New and reassigned missionaries: Gifts to enhance the missionary work in the California Riverside Mission!

June 2020

We received 34 new and reassigned missionaries the last week we served in the California Riverside Mission. Five were brand new missionaries from their home MTC. Twenty-nine of them came from home via numerous countries.

What a sensation to know that these incredible missionaries had chose once again to serve and were assigned to us. In their former missions, they were zone leaders, sister training leaders, district leaders, and trainers. They have come to serve the Lord, show their love for Him, and help God's children come unto Him.

They came on a variety of flights, and it was fun to meet them as they came down the stairs since the escalators were under repair.

We assigned them to missionaries who had been serving here and to some who just came last transfer after being reassigned. In all over the past six weeks, we have received 73 new and reassigned missionaries. They are like the 2060 stripling warriors [and warrioresses] who have come to strengthen the Mission and enhance the missionary work in the southern California!

Elder Price (new) and Elder Lewis

Elder Gonzales and Elder Young (new)

Elders Ash (new) and Hobbs

Elders Updike (new) and Koyle

It appeared that as soon as they met their new companions, they bonded instantaneously. We also know it takes a bit of getting used to as they find their ways in the companionship. We seek for being equally yoked at all times.

Elders Syme and Andreasen (new)

Elders Ricord (new) and Butters

According to the Doctrine and Covenants 100:4-6 "I, the Lord, have suffered you to come unto this place....therefore...lift up your voices unto this people [in the California Riverside Mission] speak the thoughts that I shall put into your hearts....For it shall be given you in the very hour, ye, in the very moment, what ye shall shall say."

Elders Green (new) and Andrus

Elders Ferrin (new) and Allen

Some will be in trios for a bit like Sisters Low, Ellsworth, and Shunn. Sister Low has been here for just a short time after being in Taiwan and then going home and then coming here. Apparently, Taiwan is ready to receive missionaries once again, and Sister Lowe will be returning. She is a wonderful young woman with lots of talents.

Sisters Low, Ellsworth, and Shunn

Elders Searcy and Wardwell (New)

Elders Steadman and Lee (new)

Some missionaries just exude happiness and positivity, and that's just how they roll. We pray they will continue to roll this way. These two elders were companions in the MTC, went to different places and are now reunited in California.

Elders Tindall and Toelupe (new)

Lots of talent has just arrived. They will be able to help our mission as it continues to work through the social media challenges. The missionaries have been doing well by being spiritual creative and innovative.

Elders McCammon and Jeffs (new)

Elders Whitmore (new) and Jensen

It is exiting to see these missionaries arrive and begin to become acquainted with their new surroundings. They expressed great happiness to be here.

Sisters Noble (new) and Maxey

Hermana Webb and Yergensen

Sisters Arnold and Neal (new)

The missionaries who were here are also excited that these new missionaries have arrived and will begin their service anew!

Elders Webb and Zierenberg (new)

Elders Chapman and Bentley-Dyches (new)

Have to love these smiles and enthusiasm!

Elders Tenney (new) and Winsor

And then some of them of the new ones--Hermanas Martinez and Howard--were assigned to serve together. Spectacular missionaries (en este caso, misioneras!).

Hermanas Martinez (new) and Howard (new)

As to when they might be returning to their countries, that is a question yet to be decided. Meanwhile, they will be "standing up and being all in" while the serve here. This is where the Lord assigned for the next phase of their mission.

Elders Kam and Killips (new)

Elders Lingwall and Johnson (new)

As the Lord taught us in  Doctrine and Covenants 100:15: "Therefore, let your hearts be comforted; for all things shall work together for good to them that walk uprightly, and to the sanctification of the Church."

Elders Pearce (new), Pedigo, and Farr

And sometimes, we even have to capture a few photos from the new Facebook pages!

Elders Yumisaca and Thomas (new)

Sisters Gunnell and Woolf (new) from their video

President and Sister Hammon and Elder Austin (new)

For some reason, we are missing the following photos of missionaries: Elder Avitia, Elder Price, Elder Saunders, and Elder White. Lo siento, jovenes!

Ah, the mission will definitely thrive with the current missionaries and new and reassigned missionaries--now just missionaries in the California Riverside Mission. What power comes from these young men and young women. It is no wonder they have been saved for these latter-day days to help gather Israel!

President and Sister Hammon