June 2016

     This month we held a specialized training on the doctrine of the family.  In preparation, missionaries studied talks by Elder Bednar and Sister Julie Beck on the role of the family in the plan of salvation (https://www.lds.org/ensign/2006/06/marriage-is-essential-to-his-eternal-plan#footnote1 and      https://www.lds.org/ensign/2011/03/teaching-the-doctrine-of-the-family?lang=eng).  The training opened with a companionship teaching a 5 minute version of the plan of salvation lesson as a backdrop to the family pillar of the plan.  As Elder Bednar taught, “Emphasizing marriage without linking it to the simple and fundamental doctrine of the plan of happiness cannot provide sufficient direction, protection, or hope in a world that grows increasingly confused and wicked.”  We discussed how it is that "the family is central to the Creator's plan for the eternal destiny of His children" (Family Proclamation and Moses 6:59-60).  Forming families is faith based work and critical to bringing to pass the immortality and eternal life of Heavenly Father's children.  It will take intentional effort to raise families unto the Lord because, as President Spencer W. Kimball prophesied, “. . . The time will come when only those who believe deeply and actively in the family will be able to preserve their families in the midst of the gathering evil around us.”

     Our June departing missionaries are Sister Parsons, with Pres. & Sis. Eaton, and Sister Orr in the front.  Elders Caputo, Jones, Christiansen, Capener, Noh, and Oliphant are in back.

     Our June incoming missionaries are Sisters Bowman & Peterson, with Sis. & Pres. Eaton, Sisters Baird, Tayco, and Wynder in front.  Sisters Taylor & Williams, Elders Lyon, Jang, Roach, Cardin, and Duncan are in back.

     We will try something new at our missionary choir devotional this month.  Converts from other countries over the past 3 years will join the choir in singing "Hark All Ye Nations."  It has been an amazing thing to witness many receive the gospel here who may not have been able to hear about it in their native lands.  As Bishop Causse has taught, "The gathering of His elect from the four corners of the earth is taking place not only by sending missionaries to faraway countries but also with the arrival of people from other areas into our own cities and neighborhoods. Many, without knowing it, are being led by the Lord to places where they can hear the gospel and come into His fold."