Ukraine Missionaries

Elders Bickham, Johnson, Snow, Nielsen

These great missionaries who have been visa waiters servinig here for this past transfer leave in the morning for the Ukraine.  They've had quite the experience.  All were called to serve in Russia.  In the MTC they were changed to the Ukraine and then because of visas were assigned to the California Ventura Mission.  We thought they would be here for months waiting for their visas.  They are excited to be going to the Ukraine so we are happy for them.  We will miss them.

AMA

Today we met Elder and Sister Anderson.  He is the area medical doctor for our mission.  We've spoken to him many times on the phone so it was wonderful to put a face to the voice. He and his wife met with us and our nurse,
Sister Hardy. 

MLC 2

Today we started by having breakfast at the mission home.  We enjoyed "kneaders french toast." We drove to the mission office for our mission leadership council.  

President Felix spoke about Jethro counseling Moses in not doing it all by himself!

Each missionary shared what changes they have made in extending commitments.  This was a follow up because of zone conferences.  

The baptisms for September were 17 and our goal was 19.  

We had a great council on monthly baptismal zone goals, having sports nights, Halloween, and lunch hours.

President Felix trained on ward councils.  He invited the missionaries when they attend ward council to be prepared, be on time, be familiar with the ward mission plan, follow up on assignments received, review baptismal candidates, review progress of new and returning members, and ALWAYS keep information confidential.

Lunch was very yummy which Sister Floyd and Sister Hardy prepared.  We enjoyed the pulled pork sandwiches, beans, pasta salad, watermelon and banana splits.

Sister and Elder Floyd, Sister and Elder Hardy

Elders Carpenter, Peterson, Allison, Taufatofua, Hermanas Peterson, Kneip, Elders Huston, Summers

Sisters Capener, Campbell, VanDerWatt, King, Elders Willis, Rosenlof

Elders Gemar, Summers, Weiss, Peisley, Hermanas Scott, Wright

Elders Davis, Hales, DuPlessis, Peart, VanScholcteren, Campbell, President Felix

We resumed after lunch and Elder Weiss and Elder Summers did a presentation on attitude.    We addressed what causes us to have bad attitudes and popped a balloon for those mentioned to get rid of the bad attitude.

President Nelson in conference said "Saints can be happy under any circumstance. For latter--day Saints, Jesus is joy!"  Attitude is everything and being positive makes a big difference.

President Felix trained on leadership in the Church.  

Principles of Gospel leadership:  1.  Prepare spiritually.  

2.  Participate in councils.  3.  Minister to others.  4.  Teach the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  5.  Administer

Missionary leadership:  1.  Opportunities to serve.  

2.  Companionship is the basic unit of missionary service  

3.  Assignment to serve as a leader is a sacred trust.  

4.  Seek to lift, encourage, inspire and bless.  

5.  Faith, repentance, keep convenants, follow the 

Holy Ghost.

Responsibilities:  1.  Represent mission president.  2.  Convey information and direction.  3.  Inspire others and enourage obedience.  4.  Help missionaries be more powerful and fruitful.  5.  Teach other missionaries.  6.  Assist with progress of missionaries.  7.  Share with mission president information needed.   8.  Correct missionary conduct as needed.

The three missionaries that will be departing this transfer bore testimony.  Such wonderful elders -- Rosenlof, Peterson, and Summers.

We interacted to edify by sharing what we felt from the meeting.  I wish those reading this blog were able to be there. It is truly amazing hearing from each of the missionaries. 

President Felix and Elder Taufatofua are both wearing black striped suits and paisley ties.  Elder T has wanted to wear this at the same time; and today it finally turned out.

Mini Mission

Elders Rosenlof, Anglin, Willis

Elder Anglin did a 3 week mini mission and was a companion to Elders Rosenlof and Willis.  He is now ready to serve in Colorado.

Remember

President Felix shared the following poem with the missionaries this morning in his letter to them.  He said "Remember that President Felix always says that you are a missionary in all places, in all things and at all times." 

Someone is watching and this is a fact.

Someone will copy the way that you act.

So use this motto and put it to use.

Be someone's example and not their excuse.

Follow Up Training

Our first follow up training with all elders and no sisters.

There was good discussion today when the new missionaries met with President and Sister Felix and the trainers met with the assistants.

Challenges that the new missionaries expressed was getting the 2nd lesson.  They are able to give the first lesson but harder to continue on.  Surprised that people would not keep their appointments and not answering their doors even though people were inside.

Not too much was expressed regarding conflicts with their companions.  They realize that communication is everything.  If there is a problem or situation, they need to discuss it. There is frustration with the lack of finding and teaching. In 12 week lessons, opportunity for EDPEPs (role playing) has been utilized which is great.

The tripan of Elders Anderson, Still, and Dewey

This is a kind of  "Where's Waldo" (or your missionary) picture.

After training -- fruit slush and chocolate chip cookies were available.

New Missionary

Elder Still arrived from Canada today.  We've been excited to meet him. 

 Before driving to the mission office we went to lunch at Pepes. 

 He was able to experience the Cross and jump having both feet in the mission. 

We drove to the mission office.  Elder Still met his companions and filled out some paper work.  Timing was great because the zone was having an activity at the church and he was able to join in. He and his companions will be back tomorrow for follow up training.