June 23, 2020--Our last outgoing missionaries

I was gently reminded this evening (March 14, 2021) that I did not post anything about our last outgoing missionaries on June 23, 2020 on the blog. I couldn’t believe I allowed that faux paus to happen. Thus, I am apologizing and repenting to them for failing to recognize our last outgoing missionary group, truly a group of phenomenal leaders.

Elders Clifford, Newey, Chase, Bytendorp; Hermana Thompson;
President and Sister Hammon; Elders Jacobs, Larsen, Emry, Huffaker, and Barnes

Hermana Thompson was the only sister leaving the mission. Elders included Elders Jacobs, Newey, Huffaker, Emry, Larsen, Barnes, Clifford, Bytendorp, and Chase. We actually met at the Mission Home, the first outgoing for a couple of transfers because of COVID. We felt it would be important that this happened, particularly since this was our last outgoing before we left the mission a week later.

Our meal was the typical outgoing Mexican cuisine and tres leches cake! It was a great meal to end a great mission.

All seated at the dining room table for our last meal together!

Elders in line for a delicious Mexican meal!

The testimony meeting was extraordinary because of the circumstances. We really had not been together face to face for some time because of strict COVID restrictions in California. It was truly a blessing to be with these young people. Here are some snippets from their testimonies: 

H. Thompson—“In the mission, I learned how to make the gospel a way of life. I have always lived the gospel, but it became a part of me when I gave myself to the Lord.”

E. Newey—“I know this is the time the gospel has been restored through Joseph Smith.” 

E. Jacobs—”I am so grateful for the Spirit. It guides me every day as long as I stay on the path. As we continue down the path, we will be blessed.”

E. Huffaker—"This is the true gospel, something worth more than anything else. God is just. I want to continue to seek after it.”

E. Emry—“The Savior’s Atonement is real, and I have learned from it and changed. I know how truths can bless everyone.”

E. Larsen—“I have seen families come to the waters of baptism. Our Heavenly Father loves all of us.”

E. Barnes—“I have a strong testimony of the power of the Priesthood, especially when we align ourselves with God. It enables us to do things we don’t normally do.”

E. Clifford—“Heavenly Father is with us every step of the way. The Book of Mormon is the word of God, and we all have individual talents.”

E. Bytendorp—“My testimony back home was just a drop in the bucket. I wish I knew that from the very beginning.”

E. Chase—“Before mission, I could recognize spiritual promptings. Now, I feel closer to my Savior. This closeness comes from following His example. The second we accept His Atonement, we can change. We haven’t come this far to come this far.”

S. Hammon—"I love watching you grow and develop. It is during study time when we truly show how much God means to us. We will be surprised how well we know Him.

Elders Clifford, Newey, Chase, Bytendorp; Hermana Thompson;
President and Sister Hammon; Elders Jacobs, Larsen, Emry, Huffaker, and Barnes

Both Sister Hammon and I were impressed with all the testimonies. 

The morning before we left, the missionaries who stayed at the Mission Home went for run. They continued their early morning exercise program. We hope they continue!

Early morning runners: (f) Elders Larsen and Emry;
(b) Elders Jacobs, Bytendorp, Barnes, Clifford, and Newey

There is something special and sacred about watching young people grow and progress and become so much better than they were when they arrived. This group epitomized this spiritual growth. We have great hopes for them now and, especially, for the future.

We wish you well! We love you!

President and Sister Hammon