What do you think?
Rate this book
Yearning for the Living God: Reflections from the Life of F. Enzio Busche
F. Enzio Busche, emeritus member of the First Quorum of the Seventy, was born in Germany in 1930, three years before Hitler's rise to power. Fifteen years later, when World War II ended, Enzio was a prisoner of war, having been drafted into the German army at age fourteen. The war left Enzio with many Is there a God? What is the purpose of life? What happens after death? In time, he learned the answers. "Yearning for the Living God" is a collection of Elder Busche's experiences - both before and after his conversion - and an account of the life-changing awakening that can come to all who search for truth in this world.
307 pages, Hardcover
First published April 1, 2004
55 people are currently reading
4037 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 522 reviews
July 13, 2008
This is a collection of personal experiences of one man. I found it very interesting from the beginning because he sets the stage with describing life in Nazi Germany. This is not the war-torn horror that is the typical description. He describes the positive and noble front of the Nazi party. They apparantly encouraged a great deal of good, old-fashioned values like hard work, honoring the mother of the home, home ownership and pride, honesty, chastity, and much, much more that is often looked down upon today.
The average citizen was shocked, horrified and embarrassed when they found out about the treatment of the Jews. It was a very slick and underhanded way that the government taught that Jews were "lesser people" to be gotten rid of. Why is that important? Because it gives a great understanding to his beginnings of searching for God and then finding Him.
This is not a greatly crafted work. That is because it is true life experiences from one man. They are remarkable and faith promoting. The book left me feeling more courageous in my faith and wanting to improve myself.
He did serve as a General Authority for the LDS Church, but his experiences and opinions are certainly not to be taken as an "official opinion of the Church".
I definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a fascinating and encouraging read.
The average citizen was shocked, horrified and embarrassed when they found out about the treatment of the Jews. It was a very slick and underhanded way that the government taught that Jews were "lesser people" to be gotten rid of. Why is that important? Because it gives a great understanding to his beginnings of searching for God and then finding Him.
This is not a greatly crafted work. That is because it is true life experiences from one man. They are remarkable and faith promoting. The book left me feeling more courageous in my faith and wanting to improve myself.
He did serve as a General Authority for the LDS Church, but his experiences and opinions are certainly not to be taken as an "official opinion of the Church".
I definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a fascinating and encouraging read.
April 17, 2019
This book profoundly portrays love in action. What does one's life look like that "thirsts for God?" Enzio Busche describes his journey. The title of this memoir and compilation of reflections reveals just what the author did in his "yearning for the living God."
In the chapter entitled "Illness and Awakening" he writes, "The world we live in is not the real thing. The actual world - which is closer to us than we sometimes realize - is full of truth and capable of bringing us to a higher level than we can understand...My spiritual insight let me see that we as human beings live far below our potential from day to day. One day we will be confronted with our true potential; and we will see what we have missed because we have not embraced the ultimate help offered to us from our Creator...every choice we make defines our lives in the eternities."
This man lived his life with faith, commitment and yes "yearning". I found it inspirational. From being drafted into the German army at age fourteen to the present day, Enzio Busche's life has been one of numerous challenges, character enriching experiences and joy. This is my second read. That says something for me.
In the chapter entitled "Illness and Awakening" he writes, "The world we live in is not the real thing. The actual world - which is closer to us than we sometimes realize - is full of truth and capable of bringing us to a higher level than we can understand...My spiritual insight let me see that we as human beings live far below our potential from day to day. One day we will be confronted with our true potential; and we will see what we have missed because we have not embraced the ultimate help offered to us from our Creator...every choice we make defines our lives in the eternities."
This man lived his life with faith, commitment and yes "yearning". I found it inspirational. From being drafted into the German army at age fourteen to the present day, Enzio Busche's life has been one of numerous challenges, character enriching experiences and joy. This is my second read. That says something for me.
August 27, 2008
This is the most inspiring book. It is an Auto Biography from Elder F. Enzio Busche. Elder Busche is a dear friend of our family's. He sealed my sister and her husband in the Bountiful Temple almost two years ago. He is such a sweet man and has such an incredible testimony of this Church. I enjoyed reading his conversion story. It is such a touching story, and truly helped me to gain a stronger testimony of this gospel. He tell stories from his childhood, growing up in Hitler's Germany, The reason he is named Enzio, how he and his sweet wife Utte met, and many other interesting facts about his life. His overall message is that we should learn to love others, whole heartedly, to learn to be more like our Savior and see others the way our Savior and older brother does. This was a very powerful and moving book. I highly recommend it to anyone who would like a good inspirational book.
March 13, 2018
This book. 😭 I feel it a real pleasure to have had the opportunity to have read Elder Busche’s words and experiences. It touched deeply on my desire to come to know the Living God. I have felt of His Love in very real ways.
December 10, 2013
This is a sweet and inspiring book of stories and testimony and faith. F. Enzio Busche was born in Germany just a few years before Hitler came to power. We learn of his life there and what it was like (from his perspective) to grow up in Nazi Germany. We learn of his journey of faith and conversion to the gospel of Jesus Christ.
After joining the Church he is immediately called to serve and teach. We learn from many of his personal stories about faith and conviction. He also shares miracles of healing, meeting deadlines, and building churches and temples. Elder Busche served as a mission president and then as a member of the First Quorum of the Seventy. He shares many stories of faith that he learned along his journey and ministry.
A main theme of the book is the importance of seeking and following the Spirit in our lives and coming to know God. Here are a few of my favorite quotes:
"Many things that are politically correct may not have anything to do with truth....Because of what I have experienced, I feel able to say that matters of righteousness and of wholesome goodness can be developed only under the unconstrained influence of the light of Christ in the soul of human beings (p. 33)."
Elder Busche's father didn't join the Church in this life and died several years after Enzio was baptized. When Enzio was deciding whether or not to be baptized his father asked him, "'Are you really convinced that this is true?'
Without hesitation, I answered, 'Yes.'
'Well, then you have no choice. You have to do it. We have to follow our convictions in our lives. Otherwise, we will not be able to stand. Even when it is not popular, and even when people sometimes can't understand us, it is necessary to stand by our convictions. Otherwise, we are unable to stand (p. 41).'"
"The world we live in is not the real thing. The actual world - which is closer to us than we sometimes realize - is full of truth and capable of bringing us to a higher level than we can understand. Indeed, it is more beautiful and majestic than a human can imagine. My spiritual insight let me see that we as human beings live far below our potential from day to day. One day we will be confronted with our true potential; and we will see what we have missed because we have not embraced the ultimate help offered to us from our Creator. Life is not worth living if we walk around in it without really knowing that every choice we make defines our lives in the eternities (p. 54)."
"At first, it was not the message itself that I was interested in, but the messengers who brought it. They were completely different from other church representatives I had seen before. They had a spirit of innocence and purity and the willingness to sacrifice. They also seemed to have made a painstaking commitment to the essence of truth....Their style of behavior represented a moral authority that took away my ability to say no to their requests and invitations (p. 64)."
"Some who have grown up in the Church have probably never had the opportunity to see or feel the new dimension of life that suddenly comes to a person in the moment of conversion. I was learning everything new. When envisioned through the gospel, I began to see every principle, every historical picture, every aspect of science - even small matters like management and business - in a different light. After my baptism, I remember driving and wondering for a moment if I should have a radio in my car. I had absolutely no desire for a radio because the spiritual world inside of me had come into a state of full bloom. I felt so much inspiration and such a new dimension of life that a radio seemed like a nuisance and distraction. I could suddenly not imagine why anyone would want a radio in his car when he had the spiritual world from which to learn about every facet of life (p. 96)."
"All of our teaching and preaching must be geared toward creating an atmosphere in which the Holy Ghost can bear witness, be with us, guide us, and protect us....Unless there is willingness to extend ourselves and our faith, the Holy Ghost cannot be effective in our lives (p. 97)."
"It has become easy for me to recognize that the people who have earned love the least need it the most. And that is, in my humble understanding, what the gospel is really about....The gospel of Jesus Christ is in the process of healing the world; members of the Lord's Church, with the help of the Holy Ghost, can learn to see the goodness and wholesomeness within each of our Heavenly Father's children (p. 99)."
"As members of the Church, we cannot be satisfied when we simply fulfill our roles according to the letter. We must have as our objective the desire to live by the Spirit, to be guided by the Spirit, to act by the Spirit, to teach by the Spirit, and to decide by the Spirit. Then we cannot fail (p. 106)."
"In a strange way, this woman [who was elderly and dirty, but walked two hours to church each way in order to show her sacrifice to God] taught me more about the gospel of Jesus Christ than I may have learned in Sunday School classes. Her commitment was total. Whenever she spoke, she bore her testimony (p. 168)."
"He has the potential of a god in him, but the only way it can grow inside of him is if he finds someone who loves him and who looks through his behavior, his lack of education, who sees the beauty of his character and the beauty of his spirit. He needs someone who treats him as if he were already at that level where he would be acceptable to you. Could that be the purpose of your life, to help bring this man into the celestial kingdom (p. 232)?"
"I wish we all would learn from that wonderful sister who has glorified her life by not wondering, 'What's in it for me?' but by asking, 'What does the Lord want me to do (p. 233)?'"
"'Once in a while, we have holy angels visit and comfort and strengthen us [the saints in a small branch in Eastern Europe].' She added with a smile, 'Can you imagine? I have found people in Salt Lake City who have never seen an angel.' She laughed as if that were the strangest thing she had ever heard (p. 234)."
"Oh, how I wish we human beings would always be awake, understanding that the purpose of life is to find the voice and hand of the Living God in our lives so that we can all unite to build the beautiful and awe-inspiring dimensions of His kingdom on earth (p. 243)." [This quote comes just after Elder Busche shares a sweet story of a new Korean convert "accidentally" passing through a small town in Germany just at the right time to help teach a family of Korean investigators.]
"The millions of members of the restored Church are spread today over all continents, having come from many races and cultures. They are living witnesses of the divine restoration of the power and dignity of the priesthood of God. The Lord has restored the keys to preach the gospel according to the plan of salvation. All mankind will eventually have an opportunity to hear this message and will be invited to make a covenant with the living God (p. 290)."
"As he waited for someone to help her [a girl crying for help in the ocean], it came to him forcefully that he was that someone. He was the person that needed to act and save the drowning child. As he started to run to the rescue, another man joined him, and both were able to pull the little girl to safety. He told us that story as missionaries to explain that if we are the ones to see the problem, we are also the ones to act (p. 294)."
After joining the Church he is immediately called to serve and teach. We learn from many of his personal stories about faith and conviction. He also shares miracles of healing, meeting deadlines, and building churches and temples. Elder Busche served as a mission president and then as a member of the First Quorum of the Seventy. He shares many stories of faith that he learned along his journey and ministry.
A main theme of the book is the importance of seeking and following the Spirit in our lives and coming to know God. Here are a few of my favorite quotes:
"Many things that are politically correct may not have anything to do with truth....Because of what I have experienced, I feel able to say that matters of righteousness and of wholesome goodness can be developed only under the unconstrained influence of the light of Christ in the soul of human beings (p. 33)."
Elder Busche's father didn't join the Church in this life and died several years after Enzio was baptized. When Enzio was deciding whether or not to be baptized his father asked him, "'Are you really convinced that this is true?'
Without hesitation, I answered, 'Yes.'
'Well, then you have no choice. You have to do it. We have to follow our convictions in our lives. Otherwise, we will not be able to stand. Even when it is not popular, and even when people sometimes can't understand us, it is necessary to stand by our convictions. Otherwise, we are unable to stand (p. 41).'"
"The world we live in is not the real thing. The actual world - which is closer to us than we sometimes realize - is full of truth and capable of bringing us to a higher level than we can understand. Indeed, it is more beautiful and majestic than a human can imagine. My spiritual insight let me see that we as human beings live far below our potential from day to day. One day we will be confronted with our true potential; and we will see what we have missed because we have not embraced the ultimate help offered to us from our Creator. Life is not worth living if we walk around in it without really knowing that every choice we make defines our lives in the eternities (p. 54)."
"At first, it was not the message itself that I was interested in, but the messengers who brought it. They were completely different from other church representatives I had seen before. They had a spirit of innocence and purity and the willingness to sacrifice. They also seemed to have made a painstaking commitment to the essence of truth....Their style of behavior represented a moral authority that took away my ability to say no to their requests and invitations (p. 64)."
"Some who have grown up in the Church have probably never had the opportunity to see or feel the new dimension of life that suddenly comes to a person in the moment of conversion. I was learning everything new. When envisioned through the gospel, I began to see every principle, every historical picture, every aspect of science - even small matters like management and business - in a different light. After my baptism, I remember driving and wondering for a moment if I should have a radio in my car. I had absolutely no desire for a radio because the spiritual world inside of me had come into a state of full bloom. I felt so much inspiration and such a new dimension of life that a radio seemed like a nuisance and distraction. I could suddenly not imagine why anyone would want a radio in his car when he had the spiritual world from which to learn about every facet of life (p. 96)."
"All of our teaching and preaching must be geared toward creating an atmosphere in which the Holy Ghost can bear witness, be with us, guide us, and protect us....Unless there is willingness to extend ourselves and our faith, the Holy Ghost cannot be effective in our lives (p. 97)."
"It has become easy for me to recognize that the people who have earned love the least need it the most. And that is, in my humble understanding, what the gospel is really about....The gospel of Jesus Christ is in the process of healing the world; members of the Lord's Church, with the help of the Holy Ghost, can learn to see the goodness and wholesomeness within each of our Heavenly Father's children (p. 99)."
"As members of the Church, we cannot be satisfied when we simply fulfill our roles according to the letter. We must have as our objective the desire to live by the Spirit, to be guided by the Spirit, to act by the Spirit, to teach by the Spirit, and to decide by the Spirit. Then we cannot fail (p. 106)."
"In a strange way, this woman [who was elderly and dirty, but walked two hours to church each way in order to show her sacrifice to God] taught me more about the gospel of Jesus Christ than I may have learned in Sunday School classes. Her commitment was total. Whenever she spoke, she bore her testimony (p. 168)."
"He has the potential of a god in him, but the only way it can grow inside of him is if he finds someone who loves him and who looks through his behavior, his lack of education, who sees the beauty of his character and the beauty of his spirit. He needs someone who treats him as if he were already at that level where he would be acceptable to you. Could that be the purpose of your life, to help bring this man into the celestial kingdom (p. 232)?"
"I wish we all would learn from that wonderful sister who has glorified her life by not wondering, 'What's in it for me?' but by asking, 'What does the Lord want me to do (p. 233)?'"
"'Once in a while, we have holy angels visit and comfort and strengthen us [the saints in a small branch in Eastern Europe].' She added with a smile, 'Can you imagine? I have found people in Salt Lake City who have never seen an angel.' She laughed as if that were the strangest thing she had ever heard (p. 234)."
"Oh, how I wish we human beings would always be awake, understanding that the purpose of life is to find the voice and hand of the Living God in our lives so that we can all unite to build the beautiful and awe-inspiring dimensions of His kingdom on earth (p. 243)." [This quote comes just after Elder Busche shares a sweet story of a new Korean convert "accidentally" passing through a small town in Germany just at the right time to help teach a family of Korean investigators.]
"The millions of members of the restored Church are spread today over all continents, having come from many races and cultures. They are living witnesses of the divine restoration of the power and dignity of the priesthood of God. The Lord has restored the keys to preach the gospel according to the plan of salvation. All mankind will eventually have an opportunity to hear this message and will be invited to make a covenant with the living God (p. 290)."
"As he waited for someone to help her [a girl crying for help in the ocean], it came to him forcefully that he was that someone. He was the person that needed to act and save the drowning child. As he started to run to the rescue, another man joined him, and both were able to pull the little girl to safety. He told us that story as missionaries to explain that if we are the ones to see the problem, we are also the ones to act (p. 294)."
April 8, 2008
This book was an inspiring example of the workings of the spirit upon one extraordinary man who had yearnings in his heart and the faith to seek and know the will of God. It testifies of his yearnings and desires to know God in a world where it was dismissed and thought to be of naught. Enzio searched to the ends of the earth and was willing to sacrifice all to know who is God. He felt unworthy and and knew he needed something or someone to help him to be clean. Then an amazing thing happened. He actually heard a voice, speaking in German, it penetrated his soul, and created an awackening he had never felt before. He soon learned that we as human beings live far below our potential from day to day.
May 2, 2008
My mother got this book for Christmas. I have a habit of picking up her books and devouring them, and this was no exception. I sat down the whole day and just read and read. I HIGHLY recommend this book. It is a-m-a-z-i-n-g. My mother really sought it out. He came to speak in N.H. many years ago and my mother said that everyone was just walking on clouds for two weeks after. She always wondered if he'd written a book and after much searching, she found this one. It has been nearly four months since I read it and I am still digesting it. I was thinking about it again this morning. It sheds so much light on how God works with his children. I can't can say enough about how great it really is.
January 13, 2009
F. Enzio Busche has served as a general authority for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and this is his life story. He starts the book by sharing a perspective on World War II that we are not accustomed to hearing, which I found extremely interesting. I give this book four stars instead of five, only because my interest was not as peaked toward the end. This couldn't be helped, however, since the events of his life are written in order, for the most part, and while the book describes many miracles, there is none so sweet as his own conversion story that is told in the first half of the book. I highly recommend this book to anyone. I think all of us, no matter what are faith is, could use a reminder that God loves us, he will never forsake us, and when we exercise faith in him, miracles happen. Even today!
August 6, 2023
Enzio Bosche was given a gun and sent to the front at 13 years old towards the end of World War ll. He describes what the Germans had been taught and his feelings of learning the truth of the endless atrocities before and during the war.
The hunger and then the absolute gratitude for every meal…Sleeping in the mud and the gratitude of having an actual bed to sleep in.
The hunger and then the absolute gratitude for every meal…Sleeping in the mud and the gratitude of having an actual bed to sleep in.
April 5, 2017
I loved this book so much, I think partially because my family on my father's side came to find and know the Living God through the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, while living in WWII Germany like Elder Busche.
This book was filled with many humble yet powerful stories and thoughts illustration how God has worked in the life of Elder Busche at those who he has served covering such topics as the temple, prayer, women and the Priesthood, marriage, missionary work, and listening to the spirit. My faith was strengthened by reading this!
A few favorites quotes (among many):
--“I saw then a little glimpse of what it means to be together as a family. I realized the importance of the promise that we will never be separated but will be together no matter what happens, even in death. I do not know all the dimensions of eternal life, but I can easily see that eternal life means nothing if we are separated from our loved ones. Therefore, everything that we learn in the gospel culminates in the understanding that we need to build relationships of trust and communities that go beyond our mortal abilities as we learn to love, to give, to embrace something that is bigger that we are—the kingdom of God.”
--“But I can say that the growth and success of our company came from the promtpings of the Lord, wich taught me how to overcome difficulties, find solutions, be unafraid, and trust in the creativity and goodness of human beings.”
--“My experiences with communication with God have shown me that we really must mean it when we pray. As Mormon says, ‘And likewise also it is counted evil unto a man, if he shall pray and not with real intent of heart; yea, and it profiteth him nothing, for God received none such’ (Moroni 7:9). In praying, we must go to the root of honesty with ourselves because we cannot hear truth when we are not honest to the core. We must express our feelings without flowery words and be willing to accept the consequences of our prayers. When we do, the Lord will be there with us and teach us what we need to know and what is good for us in that very moment.”
--“The priesthood is neither male nor female, although it has a male part and a female part. Through the eternal bond of marriage, built on the divine gift of love, the priesthood becomes complete. The roles of the two parts are, of course, vastly different.”
“Heavenly Father has given the female the role of bringing new life to this world. She does so in a physical dimension—by nurturing, tutoring, training, and teaching—and in the wearing of the very eternal virtues of chastity, loyalty, and wholesomeness, which are essential for the very existence of humankind. Our Heavenly Father has given the male the role of providing, protecting, and admiring. Male and female are in many ways mysteriously different and, because of that, there is a natural desire to love one another in harmony with the divine laws as they have been reestablished by the restoration of the gospel.”
He then talks about the oneness of the different parts of a tree.
“The temple is the Lord’s essential instrument used to reestablish a true understanding of the male and female parts of the priesthood. In the temple, both men and women wear the robe of the priesthood and are given garments of the priesthood. Righteous men and women learn that although women are not physically involved in conducting the affairs of the priesthood, no man can excel in his priesthood callings for long without the blessing and care and guidance of a righteous woman. Those who concentrate their efforts in developing the purposes and virtues of their own gender will built tender, bonding bridges between men and women on the basis of mutual respect and admiration, inspired by the divine, miraculous power of love. A society that fails to accept the eternal concept of this godly design must pay an unbearable price of confusion of the individual, which can, potentially, lead to chaos, destruction, and the unhappiness of the soul.”
This book was filled with many humble yet powerful stories and thoughts illustration how God has worked in the life of Elder Busche at those who he has served covering such topics as the temple, prayer, women and the Priesthood, marriage, missionary work, and listening to the spirit. My faith was strengthened by reading this!
A few favorites quotes (among many):
--“I saw then a little glimpse of what it means to be together as a family. I realized the importance of the promise that we will never be separated but will be together no matter what happens, even in death. I do not know all the dimensions of eternal life, but I can easily see that eternal life means nothing if we are separated from our loved ones. Therefore, everything that we learn in the gospel culminates in the understanding that we need to build relationships of trust and communities that go beyond our mortal abilities as we learn to love, to give, to embrace something that is bigger that we are—the kingdom of God.”
--“But I can say that the growth and success of our company came from the promtpings of the Lord, wich taught me how to overcome difficulties, find solutions, be unafraid, and trust in the creativity and goodness of human beings.”
--“My experiences with communication with God have shown me that we really must mean it when we pray. As Mormon says, ‘And likewise also it is counted evil unto a man, if he shall pray and not with real intent of heart; yea, and it profiteth him nothing, for God received none such’ (Moroni 7:9). In praying, we must go to the root of honesty with ourselves because we cannot hear truth when we are not honest to the core. We must express our feelings without flowery words and be willing to accept the consequences of our prayers. When we do, the Lord will be there with us and teach us what we need to know and what is good for us in that very moment.”
--“The priesthood is neither male nor female, although it has a male part and a female part. Through the eternal bond of marriage, built on the divine gift of love, the priesthood becomes complete. The roles of the two parts are, of course, vastly different.”
“Heavenly Father has given the female the role of bringing new life to this world. She does so in a physical dimension—by nurturing, tutoring, training, and teaching—and in the wearing of the very eternal virtues of chastity, loyalty, and wholesomeness, which are essential for the very existence of humankind. Our Heavenly Father has given the male the role of providing, protecting, and admiring. Male and female are in many ways mysteriously different and, because of that, there is a natural desire to love one another in harmony with the divine laws as they have been reestablished by the restoration of the gospel.”
He then talks about the oneness of the different parts of a tree.
“The temple is the Lord’s essential instrument used to reestablish a true understanding of the male and female parts of the priesthood. In the temple, both men and women wear the robe of the priesthood and are given garments of the priesthood. Righteous men and women learn that although women are not physically involved in conducting the affairs of the priesthood, no man can excel in his priesthood callings for long without the blessing and care and guidance of a righteous woman. Those who concentrate their efforts in developing the purposes and virtues of their own gender will built tender, bonding bridges between men and women on the basis of mutual respect and admiration, inspired by the divine, miraculous power of love. A society that fails to accept the eternal concept of this godly design must pay an unbearable price of confusion of the individual, which can, potentially, lead to chaos, destruction, and the unhappiness of the soul.”
December 31, 2016
I want to read more books like this. It was a little slow at first, but ended up doing a great job balancing the biographical sketch with life lessons learned.
I earned a great respect for this humble man who admirably trod a difficult path from the ruins of World War II and spiritual desolation to a devoted disciple of Jesus Christ by always facing and living up to hard truths he encountered as he came to know God.
I feel a particular affinity towards Elder Busche as I lived in Germany for two years serving a mission and speak fluent German. I know the German people well and can see how he has been able to overcome some of the challenges particular to German culture.
One difficult truth he shared that I needed to hear is that "those who earn love the least need it the most." What a hard thing to be true to!
Another is about routine. I do better when I stick to a schedule and have routine in my life. Busche makes the point, however, that routine can keep us from progressing, particularly when we allow ourselves to be led by routine rather than the Holy Ghost. Looking back on my life, periods of great growth have come during major transitions, when my routine was broken down and I was forced to rely more on Jesus Christ to make it through.
I was most touched by the closing chapters where Busche shares various experiences with members during his ministry. One struck me in particular, where Busche is faced with a scary situation. After some intense, soul wrenching prayer, he is blessed with an outpouring of the Spirit and relates:
"Suddenly, those in the room looked not scary, but amusing. It was just funny to see them all there. I learned in that moment that when we are under the influence of the Spirit, we can find a sense of humor and the ability to smile and not take ourselves too seriously, and we can laugh at ourselves. Then it dawned on me that the adversary's weapons are sarcasm, iron, and cynicism, but that the Lord's power is a gently sense of humor. I have learned more and more since then that the adversary cannot deal with a sense of humor. He does not have a sense of humor; he does not even know what that is. He is always dead serious, and when you have a sense of humor, you are in control of the adversary's influence."
I was most touched by his concluding remarks that sum up life, people, and the title of his book:
"I have come to recognize that this thirsting [after a knowledge of the living God] is found in the vast majority of God's sons and daughters on Earth. At times, that thirst is simply hidden under a callous and selfish attitude or a heart that is surrounded by sadness. During much of my youth, I could feel myself thirsting but did not know where to turn to quench my suffering. Through the gospel and a witness of the Restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the reality of my world was changed. And so can it be changed for each who is suffering, longing, and thirsting after the peace that comes from a sure knowledge of a living God, who loves us and sent His Son to redeem and rescue us."
I am a witness that life's suffering, longing and thirsting can be quenched by the gospel of Jesus Christ, found in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It has the power to help us be better people, be closer to God, find our place in the world, answer life's questions, and provide opportunities to serve others in a cause we can comfortably devote our whole souls to, that of building the kingdom of God on the earth.
I earned a great respect for this humble man who admirably trod a difficult path from the ruins of World War II and spiritual desolation to a devoted disciple of Jesus Christ by always facing and living up to hard truths he encountered as he came to know God.
I feel a particular affinity towards Elder Busche as I lived in Germany for two years serving a mission and speak fluent German. I know the German people well and can see how he has been able to overcome some of the challenges particular to German culture.
One difficult truth he shared that I needed to hear is that "those who earn love the least need it the most." What a hard thing to be true to!
Another is about routine. I do better when I stick to a schedule and have routine in my life. Busche makes the point, however, that routine can keep us from progressing, particularly when we allow ourselves to be led by routine rather than the Holy Ghost. Looking back on my life, periods of great growth have come during major transitions, when my routine was broken down and I was forced to rely more on Jesus Christ to make it through.
I was most touched by the closing chapters where Busche shares various experiences with members during his ministry. One struck me in particular, where Busche is faced with a scary situation. After some intense, soul wrenching prayer, he is blessed with an outpouring of the Spirit and relates:
"Suddenly, those in the room looked not scary, but amusing. It was just funny to see them all there. I learned in that moment that when we are under the influence of the Spirit, we can find a sense of humor and the ability to smile and not take ourselves too seriously, and we can laugh at ourselves. Then it dawned on me that the adversary's weapons are sarcasm, iron, and cynicism, but that the Lord's power is a gently sense of humor. I have learned more and more since then that the adversary cannot deal with a sense of humor. He does not have a sense of humor; he does not even know what that is. He is always dead serious, and when you have a sense of humor, you are in control of the adversary's influence."
I was most touched by his concluding remarks that sum up life, people, and the title of his book:
"I have come to recognize that this thirsting [after a knowledge of the living God] is found in the vast majority of God's sons and daughters on Earth. At times, that thirst is simply hidden under a callous and selfish attitude or a heart that is surrounded by sadness. During much of my youth, I could feel myself thirsting but did not know where to turn to quench my suffering. Through the gospel and a witness of the Restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the reality of my world was changed. And so can it be changed for each who is suffering, longing, and thirsting after the peace that comes from a sure knowledge of a living God, who loves us and sent His Son to redeem and rescue us."
I am a witness that life's suffering, longing and thirsting can be quenched by the gospel of Jesus Christ, found in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It has the power to help us be better people, be closer to God, find our place in the world, answer life's questions, and provide opportunities to serve others in a cause we can comfortably devote our whole souls to, that of building the kingdom of God on the earth.
January 22, 2022
“Many things that are politically correct may not have anything to do with truth.”
“…we as human beings live far below our potential from day to day. One day we will be confronted with our true potential; and we will see what we have missed because we have not embraced the ultimate help offered to us from our Creator.”
What faith some people have! I found his life experiences as a Hitler Youth and conversion interesting. But most inspiring was his testimony of prayer and that it really is how we can commune with the Living God. So many accounts of miracles in his life and the lives of those around him. Miracles/answers to prayers happen. Do we take the time to recognize them?
“…we as human beings live far below our potential from day to day. One day we will be confronted with our true potential; and we will see what we have missed because we have not embraced the ultimate help offered to us from our Creator.”
What faith some people have! I found his life experiences as a Hitler Youth and conversion interesting. But most inspiring was his testimony of prayer and that it really is how we can commune with the Living God. So many accounts of miracles in his life and the lives of those around him. Miracles/answers to prayers happen. Do we take the time to recognize them?
January 4, 2009
This book really was amazing. I finished it months ago and forgot to ever discuss it. His experiences really are incredible. Full of faith and hard work. It was faith-building and informative. I gave it four stars merely because I am not typically into this type of book, so I didn't enjoy it as much as I'd like.
July 25, 2024
I've felt drawn to read this book for a long time and I was thrilled to finally find a copy at a local thrift store and wow, it did not disappoint for me! I was so impressed by this humble disciple of Christ and his example of prayer and yearning for guidance from the Living God. I realized how much I am still living far below my privileges and how I need to do even more to live on a higher level as a follower of Christ! I couldn't recommend this book any more strongly to anyone who wants to come closer to God!
February 15, 2025
well, wow. I hesitantly say life changing
June 6, 2008
Enzio Bushe is a fascinating individual whose pure heart shines through in this autobiography.He grew up during the climax of the Third Reich, and his story of how Germany looked through his eyes, and the subsequent betrayal felt by many Germans after Hitler's fall, is heartbreaking.He describes this period without excuse for Hitler's actions, but from a unique perspective of what it meant to grow up under the state lie that Hitler provided for those who hoped for a united, virtuous Germany and who thought that Hilter was the answer to that hope.
The remainder of the book follows Enzio Busche's search for God: his search for meaning and for truth. I was deeply moved by his search and his efforts in living what he believed.
The remainder of the book follows Enzio Busche's search for God: his search for meaning and for truth. I was deeply moved by his search and his efforts in living what he believed.
November 4, 2008
This book is a collection of reflections by Enzio Busche. He was born in Germany as Hitler was ascending to power. He was converted to the LDS church as an adult and the book talks about his many experiences from his early days through his presidency of the Germany Munich Mission and the Frankfurt Temple as well as his days as a General Authority. Mostly though, the book is anecdotes about his own experiences in seeking the Spirit and the experiences of others that were told to him along the way. His overarching message is the importance of conducting our lives in such a way that we have continual access to the Spirit and the ability to hear God's voice in our lives. Definitely worth reading.
June 11, 2016
I haven't read an actual book in over a year. I so enjoy listening to books. I was recommended this book by a friend and from page one I was hooked. I absolutely loved it! Every story! I am picky about the church books that I read. I was so impressed by Enzio's testimony and strong faith. He inspired me to be better. This is a book I should read once a year. I loved seeing the Lord's hand in his life and trying to lean on that in my own. Also, it reinforced the nagging feeling I always have of writing down my most spiritual thoughts and events in my life. That help others faith so much! I'm excited to give this book to my Dad who served in the Frankfurt, Germany mission. Can't wait for Travis to read it! I probably read him 20 stories! I just couldn't resist sharing them!!
January 9, 2008
My sister Jana and I read this book on our road-trip to Pennsylvania this month. This is a wonderful book about the spiritual life of Elder F. Enzio Busche. It chronicles his life from growing up in Nazi Germany, to finding the gospel of Jesus Christ, raising a family, and serving in the church as a young new member in Germany, as a regional representative, mission president, temple president, and General Authority.
Reading about his conviction and dedication to serve God and bless his fellowmen was truly inspiring. It strengthened my desire to serve in the church and to share the beautiful gospel of Jesus Christ.
Reading about his conviction and dedication to serve God and bless his fellowmen was truly inspiring. It strengthened my desire to serve in the church and to share the beautiful gospel of Jesus Christ.
March 21, 2013
I loved this book. Elder Busche grew up in WWII Germnay, and he starts a book with an explanation of how Hitler and other German leaders bamboozled the entire country and the societal destruction that was caused by the people's disillusionment of the Nazi cause when the truth was revealed.
He describes his personal search and commitment to truth, his baptism, and the many miracles he witnessed as a branch president, mission president, and general authority. The stories are sprinkled with profound and condensed teachings about Christ's healing power and its application to both the individual and entire societies.
He describes his personal search and commitment to truth, his baptism, and the many miracles he witnessed as a branch president, mission president, and general authority. The stories are sprinkled with profound and condensed teachings about Christ's healing power and its application to both the individual and entire societies.
February 26, 2008
I was amazed at the life of this man- his conversion story, how he was prepared to receive the gospel, how he helped prepare his country to lay a strong foundation for gospel growth, etc... I think the thing I most came away with after reading this book is how the Spirit of God is ever present in our lives- whether we listen and heed to the promptings or not... but when we truly listen and obey and act on faith... amazing things happen! I was constantly in awe with the experiences he had throughout his life!
March 25, 2017
I remember loving this book the first time I read it years ago and thinking that I would want to reread it in the future. I'm glad that it held up to my original impressions. It was interesting to read about his early life, since he was born in 1930's Germany and how that molded him, and then his passion of finding God and truth. I also loved all his experiences while serving in different church assignments. It was an inspirational read that left me wanting to do better and have greater faith.
2017 Popsugar Reading Challenge: #15 A book with a subtitle.
2017 Popsugar Reading Challenge: #15 A book with a subtitle.
April 21, 2009
This book has some really great insights. Brother Busche has had some amazing experiences living in Germany during Hitlers regime. He helped me understand how the people of that time were misled and brainwashed into thinking that their government was good. They were kept from the truth for most of the war and when they did find out what really happened, it was devestating to many, who lost all hope.
April 9, 2008
I reread this book this week in preparation for our upcoming book club meeting with an emphasis on biographies(my house this month). F. Enzio Busche was my husband's mission president and had a profound influence on his life. I feel like he has had a similar influence on mine -- I am lifted up as he shares experiences of faith and prayer while seeking to commune with our "Living God." I highly recommend this book to everyone.
July 9, 2008
Enzio Busche was born in Germany in 1930. He grew up during the war years of Hitler's rise to power. He was drafted into the German army at age fourteen. At the end of the war he was in a state of melancholy and full of questions about the purpose of life. He read in Psalm 42:2 My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God; when shall I come and appear before god? As he searched he found the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It is a thrilling story to me.
February 5, 2009
This is a fabulous book! I read it while on study abroad in Vienna, Austria. I learned so much about Elder Busche and the German saints during World War II. I was so inspired by Elder Busche's thoughts on the gospel. It really motivated me to be better, to be more dedicated. Books like this really cause me to reflect upon my life and evaluate what I am doing and what I want to be doing. I will definitely read this book again.
January 2, 2018
Fantastic read. Inspirational and faith-filling. F. Enzio Busche lead a remarkable life of determined progress towards his goal of "...[becoming] His disciple, no matter the cost." pg. 55 He also shared many stories of those he met along his life path and the amazing faith they also exhibited and experienced. Truly a book worth reading.
November 14, 2021
I read and write a lot of fiction.
But this nonfiction was so deep and so inspiring, I think about it all the time.
But this nonfiction was so deep and so inspiring, I think about it all the time.
April 13, 2020
Memoir with miraculous stories! I was recommended it for its example of a memoir organized by subject rather than chronological but wished it had more details from his personal life. Offers a fascinating child’s perspective of the rise of Hitler.
Notes:
“It is clear to me now that we were living in a time of “sound-bite” philosophies issued in simple but convincing forms.”
“History is written by those who win the war. The truth is much more subtle, much more complicated, and generally unwanted.”
Notes:
“It is clear to me now that we were living in a time of “sound-bite” philosophies issued in simple but convincing forms.”
“History is written by those who win the war. The truth is much more subtle, much more complicated, and generally unwanted.”
July 2, 2020
4.5 Stars. This book is the life story and personal reflections and experiences of F. Enzio Busche, who just passed away on May 28, 2020. As I texted with my brother about the passing of this former general authority of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints he referred me to this biography - said it was one of his all-time favorite reads. The experiences and testimony shared on these pages are astounding and overwhelming. I was brought to tears often while reading. My life, growing up in suburban America, was so different from Enzio's, raised in Germany during and after WWII. So many miracles happened to him. He had great faith and sought God in prayer to help him in so many different ways. I loved this book and the feelings I felt while reading it. It is full of truth.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 522 reviews