Good times keep rolling in the California Riverside Mission

Picture of crane at the National Memorial Cemetery (from one of our walks)

The good times continue to roll in great layers and sheets in the California Riverside Mission. We are nearing the end of a transfer, which means interviews, multi-zone conferences, and even baptisms.

Sister Hammon and I love interviews because we are able to see missionaries where they are serving. I enjoy having one-on-one conversations with them every six weeks. We can discuss many things in a short fifteen-minute interview. They are such good young men and young women who are striving—yea, diligently striving—to be the best missionaries possible.

This past week was filled with multi-zone conferences, one of the greatest gatherings we have. These conferences are where the ten zones are divided up into four different areas, so they can be taught in smaller groups. The topics are usually the same for each conference although the zone leaders, sister training leaders, and district leaders train on the same topics in their own areas. 

This time we combined La Sierra, Corona, and Jurupa into one multi-zone; 

La Sierra Zone

Corona Zone

Jurupa Zone

Moreno Valley, Mt. Rubidoux, and Riverside zones into another; 

Moreno Valley Zone

Mt. Rubidoux Zone

Riverside Zone

Menifee and Lake Elsinore zones combined into another; 

Menifee Zone

Lake Elsinore

and Hemet and San Jacinto zones combined into the fourth multi-zone conference.

Hemet Zone

San Jacinto Zone

What a great privilege it was to visit the four different multi-zone conferences. They were both very unique and very similar. First, the similarities: the spirit was strong in each of the conferences. The topics were discussed were “We make Christ our center by being obedient to His teachings and coming unto Him” by both President Hansen and President Norman. They spoke about obedience as the first law of Heaven and how important it was to be obedient. President Hansen asked: “Are we being obedient because of meekness or begrudging?” He then said, “If we want to center our lives on Christ or keep our center on Christ, we must be meek and obedient. In President’s Norman’s presentation, he counseled, “If we can learn to obey the spirit of the Lord, then we receive God’s power. God doesn’t give things to us randomly. There is always a purpose to teach us a principle.”

Of course, we had a few awards along the way, like the "Golden Plunger Awards" for having the cleanest apartments!

Elder and Sister Dickinson; Sisters Hackley and Van Quakebeke

Sisters Hammon, Hernandez, and Whitaker

Sisters Fountaine and Marks

Elder and Sister Powell; Sisters Bartschi and Neerings

Elders Davis, Beddes, and Hite

Elder Davis, Sisters Winters and Carson (matching dresses!)

Sister Hammon; Sister and Elder Powell; Sisters Moffit and McDaniel

Sister Hammon spoke about the daily schedule and how important it is to follow it. When we follow the daily schedule, we show the Lord that we will be obedient even doing the small things like getting up early, studying with our companions, going to bed on time.

             

I presented on 1) the Sabbath Day, 2) being obedient to the rules of the mission, and 3) “Teach Repentance and Baptize Converts. We had a great discussion on how to teach the Sabbath Day to our investigators. That is one of the biggest challenges we have in the mission and throughout world: How to teach effectively the Sabbath Day. Many of the missionaries had great insights. Prior to mission, they were not necessarily converted to the Sabbath Day. Now, they look forward to the Sabbath Day because of the revelations and miracles they have seen on their missions because of Sabbath Day observance.

             

The Assistants, zone leaders, sister training leaders, and one district leader discussed device audits, high-level daily planning, short and power lessons, Area Book Planner and some of the challenges (syncing), elevating mission standards, and ministering as missionaries. It was fun and enlightening to watch the various “versions” of the same topic, depending on the area. For some, it was the first time presenting; for others, it was second or third time. Overall, though, they are learning how to train and deliver important gospel concepts and becoming more proficient at presenting in front of their peers.

The musical numbers were fabulous and continue to wow us. There is something about the missionaries and their singing and piano playing that marvel me. I appreciate the music that they selected and performed. 

The Relief Societies from the Corona, Riverside, Menifee, and Hemet stakes fed us well all four days. We love and appreciate what they do for us.

Corona Stake Relief Society 

Missionaries thank the Corona Stake Relief Society

Riverside Stake Relief Society sister

Hemet Stake Relief Society sisters

Menifee Stake Relief Society sisters plus Elder Powell

Plus, we have had a few baptisms these past couple of weeks. We love to attend them. Usually, the Presidency is able to divide the baptisms on weekends and attend them. We were able to attend a few, including a family of four. The spirit is really strong during baptisms. We love the missionaries who teach these wonderful people. Other missionaries give talks and present the restoration at the baptisms. Perhaps, one of the best parts is the number of members of the various wards and branches who attend and support those who are being baptized. The wards are definitely another new family of support for them.

Overall, we have had a sensational last couple of weeks. It is challenging to write about everything that goes on. Consequently, we just dabble in a few highlights here and there to show you just snippets of what is happening. The missionaries are happy. They face and overcome a host of challenges. They learn and progress and see things they would not normally see and experience anywhere else except on a mission. At the end of each week, they send a letter to me, filled with their miracles, their challenges they conquer and overcome, the great experiences they have, the goals they see come to fruition, the growth they feel, and the little and large spiritual epiphanies they receive during the studying and proselyting.

We love being here and being enlightened by watching their growth in so many areas and their struggles and how they just overcome them.

Missionary work showers us so many blessings!

President and Sister Hammon 

Sunset in the Mission Home backyard

Madagascar, Puerto Rico.....California Riverside Mission missionaries coming and going!

Hibiscus in front of  the Mission Home

Our visa waiters going to Madagascar and one of our missionaries who came to us from Puerto Rico have returned to their islands. We appreciate their grand service while ministering with us here in the California Riverside Mission. One of our missionaries, Elder Hofer, also went home to have an operation for his torn ACL. Hurrah to all of them!

Elder Hofer and Elder Wilder (Puerto Rico)

Elder Whitesides and Elder Dunham, President and Sister Hammon

Recently, we also said huge goodbyes to Sisters Brereton, DiPietro, Flores, Goodwine, García, Harris (Ashley), Harris (Sydney), Mackley, Moran, Reagan; Elders Brown, Clark, Gibbons, Mounts, and Williams on Tuesday morning. On Monday afternoon, they came to the Mission Home where President Hansen and I interviewed them and talked about their MyPlans. They have great plans and will continue to be strong members and leaders when they go home. After a delicious meal, they all bore incredible testimonies. Here are some highlights from their incredible testimonies:

  

Sisters Harris (Ashley), Brereton, Garcia, Harris (Sydney), Regan, Mackley,
DePietro, Moran, Goodwine, and Flores

Elders Williams, Gibbons, Brown, Mounts, and Clark

Hermana García—"When I arrived, my testimony wasn’t as strong as it is now. We don’t have to be perfect, but we do need to work hard.” 

Hermana Flores—“I have come to know feel the atoning power of the Savior and know I can do all things in Christ.” 

Hermana Moran—“I was able to see many miracles and know that Heavenly Fathers loves me.” 

Sister Reagan—“This does not feel real. I took the Atonement for granted, and now I know it has helped me greatly.” 

Elder Brown—“My testimony is a personal experience. It is not a fuzzy feeling. The Savior is absolutely willing to forgive us.” 

Elder Mounts—“I love to help people and lead them to the Lord.” 

Elder Clark—“These two years have been transformative. It’s not a capstone, but it’s all about progression.” 

Elder Williams—“The greatest miracle has been the change in me. The gospel was a part of what I did; now it’s a part of who I am.” 

Sister Sidney Harris—“It has been amazing to watch what the Savior has helped me become.” 

Sister Mackley—“The mission is not a sacrifice. It has been the greatest blessing.” 

Elder Gibbons—“I have seen His handiwork in the many miracles I have experienced.” 

Sister DiPietro—“It’s been a hard experience, but it’s been the best experience.” 

Sister Goodwine—“We look back, and everything has changed. There is no way better to start on discipleship than to serve a mission.” 

Sister Brereton—“A mission is about change. It rekindles the fire within us.” 

Sister Ashley Harris—“This work is important. We are asked to be selfless. Can we wear His name in our hearts?” 

Sister Hubbard—“You have what you need to go forward.” 

Elder Hubbard—“Remember what you have learned on your missions. We know enough to start although we don’t know what’s going to happen.”  

Hermana Fuller—“I am going miss feeling of your strength. Those who do a lot for the Lord are always happy.” 

Elder Fuller—"Be sure of what you are doing. We know the truth.”

Breakfast with the sisters

Breakfast with the elders and Sister Reagan and Sister Hammon

For us, bidding adieu to our missionaries going home this transfer was especially hard. We have grown to love these missionaries so much. They become part of your family as you share the joys, the tears, their successes, their challenges, their generous spirits,  and their testimonies. Sister Hammon said goodbye at the Mission Home because she remained with the incoming sisters who stayed the night at the Mission Home.

Outgoing missionaries

We then began loading the vans and off we went. We stopped at Terminal 4 and dropped off some of the missionaries there. We then trundled back around to Terminal 2 and dropped them off. Each time I watched them ascend the escalator, turn around, and wave goodbye, lumps came to my throats and tears welled up in my eyes. I knew they were going home to huge embraces from their mothers, fathers, families, and friends. We wish them all well. As I walked to the car and then drove home, I contemplated their missionary efforts and work here in the mission. What came to mind was this: “Well done, thou good and faith servants.”

And off they go....

The ride up and away! I feel tears coming....

Ah, the beauty and the wonder to greet new missionaries to our mission. On Monday, we also received new missionaries: Hermana Maxfield from the Mexico MTC; Sisters Dorny, Myers, Grillone; and Elders Jorgensen, McConahay, Maxwell, and Saville. They worked in the field on Tuesday and came to the Mission Office on Wednesday morning for their orientation. It was wonderful to greet and interview them all. They are a wonderful group of missionaries who want to serve the Lord.

New missionaries: Sisters Maxfield, Dorny, Grillone, and Myers;
Elders McConahay, Saville, Jorgensen, and Maxwell

Elder Maxwell arrived on Tuesday evening and stayed the night in the Mission Home. On Wednesday morning, we headed to the Mission Office where I interviewed all of them during their new missionary orientation. After the orientation and lunch, we introduced them to their new companions and then participated in a testimony meeting. Their testimonies are strong. I want to share a few snapshots from their testimonies:

Sister Myers—“The Lord does guide our lives. I know the Lord puts you in the path of people who are ready.” 

Sister Myers (new) and Begay

Hermana Maxfield—“I want to spread happiness because of the gospel in my life.” 

Hermanas Maxfield (new) y Buitrago

Sister Grillone—“Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ mean everything to me.” 

Sisters Price and Grillone (new)

Sister Dorny—“I love my Savior so, so much.”

Sisters Dorny (new) and Palmer

Elder Saville—“This is where I am mean to be.”

Elders Balls and Saville (new)

Elder McConahay—“I know I will change if I put in the work.” 

Elders Phister and McConahay (new)

Elder Maxwell—“In the plan that the Lord has for us, we need to be okay with change. We can change others through this experience.” 

Elders Nelson and Maxwell (new)

Elder Jorgensen—“This is where I am supposed to be. I want to bring joy and happiness to others.”

Elders Jorgensen (new) and Steed

We took pictures and then sent them off to the areas.

Incoming missionaries

Being with missionaries is truly a delight! It was very sad to see some of them return home, but we knew their parents were on the other end with banners and signs and great anticipation and love, loving arms open wide to receive them. Simultaneously, it was so exciting to meet the new missionaries. We have seen them in the field, and they are doing well, adjusting to missionary life, which is definitely different than their lives before. We know as that they are obedient and turn their lives to ministering to others and forgetting themselves in the work, they will be blessed with “light, energy, and joy….and will be uniquely fulfilled…and transformed from being selfish to being selfless.” (Elder Kearon, YSA Fireside, May 6, 2018).

Sunset in our backyard

President and Sister Hammon