Salt Lake City South Mission -- MLS Missionaries in the River Ridge Stake

In October of 2015 we were at a Stake Halloween party at the Stake Center.  We had just had a change in the stake presidency and Paul had not yet met the new Stake President.  He saw him and went over to introduce himself to Kurt Soffe.  Almost the next day we had a request to visit with him on Sunday.  We went in for a visit and were invited to serve a live at home mission in the SLC South Mission and serve in our Stake as Member Leadership Support missionaries.  I was quite stunned because we were planning on preparing to leave again on another mission.  Paul whipped out a statement he had in his scriptures from Pres. Joseph Fielding Smith " Never refuse to serve.  When a presiding officer asks your help, be glad to accept and give the best you have to that labor.  The Lord expects this of us, and we are under covenant to do so.  This course brings joy and peace,and at the same time those who serve receive the greatest blessing.  The teacher gains more than the one taught, the blessing returned to us when we accept a call to work in the Church is far greater than the blessing we can impart to others.  He who refuses to perform any labor or shirks responsibility when it is given him in the Church is in grave danger of losing the guidance of the Spirit....Your able service does not go unnoticed by that God whom you serve and in whose work you are engaged."  Within the next couple of weeks we had submitted our papers and received our call on .  We were called to serve for one year beginning January 5, 2015.

We entered the MTC on the 5th and went thru the Preach My Gospel training.  What a great program.  We eventually got use to the "roll plays".  Why they were so scary we don't know.  We had to remind ourselves that "we know this stuff and believe it".

MTC MLS Couples going all over the world

President & Sister Chambers are our mission President.   We also serve undeer President & Sister Bishop.  We were given mentors from the Mission, Elder and Sister Lucking.  We discovered that Sister Lucking's dad was in our Ward, Brother Wiley.  We ended up dropping off cookies from the Luckings after our monthly MLS meetings.

President and Sister Chambers of SLC South Mission from Rexburg

We received great training.  We met for eight weeks once a week with other new couples receiving training on how to go about being MLS missionaries.  We talked a lot about "Keys" and how we need to follow the key holders who are the Stake President and the Bishops.  One of our first jobs was to meet with these men and find out how we could help them in their Wards.

We also had the great opportunity of working closely with the young missionaries.  We started out with Sister Missionaries.  They were so loved by the Ward members and were there for them, taking them places, teaching with them.  They had a great network.

It wasn't long until the Sisters were replaced by Elders.  We had the opportunity of serving with them and once a week on Friday's they would come to our home for lunch and a planning meeting.

We also had monthly meetings with the Ward Mission leaders under the direction of Steven Mabey.  A great group of men.  1st Ward Bob and Kathy Howell, 2nd Ward Mark Cameron, 3rd Ward Rex and Ilene Mecham, 4th Ward Richard Romney, 5th Ward Jack & Marie Feldman, 6th Ward Craig Whittemore, 7th Ward Craig Rodabough and Dave Cavaness, 8th Ward Sherman and Ardeth Crump, 9th Ward Vern and Karen Wardle, 10th Ward Ron Madsen, 11th Ward Kerry Law, Legacy Retirement Byron and Vera Horrocks.

We were blessed to attend all the District and Zone meetings in the mission.  We had a great group.  We had several couples in our district.  The Pitchers, he became ill with cancer and had to be released, The Holdermans, and as we left two more couples were called.  

             Our first District, Elder Banks DL, The Pilchers, Simpsons, the Samoan couple and the Elders and Sisters.  All the District leaders were Elders in our Stake so we knew them quite well.



These are the Millar boys.  Our First baptism.  The two older boys were advanced in the priesthood and the 10 year old was baptized.  The sister missionaries had been working with them for some time.  Great family.

Christmas devotional with all the mission.

Elder & Sister Pilcher at a Mission Conference.  They were in our District.  He recently passed away from cancer, May 2016.  Great missionaries to the end.

President Aki, (HK Temple President) was in SL for the Roots Conference in 2015 so we went down town to visit with him.

We had such a great day with Jan Hansen and Edwina going to the Salt Lake Temple.  It was our first time to go with Jan after getting her temple recommend again.  She is such a great person and so fun. 

Jan at her home.  We had a lovely dinner by moonlight out in her meadow.  What a fun night.

We made a schedule and visited all the units for Sunday about every three months.  We bore our testimonies in all the Wards and we were invited to attend all the Ward Conferences and were introduced by the Stake to the Wards.  We spoke in most of the wards with the high council.  We tried to all the activities of each Ward.  We were also invited to be in charge of the open house for the new Ward building in the stake.  Richard Romney helped us by writing a script for the tour guides who were our Ward Missionaries.  It turned out great.  We had good support from the Church and community.  It was dedicated the next day by President Soffe.  Lowell and Jan came with us.

This mission was a great blessing.  We were blessed to meet and serve with so many wonderful people in each of the Wards.  We were given names of people who could use a visit from us.  I had a wonderful companion who would visit and talk to anyone.  Sometimes I was the one holding back but if I just let him go he had an impact on so many and was always welcomed in.

One of our great blessings was when the Sisters gave us a name of a man in Cornerstone who they had been trying to get a hold of.  His name is Lowell Trip.  We kept going back until one afternoon we caught him home.  We had a nice visit and asked if we could come back and he said yes.  We set up a standing appointment with him for Monday nights at 8 pm.  He is a construction worker, a divorced father of 4 and had been excommunicated about 20 years ago.  He was born in the Church but had never been very active.  He joined the armed services as a young man and that lead him away from the Church also.

The baptism of Lowell Trip by his good VFW friend

                     One of our last visits with Lowell before leaving for NY

He is a great man, we love him so very much.  We started by reading from the Book of Mormon.  He said he had one his grandmother had given him.  Next time we met he had gone to the basement and found it.  He would read a chapter and then we would talk and explain it.  Slowly he came along.  He kept every commitment he committed to.  First Paul invited him to General Priesthood meeting then he committed to coming to Sacrament meeting.  It started with going to his daughter, Kayleen speaking in her Ward.  Then we attended the dedication of the new chapel together and then he started coming to Sacrament meeting then staying for the 3 hours.  He has never stopped.  The Bishop was worked with him and also the Ward Missionaries, Brother and Sister Crump.  What a wonderful change in his life.  He sits on the front row, right in front of the Bishop.  In February  he was baptized and received the Priesthood.We were very blessed to be able to work with him.  He is really high in the Veterans of Foreign Wars in Utah and does much good.

Another family the Sisters were visiting was the Millar family.  A mom and five boys.  The ten year old had not been baptized.  The day he was baptized his older brother did the baptism and his two brothers were advanced in the priesthood.

Another family the Sisters introduced us to was the Dearingers.  Sister Malufa and Sister Gull with Jeff and Daniell Dearingers and their daughters Olivia and Julia.  We visited them every week also trying to get them back to Church.  Great people but just couldn't get themselves out. They had a baby in September Sophia and Jeff got himself ready to bless her.  It was a great day.  We hope they are now working on getting to the temple.

Some other people we have worked with are Jan Hansen; Bryan and Stacie Torre Keaton, Kennedy, Carson, Cayson, Cayne; The Trimmiers; Jeff and Danielle Dearinger, Olivia, Julia, Sophia.

Payson Temple open house with Sapastiano Auva'a and Bryan, Cayson and  Kayne Torre

Kayne, Brian, Cayson Torre

1^st Ward

Bryan and Staci Torre (Keaton, Kennedy, Carson, Cayne, Cason)                10291 S 1435 W 801-831-9715 385-229-5547         

Cason (8) going to be baptized by his father (who is preparing) Feb 6,

Jan Hansen, single sister working on temple recommend              1402 W 10400 S 801-942-3322

Joann & Glenn Flink                                        10274 S 1435 W                 801-253-9529

Daughter of Flink Heather & Austin McDonnell + baby less active, also has another daughter and her husband living with the Flinks Russel & Michelle Atkinson (less active) both prospective Elders.  Their son Mike does not live at home but is being reactivated by Bishop Larson.

2^nd Ward

Jeff 7 Danielle Dearinger (3 small daughters)                                       10237 S 1040 W 801-946-5018

Trying to get them to Church on Sundays

3^rd Ward

Sebastian & Naomi Auva’a (he is NM she is active)       1083 Willow Trail Way                         801-849-0115

Richard and Mary Lyn Kunz (he is NM she is active but ill)    1285 W Chavez Dr          801-548-1998

4^th Ward

Nathan Liddiard (YSA 22)                              9442 Wasatch Downs Circle         801-819-3996

Dallas Madrigal (less active, check with parents, Ricardo & Sandra )      1204 Douglas Circle    801-2547514

5^th Ward

Jennifer Millar and 5 boys recently activated, a 17 year old senior needs encouragement for mission.  Shawn and Jennifer planning to marry in near future)              803 Meadow Creek Bay                801-573-1106

Larry & Carrie Trimmier, daughter Cindy 11 wants to come to church, rest of family less active     917 W 10400 S    801-664-7028

6^th Ward                                                              

Donna Martin (single mom 10 children) Jordan (prospective Elder) 9497 Morywood Lane 801-631-0181

7^th Ward

Ivan & Judith Haro (5 children reactivating) Abraham 11 will be baptized by his dad Jan 16              9758 S 1650 W  801-414-5920, 801-930-9-60   Ivan working on Priesthood, speak Spanish/English

8^th Ward

Lowell Trip (preparing for rebaptism in February        1458 Cornerstone                   801-253-4901

Jim & Peggy Smith (Jim NM,Peggy active) 1638 W Cornerstone Dr                             801-254-6579

9^th Ward

Steve & Mayra Zell (Steve NM, Myra and two daughters recent converts from the East) 1339  Palmer Park Ln     973-476-3438

10^th Ward

Kim Higgins (74) pe                                          1918 W Shields Lane   801-254-4007

11th Ward

Ruby and Dennis Rose                                   9901 S 10^th Street 801-597-1670   have a granddaughter (9) Shylee) who wants to be baptized but her grandfather, Dennis, has not given consent.  The missionaries have set up lessons thru Sister Kaari Ohrn (801-230-3577).  Shylee attends activity days and sometimes comes to Church with her grandmother, Ruby. 

Legacy Retirement and Legacy House, we visit birthdays and get to know them that way. 

Following is our report for the week ending: February 1, 2015

Dear President Bishop, Elder and Sister Lucking:

Y/N     Action Items

__Y_   Participated in District or Zone Meeting?

__Y_   Participated in weekly planning meeting with Elders/Sisters?

__Y_   Shared a weekly report (written or verbal) with Stake President and Bishops?

1.    __0_Individuals who received an ordinance after baptism & confirmation

2.    __1_Individuals progressing and tracked on the New and Returning Member Progress Form

3.    __0__Referrals (Investigators) provided to the Elders/Sisters

4.    __1_Lessons taught to recent converts, focus members and transitioned investigators

What did you do this past week to support the Stake President and Bishop’s vision of missionary work, and to fill the missionaries calendars?

Finding & Cultivating: 

Visited 7 new converts (in last two years) and left a Sacred Story of Your Conversion with them.  Five said they would fill it out and we will check back and pick them up.

We visited with 10 of the 11 Bishops and two Branch Presidents.

Attended a Ward Family History activity of one of the Wards.  Trying to get to know more people in the Stake.   

We have made many visits to less active families and active families inviting them to come closer to Christ by either reading and praying about the Book of Mormon or coming to Church.

Teaching: 

Attended a couple of teaching assignments with the Sisters. 

 Finishing to the Temple: 

 Miracles experienced in the work this past week? 

Attended a training of a Bishop, Counselor and new Ward Mission Leader with our High Counselor.  Participated in a wonderful setting apart and blessing for this new Ward Mission  Leader.  He seems a little reluctant but the Lord gave him a marvelous blessing.  It will be good to see him grow in this calling. 

Watching the Sisters teach five young brothers from ages 17-7 the plan of salvation.  They helped each other and worked their way through it.

  

Testimony:  What a marvelous work to be involved in.  We are so touched by the young missionaries and their ability to teach and testify of this great work.  Zone Conference was a wonderful experience for us.  It was so uplifting and to see the strength of these young people is inspiring.  We love President and Sister Chambers and know God has put them in the right place.  We are so blessed by the atonement of our Savior and desire to help further His work here in this part of the vineyard. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is again restored on the earth thru the Lord’s own prophet, Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon and the Holy Ghost testify to us that it is all true. 

Following is our report for the week ending: February 8, 2015

 Dear President Bishop, Elder and Sister Lucking;

Y/N     Action Items

_Y__   Participated in District or Zone Meeting?

_Y__   Participated in weekly planning meeting with Elders/Sisters?

 Y       Shared a weekly report (written or verbal) with Stake President and Bishops?

1.    _0__Individuals who received an ordinance after baptism & confirmation

2.    _1__Individuals progressing and tracked on the New and Returning Member Progress Form

3.    _0__Referrals (Investigators) provided to the Elders/Sisters

4.    _1__Lessons taught to recent converts, focus members and transitioned investigators

Finding & Cultivating:  Attended 3 Ward correlation meetings and two Ward Conferences (where we were introduced).  Taught Lowell Trip and introduced him to the Ward Mission Leader, Brother Crump.  Attended a RS enrichment to become acquainted Had a very good visit with the Parkers (10^th Ward).  Had a good planning session with the Sisters and went over all the names we have been given and got some background on them.

Teaching:    Went with Sisters to teach the Millars, and Dearingers.

Finishing to the Temple: 

Miracles experienced in the work this past week?  As we were leaving the Dearingers we asked if there was anything we could do for them.  They asked for a healing blessing for each of them.  Elder Lewis and Brother Dearinger were able to give one to his two children and wife and then Elder Lewis gave one to him. 

Challenges or Help Needed? 

Testimony:  We are so grateful to bear witness of our Savior and His great atonement.  As we study His gospel we come to better understand what He has done for each of us and what a blessing it is to be able to share this testimony with others.  We know God lives and loves us.  That His plan is perfect and will bring us safely back to Him.  The Book of Mormon contains the fullness of His gospel and continues to change our lives as we ponder and read it.  We are grateful for living Prophets and their counsel.  We are very blessed. 

Following is our report for the week ending: February 15, 2015

 Dear President Bishop, Elder and Sister Lucking;

Y/N     Action Items

__Y_   Participated in District or Zone Meeting?

__Y_   Participated in weekly planning meeting with Elders/Sisters?

__Y_   Shared a weekly report (written or verbal) with Stake President and Bishops?

1.    _0__Individuals who received an ordinance after baptism & confirmation

2.    _0__Individuals progressing and tracked on the New and Returning Member Progress Form

3.    _0__Referrals (Investigators) provided to the Elders/Sisters

4.    _5__Lessons taught to recent converts, focus members and transitioned investigators

Finding & Cultivating:  Attended a Branch Conference, Attended 1^st Ward WMC (Ward Mission Correlation) , 5^th Ward WMC,9^th Ward WMC Met with Bishop Munk 8^th Ward.training by HC Bro. Mabey with 11^th Ward Bishop and WML.  Made 7 visits in the 9^th Ward, some active some inactive.

Teaching:  Had 5 teaching opportunities.  All were receptive and friendly. 

Finishing to the Temple: 

Miracles experienced in the work this past week? 

Had a great visit with the Fraughtons.  Bishop Knighton said if he let us in we would be in good with him.  He let us in, he listened to a message and said he knows he hasn’t been as active as he should be and he offered a great prayer before we left. 

Challenges or Help Needed? 

Testimony:  We know we are doing the Lord’s work and he is sending us people to visit through the Bishops and Ward mission leaders.  We have met some wonderful people and are grateful to be able to meet and bear testimony to them that the Lord loves them and needs them.  We are so grateful for the wonderful Ward Mission Leaders we serve with.  They are great. 

Following is our report for the week ending: February 15, 2015

 Dear President Bishop, Elder and Sister Lucking;

 Y/N     Action Items

_Y__   Participated in District or Zone Meeting?

_Y__   Participated in weekly planning meeting with Elders/Sisters?

_Y__   Shared a weekly report (written or verbal) with Stake President and Bishops?

1.    _0__Individuals who received an ordinance after baptism & confirmation

2.    _0__Individuals progressing and tracked on the New and Returning Member Progress Form

3.    _0__Referrals (Investigators) provided to the Elders/Sisters

4.    _7__Lessons taught to recent converts, focus members and transitioned investigators

Finding & Cultivating:  Attended 2 Ward Council meetings, a sacrament meeting with a returning member and a Ward Conference. Attended 4 Ward Missionary Correlation meetings and one Stake Mission Correlation Meeting.  We also went visiting several people given to us by Ward Mission Leaders.  Elder Lewis also went out on his bike thru the 6^th Ward and extended invitations to Ward Conference to all he saw. 

Teaching:  Spent time with Jim & Peggy Smith, took them to meet and visit with Ron Zeller who also has cancer and looked for someone to help with his family history.  Had a good lesson with Lowell Trip with Brother Crump (WML) accompanying.  He set up a dinner appointment with Bishop Davis.  Taught Kathy Atwood and invited her to have the missionaries into their home again.  Visited with Sepastiana Auvaa and his wife, shared a message of encouragement and said a prayer.  Visited got to know Jason and Amy Pace, left them with a message and prayer and invited them to come to Church.  Played racquetball with  Steve Zell, (non member) taught about temples and he said a prayer.  Went walking with Ron Zeller and took him to the airport.  Picked up Brandy Abernathy, had a prayer and took her to Sacrament meeting.

Finishing to the Temple: 

Miracles experienced in the work this past week? 

Lowell Trip said he told his daughter he was meeting with the missionaries.  She said great, I want to go to the temple and I would like you to be there.  Some very good incentive to find out what he needs to do to come back.  Brother Crump also set up a meeting with him and the Bishop.

  

Challenges or Help Needed?  Ward members to take us into new homes.

  

Testimony:  Today at the Ward Conference the Bishop asked “What are you doing to spiritualize your life?  We would say this mission is again causing us to spend more time in the scriptures and Preach My Gospel.  We constantly see the hand of the Lord in the work we are doing.  Things we study come to mind as we visit and teach.  We know God lives and loves his children and us.  What a blessing to be able to testify and help others come to know the Gospel has been restored upon the earth again and that we have living Prophets to guide us. We love the Lord and are happy to serve.

 Following is our report for the week ending: February 22, 2015

 Dear President Bishop, Elder and Sister Lucking;

Y/N     Action Items

_Y__   Participated in District or Zone Meeting?

_Y__   Participated in weekly planning meeting with Elders/Sisters?

_Y__   Shared a weekly report (written or verbal) with Stake President and Bishops?

1.    _0__Individuals who received an ordinance after baptism & confirmation

2.    _0__Individuals progressing and tracked on the New and Returning Member Progress Form

3.    _0__Referrals (Investigators) provided to the Elders/Sisters

4.    _7__Lessons taught to recent converts, focus members and transitioned investigators

Finding & Cultivating:  Attended 2 Ward Council meetings, a sacrament meeting with a returning member and a Ward Conference. Attended 4 Ward Missionary Correlation meetings and one Stake Mission Correlation Meeting.  We also went visiting several people given to us by Ward Mission Leaders.  Elder Lewis also went out on his bike thru the 6^th Ward and extended invitations to Ward Conference to all he saw. 

Teaching:  Spent time with Jim & Peggy Smith, took them to meet and visit with Ron Zeller who also has cancer and looked for someone to help with his family history.  Had a good lesson with Lowell Trip with Brother Crump (WML) accompanying.  He set up a dinner appointment with Bishop Davis.  Taught Kathy Atwood and invited her to have the missionaries into their home again.  Visited with Sepastiana Auvaa and his wife, shared a message of encouragement and said a prayer.  Visited got to know Jason and Amy Pace, left them with a message and prayer and invited them to come to Church.  Played racquetball with  Steve Zell, (non member) taught about temples and he said a prayer.  Went walking with Ron Zeller and took him to the airport.  Picked up Brandy Abernathy, had a prayer and took her to Sacrament meeting.

Finishing to the Temple: 

Miracles experienced in the work this past week? 

Lowell Trip said he told his daughter he was meeting with the missionaries.  She said great, I want to go to the temple and I would like you to be there.  Some very good incentive to find out what he needs to do to come back.  Brother Crump also set up a meeting with him and the Bishop.

  

Challenges or Help Needed?  Ward members to take us into new homes.

 Testimony:  Today at the Ward Conference the Bishop asked “What are you doing to spiritualize your life?  We would say this mission is again causing us to spend more time in the scriptures and Preach My Gospel.  We constantly see the hand of the Lord in the work we are doing.  Things we study come to mind as we visit and teach.  We know God lives and loves his children and us.  What a blessing to be able to testify and help others come to know the Gospel has been restored upon the earth again and that we have living Prophets to guide us. We love the Lord and are happy to serve.

Following is our report for the week ending: March 1, 2015

Dear President Bishop, Elder and Sister Lucking;

Y/N     Action Items

_Y__   Participated in District or Zone Meeting?

_Y__   Participated in weekly planning meeting with Elders/Sisters?

_Y__   Shared a weekly report (written or verbal) with Stake President and Bishops?

1.    _0__Individuals who received an ordinance after baptism & confirmation

2.    _0__Individuals progressing and tracked on the New and Returning Member Progress Form

3.    _0__Referrals (Investigators) provided to the Elders/Sisters

4.    _9__Lessons taught to recent converts, focus members and transitioned investigators

Finding & Cultivating:  Had some good visits this week. Four visits were for the first time.  We invited them to Stake Conference, especially the Saturday evening meeting. Attended 9^th Ward Council and six Ward Mission Coordination meetings (1, 2, 3, 4, 5 9).  Helped deliver invitations to 3^rd ward social with Sisters and Ward missionaries.  Attended two Sacrament meetings and bore testimony.  Attended a baptism in 1^st Ward and assisted in conferring the Aaronic Priesthood to a 12 year old.  Picked up Sister Abernathy and took her to Sacrament meeting. 

Teaching:  Met the Gailey family, Juanita and Jessica.  Learned a little about them and will come back when the Mother is there also. Jessica is a YW but not interested in coming.  We called the YW leader and asked for help.  The Parkers met with Bishop Shaffer and today in Church they were there and we sustained them as Sacrament Meeting greeters.  Met a potential investigator Jackie Christesen at the Hatt home.  She is their daughter.

Miracles experienced in the work this past week?  The Parkers were at Church, thanks to the Bishop, and were handing out programs.  They received a calling which should help to keep them coming.

There was a 12 year old baptism tonight.  It was a very spiritual meeting and the RS room was packed.  Strong family and Ward family support.

Testimony:  We continue to see the hand of the Lord in this work.  We bear testimony that He is at the head of this Church, directing the work as it continues to grow.  We bear testimony that members who have the Sister missionaries in their homes catch the missionary spirit and help to move the work along.  Many are being prepared and we see the work move forward as members become more involved. We are filled with gratitude for the opportunity to help in some small way to bring His children home. 

Following is our report for the week ending: March 8, 2015

 Dear President Bishop, Elder and Sister Lucking;

Y/N     Action Items

_Y__   Participated in District or Zone Meeting?

_Y_     Participated in weekly planning meeting with Elders/Sisters?

_Y__   Shared a weekly report (written or verbal) with Stake President and Bishops?

1.    _0__Individuals who received an ordinance after baptism & confirmation

2.    _0__Individuals progressing and tracked on the New and Returning Member Progress Form

3.    _0__Referrals (Investigators) provided to the Elders/Sisters

4.    _10__Lessons taught to recent converts, focus members and transitioned investigators

Finding & Cultivating:  Made many visits this week to less actives and active members.  Attended 3 WML correlations, Stake WML Correlation, 1 Ward Council.  Helped deliver invitations to ward/neighborhood St. Patricks party, attended two Ward Conferences and attended MLS Training. 

Teaching:  Had some good lessons this week and invited them to attend Stake Conference on Saturday, March 21, 22.  Gave a blessing to a sister with her husband’s assistance. 

Miracles experienced in the work this past week?  We were welcomed into the homes of a couple of families that we were not too sure of but they seemed really happy to see us and we had a nice visit and were able to assist them with a couple of things in their home.

Challenges or Help Needed?  Just catching people home.

Testimony:  We are meeting some wonderful people in our Stake.  We feel so very blessed to be able to get to know them and share our testimony of how much Heavenly Father loves each of us and is so aware of our needs and problems.  We are grateful for the atonement and see how it blesses our lives and all those we are meeting.  His Church is again restored to the earth and all the covenants we need to return to Him are again available to all of us.  We feel privileged to have a small part in finding His children and helping them to feel His spirit in their lives again. 

Following is our report for the week ending: March 15, 2015

Dear President Bishop, Elder and Sister Lucking;

Y/N     Action Items

_Y__   Participated in District or Zone Meeting?

_Y__   Participated in weekly planning meeting with Elders/Sisters?

_Y__   Shared a weekly report (written or verbal) with Stake President and Bishops?

1.    _0__Individuals who received an ordinance after baptism & confirmation

2.    14__Individuals progressing and tracked on the New and Returning Member Progress Form

3.    _1__Referrals (Investigators) provided to the Elders/Sisters

4.    _7__Lessons taught to recent converts, focus members and transitioned investigators

 Finding & Cultivating:  Attended several WML Correlation meetings.  Made visits to people given to us by Bishops.  Attended some ward activities to become better acquainted with Stake members.  Attended two sacrament meeting blocks and Hastening the work fireside. Revisited and taught seven focus members.  Found an investigator for the Sister missionaries but waiting to get permission from Bishop. Attended some WM Correlation meetings.

Teaching:  Taught Book of Mormon and invited them to read and pray. 

Miracles experienced in the work this past week?  Gave two blessings to sisters in a rehab home.  Found a 9 year old who wants to be baptized.  Met a new family who moved into the Stake who have two children not baptized and the father who needs to advance in the priesthood. Helped a ward missionary and ward member move a non member. 

Challenges or Help Needed?  We more fully understand the report on individuals progressing on the New and Returning Member progress form so our numbers are now correct.

Testimony:  Our prayers are being answered as we continue to assist the Lord in hastening His work.  The ward council members and ward members are focusing on people who can benefit receiving the gospel of Jesus Christ in their lives.  We see the hand of the Lord every day and are thankful for helping assist in His work.

Following is our report for the week ending: March 22, 2015

Dear President Bishop, Elder and Sister Lucking;

Y/N     Action Items

_Y__   Participated in District or Zone Meeting?

_Y__   Participated in weekly planning meeting with Elders/Sisters?

_Y__   Shared a weekly report (written or verbal) with Stake President and Bishops?

1.    _0__Individuals who received an ordinance after baptism & confirmation

2.    _13__Individuals progressing and tracked on the New and Returning Member Progress Form

3.    _0__Referrals (Investigators) provided to the Elders/Sisters

4.    _9__Lessons taught to recent converts, focus members and transitioned investigators

Finding & Cultivating:  We made over 35 visits to different members given to us by the Bishops.  We also passed out invitations to Stake Conference.  Elder Lewis gave two blessings and gave the sacrament to five at the rehab home in our stake boundary.  We visited a nonmember and wife (member) who was in the hospital.  Went on splits with Sister Malufau.  Met new people in the neighborhood, less active and invited them out.  We let the Primary President know about them.  She and her counselor visited and picked up a pinewood derby car for the grandson and they were all at Pack Meeting Thursday night.  Elder Lewis rides around the neighborhoods on his bike and visits with anyone who is out which is getting to be more and more people.

Teaching:  Had some good teaching appointments and invited them to Stake Conference. 

Sis Malufau and I visited Heather McDonnell.  She is a young newly married.  They are both less active.  She is expecting a baby in May.  They live with her parents who are coming to church. 

Miracles experienced in the work this past week?  Brother Tripp who we have been teaching for about six weeks accepted our invitation to attend the Saturday session of Stake Conference.  We picked him up.  He enjoyed it and met others from his Ward who were happy to see him.  Bishop Davis and Ward Mission Leader, Brother Crump, also welcomed him warmly.  Two other investigators who we and the Sisters have been working with also came to conference.  One is a family and the parents attended Saturday and brought the family on Sunday. 

Testimony:  We are so grateful to be a part of this great work.  It is inspiring to see the Lord’s hand every day and as we pray and watch the Lord move His work along.  We have seen new families move in who are ready to return to activity and have their children baptized, we have seen the Stake and Ward leaders grab a vision of how they can all help the work move along.  We know God lives and loves us.  We know he cares and loves each of his children and that with His glorious plan of happiness we can all return to His presence. 

Dear President Bishop, Elder and Sister Lucking;

Following is our report for the week ending: March 29, 2015

 

Y/N     Action Items

_Y__   Participated in District or Zone Meeting?

_Y__   Participated in weekly planning meeting with Elders/Sisters?

_Y__   Shared a weekly report (written or verbal) with Stake President and Bishops?

1.    _0__Individuals who received an ordinance after baptism & confirmation

2.    _13__Individuals progressing and tracked on the New and Returning Member Progress Form

3.    _0__Referrals (Investigators) provided to the Elders/Sisters

4.    _6__Lessons taught to recent converts, focus members and transitioned investigators

Finding & Cultivating:  Made some new contacts from names given us by the Bishops.  Attended 4  WMC meetings and 1 Ward Council.  Attended two Sunday blocks where 5^th Sunday was focusing on missionary work.  Three sisters attended Church from the Rehab home.  We are inviting all we visit to prepare for conference by planning to listen and to come to the conference with specific questions they have about the gospel.  We spent some time helping the Elders get acquainted with their new area.  They are going to be great.  It was a great experience to drive three Sisters, who were going home, to the homes of three people they wanted to challenge one last time before leaving the mission.

Teaching:  Taught six lessons to less actives.  Many are feeling the spirit in their lives and desire to make a change. 

Finishing to the Temple: 

  

Miracles experienced in the work this past week?  A brother we have been working with will go to General Priesthood meeting with Elder Lewis. We gave a Samoan Liahona to a brother who has postponed his baptism date.  He was very excited about being able to read this month’s Ensign in his own language. 

Challenges or Help Needed?  We miss our training classes but had a great Zone meeting with President and Sister Chambers present. 

Testimony:  So grateful for the atonement and the opportunity to share this message with God’s children.  Exciting to see the Lord’s hand in furthering His work by inspiriting Bishops and Ward Mission Leaders to take opportunity to get the whole Ward involved in this great work.  We saw some wonderful challenges being made today in the joint 5^th Sunday classes.  We know God lives and loves us and if we listen to His promptings He is taking us to homes where we can make a difference.  Thanks for your love and support. 

Dear President Bishop, Elder and Sister Lucking;

Following is our report for the week ending: April 5, 2015

 

Y/N     Action Items

_Y__   Participated in District or Zone Meeting?

_Y__   Participated in weekly planning meeting with Elders/Sisters?

_Y__   Shared a weekly report (written or verbal) with Stake President and Bishops?

1.    _0__Individuals who received an ordinance after baptism & confirmation

2.    13__Individuals progressing and tracked on the New and Returning Member Progress Form

3.    _0__Referrals (Investigators) provided to the Elders/Sisters

4.    _4__Lessons taught to recent converts, focus members and transitioned investigators

Finding & Cultivating:  Two Bishops have given us six new names and five new names from their Wards.  We feel we are gaining their trust.  We have spent the week helping the new missionaries getting acquainted with the area and leaders. Took them shopping. We have had District and Zone meetings this past week.

 We have been asked by the Mission Office to help with the car fleet so we spent Wednesday checking cars during a zone conference.  We will go again next week for two days to do the same. 

We attended 4 WMC and the Stake Correlation meeting. 

Teaching:  We took the Elders and met the Millars at Temple Square.  Sister Missionaries took us on a great tour of the SL Temple cutout and the family exhibit.  It was very well received by them. 

Lowell Trip accompanied Elder Lewis to the Priesthood session of conference.  Brother Crump (8^th Ward WML) invited them to his home afterwards for refreshments.  Elder Lewis went walking with Ron Zeller and had a good discussion. 

We visited several birthday people in Legacy Retirement and Care center.

Finishing to the Temple: 

Miracles experienced in the work this past week?  Sebastian and Lowell came to Priesthood Session of Conference.  The Millars want to go back to Temple Square for a longer tour and visit.

Challenges or Help Needed? 

Testimony:  We were so inspired by General Conference and the many testimonies given of our Savior Jesus Christ.  We also bear witness that He lives and He loves all His children.  We are grateful to have a small part in finding and helping His children come back.  We are so blessed to know and love these truths.

 Dear President Bishop, Elder and Sister Lucking;

Following is our report for the week ending: April 12, 2015

 

Y/N     Action Items

_Y__   Participated in District or Zone Meeting?

_Y__   Participated in weekly planning meeting with Elders/Sisters?

_Y__   Shared a weekly report (written or verbal) with Stake President and Bishops?

1.    _0__Individuals in your teaching pool who received an ordinance

2.    _14__Individuals progressing and tracked on the New and Returning Member Progress Form

3.    _0__Referrals (Investigators) provided to the Elders/Sisters

4.    _9__Lessons taught to recent converts, focus members and transitioned investigators

Finding & Cultivating:  Met with five new families given to us by Bishop Owens. We made 24 contacts, some teaching some getting acquainted.  We helped at Zone Conference two days checking the car fleet.  Great privilege to serve with the Office couples.  We attended two Ward Correlation meetings, a fireside given by Bishop and Sister Larson, two baptisms, a funeral, and went walking with Ron,  a reactivation. Attended two ward conferences and two baptisms and three ordinations (one new convert, other reactivation).

Teaching:  We always leave with a prayer on them and their homes, an invitation to come to Church, pray and read from the Book of Mormon.  One of our Ward Mission Leaders, Bro. Feldman, has put together a three week course in Sunday School on how to be a member missionary.  It seems very powerful.  We will attend the class next week.  His hope is to have all the members in the Ward take the class in order to become more missionary minded.

Finishing to the Temple: 

Miracles experienced in the work this past week?  Brother Auva’a watched all of conference and was very touched by the talks.  Brother Trip said a beautiful prayer at our lesson and asked what was his next reading assignment.  We attended two baptisms on Saturday, one young woman 12 strong testimony and only member of her family attending church.  Her grandmother from Provo brings her to church each Sunday.  The YW from her Ward sang at her baptism and an inactive YW came to participate.  We were so excited to see her there.  The 2^nd baptism was a YM (13) who was also very eager to be baptized.  The family has been inactive but recently moved from Oklahoma here.  They are wanting to come back to full activation.  The oldest brother, Keaton, gave the talk on the HG and today they both received the Aaronic Priesthood.  Also a family with a less active son also attended the baptism. 

Challenges or Help Needed? 

  

Testimony:  We see the Lord’s hand in so many ways.  Small but powerful things are happening in the Wards where the Ward Mission Leader is holding regular correlation meetings and working with the Ward Council and Bishops.  We have wonderful Elders who are working hard and making good connections with several families who have inactive young men.  We feel so privileged to be serving with all these wonderful people.  We testify that the atonement of Christ is for all His children.  He loves everyone and we see that love being generated within the wards.  As we love His children they soften their hearts and have a desire and knowledge that they can come back and they will be loved when they do.  We testify that He lives and that His promises are sure.  We love Him. 

 Dear President Bishop, Elder and Sister Lucking;

Following is our report for the week ending: April 19, 2015

 

Y/N     Action Items

_Y__   Participated in District or Zone Meeting?

_Y__   Participated in weekly planning meeting with Elders/Sisters?

_Y__   Shared a weekly report (written or verbal) with Stake President and Bishops?

1.    _0__Individuals in your teaching pool who received an ordinance

2.    ___Individuals progressing and tracked on the New and Returning Member Progress Form

3.    _0__Referrals (Investigators) provided to the Elders/Sisters

4.    _8__Lessons taught to recent converts, focus members and transitioned investigators

Finding & Cultivating:  We were able to meet with a family this week who have had some real trauma in their lives.  They were open to us and related very well with Elder Lewis.  We found a talk we thought would really touch their lives.  They are committing to coming to Church today.  We also met with a man who sounds like a member already.  His wife is inactive and works on Sunday but he is bringing his son (2) to church each week.  He has known about the church for several years.  He seems golden.  An inactive young couple are coming to church today to support a friend who will be singing.  We supported several families in the stake by attending their children’s basketball games.  We attended three WMC meetings and a Ward activity. We attended the MLS meeting which gives us great strength and direction.  Attended a Ward Sr. Couple fireside about sr. couples serving missions and the Hastening the Work fireside in Riverton.

Teaching:  Continue to discuss Church doctrine with a couple of men we are working with.  One Elder Lewis walks with each week and the other he plays racquetball with each week.  

Finishing to the Temple: 

 Miracles experienced in the work this past week?  Made a connection by mutual friend with a family who is struggling with suicide.  Building a repore with the husband and two adult children.  Have given them a talk from a funeral which we hope will touch and help them in their grief. 

Went to invite a young couple to come to Gospel Essential class and found they were coming to Sacrament meeting to support a friend who will be singing in Church.

Visited a man whose wife if a member but inactive.  He just broke his arm and happened to be home.  We were able to help him with some ice packs.  Had a nice visit with him.  He seems golden.  They have a 2 year old and he has been bringing him to church each Sunday and stays.  He is very open.

Challenges or Help Needed? 

Testimony:  We attended a funeral Saturday of a man we knew 25 years ago in Camarillo, CA.  We have watched the progress of this family through the years.  The son joined the Church then followed the mother and another son and daughter.  The husband, a good hard working man, supported but could not bring himself to join.  Many years of seeing the example of his family and wonderful Home Teachers and friends in the Church circumstances changed and slowly the spirit worked on him and in 2007 he was baptized.  In 2014 he went with his family to the temple.  They are an eternal family. Many good people along way helped them to get to this point.  It takes all of us. We testify that God loves all His children.  It takes some longer than others to feel His great love for them but we know if we, His children, do our part and love and invite and never give up that the day will come when they will feel His love and desire to be with Him.  We love the Lord, we are happy to serve and are so grateful to meet the many wonderful, loving people in this Stake.  It has been a great blessing for us.  In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Dear President Bishop, Elder and Sister Lucking;

Following is our report for the week ending: April 26, 2015

 

Y/N     Action Items

_N__   Participated in District or Zone Meeting?

_Y__   Participated in weekly planning meeting with Elders/Sisters?

_Y__   Shared a weekly report (written or verbal) with Stake President and Bishops?

1.    _0__Individuals in your teaching pool who received an ordinance

2.    _13__Individuals progressing and tracked on the New and Returning Member Progress Form

3.    _0__Referrals (Investigators) provided to the Elders/Sisters

4.    _9__Lessons taught to recent converts, focus members and transitioned investigators

Finding & Cultivating:  Continue to revisit and teach less actives.  Have been receiving some new names from Ward Mission Leaders.  Attended 3 Ward Mission Correlation meetings and two Ward Councils.  Spoke in a Ward today.  Attended Stake Activity and brought two less actives to the activity.  Attended Sunday School class in 5^th Ward on how to be a member missionary.  Three classes and he will start a new one next month with the hope to get all the Ward cycled in.

  

Teaching: Reinforcing priesthood responsibilities with the Torre family.  Assisted a sister to find a job by taking her to the Riverton Employment Center.  Brother Tripp continues to move forward, reading, praying and attending an activity.  We are developing a good relationship with the Smiths.  Zeller and Zell continue to move forward.  Again we are developing a good relationship with these brothers. 

Finishing to the Temple: 

Miracles experienced in the work this past week?  Two less actives agreed to come to a Stake activity and had a good time. Opportunity to visit with some Bishops and Ward Mission leader. 

  

Challenges or Help Needed? 

Testimony:  The members are starting to step up to help with missionary work.  We see the hand of the Lord in it all moving forward.  We are grateful for our Elders and the good work they do.  We will be starting a “set a date” program.  We know God lives and loves all of His children.  We are learning to not be judgmental and see them as God sees them.  It is a great blessing to be able to be a missionary and we recognize the blessings that come to us and our family as we serve.

Dear President Bishop, Elder and Sister Lucking;

Following is our report for the week ending: May 3, 2015

 

Y/N     Action Items

__Y_   Participated in District or Zone Meeting?

__Y_   Participated in weekly planning meeting with Elders/Sisters?

__Y_   Shared a weekly report (written or verbal) with Stake President and Bishops?

1.    _0__Individuals in your teaching pool who received an ordinance

2.    _12__Individuals progressing and tracked on the New and Returning Member Progress Form

3.    _0__Referrals (Investigators) provided to the Elders/Sisters

4.    _7__Lessons taught to recent converts, focus members and transitioned investigators

Finding & Cultivating:  We continue to work and teach several families on a regular basis, they are progressing slowly but are softening.  We stop by several less active members and visit with them.  We received a new investigator while visiting the Legacy Care Center.  Her daughter is a member and her mother is 96 and has been going to church every Sunday for the last six years but is not baptized. 

We continue to attend the WML Correlation meetings of each of the wards who are holding them. We attended two Sacrament meetings and bore a testimony at each. 

We took a group, 1 investigator (Sebastian) and a reactivation, (Dad, Bryan, and two sons) to the Payson Temple open house and then returned that evening with a young recent baptism Carsen, and two brothers and a granddaughter visiting from Idaho.

Miracles experienced in the work this past week?  Found an investigator at the Care Center.  We were there visiting for birthdays and ran into a daughter who had been visiting her mother who is 96 and not a member.  She asked us to go and visit which we did and we asked if we could come back on Sunday to teach her the gospel.  The Lord put us at the right place at the right time. 

Elder Lewis calls everyone on their birthday to wish them a happy birthday from the Stake Presidency and ourselves.  Today at Church a sister came up and thanked him.  She said it was so nice to know she is loved.  Just the smallest things touch people’s lives.

Challenges or Help Needed? 

Testimony:  We have a strong testimony that the Prophet Joseph is the prophet of the restoration.  That God, the Father, and His Son did appear to him and later gave him the power to translate the Book of Mormon.  We know it contains the doctrines of Christ and teaches us how to live in such a way as to return home again.  We are thankful for this knowledge and for the ordinances and covenants we have made.  They help to keep us safe and help us to feel peace.  We attended the funeral of one of the sister’s we were helping.  She had many struggles and challenges but she was trying and had a desire to come back and help her son learn of the gospel.  It’s comforting to know and understand God’s plan of happiness.  The gospel is true and we are privileged to assist in a small way to bring it to God’s children here in the River Ridge Stake.

Dear President Bishop, Elder and Sister Lucking;

Following is our report for the week ending: May 11, 2015

 

Y/N     Action Items

_Y__   Participated in District or Zone Meeting?

_Y__   Participated in weekly planning meeting with Elders/Sisters?

_Y__   Shared a weekly report (written or verbal) with Stake President and Bishops?

1.    _0__Individuals in your teaching pool who received an ordinance

2.    12___Individuals progressing and tracked on the New and Returning Member Progress Form

3.    _1__Referrals (Investigators) provided to the Elders/Sisters

4.    9Lessons taught to recent converts, focus members and transitioned investigators

Finding & Cultivating:  We have been attending as many Ward Mission Correlation meetings as they have to support and help the Wards find and teach.  Their focus is starting to bring results.  The Elders have started a set a date program in the Stake and we have been helping by presenting it to some of the leadership in the Wards.  We have been stopping by and become acquainted with some members the Bishops have given us. 

Teaching:  Continue to see progress in our teaching appointments.

Finishing to the Temple: 

Miracles experienced in the work this past week?  Went to teach the Kerbs son Ben but he did not show up so while we were visiting with his parents we found out they had not been sealed in the temple.  They each took out their endowments in the Nauvoo Temple a couple of years ago but have not gone back to seal their family.  We encouraged them to talk to the Bishop.  Their wedding anniversary is coming up on June 2 and she would like to do it them.

Challenges or Help Needed?  Elder Lewis has been sick this week so we didn’t get as much done as we would have liked.  He is on the mend. 

Testimony:  We realize more and more how much Heavenly Father loves all of us children.  We see it in the ways people come into our lives when least expecting it.  We are most grateful for the people we serve with.  There are some wonderfull people involved in this great missionary work.  We appreciate President and Sister Chambers and their guidance and direction in this great work.  It’s wonderful to see revelation in action.  We love the Lord and are grateful to be of service in some small way.  We are grateful for the Prophet Joseph and his sacrifice in bringing forth this great work.  We love the Book of Mormon and the many principles and doctrine we learn and can testify of.  We know God lives and loves us. 

 Dear President Bishop, Elder and Sister Lucking;

Following is our report for the week ending: May 17, 2015

 

Y/N     Action Items

_Y__   Participated in District or Zone Meeting?

_Y__   Participated in weekly planning meeting with Elders/Sisters?

_Y__   Shared a weekly report (written or verbal) with Stake President and Bishops?

1.    _0__Individuals in your teaching pool who received an ordinance

2.    _14__Individuals progressing and tracked on the New and Returning Member Progress Form

3.    _0__Referrals (Investigators) provided to the Elders/Sisters

4.    9  Lessons taught to recent converts, focus members and transitioned investigators

Finding & Cultivating:  Again the Lord blesses us in ways we are not expecting.  We were visiting a family to encourage them to go to the temple and be sealed as a family.  While there their older sons 25, 22 showed up.  We were to teach Ben and his brother Bryce wanted to be a part of the lesson.  They both accepted a Book of Mormon and we committed them to reading the introduction before we meet again.  We continue to meet with Ward Missionaries in their correlation meeting and receive names of people to visit and we give them information on those who could use some tender loving care from the Ward. 

Teaching:  We were reminded by our Stake HC at our bimonthly correlation meeting to always leave the spirit in the home we visit and to record that experience so we can draw upon it again if necessary.  Great advice and we strive to always do this.  We spoke in three Sacrament meetings this Sunday and preparing and teaching about how to use the Book of Mormon to convert ourselves and others has strengthened our testimonies of this great work.

Miracles experienced in the work this past week?  One of our Ward Mission Leaders and his wife, set a date to find someone to teach and just before the deadline they found two.  One is their daughter in California and the other is a member of the Ward.  Pretty awesome. 

Testimony:  We bear witness that God is our Father and His Son Jesus Christ is His only begotten.  We testify that the Plan of Happiness is centered in the atonement of Jesus Christ.  We know that Joseph Smith is the prophet God called in our day to restore His gospel again upon the earth and that  the Book of Mormon is the Word of God and will draw us to Him.  We are grateful for this testimony and the testimony of the modern and ancient Prophets who have brought us this knowledge and increased our faith and love for them.  

Dear President Bishop, Elder and Sister Lucking;

Following is our report for the week ending: May 24, 2015

 

Y/N     Action Items

_Y__   Participated in District or Zone Meeting?

_Y__   Participated in weekly planning meeting with Elders/Sisters?

_Y__   Shared a weekly report (written or verbal) with Stake President and Bishops?

1.    _0__Individuals in your teaching pool who received an ordinance

2.    _10__Individuals progressing and tracked on the New and Returning Member Progress Form

3.    _0__Referrals (Investigators) provided to the Elders/Sisters

4.    10___Lessons taught to recent converts, focus members and transitioned investigators

Finding & Cultivating:  Bishops gave us a few new names and we were able to contact them and find out something about them. 

Teaching:  Some are keeping commitments and some are moving slowly.  We just try to love them and let them know how much Heavenly Father loves them.

  

Miracles experienced in the work this past week?  Ward Mission Leaders shared some miracles this week at our Stake meeting.  Brther Mecham’s nephew was in the hospital and pronounced dead then he revived.  He called Brother Mecham and asked that he come and teach him the gospel.  He wants to be sealed to his family before this happens again. 

It’s exciting to see these brothers seeing God’s hand daily as they try to further His work.

Challenges or Help Needed? 

Testimony:  The gospel is true and we see it in our own lives and the lives of those we are teaching.  Today we spoke at the Legacy Care Center, what a great experience to be with these wonderful people who have served the Lord so valiantly throughout their lives and to see them faithful and true to the very end is so testimony building.  We love this work and we love the Lord.

Dear President Bishop, Elder and Sister Lucking;

Following is our report for the week ending: May 31, 2015

 

Y/N     Action Items

_Y__   Participated in District or Zone Meeting?

_Y_     Participated in weekly planning meeting with Elders/Sisters?

_Y__   Shared a weekly report (written or verbal) with Stake President and Bishops?

1.    _0__Individuals in your teaching pool who received an ordinance

2.    _12__Individuals progressing and tracked on the New and Returning Member Progress Form

3.    _0__Referrals (Investigators) provided to the Elders/Sisters

4.    _8__Lessons taught to recent converts, focus members and transitioned investigators

Finding & Cultivating:  Attended some Ward Council meetings and got some names of people Bishops want us to visit.  Continue to visit several less actives, encouraging and teaching them the importance of the atonement.

We visit the care center and visit and wish members happy birthday.  We attend as many activities as possible, ward council, ward mission correlation meetings, seminary graduation, RS and Ward activities.

Finishing to the Temple:  We have a family who are going to the temple this Thursday to be sealed and have their three children sealed to them. 

Miracles experienced in the work this past week?  Sister Kerbs, who is going to the temple this week, invited a friend she has been working with to get her recommend renewed and come to the temple with them.  It was just the incentive her friend needed and she has seen the Bishop and plans to attend. The righteous acts of others affects those around us.

Challenges or Help Needed? 

Testimony:  We have been sick this week but even so the Lord has given us opportunities to share the gospel and influence the lives of those around us.  So grateful for the organization of the Church and its influence on young people.  Their strong testimonies and desires to do good affect all of us.  The Spirit continues to direct us in this great work. 

Dear President Bishop, Elder and Sister Lucking;

Following is our report for the week ending: June 7, 2015

 

Y/N     Action Items

__Y_   Participated in District or Zone Meeting?

__Y_   Participated in weekly planning meeting with Elders/Sisters?

Y        Shared a weekly report (written or verbal) with Stake President and Bishops?

1.    _2__Individuals in your teaching pool who received an ordinance

2.    _13__Individuals progressing and tracked on the New and Returning Member Progress Form

3.    _0__Referrals (Investigators) provided to the Elders/Sisters

4.    _9__Lessons taught to recent converts, focus members and transitioned investigators

Finding & Cultivating:  Continue to pray and fast for people the Lord has prepared for us.  Have been given some new names from Bishops, some are receptive and some are not.  We continue to love and visit them.  We pray for our Ward missionaries that they will be able to inspire others in the Ward to help with this work.

Teaching:  Continue to focus on the restoration and the importance of the sacrament covenant. 

Finishing to the Temple:  What a wonderful experience we had this week of going to the temple with the Kerbs family and seeing them sealed together and to their three children.  It was a most wonderful experience.  They had great support from their Ward and Bishop.  Their sealer, Brother Shumway, did such a great job of explaining the sacred covenant they were entering into.  So glad we did not miss this and feel like our mission was worth it to see this family united forever. 

Miracles experienced in the work this past week? 

We are amazed at the power of the young people in our stake and throughout the Church.  They are faithful and lead their families back to the Church. 

Testimony:  We bore our testimonies in several Wards today.  What a privilege and blessing to be able to witness the truth of the gospel and its doctrine.  We are blessed with living prophets who know and teach us God’s will for us.  Their counsel has saved us from many pitfalls.  We are so grateful for the Prophet Joseph and all he did to restore the Gospel the way the Lord would have Him.  Mostly we are grateful for the Savior and His atonement.  What a blessing to be able to repent and change our hearts and ways and come closer to Him and His Father.  We feel so very blessed to know these things deep in our hearts and desire to share them with others.  

Dear President Bishop, Elder and Sister Lucking;

  

Following is our report for the week ending: June 14, 2015

 

Y/N     Action Items

_Y__   Participated in District or Zone Meeting?

_Y__   Participated in weekly planning meeting with Elders/Sisters?

_Y__   Shared a weekly report (written or verbal) with Stake President and Bishops?

1.    _0__Individuals in your teaching pool who received an ordinance

2.    _12__Individuals progressing and tracked on the New and Returning Member Progress Form

3.    _0__Referrals (Investigators) provided to the Elders/Sisters

4.    _15__Lessons taught to recent converts, focus members and transitioned investigators

Finding & Cultivating:  Appreciated the things we learned at the MLS meeting this week.  We will start using some of the finding suggestions.  We will continue to work with the Ward leaders involving them in the work and encourage them to find.

Teaching: We had a great service project with four women and their leader from the rehab home in our stake boundary.  They wanted to participate in a service project so we took them to the home of a member who needed some major yard work.  Had an opportunity to visit with them and encourage them to come to church each Sunday. 

We have been visiting with a man who has been out of the church for many years.  We have been helping with some service projects at his home. 

Miracles experienced in the work this past week?  We challenged Jeff and Danielle to come to Church with us Sunday.  Jeff committed, Danielle said she would come if the baby was not sleeping.  Sunday we went by and Jeff was ready and came with us.  Danielle called just as church was starting and said the baby was awake.  If it had been 10 minutes earlier we would have had them all there.  We will again challenge them for next week and pick them up.  We have been visiting with them weekly since January.  Major breakthrough in our eyes.

Testimony:  Our testimony continues to grow as we learn more about the atonement of our Savior Jesus Christ.  He continues to send those that have been prepared to receive an essential ordinance.  Although it takes time we know that we are doing His work and helping Him hasten His work. We are planting many seeds.

Dear President Bishop, Elder and Sister Lucking;

Following is our report for the week ending: June 21, 2015

 

Y/N     Action Items

_Y__   Participated in District or Zone Meeting?

_Y      Participated in weekly planning meeting with Elders/Sisters?

_Y__   Shared a weekly report (written or verbal) with Stake President and Bishops?

1.    _1__Individuals in your teaching pool who received an ordinance

2.    _12__Individuals progressing and tracked on the New and Returning Member Progress Form

3.    _0__Referrals (Investigators) provided to the Elders/Sisters

4.    _9__Lessons taught to recent converts, focus members and transitioned investigators

Finding & Cultivating:  We attended Stake Correlation and discussed going out on splits with the WML and also received names of people who need a visit.  We attended 6^th Wards breakfast and 3^rd Wards Lampton Days.  This gives us an opportunity to visit with and meet many people from the community.  We attended a wedding at the Legacy Branch, again this gives us an opportunity to be seen and mingle with people.  We have helped with some service projects in the different wards.

Teaching:  We are having good discussions with the people we are meeting with regularly.  We continue to challenge them to read, pray and come to Sacrament meeting.  Some are responding and some we are leaving with the Spirit having been in their homes.

Miracles experienced in the work this past week?  Had a very receptive visit with a ysa who has been less active, very warm and friendly.  We can see the Lord softening the hearts of many of the people we are meeting in that they are receptive to us.

Challenges or Help Needed? 

                          

Testimony:  We are so grateful for the gospel of Jesus Christ and how it has enriched our personal lives.  We are grateful for the opportunity to feel the guidance of the Holy Ghost in this work in which we are involved.  We are grateful for the atonement and the many opportunities it gives us to come closer to the Savior.  We know this work is of God and that He directs it and that we are just His instruments to help the rest of His children remember and love Him.  We are grateful for the scriptures and how they teach us how and what to do.  We are especially grateful for all the wonderful, dedicated people we serve with. You are all a great example to us and we love serving with you.

Dear President Bishop, Elder and Sister Lucking;

  

Following is our report for the week ending: June 28, 2015

 

Y/N     Action Items

__Y_   Participated in District or Zone Meeting?

Y        Participated in weekly planning meeting with Elders/Sisters?

_Y__   Shared a weekly report (written or verbal) with Stake President and Bishops?

1.    _0__Individuals in your teaching pool who received an ordinance

2.    _11__Individuals progressing and tracked on the New and Returning Member Progress Form

3.    _0__Referrals (Investigators) provided to the Elders/Sisters

4.    _7__Lessons taught to recent converts, focus members and transitioned investigators

Finding & Cultivating:  Many visits to less active members inviting them to the Patriotic program.  Continued to visit with people the Wards have given us. Continue to ask active members for referrals.

Teaching:  We continue to bear witness of the Book of Mormon and invite the spirit into our teaching by prayer and the scriptures.  We try to remind less active members of how the spirit feels and how it can and will bless their lives.

Miracles experienced in the work this past week? 

All of the Torre family were in Church Sunday.  Keaton baptized his younger brother on Saturday and then blessed the sacrament on Sunday and Carsen passed the sacrament. 

Challenges or Help Needed? 

Testimony:  So grateful for the Book of Mormon and know that this is the scripture which will touch their hearts and give them a desire to change and come back to the Savior.  We know this is true because it has touched our lives and helped us to make changes in our own lives.  We are so grateful for the love the Savior has for each one of us and how merciful He is to us.

Dear President Bishop, Elder and Sister Lucking;

Following is our report for the week ending: July 5, 2015

 

Y/N     Action Items

_Y__   Participated in District or Zone Meeting?

_Y__   Participated in weekly planning meeting with Elders/Sisters?

_Y__   Shared a weekly report (written or verbal) with Stake President and Bishops?

1.    _0__Individuals in your teaching pool who received an ordinance

2.    _9__Individuals progressing and tracked on the New and Returning Member Progress Form

3.    _0__Referrals (Investigators) provided to the Elders/Sisters

4.    _6__Lessons taught to recent converts, focus members and transitioned investigators

Finding & Cultivating:  Attended and bore testimony in three Sacrament meetings and attended a Gospel Essential’s class.  Attended three Ward mission correlation meetings and the Stake meeting where individuals who need a visit were discussed.  We attended three 4thof July celebrations of three wards.  We try to be as visible as possible.

Teaching:  Some of our weekly lessons are progressing and we see the Spirit working in their lives.  We continue to bear testimony of the truth of the Book of Mormon and how it will change their lives if they continue to read and pray.  We continue to invite them to Church.

Finishing to the Temple:  This, of course, is our ultimate goal and we have faith that some of them will desire this and make the necessary changes in their lives.  What a glorious day when that happens.

  

Miracles experienced in the work this past week?  Lowell’s prayers are become really personal and he talks more and more of when he will return.  A young couple had their baby blessed in church today and were surrounded by family and friends.

Challenges or Help Needed?  How to get people to church

                    

Testimony:  We are filled with gratitude for this country, that God saved it and brought forth a free nation in which the gospel of Jesus Christ could be restored through His Prophet Joseph.  So grateful for all those who have dedicated their lives to making and keeping us free.  Also grateful for families and temples which bind us together forever.  Thankful for the covenants and God’s love for all of us that He has provided the Plan of Happiness to help us return to Him.  We are also grateful that we can have a small part in finding and preparing His children to return to Him. 

 Dear President Bishop, Elder and Sister Lucking;

Following is our report for the week ending: July 12, 2015

 

Y/N     Action Items

_Y__   Participated in District or Zone Meeting?

_Y__   Participated in weekly planning meeting with Elders/Sisters?

_Y__   Shared a weekly report (written or verbal) with Stake President and Bishops?

1.    _0__Individuals in your teaching pool who received an ordinance

2.    _13__Individuals progressing and tracked on the New and Returning Member Progress Form

3.    _0__Referrals (Investigators) provided to the Elders/Sisters

4.    _8__Lessons taught to recent converts, focus members and transitioned investigators

Finding & Cultivating: Visiting ward councils (2) this week to see who they would like us to visit with.  Speaking in two Wards this week with the High Councilor.  Attending Ward Mission Correlation meetings (3). The Ward Mission Leaders are trying hard to assist us and the Elders.

Teaching:  Continue with our weekly visits and several are keeping their commitments and are reading and praying.   Those who are not continue to want us to come into their homes.

Miracles experienced in the work this past week?  A wonderful week.  Two young families we visited have committed to coming to church.  We know at least one family did come to church today.

Challenges or Help Needed? 

Testimony:  We are grateful to our Heavenly Father for the opportunity to meet and teach so many of His wonderful children.  Even though some have strayed it is wonderful to see their hearts start to soften and have a desire to come back.  We know this gospel will bring us eternal joy and we are grateful for the atonement and how it changes our lives and those we teach.  It is a great blessing to serve so closely with the young Elders and MLS couples.  Their testimonies build ours.

Dear President Bishop, Elder and Sister Lucking;

Following is our report for the week ending: July 18, 2015

 

Y/N     Action Items

_Y__   Participated in District or Zone Meeting?

_Y__   Participated in weekly planning meeting with Elders/Sisters?

_Y__   Shared a weekly report (written or verbal) with Stake President and Bishops?

1.    _2__Investigators or less-active members who accepted an invitation to meet with the Elders/Sisters.

2.    _0__Individuals in your teaching pool who received priesthood or temple ordinances.

3.    _9__Individuals in your teaching pool who attended sacrament meeting.

4.    _10__Lessons taught to investigators, less-active members, and new and returning members.

Finding & Cultivating:  Encouraging Ward Mission Leaders at Stake Coordination meeting to schedule a rescue night with their ward councils where we can split off with them and go out and visit members of their Wards.  Also use this time to teach the “Set a Date” to as many active families as we can.  Followed up on new names given to us from the Bishops.  Supported by doing service for an active family whose son and new daughter-in-law were getting married.  We hope to have the Elders teach the new bride and have been developing a friendship with the couple.  Continue to attend all Ward mission coordination meetings held in the stake in order to get names of people to visit and encourage missionary teaching lessons for the Elders.

Teaching:  We continue to have good lessons with Lowell Trip.  He is reading and praying and coming along good.  Elder Lewis has been spending time with Nathan Lilliard (a young man 20 who didn’t go on a mission).  Took him to a YSA Elders Quorum party where he hooked up with some friends he knows and the  Elder’s Quorum took him under his wing. 

Miracles experienced in the work this past week?  Justin and Sherristan White came to Sacrament meeting last Sunday with their two small children and promised to come back next week and bring his mother. 

Kim Higgins came to the Ward Breakfast this morning with the Ward mission leader and met many friendly ward members.  Made a good connection with a couple who were married Friday.  We were able to help prepare the yard and set up for the wedding.

Testimony:  So grateful for the atonement of the Savior for each of us.  Thankful to use it daily in our own lives and the great blessing of sharing it with others.  Thankful for the opportunity to see God’s children see the blessings they are missing by not being apart of the Gospel.  What a great blessing to see them renew their covenants and see how Heavenly Father blesses them.  

Dear President Bishop, Elder and Sister Lucking;

Following is our report for the week ending: July 26, 2015

 

Y/N     Action Items

_Y__   Participated in District or Zone Meeting?

_Y__   Participated in weekly planning meeting with Elders/Sisters?

_Y__   Shared a weekly report (written or verbal) with Stake President and Bishops?

1.    _0__Investigators or less-active members who accepted an invitation to meet with the Elders/Sisters.

2.    _0__Individuals in your teaching pool who received priesthood or temple ordinances.

3.    _6__Individuals in your teaching pool who attended sacrament meeting.

4.    _9__Lessons taught to investigators, less-active members, and new and returning members.

Finding & Cultivating:  We continue to meet with Ward Mission leaders and their ward missionaries.  We visit all those names given to us.  We spent some time with a few less actives reminding them of their covenants and inviting them back to Church.  We continue to develop friendships with people we are teaching.  We ask for names of people who could benefit from our message.  We are encouraging members to set a date too find someone for the missionaries to teach.  We attend as many Ward Councils as we can each Sunday and attend as many meetings as we can so we are visible and friendly.  Elder Lewis has been doing service for several nonmembers in our neighborhood but helping them with their rocks.

Teaching:  We feel that most of our teaching appointments are positive and they are making progress.  They continue to want us to come back and are reading and praying.

Miracles experienced in the work this past week? 

Elder Lewis’s service in the neighborhood and his friendliness has lead people to trust him. A young adult he has been working with is responding and has been going to YSA activities and will attend Church this Sunday with a friend.  A sister I have been working with has been responding favorably and wants to get here temple recommend renewed. 

                                                        

Testimony:  We love the Lord.  We know this is His work and that if we work hard and ask for His help we will be able to succeed in finding and bringing His sheep back to him.  We are grateful for the blessings that continue to come to us and our family as we do His work and encourage others to do the same. 

Dear President Bishop, Elder and Sister Lucking;

Following is our report for the week ending: August 2, 2015

 

Y/N     Action Items

_Y__   Participated in District or Zone Meeting?

_Y__   Participated in weekly planning meeting with Elders/Sisters?

_Y__   Shared a weekly report (written or verbal) with Stake President and Bishops?

1.    _0__Investigators or less-active members who accepted an invitation to meet with the Elders/Sisters.

2.    _0__Individuals in your teaching pool who received priesthood or temple ordinances.

3.    _4__Individuals in your teaching pool who attended sacrament meeting.

4.    _7__Lessons taught to investigators, less-active members, and new and returning members.

Finding & Cultivating:  We continue to ask for referrals from members and ask them to set a date by which the Lord will put someone in their path who will hear the missionaries message. Our District finding is to read Alma 5 and apply two principles.  Which we are doing.

Teaching: 

We continue to have good lessons with Lowell.  He is feeling the spirit of the Book of Mormon.We continue to teach the principle of the Sabbath day to our other less actives.

Miracles experienced in the work this past week? 

One investigator attended Sacrament meeting and said he felt the spirit and appreciated our friendship and care.

Testimony: We are grateful for the blessing and opportunity to work with these wonderful people who have lost their way.  We know the Gospel of Jesus Christ can and will change their lives for the better.  We are grateful for our Savior and for the great gift of the atonement which if we repent will cleanse and clean us and prepare us to be in His presence.  We are grateful for the Book of Mormon.  This is the great converter along with the Holy Ghost which testifies of its truth.  What a blessing it is in our own lives.  God lives and loves us.  He knows each of His children and we are grateful to be able to help them to feel of His great love for them.  

Dear President Bishop, Elder and Sister Lucking;

Following is our report for the week ending: August 9, 2015

 

Y/N     Action Items

_Y__   Participated in District or Zone Meeting?

_Y__   Participated in weekly planning meeting with Elders/Sisters?

_Y__   Shared a weekly report (written or verbal) with Stake President and Bishops?

1.    _0__Investigators or less-active members who accepted an invitation to meet with the Elders/Sisters.

2.    _0__Individuals in your teaching pool who received priesthood or temple ordinances.

3.    _6__Individuals in your teaching pool who attended sacrament meeting.

4.    _7__Lessons taught to investigators, less-active members, and new and returning members.

Finding & Cultivating:  We continue to work with members to find people to teach.  We visit all referrals as soon as possible and report back. 

Teaching:  We invite the spirit through prayer at each lesson.  We focus on the Book of Mormon and the restoration.

Miracles experienced in the work this past week? 

Elder Koo and Crawford met a Chinese lady who speaks very little English.  We wanted to take him over to meet her and they had already met them.  She invited them to dinner. 

Challenges or Help Needed? 

Testimony:  We are so thankful to the Savior for His atonement and the blessing of the Holy Ghost to help guide us and testify of the truth and that Jesus Christ is the son of God and that through him we can return home.  It is a great blessing to be able to testify of the Savior.  We are very blessed.

Dear President Bishop, Elder and Sister Lucking;

Following is our report for the week ending: August 16, 2015

 

Y/N     Action Items

_Y__   Participated in District or Zone Meeting?

_Y__   Participated in weekly planning meeting with Elders/Sisters?

_Y__   Shared a weekly report (written or verbal) with Stake President and Bishops?

1.    _0__Investigators or less-active members who accepted an invitation to meet with the Elders/Sisters.

2.    _0__Individuals in your teaching pool who received priesthood or temple ordinances.

3.    ___Individuals in your teaching pool who attended sacrament meeting.

4.    _6__Lessons taught to investigators, less-active members, and new and returning members.

Finding & Cultivating:  We have spent a lot of time this week on our new chapel open House which we are in charge of organizing.  We will use all the Ward Missionaries and make it a missionary effort.  We have visited with all the RS, YM/YW, Primary, Priesthood leadership in the three Wards in the new building.  We have assisted the Elders many times this week in service and teaching.  We assisted with the Ward indexing activity for the youth. 

Teaching:  We made at least 21 contacts this week with six lessons.  We continue to invite and most are following thru with their commitments.

Miracles experienced in the work this past week?  A 9 year old, who has not been baptized, has had a desire but her grandfather has not been supportive.  This  week her mother and grandmother said she could have the lessons and gave her the first one.  She is excited to follow the Savior.

Testimony:  We bear testimony that God lives and loves His children.  He has given us such a wonderful Plan of Happiness that leads us back to Him.  We are privileged to share this message with others and we feel the promptings of the Holy Ghost guiding us in this work.  We love the Lord and all those we have the privilege of serving with and for.  

Dear President Bishop, Elder and Sister Lucking;

  

Following is our report for the week ending: August 23, 2015

 

Y/N     Action Items

_Y__   Participated in District or Zone Meeting?

_Y__   Participated in weekly planning meeting with Elders/Sisters?

_Y__   Shared a weekly report (written or verbal) with Stake President and Bishops?

1.    _0__Investigators or less-active members who accepted an invitation to meet with the Elders/Sisters.

2.    _0__Individuals in your teaching pool who received priesthood or temple ordinances.

3.    _16__Individuals in your teaching pool who attended sacrament meeting.

4.    _8_Lessons taught to investigators, less-active members, and new and returning members.

Finding & Cultivating:  Attended several ward correlation meetings and the stake correlation.  Also attended several Ward activities, ward breakfast, ward movie night.  Several non and less active members were present.  These are opportunities for us to talk with people and become acquainted so they can help us find.  We continue to make many visits to people who need encouragement and someone to talk to.

-The sacrament meeting count includes some individuals in the same family but they are being reactivated.

Teaching:  Our lessons are going well and people are progressing even though slowly.  Still our main challenge is to get them to come to Church.  Some are on and off and some haven’t quite made the step yet but we can see they are thinking about it.  We have an open house for a new chapel which we are in charge of and we are hoping for a good turnout from the community which we hope will generate some interest for the Elders.

Finishing to the Temple:  We have been working with a Sister who is now having an interview with her Bishop about getting a temple recommend.

  

Miracles experienced in the work this past week?  We have been trying to reach a young couple for about three weeks who said they wanted to see us and wanted to start coming back to church.  We never could catch them.  This week Elder Lewis was driving by and saw him outside so he stopped immediately and had a visit with him.  Yes they did want to see us but had been very busy.  They plan to come to Church Sunday and he has made an interview with the Bishop.  Another Sister has also made an appointment with the Bishop to make the changes she needs for a temple recommend.

Testimony:  It is so exciting to see the Lord’s hand in this work.  He puts us in the right place at the right time if we will listen and then harken to His promptings.  We are so blessed to have this opportunity to bear witness of His goodness and how much He loves all His children.  We know His gospel has been restored thru the Prophet Joseph.  How we love him.  We are so grateful for the converting power of the Book of Mormon and know that if we can get people to read it they will come to know it is true as we do.  

Dear President Bishop, Elder and Sister Lucking;

 Following is our report for the week ending: August 30, 2015

 

Y/N     Action Items

_Y__   Participated in District or Zone Meeting?

_Y__   Participated in weekly planning meeting with Elders/Sisters?

_Y__   Shared a weekly report (written or verbal) with Stake President and Bishops?

1.    _0__Investigators or less-active members who accepted an invitation to meet with the Elders/Sisters.

2.    _0__Individuals in your teaching pool who received priesthood or temple ordinances.

3.    _8__Individuals in your teaching pool who attended sacrament meeting.

4.    _4__Lessons taught to investigators, less-active members, and new and returning members.

Finding & Cultivating:  There were several neighborhood activities in the Stake this past week which brought out many nonmember and less active members.  One was a car show & snow cones.  The Elders were there and were able to meet and visit with many of the neighborhood families.  It was a very relaxed atmosphere, everyone was open and friendly.  We felt some good relationships were strengthened.  Elder Lewis spent a lot of time inviting and that evening went around the neighborhood on his bike reminding families of the activities.  Another ward had a outdoor movie night which again was very successful with many nonmember and less active attending.  Ward missionaries were in abundance. We also were in charge of a new chapel open house which we have been working on for the last several weeks.  It turned out very successful. We used the ward missionaries to take tours thru the building. About 40 ward missionaries and leaders were involved.   The Elders had a Book of Mormon table and visited with everyone who came.  We had a good number of less active and non members come. We are in hopes of some people for the missionaries to teach.  One family Elder Lewis has been doing service with (moving rocks) was at the open house and were very pleased by what they saw and felt.   

Teaching:  We continue to teach our regulars and commit them to action.  Made lots of visits and spent a lot of time on the Open House.

Miracles experienced in the work this past week?  Two people we have been working with have had interviews with their Bishops.  A nonmember family we have been working with thru service came to the chapel open house.  Another Brother and his daughter who have been struggling with a death of a mother were in church today and helped teach a Primary class.

Testimony:  The gospel touches lives in ways we cannot see in the beginning.  We testify that it gives each of us an opportunity to Follow the Savior and become more like Him.  We are so grateful to be a part of such a wonderful work.  There are many great rewards and we are thankful for them. The gospel is true and Heavenly Father and the Savior love each one of us.

Dear President Bishop, Elder and Sister Lucking;

Following is our report for the week ending: Sep 6, 2015

 

Y/N     Action Items

_Y__   Participated in District or Zone Meeting?

_Y__   Participated in weekly planning meeting with Elders/Sisters?

_Y__   Shared a weekly report (written or verbal) with Stake President and Bishops?

1.    _0__Investigators or less-active members who accepted an invitation to meet with the Elders/Sisters.

2.    _0__Individuals in your teaching pool who received priesthood or temple ordinances.

3.    _7__Individuals in your teaching pool who attended sacrament meeting.

4.    _7__Lessons taught to investigators, less-active members, and new and returning members.

Finding & Cultivating:  Still working with the Ward mission leaders who are all dedicated and working hard.  They try not to get discouraged because no one is progressing to the Elders but they are friendshipping and keeping in touch with the people the ward council and Bishop have been working on so when there is a change in their desires someone will be ready to be there to help direct them to the true source of happiness, Jesus Christ.  We continue to drop by and visit many people in our Stake also.  It’s a slow process but we feel when their hearts change we will be there also.   We have been attending the Gospel Principles classes in all the wards that have them and they are all very good and they are doing a fine job.

Teaching:  Great experience teaching with the Elders and a prospective missionary.  Went so well.  They are awesome.  They are teaching an 11 year old. 

Finishing to the Temple:  Some good prospects who will be starting a temple prep class.

Testimony: We bore our testimonies in two Wards today.  It is such a great blessing and privilege to be able to testify of our Savior, Jesus Christ.  The restoration is real, the Book of Mormon was written for our time and written by Prophets who continually testified of Jesus Christ.  We thank the Lord for His Plan of Happiness.  It blesses us and gives us hope and we know we need not fear but need to move forward boldly and with faith.   We are on the Lord’s side and we know what the end is going to be and we hope to be there to shout our praises.  

Dear President Bishop, Elder and Sister Lucking;

  

Following is our report for the week ending: September 13, 2015

 

Y/N     Action Items

_Y__   Participated in District or Zone Meeting?

_Y__   Participated in weekly planning meeting with Elders/Sisters?

_Y__   Shared a weekly report (written or verbal) with Stake President and Bishops?

1.    _0__Investigators or less-active members who accepted an invitation to meet with the Elders/Sisters.

2.    _0__Individuals in your teaching pool who received priesthood or temple ordinances.

3.    _5__Individuals in your teaching pool who attended sacrament meeting.

4.    _5__Lessons taught to investigators, less-active members, and new and returning members.

Finding & Cultivating:  We had Stake Conference this week.  We spent time inviting people to Stake Conference.  One of our investigators came with us.  Elder Lewis spoke in the Leadership meeting about MLS missions and Sister Lewis bore her testimony at the Saturday evening session.  We continue to invite and love the people we have been given.  We attend Ward Mission correlation meetings and encourage the Ward Missionaries to go out and visit and to take us with them.  After our Saturday evening meeting we realize again how important member friend shipping is.  A couple explained how they came back.  We see this as we go out.  So many young couples who have been raised in the Church fall away and it seems the only way to get them back is through love. 

Teaching:  Reading the Book of Mormon with them and praying. 

Miracles experienced in the work this past week?  One investigator asked which Stake Conference meeting he should go to and then he came with us and enjoyed a meal in our home afterwards.  Everyone was very friendly to him and welcomed him warmly. 

Testimony:  We belong to a most marvelous kingdom where love and kindness are the prevailing attributes of our King.  We are blessed to have such a wonderful example to guide us as the Savior.  We know He loves us.  We see it in the many tiny miracles that come to us each day.  We see people wanting to change their lives and taking small steps to do so and the love they receive from those around them help them to move forward and partake of the blessings God has in store for them.  He has blessed our family.  Our oldest granddaughter just started at BYU Idaho and is planning on a mission in February.  We are so grateful for all we have and the blessings He so willingly gives to us as we try to keep His commandments. We feel privileged to participate in this great work.  We love these people we serve with and pray we will be there when they most need us.  We are thankful for the Holy Ghost which goes with us and directs us as to who and where we should go.  

Dear President Bishop, Elder and Sister Lucking;

Following is our report for the week ending: Sep 20, 2015

 

Y/N     Action Items

_Y__   Participated in District or Zone Meeting?

_Y__   Participated in weekly planning meeting with Elders/Sisters?

_Y__   Shared a weekly report (written or verbal) with Stake President and Bishops?

1.    _0__Investigators or less-active members who accepted an invitation to meet with the Elders/Sisters.

2.    _0__Individuals in your teaching pool who received priesthood or temple ordinances.

3.    _4__Individuals in your teaching pool who attended sacrament meeting.

4.    _3__Lessons taught to investigators, less-active members, and new and returning members.

Finding & Cultivating: We spent Tues, Wed, and Thursday in wonderful training meetings.  Loved the 60 power seconds training.  Also got many good ideas from the Sister Fulcher case study.  Mainly love the members and the less actives we are working with.  Our Ward mission leaders and trying diligently to find people for us to teach and visit.  Elder Lewis was sick on Thursday so we did not make it to the Stake Correlation meeting.

Teaching:  We are having great lessons with Lowell Trip and today went to Church with him to hear his YSA daughter talk in her Ward.  There was really a great spirit.  He has consented to going to the Priesthood session of conference in a couple of weeks and to a FHE the Ward Mission Leader is having Oct 5.  Another couple we visit regularly are having a baby this week and we have planned a bunch of service for them.

  

Miracles experienced in the work this past week? 

One of the Ward Mission Leaders came and helped us check cars at the Zone Conference.  Elder Bourne, at our Stake Conference, reminded us that we need to be focusing on Family History experiences for our new converts and getting them to the temple on a regular basis with their own family names.

Testimony: Grateful for the Sabbath day and the opportunity to partake of the sacrament and hear inspirational talks given by people who have pondered and prayed about what they should say.  What they do say touches each of our lives and gives us the courage and fortitude to continue on another week knowing God is in charge and that He loves each of us.  Grateful for the Book of Mormon and the opportunity to hear testimonies of its truthfulness at the Mission Fireside this evening.  It’s inspiriting to be among the young Elders and Sisters and hear them sing and say their testimonies.  We love this great work. 

Dear President Bishop, Elder and Sister Lucking;

Following is our report for the week ending: September 27, 2015

 

Y/N     Action Items

_Y__   Participated in District or Zone Meeting?

_Y__   Participated in weekly planning meeting with Elders/Sisters?

_Y__   Shared a weekly report (written or verbal) with Stake President and Bishops?

1.    _0__Investigators or less-active members who accepted an invitation to meet with the Elders/Sisters.

2.    _0__Individuals in your teaching pool who received priesthood or temple ordinances.

3.    _5__Individuals in your teaching pool who attended sacrament meeting.

4.    _7__Lessons taught to investigators, less-active members, and new and returning members.

Finding & Cultivating:  As we meet with Ward Mission leaders and Ward Councils we are given more names of people to visit.  This is where the majority of our contacts come from. We appreciate their assistance and their desire to help invite people to come back to Christ. 

We have been looking for and doing service for some of the members.

Attended two Gospel Essential classes today.  Also some wonderful talks in one of the Wards by missionary parents who encouraged the Ward to OYM and share the gospel along with their missionaries. We also attended one Ward Council where we received some names.  We also get to Church early so we can greet people.

Teaching:  We have been doing some roll plays in District meetings and they are helping in our teaching.  The 60 Second power statement is very effective.  We have been inviting our new converts to fill out their four generation sheets and write their conversion story.

Miracles experienced in the work this past week? 

Stopped to visit Guy Cole who we have not seen for awhile and found he had been out of town for a month and a half and he suggested we go to lunch so we have a lunch date with him on Tuesday.  Also one of the wards has a young couple who are expecting a baby.  The Bishopric visited them and they have a desire to come back to Church.  Stacy and Kennedy were able to go to Women’s Conference with me.  Great experience for them.

Testimony:  As we see individuals come to a point where they see they need a change in their lives and are willing to make and reset their priorities we see the Lord’s spirit hovering over them.  It’s inspiring to realize that the Lord knows each and every one of us.  He loves us so much and is so willing to welcome us back.  We are so grateful for living Prophets and look forward to this coming weekend.  We support and love our Prophet and apostles and auxiliary leaders.  They give such wise counsel.  We are grateful for this calling and opportunity to serve our Stake in some small way.  We serve with wonderful people all around us.  We are very blessed.

Dear President Bishop, Elder and Sister Lucking;

  

Following is our report for the week ending: Oct 4, 2015

 

Y/N     Action Items

_Y__   Participated in District or Zone Meeting?

_Y__   Participated in weekly planning meeting with Elders/Sisters?

_Y__   Shared a weekly report (written or verbal) with Stake President and Bishops?

1.    _0__Investigators or less-active members who accepted an invitation to meet with the Elders/Sisters.

2.    _0__Individuals in your teaching pool who received priesthood or temple ordinances.

3.    _0__Individuals in your teaching pool who attended sacrament meeting.

4.    _5__Lessons taught to investigators, less-active members, and new and returning members.

Finding & Cultivating:  Spent some time this week visiting some new referrals.  Also invited all we met this week to watch conference Saturday and Sunday.  We sent out some text messages reminding them today.  Made several visits with no one home but left messages. Received a call from a Bishopric member at the Legacy Care Center to come visit a brother who is a priest and wants to be sealed to his deceased wife.  We made a good contact there.  

Teaching:  Invited a sister to take the temple prep class and prepare to go to the temple before we are released in January.  Lowell continues to progress.  He attended Priesthood session with Elder Lewis and is joining us at a FHE at the Ward Mission Leaders home on Monday. 

Miracles experienced in the work this past week?  Jan listened to all of conference on the radio. Lowell attended Priesthood session with Elder Lewis, Hannah listened to Sunday morning while she was a work.

Testimony:  We are so grateful for General Conference and to hear testimonies from the Prophet and other general authorities.  What a wonderful conference with pure testimony being given by each speaker.  It’s inspiring to see three new apostles called by revelation.  We see and feel the Lord so very near.  We know God lives and loves all His children.  We know the Plan of Happiness and keeping the commandments are the only way to be truly happy and return to live with Heavenly Father again.  We feel the peace that comes from keeping the commandments in a world filled with turmoil and yet we know He is in charge and if we do our part we will be watched over and blessed.  We are so grateful for this knowledge and are inspired to make changes in our lives which will bring us closer to the Savior.  

Dear President Bishop, Elder and Sister Lucking;

Following is our report for the week ending: October 11, 2015

 

Y/N     Action Items

_Y__   Participated in District or Zone Meeting?

_Y__   Participated in weekly planning meeting with Elders/Sisters?

_Y__   Shared a weekly report (written or verbal) with Stake President and Bishops?

1.    _0__Investigators or less-active members who accepted an invitation to meet with the Elders/Sisters.

2.    _0__Individuals in your teaching pool who received priesthood or temple ordinances.

3.    _7__Individuals in your teaching pool who attended sacrament meeting.

4.    _5__Lessons taught to investigators, less-active members, and new and returning members.

Finding & Cultivating:  We made 30 contacts this week.  Five were lessons and the rest visits. Attended two block meetings today and bore testimony in a ward we haven’t done so yet.  We helped with the RS lesson in the 9^th Ward which was about shepherding.  She had us share some activities and experiences we have had on the mission and how the sisters can help friendship those we find and their neighbors.    We attended a Ward activity Friday night and a Ward Correlation meeting on Thursday.

  

Teaching:  Our time is getting short and we think we will concentrate on five or six people who are making good progress but need the consistency of coming to church and advancement in the priesthood,  patriarchal blessings and going to the temple. 

Miracles experienced in the work this past week?  An 11 year old who has started having the missionary lessons but who is having trouble with her grandfather giving permission attended activity days.  It was a powder puff derby evening and her grandfather helped her build her car and then attended the activity with her.  Everyone was very welcoming and he seemed to enjoy himself.  Hopefully he is softening his heart about her being baptized. 

Lowell went with us to a FHE at the ward mission leader’s home.  Except or being the youngest person there, he had a good time. 

Testimony:  Grateful that today was testimony meeting and grateful to express our testimonies of the truthfulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ.  We know it has been restored thru His prophet, Joseph Smith and that today we are lead by His living prophet, Thomas S. Monson.  We are so thankful for the atonement and the opportunity to be clean each week as we take advantage of the atonement thru the Sacrament.  We know that we are doing His work and He will hasten His work as we press forward toward the Savior.  We know as we ask and listen to the promptings of the Holy Ghost we will be lead and directed to those He has prepared to come back.  We love the people of this Stake.  They are choice and wonderful.  We feel it a privilege to serve with and for them. 

Dear President Bishop, Elder and Sister Lucking;

Following is our report for the week ending: October 18, 2015

 

Y/N     Action Items

_Y__   Participated in District or Zone Meeting?

_Y__   Participated in weekly planning meeting with Elders/Sisters?

_Y__   Shared a weekly report (written or verbal) with Stake President and Bishops?

1.    _0__Investigators or less-active members who accepted an invitation to meet with the Elders/Sisters.

2.    _0__Individuals in your teaching pool who received priesthood or temple ordinances.

3.    _9__Individuals in your teaching pool who attended sacrament meeting.

4.    _5__Lessons taught to investigators, less-active members, and new and returning members.

Finding & Cultivating:  We made 17 visits to various ward members and attended 3 ward mission coordination meetings and a stake coordination meeting.  Today we attended 5^th Ward Council, 4^th Ward block meetings including attending the Gospel Principles class, a 5^th Ward mission coordination meeting and a fireside for Senior couples planning on a mission, an ordination of a recent youth convert to the office of a teacher and gave a blessing to a brother we are fellowshipping in the 9^th Ward. We challenged the Ward mission leaders to OYM two people each day and had a training on Finding from the Elders.  Elder Lewis makes birthday calls to the stake members and we receive lots of thanks and say it makes them feel special.  The calls are on behalf of the Stake Presidency and us.  I went over and helped a mother who recently had a new baby and we have been meeting with them all year trying to get them to church. We got Prospective Elders and unbaptized 9+ lists for each Ward. 

Teaching: The 60 seconds of power is very powerful and invites the spirit.  We continue to teach the blessings of the atonement and invite them to do the basics, pray, study scriptures, come to Church and do some service. We feel the Lord is working here in this area to prepare people.  The Wards are really trying to friendship and reach out. 

  

Finishing to the Temple:  One sister is working toward getting her temple recommend again.

Miracles experienced in the work this past week?  Excommunicated brother attended church again today and stayed for gospel principles and priesthood.  We are building a friendship with a nonmember in the 9^th Ward.  He had family visiting from Slovakia and took them to temple square.  5^th Ward is seeing some progress.  A part member family had a son move back in with them after a divorce.  The mother is an inactive mother and nonmember father.  He told them he wanted to go to church.  She asked which church and he said the Mormon church.  They have been to Sacrament meeting the last two weeks.

Challenges or Help Needed?  Still some wards are not having mission coordination meetings.

  

Testimony:  Every day we see God’s hand at work.  We are so blessed to be able to focus our lives on His work.  It is a great blessing to us and our family.  We know God lives and loves everyone of His children.  It’s good to see others through His eyes and not prejudge.  We know who we are, sons/daughters of a loving Heavenly Father and we have such great potential.  We are grateful for His love for us.  We are so grateful for the Prophet Joseph and the restoration of the Book of Mormon.  It does contain God’s word and testifies of Jesus Christ and His great atonement.  That through this atonement we can be clean.  What love He has shown to His Father and to us.  We are blessed to have living Prophets on the earth.  Their guidance is crucial to our returning to live with Him again.  We are grateful for this opportunity to share this message with others.  In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen

President Bishop, Elder and Sister Lucking;

Following is our report for the week ending: November 29, 2015

 

Y/N     Action Items

_Y__   Participated in District or Zone Meeting?

_Y__   Participated in weekly planning meeting with Elders/Sisters?

_Y__   Shared a weekly report (written or verbal) with Stake President and Bishops?

1.    _5__Investigators or less-active members who accepted an invitation to meet with the Elders/Sisters.

2.    _0__Individuals in your teaching pool who received priesthood or temple ordinances.

3.    _14__Individuals in your teaching pool who attended sacrament meeting.

4.    _5__Lessons taught to investigators, less-active members, and new and returning members.

Finding & Cultivating:   We used the new move-in list and referral from the Bishop to go visit a new family who have a prospective elder and a 9 year old who has not been baptized and a deacon who needs to be a teacher.  We used service for a couple of less active members.  Elder Lewis helped them put up Christmas lights. 

Teaching:  Our lessons continue to be good.  People are progressing and we are using reading the Book of Mormon mentoring as taught by Elder & Sister Wilson.  It is very powerful.  We are focusing on the basics, praying, reading and coming to Sacrament meeting.

Finishing to the Temple:  Jan was suppose to have her last Temple Prep class today, so hopefully it will not belong until she can go to the temple again.  The Torre family want callings and to take a Temple Prep class.  Their goal is to take their family to the temple.

Miracles experienced in the work this past week?  Finding the Harrow family this week has been awesome.  The Elders have been over and the Ward is rallying around them.  They were in Church today for the three hours and the talks and Jt. RS/Priesthood was exactly what this family needed to hear, forgiveness and you don’t need to know everything to move forward with faith.

Challenges or Help Needed?  Still working on getting one family to sacrament meeting.  We are going to try taking one of them to sacrament meeting next week while the other stays home with the three little girls and then the next week take the other one.

Testimony:  What a wonderful time of year to be full of gratitude.  We are thankful for a wonderful supportive family, grandchildren who love the temple and will get up at 3 am to go and do baptisms every week, children who love the Lord and their spouses and are willing to serve in and out of the church.  We are so grateful for parents who taught us to love the Lord.  We have seen many miracles and been blessed with the knowledge and testimony that God lives and loves us.  We are so grateful for the Prophet Joseph and his translation of the Book of Mormon.  What a powerful influence it has had on our lives.  We are grateful for loving leaders who give us opportunities to serve.  We are grateful for the many things we have learned from this mission.  What a blessing to be involved with so many wonderful people in our Stake and see a few of them change their lives as they have come to again feel the great love the Savior has for them.  We know this work we are involved in is true and brings great happiness and joy into our lives.

In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Dear President Bishop, Elder and Sister Lucking;

Following is our report for the week ending: November 1, 2015

 

Y/N     Action Items

_Y__   Participated in District or Zone Meeting?

_Y__   Participated in weekly planning meeting with Elders/Sisters?

_Y__   Shared a weekly report (written or verbal) with Stake President and Bishops?

1.    _0__Investigators or less-active members who accepted an invitation to meet with the Elders/Sisters.

2.    _0__Individuals in your teaching pool who received priesthood or temple ordinances.

3.    _17__Individuals in your teaching pool who attended sacrament meeting.

4.    _7__Lessons taught to investigators, less-active members, and new and returning members.

Finding & Cultivating:  WML are trying diligently to find people for the Elders to teach.  A couple of suggestions given which I think we will try is 1) when they have a dinner appointment they will call a day or two in advance and ask if they can stay after dinner and give the family a lesson (depending on the family, probably the set a date lesson).  2) Have Home Teachers invite the Elders to go with them on some of their visits each month.  This would get the Elders into more homes.

Teaching:  It’s wonderful to see people follow thru with their commitments and have a desire to gain a strong testimony so they can be together as a family forever.  We have several who are keeping their commitments and we can see the Lord bless them as they move forward and we can see the spirit working in their hearts. 

  

Finishing to the Temple:  Woody is returning to the temple since renewing his recommend and again seeing the blessings the Lord has for him and his family. 

Miracles experienced in the work this past week?  Woody attended the temple last week, the first time since his wife passed away, Lowell attended Church on Sunday, his third week in a row.  Brent (74) has such a desire to be sealed his his deceased wife that he is really progressing and constantly asking what else do I need to do. 

Testimony:  We are grateful for this fast Sunday which gives us an opportunity to draw closer to our Heavenly Father and ask Him for specific blessings for those we are teaching a serving with.  We know He lives and is mindful of all His children especially those who are seeking Him.  We are grateful for the testimonies of living Prophets which strengthen and bless our lives.  We are especially grateful for the Prophet Joseph Smith who restored the gospel in these the last days.  We are grateful for the record which has been left of his life and how reading of his life it strengthens our own lives as we learn to have courage and endurance.  We are most grateful for this mission.  We love the people we are serving with and we love the Lord.  We see His hand in our work every day.  It is a privilege to be able to bear testimony that He lives and has a wonderful plan for each of us to return to live with Him again.  In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Our oldest granddaughter, Courtney, received here mission call today and is going to Wichita Kansas and leaves February 17.  We are so excited for her.

Dear President Bishop, Elder and Sister Lucking;

Following is our report for the week ending: November 15, 2015

 

Y/N     Action Items

_Y__   Participated in District or Zone Meeting?

_Y__   Participated in weekly planning meeting with Elders/Sisters?

_Y__   Shared a weekly report (written or verbal) with Stake President and Bishops?

1.    0___Investigators or less-active members who accepted an invitation to meet with the Elders/Sisters.

2.    0___Individuals in your teaching pool who received priesthood or temple ordinances.

3.    18___Individuals in your teaching pool who attended sacrament meeting.

4.    _5__Lessons taught to investigators, less-active members, and new and returning members.

Finding & Cultivating:  Attended several Ward correlation meetings.  They are starting to get the idea of going out and visiting and so we think we will see more of this.  Helped the missionaries get settled in their new place.  Attended three sacrament meetings, one where a new member was confirmed. Continue to visit some families we are reactivating and need continued support.

Teaching:  We are having some good lessons with Brent.  We used Elder Wilson’s teaching on teaching the Book of Mormon 1 Nephi Chapter 1.  It went so well.  Really inspiring on how well he understood and it showed us there are things we assumed he understood which he didn’t, like the footnotes.  The Torre family are progressing.  Ron and Dearingers continue to need support and love. 

Finishing to the Temple:  Jan is taking the Temple Preparation class so that is looking good.

Miracles experienced in the work this past week?  The baptism of Carter and the reactivation of his mother.  We were able to participate as a witness of the baptism and stand in the circle for the confirmation. 

Testimony:  As we see God’s hand in the lives of the people we are teaching, we see further evidence of His love for His children.  We know He is in charge of this great work.  We love Him and are grateful to be a part of it.  We testify that God lives, the atonement is real and can heal and bless us.  The Prophet Joseph did see the Father and the Son and translate the  Book of Mormon by the gift and power of God.  We have living prophets on the earth today and are so grateful for their testimonies.  We loved being taught by Elder and Sister Wilson.  The work moves on.  In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Dear President Bishop, Elder and Sister Lucking;

Following is our report for the week ending November 22, 2015

 

Y/N     Action Items

_Y__   Participated in District or Zone Meeting?

_Y__   Participated in weekly planning meeting with Elders/Sisters?

_Y__   Shared a weekly report (written or verbal) with Stake President and Bishops?

1.    _0__Investigators or less-active members who accepted an invitation to meet with the Elders/Sisters.

2.    _0__Individuals in your teaching pool who received priesthood or temple ordinances.

3.    _15__Individuals in your teaching pool who attended sacrament meeting.

4.    _5__Lessons taught to investigators, less-active members, and new and returning members.

 Finding & Cultivating:  Introduced the Christmas initiative to our Ward Mission Leaders at our meeting this week.  We put a notice in the Ward Bulletins about the site and encouraged the Ward Mission Leaders to get their ward involved  One Ward is making baskets with the video and several other items in it and taking them to the prospective elders in their Ward.  Some are going to hae the HT and VT take the message and ward members to contact neighbors and less actives. 

We are starting to get a schedule for all our Wards to do real time coordinating.  This is organized for December.

Teaching:  Those we are teaching are continuing to progress and keep their commitments.  We love visiting and teaching them.  We see some temple blessings and baptisms in their near future.

Finishing to the Temple: 

Miracles experienced in the work this past week?  Two WML’s have done some real-time coordinating and have had a wonderful experience going out with the Elders and have received several teaching opportunities. 

Challenges or Help Needed? 

Testimony:  We have a strong testimony of the power of fasting.  The Lord has blessed our District and Zone as we have had special fasts for finding investigators.  So many good things have started to happen.  Several investigators have been found.  We can testify that God loves all of His children and His plan will bring us much happiness and joy.  The Prophet Joseph is God’s prophet and thru the blessings of the Lord he was able to translate the Book of Mormon which contains His gospel and teaches us what we need to do to return to Him.  In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen

President Bishop, Elder and Sister Lucking;

Following is our report for the week ending: November 29, 2015

 

Y/N     Action Items

_Y__   Participated in District or Zone Meeting?

_Y__   Participated in weekly planning meeting with Elders/Sisters?

_Y__   Shared a weekly report (written or verbal) with Stake President and Bishops?

1.    _5__Investigators or less-active members who accepted an invitation to meet with the Elders/Sisters.

2.    _0__Individuals in your teaching pool who received priesthood or temple ordinances.

3.    _14__Individuals in your teaching pool who attended sacrament meeting.

4.    _5__Lessons taught to investigators, less-active members, and new and returning members.

Finding & Cultivating:   We used the new move-in list and referral from the Bishop to go visit a new family who have a prospective elder and a 9 year old who has not been baptized and a deacon who needs to be a teacher.  We used service for a couple of less active members.  Elder Lewis helped them put up Christmas lights. 

Teaching:  Our lessons continue to be good.  People are progressing and we are using reading the Book of Mormon mentoring as taught by Elder & Sister Wilson.  It is very powerful.  We are focusing on the basics, praying, reading and coming to Sacrament meeting.

  

Finishing to the Temple:  Jan was suppose to have her last Temple Prep class today, so hopefully it will not belong until she can go to the temple again.  The Torre family want callings and to take a Temple Prep class.  Their goal is to take their family to the temple.

Miracles experienced in the work this past week?  Finding the Harrow family this week has been awesome.  The Elders have been over and the Ward is rallying around them.  They were in Church today for the three hours and the talks and Jt. RS/Priesthood was exactly what this family needed to hear, forgiveness and you don’t need to know everything to move forward with faith.

Challenges or Help Needed?  Still working on getting one family to sacrament meeting.  We are going to try taking one of them to sacrament meeting next week while the other stays home with the three little girls and then the next week take the other one.

Testimony:  What a wonderful time of year to be full of gratitude.  We are thankful for a wonderful supportive family, grandchildren who love the temple and will get up at 3 am to go and do baptisms every week, children who love the Lord and their spouses and are willing to serve in and out of the church.  We are so grateful for parents who taught us to love the Lord.  We have seen many miracles and been blessed with the knowledge and testimony that God lives and loves us.  We are so grateful for the Prophet Joseph and his translation of the Book of Mormon.  What a powerful influence it has had on our lives.  We are grateful for loving leaders who give us opportunities to serve.  We are grateful for the many things we have learned from this mission.  What a blessing to be involved with so many wonderful people in our Stake and see a few of them change their lives as they have come to again feel the great love the Savior has for them.  We know this work we are involved in is true and brings great happiness and joy into our lives.

In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Dear President Bishop, Elder and Sister Lucking;

  

Following is our report for the week ending: December 6, 2015

 

Y/N     Action Items

_Y__   Participated in District or Zone Meeting?

_Y__   Participated in weekly planning meeting with Elders/Sisters?

_&__   Shared a weekly report (written or verbal) with Stake President and Bishops?

1.    _0__Investigators or less-active members who accepted an invitation to meet with the Elders/Sisters.

2.    _0__Individuals in your teaching pool who received priesthood or temple ordinances.

3.    _17__Individuals in your teaching pool who attended sacrament meeting.

4.    ___Lessons taught to investigators, less-active members, and new and returning members.

Finding & Cultivating:  We had some great visits with week with two wards who went out on real time correlation visits.  It was awesome to see them set up visits.  We had also made up a list in case they were short.  We all split up with the Ward Mission Leaders and each visited two or three families.  It was good to have the leaders go out with us.  We all shared the #A Savior Is Born” and took a popcorn treat.  We have been working really hard with a family trying to get them to church but it didn’t happen today.  We will try again next week.  They have three children under 4 and they have 9:00 church.  Our plan is to get her to come and leave Jeff home with the kids.  Her brother, in Brazil, just passed away and it seems a good time to get her thinking about eternal families.  She had a bad night with the kids so did not get up.  We will try again next week. .  Ward councils are starting to be more supportive with names of people.  Elder Lewis went out to find the apartment of someone who was given to us.  He stopped in and the brother months ago, we could have been visiting him all this time.”

Teaching:  We have been sharing #A Savior is Born” with everyone we teach.  Progress is being made.  Our one brother Trip has an appointment with the Stake President this week.  He has committed to rebaptism in February.  Our sister who is preparing for the temple drove to Tijuana to visit the open house over Thanksgiving and had a marvelous trip with many miracles.  Reading the Book of Mormon is our main focus.

Finishing to the Temple:  We are getting close on a couple of people.

Miracles experienced in the work this past week?  Elder Lewis was able to give a blessing to one of our brothers.  When we went back he was doing much better.  A couple of the Wards are really on fire about going out and visiting.  They made up 30 baskets for their prospective elders and others in the Ward.  In Ward council each organization was eager to take them to some of the people they knew.  It was inspiring to see them all involved.  They each had a good experience.  The brother Elder Lewis found has been through some hard times, (divorce, motorcycle accident) he has been feeling alone and to be reminded that the Savior loves Him and is aware of him, was a great blessing in his life.

A WML went out on our real time correlatioin meetings and was able to get into the home of two brothers and a sister that we have been trying to get ahold of.

Lowell is excited and happy to be back on the gospel path.

Testimony:  We are grateful for the opportunity to express our love and gratitude to our Heavenly Father for the blessings of the Gospel in our lives and the lives of our children.  Our  testimonies have grown as we have taught and bore testimony of the Savior and His atonement.  It was inspiring to be taught by the Lord’s witnesses and to hear and feel their great spirit.  The gospel is true, we love the Savior and know He loves us.  We are so grateful for the Book of Mormon and the Prophet Joseph, whom we love.  We are most grateful for President Monson and all those who serve with him.  We know they are inspired and know that Jesus Christ is at the head of this Church and directs it through His living prophets.  In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

A very big thank you to President and Sister Bishop and the rest of the Presidency for the wonderful MLS dinner and program. 

Thoughts and Feelings on Mission Conference:

Some things which really touched us:  Be good—and “you are good enough”.  It was good to hear this.  As long as we are actively working on our faith by doing something good, the Lord accepts our efforts and as we do good more opportunities become available to us and we can continue to improve a little each day.  Consistency is the key.  I am determined to be faithful forever.  Learn the lesson and move on. 

Sister Bednar’s counsel to prayer for specifics.  Do not use vain repetition and have meaningful prayer with the Father. 

Something which has always been our family motto is “always say Yes”.

Loved their teaching of the Sacrament and the Sabbath day.  Some new things to think and put into effect in our lives. 

A most wonderful meeting of being taught at the feet of these Apostles and Seventies.  We feel so blessed to have been present. 

Dear President Bishop, Elder and Sister Lucking;

Following is our report for the week ending: December 13, 2015

 

Y/N     Action Items

Y___   Participated in District or Zone Meeting?

Y___   Participated in weekly planning meeting with Elders/Sisters?

Y___   Shared a weekly report (written or verbal) with Stake President and Bishops?

1.    _1__Investigators or less-active members who accepted an invitation to meet with the Elders/Sisters.

2.    _0__Individuals in your teaching pool who received priesthood or temple ordinances.

3.    _14__Individuals in your teaching pool who attended sacrament meeting.

4.    _5__Lessons taught to investigators, less-active members, and new and returning members.

Finding & Cultivating:  What a wonderful week.  We had three real time correlation meetings this week.  All were very successful.  Most of our visits were very receptive to the Savior Is Born video.  We were able to set up a teaching appointment for the Elders with an old investigator.   We spoke in two Wards today and attended a Stake Ward Council meeting and a Ward council meeting.  A great Sabbath. 

We also attended, even if just for a few minutes, five Ward Christmas parties, some breakfast and some dinners.  We took the brother who we have been visiting all year to his Ward Christmas dinner.  He had an interview with the Stake President this week and can now set up a council to be rebaptized. 

The family we have not been able to get to Church did come to their Ward Christmas party and seemed to have a great time. 

A Spanish family we met a few weeks ago have decided to continue in the English Ward so the Spanish Elders have turned them back over to our Elders.  They have a 9 year old who needs to be baptized.  His baptism is set for Dec. 26.

Teaching:  Brother Gale is progressing nicely.  He was supposed to have his patriarchal blessing on Friday.  He has accepted a calling as greeter in their Branch.  We spent time reading together from the Book of Mormon 3 Nephi this week and also took him the DVD’s from General Conference and “How Rare a Possession” to watch. 

Sister Lewis took Sister Hansen to the “Forgotten Carols” and had a good visit with her.

  

Finishing to the Temple: 

We have a few people getting ready but not quite there yet.

Miracles experienced in the work this past week?  I guess our big one is that we have been able to go out visiting with six wards so far.  They have set up the visits and we have split up and had some good visits for the Elders. 

Brother Trip is still excited about being rebaptized even though he needs to go through a court and still take care of a few things.

The Haro family is returning to the English Missionaries so they will be able to teach Abraham.

Testimony:  We are so grateful to belong to God’s true Church.  We are grateful for the Holy Ghost which continues to bear witness that the principles and doctrines we teach are true and will bring us lasting happiness.  We know personally that the Book of  Mormon has the power to change and bless lives, because it did ours.  We know President Monson is God’s true Prophet and leads and directs this Church under the direction of Jesus Christ himself.  We love the Lord and are grateful to be able to serve Him.  In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Dear President Bishop, Elder and Sister Lucking;

Following is our report for the week ending: December 20, 2015

 

Y/N     Action Items

_Y__   Participated in District or Zone Meeting?

_Y__   Participated in weekly planning meeting with Elders/Sisters?

_Y__   Shared a weekly report (written or verbal) with Stake President and Bishops?

1.    _0__Investigators or less-active members who accepted an invitation to meet with the Elders/Sisters.

2.    _0__Individuals in your teaching pool who received priesthood or temple ordinances.

3.    _12__Individuals in your teaching pool who attended sacrament meeting.

4.    _3__Lessons taught to investigators, less-active members, and new and returning members.

 Finding & Cultivating:  Real time coordination got us into many homes where we were able to share the video #A Savior Is Born.  It touches so many lives including ours.  Every time I watch it I feel the spirit.  It also gives us an opportunity to ask for referrals and gives the Elders an opportunity to go out with the Ward Mission Leaders.  I have enjoyed going with some of the sisters in the ward and I believe they see it is a good experience. 

Teaching: We feel very sad that Brent Gale, whom we have been teaching, went into the hospital and is now back at Legacy but is on hospice.  We are afraid his work will have to be done by his son and daughter-in-law.  It was good though that his son, James, Called Elder Lewis and asked him to come over and help him give Brent a blessing.  It was the first time James had given a blessing.  When his father needed one before his mother called someone else to give it.  It was a very special time.

Miracles experienced in the work this past week?  The Haro’s were transitioned back to the Elders this week from the Spanish missionaries.  Abraham is scheduled for Jan 2 with his Dad baptizing him.  The family has the goal of going to the temple.  The Torre family are helping organize a feed the homeless this week.  We see good progress with them.  Carsen, the 14 year old, is always willing to come with us to the Legacy Retirement and Care Centers.  He is a very giving young man. 

The Dearingers made it to their Ward Christmas party and had a good time. 

Testimony: We bear testimony of our Savior Jesus, Christ, that he was born in a lowly stable as foretold by prophets of all ages, he organized His gospel and called 12 apostles to carry on His work, he died and was resurrected that we might live again and be able to return to our Heavenly Father and live with Him forever.  We testify of the restoration of the gospel in our time through the Prophet Joseph Smith and we testify that he translated the Book of Mormon through the power of God.  An ancient record kept safe for our time and it now blesses our lives with the fullness of the gospel of Jesus Christ.  How grateful we are to have a small hand in this great work.  We are grateful for the privilege it has been to serve with such fine Elders and Sisters  and the wonderful Ward Bishops and Ward Mission Leaders of this stake.  It has been a great blessing and we thank Heavenly Father for it.  In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Dear President Bishop, Elder and Sister Lucking;

Following is our report for the week ending: December 27, 2015

 

Y/N     Action Items

_Y__   Participated in District or Zone Meeting?

_Y__   Participated in weekly planning meeting with Elders/Sisters?

_Y__   Shared a weekly report (written or verbal) with Stake President and Bishops?

1.    _0__Investigators or less-active members who accepted an invitation to meet with the Elders/Sisters.

2.    _0__Individuals in your teaching pool who received priesthood or temple ordinances.

3.    _11__Individuals in your teaching pool who attended sacrament meeting.

4.    _3__Lessons taught to investigators, less-active members, and new and returning members.

Finding & Cultivating:  spent the week visiting and dropping off gifts for all the people we have been teaching and encouraging.  During our visits we watched the “A Savior Is Born” and encouraged them to watch it again on Christmas Eve and the Nativity.  We were able to wish happy birthday to all the Legacy Care and Legacy Retirement people who have birthdays this week.

We had a wonderful experience at the Twin Falls Temple on Wednesday with our Granddaughter.  She was able to do all the ordinances that day.  She got up early and went to the temple with her sisters to do baptisms, then later in the day her own initiatory and endowment and then we all went in for a sealing session. 

Teaching:  We had our usual teaching appointments with the Dearingers, Lowell, and Jan.  We stopped in to see Brent several times and he is doing a little better and Elder Lewis went over the temple prep questions with him.  Progress is being made with each of them.

Miracles experienced in the work this past week?  Elder Lewis was able to help Keaton set up his patriarchal blessing appointment so he will have it before going off to BYU in January.  Brian is planning to be ready to baptize his youngest son in February when he turns 8, and Abraham is getting closer to baptism with each lesson with the Elders. 

A new MLS couple was announced in our Stake today.  We are so happy to know someone will be here to continue the work with the Elders and the Ward Mission Leaders. 

Testimony:  We bear fervent testimony that God lives and loves us.  We have felt His love as He has directed our work this last year.  What a blessing to work so closely with the Elders/Sisters.  We have learned much from them.  We bear testimony that the Book of Mormon changes and blesses our lives as we read and in turn take the lessons we learn and use them in our own lives.  We are so grateful for the Prophet Joseph and President Monson and know they direct the affairs of this Church under the direction of the Savior.  We are grateful to have had the privilege of being taught by President and Sister Chambers, Bishop and Peters.  We also feel so fortunate to have had the opportunity to be taught by living Prophets, Elder Bednar, Renlund.  It has been a wonderful month.  We are very blessed.  In the name of Jesus Christ Amen

Dear President Bishop, Elder and Sister Lucking;

  

Following is our report for the week ending: January 3, 2016

 

Y/N     Action Items

_Y__   Participated in District or Zone Meeting?

_Y__   Participated in weekly planning meeting with Elders/Sisters?

_Y__   Shared a weekly report (written or verbal) with Stake President and Bishops?

1.    _0__Investigators or less-active members who accepted an invitation to meet with the Elders/Sisters.

2.    _0__Individuals in your teaching pool who received priesthood or temple ordinances.

3.    ___Individuals in your teaching pool who attended sacrament meeting.

4.    _3__Lessons taught to investigators, less-active members, and new and returning members.

Finding & Cultivating:  Spent time going to all our less actives and inviting them to Church and wishing them a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.  Left them our testimony and invited them to watch again A Savior Is Born on Christmas eve. We attended the 8^th Ward correlation meeting today and are attending a FHE tomorrow evening.

Teaching:    We continue to see success and commitments being kept with the people we are teaching.  Lowell is continuing to progress toward baptism but is going to stumble over tithing according to the WML.  That was their lesson in SS today.  We are inviting the Elders to begin teaching him the lessons starting tomorrow. 

Brent was doing well but was put on hospice, and passed away on the 30^th so now it will up to his family to take care of his work.  They are planning to do so. He was making great progress.

The Torre Family are doing well.  Brian is preparing to baptize Cason in February. 

The Haro family are doing well.  Elder Lewis went with the missionaries to teach a lesson and Abraham is planning on baptism on the 16^th.  Tuesday Elder Lewis will go out with the Elders for real time coordination and will be teaching another lesson to Abraham.

Miracles experienced in the work this past week?  Last Sunday Elder Lewis went to visit the Torre family.  Speaking with Keaton he found that he had his recommend for his patriarchal blessing but had not called the patriarch.  Elder Lewis had him call right then and found the patriarch was going to be out of town and Keaton would be leaving for BYU in two weeks so they set up an appointment for Monday night, the patriarch wanted him to have time to fast before coming.  Elder Lewis went back to check on how it went and they said he received a wonderful blessing which should strengthen and bless Keaton as he goes off to school.

Ivan Haro is preparing to baptize his son in January.  It’s so exciting to see families growing together.

  

Challenges or Help Needed?   Lowell about the blessings of paying tithing.  He has just consolidated some bills and feels he doesn’t have enough money. 

Testimony:  This has been a wonderful and rewarding mission for us.  It has been different from any other one we have been on.  When people ask “which has been the best” we have to answer “they are all wonderful”  mostly we love the people we serve with and for.  We have met some wonderful people who will be friends forever. 

Brother Richard Romney from the 4th Ward mission leader writes for the Church magazines.  He did an article on Senior Missionaries and included us in it.  It showed up in the April 2016 Ensign.  

Serving at Home

Paul and Mar Jean Lewis from Utah had already served three missions together (Palmyra New York Temple; Hong Kong China Temple; and Croatia, Serbia, and Slovenia with seminaries and institutes). They were preparing to serve another when their stake president asked, “Would you be willing to serve right here in our own stake, supporting the mission we live in?”

(click to view larger)

“We’re new here, so it was a wonderful opportunity,” Sister Lewis says. “We serve with the young elders and sisters, have a close association with the mission president, go to district and zone meetings, and work with ward mission leaders.” They also visit investigators and those who are less active.

“We have met wonderful people we would never have known otherwise,” Sister Lewis says, “including some who have drifted off the path. To see them come back, receive ordinances, and go to the temple is a wonderful blessing.”

“Many couples, when they think about serving a mission, are worried about what they’ll do with their home and their car or what they’ll miss out on with their family,” Elder Lewis says. “We’ve been able to live in our own house and drive our own car. We are encouraged to go to family activities, as long as they don’t interfere with missionary responsibilities. And we were even here for the birth of a grandchild.”

We continue to see the Lord’s hand in preparing people to change their lives and draw closer to their Savior.  How rewarding it is to be a small part of this great work.  Our own testimonies grow stronger as we continue to rely on the Lord to guide our work.  We testify with certainty that God lives and loves His children. That Jesus is the Christ and because of His atonement we will have the opportunity to return and live with him again.  We know Joseph Smith is God’s prophet of the restoration and by the power of God he translated that wonderful book, The Book of Mormon.  We love it, it changed and blessed our lives.  What a blessing to have studied the atonement all year.  We have come to understand it better each time we study. 

What wonderful opportunities we have had to be taught by prophets of God, Elder Bednar, Elder Rendlund and Elder Halstrom.  We had a spepcial all mission conference where they taught us.  President and Sister Chambers and President and Sister Bishop and President and Sister Peters have been an inspiration and taken such good care of us.  We love the Luckings.  Their example and care over us has been remarkable.  Thank you to all of you for your love and support.

We have also been treated with such love and care from our Stake Presidency, President Soffe, President Bradshaw, whom we have worked closely with , and President Healy. Brother Steve Mabey has been wonderful help and example.  We love him and his wife and their great desire to serve. 

We have learned to love and appreciate our Ward Mission Leaders.  Bob and Kathy Howell (1) Darold Olson and Cameron (2) Rex and Ilene Mecham (3) Richard Romney (4) Jack and Marie Feldman (5) Craig Whittemore (6) Craig Rodabough, Dave Cavaness (7) Sherman and Ardeth Crump (8) Vern and Karen Wardle (9) Ron Mansen (10) Kerry Law (11)  Byron and Vera Horrocks Legacy Retirement

Last but not least the wonderful Sisters and Elders we have been able to serve with.  They are awesome missionaries and desire to serve the Lord with all their hearts.  Sister Malufau and Sister Snyder; Elder Munyer and Elder Solano; Elder Munyer and Elder Crawford; Elder Koo and Elder Crawford; Elder Baptista and Elder Reams; Elder Schafer and Elder Reams.

We thank the Lord for this opportunity to serve in His vineyard and look forward to many more opportunities.  We love the Lord and desire to do His will.  In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Elder & Sister Lucking, We will see you at the MLS meeting on the 20^th. 

Some of our successes: Ben & Annette Kerbs (4th Ward) going to the South Jordan Temple to be sealed as a family (3 children).  Lowell Tripp reading Book of Mormon and praying and being rebaptized. Bryan and Stacey Torre Family,( 1st Ward) (Keaton, Kennedy, Carson, Cayden and Kason); Trimmers, Cindy and mother Carrie (5th Ward); Millar family with 5 boys (5th Ward); Peggy and Jim Smith (8th Ward); Heaather & Justin McDonnel (1st Ward) baby blessed; Nathan Liddiard YSA (4th Ward); Steve Zell (9th Ward); Ron Zeller (9th Ward) Sebastian Aauva (3rd Ward); Jan Hansen (1st Ward)  received her temple recommend; Woody Woodraska (6th Ward); 8 year old baptisms and birthday calls to All Stake members and visits to Legacy House and Legacy Retirement.

We were released from our mission on January 5 by President Soffe and President Healy.  They expressed their gratitude for our service and we expressed our love for the people of the River Ridge Stake.  

This was a great mission.  We came to love and know many members of the River Ridge Stake.  Some great and wonderful people here.  We are very blessed. 

We also were able to live at home and be of help to Kelly with the new baby, Blake.  We were also able to attend the AR Anderson Reunion and the Raymond Anderson reunions in 2015.  We were able to attend many of the grandsons football, soccer and basketball games and occasionally get to Idaho to see Kimberly's kids perform and play.  

The week after our mission ended Paul and I left for a cruise out of Ft. Lauderdale for two weeks to the Eastern and Western Caribbean and then we spent one week in Orlando.  We were able to attend the Ft. Lauderdale Temple and the Orlando temple several times.  We went to Disney World, Epcot Center and Wild Kingdom.

We came back in time for Lowell Trip's baptism on February 25, 2016. 

April 10, 2016

Today is a red letter day to remember.  Even though our mission is officially over we have seen many wonderful successes.  It started out with Kimberly, Mallorie and Braydon coming for the weekend and watching Mallorie perform in a dance competition.  

Sunday morning we went to the 2nd Ward Sacrament meeting where Jeff and Danielle Deariinger blessed their baby daughter Sophia Elizabeth Dearinger.  Jeff was able to bless her and gave a wonderful blessing.  Paul and Elder Demke and Elder Reams stood in the circle.  Mar Jean bore her testimony along with Sister Demke about the blessings that will come into the lives of this family.  We went over after Church to visit and have a little lunch.  In our building we saw Lowell Trip.  He wanted to know where he should read now that he has finished with Alma.  I said we will just continue on with Helaman and we will come over Tuesday evening for a visit.  He is doing so well, Heavenly Father is really blessing him.  From there we went to the Legacy rehab to take Kim Higgins to Church.  He is in the memory loss section but he was willing to go to Church with us at the facility.  He enjoyed it very much.  We have been trying to get him to Church all year and he finally made it.  We then stopped to see Jack Woldberg who is now 96.  He said no one had been calling or stopping to see him.  He doesn't have a phone now and it is hard to tell if no one has been by or he just doesn't remember.  We are going to try to find Jay and Nancy Larsen for him and go back to visit.  

From there we went to Pat and Jerry Jackmans home down by the Zoo.  We served with them in Palmyra in 2007.  We couldn't find them for the reunion held last Thursday.  Pat was home and we had a nice visit.  Jerry is at St. Marks in the rehab until Wednesday.  He had another stroke three weeks ago.  He is very coherent and we stopped by to see him after leaving Pat.  We hope to get back before we leave for Manhattan.  Paul then went to visit Nathan Liddiard who wondered where he had been all this time and he said he would go to Legacy to church next week with him.  Nathan is 22 and in the 4th Ward.  He also stopped to see Woody Woodraska who is doing well.  He has 3 of Paul's names that need initiatory done so they may go together to do them.  



All in all it has been a wonderful day.  The Lord continues to bless us with wonderful friends and family.  Thank you Lord for all your blessings.  

Mission Tour with Elder Larry Wilson

In the April Ensign 2016 there is an article written by Richard Romney about Senior Missionaries.  We have a section in it.  

Serving at Home   Paul and Mar Jean Lewis from Utah had already served three missions together (Palmyra New York Temple; Hong Kong China Temple; and Croatia, Serbia, and Slovenia with seminaries and institutes). They were preparing to serve another when their stake president asked, “Would you be willing to serve right here in our own stake, supporting the mission we live in?”

“We’re new here, so it was a wonderful opportunity,” Sister Lewis says. “We serve with the young elders and sisters, have a close association with the mission president, go to district and zone meetings, and work with ward mission leaders.” They also visit investigators and those who are less active.

“We have met wonderful people we would never have known otherwise,” Sister Lewis says, “including some who have drifted off the path. To see them come back, receive ordinances, and go to the temple is a wonderful blessing.”

“Many couples, when they think about serving a mission, are worried about what they’ll do with their home and their car or what they’ll miss out on with their family,” Elder Lewis says. “We’ve been able to live in our own house and drive our own car. We are encouraged to go to family activities, as long as they don’t interfere with missionary responsibilities. And we were even here for the birth of a grandchild.”

February 2015

Elder Banks, District Leader SJ 

 Aren't these missionaries incredible.  I am blown away by how diligent and faithful they are.  At our last zone meeting of 150 missionaries Pres. Chambers set up an investigator and called on Elders and Sisters out of the audience to teach the Restoration so eight of them were called on cold.  They did so well, they just amaze me.  Sister Snyder got transferred after 7 months here.  She is in Riverton.  We now have Sister Gull who goes home next month.  They had a three some for two weeks because Sister Famutau was without a companion and she had a car so we don't see so much of our Sisters.  Kind of miss that.  

Sister Snyder (CA), Sister Malufau (HI)

We are continuing to receive MLS training every Thursday.  It's really good.  We have it for 8 weeks and then we meet as all MLS couples once a month.  There are 45 of us now.  

We have started to get some of our own people to visit and teach.  We have been going to all the Ward Conferences and are starting to attend many of the Ward Council and Ward Missionary Correlation meetings.  We also have Stake Missionary meetings twice a month.  The Ward Mission Leaders are very faithful.  Brother Mabey, the High Council member over Missionary, is excellent.  

We are meeting some wonderful people and see little miracles everyday as the Lord hastens this work.  

Have you read "The Power of Everyday Missionaries" by Clayton M. Christensen?  It is excellent and has many wonderful ideas on how to invite etc.  You can get it on ebook for $6 or at Seagull for $10 softback.  Well worth the read.  I understand he also has a web site where people can send in their experiences.  

Met President Aki while he was at the Roots Conference

The Collins are coming March 23 to pick up Elder Collins.  They will stay with us for part of their stay.  We are looking forward to seeing them.  Isn't FB wonderful as a way to keep in touch with these wonderful people?  Kristy Ann is looking so much healthier.  

It has been cold here but sunny and we did get a little snow over the weekend but still looks like spring and all the flowers and trees are thinking it is.  We will probably lose a whole crop of fruit.  

Elder Hamilton and Elder Wifloke (Sweden) 

Pre MTC, MTC & First Week as Missionaries

As soon as we received our call we jumped right in.  We first visited the Mission Office where we met the office couples, Elder & Sister Hall, Elder & Sister Mortimer, and Elder & Sister DuPaix.  We made a connection right off.  Elder & Sister DuPaix's son and family are in our Ward.  Their grandson is friends with our grandson, Robbie.  We found out while at the office that there was a MLS (Member Leadership Support) Training meeting coming up, a Christmas Devotional we were invited to and we went out with the Sister Missionaries on one of their visits.

Elder Collins, his Dad was our Branch President in Hong Kong

Our Sister Missionaries, Sister Malyfau and Sister Snyder 

At the MLS meeting we met the other 45 couples who are serving in the Utah Salt Lake City South Mission.  What an inspiring group of seniors.  They all sounded so positive and happy about what they were doing.  That gave us confidence.  The Christmas Devotional was inspirational.  Only half of the mission was there because there are so many of them they had to have two devotionals.

We spent Christmas Eve with Rob & Kelly and Rob's family.  Lisa, his sister, had planned a wonderful dinner and then a great program for the kids to participate in.  The children acted out the nativity and then we had games and fun all evening long.

Christmas Day we watched Kelly and Rob's family open their presents and then after a few hours they took off for Island Park.  We came the next day.  We were able to stop at the Ogden Temple and do a session then headed on to Idaho Falls where we stopped to visit Dick and Laurna Lundberg and finally arrived at the cabin around 6 pm.

We had a great week with all the family at Island Park.  Kimberly and Gary and family and us stayed at the cabin.  Kory and Katie stayed at the condo and Kelly and Rob stayed at another condo.  The  kids kept moving around each evening and enjoyed being with their cousins.  The big boys went out snowmobiling every day.

Gary, Kory and Rob

On our way home we stopped in Idaho Falls to see my niece, Marcy and her family.  She had her baby while visiting Mike's family in Afton Wyoming.  An ambulance had to come and get Marcy and the baby and take them to Idaho Falls.  He was six weeks early.  All is well and they are home now.

We also got to watch Kory's boys play some basketball.  Actually six of our grandsons are playing at the moment.

Grandpa and Josh

Gage and Grandma

Grandpa and Tyler

JANUARY 5, 2015 ENTERED THE PROVO MTC

January 4, 2015 we were set apart as missionaries by President Kurt Soffe.  Robbie came with us which was very special.

  Bro. Maby, President Bradshaw, Paul, President Soffe, President Heally, Robbie and Mar Jean 

We arrived at the MTC Monday Morning for orientation.  We had to have our favorite picture taken in front of the missionaries on bikes.  

Utah Salt Lake City South Mission

President & Sister Robert Chambers, our Mission President

During a couple of lunch breaks we were able to visit with Davor Bzik and his family who are at BYU working on a Masters degree in Engineering.  We know them from our Croatia mission..

Davor and Edita and their two boys

We also got to see Nickola Stan who was in Serbia when we served there.  He is working on a PhD in Engineering.

Nickola, Paul, Mar Jean 

The MTC was another marvelous experience.  This time our emphasis was on teach the person not the lesson.  We had some great experiences with our role playing.  We did four of them and came away a great feeling that the Spirit was there and directed our teaching.  

We had 54 couples and a few single sisters in our group.  We were then put into a District with seven couples and two morning teachers and two afternoon teachers.  One couple was gone for language immersion, Another couple left on Thursday for Moscow, Russia and the Petts got sick the last day.  

Elder & Sister Lewis in this one.

Our District was made up of:  Elder & Sister Allan, Gilbert AZ, Horns, West Indies, Ure, Moscow Russia, Pett, Malad Idaho, Kessel, Tallahassee Florida, and Kitchen, Wichita, Kansas.  Most are MLS missionaries but one office couple and one "Just Serve" and one housing missionaries.

Our invitation is to invite others to come unto Christ by helping them receive the restored gospel through faith in Jesus Christ and His atonement, repentance, baptism, receive the gift of the Holy Ghost and endurie to the end.

We learned 1) listen and get to know them.  State what our expectations are and what they expect from us.  2) How to teach and commit  3) What to teach--teach to their needs 4) Commitment -- direct questions, promise blessings, and bare testimony  5) adapt to meet their needs  6)Invite  7) follow up.

We went home the first night and then the rest of the week we stayed at Kory and Katie's each evening. 

On Tuesday evening we stayed for the Devotional.  Sister Bonnie Oscarson spoke.  We received great training all week and loved the young teachers who were very good.  

HOME IN THE MISSION FIELD

Sunday we attended two Ward Conferences and got to meet many people.  Monday we met with President and Sister Chambers and received instruction from them.  President Bishop, 1st Counselor will be over the MLS couples.  He gave us direction.  He said President Monson talked about the hastening of the work two years ago and then he had us read Alma 23:5 and then 4.  It talks about all the thousands that Ammon and his brethren converted to the gospel and then we go back and read verse 4 and find out that it wasn't just them but they consecrated priests and teachers to  help with the work. Most of our calling is to encourage members to step forward and invite their friends and neighbors to listen to the gospel message.  It's pretty exciting work to be involved in. 

Monday night we were invited into President and Sister Bradshaws home to tell  them what we learned in the MTC and how they can be better missionaries.  They are an incredible family who are wonderful at inviting and shepherding others.  We are blessed to know them.  President Bradshaw is the counselor over Missionary work.

FIRST DISTRICT MEETING

1st Row: Elder & Sister Pilcher, Elder Rahaufe, Elder Hamilton, Elder Banks 2nd Row: Sister Fameitau, Sister Malyfau, Sister Aldridge, Sister Snyder, Sister  & Elder Fau a'alo,, Elder & Sister Lewis, Sister & Elder Simpson, Elder Wehlofe

We are in  the  South Jordan #1 District with Elder Banks as our District Leader.  We had an incredible meeting today.  There are four couples and four young companionship.  They did a great job at teaching.  Our focus this week is invite and follow up.  We did some roll plays and Elder Lewis and I did pretty good.  We look forward to working with these wonderful people.  

The gospel of Jesus Christ has been restored upon the earth again.  How blessed we are to have this witness that God loves us and all His children and He desires that each of them have an opportunity to hear and live the gospel so we can return to live with him again.  Let us keep the covenants we have made with Him.