Hiking, Training, Serving, Enjoying, and Eating--It's What Missionaries Do

What an amazing week plus we have had. Lots of announcements and upcoming changes, trainings, and community events. Yes, missionaries have experienced sickness, sprained ankles, colds, running noses, and a few digestive challenges. The weather has been good, a bit chilly for California, but the sun seems to continue to shine each day.

 

Sisters Parker, Mackley, and Hammon 

Probably the biggest upcoming change is that the California Riverside Mission is this message from the Missionary Department: “We are pleased to inform you that your missionaries are now authorized to fulfill their purpose using smartphones, social media, and other technologies.” Just like that. Well, we knew it was coming. When the letter came, I had to read it a couple of times to make sure. In Monday’s weekly letter, I sent it to the missionaries. Plus, at the Monday multi-zone activity (more later!), I announced it. Most everyone seemed to be happy. A few who are going home wondered whether they would be able to participate.  We will begin our first conversation and training during the upcoming multi-zone conferences. Please note that this will not happen immediately. It will be a two month process. I will be sending out a letter to parents and family this coming week to explain the details.

On Wednesday, we met with the trainers and trainees who have been here now for four weeks. We had a great morning with them. We had discussions about the First 12 Weeks pamphlet that they follow religiously. A few of the companionships talked about their experiences with role plays; using the Book of Mormon in the studies, contacts, and teaching; their feelings about the First 12 Weeks. We also discussed expectations of new missionaries and their trainers. I finished with how we center our lives on Christ to help us elevate our mission.

Trainer-Trainee Meeting

On Monday, we traveled to Menifee where we met all of the “south” zones. We made the announcement of the transition to technology and were greeted with “Hurrahs!” Then, they began to play a variety of games, from four-corners to garbage ball to Jenga to ultimately basketball. Some made thank-you cards; others just went from one set of missionaries to another and greeted them. Some of them didn’t know each other or hadn’t seen each other for several transfers. They love being together!

Sisters Reagan, Hammon, and Price

Elders Royce, Rollins, Sorensen, Lance, Evans, and Victorino

Crafty ones: Sisters Marks and Brereton and Elder Baum 

Elders Saxton and Yeaman

Elders Akana, Carter, and Nielsen with Sisters McDaniels, Parker, and Hackley

Last week, we hiked Mt. Rubidoux with all the missionaries in the “north” zones. This is a fun hike to the top of Mt. Rubidoux, which is mostly paved to the top. It was early morning, and we hiked noisily to the top. Once there, we took pictures, basked in the son, and enjoyed being together. Missionaries like being with one another, especially seeing their former companions. It’s like a big reunion every time they come together in groups, which is not that often. We do multi-zone activities every other transfer—so every 12 weeks.

North Zones on top of Mt. Rubidoux

Hermanas Moran, Hernandez, Flores, Harper, Hammon, Coffeen, Troncoso, and Roque

Elders Lewis, Jackson, Phister, Medearis (b), Tobiasson, and Balls

Elders Hale and Steiner; Sister Wilde; Elders Lowry and Porrazzo

Feeding America honored the Riverside and Rubidoux zones during a soup luncheon for their service there. Missionaries from these two zones go to the Feeding America warehouse and sort food and do other service. Sharon, Director of Volunteers, is an enthusiastic supporter of these missionaries. Many from these two zones were able to attend the luncheon. We took pictures with Sharon and Stephanie, the Food Bank Executive Director.

Receiving a service award from Feeding America

We have some incredible baptisms this past month—families, individuals, and one 86-year-old woman who is just delightful. We love going to baptisms and feeling the spirit of those who are going to be baptized and the members who have helped them along the way.

Elders Heward, Briggs, Baum, and Jensen with Matt, Vanessa, Kristiannah, Kristian, and Isabella

Elders Moon and Royce with Raquel--86-years-old and going strong

Kalebh's father, Elder Lewis, Kalebh, Elder Dunham, and Brother Masico

We love being with our missionaries, no matter what they are doing. This is what we love to do:

“And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins” (Book of Mormonmormon.org, 2 Nephi 25:26).

There is something spiritually uplifting being with them, whether it is having interviews, which we have had the last couple of weeks; attending church and baptisms with them; hiking mountains; taking pictures; participating in trainings with them; attending community events; and teaching them the doctrine of Christ. Every day, Sister Hammon and I feel so blessed to be here, serving these phenomenal young women and young men.

President and Sister Hammon