New missionaries are here!

Incoming missionaries: July 16 and 17, 2018

Change is always delightful and worrisome. As the outgoing missionaries returned to their homes and families, we received incoming missionaries who have left their families and the MTC. With 27 missionaries leaving and 15 new missionaries arriving, our Mission changed drastically, and this transfer was an extensive transfer. Here are some data points:

1.  Twenty-seven (27) missionaries went home.
2. Two (2) zones collapsed: La Sierra into the Jurupa Zone; San Jacinto into the Hemet Zone.
3. Eight (8) areas collapsed.
4. Fifteen (15) new missionaries, five of them visa waiters.
5. Fifteen (15) new trainers.
6. Two (2) new trainers to finish training.
7. One (1) new assistant.
8. Three (3) new zone leaders.
9. Four (4) new sister training leaders.
10. Seven (7) new district leaders.
11. Thirteen (13) double ins (new companions, new areas)
12. Sixty-five (65) missionary changes

We welcomed 15 new missionaries to our Mission. It is good to see all of them: Hermanas Brown, Christensen, and Ruben came on Monday night from the Mexico MTC and began working immediately. Sisters Grant, Andersen, Rane, Schmutz, Tanner, Weston, Ashby; 

Elders Davis and Briggs, Assistants holding the Banner. Front: Sisters Ashby, Weston, Grant, Schmutz,
Rane, Andersen, and Tanner; Back: Elder Tippetts (back from an illness), President Hammon, and Elder Chapman

and Elders Flint, Pyper, Sharp, and Wilkinson all came Tuesday evening on two separate flights.

Elders Davis and Briggs, Assistants holding the banner with Elders Wilkinson, Sharp, Pyper, and Flint

We had an incredible orientation time with them and the new trainers. After a meal of sandwiches and scotch-a-roos, we gathered in the Chapel where I made the assignments of who their new trainer were going to be. Then, the incoming missionaries bore strong testimonies of why they were here and the truthfulness of the Gospel. Here are the summaries: 

Hna. Schmutz—“I know this is where I need to be. God is in the details.”

Hermanas Stettler and Schmutz (new)

Hna. Rane—“I have always had a testimony. He has prepared a way for me.”

Hermanas Rane (new) and Peters

Hna. Grant—"“God loves every one of us. We are here for a reason. There are so many lives that we are going to bless.”

Hermanas Whitaker and Grant (new)

S. Tanner—“I love this gospel, the Book of Mormon, and the Prophet.”

Sisters Bryant and Tanner (new)

S. Andersen—“Through charity and the Spirit, we can be the most powerful teachers.”

Sisters Andersen (new) and Parker

S. Weston—“Every single doubt or question for has been answered in the MTC. I want to scream that the Church is true.”

Hermanas Weston (new) and Maxfield

S. Ashby—“I am so excited to teach the gospel in my native tongue.” Sister Ashy is a visa waiter, waiting to go to Taiwan.

Sisters Ashby and Peterson

Hna. Christensen—“I know the gospel is true with all my heart.”

Hermanas Christensen and Troncoso

Hna. Ruben—“I realized we’re not alone. The Spirit is always with us.”

Hermanas Chase and Ruben (new)

Hna. Brown—“I have been waiting to serve my mission since I was a little girl.”

Hermanas Esplin and Brown (new)

E. Pyper—“Through Jesus Christ, we can do all things. Jesus loves each one of us.”

Elders Pyper and Sanchez

E. Sharp—“I know the Church is true. Plan of Salvation is our plan of happiness and is meant for all of us. I feel I am meant to be here.”

Elders Treviño and Sharp (new)

E. Wilkinson—“God has a hand in all things. God knows us individually.”

Elders Wilkinson (new) and Jensen

E. Flint—“I felt the love of Jesus Christ. We can find hope, and I am excited to share it.”

Elders Lawlor and Flint

E. Chapman—“The Church is God’s church restored in the last days.”

Elders Gregory and Chapman (new)

Once we finished with these beautiful testimonies, we took pictures of everyone, and away they went with their new companions off to their areas of service. They were all excited to go. They will all do well.

We also had District Leader Training this week. It was good to see eight new district leaders and 12 current district leaders on Thursday. We spent a bit of time on “Becoming Leaders, Understanding the Importance of Your District Leader Calling, and Working in District Councils.” The Assistants discussed “Gaining trust of members and missionaries,” “Kind and Judicious Correction,” “District Councils,” “Personal Priesthood Interviews,” “Completing Nightly Calls,” and “Missionary Accountability.” We also worked as a council of district leaders to revise the “Mission Training Plan.” Be sure to download a copy from the portal. We ended with teaching the district leaders how to conduct a baptismal interview with all of its nuances.

District Leaders

Plus, we have had a few baptisms to top off the week. We love to see people come unto Christ! 

It truly was a week of comings and goings. Lots of tears were shed this week, both because people were leaving and coming but also for those missionaries who returned to their families. We are so happy for the new missionaries who arrived this week, despite a variety of itinerary changes. They are here, safe and sound. Despite the many changes, we have great faith and confidence in our missionaries as they move to their areas, acclimate to their new surroundings, and take on the challenges of being doubled in or receiving a new assignment or becoming a leader. It’s all new but should be exciting! It’s all about choice and doing and relying the Lord’s will.

Mission Completed!

Redlands Temple

The days have flown by since the last blog. I will use this space to write about the outgoing missionaries and then the blog that follows about the new missionaries coming in.

We had a Mission Leadership Council (MLC), the last for several missionaries who are going home. We talked about “Living up to Your Potential,” “Ministering to Your Zone Members,” “Working with Ward Councils,” and “Being Accountable.”

MLC July 2018

MLC....Elder Royce with his thumb up

One of the most difficult things we do is to say goodbye to outgoing missionaries. We bid a teary, happy, fond farewell to the 27 missionaries who are going home to their families! Prior to their going, I sat down with each one of them to review their My Plans, their post-mission strategic plan. All of them have planned well and know what they are going to do.  

All outgoing

As part of the outgoing missionary plan, we are able to go to the Redlands Temple with them. The Redland Temple was beautiful and peaceful. Outgoing included: Sisters Palmer, Harper, Hernández, Ruggles, Tonini, and Wilson; Elders Medearis, Cox, Steed, Frisby, de Mare, Hale, Lewis, Watson, Tobiasson, Osberg, Dew, Balls, Sorensen, Bailey, Holyoak, McCracken, Eldridge, Avei, Holloway, Rose, and Day. The session was packed. I greeted them as they each walked in. What a wonderful feeling it was to greet each of them. There is something celestial about doing this. When Sister Hammon came in, she went around and shook the hands of the elders and hugged the sisters. What a great day. Later, we all went outside and took pictures.

All of the missionaries at the Redlands Temple

Twenty-seven missionaries came for their last supper, testimony, and companion study with me. I met with a few of them around 3:00-4:00 as I did my last exit interview with them. It was a bit teary. Dinner was delightful! The Tenorio family came and prepared street tacos outside. Delicious! We ate until our hearts content. No records of eating street tacos were broken, but Elder Hale ate 12 tacos, just one shy of the record. We’ll see what happens to the records next outgoing.

Sisters Powell and Davis, Elders Powell and Davis, and Brother Smalley. 

The testimony meeting was sensational. Because there were so many of them, they were admonished to deliver “short and powerful” testimonies, and they did.

• E. de Mare—“We come to know our Savior more. Our goal is to become like He is.”
• E. Sorensen—“I learned how much God cares for us and helps us improve. My greatest miracle: How Heavenly Father has helped me change through the Atonement of Jesus Christ.”
• E. Balls—I have seen many miracles. My great miracle: How Heavenly Father has put people in my path to help me.”
• Hna. Tonini—“I know Jesus is the Christ. I am learning to become like Him.”
• Hna. Harper—“Christ is my best friend. He overcame all. Have I not reason to rejoice because of my mission?”
• Hna. Hernández—“My mission has become the most sacred and powerful time in my life. Jesus Christ and my mission have transformed my soul. I am returning home a different person.”
• S. Palmer—“I felt the Savior by my side. He has taken my burdens away from me.”
• S. Ruggles—“I have said so many prayers of gratitude for this past transfer.”
• S. Wilson—“I have been able to act as Heavenly Father’s hands. He can help us become mighty.”
• E. Hale—“I don’t want to take off the tag. It will be written on my heart forever.”
• E. Steed—“If we hearken to His Spirit, it will nudge us to do good things. The Atonement of Jesus Christ covers everything.”
• E. Cox—“I have thought a lot about Jesus Christ. His hand is in all things.”
• E. Holloway—“My mission has prepared me for service. This mission has improved my life.”
• E. Frisby—“The biggest thing I learned  is how much my weaknesses and shortcomings can be taken care of through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. As long as Christ is by my side, everything will work out.”
• E. Rose—“I love another chance to bear my testimony. I cannot deny how I feel about the Book of Mormon.”
• E. Lewis—“I have received an extra dose of the Holy Ghost. I know Jesus Christ lives.”
• E. Bailey—“I am so thankful for Heavenly Father helping me through the mission. I stand as a witness because I have felt the Holy Ghost.”
• E. Osberg—“The Gospel makes us happier people. I have trials, so I can learn from them. I am so grateful to have made eternal friends.”
• E. Eldridge—“Every person in the world has a whole set of experiences. Christ is the way, the truth, and the life.”
• E. Dew—“All things we have done have prepared us for the decades to come. We have divine potential.”
• E. Tobiasson—“We have been able to share the message to help our brothers and sisters to know the truth they once knew.”
• E. Watson—“It’s been a long two years; it’s been a short two years. Serving has been the best two years.”
• E. Medearis—“I know why I am here. I need to embrace my Savior. It’s been an uphill battle, but it has been marvelous.”
• E. Holyoak—“Before the mission, I sometimes ask: What is the gospel? The answer was simple: scriptures and stuff. I know so much more now.”
• E. Avei—“True change can only occur through sacrifice. My mission has done great things for me.”
• E. McCracken—“I can grow my own testimony now instead of just relying on my parents’ testimony.”
• E. Day—“What inspires you? Great miracles have happened. The missionaries inspired us to return to Church.”

All of our assistants who have served with us:
Elders Sorensen, Balls, Dew, and President and Sister Hammon

All former assistants leaving for home, plus Elders Davis and Briggs, our current assistants

After the testimony meeting, we had companionship study with each other. We again searched the topic “light.” I love this topic because it “enlighteneth” our minds and souls. We had a great discussion about light and how it helps us see things we have never seen before because it enlarges our thoughts. We spent a bit of time in Doctrine and Covenants 50, 88, and 93. Once we finished, they all went to their respective places to spend the night. Twelve elders came to our home to sleep. They were scattered everywhere on the floor and in the bedrooms.

All outgoing missionaries

Breakfast came early! We rose early, readied ourselves, and then trundled down to the Grand Building where we had a lovely breakfast. Then, we began loading the luggage into the many vehicles. Think of it: 27 missionaries x 3 items each = 81 pieces of luggage. We had lots of places and spaces for the luggage. One member, Brother Keating, brought his truck to help us with the luggage.

Luggage being loaded

We dropped most everyone off at Terminal 2. It was a tough goodbye. Tears were shed by many of us. We couldn’t believe how sad their leaving made us. These missionaries have become part of our family. Like any family leaving, we were saddened; yet, we did feel joy that they were going home to see their families whom they haven’t seen for two years or 18 months. It will be a glorious reunion for sure.

And away they go!

We want to thank all of outgoing missionaries for their missionary service and for being such great examples and leaders in the California Riverside Mission. Their incredible legacies will live on! Their missionary service has literally prepared them for their next transfer. Their gospel foundation has increased. Their testimonies have grown and are strong. They are becoming who they need to become. Thus, our message to them is this: Follow your My Plan, stay close to the Lord and Heavenly Father, and stay on the covenant path. If you do, the Lord will bless you exceedingly.

Learning together to center our lives on Christ and walk with God!

In our backyard, hanging over the fence from the neighbor's yard. Thanks for sharing!

Our past two weeks have been filled with interviews and multi-zone conferences. As Sister Hammon and I concluded the last multi-zone conference (MZC) on Friday and were driving home, we just looked each other and said, “What an incredible week at multi-zone conferences.” 

Mt Rubidoux Zone

The spirit was strong in each of them; the music was spectacular; and participation was outstanding; and the tears were plentiful. We were amazed with the trainings the zone leaders, sister training leaders, and outgoing missionaries gave. It was a huge learning experience to know our Mission is in good hands, and the outgoing are leaving an enormous legacy for all of us to follow and emulate. President Norman and President Hansen gave highly inspirational messages about loving God with all of our hearts.

Moreno Valley Zone

The conference was replete with incredible diverse topics? Some of them were taught at every MZC, and others were taught during specific MZCs by specific zone and sister training leaders and outgoing missionaries.

Riverside Zone

“Sacrifice vs. Consecration and Sanctification”

“Setting up, following up, and assessing goals”

“Preach My Gospel: following patterns”

“Adjusting to Missionary Life”

“We make Christ our Center by loving Him with all our hearts”

“Enduring to the end by Walking with God”

Walking with God and enduring to the end comments from missionaries

Walking with God and enduring to the end comments from missionaries

“Disciples of Christ”

“Being diligent with an eye of faith”

“Finding the elect”

“Have we not reason to rejoice?”

“Urgency of the work”

“Asking inspired questions”

“Bold but not overbearing + Persistence”

“Street contacting using 2 Nephi 25:26”

“Elevated home visits”

“Increasing our access to Christ's Grace through believing in Christ”

Hemet Zone

We decided we needed to tap the outgoing missionaries one more time. There are 27 of them returning home in the July transfer, all of them former or current leaders. Everything about trainings propelled us to understand the greatness of the missionaries and of the California Riverside Mission and want to do better.

San Jacinto Zone

During the testimony meeting, the outgoing missionaries (all 27 of them) had great counsel for all of us and bore strong, powerful testimonies.

Menifee Zone

E. Sorenson—“You can have the spirit with you the whole time. Our desires can change through the Atonement of Jesus Christ.”

E. Eldridge—“We must remember why we are doing this. The people who we are teaching deserve the very best. These experiences will affect the rest of your life.”

E. Avei—“We must ask inspired questions. They come through studying and inspiration of the Holy Ghost.”

E. Rose—“The Gospel of Jesus Christ has brought peace and joy into my life.”

E. McCracken—“It’s not all about me. The people out there are a lot more important than we are.”

E. Steed—“The greatest gift is gaining the gift of love and understand who Christ really is.”

E. Cox—“I remembered the statement ‘If Brother Cox goes on a mission, he will never regret it.’”

E. Osberg—“My mission has been the greatest experience I have had in my life.”

E. Medearis—“I have a renewed view of the world.”

E. de Mare—“My mission has been like a ship in raging waters. I have learned things on my mission I would have never learned before.

E. Dew—“I love my mission so much. I hope to hold to the standards I have learned.”

E. Bailey—“This mission has been the biggest blessing of my life. It has been the hardest thing I have ever done.”

E. Watson—“My view has gone from watching missionaries go home to watching friends go home and now watching us go home.”

E. Holyoak—“I didn’t realize how much I loved my mission and how much I have changed. I want my mission to be the launch pad for the rest of my life.”

E. Balls—“Heavenly Father will propel us.”

Hna. Tonini—“If we say we are going to be happy in the future, you will never will be happy.”

Hna. Hernández—“Every second of the journey has been sacred. The biggest miracle has been me changing.”

Corona Zone

S. Wilson—“I found my testimony; I’ve laid my foundation. When you rely on the Lord and have courage to make that jump, we can learn new things.”

S. Ruggles—“How great it has been to see the growth in me. Learn to do this: Enjoy to the end!”

E. Lewis—“I am a disciple of Christ and look forward to teach others.”

S. Palmer—“Your Savior is by your side even through afflictions.”

E. Holloway—“My last half of my mission has been better than the first half because I changed my attitude.”

E. Day—“My mission has been the longest, shortest, hardest, most fun thing I have ever done.”

Hna. Harper—“I have loved every minute. My mission has offered me the most sacred moments of my life.”

La Sierra Zone

E. Frisby—“I have realized many of my weaknesses have brought me to my knees. It is at these moments when I have felt Him.”

E. Hale—“There is no reason why we cannot have both feet in the mission.”

E. Tobiasson—“I have seen many miracles, and I am going to take the things I have learned to the next chapter of my life.”

 

Lake Elsinore Zone

Jurupa Zone

Of course, the food was outstanding. Every Relief Society had a summer theme.” We had fried chicken, hot dogs, pulled pork sandwiches, watermelon, potato salad, coleslaw, and a host of sides and desserts. I can tell you no one went away hungry.

 

Lunch with the Hemet and San Jacinto zones

4th of July decorations

Lunch

Many thanks to the Moreno Valley, Hemet, Lake Elsinore, and Jurupa stake Relief Society sisters and others for always taking care of us.

Moreno Valley Relief Society

Hemet Relief Society

Lake Elsinore Relief Society

Jurupa Stake

What about the famed "Golden Plunger Awards" for the cleanest apartments. Here they are:

Elder and Sister Dickerson, Elder Ballard and Elder McCracken

Sisters Price and Grillone

Elders Carlisle and Casper (see the Golden Plunger?)

How can missionary work be without baptisms? We had a few the past couple of weeks. We were able to attend several of them. What wonderful people who have chosen to enter the strait and narrow way of baptism.

Lots of months of teaching, lots of missionaries teaching

Even President Hammon had the opportunity to baptize!

Wonderful Chinese baptism

We had one of our senior couples return home with honor this week. Elder and Sister Thorne served as one of the Mission's office couples. They served well, and we will miss them greatly. 

Elder and Sister Thorne and President and Sister Hammon

What a glorious week it was! Sister Hammon and I celebrated our one-year mark this week. More on that in another blog. We love our missionaries and our mission, the California Riverside Mission!