New missionaries arrive in the California Riverside Mission!

Incoming Missionaries

Incoming missionaries in the Ontario Airport

Just as incredible missionaries climb the stairs, board planes, and head for home, more incredible missionaries come down the escalators and become part of the California Riverside Mission. The following missionaries arrived recently to our mission: Sisters Longshore, Foster, Gaughan, Anderson, Moore, Reynolds, George, and Cardiel; Elders Hull, Bailey, O’Connell, Chase, Webb, Greathouse, and Voellger. 

Incoming and down the stairs

After arriving, they climbed aboard the vans and motored to the Mission Home where they devoured street tacos. Elder and Sister Samuelson, Elder and Sister Miskin, and Elder and Sister Shirley—all new senior missionaries in the past two weeks—joined us for the dinner and testimonies. Once they finished, we sat in the living room and learned a bit more about each new missionary. Then, the sisters stayed and had interviews while the elders went to various apartments for the evening.

The next morning, we drove to the Mission Office where they participated in the New Missionary Orientation. While they were there, the new trainers came and received the training they needed to begin the training of the new missionaries. I finished interviewing the rest of the missionaries. Then, I assigned them to the missionaries who the Lord and I felt would be the best fit. I talked to Sister Hammon and the Assistants and confirmed this was what needed be done. 

The testimonies were excellent. Here are some samplings: 

S. Samuelson—“Our first mission was the best experience we have had together.”

E. Samuelson—“I am grateful to bear testimony.”

Elder and Sister Samuelson and Sister and President Hammon

S. Miskin—“I have known forever my Savior. I learned more about Him through the Book of Mormon.”

E. Miskin—“The power that is with us as missionaries because we are commissioned by God.”

Sister Hammon, Sister and Elder Miskin, and President Hammon

S. Shirley—“The Savior is your shepherd and knows your name, and He understands your challenges.”

E. Shirley—“We can be happy in this life and receive eternal blessings.”

President and Sister Hammon and Sister and Elder Miskin

S. Reynolds—“We are meant to have our companions and people to help us stretch.”

Sisters Reynolds (new) and Bascom

S. Anderson—“I know Heavenly Father has a plan, and I am where I am supposed to be.”

Sisters Tanner and Anderson (new)

S. Foster—“In His strength, I can do all things” (see Alma 26:12).

Sisters Foster (new) and Hackley

Hna. Cardiel—“The Church and the scriptures are true because I have asked.”

Hermanas Cardiel (new) and Brown

S. Gaughan—“I was called to California. I don’t why—yet. I see small miracles in my life.”

Sisters Gaughan (new) and Andersen

Hna. Longshore—“I felt more love from my Savior in the last six weeks in the MTC. I want to share that love.”

Hermanas Peters and Longshore (new)

S. Moore—“It is all about changing and coming closer to Christ. Without Christ we are nothing.”

Sisters Moore (new) and Dorny

S. George—“However imperfect or inadequate we are, He will help us.”

Sisters George (new) and Davies

E. Hull—“My testimony has grown so much. The Spirit has testified to me that I should be here.”

Elders McConahay and Hull (new)

E. O’Connell—“I am so happy to serve everyone.”

Elders O'Connell (new) and Steiner

E. Webb—“While I don’t know what I have gotten myself into, but it already feels like home.”

Elders Akana and Webb (new)

E. Greathouse—“I’m a child of God, and I know He needs me here.”

Elders Komers and Greathouse (new)

E. Bailey—“The Book ofMormon is true. The work is exciting.”

Elders Johnson and Bailey (new)

E. Chase—“The time in the mission is about Christ, the Son of God. The Lord will help us.”

Elders Lai and Chase (new)

E. Voellger—“I am honored to be here in California. God is the Supreme Being, and He loves us.”

Elders Voellger and Rodriguez

When they arrive, they always have lots of luggage, boxes sent previously, and bicycles waiting for them.

Luggage and stuff

We also have them take their picture from the middle of the famed "transfer board" and placed them where they will reside for their first transfer.

Sisters Foster and Longshore placing their pictures

Hermanas Peters (pointing) and Longshore

Sister Hammon observing while Sister Moore places her photo

Sisters Cardiel, George, and Foster with Sister Davies

We love our new missionaries and look forward with them!

President and Sister Hammon

Outgoing missionaries--A flow of tears and shouts of happy hurrahs!

With outgoing missionaries, it becomes a series of events that ultimately trigger their final departure, a flow of tears, and shouts of happy hurrahs!

The Redlands Temple

First the outgoing temple trip. We attended the Redlands Temple with the outgoing and a few of those who have received their visas. It was absolutely delightful! Just delightful. Those attending: Sisters Bartschi, Bryant, Buitrago, Butler, Price, Rossignoli, Troncoso, and Lobb; Elders Hansen, Kligge, Nelson, Crowther, Stolle, Huckstep, and Sanchez. The day was beautiful! The temple was quiet and peaceful! As we greeted each missionary as he or she entered the Celestial Room, we felt immense love for each of them. Tears were shed, and hearts were full. Afterwards, we flowed from the temple into beautiful afternoon light. We took lots and lots of pictures. To see these incredible missionaries in the temple and then on the temple grounds warmed our hearts! We will miss them all!

Front: Sisters Price, Lobb, Troncoso, Bryant, Bartschi, Buitrago, Rossignoli, and Butler; 
Back: Elders Sanchez, Nelson, Huckstep, President and Sister Hammon, Hansen, Kligge,  Stolle, and Crowther.

Redlands Temple

Second, the “My Plan” interviews. One of the incredible things our missionaries do is complete a “My Plan” document, which basically is their strategic plan when they go home. Focus areas include: learning experience on remember and become, continuing discipleship, self-reliance, dating and temple marriage, and a life’s vision. Of course, there are several sub-categories under each topic. It is highly revelatory for each of them as they reflect on what they have learned on their missions and how they are going to transition home. I only wish I had had a “My Plan” before I returned home.

Outgoing missionaries in front of the Mission Home on the morning of departure

Third, dinner. Yes, you have to eat before you go home--lots of food. The Tenorio Family from Moreno Valley made delicious pork burritos with all the trimmings. Then, of course, Sister Hammon served the most divine tres leches cake. Nothing more delicious than tres leches cake. Nothing!

Sisters Rossignoli, Bartschi, and Bryant enjoying tres leches cake!

Elder Nelson, Kligge, Sanchez, and Loveridge (Assistant)

Fourth, the testimony meeting. As always, the testimony meeting was teary all the way around. What incredible young people they are. Testimonies included these phrases:

Sisters Buitrago, McCracken, and Rossignoli

• E. Sanchez—“Our mission is to refine us for our lives.”
• E. Kligge—“I have loved every single moment.”
• E. Nelson—“I have grown with understanding that God is a loving Heavenly Father.”
• E. Crowther—“The biggest lesson I have learned is who Heavenly Father is.”
• E. Hanson—“I had a confirmation that this is God’s work. I thank Him for everything.”
• S. Price—“The Gospel blesses us and our families. I have seen His tender mercies.”
• S. Rhoton—“We are all representatives of the Lord Jesus Christ.”
• Hna. Buitrago—“The Gospel of Jesus Christ is true, no matter what.”
• Hna. Troncoso—“I have learned how much Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ love us.”
• S.  Butler—“I testify that Jesus Christ leads this Church. We will not fall beyond His reach.”
• S. Rossignoli—“With the Spirit, I have affected more people than I realize.”
• S. Bartschi—“This is been the hardest, yet most sacred experience I have ever had.”
• S. Bryant—“Jesus Christ is the Savior and Redeemer. Because of this I am not the same person.”
• E. McCracken—“God is a loving God. Hopefully, I have learned from all this.”
• S. McCracken—“Every single day we affect someone in everything you do.”

Fifth, companionship study with the President. Perhaps, this is one of my most favorite things to do prior to missionaries leaving. After a divine dinner and a spiritual testimony meeting, we gather in the family room and study together. We studied "light" and its aspects. It was truly a revelatory experience for me.

President Hammon; Elders Crowther, Nelson, Sanchez, and Kligge; Sister Price

Sisters Bartschi, Bryant, Troncoso, Butler, Rhoton, Rossignoli; and Elder Hansen

Sixth, the actual leaving. We rose early on Tuesday morning, ate a delicious breakfast, and then trundled out to the airport. We all said good bye to those heading east at one terminal and then rushed over to the other terminal with those going to Salt Lake City. As we watched each group walk up the stairs—the escalator was broken—our hearts were full. We had said our goodbyes, knowing full well, we will see some of them soon as they return to the Mission to participate in baptisms, endowments, sealings, and just tours.

Up the stairs to security

Up, up and away!

Finally, the return home after seeing them off. Seeing missionaries return home creates somewhat of hole in your life. They have become a part of you. You interview them numerous times; teach them the gospel of Jesus Christ; go out with them and watch them teach, testify, and invite; talk to them on the phone; attend the temple with them, attend their baptisms; and have various other conversations in less formal situations. You literally watch them grow, develop, mature, progress, and become someone totally different than they were when they came. It is a fascinating look at the emerging and changing lives of young adults. Yes, it is a blessing!

We also had four missionaries--all visa waiters--leave for their respective missions in Cape Verde, Taiwan, and Tahiti.

Elder Patching (Cape Verde) and President Hammon

Sister Lobb (Taiwan), Sister and President Hammon, and Elder Stolle (Taiwan)

Elder Huckstep (Tahiti)

Elder Stolle and Sister Lobb--off they go to Taiwan

May they all remember and adhere to what they wrote in their “My Plans” and what they have learned on their missions. If they do, they will be forever grateful and blessed.

Palm trees on the grounds of the Redlands Temple

A Spiritual Feast at November's Multi-zone Conferences!

We just completed incredibly wonderful and spiritual multi-zone conferences throughout the Mission. The spirit was strong in each one of them. The musical numbers were phenomenal, and we loved the participation and the training from the leaders and the missionaries. Here is my summary of the topics with pictures intermixed: 

Corona Zone

Winners of the Golden Plunger for the Jurupa Zone: Sisters McDaniel and Dorny

Winners of the Golden Plunger in Corona Stake: Sisters Brown and Whitaker

“Working with Members”—President Norman spoke on how we can work more effectively with members. He said, “You must exceed their expectations of you. When you exceed expectations, you breed trust and respect.” He also taught that we must be “reliable, do things promptly, and report back immediately.” Plus, he said, “You need to be patient and loving.”

Jurupa Zone

“Unto What Were You Ordained (Set Apart)?”—I shared with them the apostolic blessing we received at the Mission Leadership Seminar from Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf: “Feel in your heart and mind that all this is truly a blessing granted unto you as a couple and to your family. Because of your dedication, your family will be blessed, and you will see miracles. Have a mind of clarity and definition of what is need with your specific missionaries in the zones and districts. You have a sacred purpose and calling. He has sent your missionaries to you for a specific purpose” (Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Mission Leadership Seminar, November 2018). We also talked about teaching and listening to the Spirit as they teach the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Menifee Zone

Winners of the Golden Plunger Award: Sisters Rane and Troncoso with Elder and Sister Powell

“The Converting Power of the Book of Mormon”—One of the quotes given by one set of zone leaders about the converting power of the Book of Mormon came from Elder Shayne Bowen of the Seventy: “As we better understand who we are and the purposes of the Book of Mormon, our conversion deepens and becomes more certain. We are strengthened in our commitment to keep the covenants we have made with God” (Elder Shayne M. Bowen “The Role of the Book of Mormon in Conversion,” October 2018). Others taught: “The Book of Mormon answers questions of the soul! We all are searching for answers and people definitely need the powerful knowledge of the Book of Mormon.”

Lake Elsinore Zone

Sisters Durham and Gray--winners of the Golden Plunger Award--with Sister Hammon

“Effectively Introduce the Book of Mormon”—Several sets of missionaries showed us how to introduce the Book of Mormon. They all were powerful role plays. We also know from Preach My Gospel that “The Book of Mormon, combined with the Spirit, is your most powerful resource in conversion. It provides powerful evidence for the divinity of Christ” (Preach My Gospel, Chapter 5).

Hemet Zone

Food is always plentiful as Multi-zone conferences. Sisters Christensen, Buitrago, Chase,
Elder and Sister Troxel with their grandchildren

“Talking with everyone, How to Begin Teaching, and Adjusting to meet their needs”—This cluster of topics generated lots of conversation about how we should be teaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. One of the principle of teaching comes from Alma 29:8: “For behold, the Lord doth grant unto all nations, of their own nation and tongue, to teach his word, yea, in wisdom, all that he seeth fit that they should have; therefore we see that the Lord doth counsel in wisdom, according to that which is just and true.”

Riverside Zone

“Unity in Companionships: Listening, Asking Questions, and Using the Scriptures”—This was a grand topic for everyone.  One of the companionships used a quote from Elder Jeffrey R. Holland: “More important than speaking is listening. These people are not lifeless objects disguised as a baptismal statistic. They are children of God, our brothers and sisters, and they need what we have. Be genuine. Reach out sincerely. Ask these friends what matters most to them. What do they cherish, and what do they hold dear? And then listen. If the setting is right, you might ask what their fears are, what they yearn for, or what they feel is missing in their lives. I promise you that something in what they say will always highlight a truth of the gospel about which you can bear testimony and about which you can then offer more. … If we listen with love, we won’t need to wonder what to say. It will be given to us—by the Spirit and by our friends” (“Witnesses unto Me,” Ensign, May 2001).

Mt. Rubidoux Zone

Golden Plunger Awards go to Elders McInnes and Treviño and Elders McLaughlin and Rodriguez
with Elder and Sister Dickinson 

Golden Plunger awards to Elders Nielsen and Ogan and Elders Gallacher and Larsen with Elder and Sister Troxel

“Effectively and Boldly Invite to Baptize”—One of the important principles from Preach My Gospel is that we preach repentance and baptize converts. The presenters did a nice job of showing the missionaries to effectively and boldly invite to baptize.

Moreno Valley Zone

“Preparing for a White Christmas”—The Assistants introduced the “White Christmas,” which is to “prayerfully set goals that are in harmony with the Savior’s command to ‘teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost’” (Preach My Gospel, p. 146). We know we can prepare for more baptisms in our mission. That is why we are here: “To preach my gospel by the Spirit, even the Comforter which was sent forth to teach the truth” (Doctrine and Covenants 50:13-14; see also 50:17-22). We are excited to work even harder in November and December.

Relief Society sisters from Menifee Stake

“Light the World”—Sister Hammon showed the four videos from the Light the World missionary campaign that begins in a few short weeks: “Light the World,” “Light the Community,” “Light the Family,” and “Light Your Faith.” What beautifully-done videos. I especially liked the “Light the Family” video, which truly demonstrates the love a brother has for his family, especially his little sister.

 

Light the World

Overall, we continue to enjoy being with the missionaries, watching them grow and develop, hearing their testimonies, and listening to their profound answers to the questions asked by the presenter. Our Mission is in good hands with these missionaries.

The Temple by Sister Fountaine, one of our many talented sisters

President and Sister Hammon