When Josh was in the MTC, he wrote us a letter about the irony of being at the MTC (empty sea) learning to be a fisher of men. I don't know if he came up with the idea or if it was something someone told him.
A few years later, when Charis had friends that were going on missions, she decided that it would be fun to send them packages of different kinds of fish: Swedish fish, gummy fish, gummy whales, Goldfish crackers and of course Sardines, along with a poem about the Empty Sea they were currently fishing at. She asked if I could write a poem for her. This is what I came up with. We often send it to the missionaries we know (along with a small box of goodies).
MTC Poem
You have been called as a fisher of man.
The Lord expects you to give all that you can.
Now as you serve in the vast "Empty Sea" (MTC)
With 4000 fishermen, not one fish will there be.
You'll work very hard, many things you will learn,
And then at the end, your fishing license you'll earn.
Then out in the world souls are waiting for you
To bring them the Gospel, To teach them what's true.
So, while at the vast "Empty Sea" you are found,
Establish yourself on good, solid ground.
Work hard, learn a lot, with patience prepare.
So you will be ready, The Gospel to share.
(Copyright Christine Strong 2001)
