Multi-zone conferences, testimonies, and Golden Plunger and Clean Car awards

Bougainvillea just the street from the Mission Home

What a delightful and amazing week with multi-zone conferences (MZC). We thoroughly enjoyed our time with the missionaries in the California Riverside Mission. One of our favorite times in the mission is when we gather with them, feel and share their spirit, listen to them sing, hear their testimonies, watch them grow and develop right before our eyes, and dine with them. Truly, we had a spiritually uplifting week. We relish these times.

For our most recent multi-zone conference (MZC), the missionaries gathered into four groups: Corona and Jurupa zones in Jurupa;

Corona Zone

Jurupa Zone

Mt. Rubidoux, Moreno Valley, and Riverside zones in Moreno Valley;

Mt. Rubidoux Zone

Moreno Valley Zone

Riverside Zone

Lake Elsinore and Menifee in Lake Elsinore;

Lake Elsinore Zone

Menifee Zone

and the Hemet Zone in Hemet.

Hemet Zone

We were impressed by the presenters, the comments from the missionaries, the musical numbers (Wow!), and the spiritual environments the missionaries created. They just had great comments. The lunches were wonderful and delicious. We truly appreciate the Relief Society sisters (and some brethren) in the Jurupa, Moreno Valley, Lake Elsinore, and Hemet stakes. They love our missionaries, and we love them. They always provide incredible meals and smiles.

Jurupa Stake Relief Society with Priesthood 

 

Lunching with the elders!

Lake Elsinore Relief Society Sisters

Lunching with the sisters

In line and filling up their plates--Round one!

Hemet Relief Society and Priesthood

Either President Hansen and President Norman from the Mission Presidency enlightened us each morning with the topic “What the Book of Mormon is and what it affirms.”  President Hansen told us of the ripple effect connection: “You can’t get more than you give. You cannot go to the stream with a cup and expect to bring back a gallon of water.” In essence, he said, “When we receive power, you must use this power, these gifts, to help others.” Plus, he said, “Don’t expect the gift of the power of God if you are not obedient or diligent.” President Norman specifically outlined, with your help, “What the Book of Mormon is” and “what it affirms.” You created an enormous list, both days. President Norman helped us understand that the Book of Mormon “helps us find purpose in our lives and is a source of personal testimony.” 

From the front door of the Mission Home

Other topics included “Joy is greater than fear”; “How do I know I am improving”; Christlike attributes: Meekness”; “Living and Teaching by the Spirit”; Complacency and Apathy”; and “The Gathering of Israel—an integral part of the restoration of all things.” I know most missionaries took copious notes and learned many things by the spirit.

             

Sister Hammon and I focused on how we can help the “rising generation” with the gathering of Israel. We extended this invitation: “Will you rise up and determine your true purpose, develop priorities that will elevate your lives, create a plan to do what needs to be done, and then do what you know you need to do to become a true disciple of Jesus Christ?” We asked each companionship, district, and zone to set goals that will enable us to fulfill this invitation.

             

Sisters filling up....

One of the spiritual highlights of the MZC is the testimony meeting. Both the outgoing missionaries (those going home) and the incoming (those beginning their missions) testified of the truthfulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. All testimony meetings were incredible! What wonderful missionaries going and wonderful missionaries who came. We were, indeed, blessed by their words. Here are a few of them:

Outgoing:

• E. Frazier—“Home is where the heart is. I am home here. I love my mission. I am becoming the person the Lord sees. If you aren’t happy with the work, you haven’t started yet.”
• E. Briggs—“The biggest accomplishment is being able to trust in the Lord. The Atonement of Jesus Christ stretches so far. The spirit can be the music to your ears.” (Elder Briggs gave four testimonies….thank you!)
• E. Shurtleff—“You have a positive influence for someone in life. Serving is the most exciting rollercoaster. There is pain in change but also satisfaction. Peter changed his life by stepping out. When we step outside of ourselves, we truly discover ourselves.”
• E. Guymon—“God has a plan for each of us as long as we put our shoulder to the wheel and listen to the Holy Ghost.”
• E. Rivas—“Without the missionaries, my family and I would have been lost. I saw a light in the missionaries, and I want to have that light.”
• E. Gregory—“Before mission, I loved adrenalin. Now, I seek the spirit. I have felt it, and I have wanted more. It’s like the taste of eternity.”
• E. Marrow (returning to Puerto Rico)—“I have loved it in California. I don’t know who I would be without all of you.”
• (We did not find out that Elder Marrow and Elder Lawes were returning to Puerto Rico until the last day; so, Elder Lawes did not have the opportunity to bear his “outgoing” testimony from our mission. I can tell you, though, he would have testified of the great truths he is teaching.)

Incoming:

• E. Stolle—"Before mission, I never had good studies. Now, I have never felt the spirit as strong as when I have read the Book of Mormon.”
• E. Huckstep—“God has a plan for each of us.”
• E Larsen—“This is an amazing gospel that fills me with joy.”
• E. Johnson—“I am growing more accustomed to the power of the Holy Ghost. It’s amazing when I feel it.”
• E. Patrick (leaving for France)—“As you teach by the spirit, you have a clear understanding of how beautiful the gospel is and how it feels of being not just the teacher but also the tool.”
• E. Mackay—“We are never alone. The Savior is always with us.”
• E. Rich—“I feel everything has become clearer.”
• S. Lobb (leaving for Taiwan)—"I am so grateful to share the gospel with others.”
• E. Furguson—“The mission is clearly not the easiest thing in the world, but we must pray for people who are waiting for us.”
• S. Ashby (leaving for Taiwan)—“I have loved every moment I have  been in California. How unifying it is to be a missionary.”
• E. Rowe— “When we believe something, and we testify, the spirit will testify.”
• E. Contreras—“The Church is true. The Book of Mormon is true. The Holy Spirit is in us.”
• S. White—“I have a strong testimony of Jesus Christ.”

Of course, at each MZC, we acknowledge those with the cleanest apartments

Winners of Golden Plunger Award, Corona Zone: Elders Gallacher and Casper

Winners of Golden Plunger Award, Jurupa Zone--Elders Huckstep and Quinton

Winners of Golden Plunger Award, Riverside/Mt. Rubidoux zones--Sisters Chase and Ruben with Elder and Sister Troxell

Winners of Golden Plunger Award, Moreno Valley Zone, Sisters Bascom and Rossignoli with Elder and Sister Dickinson

Winners of Golden Plunger Award, Lake Elsinore Zone--Sisters Weston and Maxfield

Winners of Golden Plunger Award, Menifee Zone--Elders Ngatuvai and Svenson

Golden Plunger Award Winners, Hemet Zone--Sisters Moffit and Preator with Elder and Sister Wall

And the cleanest cars. The incentive for the cleanest apartments is the traveling “Golden Plunger Award.” Plus, we had a tub of licorice, a missionary favorite and tradition. For the cleanest car, they also receive a traveling “Car Award.” Elder and Sister Davis who are Church Service Missionaries over housing and cars (interim) developed the “Golden Plunger” and “Cleanest Car” awards. 

Cleanest Car Award, Elders Lawes and Castro

Cleanest Car Award, Hermanas Caldes y Sorensen

We also sang happy birthday to those who celebrated birthdays since the last transfer. Then, we sing some version of “Happy Birthday” to all the birthday missionaries.

Elder Sato; Sisters Myers, Winters, and Bartschi; Elders Williams, Johnson, and Briggs

Sisters Begay and Parker; Elders Chapman, Gregory, Santos, Simpson, and Briggs

Elder Komers; Sisters Peterson and Moffit

We love and appreciate the missionaries in the California Riverside Mission. Many thanks to them for their wonderful examples; their obedience, diligence, and willingness to do hard things; and their continuous improvement. We know Heavenly Father will bless for our efforts in doing all we can to become disciples of Christ.

President and Sister Hammon

Mission Elevated!

On one of our morning walks down our lane!

Incoming missionaries! Hurrah!

This week, we experienced happiness and sadness of saying good bye to outgoing missionaries. Simultaneously, we had the grand privilege and joyous occasion to greet our new missionaries from the Provo and Mexico Mission Training Centers (MTC).

Welcome to the California Riverside Mission!

The Arrival at the Airport

Later in the evening on the same day our outgoing missionaries left, I drove back to the airport to pick up our incoming missionaries. Arriving were Elders Furguson, Contreras, Larsen, Mackay, Rich, Huckstep, Johnson, Stolle, and Patrick; Sisters Lobb and White. What a joyous occasion to see them finally arrive. We have been saying “good morning” and “have a good night” ever since we received their photos, which have been on the fridge in the Mission Home. Now, here they were in living color. It was good to see them. We greeted them happily and then took a group pictures sans Elder Rowe who came in last night, and Elder and Sister McCracken picked him up and took him to the zone leaders’ apartment. Once we collected their luggage, we loaded them into van and our car and off we went.

Welcome to the California Riverside Mission, Elders Furguson, Mackay, Contreras, Rich, Larsen, Huckstep,
Patrick, Johnson, Stolle with Elders Briggs and Davis (Assistants). President Hammon is in the back.

The Mission Home

They loved the drive to the Mission Home, especially the palm trees. There is something about southern California and palm trees and feeling right at home. Elder Rowe met us at the Mission Home. Joanne had readied a delicious dinner of lasagna, salad, French bread, and Tres Leches cake for dessert. We ate probably more than we should have.

Sunset and palm trees

Early morning and palm trees

After eating, we spent some time getting to know all the incoming missionaries. Then, the sisters were off with the hermanas (sister missionaries) to stay until tomorrow morning’s new missionary orientation. The  elders stayed at the Mission Home. I was able to interview three of the missionaries before it was time to go to bed. They were tired. What delightful young men they are!

Missionary Orientation

The next day, we drove to the Mission Office to attend the Missionary Orientation. I did my training on Mission Basics, including our goals and objectives. Sister Hammon coordinated the rest of the training with the senior couples and the nurses. Consequently, they also learned about finances, housing, cars, bikes, transportation, apartments (yes, parents, they have to clean their apartments!), health, emergency preparedness, Safeguards for Using Technology, etc. Missionary Orientation was great! 

While they were learning all these things, I began interviewing the rest of the missionaries, one by one. I quickly discovered what great young men and women they are. Five of them are visa waiters, waiting patiently for their visas to come so they can go to either Tahiti, France (Chinese-speaking), or Taiwan. But how many missionaries can say they were able to be in two missions?

Area Assignments and Testimony Meeting

Once we participated in a delicious lunch, we went to the chapel where we had the unveiling of who was going with whom. Nothing better than to watch them connect instantly with each other as they heard their assignments. Once everyone received their new companion and area assignment, we listened to their testimonies. Their testimonies were wonderful! While they testified much, much more, I would like to share at least portions of their testimonies:

Sister White—“Heavenly Father and Christ know us personally. There are so many people who need to know they are loved.”

Sister White (new) and Sister Butler

Sister Lobb—“I completely believe in the Book of Mormon. My testimony in the Lord’s timing has grown. I am grateful for families.”

Sister Lobb (new) and Sister Price

Elder Rich—“The Book of Mormon writings from the prophets in the Americas and the writings from our living prophets are words for us from God. I am so grateful for the opportunity to serve.”

Elder Rich (new) and Elder Tippetts

Elder Furguson—“Christ knows our difficulties and can help more than relying on our own strengths.”

Elder Furguson (new) and Elder Mohlman 

Elder Mackay—“I know Heavenly Father listens to all our prayers. Prayer is a powerful tool.”

Elder Beddes and Elder Mackay (new)

Elder Johnson—“God has great love for us, love enough to give us trials so we can grow. I love reading the scriptures.”

Elder Johnson (new) and Elder Nielsen

Elder Stolle—“I know the importance of scripture study. We need to make sure we are searching for the relationships we have with God from reading the scriptures.”

Elder Stolle (new) and Elder Crowther

Elder Rowe—“The calls we have received came through God. Everything that has happened is through His power.”

Elder Rowe (new) and Elder Treviño

Elder Patrick—“There is power in the Book of Mormon. I have experienced having God talk to me personally.”

Elder Maxwell and Elder Patrick (new)

Elder Contreras—“Through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, we can have better lives.”

Elder Lawlor and Elder Contreras (new)

Elder Larsen—“this is the true Church. The Book of Mormon is true. Christ is the Savior and Redeemer of the world. The Power of Atonement is real.”

Elder Sanchez and Elder Larsen (new)

Conclusion

Once we were finished with testimonies, we went into the cultural hall and began taking pictures of all the incoming missionaries with us and with their new companions. Then, they gathered all of the things, including their new bikes, and began taking them out to the cars. Once loaded, off they went to their newly assigned areas to preach repentance and baptize converts to help Heavenly Father bring His children home.

Luggage, bikes, and stuff

Tears galore! Outgoing missionaries going home to family and friends!

What a week of outgoing and incoming missionaries, sadness mixed with happiness on so many levels. It has become challenging for us to say good bye to these incredible missionaries who have diligently served the Lord as His true representatives. They have taught much and learned even more. We have grown to love them as part of our new growing family.

The highlight of the outgoing missionaries agenda is the sacred temple trip to the Redlands Temple. 

Redlands Temple

It was definitely a wonderful temple trip with Elders Aland, Cousineau, Goodrich, Herald, Jensen (Jaxon), Ly, Overman, Phister, Willes, and Yeaman. It was just an incredible experience to be there. Sister Hammon and I served as the witness couple and were able to greet everyone as they entered the Celestial Room. There is nothing like seeing these dedicated missionaries enter the sacred Celestial Room and watching them break into a glorious smile as we said, “You made it!” 

Back: Elders Ly, Aland, Herald, Phister, and Goodrich;
Front: Elders Overman, Willes, Cousineau, President and Sister Hammon, and Elders Jensen and Yeaman.

Isn’t that what Heavenly Father and Christ will say to us, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant”? Afterwards we took lots of pictures. What a glorious finale to a great mission.

Elders pointing to Angel Moroni

First the exit of our visa waiters.

Almost every transfer we receive young men and young men who come to us from the MTC because they have not received their visas prior to finishing their MTC experience. We have the privilege of receiving many of them here. Thus, after just one transfer, we also said good bye to Elders Pyper, Flint, Sharp, and Wilkinson whose visas arrived. They left Monday morning temprano (early) to fly to Ecuador. We woke up very early. Sister Hammon made a delicious breakfast of scrambled eggs, waffles, and cantaloupe. We left around 4:00 a.m., arrived at the airport, checked in, took a picture or two, and then walked to where they needed to go up the escalator to security. We gave each other abrazos (hugs) and said our goodbyes. As they went up the escalator, I took a picture of them. A lump rose in my throat. They were here for just a transfer, but we have enjoyed them thoroughly. They are incredible missionaries who will represent well the California Riverside Mission when they arrive, mostly—if not all—trained and ready to teach repentance and baptize converts.

President Hammon, Elders Pyper, Flint, Sharp, and Wilkinson off to Ecuador

On their way!

Now, the returning missionaries going home to meet their family and friends after two years of incredible service.

Later that afternoon, the outgoing missionaries began arriving at the Mission Home for the “My Plan” interviews. What a great final formal visit I had with each of them before they departed.

Dinner was next on the list. Olga and her mother had come from Moreno Valley and made street tacos, maybe the last street tacos they every will experience in California unless they return. Elders Ly and Cousineau demonstrated their prowess of champion-like eating habits. They both downed 15 street tacos, worthy of new record held by Hermana Grover at 13.

Left: Elders Jensen, Willes, Ly, and Overman; Right: Elders Goodrich, Phister, Cousineau, Yeaman, and Herald.

One of the most inspiring events we do with the outgoing missionaries is participating in a testimony meeting. While it is difficult to record all their words, I would to pen just a few that are represented of the words they expressed:

Back: Elders Phister, Willes, Aland, Goodrich, Herald, Overman, Yeaman, Cousineau: Front: Elder Jensen and Ly

• Elder Jensen (Jake)—He quoted Alma 14:10-13: “Be it according to the will of the Lord. But, behold, our work is not finished…” The Lord’s timing is perfect. I will keep declaring his word wherever I go.”
• E. Revill—God is in control. I definitely needed to come to the California Riverside Mission. We have had so many miracles in the past three weeks. 2 Nephi 2:24.
• Elder Herald—“This to me is a rollercoaster of emotions. At home the Book of Mormon was a good book. Here, it was a powerful book. The answer was always within three or four verses after I began reading. The Book of Mormon really brings safety for the soul.”
• Elder Overman—“The Book of Mormon is the word of God. Remember to learn about and apply Christ’s mercy. When we trust in Him, he will bless us.”
• Elder Cousineau—“It’s been awesome. (See Doctrine and Covenants 126). Our time is not ended. It is time to send the words abroad.”
• Elder Ly—“The time on our missions is sacred. We make sacred bonds. Even though you leave a family, you grow a family here.”
• Elder Phister—“I am grateful for all of the experiences. We have the fulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The Atonement has an extended reach. There are still changes ahead of us.”
• Elder Aland—“God is amazing. He makes our lives way better than we can by ourselves. You can create a temple in your homes.” See also Alma 17:2-3.
• Elder Willes—“My testimony of Jesus Christ has grown leaps and bounds. Strive every day to become like Jesus Christ. I am excited to apply the things I have learned on my mission.” 

Everyone with President and Sister Hammon

After testimony meeting, we partook of Sister Hammon’s famous Tres Leches cake with oozing drizzles of caramel. Once we finished oohing and awing over this delicious dessert, we spent about 40 minutes discussing light and the importance light in our lives, initially focusing on Doctrine and Covenants 50:24-25: “That which is of God is light; and he that receiveth light, and continueth in God, receiveth more light; and that light groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect day. And again, verily I say unto you, and I say it that you may know the truth, that you may chase darkness from among you…” I loved spending just a bit of time, discussing Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, the sources of all Light.  

Sisters Davis, Hansen, and Hammon

The next morning dawned early for all of them. We ate a hearty breakfast of egg bake and all the trimmings, including fruit. Elder Jensen’s mother and step-father came and picked him up. What a joy it was for him to race into her arms. That kind of reunion never gets old. He was so appreciative of seeing his mother. 

Elder Jensen and his mother as she arrives!

We then loaded up the van and the truck and away we went to the Ontario Airport.

Good morning, California Riverside Mission!

Since missionaries were going to two different terminals, we first went to Terminal 4 and left off Elders Aland, Jensen, and Revill. What a teary time this was. 

Elder Aland going home; Elders Revill and Jensen returning to Puerto Rico

And off they go!

Then, we trundled off to Terminal 2. We let off Elders Ly, Willes, Yeaman, Goodrich, and Cousineau, checked them in, and headed to the security point. Again, tears flowed as we gave each other rounds of good bye and hugs! Then, they climbed onto the escalator and up and out of sight. Elder Phister did not leave with the rest. I returned to airport later that afternoon. We had lunch together at the Avocado Burger before I dropped him off at the airport. We took pictures, and I sent it to his mother. She then posted it on Facebook. It was difficult to let Elder Phister go, too.

Elder Phister and President Hammon

It was with heavy heart that I trundled home, knowing, though, that we would be returning in just a few short hours to pick up the new missionaries, and happiness would reign once more in our hearts although there still hovers tinges of sadness of remembrances of the outgoing missionaries.

More in another blog about the incoming missionaries.