Anytime, Anywhere

by John H. Groberg

Shortly before general conference in April 1976, President Spencer W. Kimball called John H. Groberg to serve as a full-time General Authority. Stunned, the only question the newly called Elder Groberg could think to ask was, “Does this mean we will have to leave Idaho Falls?” President Kimball hugged him and said tenderly, “I know exactly how you feel. It is good to love your hometown and your roots, but yes, this will mean moving anytime, anywhere in the whole world, for the rest of your life.” Filled with Elder Groberg’s trademark inspirational stories, this book takes us from Mongolia to Argentina. Fascinating insights into the lives of Saints across the globe, all from a firsthand perspective, testify of the reality of miracles in our day. Few of us will be called upon to serve as General Authorities, but anyone who has made gospel covenants has made the same promise to do the Lord’s will, whatever it may be. Learn how God’s children throughout the world are blessed as they—and we—keep the covenants we have made to serve anytime, anywhere!

Genres: Religion, Nonfiction, Lds, Biography, Inspirational, Memoir, Biography Memoir

224 pages, Hardcover

First published August 28, 2006

About the author

Elder John H. Groberg has been a member of the First Quorum of the Seventy since April 1976. Prior to his call as a General Authority, he served as a Regional Representative. He is the author of The Other Side of Heaven which is the basis for a movie by the same title.

Reviews

[Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book overlaps somewhat with Elder Groberg's previous book, Fire of Faith. In this one, he accepts the call of the prophet to go "anytime, anywhere" he may be called. Over a 30 year period of time, he and his wife, Jean, are called to serve among "humble Chinese farmers with immaculate garden plots, smiling Mongolian herdsmen roaming over vast deserts, loving Polynesian fishermen sailing among small islands, hardworking Argentine ranchers riding through endless pampas, sophisticated professionals working in Hong Kong high-rises, to name but a few. God loves them all--right where they are--and wants them to hear, accept, and live the gospel and return safely home! (page 204)."

In this book he talks a bit about his reluctance to write the previous two books, but how he was encouraged to do so, and how he recognizes now what a blessing it has been for many people that he did so. He says, "As I stop and contemplate these things, I sense the larger picture--God encourages us to do that which He knows will be best for us and will be the best help to others. If we say that we are too busy, that we do not feel like doing it, or that it is too difficult, He will not force us, but we will never know the joy that comes from doing what He asked (pages 115-116)."

Like his previous two books, this book is made of short stories, each one making a chapter, and each one ending with a moral. Nearly every chapter ends with a summary of how it applies to "anytime, anywhere," and often "anyone" as well. The stories of faith and trust and hope and kindness are truly inspiring. My favorite chapter summary is found on page 160 when he ends Chapter 25 by saying, "Our part is always be kind and thoughtful in any situation, under any condition, and realize that anyone, anywhere can be an instrument in His hands to bring about His purposes."

[Lindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really love Groberg's stories of faith fulfilled. This is the third book Groberg has written about his service to the Lord and it is a great testament of how the work is moving fourth throughout the world. Loves the miracles and seeing how stories that began on Groberg's mission ended while he was a General Authority.

[Courtney Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

I love the way Elder Groberg writes. He does not put himself on a soap box, but rather includes himself in his admonitions to all of us to be better. He has a way of inspiring and entertaining at the same time.

This book really gave me some insight into what General Authorities and their families go through to serve. I had never put much thought into it before. The Groberg's had young children and more to come when Elder Groberg was called as a General Authority. They left the home they loved to serve all over the world. Elder Groberg truly served "anytime, anywhere" willingly.

It was also fun to here some follow-up stories from Tonga, since I had enjoyed The Other Side of Heaven.

The one thing that kept this from a 4 star rating was the book lacked some continuity. I thought the book would simply progress in time with stories that happened in chronological order throughout his time serving. I had to read it more like a collection of short stories from various times throughout his service, with an occasional chapter that just came out of the blue. It made it a little harder to read for me. Other than that, I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

[Verona · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elder Groberg amazes me again with the way he lives by faith and has complete trust in God. All his books make me want to be better. It was interesting how he would meet someone and then years later this person would play a significant role in helping with a problem Elder Groberg had. It happened so often, not coincidences but the tender mercies of a Heavenly Father who knows the beginning from the end. Also, his wife must be amazing. Having babies all over the world as he served as a general authority in different countries.I love his gratitude too. He expresses thanks often in this book for little things that made a huge difference. Another witness to me that by small things are great things brought to pass.

[Javier · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a gift I received from a senior missionary couple I taught while at the MTC. In this book Elder John Groberg talks about his experiences after he was called as a General Authority in 1976 until the time he received Emeritus Status and was called to serve as the Idaho Falls Temple President. During this time he lived in Hawaii, Argentina and Hong Kong. This was my Sunday book and the stories were spiritual and uplifting. The message I saw over and over again in the book is that Heavenly Father knows who we are and that he is in the details of our lives, that He does his work through humble people who are willing to follow him, and that there are good people everywhere in the world.

[Toni Miranda · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a man of faith!!
There are just so many wonderful little nuggets of encouragement and wisdom in this book. Here are a few of my favorites:
"The greater the good we set out to accomplish, the greater the opposition."
"Believing is seeing. As we pray in faith and listen to spiritual promptings, God will open our eyes and we will be able to 'see' things we otherwise may have missed."
"We must learn to act out of pure love (including fully forgiving) as the Savior did and does and always will. Therein is eternal power and progress. Therein is all beauty, life and light. Therein is the essence of godliness."
This will definitely be added to my "need to read again" pile.

[Jennifer Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

John Groberg, now all grown up, and his young family head back to the Tongan Islands. What an adventure! In a way, it seems so idyllic. I found myself wishing I could do the same with my children. He is a great storyteller and always ties it back into a spiritual theme in a humble, nonthreatening way. I enjoy the story, and then after a chapter or two I find that I want to put down the book and think about how I can do better and become closer to the Lord. Very enjoyable reading.

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book. I found many of his accounts so uplifting and inspiring. I always like books where the format is such that you can pick it up "anytime, anywhere" : ) (No pun intended) and read a chapter and not feel like you've left or started in the middle. I have to admit that I like John Groberg though and maybe that's why I like his book and this intimate peek into the life of a very special person.

[Leila · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a collection of stories that illustrate how the the Lord blesses us when or how we least expect it. Many people may just discount the 'happenings' and call it coincidence but you cannot sucumb to that line of thinking when so many 'coincidences'happen "Anytime, Anywhere". Each chapter is like reading a different story but all ture events in John Groberg's service to others.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the same Author who wrote/experienced "The Other Side of Heaven". This book is like a pep talk a day. I read a chapter or two every night before bed and his tesitmony speaks so throughly through the pages it is hard Not to feel the spirit. I really liked the book, it's good for filling up your "spiritual lamp" when you feel a bit "low".

[Jennieblaser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished this yesterday. It was fun to re-read and remind myself of some fun stories about my parents -- aaah -- stuck on a mountain in a rain storm in Malaysia covered in leeches! Not your typical situation for 70-year olds! Good, faith-filled lessons. I lived some of them so it is always interesting to see the same experiences from someone else's point of view.

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading this book. Groberg tells miracle after miracle that happened during his service as a General Authority. It's uplifting and inspiring. Also, because he has served in so many different places on the earth, the reader gets a glimpse into the various cultures. I wish there were more books like this in the world.

[Megan Hanson · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful book. I love how Elder Groberg leads his life by the spirit. It was interesting to me to read because my good friend, Viki, is his daughter. What a wonderful legacy he has left for his family and future generations. Definately a must read!

[LaSchelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

A collection of personal stories that makes you want to be a better person and continue to make wise choices.

A great example of how people from all different walks of life, from all over the world can be affected by one good person making wise choices.

A great motivational book!

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! That's about all I can say for this book. I think people like Elder Groberg live in a sphere where miracles happen everyday. This is a collection of experiences in Elder Groberg's life that shows God can touch lives anytime and anywhere.

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the most amazing books I have read! You fall in love with the Groberg family as John Groberg serves as a General Authority and tells of all their amazing experiences. I was touched deeply by every chapter of this book.

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book Elder Groberg wrote. I didn't like it quite as much as his first one, but this shares some experiences he had while serving as a general authority, all around the world. He tells incredible stories telling of the faithful at any time and any place.

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

The stories in this book are really heartwarming and thought provoking. This is not new docterine, just one man's remarkable experiences and his ability to see the Lord's hand continually in his life. Definately a worth while read.

[Laurel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book includes some of Elder Groberg's experiences as a General Authority around the world. I am once again amazed at the spirituality he has--and am also impressed with his wife who pretty much raised 11 children by herself since he was more often than not traveling.

[Marilyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

A third book written by John Groberg (Kolipoki), following "The Other Side of Heaven" and "The Fire of Faith." He tells of miraculous events he observed in the lives of himself, his family, and faithful saints all over the world, as he served where he was called, which was Anytime, Anywhere.

[Sherry · Rating 4 out of 5]

John Groberg shares his experiences as a General Authority who has been assigned to serve in the church throughout the world. It is an interesting and inspiring look at what these men do to serve and to read about spiritual experiences around the world.

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good book, similar in format to the previous 2 memoirs. However, it jumps around in time and is a little less compelling than the other stories. Still a good, uplifing read.

[Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's made of stories and experiences from Elder Groberg's time as a general authority. They're all inspiring, as would be expected. Easy to read and makes you feel good about being alive.

[Kristine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspirational!

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had some wonderful stories, but I missed the "being right there with him" feeling I had in the other books. Very inspiring, but doesn't read or flow as well as the other two.

[Jared · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really, really, really like this book. It's stuffed with amazing experiences that can really strengthen who you are. Good reading for anyone!

[Adaire · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this one as much as his other two. His life and attitude are such an amazing example.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an awesome book. I love how this man lives by faith. Elder Groberg's writings in this book inspire to live by faith....and makes me wish I was on another mission! :)

[Camille Robison · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good. Highly recommend!

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read. Elder Groberg shares his experiences traveling wherever the Lord sends him. Spiritual stories...