November 25, 2013

Hi everyone,

Our calling is: "MLS" - Member and Leader Support.  The longer we are here, the better we understand that assignment name or title.  We are here to support and lift where we are needed and we just love doing that.  We are doing a lot of listening, comforting, encouraging and loving the members of the church in our branch.  It's pretty much like doing home teaching and visiting teaching every day.  Seeking out the less active members and trying to help them "return to the fold" is also something we really enjoy.  Many people are burdened with difficult family situations, financial problems, disappointments and discouragements and for some reason, when they need the comforts and security of the church the most, they choose to stay away.  Life can be too much some times and we tend to want to hide, but instead we should come unto Christ like we read in Matthew 11:28-30:

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will      give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

~ ~ ~ ~

Last Wednesday was transfer day.  Our mission received about 14 new missionaries and about that many went home.  It was very inspiring to listen to each one as they said good-bye or hello and bore testimonies.  What a marvelous group of fine young men and women.  As one Elder said,  "I came out a boy and go home a man."  It was our first time attending so we were given the easy job of handing out bunches of fliers for the Washington Temple grounds 36th annual "Festival of Lights."   Sister Hilliard is seen here with me.  She and her husband are serving the cadets at the US Naval Academy in Annapolis. Wonderful people.  In the picture below Sister Orton is standing with us.  We were in the MTC with her and her husband.  They are serving in Petersburg, West Va.  

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!  We will be driving down to spend the day with Ken's sister Linda and her family in Lorton, Va., just a little over an hours drive from here.  We look forward to that.