1948-1951

Joe served in the Mexican Mission. His assignment was for 31 months, ten of which in Costa Rica in Central America and the final ten months as Secretary to the Mission Presidency.

1950-1952

After graduating from BYU Provo Barbara decided to go on a mission. Elder Spencer W. Kimball, a General Authority at the time, suggested at first that she not go on a mission. Then later advised her that she should indeed go on a mission. After setting her apart as a missionary to Mexico he said, “We don’t go on a mission to find a husband, but keep your eyes opened.” Luckily she did.

1951-1953

Joe attended BYU in Provo. He graduated with a BA degree and elected to Phi Kappa Phi, national honorary scholastic fraternity, and was also commissioned as an officer (2nd Lt.) in the Air Force. He received the Air Force Association Silver medal given to what they considered to be the “outstanding senior cadet” and named a “Distinguished Graduate” should the Air Force decide to offer a regular commission such as is received by those who graduate from the Air Force Academy.

1952

September 2nd, Joe J Christensen and Ida Barbara Kohler were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple by Elder Spencer W. Kimball.

1953-1955

Joe served as an officer in the Air Force. Called to active duty during the time of the Korean War but as he began his service, the armistice was signed between North and South Korean and so he spent the entire active duty service time at Charleston Air Force Base in South Carolina. The Charleston AF Base was part of the Tactical Air Command with the specific assignment to provide the air support to parachute soldiers into combat. At the end of active duty, he was offered a “regular” commission rather than the reserve commission, which he declined in order to go on to graduate school. The military obligation was for a total of 8 years—in his case, with two on active duty and another six on active reserve status. He finished his time with the rank of captain.

1955-1956

Joe was offered an academic fellowship at BYU, but to gain experience in week-day religious education, he accepted a full-time position as a seminary teacher at Granite High School in Salt Lake City which was enjoyed very much.

1956-1957

Requested and was granted a “leave without pay” from the Seminary Department to go on to graduate school. Attended BYU-Provo. Joe chose to major in counseling and guidance, hoping to be of better assistance to students with whom he would serve in seminaries and/or institutes who would come for advice or counsel. They offered him some part-time work teaching two religion classes while there—one LDS Doctrine and Philosophy and the other in Church History.