Savai'i Interviews

We spent a good part of the week in Savai'i training and interviewing. We continued to train on area books and planners. We were told that the missionary planner was designed by President Hinckley. When Elder Pearson was here, he told our missionaries using their planners should be a revelatory process. I can see that; as the missionaries use every section of it, they will be led to receive revelation. There are sections for goals, lessons, notes, and just about anything a missionary should consider in the work. Elder Pearson also instructed that anyone can tell what kind of a missionary someone is by looking at his/her planner. That has also been proven to be true. The ordinary member of the Church probably has never looked at a missionary planner. I know I hadn't before we came to Samoa. It is a remarkable support for missionaries. Ask missionaries in your ward to see their planners. Have them teach you about how they use it. They will be excited to explain how they are used and how they support their every effort. Thank you, President Hinckley!

The missionary planner is representative of so much of what Heavenly Father does for us. We are given a plan for our eternal progression and then, along the way, we are provided everything we need for success. Sometimes those things are painful, but everything that occurs in our lives God uses for our good and our progression. I have always loved Orson Whitney's understanding of trials. He said, "No pain that we suffer, no trial that we experience is wasted. It ministers to our education, to the development of such qualities as patience, faith, fortitude and humility. All that we suffer and all that we endure, especially when we endure it patiently, builds up our characters, purifies our hearts, expands our souls, and makes us more tender and charitable, more worthy to be called the children of God . . . and it is through sorrow and suffering, toil and tribulation, that we gain the education that we come here to acquire and which will make us more like our Father and Mother in heaven."

But even when times are good, God still provides ways for us to grow and develop. Those ways are too many to list here, but how grateful I am that He is even in the small details like a missionary planner!

The following pictures are the Savai'i missionaries.

The daily planning record.

Sources of Strength

All of our sister missionaries gathered this week for training. We currently have twenty-six sisters in the mission. They spent a few hours together being instructed by the Sister Training Leaders. It was conducted and taught in Samoan, so I was in the dark most of the time. The sisters engaged in some good discussion. Even though I could not understand what was said, I felt their strength.

Twenty-four of our sisters are local Samoans. The other two are of Samoan dissent and are from New Zealand. We just got word this week that we will be getting North American sisters! The complement will be fifteen local sisters and fifteen foreign sisters. We receive our first North American sisters in May and June. We love sister missionaries!

We also held our Mission Leadership Council this week. I wish I could articulate what this experience is like for me every month. These mission leaders are powerful examples to me. They do the hard work of studying and working in the extreme heat and humidity, but because they are aligned with the Lord they are happy and energized. These are the kinds of missionaries who make the world feel balanced. They bring a feeling that all will be well and that together we can accomplish what God has sent us all here to do. These missionaries lay claim to the blessings promised to another of God's army, "And now, because thou hast done this with such unwearyingness, behold, I will bless thee forever; and I will make thee mighty in word and in deed, in faith and in works; yea, even that all things shall be done unto thee according to thy word, for thou shalt not ask that which is contrary to my will." (Helaman 10:5)

We enjoyed a visit from our area medical advisors, Elder and Sister Brown. They toured medical facilities on the island, examined a few missionaries, and spoke to our Mission Leadership Council. Sister Brown reminded us to remain optimistic and find joy in the journey. Elder Brown instructed the missionaries on the giant threat of the mosquito. I say that with tongue in cheek, but this is nothing to take lightly. Currently, there is a mosquito that carries a human virus called chikungunya. It causes a high fever, rash and severe body aches. This disease is not for sissies. We estimate that sixty-percent of our missionaries have had chikungunya. Even though it knocks them down for a few days, they don't give up, give out, or give in. The Browns strengthened us and our missionaries by their short visit. We are grateful for their consecrated service!

As you may remember, we asked our missionaries to think of a theme or phrase that would guide their year in Samoa. I thought you would like to read the ones that we have collected. Some of them are phrases, some quotes, some scriptures. I have not heard them all yet, but am pleased that at least some of them are giving thought to it.

"O be wise, what more can I say?" Jacob 6:12
"We have eyes to see, ears to hear, and hearts to feel, so let us reach out and rescue someone." President Thomas S. Monson
"Earn your pillow."
"I am mindful of you always in my prayers, continually praying unto God the Father in the name of his Holy Child, Jesus, that he, throughout His infinite goodness and grace, will keep you through the endurance of faith on His name to the end." Moroni 8:3
"For in His love, He caused the storm; t'was He who set the sail." Unknown
"Decisions determine destiny."
"Be still and know that I am God."
"Have I not commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord they God is with thee whithersoever thou goest." Joshua 1:9
"Do not expect to become perfect all at once; if you do, you will be disappointed. Be better today than you were yesterday and be better tomorrow than you were today." President Lorenzo Snow
"Preaching and talking mean but very little unless our lives are lived in perfect harmony with our teachings." President Heber J. Grant
"Abstain from all appearance of evil." 1 Thessalonians 5:21
"Pe a faigata le ala, taumafai"
"Pray always."
"Every thought."
"I don't give in, I don't give out, I don't give up."

Don't you agree, we have some incredible missionaries? I will continue to post these as I hear them; I hope you have chosen a phrase for your 2015! Thanks again Emily for inspiring us and our missionaries!

Interview Time

We started our next round of interviews. We spent a couple of days in Tutuila this week. While President Tolman interviewed, Elder Moe, Elder Hodges and I trained the waiting missionaries. We learned about area books and daily planners. We searched Preach My Gospel together. It brought back an earlier gratitude I had developed for Preach My Gospel and the tools provided to missionaries. President Tolman has said on more than one occasion that it is the greatest book written since the Doctrine and Covenants and Pearl of Great Price. There really aren't any other tools necessary for success in the mission field. We don't need to reinvent anything; it is all in Preach My Gospel. President Boyd K. Packer said Preach My Gospel was "designed beyond the veil and put together here." Elder Holland's perspective helps us see the profoundly remarkable gift that this book is. He said, "This was created to convert the missionary before we tried to convert the investigator." Speaking to missionaries, he said, "Preach My Gospel is supposed to get in your bones, it is supposed to be down in the marrow of your soul. The most important contact and conversion, investigator and baptism you will ever have is yourself. In a way we could say that your mission will be a success if you don't convert anybody but yourself. It will still be worth it and it will still be right and it will still have its impact." This book can be studied for a lifetime and still find direction and guidance. It is a testament to the living nature of our Church and leaders.

These pictures are the missionaries in Tutuila. Savai'i and Upolu to come in the next few weeks.

2015!

We experienced a unique opportunity this week. We welcomed new missionaries and said good-bye to others all near the first of the new year! Every new year now for the rest of these missionaries' lives will be a reminder of their consecrated service in the mission field. It is exciting to watch them come and equally exciting to see them go home and on to achieve great things beyond their time here. We consider ourselves privileged to observe the workings of God in their lives. (More pictures on the Life with Missionaries page)

New Missionaries

New Missionaries and Trainers

Departing Missionaries

Earlier this week, I read the blog of a friend of mine. She wrote about deciding upon a theme, a saying, or a scripture to guide the new year. It got me thinking about a scripture that recently has great meaning in my life. In Helaman 15:6 we read, "Yea, I say unto you, that the more part of them are doing this, and they are striving with unwearied diligence that they may bring the remainder of their brethren to the knowledge of the truth . . .." My phrase for the year 2015 is "unwearied diligence." I have already used it several times to remind myself of the importance of continuing to move forward with great strength and faith.

We have invited the missionaries to develop a phrase of their own. We suggested they start by pondering their favorite scripture. Parents, please visit with your missionary about his/her phrase. Find one of your own and share it with them. Together we can be a powerful force for good in the world!

#ShareTheGift

Savai'i Missionaries

Upolu Missionaries

Tutuila Missionaries

We are not a social media mission, so we were not able to participate in the Church's social media campaign of "He is the Gift." However, we shared the gift and joy of Christmas with the children of Samoa. We organized and held three children's carnivals/parties on each of the three islands, complete with games, chasing of a greased pig, and a Santa! I am not sure who had more fun, the missionaries or the children. It is summer here and very hot and humid; that did not deter the children from coming or the missionaries from entertaining them. Please see all of the photos on the Life with Missionary page. I tried to get enough pictures that you can get a flavor for the fun that we had. I got a call from a friend of ours following our final carnival. He said his sons got into the car after the carnival had concluded and together said, "This is the best Christmas EVER!" It was thrilling to watch the missionaries and the children participate in the joy of the Christmas season.

Following our fun, we gathered for lunch and a devotional. Each missionary received a mission shirt. The saying on the back of the shirt means "even on the darkest night" and features the Southern Cross constellation. The stars shine the brightest on the darkest nights. Our emphasis was that even on our darkest night, in our darkest hours, the Savior is ever watchful and present. Even on the darkest night, we don't give up hope. We asked the missionaries to let their shirts and the stars at night be a reminder that He never gives up on us and is ever close.

When we struggle with "dark night" events, we cannot trust our feelings about what God may or may not be doing in our lives. We can only trust the doctrine and the witness of the scriptures. There are hundreds of statements made by the Savior himself regarding His efforts in our lives:

"Behold, I have engraven thee upon the palms of my hands."

"Wherefore, be of good cheer, and do not fear, for I the Lord am with you, and will stand by you."

"For all flesh is in my hands; be still and know that I am God."

"Fear thou not, for I am with thee; be not dismayed, for I am thy God; I will strengthen thee; yea, I will uphold thee."

We know that the Savior's most important concern is to sanctify us and redeem us. Sometimes it means things will get hard and dark as we are tutored under His watchful care.

We never give up hope in our "dark nights" because He has promised that He will rescue us.  President Tolman taught that the word used for faith in the original Greek scriptures meant trust in another person. If we truly have faith/trust in the Savior, then we don't have expectations about outcomes. We simple do what He has asked, never give up hope, and allow the Lord to work in our lives.

At times when we struggle, we find ourselves praying with greater intent, studying more diligently, and seeking direction from the spirit with open hearts. Why would the Lord want to change our circumstances when it is those very circumstances that have caused us to draw closer to Him?

In the Church's Christmas video, we are taught that HE is the gift and then invited to discover the gift, embrace the gift, and share the gift. He guides us to discover and embrace Him through our darkest nights; it is in these moments when He is the closest. 

Elder Jeffery R. Holland helps us understand God's efforts in our mortal lives: "In striving for some peace and understanding in these difficult matters, it is crucial to remember that we are living--and chose to live--in a fallen world where for divine purposes our pursuit of godliness will be tested and tried again and again. Our greatest assurance in God's plan is that a Savior was promised, a Redeemer, who through our faith in Him would lift us triumphantly over those tests and trials, even though the cost to do so would be unfathomable for both the Father who sent Him and the Son who came. It is only an appreciation of this divine love that will make our own lesser suffering first bearable, then understandable, and finally redemptive."  (General Conference, October 2013)

We invited the missionaries to discover and embrace the gift. We hope you will join with them in this effort. May this next year be filled with trust in Him who is the Gift.

Have You Learned for Yourself?

Elder Moe, Elder Hodges, Elder Shepherd

We said good-bye to an assistant this week, Elder Shepherd, and welcomed a new one, Elder Hodges. These young assistants learn and grow at a very fast pace while they serve and lead other missionaries. Elder Pearson taught our missionaries last month that their missions are meant to teach them to be powerful leaders. It is a joy to watch as missionaries learn the skills necessary to lead. It is profoundly remarkable to see them lead by the Spirit and do as the Savior would have done. As I have watched this happen for so many of them, I have come to a greater understanding of why God chose a 14-year old boy to be the Father of the Restoration. These young hearts are easy to touch and influence. They listen a little bit better than those of us who are a little older. Once these young missionaries determine that they are going to give their entire will to God, heavenly direction comes in fascinating ways.

There is something instructive in Joseph's words as he visited with his mother immediately following his visit with the Father and the Son. When his mother asked what was wrong, he replied, "I am well enough off." And then this statement that should teach each one of us something profound, "I have learned for myself." God has not put us here on this earth to follow blindly; that was Satan's plan. We have the opportunity to choose good or evil, life or death, happiness or misery. In order for that choice to hold real meaning, we must learn for ourselves. While God's plan is to "bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man," He has an individual plan for each of us. We agreed to and chose to come and follow that plan and path, but if we don't learn for ourselves we will never receive all that He has for us.

Elder Hodges, Elder Moe, Ashleen, Elder Shepherd

We were blessed to watch a young woman find her path and God's plan for her. Ashleen was baptized yesterday morning. She was taught the Gospel by Elder Moe and Elder Shepherd. We were privileged to have her in our home for one of her lessons. She spoke at her baptism and shared that she had many years of experience with the Church. She attended Sunday meetings for a long time, participated in many activities, and had many friends who were members.  It wasn't until she wanted to learn for herself that she understood God's plan for her. She shared that the Book of Mormon changed her life; she now really understood what the Gospel, the Church and God could mean in her life. Once she learned those things, the path was clear.

"And now behold, I say unto you, my brethren, if ye have experienced a change of heart, and if ye have felt to sing the song of redeeming love, I would ask, can ye feel so now?" (Alma 5:26) It is through that mighty change of heart, Ashleen learned for herself. It is the same for each of us. If we want to learn for ourselves we must seek and ask. It is required of us to find God again; to awaken our memories to that which we knew before we came here. He know us each, He knows our names, He stands ready to guide us if we will do the work necessary to learn for ourselves. What a joyous message it is. He came to offer life and safety and peace.

"When we understand the character of God, and know how to come to Him, he begins to unfold the heavens to us, and to tell us all about it. When we are ready to come to him, he is ready to come to us." Joseph Smith

PS Stayed tuned next week--our version of #ShareTheGift.

United We Stand

Every mission president is different. They each have their own style and priorities. Their wives are different, too. Some have children with them in the field, some do not. Each mission president couple must work out together how their mission will operate.

I am very grateful that President Tolman and I work as equal partners and a team. The only thing he does on his own is worthiness interviews. We work together on everything else. We have always been a good team, but working together for the good of God's missionaries has been an incredibly sweet experience. 

When we work side-by-side in the work of the Lord, remarkable things happen. I believe it is part of the reason that our missionaries have companions. We learn to love others who are different from us. We become friends with someone who under different circumstances we may have never even talked to. We find power in each other's strengths and discover ways to change weaknesses. Testifying of the Savior as authorized representatives sent two-by-two invites the Spirit, who really provides a tender and God-filled testimony.

Do you remember Elder Oaks talk entitled "The Keys and Authority of the Priesthood" given in April 2104 General Conference? He said this, "We are not accustomed to speaking of women having the authority of the priesthood in their Church callings, but what other authority can it be? When a woman-young or old-is set apart to preach the gospel as a full-time missionary, she is given priesthood authority to perform a priesthood function. The same is true when a woman is set apart to function as an officer or teacher in a Church organization under the direction of one who holds the keys of the priesthood. Whoever functions in an office or calling received from one who holds priesthood keys exercises priesthood authority in performing her or his assigned duties."

As President Tolman and I exercise our authority together and with the Savior, powerful things occur. It is impossible to articulate what those things are, but it is a clear communication through the Spirit directing the affairs of this mission. 

Serving in this way, together with shared authority, has given me a glimpse of the heavens. There is no other church currently organized that has the same deep, rich and clear doctrine regarding women. Sometimes we, as women, shy away from the notion of carrying and acting in authority. Let us remember that during the Savior's ministry "women were not just bystanders but engaged contributors to his ministry." (Nyla McBain) We must be willing to be engaged and lend our spiritual power and authority to His work, in His way, and in His timing.