Happiness is being with missionaries in the California Riverside Mission

Dusk at the Mission Home

We can only describe the last two weeks as being busy, busy, busy! We believe firmly the best time we have in the mission field is being with missionaries. They are wonderful. They are smart. They are spiritual. They have testimonies. They are innovative. They want to serve the Lord. They want to do good things. They want to progress and grow. They are some of the finest young men and women in the entire world.

Sister Hammon talking to sister missionaries in the Corona Stake.

We had two missionaries leave us in mid-transfers: Elder Wilder who is returning to Puerto Rico after having blessed our mission since the hurricanes; and Elder Hofer who is returning home to repair a torn ACL. What wonderful missionaries they are! We will miss them both.

Elder Wilder and Elder Hofer

Elders Rivas, Royce, Sorensen; President Hammon, Elders Balls, Wilder, and Hofer

Over the past few weeks, we have interviewed about 165 missionaries in ten zones, located in Riverside/Mt. Rubidoux/La Sierra, Jurupa, Menifee, Moreno Valley, Hemet/San Jacinto, Corona, and Lake Elsinore. Think of it this way: I meet with each set of zone leaders for 15 minutes to discuss their zone, goals, miracles, and challenges. Then, I meet with each missionary for about 15 minutes. This time we discuss their vulnerability plan they create as they begin using their smartphones (more on this later). We have time to discuss other goals, how they are getting along with their companions, and answer any questions they might have. Just do the math: 165 missionaries x 15 minutes each + ten zones x 15 each = 45-50 hours of interviews, not counting the drive time and the time that I go over. We do this every six weeks. I can tell you it is some of the best time spent with missionaries, getting to know them, hearing about their great miracles, understanding their challenges, feeling of their incredible spirit, laughing and crying with them, and listening to the testimonies. These interviews are enlightening and revelatory.

Vulnerability Plan

Vulnerability Plan

We are transitioning to a technology/smartphone mission. During the last Mission Leadership Council (MLC) in March, the members of the MLC received their phones and download the approved apps and began utilizing them in proselyting. They have been using them in unique and spiritual ways. More will be coming as we maneuver forward. Plus, during interviews, we handed out the phones that had arrived from parents and others to the missionaries. 

Elder Castro: "I think if we push this button, it should do what we want it to do."

Sisters Carson, DiPietro, and Begay: "Seriously, we are trying to figure out these phones."

Elders Frisby and Tippetts: "Are you sure that's how
we are supposed to download these apps?"

While I interviewed, they downloaded the approved apps, cleaned up or created their Facebook pages. Some were very tenuous about this. One of the missionaries refused to open his telephone box while he was at interviews. Our understanding is he is now using it. The bottom line is this: They should only be using their smartphones when they are engaging in their missionary purpose. Nothing more. Nothing less.

Elder Hansen and Sisters Bartschi and Mackley: "Try this number, Elder McCracken..."
as these three try to figure out phones and register them with Elder McCracken in the Office

Elders Herald, Overman, and Jensen: "We think we know what we are doing.
It's been so long since we touched one of these things. It's a bit scary!"

We also had Mission Leadership Council this past week. President Norman, from the Mission Presidency, discussed “Divine Discipline” and they can correct in a kind and loving way. After discussion “Accountability: The Lord’s Way,” I trained on the “Patterns of Obedience.” We spent lots of time on “Area Book Planner,” a new app that goes with our transition to technology. It is an amazing app that will truly revolutionize how they input and download information about their investigators and others. Plus, they will be able to use Facebook to help them with their missionary purpose. We had a delightful time—almost an overload of information. At least, Sister Hammon and I felt overloaded.

Missonary Leadership Council (MLC)--Incredible leaders!

Plus, we had our Trainee and Trainer Training this week as well. The new missionaries are here for approximately four weeks, and we bring them back into to receive additional training. After a light breakfast of bagels, yogurt, oranges, and orange juice, Sister Hammon trained on “The Purpose of Missionary Work; the Assistants trained “Companion Study and Inventory”; and I trained on “Expectations of Trainees,” “Obedience,” and “Centering your Lives on Christ.” Among the many quotes we all shared, one from Sister Wilson, one of our sister missionaries, is simple, yet profound and poignant: "I believe when we are obedient it makes it easier for God to grant us miracles!” I, too, believe that as we are obedient, miracles will flow into our lives, many small and some larger—but all wonderful.

Newest missionaries (trainees) and their companions. We are excited to have them here!

We had two of our missionaries return to their mission with their families. Sister Harris returned with her mother, younger sister, and younger brother. Elder Maughan brought his mother and father to the mission. I don’t know if there is a better way to tell someone about your mission than to show them where you served and meet the people you taught, baptized, and served.

The Harris Family 

The Maughan family 

 Spring has sprung in southern California! The orange trees are in bloom. The aroma from the blossoms is hard to explain. If I could build an app that would encase you in the smell, you would just stand there and soak in the smell. It is wonderful! Plus, some of the trees still have oranges on them as they bloom. 

Orange blossoms--They smell heavenly!

Mother nature is amazing! You have to applaud while simultaneously standing in “wondrous awe” of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, the Creator and Organizer of the world. The Creation is truly an amazing blessing and miracle for all the world to see.