Our son Nick, his wife Karin and their one-year-old triplets live in the foothills of Tujunga, California - a suburban area in northern Los Angeles. As I write this, the big Station fire is only blocks from their home. They evacuated last night and are camping out at a hotel.
In the map below, their home is above "Sunland". Click on the bottom of the map to expand it.
Since it began on Wednesday, the Station fire has burned 35,200 acres and has prompted mandatory evacuations of 10,000 homes, according to the Forest Service.
View Los Angeles County fires north of La Canada Flintridge, Altadena in a larger map
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Friday, August 28, 2009
Less is Better
A few months ago I met, online, Doug Hatch. He lives in the San Francisco Bay Area. Doug and his wife have created a website called Mormons Made Simple (www.mormonsmadesimple.com). They are producing short, simple, animated videos that explain a little about who we are and what we believe. I like their work. Here's a sample:
They are running their site on a shoestring budget. They have lots of ideas for additional videos. If you like their work, I'm sure they would enjoy hearing from you.
They are running their site on a shoestring budget. They have lots of ideas for additional videos. If you like their work, I'm sure they would enjoy hearing from you.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Road Less Traveled
I've concluded that the simplest job description for a mission president is that he is a trainer and a driver. I am constantly training -- new missionaries, all the other missionaries, zone leaders, stake presidents, bishops, ward mission leaders. Training, training, training. And I'm a driver. From here to there and back again.
Take yesterday for instance:
View Larger Map
3:00PM Drive from the mission home to airport to pick up a terrific missionary who is returning to the mission after a three month illness.
4:00PM Drive this missionary from airport to Dover, Delaware where he'll be serving. Trained him while driving in the car.
5:30PM Drive from Dover back to Wilmington to give $60 to a missionary who needs to purchase medicine and had run out of money. Massive rain storm, difficult to see while driving.
7:30PM Drive from Wilmington to Rising Sun, Maryland to have a one-on-one coaching session with a missionary who is having a tough time in his life. This was an intense personal training situation. Lots of prayer required before, during and after. An even worse rain storm with very poor visibility.
9:45PM Drive from Rising Sun back to the Mission Home. Enroute spend 20 minutes on the cell phone discussing mission business with my Assistants and training them on various items.
10:45PM Arrive home.
Total drive time: Almost 8 hours. I'm a trainer and a driver.
Take yesterday for instance:
View Larger Map
3:00PM Drive from the mission home to airport to pick up a terrific missionary who is returning to the mission after a three month illness.
4:00PM Drive this missionary from airport to Dover, Delaware where he'll be serving. Trained him while driving in the car.
5:30PM Drive from Dover back to Wilmington to give $60 to a missionary who needs to purchase medicine and had run out of money. Massive rain storm, difficult to see while driving.
7:30PM Drive from Wilmington to Rising Sun, Maryland to have a one-on-one coaching session with a missionary who is having a tough time in his life. This was an intense personal training situation. Lots of prayer required before, during and after. An even worse rain storm with very poor visibility.
9:45PM Drive from Rising Sun back to the Mission Home. Enroute spend 20 minutes on the cell phone discussing mission business with my Assistants and training them on various items.
10:45PM Arrive home.
Total drive time: Almost 8 hours. I'm a trainer and a driver.
Friday, August 14, 2009
Obeying the Law of the Pack
As young boys growing up in Simi Valley, California, Michael Oakford and Austen Anderson first met at Cub Scouts. It was here that they learned the Cub Scout Law:
I, (say your name), promise
to DO MY BEST
To do my DUTY to GOD
And my Country
To HELP other people, and
To OBEY the LAW of the Pack
Their families moved into the same ward (congregation) and they attended the same high school. They played on the same volleyball team. And they both received mission calls at the same time to Pennsylvania -- one to the Harrisburg Mission and one to the Philadelphia Mission. This would mean that even though they'd be in the same state, they wouldn't see each other until they returned home after two years.
Elder Oakford (left) - the Philadelphia missionary - served in Frankford (7.5 months), Germantown (3 months), Pottstown (6 months), Morrisville (4.5 months), and Rising Sun (4 months).Elder Anderson (right) - the Harrisburg missionary - served in the following locations during his two year mission: West Pittston (4.5 months), Williamsport (4.5 months), Bedford (3 months), Lemoyne (4.5 months), Hollidaysburg (6 months) and Nazareth (3 months).
It was during Elder Anderson's last assignment in Nazareth that part of the Harrisburg mission got moved into the Philadelphia mission. And Nazareth was included in that change. So Elder Anderson ended his mission as one of our Philadelphia missionaries.
Tonight Elders Anderson and Oakford prepare to go home. They arrived at mission home at 6PM -- one from Rising Son, Maryland and the other from Nazareth, Pennsylvania. And seeing each other for the first time in two years, they had a great reunion full of hugs and shouts of joy. They leave on the same flight tomorrow morning at 6:30AM, heading back home to California.
These two fine young men fulfilled their Cub Scout promise. They have done their best. They have done their duty to God and their country. They have help many other people. And they have obeyed the law of the Pack.
What is the law of the Pack?
The Cub Scout follows Akela.
The Cub Scout helps the pack go.
The pack helps the Cub Scout grow.
The Cub Scout gives goodwill.
And who is Akela? "Akela, the great gray Lone Wolf, who led all the Pack by strength and cunning, lay out at full length on his rock, and below him sat forty or more wolves of every size and color."
—Rudyard Kipling, The Jungle Book
In Cub Scout packs, Akela is a symbol of wisdom, authority, and leadership. Akela is anyone who acts as a leader to the Scout. Akela can be a Cubmaster, Den Leader, parent or teacher depending on where the guidance takes place.
As these two Cub Scouts grew and became mature, thoughtful Mormon Missionaries, Akela was replaced appropriately by Jesus Christ. For two solid years, Elders Anderson and Oakford gave of their heart, might, mind and strength in serving Jesus Christ and in teaching and inviting hundreds and hundreds to follow Him. They have helped build the Kingdom of God. We thank them for their service.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
An Impulsive Meal
Last week my cell phone rang. It was a boy named Kemsey. He sounded as if he was about 13. He told me that I owed him and his brother a lunch. I had no idea of what he was talking about or who he was. Such is the busy, hectic life of a mission president.
Today I treated Jesse (16) and his brother Kemsie (13) to lunch at Famous Dave's, a great barbecue joint.
The Rest of the Story:
A few months ago I happened to meet two boys who had just gotten baptized. I was impressed with their energy and enthusiasm. At the same time I was worried about their ability and desire to come to church on a regular basis. It's one thing to get baptized but it seems to be a completely other thing to stick with it after baptism.
And why do what we do if those who get baptized don't stick with it?
So I impulsively challenged these two brothers to come to church every Sunday. And, apparently (because there were witnesses) I said something like, "If you come for 10 Sundays in a row, I'll take you out to lunch!" I have no recall of this, but Kemsey, Jesse and a couple missionaries heard it and recorded it in their minds.
We had a great lunch. Both boys love football. They were born in Haiti. They hope to go to BYU and serve missions at the appropriate age. And they have big appetites!
Today I treated Jesse (16) and his brother Kemsie (13) to lunch at Famous Dave's, a great barbecue joint.
The Rest of the Story:
A few months ago I happened to meet two boys who had just gotten baptized. I was impressed with their energy and enthusiasm. At the same time I was worried about their ability and desire to come to church on a regular basis. It's one thing to get baptized but it seems to be a completely other thing to stick with it after baptism.
And why do what we do if those who get baptized don't stick with it?
So I impulsively challenged these two brothers to come to church every Sunday. And, apparently (because there were witnesses) I said something like, "If you come for 10 Sundays in a row, I'll take you out to lunch!" I have no recall of this, but Kemsey, Jesse and a couple missionaries heard it and recorded it in their minds.
We had a great lunch. Both boys love football. They were born in Haiti. They hope to go to BYU and serve missions at the appropriate age. And they have big appetites!
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Focusing On Faith
We run our mission on a 6 week calendar. This period of time is called a transfer. At the beginning of each transfer, we do just that. We transfer some of our missionaries from one part of the mission to another. Typically a missionary will serve in one area -- usually tied to a ward or branch -- for six months. At the end of this six month period of service, he or she will be transferred to another area in the mission. This takes place at the beginning of a new 6 week transfer. All missionaries who are being transferred meet in Broomall at 9AM where they learn of their new assignments and meet their new companions. They then head down the road to a new adventure.
During the first week of a new transfer we also send home missionaries who have completed their 24 months (for men) or 18 months (for women) of service. And we receive a group of brand new missionaries from the Missionary Training Center. In addition we hold some important training meetings.
One of these is "Zone Leader Council". The attendees at this meeting include Joyce and me, the two Assistants to the President and all Zone Leaders (we currently have 12). In addition, Pierre Koncurat, one of my counselors in the Mission Presidency often attends.
In our most recent Zone Leader Council we focused much of our discussion on the topic of faith. We read from "True to the Faith" and from President Monson. I have included below the words that we studied. They are rich with meaning -- even if you have read them before.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Faith
True to the Faith, (2004), 54–56
The Apostle Paul taught that “faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1; see footnote b). Alma made a similar statement: “If ye have faith ye hope for things which are not seen, which are true” (Alma 32:21).
Faith is a principle of action and power. Whenever you work toward a worthy goal, you exercise faith. You show your hope for something that you cannot yet see.
Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ
In order for your faith to lead you to salvation, it must be centered in the Lord Jesus Christ (see Acts 4:10–12; Mosiah 3:17; Moroni 7:24–26; Articles of Faith 1:4). You can exercise faith in Christ when you have an assurance that He exists, a correct idea of His character, and a knowledge that you are striving to live according to His will.
Having faith in Jesus Christ means relying completely on Him—trusting in His infinite power, intelligence, and love. It includes believing His teachings. It means believing that even though you do not understand all things, He does. Remember that because He has experienced all your pains, afflictions, and infirmities, He knows how to help you rise above your daily difficulties (see Alma 7:11–12; D&C 122:8). He has “overcome the world” (John 16:33) and prepared the way for you to receive eternal life. He is always ready to help you as you remember His plea: “Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not” (D&C 6:36).
Living by Faith
Faith is much more than passive belief. You express your faith through action—by the way you live.
The Savior promised, “If ye will have faith in me ye shall have power to do whatsoever thing is expedient in me” (Moroni 7:33). Faith in Jesus Christ can motivate you to follow His perfect example (see John 14:12). Your faith can lead you to do good works, obey the commandments, and repent of your sins (see James 2:18; 1 Nephi 3:7; Alma 34:17). Your faith can help you overcome temptation. Alma counseled his son Helaman, “Teach them to withstand every temptation of the devil, with their faith on the Lord Jesus Christ” (Alma 37:33).
The Lord will work mighty miracles in your life according to your faith (see 2 Nephi 26:13). Faith in Jesus Christ helps you receive spiritual and physical healing through His Atonement (see 3 Nephi 9:13–14). When times of trial come, faith can give you strength to press forward and face your hardships with courage. Even when the future seems uncertain, your faith in the Savior can give you peace (see Romans 5:1; Helaman 5:47).
Increasing Your Faith
Faith is a gift from God, but you must nurture your faith to keep it strong. Faith is like the muscle of your arm. If you exercise it, it grows strong. If you put it in a sling and leave it there, it becomes weak.
You can nurture the gift of faith by praying to Heavenly Father in the name of Jesus Christ. As you express your gratitude to your Father and as you plead with Him for blessings that you and others need, you will draw near to Him. You will draw near to the Savior, whose Atonement makes it possible for you to plead for mercy (see Alma 33:11). You will also be receptive to the quiet guidance of the Holy Ghost.
You can strengthen your faith by keeping the commandments. Like all blessings from God, faith is obtained and increased through individual obedience and righteous action. If you desire to enrich your faith to the highest possible degree, you must keep the covenants you have made.
You can also develop your faith by studying the scriptures and the words of latter-day prophets. The prophet Alma taught that the word of God helps strengthen faith. Comparing the word to a seed, he said that the “desire to believe” can lead you to “give place” for the word to be “planted in your heart.” Then you will feel that the word is good, for it will begin to enlarge your soul and enlighten your understanding. This will strengthen your faith. As you continually nurture the word in your heart, “with great diligence, and with patience, looking forward to the fruit thereof, it shall take root; and behold it shall be a tree springing up unto everlasting life.” (See Alma 32:26–43.)
Additional references: Hebrews 11; James 1:5–6; 2:14–26; Ether 12:4–27; Moroni 7:20–48; D&C 63:7–11; 90:24
Nothing Wavering
By President Thomas S. Monson, Come unto Him in Prayer and Faith, March 2009 Ensign
If our desire is to discard all doubt and to substitute therefore an abiding faith, we have but to accept the invitation extended to you and to me in the Epistle of James:
“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
“But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.”7
This promise motivated the young man Joseph Smith to seek God in prayer. He declared to us in his own words:
“At length I came to the conclusion that I … must do as James directs, that is, ask of God. I at length came to the determination to ‘ask of God,’ concluding that if he gave wisdom to them that lacked wisdom, and would give liberally, and not upbraid, I might venture.
“So, in accordance with this, my determination to ask of God, I retired to the woods to make the attempt. … It was the first time in my life that I had made such an attempt, for amidst all my anxieties I had never as yet made the attempt to pray vocally.”8
Now, if we have hesitated in supplicating God our Eternal Father simply because we have not as yet made the attempt to pray, we certainly can take courage from the example of the Prophet Joseph. But let us remember, as did the Prophet, our prayer must be offered in faith, nothing wavering.
It was by faith, nothing wavering, that the brother of Jared saw the finger of God touch the stones in response to his plea.9
It was by faith, nothing wavering, that Noah erected an ark in obedience to the command from God.10
It was by faith, nothing wavering, that Abraham was willing to offer up his beloved Isaac as a sacrifice.11
It was by faith, nothing wavering, that Moses led the children of Israel out of Egypt and through the Red Sea.12
It was by faith, nothing wavering, that Joshua and his followers brought the walls of Jericho tumbling down.13
It was by faith, nothing wavering, that Joseph saw God our Eternal Father and Jesus Christ, His Son.14
There is a golden thread that runs through every account of faith from the beginning of the world to the present time. Abraham, Noah, the brother of Jared, the Prophet Joseph Smith, and countless others wanted to be obedient to the will of God. They had ears that could hear, eyes that could see, and hearts that could know and feel.
They never doubted. They trusted. Through personal prayer, through family prayer, by trusting in God with faith, nothing wavering, we can call down to our rescue His mighty power. His call to us is as it has ever been: “Come unto me.”15
FOOTNOTES: 7 James 1:5–6; 8 Joseph Smith—History 1:13–14; 9 See Ether 3:1–16; 10 See Genesis 6:13–22; 11 See Genesis 22:1–14; 12 See Exodus 14:15–22; 13 See Joshua 6:2–20; 14 See Joseph Smith—History 1:14–19; 15 Matthew 11:28.
During the first week of a new transfer we also send home missionaries who have completed their 24 months (for men) or 18 months (for women) of service. And we receive a group of brand new missionaries from the Missionary Training Center. In addition we hold some important training meetings.
One of these is "Zone Leader Council". The attendees at this meeting include Joyce and me, the two Assistants to the President and all Zone Leaders (we currently have 12). In addition, Pierre Koncurat, one of my counselors in the Mission Presidency often attends.
In our most recent Zone Leader Council we focused much of our discussion on the topic of faith. We read from "True to the Faith" and from President Monson. I have included below the words that we studied. They are rich with meaning -- even if you have read them before.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Faith
True to the Faith, (2004), 54–56
The Apostle Paul taught that “faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1; see footnote b). Alma made a similar statement: “If ye have faith ye hope for things which are not seen, which are true” (Alma 32:21).
Faith is a principle of action and power. Whenever you work toward a worthy goal, you exercise faith. You show your hope for something that you cannot yet see.
Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ
In order for your faith to lead you to salvation, it must be centered in the Lord Jesus Christ (see Acts 4:10–12; Mosiah 3:17; Moroni 7:24–26; Articles of Faith 1:4). You can exercise faith in Christ when you have an assurance that He exists, a correct idea of His character, and a knowledge that you are striving to live according to His will.
Having faith in Jesus Christ means relying completely on Him—trusting in His infinite power, intelligence, and love. It includes believing His teachings. It means believing that even though you do not understand all things, He does. Remember that because He has experienced all your pains, afflictions, and infirmities, He knows how to help you rise above your daily difficulties (see Alma 7:11–12; D&C 122:8). He has “overcome the world” (John 16:33) and prepared the way for you to receive eternal life. He is always ready to help you as you remember His plea: “Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not” (D&C 6:36).
Living by Faith
Faith is much more than passive belief. You express your faith through action—by the way you live.
The Savior promised, “If ye will have faith in me ye shall have power to do whatsoever thing is expedient in me” (Moroni 7:33). Faith in Jesus Christ can motivate you to follow His perfect example (see John 14:12). Your faith can lead you to do good works, obey the commandments, and repent of your sins (see James 2:18; 1 Nephi 3:7; Alma 34:17). Your faith can help you overcome temptation. Alma counseled his son Helaman, “Teach them to withstand every temptation of the devil, with their faith on the Lord Jesus Christ” (Alma 37:33).
The Lord will work mighty miracles in your life according to your faith (see 2 Nephi 26:13). Faith in Jesus Christ helps you receive spiritual and physical healing through His Atonement (see 3 Nephi 9:13–14). When times of trial come, faith can give you strength to press forward and face your hardships with courage. Even when the future seems uncertain, your faith in the Savior can give you peace (see Romans 5:1; Helaman 5:47).
Increasing Your Faith
Faith is a gift from God, but you must nurture your faith to keep it strong. Faith is like the muscle of your arm. If you exercise it, it grows strong. If you put it in a sling and leave it there, it becomes weak.
You can nurture the gift of faith by praying to Heavenly Father in the name of Jesus Christ. As you express your gratitude to your Father and as you plead with Him for blessings that you and others need, you will draw near to Him. You will draw near to the Savior, whose Atonement makes it possible for you to plead for mercy (see Alma 33:11). You will also be receptive to the quiet guidance of the Holy Ghost.
You can strengthen your faith by keeping the commandments. Like all blessings from God, faith is obtained and increased through individual obedience and righteous action. If you desire to enrich your faith to the highest possible degree, you must keep the covenants you have made.
You can also develop your faith by studying the scriptures and the words of latter-day prophets. The prophet Alma taught that the word of God helps strengthen faith. Comparing the word to a seed, he said that the “desire to believe” can lead you to “give place” for the word to be “planted in your heart.” Then you will feel that the word is good, for it will begin to enlarge your soul and enlighten your understanding. This will strengthen your faith. As you continually nurture the word in your heart, “with great diligence, and with patience, looking forward to the fruit thereof, it shall take root; and behold it shall be a tree springing up unto everlasting life.” (See Alma 32:26–43.)
Additional references: Hebrews 11; James 1:5–6; 2:14–26; Ether 12:4–27; Moroni 7:20–48; D&C 63:7–11; 90:24
Nothing Wavering
By President Thomas S. Monson, Come unto Him in Prayer and Faith, March 2009 Ensign
If our desire is to discard all doubt and to substitute therefore an abiding faith, we have but to accept the invitation extended to you and to me in the Epistle of James:
“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
“But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.”7
This promise motivated the young man Joseph Smith to seek God in prayer. He declared to us in his own words:
“At length I came to the conclusion that I … must do as James directs, that is, ask of God. I at length came to the determination to ‘ask of God,’ concluding that if he gave wisdom to them that lacked wisdom, and would give liberally, and not upbraid, I might venture.
“So, in accordance with this, my determination to ask of God, I retired to the woods to make the attempt. … It was the first time in my life that I had made such an attempt, for amidst all my anxieties I had never as yet made the attempt to pray vocally.”8
Now, if we have hesitated in supplicating God our Eternal Father simply because we have not as yet made the attempt to pray, we certainly can take courage from the example of the Prophet Joseph. But let us remember, as did the Prophet, our prayer must be offered in faith, nothing wavering.
It was by faith, nothing wavering, that the brother of Jared saw the finger of God touch the stones in response to his plea.9
It was by faith, nothing wavering, that Noah erected an ark in obedience to the command from God.10
It was by faith, nothing wavering, that Abraham was willing to offer up his beloved Isaac as a sacrifice.11
It was by faith, nothing wavering, that Moses led the children of Israel out of Egypt and through the Red Sea.12
It was by faith, nothing wavering, that Joshua and his followers brought the walls of Jericho tumbling down.13
It was by faith, nothing wavering, that Joseph saw God our Eternal Father and Jesus Christ, His Son.14
There is a golden thread that runs through every account of faith from the beginning of the world to the present time. Abraham, Noah, the brother of Jared, the Prophet Joseph Smith, and countless others wanted to be obedient to the will of God. They had ears that could hear, eyes that could see, and hearts that could know and feel.
They never doubted. They trusted. Through personal prayer, through family prayer, by trusting in God with faith, nothing wavering, we can call down to our rescue His mighty power. His call to us is as it has ever been: “Come unto me.”15
FOOTNOTES: 7 James 1:5–6; 8 Joseph Smith—History 1:13–14; 9 See Ether 3:1–16; 10 See Genesis 6:13–22; 11 See Genesis 22:1–14; 12 See Exodus 14:15–22; 13 See Joshua 6:2–20; 14 See Joseph Smith—History 1:14–19; 15 Matthew 11:28.
Monday, August 10, 2009
Monday Morning
Every Monday morning my alarm rings at 5:50AM. I jump out of bed with a smile on my face and get ready for my 7AM meeting with my Assistants at the Mission Office.
In this meeting we review the weekly results of the mission. Our goal as a mission is to invite many to come unto Christ and to adopt a new way of living that will provide purpose, clarity and deep joy in their lives. We invite people to have faith in Jesus Christ and to come into complete alignment with Christ's teachings. As missionaries, we are teachers. Most 19 and 20 year olds don't have much experience in teaching -- especially about the deep and important things of life. One of our greatest responsibilities as mission leaders is that of helping our missionaries become better teachers. This is how we always approach our Monday morning meeting.
Elders Staheli and Steele, Assistants to the President
Last year we created a powerful internal website that allows us to review the progress of the mission. We are able to analyze numbers "six ways from Sunday". Our Office Elders (Elders Hymas and Nelson) come into the office at 6AM to get the reports ready. At 7AM the Assistants (Elders Staheli and Steele), Elder Hymas and I have a prayer and then review the weekly results. We study the progress of every companionship in the mission (about 70 companionships). We review last week's results and compare them to the prior 4-5 weeks. We look for opportunities to strengthen our missionaries through customized training at District Meetings, Zone Conferences and exchanges.
Elder Hymas (left) and Elder Nelson, Office Elders
Around 7:40AM I make phone calls to each of our sets of Zone Leaders. We have 6 sets of Zone Leaders. They are each responsible for 20-30 missionaries. In these calls we discuss their view of how the past week went. I provide encouragement and ideas for improvement. Each call lasts 10-15 minutes.
We typically get done with our Monday morning meeting around 8:45AM. We all have a great view of how the work is going, we've talk to the entire leadership team of the mission and we're ready to have another great week.
Mission
In this meeting we review the weekly results of the mission. Our goal as a mission is to invite many to come unto Christ and to adopt a new way of living that will provide purpose, clarity and deep joy in their lives. We invite people to have faith in Jesus Christ and to come into complete alignment with Christ's teachings. As missionaries, we are teachers. Most 19 and 20 year olds don't have much experience in teaching -- especially about the deep and important things of life. One of our greatest responsibilities as mission leaders is that of helping our missionaries become better teachers. This is how we always approach our Monday morning meeting.
Elders Staheli and Steele, Assistants to the PresidentLast year we created a powerful internal website that allows us to review the progress of the mission. We are able to analyze numbers "six ways from Sunday". Our Office Elders (Elders Hymas and Nelson) come into the office at 6AM to get the reports ready. At 7AM the Assistants (Elders Staheli and Steele), Elder Hymas and I have a prayer and then review the weekly results. We study the progress of every companionship in the mission (about 70 companionships). We review last week's results and compare them to the prior 4-5 weeks. We look for opportunities to strengthen our missionaries through customized training at District Meetings, Zone Conferences and exchanges.
Elder Hymas (left) and Elder Nelson, Office EldersAround 7:40AM I make phone calls to each of our sets of Zone Leaders. We have 6 sets of Zone Leaders. They are each responsible for 20-30 missionaries. In these calls we discuss their view of how the past week went. I provide encouragement and ideas for improvement. Each call lasts 10-15 minutes.
We typically get done with our Monday morning meeting around 8:45AM. We all have a great view of how the work is going, we've talk to the entire leadership team of the mission and we're ready to have another great week.
Mission
Sunday, August 2, 2009
The Heavens Opened!
From: AccuWeather
Storms Producing Major Flooding, Damage in Mid-Atlantic
Storms this morning already produced major flooding along Interstate 76 heading into Philadelphia, while others lashed parts of the mid-Atlantic with damaging winds and hail. More dangerous storms like these will target areas from the Carolinas through New England into the early evening, resulting in more road closures and travel delays. Isolated tornadoes will also be possible.
View of the backyard of Mission Home after the morning downpour:
Storms Producing Major Flooding, Damage in Mid-Atlantic
Storms this morning already produced major flooding along Interstate 76 heading into Philadelphia, while others lashed parts of the mid-Atlantic with damaging winds and hail. More dangerous storms like these will target areas from the Carolinas through New England into the early evening, resulting in more road closures and travel delays. Isolated tornadoes will also be possible. View of the backyard of Mission Home after the morning downpour:
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