Louisiana Baton Rouge Mission

ARRIVALS JUNE 2011

2011-06-08T14:35:00.001-05:00

THIS IS OUR LAST TRANSFER. IT MAKES US SAD BUT SO HAPPY TO RECEIVE SUCH A GREAT GROUP OF MISSIONARIES TO HELP CARRY OUR MISSION FORWARD

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APRIL DEPARTURES

2011-05-28T09:26:00.004-05:00

It feels like these elders just got here. We had Elder Duthie in the office for many months and he did a wonderful job keeping the temporal affairs of the mission in order as well as having succcess in his own prosolyting area. Elder Cranny was our assistant for 8 months and helped so much in turning the culture of our mission around. Elder Vail and Butikofer were great missionaries and touched many lives with their faith and diligence.

Community Garden in Oakdale

2011-05-27T17:55:00.007-05:00

Our senior couples are miracle workers. Miracle Grow in the case of Elder and Sister Manning. They are working in Oakdale now that the Vances returned home. They are master Gardeners, so they decided to use their talents for the benefit of the community. They decided a community garden would bring people together and give them an experience with self reliance. The land was donated by the city of Oakdale. The project was the joint effort of the city of Oakdale and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter -Day Saints. The garden was dedicated to the late Mrs. Juanita Crawford, one of the Co-founders of the Oakdale City Arts Council and a member of the Garden Club. All of Mrs Crawford's family were there to honor their mother and knew that she would have been so excited about the garden. She passed away a few months before the garden was dedicated. . There was music, and activities for the kids.They planted some donated trees. Elder Manning had built individual plots for people to use. The mannings had also planted beans, tomatoes, squash, cantaloupe, and watermelon on a larger planting area to harvest for everyone. We express our gratitude to the Mannings for their great effort to share their talents not only with the members but with the community.

President with one of the Sons of Sister Neet.

Oakdale makes the New Again

2011-05-27T17:00:00.009-05:00

Oakdale finally was cleared to have a new meeting place. The work had gone so well in baptizing, reactivation and retention that they had outgrown their little building. The church purchased a funeral home for them to fix up for a meeting house. It was ideal, but required a lot of work. The branch set to work and painted, scrubbed, and built, until it was sparkling and worthy of anyone to come and worship there. The missionaries had an open house for the community. They passed out flyers and extended special invitations to community leaders. They had a progressive instruction from room to room teaching about Prophets, the role of the Savior, the apostacy and Restoration. They did a beautiful job. They had a small turn out but those of us that were there, felt the spirit in abundance. We know our Heavenly Father was pleased with their hard work.

Bishop Hazleton and his daughter getting the refreshments ready.

Elder Christiansen and elder Willmuth teaching about the Apostacy

Sister Aka and the Zone Leaders Elder Lambert, and Elder Rueckart teaching about the Restoration. I loved their creativity in making it feel like the Sacred Grove

President Dwight Epperson, Stake President of the Alexandria Stake, chatting with one of the newest members of the Oakdale branch.

These are the good members of Oakdale branch that come and support the missionaries.

Leadership Conference

2011-05-27T15:24:00.011-05:00

In February we brought all of the leaders into Baton Rouge for four days of leadership training; 65 in total. We had 15 at the mission home.We felt the spirit of our mission increase in abundance after our first four day leadership conference. We have had several months to teach, practice, and implement these wonderful Fundamentals of Preach my Gospel lessons. We felt we had new missionaries and leaders in our mission that it was time to immerse them in the spirit. It is the Holy Ghost that is poured out in abundance at these gatherings, and it is four days in a row. These lessons train all of us to recognize the voice of the spirit it choosing questions to ask, which lessons to teach, and bringing power in our commitments.With the miracles of implementation every night these truths really sink into their hearts and they are empowered by the evidence of their faith.

Elder Duthie checking his planner after a great instruction on planning.

Sarah, the young adult next to me , and I single handedly fed 65 missionaries lunch and every day for four days in a row. We were pretty proud of ourselves. Let's face it, we know we had angels helping us all the way. Bill's sister was here from AZ and helped us serve.

Elder Sewell was a great server but he couldn't keep his tie out of the whipped cream. I think he was trying to save some for later.

At the end of each daily session the missionaries went out proselyting to practice with exactness what they had learned that day. This is a little miracle that the sisters experienced because they had the faith to implement the things they had learned. They were about to leave an apt building when Sister Hislop felt impressed to go to the end of the hall and knock on the door. This mom was busy cooking dinner but the sisters offered to come in and help so they could listen to the message of eternal families. The woman had been praying for new truth about life. It was a bit chaotic in the home , but they had learned the value of "how to begin" a lesson and sitting down and setting the stage for the Spirit. They had the faith to ask if the family could sit down and have a prayer, eliminate any distractions, and invite the spirit to be there so they could feel the truth of what they were teaching. They asked good questions and found out he concerns in their family and began to teach to those needs. This little family was blessed and wanted to have more lessons with the missionaries. We had miracle after miracle every night.

Elder Robbins Comes to Visit

2011-05-27T14:33:00.009-05:00

Elder and Sister Robbins came for a mission tour in January. They taught us so many things that helped our missionaries move forward with greater confidence and faith. He taught us how important it is to act and not be acted upon. He taught us that we always have a choice either to be proactive and choose wisely in the first place or when the situation is truly out of our control we can choose how we will handle the circumstances by asking ourselves what would the Savior do. He taught us that the Savior always used his agency in a positive way and he was successful. We learned that loosers make excuses and give their power to someone else. Another wonderful thing that Elder Robbins taught us was what he talked about in conference in regards to the Being side of the gospel, what is happening in our heart, and the Doing side of the Gospel , the actions we must take so our hearts can be changed. Our missionaries had a lot to ponder when he left. Sister Robbins taught us about music in the church and about the rescue.

Arrivals April 2011

2011-04-27T13:14:00.001-05:00

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March Departures

2011-03-17T12:10:00.001-05:00

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March Arrivals

2011-03-17T12:05:00.001-05:00

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SISTER'S MEETING

2011-03-09T22:02:00.005-06:00

It is always a special experience to have all of our sisters together. They are powerful young women that know who they are and what their purpose is. They love and nurture, but they teach with power and authority. We love them and the Elders love it when they get to have sisters in their zone because they recognize their strength and spirituality.

NOVEMBER DEPARTURES

2011-03-06T16:03:00.002-06:00

Many experiences together, many miracles, many changed hearts, stronger testimonies and more joy

December Arrivals

2011-01-06T13:13:00.001-06:00

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December Departures

2011-01-06T12:37:00.001-06:00

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November Arrivals

2010-11-15T11:40:00.001-06:00

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2010-11-12T18:33:00.001-06:00

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We Have Been Busy

2010-10-31T19:02:00.004-05:00

Denham Springs Youth Zone Conference

2010-10-23T08:25:00.006-05:00

We were invited to do a "zone conference" for the Denham Springs youth. We did it last year and we all had a wonderful experience. The youth all came eager to learn and were very excited about the instruction, but mostly about the role plays. We helped them with some creative ways to use the Mormon.org campaign and how to casually invite their friends to church, activities and to hear the missionaries. OUr missionaries were great with the youth.

September Arrivals

2010-10-04T12:38:00.001-05:00

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Miracles all around

2010-09-20T22:47:00.005-05:00

The missionaries shared two miracles with me today. One was when our office elders saw one of their friends out mowing his lawn by himself. In their shirts and ties, they jumped out of their car and helped him finish cutting his and edging his grass. The rest of the story is that our assistants were in men's warehouse today and the manager said," I have seen you guys, you were helping my neighbor mow his lawn. No it wasn't you guys but someone that looked like you." The assistants said, "yes, we live with the missionaries that you saw." The gentleman said it touched his heart so deeply. He couldn't believe two young men would do that for someone. He said he couldn't stop thinking about it. He now has an appointment to be taught by the assistants. How were they lead to the mall to meet the man that lived in the neighborhood where our friend lived? They were lead by the spirit. The other part of that story is that our friend came to church yesterday for the second time and loved it. He said"this will really help my week, I feel so good"

THE SPIRIT TOUCHES HEARTS

2010-09-20T22:26:00.005-05:00

President preformed this wedding so the husband could get baptized. His best friend from childhood(in the picture with President and I) felt the spirit of the evening and felt the genuine love of President as he took an interest in this young man and was asking him about his life. He later came to us and expressed his desire to make changes in his life. With tears in his eyes he told us that he "had felt a special spirit, and a genuine love and caring." He said that he was tired of his life and wanted what he felt. He said he had tried many times but was not strong enough. We promised him that we could help him make it stick. He has made some major changes in his life and is so happy. He can't believe the blessings that are flowing into his life.

Mormon.org

2010-09-20T20:55:00.003-05:00

I wanted to let you all know a few things that have been going on in our mission. Because our missionaries have valiantly reported on %98 of our referrals we have been chosen as one of nine missions for the Church to launch their pilot campaign for Mormon.org. What this means is that the church has bought several spots an hour to show their wonderful new commercials about wonderful people of all back grounds, interests, and accomplishments, that are also members of the church. They have also put up Many large billboards around the city and on the Bus Stops.The objective is to dispel some of the stereotypes that exist about being a member of the Church, bring the church out of obscurity, and peak the interest of the community. It has created a very positive buzz. The first week that the public news saw all of the commercials they wanted to know what it was all about. They visited briefly with President and then we referred them to the church's public media person. That night they had a spot on the news where they showed some of the commercials and told a little bit about the church. It was very favorable This past weekend there was a two full page article in the main Baton Rouge paper about the campaign and about several of our local members. One of our brothers is a Basketball coach for LSU. They interviewed him and his little family, the offensive coach for the LSU Football team is a member and they highlighted him. They talked about other well known members and talked about the reasons behind the campaign and what the church believes and the values we stand for. MR. Taylor the religious editor got acquainted with us during Reflections of Christ and so he called President and spent about an hour with us asking questions and letting us share our beliefs and perspectives with him. He quoted president several times in the article and reported everything very accurately and respectfully.
The important thing is the opportunity it gives our members to go on the website and make a profile about themselves and then they can have fun sending their friends to the website to see their profile. If you haven't had a chance to visit the site i the past 8 weeks please take the opportunity . It is a wonderful tool. You can view the commercials, watch many wonderful videos on our values of family , humanitarian service, and faith. It is a great place to refer your friends. Teenagers will love it because it is a little like Facebook. We have had a baptism from a young man viewing the commercials, going the site , reading everything there was to read, finding the meeting house and time in the information and being taught by the missionaries. He was baptized , saying everything he has felt was missing in all of the religions he has been part of, he found in the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. He is so happy and is very involved in the student ward here in Baton Rouge. President and I took a young woman to church yesterday that first went on Mormon.org three months ago and loved it. She loved church yesterday. "Everyone is so happy" was her first comment. AS our friends and family visit Mormon.org, they will see many happy people that are experiencing many of the financial challenges, and adversities in life that they are, but they know that they have a purpose and that they have the channels of prayer and the Gift of the Holy Ghost to "tell them all things what they should do." They understand the Atonement and that the Savior can heal their hearts and magnify their adversities to their good.

A Senior Moment

2010-09-15T23:55:00.007-05:00

We decided it was time for all of the Senior couples to take a "Senior Moment " to be together and enjoy one another’s company. WE took walking tour of the French Quarter, had lunch, and then drove around the Garden District to see the beautiful homes. We had such a good time. Starting on the left and going around the table: Ellisons, Worthens, Shroeders, Vances, President, and Maritneaus President had fun popping Wheelies with Sister Martineau in the wheel chair we got for her so she could last the whole two hours.

An Evening of Music in Oakdale

2010-09-15T23:12:00.015-05:00

Our Creative Sisters in Oakdale decided to have a community "Evening of Music" centered around the Savior. They invited those in the community that had musical talent to participate. They had it at the branch building. They had a wonderful turnout and everyone enjoyed the variety of music that was shared. The treat of the evening was hearing the sisters sing .The Sisters asked President to preform a musical number. He sang "Oh How Lovely was the morning" Sister Porter Is a vital part of the Oakdale Branch. She has a beautiful deep voice and she touched our hearts with her original song about the savior.The Vances had worked hard with the sisters to make this evening happen. It was great to see them enjoy it so much. Notice the "kiss" marks on sister Vance's cheek. She is very loved in the Oakdale Branch.
The Vances had us and the Worthens to their home for a lovely dinner before the evening of Music. It was so fun to visit and be together

More Leadership Training

2010-09-15T22:53:00.003-05:00

We just finished a week of leadership Training. We met with the Zone leaders, district leaders, and trainers in each zone and taught a review of some of our first leadership Training We added instruction and role play on how to help our members talk to people about Mormon.org. We taught the importance of daily contact in helping our brothers and sisters keep their commitments and President taught us that unless we are motivated by Charity and our love for the Savior and these people non of it makes a difference.

Our Missionaries in Action

2010-09-15T22:06:00.009-05:00

This is our friend that owns Italian Pie, a restaurant where President and I eat often. He is our friend. Sam and Brig our sons were in town on Labor Day and were with us the first time He went to church with us. He loved church. He is reading the Book of Mormon in Mandarin and loving it. We are praying for a miracle so his wife and son can join him here in the United States from China. This husband and wife have been members only a short time. They had had a wonderful experience at the Temple with the missionaries this day doing baptisms for the dead.They got a pizza and brought it to the mission home where we ate together and played with their darling little boys. It was a special day and you could feel the love that elder Butikofer and elder Jensen had for this family.
This was a wonderful baptism for sister Riddle and Sister Wingate. Our grand daughter Danielle went and taught with the sisters and then was able to attend the baptism. This brother had a deep and sincere testimony.
This is Elder Decker and Belknap teaching our spanish speaking saints at a fireside we had at the mission home. Elder Decker was pretty new and did a great job.

Louisiana scenes

2010-09-15T19:34:00.006-05:00

I just thought you might enjoy seeing some of the scenes that your missionaries get to enjoy in this beautiful state. These trees are everywhere. They are one of my favorite things about Louisiana. The beautiful skies are the other along with the bridges.

August Arrivals

2010-08-19T12:28:00.001-05:00

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A New Look

2010-08-04T18:14:00.001-05:00

Dear friends and family of our missionaries,

I realize it has been several months since I have updated, so to catch up and still not be overwhelmed with the task, I will go back and post just the pictures of March , April , and May transfers. A transfer meaning the arrival pictures and departure pictures. . There was no transfer in June. I will not try to write anything about them at this point but at least you will be able to see the cute pictures. I will also catch you up on a few of the activities that stand out in that transfer if there were some. March will be at the bottom of this post and work your way up to the most recent happenings in our mission. I am committed to keeping this updated until we go home in July of 2011. I am sorry if you have been disappointed, I just had to catch my breath.

That said, you will also notice that there are a couple of new features. One is the calendar at the right of the posts, the other are the tabs at the bottom of the large picture. If you click on those it will take you to a page just devoted to that subject. I love hearing from you and I am open to feedback on any information you would like to have. We love your missionaries, and I only wish I could express the feelings in my heart about the experience we are all having as we all work together to serve the Lord with all of our heart might mind and strength.

Teaching English

2010-08-04T08:45:00.005-05:00

We had a wonderful experience with some very sweet refugees from Burma. They escaped execution. Our missionaries tracked into one family that spoke some english. We found out that there were about 45 of them. We decided to offer to teach them English and in some way bring the love of the Savior and the spirit to them. We knew we needed to get the members involved so at the recommendation of the stake president we called Sister Ikuo Patton, our stake Relief Society president. She was thrilled and wanted to have them all to her home for dinner so they could feel our love and caring. That was before she learned that there would be 45 of them. We moved the dinner to the church but she insisted on making dinner for them. She and her husband and son who you can see here did all of it. These sweet families were overwhelmed at the kindness and warmth that they received. You can tell that family is a priority with them. Even with the language barrier, there was a feeling of brotherhood that evening. Some of them are coming to church, but it is hard because they don't understand very much english. As they learn more, it will be easier to share the blessings of the Gospel with them. We are grateful that the Lord allowed us this opportunity.

WE Love our Investigators & Members

2010-08-04T08:24:00.005-05:00

and Members

Thank You Office Elders

2010-08-04T01:45:00.004-05:00

Elders Clifford and Davis do a great job keeping the bikes, cars, and apartments running smoothly. Elder Vincent (not pictured here) does a great job on our referrals

Cleaning out Mission Garage

Are we having fun yet?

Missionary Life

2010-08-04T01:26:00.014-05:00

Louisiana in the Spring, with lots of critters

We love our media boards

Sometimes we are happy

Sometimes we're tired

Sometimes we are hungry

We might be tricky

Or even broken

and sometimes down right goofy

But we always have a heart for service

Hearts Knit Together

2010-08-04T01:09:00.010-05:00

Different in age, and circumstances, but their hearts are knit together in love by the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ

This sweet Sister had lost her husband a week previous to her baptism. He had only been very sick when the missionaries knocked on her door. She said,"I knew you would come." I had been praying for someone to help me.

Sheila and her best Friend( new member). Sheila's friend had just been baptized. She didn't know anyone at church yet. Sheila wanted to be a good friend and go to church with her until she made some new friends. The spirit worked in her heart each week until she wanted to know more. President helped teach her one night during the time she was praying to get her answer about being baptized. After a spirit filled lesson, President committed her to pray about the 21st of March for her baptism. He told Sheila that it was the first day of Spring. She said, "that is my favorite time of year, when everything is fresh and new. President said , "yes, just like you will be when you are baptized. She called him a week later and said that she had gotten her answer and asked him to baptize her. We sang "Whenever I hear the song of a bird," for the opening song at her baptism. Sheila had tears rolling down her cheeks. She said the Spirit bore wittness to her that this truly was "a new beginning"

Elder Duthie, President Woods, Sheila, Elder Smith

First Sisters Meeting

2010-08-03T23:52:00.009-05:00

It was really a treat to have every sister in our mission together for our first Sisters Meeting. We used the theme: "What I wished I had known sooner." We had beautiful music presented by our talented sisters, we heard from Sister Pilette, who had returned home a few weeks earlier, and just happened to be in town the day we were meeting and from Sister Boulter who was going home two weeks after our meeting. They both Inspired us with their wisdom and testimonies of the Savior. Sister Pilette taught us the "The Savior doesn't sleep when we suffer." Sister Boulter encouraged us to step out in faith and confidence. She taught us that blessings come with obedience, but miracles happen when we implement with exactness. The highlight was hearing from each of our senior sisters as they shared their personal experiences and lessons learned from trials and living the gospel day by day.

Back Row: Horan, Schulz,Daley, Hill, Charland,Earl,Pilette,Bunker

Middle:Boulter,Myer,English,Riddle,Jack,Holmes,Thomas

Front: Javier,Worthen,O'Rillian,Woods,Vance,Martineau,Bruening

Sister Woods--"Don't let your weaknesses define you, magnify your strengths." You've been those a lot longer"

Sisters Jack, & Holmes

Sister Pilette

Sister Boulter

Sister Martineau--"It's not about you" It's about the Savior and those that you serve

Sister Vance--"Mother Knew Best"

Sister O' Rullian--"Life is too short to look at the negative" Attitude is everything"

Sisters Schulz, English, & Hill

Sister Schulz, Riddle, & Charland

Leadership Conference

2010-08-02T11:56:00.032-05:00

There are some changes coming to the curriculum at the MTC in January of 2011. It is still completely Preach My Gospel but there is more emphasis on the what I call the "Human side of missionary work;" meaning that they are going to work on listening skills, asking good questions and understanding the needs of the people from the answers they give and then being led by the Spirit to teach to their needs. If you would like more details a about this , see my "leadership training" page. We were instructed to bring all of our zone leaders, district leaders, and trainers into Baton Rouge for a Leadership Training meeting. We were given 8 lessons to present to them in those 4 days. They stayed in the apartments of the local missionaries and 13 of them stayed here at the mission home. I fed 55 missionaries breakfast and lunch all four days. It was a wonderful four days. Our leaders came prepared to be taught from on high and and Heavenly Father answered our prayers by pouring out his spirit for four days. Those of us that instructed could feel that we were being instructed as much as the missionaries were by the spirit at we taught. The exciting part were the miracles that we saw in the evening when they went out and implemented the things they had been taught during the day. when they returned at 9:00 p.m. we would sit around in a big circle and marvel at how inspired the instruction was by how well it worked as we went forward in faith. It is a thrill to see the faith and dedication of these young people. Not only our leaders, but the young missionaries that were left to keep the ball rolling in the field. There is not question that the Savior is very personally involved in this work as he loves, teaches, supports, and redeems us as we strive to serve Him. Enjoy the light and joy that you see in the faces of your wonderful missionaries.

photographs donated by Brother Easley

Elders Falco, Witt,Richins,Thorton, Neilsen, Cranny, Cox, Heger, Jones and Harrison

Sister Wingate and Riddle

Sister Dupaix, Schulz, Hill, Woods, Thomas, Wingate, & Riddle

Elder Woodings and Richins

Elder Nielsen & Richins

Elder Heyrend, Neilsen, Sister Riddle, Thomas, & Elder Thornton

Elders Jones & Cook

Elders Butterfield, Meyer,Day,Chamberlain,Woodings,Belknap,Thompson, & LaPorte

Elders Heuter & Gibson

Sisters Dupaix & Schulz

Elders Spackman & Smith (Assistants to the President)

Elders Falco,Griner,LaPorte(from France), Sister Hill,GibsonBounds,&Witt

Elder Hatch, Sister Schulz & Sister Dupaix

July Transfers

2010-08-02T11:33:00.002-05:00

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May-June Transfers

2010-08-02T11:11:00.002-05:00

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April Transfers

2010-08-02T10:54:00.003-05:00

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March Transfers

2010-08-02T10:42:00.002-05:00

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BOOK OF MORMON

2010-02-18T05:12:00.005-06:00

In Our December Zone Conference President gave all of the Missionaries a paper

Back Book of Mormon and asked them to underline all of the references to Jesus Christ. He wanted them to underline all of His direct teachings, anyone quoting Him., any time He was being referred to by any of His names. President and I also enjoyed the assignment. It turned out to be a powerful experience for all of us. I personally was so grateful for the experience. It strengthened my testimony of the Book of Mormon as "Another Testament of Jesus Christ." It deepened my love for Him as I saw so vividly what a "hands on " Savior He is. He was speaking to, admonishing, blessing, endowing with Power, correcting, expressing love for, guiding, and teaching His children constantly. He loves us so much. I already knew that, but it was so vivid as I was underlining on every single page. We asked several of our missionaries to share their experience at the Zone conference in January. Here are a couple of quotes from them

Sister Missionary

I have learned how consistently He blesses those that are obedient and how consistently He is in our lives. I have felt my purpose more deeply –why I am here. I know more than ever before that He is the only Way. I know that He lives, that He came and was resurrected. It wasn’t just then but it is for now and for ever. It fills my whole being

ELDER

I learned that the Book of Mormon is true in more than one language. WE read Lord, Lamb of God, ......but as we focus on who is really speaking through the prophets -- who is teaching ----It is all our Savior

"It has made me want to be a better Missionary . It has intensified my focus. It has made me a better teacher. I can direct my investigators to The Savior—what he teaches—what he said.
We testify that God lives , that Jesus Christ is our Savior and Redeemer, That They have appeared once again to man. That the plain and precious truths that Jesus Christ taught and the organization that He established when He was on the earth has been restored in it's perfection to the earth through the prophet Joseph Smith. We testify that the Book of Mormon is the word of God revealed to His prophets, that we have a prophet on the earth today Thomas S. Monson. We testify that the Priesthood Keys have been restored to seal families for eternity, and to Baptize in His name. We invite all to "Come Unto Christ"

Good Bye to Sister Lor

2010-02-17T10:15:00.005-06:00

We have been so blessed to get the Temple Square Sisters on their rotations. Sister Lor is our fourth Sister from Temple Square. Sister Lor will be missed . She truly made a difference here.

Snow in Louisiana

2010-02-17T10:11:00.003-06:00

They say "it never snows in Louisiana. " That's funny, it has snowed both winters we have been here. It snowed all morning on Feb 11. As you can see it stayed on the ground for a couple of hours. The flakes were giant and beautiful.

DECEMBER DEPARTURES

2010-02-15T23:58:00.001-06:00

It just doesn't get any easier to let these Great missionaries go. It helps to think about the excited mothers that are making their favorite meal, fixing their rooms and putting picture books together in anticipation of their return. Thank you for sharing Your great sons. We love them.

JANUARY DEPARTURES

2010-02-15T23:43:00.002-06:00

We have had some wonderful experiences with these Elders. We will miss them. They have served with their might, mind, and strength, and have left a legacy.

JANUARY ARRIVALS

2010-02-15T23:20:00.000-06:00

ELDER CONDIE'S VISIT

2010-02-15T20:32:00.003-06:00

We were so blessed to have Elder Spencer J. Condie and his sweet wife come for a mission tour on January 6th. They were with us for three days. We had three wonderful zone conferences where Elder Condie and President answered questions that the elders had submitted during the previous zone conference. In preparation for the Zone Conference they had been marking their Book of Mormons and were spiritually prepared to do some "Learning By Faith." Elder Condie taught them about teaching skills. He taught them how to aproach the Doctrine of the Godhead with these good people of the South. He taught us How to bring the spirit in our teaching. Sister Condie is a scriptorian and taught us about obedience from the scriptures. Elder Condie understands the human heart and is so full of love. He bore his testimony through music with a very expressive arrangement of "Oh How Lovely Was the Morning" He has a great sense of humor and lightened our hearts with laughter. We all felt more confident and infused with the spirit. We love you Elder and Sister Condie.

WHITE CHRISTMAS

2010-02-15T19:27:00.004-06:00

DECEMBER ZONE CONFERENCE

2010-02-15T18:16:00.006-06:00

Our December Zone conference focused on the Bold Declaration and proclamation of the Angels at the Birth of the Savior. President took that focus and taught how we need to Proclaim and Declare the Restoration with Boldness. The Angels didn't Say " Hi Shephards, we would like to share a message about Jesus Christ," They declared, "Behold we bring you good tidings of great joy, for unto to us is born this day a Savior which is Christ the Lord." President taught that we need to declare that there is a prophet on the earth today, that we have the Book of Mormon, that Priesthood keys have been restored to seal families for eternity. He focused on the Book of Mormon and how it is the Key Stone of our religion. He gave each missionary a paper back copy of the Book of Mormon and asked them to underline every reference to the Savior, his teachings and His direct words. I taught them the process and value of their weekly planning, and goal setting. Elder Pickup taught them about the three type of Questions. Questions to access their needs, Questions of understanding in teaching, and questions that help them learn by faith and process what they really think and what they must DO to come unto Christ. Elder Nnah taught what it means to magnify your calling and the realationship between that and sanctification. We lightened things up a bit with a white elephant game at lunch. We had a white Christmas slide show and testimonies to finish up the afternoon.

OAKDALE CHRISTMAS PAGEANT

2010-02-15T17:42:00.004-06:00

The Oakdale Christmas Pagaent has been a community event for 15 years. It is directed and spear headed by a lovely Baptist Woman and her husband, the Bradleys. This year our Senior couple and the sisters that serve in Oakdale decided it would be a good way to get involved with the community. They volunteered their services thinking they would be passing out programs or ushering. Well, Mrs Bradley recognized talent when she saw it. Our sisters sing beautifully and our Senior couple, Elder and Sister Vance have many talents. She invited them to the first rehearsal and the sisters decided to introduce themselves by singing I am a Child of God. Mrs Bradley was taken from that moment. She cast Elder And Sister Vance as Mary and Joseph, The sisters were asked to sing several numbers in the "Pre-Show" and they were narrator and shepherds. Our Baptist friends recognized the special spirit that they brought to each rehearsal and asked them to offer prayers and they always sung a hymn to start the rehearsal. Sister and Elder Vance had the opportunity to meet with the Bradleys and share what the missionaries were all doing here and a little bit about the Restoration. They admitted that it cleared up a lot of misconceptions they had always had about the church. The Oakdale Branch President, President Hazelton, and President and I were introduced at the beginning of the pageant as special guests and friends. It was a wonderful event of good will.

This is Sister Pedersen, Myer, Mrs. Bradley, Sister English and Sister Vance
This is Sister Porter, a member of the Oakdale Branch. She is blind, but you would never know it. She is so faithful and always makes us laugh.
This is the sisters, Vances, and the Worthens that serve in Opelousas, a few miles from Oakdale.
Mrs Bradley greeting one of her dear friends the night of the pageant

TRANSFERS-THE CHANGING OF THE GUARD

2010-01-03T19:50:00.008-06:00

It was fun to have missionaries come close to Christmas time. We love having them arrive early in the day because then we can relax and enjoy them. They can help with the meal and even get a little nap. We had Elder De Los Santos that made us a native mexican cake. This was another group of faith filled missionaries. We Love Them

THANKSGIVING

2010-01-03T19:25:00.005-06:00

Thanksgiving fell during our interview days in New Orleans and West Bank so we decided to combine that two and have Thanksgiving with 50 or out missionaries and three of our senior couples. We had six Cajun Turkeys from Popeye's. 45 lbs of potatoes, candied yams, dressing, wonderful green been casserole, home made rolls and fruit salad. Not to mention homemade cranberry sauce and the best home made gravy you ever tasted (that's another miracle)It was all home made and it was all made by three women and their sweet husbands (minus president) he was interviewing. It was a hoot and the kitchen looked like a war zone when we got it all on the table but there was such a spirit of love and fellowship, and deep gratitude for the sacred cause that brought us all together it was a joy to there. We had the extra blessing of having Our youngest daughter Sarah, and her husband Glen, here from Utah to be with us which just made all the more special for us.

MIRACLES IN OAKDALE

2010-01-03T18:46:00.003-06:00

It is amazing the miracles that can be wrought by the love, patience, and diligence of a faithful senior couple and three sister missionaries. This little branch is in a town of 800 people. When the Vances got here, five months ago, there was no primary , and hadn't been for years, no official Relief Society to speak of, and only 10-12 people at church on any given sunday. The community had long standing families with ideas of how "things are." The Vances started lovingly letting the branch president know they were there to serve him. They were given a list of people to find and visit that were in anywhere from a 10 to 60 mile radius of back roads and Highway mail boxes. They started showing up on doorsteps (with the spirit as their GPS ) with apple bread and cookies in hand and a smile of love and hope on their face. They would spend sometimes an hour or more on a porch learning to "know" the stories of these saints and families that had lost their way. Sometimes hard feelings, sometimes tough times had gotten in the way. Day after day, week after week of calls and visits started to pay off. Sister Missionaries volunteering to serve and help in any way they could with their loving enthusiasm and expert teaching of the gospel. Organizing BBQs for 10 people to show up, but a few more at the next one, special music and loving lessons given by the sisters, and going through papers and files to help organize a bishop's office started to pay off. They now have as many as 30 people to church. They have a primary with children (3-5) every week, a Relief Society with called and set apart teachers, and visiting teaching being done and reported. It is the miracle of the pure love of Christ being exemplified consistently day after day hour after hour. We love you Elder and Sister Vance and Sisters Myer, Bunker, Pedersen, and English.

AuRevoir

2009-11-19T01:25:00.004-06:00

It is always sad to see our missionaries go because they each one contribute their special gifts and talents to our mission family. They leave a legacy of love and truth. This is Sister Santos. She came to us from Temple Square. She did her 6 month rotation in our mission. She is from Brazil. We will miss her as well as the Elders that are leaving. Elder Stratton served as one of our Office missionaries. He worked hard to keep the cars and referrals up to speed. Well maybe that was a poor use of words (we don't want the cars up to speed)

We love them and will always consider them our dear friends.

2009-11-18T23:58:00.006-06:00

This was a welcome sight. Eight of the eleven new missionaries in this transfer are spanish speaking. The spanish work here in Louisiana has been growing. There are so many good people here from Honduras and mexico to earn money an send it back to their families. we enjoyed our time with these good missionaries getting acquainted with them and feeling their spirit and hearing their testimonies.

Adios Amigos

2009-09-20T22:27:00.000-05:00

The Spanish people In Louisiana will miss Elder Jensen, Payne, and Knight. These three great elders mastered the Spanish language and loved the people and their culture. They truly had become loyal servants of Jesus Christ.

Our time together after the temple was especially nice because we were able to share it with two Spanish brothers. One was Lazero who elder Payne had baptized and Lazaro’s friend who is now taking the lessons. Way to do missionary work until you walk out the door. We love you.

Small in Number Mighty in Spirit

2009-09-20T21:48:00.000-05:00

These three amigos met their fourth compadre, Elder Sandres who arrived from Texas earlier that day. We enjoyed the day together and felt their great spirits immediately.

It didn't take us long to discover Sister Jack's beautiful voice and she and President enjoyed singing Nearer My God to Thee

How Great Shall be Your Joy

2009-09-20T20:04:00.000-05:00

Meet the Barringtons. This is a family that was Baptized this Spring. They are an amazing family. They are like "add water only " and stir and you have perfect pancakes. All they needed was the waters of Baptism and they were off an running. Sister Barrington is a counselor in the Relief Society Presidency, they have both had their Patriarchal blessings and have found ancestors and have been to the temple to have their work done. They do everything they are asked to do and look for every opportunity to serve anyone and everyone. That has been a life habit.

The sweet love and support of the Barringtons reach far beyond their own ward or community. The little angel in this next picture is someone that has become a dear friend of ours. She lives in Alexandria. She is 80 years old, and one of the most fun and lively people I know. She like the Barringtons, has lived a life of service and generosity. Now for the joy of this entry. Sister Beverly was baptized on August 16. I was sharing with Sister Barrington how wonderful Sister Beverly was and how thrilled we all were that she was going to be Baptized and President and I were coming up to Alexandria for the Baptism. She said "we would love to come to her baptism." It was an hour and half drive for them to come. I couldn't believe they were going to come so far to support someone they didn't really know. They came and joined us for this very special baptism. I don't know if I can explain the sprit that was there as this family brought their spirit of love and joy and joined it with the humble and joyful spirit of this sweet little sister. We all went to dinner after and we were all truly hearts knit together in love. It was so wonderful. It made me happy to see our missionaries experience the joy and sweetness of their labors.

Elder Gay Visits with our Zone Leaders

2009-09-20T18:32:00.001-05:00

In August elder Gay, who is our area authority, came to conduct a coordinating council. He wanted to spend some time with our zone leaders. We met in the high council room of the Baton Rouge stake center. We lined the whole room. There was a powerful feeling when all of those great young men came in an took their seats. I thought to myself, " If your mothers could see you now." Elder Gay talked with them for 2 1/2 hours. He allowed them to ask questions. Among some of the things he taught them was that they have the power to astonish, which is the power to solve every challenge that confronts them. He asked them why they were endowed before they came here. His answer was so they would have all of the powers and blessings from their covenants to solve life's problems and teach their investigator that through ordinances the powers of heaven come into their lives to help them solve life's challenges. He told them not to think they have ever hit a mountain they can not go over, because they have been endowed to go over. Through obedience, faith to ask for revelation and the work to do what you are told all things can be accomplished. He also, through a powerful personal story, told them that it was no mistake that they were where they were and if they would ask the Lord he would in his time unfold their individual purpose for being in Louisiana. Spending that time with Elder Gay blessed all of us. We love him and thank him for his love and counsel. President Epperson of the Alexandria Stake joined us also.

The Gospel Changes lives

2009-09-19T13:59:00.000-05:00

I'm sure most of you have heard by now that we have doubled our baptisms for the month of July and August. It truly is a miracle. It is the miracle of conversion that is taking place in the hearts of our missionaries. They are becoming converted to their power and majesty as servants of Jesus Christ. They are understanding that they can go forth with confidence knowing that they are friends of the Savior and that he has promised to "fight their battles" and "be on their right side and on their left." They are not longer "hanging out" at the member's homes. They are committed in their purpose of Bringing souls unto Christ. They are converted to the principle of being a zion mission, understanding that it is no longer "about them," that their faith and obedience effects the miracles and blessings of every fellow missionary, and that obedience is "greater than to sacrifice." They are faith filled and theLord knows He can count on them.

I thought you would like to see the light in the faces of these good people that now know who's they are and know that they have a perfect plan to follow with a Heavenly Father that knows them by name and will help them every step of the way.

BYU EVENT

2009-09-19T12:48:00.000-05:00

WE had a great time bringing the church “out of obscurity “ with our BYU Fooball Team. With the help of the New Orleans stake, hosted a fireside that the team puts on at every away game. We had it at the JW Marriott in down town New Orleans. It was a venue that would accommodate 800 people. We printed 5000 “pass along cards” that our members and missionaries could give out to invite and notify everyone. WE FILLED THE PLACE.!! It was well worth the effort. We had at least 50 people there not of our faith. It was so uplifting and inspiring to hear two of the team members stand and talk about being disciples of Jesus Christ. One of which was the line backer in the picture with little Raymond Barrington.

Little Raymond Barrington, who is 10 years old is a new member of the church that was baptized in March. He plays football and his new goal is to play at BYU. Coach Tidwell is a friend of ours so we arranged for him to get on the field before the game. Needless to say the fireside touched him. He said “momma, those players really honor their priesthood don’t they?” Two members of the team sang “I Wonder When He Comes Again” while a teammate accompanied them. Later in the meeting the whole team stood and sang “Armies of Helaman.” Sister Mendenhal spoke and gave a real down to earth perspective on not allowing the world to convince you that you are “all that” because of football, music, or any other accomplishment. Her counsel was that you are only successful when you are helping others come unto Christ. The concluding speaker was Coach Mendenhal. He said “this is not about football,” Sure we like to win and play the game, but that is secondary to developing these young men into disciples of Jesus Christ and helping them bring others to Christ. His remarks were brief but he was very passionate about what qualities will serve his team for a life time. He was passionate about them serving each other and those around them. The next day we had a “tailgate Party” for anyone that wanted to come in the parking lot of the Uptown Chapel. BYU brought the bookstore items to sell, provided the tents incase of rain(which we had). Our wonderful Brother Fontenau from Baton Rouge volunteered his time and amazing smoke grill to cook, a menu of sausage, Burgers, and Red Beans and Rice. We had 300 or more attend. It was a great event for our members to invite their friends to. The game spoke for itself.

The Gospel Changes Lives

2009-09-18T22:11:00.001-05:00

Departures Aug 09(I hate goodbyes)

2009-09-18T20:55:00.000-05:00

WE lost some dear friends this transfer. Elder Taylor who was our assistant for 7 months of our first 12 went home this transfer. These were missionaries that definitely made a difference in the Lord’s kingdom In Louisiana. They will continue to bless the Lord’s kingdom wherever they go. WE LOVE YOU!

The batterie on my camera went dead just as it was time to take the traditional "waving goodbye" pictures so I used Sister Pillette's camera. I am waiting for her to email me the pictures so if you don't see your picture here don't feel bad, I will include them in the album of Departures Aug 09 on the other website.

YET ANOTHER TRANSFER

2009-08-09T00:56:00.000-05:00

We are turning over missionaries faster than I can keep up with them. It's really not any faster than usual, I just got a little behind (imagine that:). We received 12 new missionaries. One of our new fellow servants is from mexico. He has been a member a little over a year. He speaks no English, but he speaks the language of love and faith. We have felt his humility and strength of spirit. He was brought to the mission by Brother and Sister Santa Cruz. Their son, three days earlier, had fallen and was in the hospital with a broken back. They had been at the hospital for three days straight. They had committed to bring Elder Guerra to the mission field, so they left their family and brought him, knowing that the sacrifice would be paid back ten fold. We were strengthened by their faith and dedication

SO LONG FAREWELL

2009-08-08T19:42:00.000-05:00

This group of missionaries had a full year with us. We had a wonderful time together as they prepared to go home reminiscing the events of the past year past year. The Hurricane, Elder KuKuchi's visit, learning to get 80 contacts a week, reinstating member meals, reflections of Christ, Coming to understand our Purpose better and numerous miracles we had experienced together. It is always a treat to have families come share this time with us. The Jamsa family, the Newton family, and the Neal family all joined us. Our last dinner together was eventful in that when we got home from the temple to have a dinner of Lasagna for 30, the electricity had gone off which meant the oven didn't go on. One of the great families in our ward who still had electricity was kind enough to load up 5 lasagnas and take them to their house to cook. We had our testimony meeting first by candle light which turned out to be wonderful. We felt like pioneers. Here are our faith filled missionaries that served with their heart might mind and strength.

A Miracle in Amite

2009-08-03T00:02:00.001-05:00

One of our most exciting miracles occurred Yesterday when President got a call that President Burkhart had just received the letter from the first presidency granting permission to our request to make a Branch of he church in Amite Louisiana. Here's the story. About 7 months ago President Woods was having impressions that we ought to send missionaries back into Amite. It is about half way between Baton Rouge and the Miss border. There hadn't been missionaries there for 5 or 6 years. There was one or two member families that lived there and and a few inactive ones in the surrounding areas. When he mentioned it to President Burkhart he said wow, " I have been having the same impressions." They got busy and asked Brother Burgess if they could meet in his house. He graciously agreed. They asked a few members from a neighboring branch if they would be willing to attend there until they could get enough new and reactivated members to make a group. President put two missionaries there for starters. they soon became so busy that we put two more. The miracles started happening. They were prayerful and soon the Lord lead them to the right doors of inactive members that had been praying for help and to doors of people that the Lord had prepared that were seeking the truth. One of the great blessings was finding a family with ten children. The parents had been together for 11 years but had never been married. President went with the missionaries and shared with them the blessings of the temple and invited them to prepare to take their family to the temple. They said "we haven't even been baptized yet" President said,"exactly my point" We need to get you married and baptized so you can start claiming the blessing of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ for your family. They moved forward in faith and got married, were taught , and changed their lives so they could be baptized. They are a bright spot of this gathering of saints. In six months the little group of 15 has grown to 40 -50 consistently every week. We are now a branch and growing. When we move forward in faith and work hard the Lord matches our effort ten fold. Here are the faithful saints involved in the miracle. We had the blessing of meeting with them and sharing our testimony. It was pioneer weekend. I'd say we were with some great pioneers.

   President Burkhart (right) Denham Springs Stake & Terry Gomez (high council)
Elder Harrison (opened the area),Regina and Kenny(parents of 10) Brother Burgess (provided home)
   The Kenny & Regina family with Elders Harrison, Falco, Heyrend, and Loosle
   93 year old mother(right) and her daughter aren't they adorable
President Woods and Brent who was seeking the truth and a place to belong Baptismal date next week.

Arrivals for June

2009-08-02T22:47:00.000-05:00

We welcomed a new sister from Temple Square, Sister Santos. She is from Brazil and will be with us for 6 months. She has been a member for two years, and her memory of gratitude for the faithful missionaries that knocked on her family's door gives her great enthusiasm for this work. She has a burning testimony of the Savior and how her life has changed with her new understanding of the Atonement. She and her companion Sister Pederson have had three baptisms in the short time she has been here.

We received a very lively group of missionaries on June 23. Lively is a good thing. You could tell instantly that they were a unified group when president and I were waiting at the bottom of the escalator for them. We could tell that everyone from that flight had pretty much come down and still no missionaries. We asked the last lady if she had seen a group of missionaries up at the top. She said,"oh yes they are taking pictures around the fountain." We waited another few minutes thinking they would be right down. A security guard came down and we asked them if they were up there. "you mean the ones taking pictures?" We finely sent the assistants up to get them. They were so enthusiastic and bright even though they had been up since 2:00 am. They have been here six weeks and that enthusiasm has translated into love and hard work. They are truly a wonderful group of missionaries and continue to infuse the mission with their spirit and energy

Elder Vail

Elder Gibson

Elder Dutson

   Sister English
   Sister Hill
   Elder Witt

Elder Griner

   Elder Laporte (France)
   Elder Bounds
   Elder Beverly

Elder Falco

Stake Youth Zone Conference

2009-06-03T23:10:00.000-05:00

We were asked by Denham Springs Stake if we could do something to help their youth learn how to be good member missionaries. We decided to hold a youth zone conference. It was a fun day. Their stake youth ran the morning session where we heard a spiritual thought from every unit. The missionaries ran the afternoon session. We started with a musical number of the Elders and Sisters singing the Medley of Armies of Helaman and Sisters in Zion. They liked it so much that they asked them to sing it for their Stake Conference this Sunday. We really do have some beautiful voices in our mission. We then had a panel of missionaries that answered questions that the youth had turned in that they often get asked and didn't know how to answer. It turned into some great discussions. We then had Our Assistance teach them how they can use Joseph Smith's personal experience in the Sacred Grove as a powerful tool to share with their friends. We Had Sister Bunker and sister Pilette role play it for them and let them try it. Then Elder Broadly taught them how to share the "Blessings of the Gospel" with their friends. We took them in the cultural hall where we had tables set up and our missionaries each took a group at a table and role played real live situations they have with their friends and helped them find ways to invite them to church, activities and to hear the missionaries. Our missionaries did a great job with them and the youth loved it. We concluded with President Woods telling them what a force for good they can be and that Elder Maxwell said that the reason they were saved for this time is because they had the greatest capacity for obedience. He shared with them his experience of going to a high school in LA where there were 25 members in a student body of 4,000. He told them about the "mormon tree" and how several people were baptized because they liked hanging out there. We then had a testimony meeting where we got to hear these strong youth share their love for the Savior and their understanding of His Atonement. The spirit was very strong and we were all definitely "edified together"

Here is a Real Force For Good

2009-06-03T22:13:00.000-05:00

What would we do without these wonderful people. They are all serving in places that need a lot of love , leadership and patience. They are reaching hearts and finding people that need the"touch of the Master's hand" in their lives. We had a fun day touring the World War II Museum in New Orleans and then had lunch at Superior Grill on St Charles street. It was our last outing with elder and Sister Ward. They were our CES couple. They loved those young people and I'm sure they will be sorely missed for their compassion and wisdom.

Hugs and Best Wishes

2009-06-03T20:34:00.001-05:00

Another group of great missionaries go out to join the "Member Missionary Force," and what a force they will be. We know because they changed lives and blessed all of us with their faith and testimonies. We are missing pictures of Elder Hansen and Hadley because we had the pleasure of having their parents come pick them up. It is always so fun to meet the families of our missionaries and tell them first hand how much we love their sons. Thank you and we will miss you.

Nothing like breaking your arm and having surgery two weeks before you go home. We had a wonderful ward mission leader that took care of Elder Skidmore in his home the first week so his companion could work with the zone leaders to keep the work moving forward. I never heard one word of complaint from Elder Skidmore. He was full steam the last week, pink cast and all.

This was a group hug after tender expressions of love and brotherhood. Along with drawing closer to their Savior, these young men form a bond of brotherhood in joining their faith, hearts, and testimonies in the cause of Jesus Christ.

Arrivals for MAY

2009-05-17T20:34:00.000-05:00

We had another relaxed arrival. It is great when these great elders come in on time because we can feed them a snack , give them a little bit of information while president interviews them and then they get a nap for about an hour before we have dinner. After dinner, President and I share our thoughts and feelings with them, they bare their testimonies, and open their call letters. They write their letters to their families, we take pictures to send home with their letters and then they are off to bed. It is one of my favorite times. They are so excited to be here and so full of anticipation. I am always touched by their testimonies of Jesus Christ and their desire to serve Him. Thank you for sending us such prepared and faith filled missionaries

SO LONG FARWELL

2009-04-14T22:02:00.000-05:00

We bid farewell to some great missionaries that have truly left a legacy in our mission. They were fierce defenders of the faith and true disciples of Jesus Christ. They spoke of Christ, they taught of Christ, rejoiced in Christ and were examples of His faith and teachings. We will miss them but know that they will stand steadfast and immovable, and improve the member missionary effort where ever they go. Thank you for your great service.

February Zone conference

2009-04-14T21:55:00.000-05:00

February Zone Conference was on Becoming Master teachers. We ask the question "what do you want them to know? what do you want them to Feel? and what do you want them to do We talked about mastering the lessons, knowing their sequence and thinking of their own personal experience with each one. We ask them to make a teaching journal with all of the concepts and personal experiences they had had with each one so it was already to pull out of their hat. We talked once again about asking good questions to see if real learning is taking place. We played "name that concept" at lunch time and the winners of the game got to put a cream pie in the face of the other team captains. They LOVED it.

In the afternoon we talked about using the book of Mormon and how to introduce it. We talked about how they need to touch it, read it and feel it. They should never leave them with a Book of Mormon without having a spiritual experience with it. They need to have read something touching about the Savior before you leave them with the commitment to read it during the week. Elder Taylor instructed on the faith to use the tools that we have been given remembering the promises made to us by the Lord through His chosen servant. Elder McKay instructed on Pride. How the Savior had descended below ALL things and are we greater than he? When we think that we know better how to do the work than the way he has instructed us we are being prideful. When we aren't all moving in the same direction in obedience we are wieghing our brother down in much affliction.

APRIL ARRIVALS

2009-04-14T21:23:00.000-05:00

This was a transfer from Heaven. It was the first group in the nine months we have been here that arrived on time. They got here about 1:30 in the afternoon. We brought them to the Mission home and had some fruit , cheese and crackers and cookies. They had been up since 2:00am. We oriented them while President started interviews. We finished in time for them to take a little nap while I finished dinner. We had a nice dinner and after that we shared our love with them and little bit about us and our vision for the mission. We heard testimonies from our Assistants and all of the new missionaries. They were wonderful testimonies of the Savior and expressions of dedication. They wrote their "I've arrived" letters , opened their new area letters, found out where they were on the map, had a little desert, and off to bed they went. We are very excited about the spirit we felt from this group of missionaries.

Reflections of Christ Concert

2009-03-07T21:56:00.000-06:00

To close the "Reflections of Christ" exhibit in Baton Rouge and open it in Alexandria the next night we had an amazing concert with Alex Boye of the Tabernacle Choir, Freddie Ashby, and Clyde Bawden. They are the musicians that sang , composed, and arranged all of the music for the exhibit. It was a powerful experience none of us will forget. The music is so moving, but what really makes it a powerful tool is the love and light that comes from the testimonies of these good men. We had 400 people in attendance. In Baton Rouge, the missionaries had their own mini concert after in the chapel. They got to sing Called to Serve with Clyde Bawden at the piano and conducted by Freddie. They also got to hear more about Alex Boye's conversion which is another testimony of the power of the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ in our lives. He told how he was literally kicked out of his house at the age of 16 for joining the church in England. He had nothing but his scriptures. He said they were his mom, his dad, and his pillow. The next night we went to Alexandria where the exhibit was hosted in a First United Methodist Church. That was a miracle in itself. They allowed our missionaries in their church with their tags on. They let us put two huge banners out in front of their church . They helped with refreshments and had their church open every night from 6-9 pm for the exhibit. We had to hold the concert at the stake center instead of their church because of a rehearsal dinner for a wedding . Several of the methodist ladies couldn't attend the concert because they were helping with the exhibit. Alex, Fredie, and Clyde went over to the methodist church at 9:00pm to give them their own concert. I thought as I watched three priesthood holders, on a methodist stage, singing I Know That My Redeemer Lives, that it was a complete miracle. That doesn't happen in the South. Those people , with tears rolling down their cheeks thanked us over and over again for coming and sharing the music with them. On WEdnesday the following week The Reverend Ricky Willis allowed Mark, who flew back in for a meet the artist night , give two one hour talks to his congregation about the experience he had as he shot these photos. THAT DOESN'T HAPPEN EITHER!! By the time the week was over in Alexandria there were 1,200 people that went through the exhibit and 700 of them were not of our faith. We had a private showing for the head bishop of the island of Grenada, who said,"this young man is not only gifted, he was divinely inspired. By the time the week was over, we had created some dear friendships with these good people and they, with tears in their eyes , thanked us for bringing "this holy experience to their church".

Arrivals for February

2009-02-18T14:01:00.000-06:00

We greeted another great group of missionaries yesterday. They had been up since 2:00AM but were anxious to get to work . That's exactly what they did. After a little orientation and dinner they went out with the missionaries. they loved it and we got glowing reports from their fellow missionaries. Thanks families for sending them . They are full of light and testimony.

Reflections of Christ

2009-02-15T23:32:00.000-06:00

We have had the blessing of having Mark Mabry's exhibit of Reflections of Christ here for a week now. Mark came last Sunday the 8th and held a fireside as a kick off for the event. There have been miracle after miracle in regards to this beautiful exhibit of photographs of he life of the Savior. Let's just start with the attendance at the fireside. there were 567 people there. They said it was more that they get at stake conference. It was clear back to the stage.

We have had four people start the lessons from just feeling the spirit and wanting to know what we believed. We have had people be driving by the chapel and feel impressed to turn in and not really know why. One lady was feeling like she needed something more in her life and saw the story in the paper and was impressed that it would help her find it. She has accepted to be taught. A theology teacher from an Episcopal church came to see it and loved it so much that she brought 50 7th and 8th graders back to see it. They loved it and kept thanking our members that were helping with the exhibit for bringing it to Baton Rouge. It has accomplished so much more that we had ever hoped for. It has brought people to Christ and rekindled their love for Him. It has let our community know how much Christ is at the center of our beliefs and our lives. Mark has been so generous with his time and resources, but mostly He has shared his testimony and humble example of wanting to serve Jesus Christ.

The Bee Keepers

2009-02-04T23:59:00.001-06:00

The annual "Bee Keepers Association " dinner was help at our stake center in Baton Rouge . One of their officers is in our ward. He invited our missionaries and president and I to attend . It was a great evening. They loved the missionaries,we made some new friends, and we found a few people that were interested in hearing our message. One lady (not of our faith)had read the Book of Mormon and had a friend (member) that hadn't been to church for a good while. She said she was going to have to get her back to church . It was a hoot. They were so nice and we learned a little about bee keeping.

Our visit with Elder & Sister Kikuchi

2009-02-04T23:40:00.001-06:00

We spent five faith filled days with Elder Kikuchi and His sweet wife. We all felt like he helped us reach up and pull Heaven a little closer. Elder and Kikuchi is a passionate and faith filled man. He taught our elders that morning personal study was much much more that that. He taught them that they could have their own "sacred grove" experience every morning . He told then it was their chance to have Divine Holy Fellowship with God and Jesus Christ. He taught them that %90 tithing doesn't get then a temple recommend and %90 obedience isn't going to get them miracles either. He helped us with several other tools . But he increased our testimony and faith with his beautiful example of Charity and telling us story after story of people that never gave up because they saw with an eye of faith.

He said we will soon see a spiritual tsunami. We are ready.

January Zone Conference

2009-02-03T22:30:00.000-06:00

January Zone conference was all about planning. You have to create your plan spiritually before you can actualize it. You have to plan with an "Eye of Faith" The assistants also instructed on commitment . They specifically worked and role played the commitment to come to church. Realizing that what we mean when we go to church is much different than what most people thing about going to church. We shared that we have three reasons for going to church: taking the sacrament, to be nourished by the "Good Word of God" , and to serve one another. President Woods asked for spontaneous testimony by several of the missionaries and the spirit flooded in. The power of pure testimony is so real. This zone conference was before Elder Kukuchi's visit.