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