These seven youthful veterans have departed from
the New Hampshire Manchester Mission this week.
But their departure is only part of the activities here.
This past week was another busy and buzzy "transfers" week.
On Wednesday late afternoon, thirteen new young Elders
and Sisters arrived from the MTC in Provo by plane
through the Manchester Regional Airport and began
their "feet on the ground" missionary service.
They were welcomed by Pres. & Sister Beck and
the other Senior Missionaries at a Mission Home dinner
On Thursday morning, the new batch met their "trainers"
who will help them know how to live within Mission rules
while they develop the confidence and skills to
"invite others to come to Christ".
Many other missionaries traveled into Manchester
from their outlying teaching areas to meet up with
their newly-assigned companions, then quickly depart
(after visiting briefly with their friends - the other missionaries)
to their new or still-the-same areas.
This, the site of Concord's Old North Bridge, is the setting
that the departing missionaries have a chance to
visit, with discussions about how important the battle
for freedom (which some say started with shots fired here)
was in providing the conditions needed for the restoration
of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Later that evening, at dinner in a private banquet room
at the historic Colonial Inn at Concord, they shared
special memories of things they had learned about themselves
or the Gospel or about God's plan for His children.
They also had an earlier chance to "formalize" these thoughts
and experiences as their "Golden Truths", shared orally
at their final Zone conferences, and also submitted to be
included in the Messenger newsletter - something I prepare.
Many comments reflect this scripture that Vince offered,
and suggested I include in the Messenger.
Their commentaries often reflect the molding process,
after many "rejections" to feel the excitement as
they find and teach someone who is ready to change
and be changed. Some talk about learning how to be "bold",
as they speak of the personally-rewarding results of doing hard things.
Elder Benedict related a slightly humorous story about a "biddy"
that they taught who, during her life-long quest to find her Savior,
she literally accepted the instruction to "take my name upon you",
and actually spent much of her life with the legal name "Jesus Christ" -
which provided all of us something to ponder about.
Elder Brown, an AP with whom we have developed a relationship
because he spent so much time in or around the Office,
wrote about "finding joy in the morning" by serving Christ
after struggles and hard work and obedience.
Sister Dopp entreated her fellows to "let their lights shine".
Elder Steenson related his journey to overcome shyness
in speaking out, and the hard lessons of pridefulness.
Elder Fotheringham referred to Liberty Jail, comparing
it to opportunities to suffer for the Lord's sake, and have
those moments of deep understanding of God's love.
Elder Levanger spoke about choosing to be cheerful,
with Elder Walker echoing with advice about positive attitude.
These young people are the salt of the earth.
We miss them so much already.
Our lamps continually are filled, through their faithful
service and abundant gratitude for the Gospel.
No comments:
Post a Comment