millionmembers.
(36:30):
Speaking 188 published languageswith nearly 92,000 missionaries.
And serving 111 countries withhumanitarian aid.
Stephanie Mic Aka Intervie (36:44):
What about Joseph of Egypt?
After 13 years as a slave and inprison.
Because of the sins of thosearound him.
He ends up as the second incommand of all of Egypt.
Pharaoh most trusted andvaluable leader.
In this position, Joseph is ableto save his family, the children
(37:06):
of Israel.
In this way, his life is asimilitude of our savior.
Jesus Christ.
LACA.
Is reported to the guards bythose who are jealous of her
ideal position.
In the commissary.
She lies from fear and ends upin solitary confinement.
(37:27):
But.
This solitary confinement isbest.
Because in solitary, she learnshow to rely on her heavenly
father.
And she has time to pray.
And read the scriptures andponder.
And reflect.
She is blessed with wisdom.
To the spirit of God.
(37:49):
She came to understand that.
Repentance.
And the importance of tellingthe truth.
Even under pressure.
Then she was given back theideal job at the commissary.
Not only in Connecticut.
But later.
In Dublin in California.
In this position of trust.
(38:12):
She mentored Porsche through themost difficult time of
adjustment.
Jerry and her prison sentence.
In all three of their lives, thedifficult circumstances they
experienced.
We're for their good.
And for the good of generationsto come.
(38:32):
Are not the trials that we haveto go through in this life.
For our ultimate experience.
And for our good.
Near the end of the story ofJoseph of Egypt.
Joseph reveals his identity.
Who has brothers.
(38:52):
He says this.
In Genesis chapter 45, startingon verse four.
quote, And Joseph said unto hisbrethren.
Come near to me.
I pray you.
And they came near.
And he said.
I am Joseph, your brother.
Who me sold into Egypt?
(39:13):
Now, therefore be not grievednor angry with yourselves that
you sold me, Heather.
For God did send me before youto preserve life.
And God sent me before you topreserve you a posterity in the
earth.
And to save your lives by agreat deliverance.
So now it was not you that sentme Heather.
(39:37):
But God.
And he has made me.
Uh, father to Pharaoh.
And Lord of all his house.
And a ruler throughout all theland.
Of Egypt.
Unquote.
What we learn is that if we willtrust.
(39:57):
God.
Even in the hardest of times.
That's he will.
Help us.
In the darkest of times that ourlives.
He will support us, sustain us.
And see us through.
And that there is.
Uh, reason.
For the hardships in our life.
(40:18):
Not just now.
But in our eternal lives.
And in our descendants lives.
And in all those lives aroundus.
For generations to come.
God knows the end from thebeginning.
(40:46):
I would like to thank AKA toFoggia set.
Uh, Fano and CEO set up.
Bato.
For sharing their lives with us.
We have been so blessed by theirnew friendship.
I would also like to thank myhusband, Richard.
For helping me from thebeginning to the end in the last
two episodes.
For my new friend.
(41:08):
Porsche louder.
You heard me talk about her inthis episode?
She was August friend In Dublin.
Porsche is a speaker.
And an author.
She wrote the book livinglouder.
The compassionate journey, truefederal prison.
Porsche has motivated so manypeople.
(41:31):
With her down to earth.
Honest approach to life.
I'm so grateful for our newfriendship.
And for the insights that sheshared with me on this.
Episode.
She's going to be a futureguest.
On dear daughters of God.
Thank you Porsche.
(41:52):
And lastly to you, ourlisteners.
Thank you for helping us reach1000 downloads.
Of dear daughters of God.
That all happened because of youThank you so much for sharing
this podcast.
I asked you to please continue.
To subscribe.
To rate.
(42:12):
Best of all to share thispodcast with those you love.
Thank you for listening today.
For now I will say farewell.
Until we meet.
Again,
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