Alabama Birmingham Mission

Sunday Afternoon Update

2012-03-18T17:00:00.000-05:00

It has been a beautiful day in Alabama! This morning I spoke at a Southern Baptist church and attended the worship service at this historic church and congregation. The senior pastor invited me to speak this morning from 9:30 until 11 am. We met together from 9 until the beginning our my session. He is a kind and gentle man with years of service in his ministry. I was able to listen to several of his sermons before coming to the church today as they are preserved on the church's website.

Afterward our gathering, he invited me to attended the main worship service with him as his special guest. He introduced me to entire congregation during the service and was gracious and kind in his introduction.

During the service we sang a hymn sung by the Latter-day Saints, "Sweet Hour of Prayer." It was enjoyable to participate with this congregation as they continue to focus their attention on the season of Lent today. Choirs in the local churches are well known for their quality and today was not a disappointment. They have a gifted director and pianist/organist. The music was exceptional as was the Pastor's sermon--wonderful scripture texts and stories that illustrated the principles he drew from the scriptures.

I believe we made some friends and hopefully those participating understood of us a little better as a result.

Many kind local members of the Church send us photographs of our missionaries from time to time. This is always a treat because we cannot be everywhere in the mission so we get an opportunity to experience the mission a little wider than is humanly possible to do.

These thoughtful photographic gifts are enjoyed and appreciated. Here is one sent to us recently featuring Sister Oman, one of our Spanish language missionaries, with some wonderful people in her area.

Each week we rejoice in the miracle of conversion occurring throughout our mission. Our missionaries invite people to increase their faith in the Lord and become more committed disciples by following the example of Jesus Christ to be baptized. These are wonderful events for those being baptized and for all who join them in celebrating their inward commitment to follow the Lord by a public symbolic act. I wish we could highlight each and every baptism in the mission each week, but we provide a few to you can see our missionaries and the people they have come to love with their all their hearts.

Elders Bentley, Mancera, Coleman, Withers, Anderson, Hawks, Sister Wilson, Semedo, Elder and Sister Rugg

Elder Blackhurst and Anderson

We often teach many things to our missionaries--reminding them of lesson they have already learned. One of the items we discuss from time to time is sincere gratitude. We invite our missionaries to show gratitude in many ways, including writing thank you notes. We have also indicated that we do not always have to sign a thank you note. Occasional unsigned thank you notes can be powerful and can also help us keep our motives pure as we give praise without expecting anything in return.

Here is an example of one we recently received from an anonymous set of missionaries. We are grateful our missionaries are practicing Christ-like attributes and believe this will bless their lives here and now and in the future. A thankful heart is a blessing to all!

Of course, there are time when it is appropriate and right to sign a thank you note so the person receiving know we appreciate what they have done for us. Our missionaries are very good at thank people for the kind things they do for them and send notes from time to time. Some of our missionaries have been know to leave a simple sticky note on a refrigerator following a meal hoping the family will find it later and know they were grateful for the dinner.

Here is an example of a note we recently received along with a gift (a bottle of BBQ sauce). You will enjoy reading the note and the reference to the BBQ sauce.

Here is another card with a poem from one of our creative missionaries!

We continue to receive word from our returned missionaries about what they are doing at home, school, work, and of course, with finding a companion not assigned by the mission president!

Elder Dustin Deets, one of our returned missionaries, and his finance, Heather Cook, sent us their wedding announcement. Congratulations!

We received the card below from Elder Haws and Sister Martin (now Sister Haws) this past week. These two returned missionaries from our mission have now begun their new life together as eternal companions!

One of the consequences of being assigned to the Hoover Ward and Lorna Branch (a few blocks from the mission office and about two and half miles from the mission home) is the option for the president to visit them. Sometimes these is good news (hopeful it is always). These missionaries benefit by getting some extra food from meals we hold at the mission home. This week, they enjoyed lots of BBQ ribs, turkey, ham, potato salad, and desert. Here is a photograph taken as they gathered in their apartment about 9:30 pm after a good day of missionary service.

Elders Hernandez, Rollins, Lunt, Prestwich, and Hemingway at the Hoover apartment

The trees and plants are blossoming right before our eyes. This is one of the truly amazing natural wonders in the South. These photographs were taken down the street from the mission home this week.

The other evening I enjoyed some European treats that reminded me of my own mission in Italy and Switzerland. I thought about my companions in Lugano and wrote a few of them to thank them for the wonderful memories in Switzerland.

Swiss yogurt, mineral water, and blood OJ

I conducted a baptismal interview on Saturday morning at the Lorna Branch before traveling to Huntsville for some meetings, training, and fireside. It is always great to be with our missionaries and members.

Elder Mancera and Klabacka, with their investigator and the Lorna Branch President on Saturday morning

In Huntsville I attended a stake presidency meeting with Elder Bluth, participated in the Priesthood leadership training, and spoke at a Young Adult fireside in the evening. During my afternoon and evening in the Huntsville Stake Center building, I saw some of our missionaries. It is always a wonderful time for me to see these courageous missionaries fulfilling their duty. They were getting ready for a baptism!

Elder Abac

Sister NewMyer, Elders Burdette and Neilson

Between meeting we enjoyed a delicious St. Patrick's Day dinner provided by two wonderful Relief Society sisters from the Bryd Spring's Ward (Sister Meservy and Wilson).

Elder Bluth presided at our meetings and dinner on Saturday evening (Huntsville stake presidency, wives, and other local leaders in the stake)

Sister Bluth encouraged the green tie for St. Patrick's Day

Elder Bluth

Following the Young Adult fireside, I drove back to Birmingham on Saturday night, arriving sometime before 11 pm.

Thursday Departures

2012-03-15T18:44:00.000-05:00

I thought you would be interested in seeing our airport schedule this week (picking-up and dropping-off missionaries at the Birmingham Airport is one of the assignments we enjoy as we meet new missionaries and say goodbye to missionaries we love).

We go to the airport often enough that we have to be careful when driving north on the I-65 because I naturally head to the airport at the junction of I-20 and have been know to get to the airport exit only to realize that I should have continued north on I-65!

Yesterday we went to the airport a couple of time and on our final trip, we met one of the members of the Church from the Birmingham ward (he has helped us a lot with missionaries, flights, and other airport needs).

As we waited for the Temple Square Sister missionaries to arrive from Salt Lake City, people will often say hello. It is not uncommon for some nice person to say, "Your missionaries were on the plane and should be hear soon!"

Yesterday was no exception when two men stopped to visit. The older man lived in the area and was a member of the Birmingham Stake Presidency. The young man, Bryson Beirne, was a family friend of the older man (Bryson is dating the daughter). They had come into town to see the daugher/girl friend compete in an NCAA swim meet. Bryson played football for the University of Arizona and threw the winning touch down pass against Arizona State last November in the final few minutes of the game (Winning Touch Down Pass).

Our two new sister missionaries, Sisters Hoyes and Narduzzi, arrived about 5:15 pm. After greeting them in Spanish and Italian, we gathered their luggage and made our way to the outside curb to get them in the mission van.

Sorella Narduzzi, Jeni, and Hermanas Hoyes at the Birmingham Airport on Wednesday evening

We enjoyed a welcome/farewell dinner at the mission home about 6:30 pm those arriving and departing on Wednesday evening.

Elders Mancera, Stephens, Despain, and Klabacka

Elder Stephens played for us while we waited for the Temple Square and companions to arrive at the mission home

Everyone arrived and we welcomed everyone to the mission home and treated them to Alabama BBQ--Jeni prepared homemade mash potatoes and ranch dressing (for the salad). We also had three dozen Jim and Nick's famous cheese biscuits to augment three racks of spare rib and some smoked turkey.

Sisters Sherwin, Curtis, Narduzzi, and Hoyes

Elders Klabacka, Despain, Stephens, and Mancera

Following dinner we met at the mission office where I conducted interviews for the incoming sisters and the outgoing elders. These interviews are a wonderful time to visit and share. The incoming interviews are not long, just enough time to get to know the new missionaries a little better and to answer any questions they may have on their minds. The outgoing interviews are longer--allowing me to personal thank them for their labors in the mission and to have them share some of the things they experienced and learned during their missionary service. I also take some time to provide some advice about returning home (finances, education, family relationships, and gospel living). It is often a tender time for me and our missionaries as we share our feelings together.

Hermana Sherwin and Hermana Hoyes (they will serve in the Huntsville Spanish Branch)

Sisters Robinson and Narduzzi (they will serve in the Columbiana Ward)

We met the assistants just before 7:00 am (they brought our two departing missionaries, Elders Stephens and Despain).

Elder Mancera, our newest assistant, is learning that assistants get up early and stay up late and have lots of extra duties in addition to fulfilling their missionary purpose of inviting others to come unto Jesus Christ.

After getting our two missionaries checked-in at their appropriate airlines, we took a few photographs and then got them into the security line to begin their journey home to Utah (Elder Stephens) and California (Elder Despain), Jeni and I made our way back to the mission office for our Thursday planning session with the assistants. We spent most of our time working on the upcoming multi-zone conferences next week in Huntsville and Birmingham. Later, we met Elder Harrison (a returned missionary from our mission) and his mom and sister (they were visiting the mission) for breakfast and enjoyed getting to know them and telling our best mission stories about Elder Harrison!

Mom, Elder Harrison, and sister

Elders Mancera, Harrison, and Klabacka

We continued our meeting at the office following breakfast. It seems we had already but in a full day and it was only 10 am! Jeni and I drove home to meet the people installing the mission home natural gas generator.

In the past few days the colors are really coming out in our neighborhood (here is one photograph of a tree not too far from the mission home).

When we returned home, Patriarch Martin, a member of our FM group, was waiting for an employe of the Alabama Power Company to arrive. The natural gas generator for the mission home (to keep it running during power outages) was being installed and lots of people had to assist to make it happen in addition to the generator installation team (Alabama Power company, Hoover City Building Inspector, and Natural Gas Company). The power was turned off about 10:30 am and it was finally restored about 6 pm.

Patriarch Martin on his birthday today (born 15 March 1943)

The new natural gas generator being installed on Thursday

Transfer PowerPoint May 2012

2012-03-15T05:29:00.000-05:00

Here is the Transfer PowerPoint prepared by Elders Rock and Klabacka, my assistants. The last slide is always a surprise for me--a tradition started some time back!

Transfer Meeting, March 14

2012-03-14T15:23:00.000-05:00

We met our new missionaries at the mission office about 8:15 am and served them Chick-fel-A (a Southern tradition) before heading to the Transfer Meeting.

We drove to the Birmingham Stake Center for our transfer meeting (9--11 am). The missionaries were seated about 8:45 am in the chapel reverently reading their scriptures, meditating, or writing in their scripture journal while prelude music was being played by Elder Dressman. I took the opportunity to walk about the chapel to shake hands with each and every missionary before we began.

Elder Rock conducted the meeting. We enjoyed singing a hymn (Elder Blau conducted in his upbeat way). Following the hymn, Elder Stephens, one of our departing missionaries, offered the invocation (opening prayer).

Jeni then introduced the new missionaries, including Elder and Sister Beckstead. She showed all the missionaries a photograph of our daughter's family (see below) and explained what we shared with Elder and Sister Beckstead.

Brian (Elder and Sister Beckstead's son), Zanna (our daughter) and Ari (the grandson we have in common)

After Jeni introduced our missionaries, I took some time to review an important revelation to the Church (Doctrine and Covenants 65), received in October 1831.

Following my remarks, Elder Klabacka presented the transfer PowerPoint presentation (we will post this PowerPoint presentation later this evening).

As we moved through the PowerPoint presentation announcing the new assignments, as has become our tradition, the missionaries hugged their former companions and greeted their new companions and sat in their appropriate zones (the mission zones sit together in the chapel).

We invited the departing missionaries to set with us on the stand. After the PowerPoint presentation, I took time to acknowledge our couples and senior sister missionaries. Our missionaries love the couples and senior sister.

We also acknowledged the labors and service of our departing missionaries (Elders Stephens, Despain, and Sisters Nievas-Marcado, Brennan, and Semedo). Jeni and I took a moment to shake hands and hug these remarkable and dedicated missionaries. It is a rather emotional moment for us.

I also addressed the missionaries, basing my remarks on 1 Nephi 14, Revelation 11, Matthew 24 and Matthew 5.

We concluded our transfer meeting about 11:15 am with a hymn and a benediction (closing prayer) by Sister Semedo.

We took some photographs as missionaries prepared to leave for their new assignments.

We gathered at the mission home to enjoy a farewell lunch for our Temple Square Sisters and Elders Despain and Stephens about 12:30 pm. Sisters Nievas-Marcado, Semedo, and Brennan returned to Utah today to complete their missionary labors at the Utah Salt Lake City Temple Square Mission. Elders Stephens and Despain return home tomorrow, having completed their missions in Alabama.

Elders Klabacka and Mancera helping get lunch ready

Elder Rock cutting the rolls

Elder and Sister Curtins, Sisters Sherwin, Nievas-Marcado, Semedo, Brennan, and Robinson

Our three Temple Square sisters on Wednesday afternoon at the mission home

Elder Despain and Sister Brennan

Tuesday Coming and Going

2012-03-14T08:08:00.000-05:00

We had missionaries coming and going yesterday!

Elders Hardy and Emmanuel

One of our returned missionaries, Elder Lasike, is getting some attention at BYU. Elder Lasike is playing rugby and trying out for the BYU football team (see earlier post).

Elder Laskike at Spring training in Provo, Utah (USA)

Elder Lasike (running towards the ball)

Another Alabama returned missionary, Elder Harrison, is playing baseball at UVU (Utah Valley University).

We met Elder and Sister Beckstead at the mission office on Tuesday morning at 9 am before sending them on their way to their assignment in the Anniston and Oxford units.

Sister Beckstead and Jeni this morning at the mission office

Elders Harris and Gibson drove down to the mission office from Anniston to meet Elder and Sister Beckstead and led them back. They also helped them get their GPS functioning. We asked them to orient our newest couple to the area in Anniston/Oxford yesterday--setting up appointments to meet the local Church leaders.

Elder Harris

Elder Gibson

Elders Gibson and Harris at the mission office

After Elder and Sister Beckstead departed for Anniston, Alabama, to begin their labors in the vineyard, we
took care of some items in the office.

Sister and Elder Rugg

Sister Greenland

Elder Grrenland

Sister Curtis

Sister Dunbar

We also held a short transfer preparation meeting with Elder and Sister Curtis to ensure we had cars in the right locations and to finalize where missionaries would be serving.

Elder Curtis and Elder Rock

Elder Rock and Klabacka

Elders Rock and Klabacka

Missionaries began to arrive at the office about 12 noon. Four of them (visa missionaries) left on Tuesday to begin their journey to their permanent missions (one to Brazil and three to Mexico). Jeni and I drove over to pick-up some lunch from Shipley's.

Elders Hortin, Starkey, Poulter, Mueller, and Paulson

Elders Olson, Sorenson, Brown, and Hopper

Elders Brown, Hopper, and Sister Dunbar

Elder Sorenson helping clean up after the donuts and klatches

Elder Reed showed up a little later (he is off to Mexico)

Elders Sorenson, Rock, Olson, Starkey, and Hortin

Elder Klabacka prepared the new mission rosters and updated a few items so he carefully shredded the old copies.

The Location Board is always of interest to our missionaries when they visit the office

Elders Paulson and Mueller

We welcomed four new missionaries this afternoon at 2:11 pm (about 30 minutes late). Elders Berthelson, Ojelade, Taveuveu, and Whipple.

Elders Berthelson and Whipple at the Birmingham Airport on Tuesday afternoon

Elders Ojelade and Taveuveu at the Birmingham Airport on Tuesday afternoon

Elders Berthelson, Wipple, Ojelade, Taveuveu, Curtis, and Sister Curtis

Jeni and I stopped at a Publix's grocerystore near the office to get some treats for our new missionaries and then met them at the office. Elder and Sister Curtis provide them transportation in the mission van (luggage in the trailer). While at the office they took care of some administrative business (financial and automobile) and gave them an opportunity to sent a quick e-mail home to let everyone know they had arrived safety in the mission. During their trip from the MTC in Utah, they each had an opportunity to call home too.

Elder Crutis providing some auto information for Elder Berthelson

Elder Taveuveu writing a note home from Elder Greenland's computer

I spent about half an hour with this group of new missionaries at the mission office and then we all went to the mission home for the traditional welcome dinner.

Elders Klabacka, Ojelade, Whipple, Berthelson, and Taveuveu

Elders Olson, Rock, Curtis, Sisters Morris (mission assistant--she helps with some of the meals in the mission), and Curtis

Following dinner, I interviewed our new missionaries individually and when completed, we all gathered in the mission home's living room for a prayer. We loaded up everyone in the mission van and headed to the hotel. Elders Rock, Klabacka, and Olson took me to the hotel to ensure all was prepared for them. They had gotten up about 2 am (Mountain Time) in Provo, Utah, so they had a long travel day.

As we drove to the hotel, I experienced my first Tiwi warning experience. The speed limit on the Montgomery Highway (Hwy 31) changes several times, although it is a business district along the way from the mission office to the hotel. As you drive along, a voice indicates, "Speeding violation!" The drive has time to reduce speed so as not to receive a violation. In the case yesterday afternoon, I believe the Tiwi got it wrong as we were traveling at an appropriate rate of speed so I pushed the button for technical support. It was a most interesting experience!

Monday Evening Update

2012-03-12T21:02:00.000-05:00

Alabama and Mississippi are getting a lot of media attention this week because of the political primaries being held tomorrow (Tuesday, 13 March). We are doing well and our missionaries are happily engaged in the work of the Lord.

We enjoyed a great weekend with Elder Bluth of the Seventy and welcoming our newest missionary couple, Elder and Sister Beckstead today.

A beautiful sunset (photo courtesy of Sister Halley)

Sister Spendlove and Sister Seild

Elders Blackhurst and Andersen

I picked-up Elder Bluth on Saturday morning and took him to the Birmingham Stake Relief Society activity (anniversary of the founding of the Relief Society in Nauvoo, Illinois, in 1842).

Sisters Belford, NewMyer, and Oman at the Birmingham Stake Center

Sisters Wilson, Semedo, Fakatava, and Sherwin

Sisters Deem, Dunbar, and Oman

Sisters Winsor and Halley

Sisters NewMyer and Belford

Sister Rugg

Elder Winsor joined the women at the conference and helped with setting up and serving lunch

After the Relief Society activity, Elder Bluth conducted training with the bishops and branch presidents in the Birmingham stake. Elders Withers, Hawks, Rock, and Klabacka joined us for the training.

Elders Withers, Hawks, Rock, and Klabacka at the Birmingham Stake Center on Saturday afternoon

After the training, we met briefly with the Birmingham stake presidency and then traveled to Gadsden, Alabama to witness a baptism.

Sisters Spendlove and Seild in Gadsden on Saturday evening

Elder and Sister Halley

The recent converts in Gadsden

Elder Bluth visiting with us at Gadsden on Saturday evening

Elders Bluth, Bowles, and Holley (District leader), and Sister Halley

Elder and Sister Halley

Elder Bluth and I went on some teaching appointments with Elders Hawks and Withers on Saturday evening from 6:45 through 9:00 pm. I accompanied Elder Hawks and Elder Bluth accompanied Elder Withers. We arrived back at the mission home about 9:30 pm--a very long day for Elder Bluth. Jeni prepared a nice dinner for us. We talked about the work for sometime and finally got to bed about 12 midnight--not looking forward to the one hour time change Sunday morning!

Jeni prepared breakfast for Elder Bluth--we enjoyed a nice relaxing visit with him until it was time to leave for Church. We took Elder Bluth to the Lorna Spanish Branch, about 15 minutes from the mission home. Elder Bluth was the concluding speaker. We also had the pleasure to hear Elders Hernandez and Reed (two visa missionaries heading to Mexico) and a young Latter-day Saint young man, Diego, who is preparing for a mission. It was an excellent worship service for all.

Jeni and Elder Bluth at the Lorna Building on Sunday morning

Some of the missionaries and members in the Lorna Branch on Sunday morning

A few more missionaries and members

Elder Hernandez

Elder Bluth saying goodbye to the Saints following the conclusion of the worship service

We took Elder Bluth to the airport and dropped him off in time to catch his flight home. As we drove away, we talked about the last twenty-four hours (Elder Bluth was in Alabama exactly twenty-four hours) and how much good Elder Bluth had accomplished during his visit with us. We were more than blessed by his ministry this weekend.

I spent most of the afternoon and evening visiting missionaries. I eventually returned home about 9 pm and settled down for the night. It was a remarkable weekend!

This morning, the assistants came to the home to make transfer calls to all the missionaries, informing them of upcoming transfers. Additionally, we finalized the Transfer PowerPoint, Transfer Instructions, and prepared a new mission roster. This took all morning. However, we received a little additional help from Elder Harrison, a returned missionary from our mission who is visiting this week. Jeni made a nice lunch for them and then we were on our way to pick-up our newest missionary couple, Elder and Sister Beckstead.

Elder Klabacka making transfer calls on Monday morning from the mission home

Elder Rock making transfer calls this morning from the mission home

Elders Klabacka, Rock, and Harrison (a returned missionary from our mission)

Enjoying lunch at the mission home following a long morning

Jeni cleaned up from breakfast and lunch and began to prepare a welcome dinner for Elder and Sister Beckstead. I went to the airport to greet them. After getting their luggage and rental car, they followed us to the hotel where I checked them in and then took them to the mission office for a brief orientation meeting.

Elder and Sister Beckstead at the mission office on Monday afternoon

We then headed over to the mission home for a welcome dinner for Elder and Sister Beckstead. We invited Elder and Sister Rugg to join us as this is their last transfer before returning home in six weeks.
We enjoyed our visit and were happy to welcome them to Alabama today. Following dinner, we took them to the hotel to get some much needed sleep (they woke up this morning at 4 am and made the long journey to Birmingham). Elder and Sister Beckstead are our son-in-law's parents (Brian Beckstead, our daughter Zanna's husband).We are happy to have them join us for a seasons to labor in the Lord's vineyard in Alabama.

Friday Night Update March 9

2012-03-09T21:01:00.001-06:00

We have had an exciting week in the mission!

Elders Ingersoll and Oppenlander

Elders Lofthouse and LaCour

The Deseret News published an update regarding BYU football's spring training and mentioned one of our returned missionaries, Elder Paul Lasike ("Two Kiwi Rugby Players Giving Cougar Football a Shot"). This is one extract from the article that mentions Elder Lasike and our mission:

Lasike, who just returned from a mission to Alabama, is fast and strong enough to play running back, according to Smyth.

"He is a great athlete and has all the tools, speed, athletic ability that's pretty much phenomenal. If he could use that and put on a helmet, he should do pretty well," said Smyth.

On Sunday we attended the Leeds ward and visited with Sisters Eggett and Hart, our sister missionaries assigned to this ward. It was a lovely morning outside and inside the Church. We love visiting the missionaries, their investigators, and members of the Church. Sunday was no different!

Spring is on its way and the trees are starting to blossom--the photograph below was taken on Sunday on the street near the Leed Ward building.

Monday was a busy day. What is Preparation day? It is hard to believe that another Preparation Day has come and gone without an opportunity to take any time. The mission is a living and breathing creatures that demands our full attention!

We continue to adjust our missionary residences and Elder Rugg, our housing coordinator, does an excellent job in finding and maintaing our missionary residences. He is ably assisted by his wife, Sister Rugg. Additionally, he will often get support from others, including some of our couples. On Monday, Elder and Sister Smith helped Elder and Sister Rugg get another apartment ready for this next week's transfer.

Elders Smith and Rugg in the mission storage area at the mission home (one of the garage bays)

Sisters Smith and Rugg

Later in the day, I met the assistant for a working lunch and meeting at the mission home following lunch. We have training meetings, transfers, and multi-zone conference this month. They are diligent and excellent missionaries.

Elders Rock and Klabacka enjoying a Southern tradition (lunch at the counter in a drug store)

A little over a week ago, we found a wet carpet downstairs and called Mike McKenzie. He discovered a leak in the basement bathroom shower. He sent Bishop Bush (a local member who owns a construction company in the area) and his crew to identify the exact problem. They have been working all week to get it fixed. It required them to replace the shower pluming. The mission home was built in the early 1970s and as a result, a few things need attention from time to time. We are blessed to have the local FM (facilities management) group to care of the mission home and office as needed.

Bishop Bush working at the mission home

I spent Monday afternoon and evening with our Tupelo zone leaders (Elders Jardine and Starley). It took me about three hours to drive to Tupelo.

After a short visit at their apartment, we visited many people, including some investigators, recent converts, and members.

Two daughters of one of the recent converts in Tupelo

We visited another family. The husband was born in Italy (Dad worked for the US government and married a local Italian. It was fun to speak Italian to him. We enjoyed a visit with him, his wife, her grandmother, their son, and their little Mastiff puppy! She reminded me our our Mastiff puppies, especially Clementine.

We taught a lesson to a recent convert, a young twelve year old. One of the local members invited him to dinner so we visited him at their home.

Elder Starley with the recent convert (at the left)

A great Latter-day Saints family who opened their home to us and the recent convert for a lesson on Monday evening

We ended our visiting on Monday evening with a stop at Sister Anderson's home (she prepared a delicious pie). We enjoyed visiting with these remarkable genteel Southern Saints.

Sister Anderson

I returned Elders Jardine and Starley to their apartment in Tupelo and visited briefly with Elders Taggart and Pili before leaving them with a prayer and blessings.

Elders Taggart and Pili

On Tuesday morning, I met Elders Jardine and Strately again and participated with them in a companionship study and planning session and then made my way back to Birmingham. After a short stop at home, I headed to Oak Mountain to spend the evening working with our Bessemer zone leaders (Elders York and Sawyer).

An LDS family across the street from one of our teaching appointments enjoying the evening with family

After visiting several families, we went to the local Church building (Oak Mountain Ward) and led a Church tour to one of the investigators. We met the assistants at the building as they were preparing to teach an English class.

Elders York, Klabacka, Sawyer, and Rock at the Oak Mountain building

On Wednesday morning, I made my way to Anniston and then over to Huntsville to spend the evening with our Huntsville-Madison zone leaders (Elders Wimberley and Reed). Before leaving Hoover, I noticed that Bishop Bush and crew had also prepared a concrete pad for our new natural gas generator (it has to be placed on a level surface--hence a new pad). The new generator will provide us electricity to certain appliances in the mission home--keeping us in a position to monitor TV weather stations, weather radio, and our computers. During the past year, since the April 2011 tornado outbreak, we have been without power about twelve full days forcing us to find a hotel with power so we could keep track of the weather conditions in the area and keep in touch with our missionaries primarily through texts.

New pad for the natural gas generator placed under the back porch just outside the garage side door

We went to Anniston to check-out the apartment we are closings after eight years. It is hard to imagine how many missionaries have lived in the apartment. We recently moved the Anniston and Oxford elders into a condo near the local Church building.

Elders Dunn, Honeycutt, Harris, Gibson

I spent the evening in Huntsville visiting investigators, recent converts, and members with the Huntsville-Madison zone leaders (Elders Reed and Wimberley).

After a wonderful evening with the zone leaders, we headed back to their apartment near the Bryd Springs building. Elder and Sister Caudle dropped off Elders Lofthouse and LaCour at the apartment.

The next morning I spent a wonderful morning in a companionship study with our Spanish language missionaries in Huntsville (Sisters Schroeppel, Nievas-Mercado, Simpson, and Kemp)

I drove another two hours back to Anniston to met Elder and Sister Rugg to pick out a residence for our newest couple (Elder and Sister Beckstead--our son-in-laws parents). They will arrive on Monday and will serve in the Anniston and Oxford units for a season.

Elder and Sister Rugg in Anniston on Thursday afternoon

This morning, we held a training meeting for our new trainers. They will receive their new companions (missionaries right from the MTC) on Wednesday. We invited them and their companions to join us for our training meeting this morning (9-11:30 am) at the Lorna Branch building in Hoover.

Elders Wimberley and Reed

Elders Hemingway and Romero

Elders Despain and Nielsen

Elders Prestwich and Yogoh

Sisters Belford and NewMyer

Elders Klaback and Rock getting a PowerPoint ready for our new trainers training

Our training meeting this morning (Friday) at the Lorna Building

Elders Klabacka and Rock, assistants to the president

Elders Curtis and Smith were at the mission home this afternoon working in the bicycle section in the garage preparing bikes for the new missionaries who will arrive this coming Tuesday (transfer meeting will be held on Wednesday).

Elders Curtis and Smith at the mission home

This afternoon, we completed our transfer plans at the mission home. This is always one of the most challenging aspects of my assignment. The assistants visit with me after my transfer plan is completed. They review each assignment (companionship, area, and assignment) and provide any insights they might have about the transfer. Following our discussion we pray one more time and ask the Lord to inspire us to make any changes necessary before we prepare the PowerPoint presentation.

Today is Jeni's birthday! She received notes, cards, and calls from family and friends. Additionally, she received several flower bouquets. They made the mission home smell wonderful this evening.

Birthday flowers in the mission home kitchen this evening

Bailey, our youngest son, arrived this afternoon on a flight from Utah, for a very short weekend. He brought along a friend, Katie (from Tennessee). Jeni and Zac, our second son who is also visiting, prepared carnitas tacos for a birthday dinner.

After dinner, we enjoy a piece of birthday cake (carrot cake) for desert. It was a good birthday evening!

Making a wish!

2012-03-03T19:23:00.000-06:00

We met several missionaries at the mission office just about 11:00 am and took advantage of the opportunity to interview them while they were in Hoover today. Jeni made some more chocolate/pecan cookies for everyone to enjoy!

The weather turned cooler (reminding us of what March should feel like and of course, lessening the threat of tornadoes). Here is another short news article about the weather in Alabama (Weather.com article).

We witnessed several baptisms this afternoon and evening in the mission and are grateful for the Lord's blessings in helping us fulfill his great command, "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost" (Matthew 28:19). And still we are mindful of those suffering and mourning today in this part of the country for the losses. We hope through our prayers, efforts, and offerings they can re-build their lives.

It has been a good day for us and we are certainly grateful for the safety of our missionaries.

Elders Klabacka (with a cookie in his hand), Rock, and Craner

Elders Craner and Haderlie

Elders Craner, Haderlie, Klabacka, Nielsen, Van Wagenen and Rock

Another Update

2012-03-03T10:47:00.000-06:00

It is a beautiful day in the mission!

We just completed a mission-wide conference call to review our emergency procedures including slightly adjusting a few minor issues we learned yesterday and today. We are really well prepared and our missionaries were careful and cautious. Jen and I are very proud of them and are grateful they are so diligent in following through with our emergency plans.

I thought you might enjoy this article, published this morning (Fox News Report) about the experiences some had during the last twenty-four hours in Alabama.

Jeni and I finally went to bed early this morning after the major warnings had ceased. We got up early to prepare for our check-in calls (7 am--CST) and mission-wide conference call (10 am--CST).

The news reports one death in Alabama this morning in Talladega County, about an hour north of the mission home--our missionaries in that area were prepared and therefor safe (Alabama Reports First Death From Tornado Outbreak).

We will keep you posted. Thank you for your prayers and thoughts. We appreciate them more than you can imagine!

We are so glad our missionaries are safe and sound!

Blessings, President Holzapfel

Saturday Morning Update

2012-03-03T08:57:00.002-06:00

All is well!

Every missionary has checked-in this morning.

Some areas lost power during the night, but it has been restored.

Blessings! President Holzapfel

Friday Evening Update

2012-03-02T20:54:00.000-06:00

We just finished a call-in report and all missionaries are safe and sound. A few have moved to member homes or Church building to be in a more secure location. We are prepared and in a great position to maintain the security of our missionaries.

The peak of the weather system will pass by 11 pm (Central Time). As a result we will have one more call in this evening.

Jeni and I continue to monitor the situation through TV weather reports, internet, cell phone and NOAA radio alerts.

Here are a couple of photographs taken this evening out our back door (note the hail on the porch). The rain poured down!

Weather Update 6:50 pm

2012-03-02T18:50:00.000-06:00

All is well!

Our missionaries are being vigilant and are taking all precautions necessary to protect themselves during this period of server weather.

We canceled some meetings this afternoon and kept tract of our missionaries throughout the day and will continue to do so through the night until the weather conditions abate.

Since there were no warnings in Hoover early this afternoon, we met with some of our missionaries at the Lorna building near the mission office. However, the clouds began to gather again late in the afternoon again over Hoover and we proceeded to complete some work in the mission office, fill our car with gas, and purchased some additional supplies (water, bread, eggs, blood oranges, orange juice, and yogurt).

Mike McKenzie, our facilities management manager, visited us this morning and informed us that the generator for the mission home had arrived and that it would be installed soon. This is a natural gas generator and will help keep the mission home going during power outages. During this past year, we had to move to a nearby hotel when power was out so we could set-up a command center to take care of our missionaries with weather radio, TV weather stations, and internet--email options, so we could keep in touch with our missionaries with updated information about what was happening in their area. This final addition to the mission emergency plan will pretty well take care of all our needs. We are grateful for the financial help we have received to make sure our missionaries are safe and sound and have all the resources they need to protect themselves.

Gathering clouds this afternoon in Hoover, Alabama

Jeni attended the Altadena/Lorna district meeting lead by Elder Mancera (district leader) from 12:30 through 2:00 pm. At the same time, I interviewed some of our couples and senior sister missionaries in the same building so we both were able to see a lot of missionaries today.

Jeni made some chocolate/pecan cookies and had them for everyone at the Lorna Building when they arrived.

Here are a few photographs taken just before the district meeting of some of the missionaries waiting for it to begin.

Elders Reed and Hernandez

Elder Klabacka and Rock

I interrupted a Spanish language class with the Altadena missionaries (Elders Mancera and Bentley and Sisters Belford, NewMyer and Dunbar. We invited them to take a break and get some warm fresh baked cookies!

Elder Mancera, Sisters NewMyer, Dunbar, and Belford, and Elder Bentley (during a language study session before the district meeting)

Sister Belford and Elder Bentley

Elder Mancera and Sister NewMyer

Sisters NewMyer and Belford taking a break from their studies

Altadena/Lorna District Meeting today (Spanish language district)

After visiting for a short time with all those gathered at the Lorna building, I began interviews with our couples and senior sisters while Jeni attended the district meeting. I took a photograph at the beginning of the district meeting (see below).

Like the young missionaries, I have the opportunity to hold regular interviews with our couples and senior sister missionary. We always briefly review their health, economic well-being, and how they feel about their specific assignments in the mission. We also talk about other issues, but our main purpose is to make sure they are happy, healthy, and are doing well economically.

As is my usual experience, I learn something about them, their family, and their lives. They are wonderful missionaries and great Latter-day Saints! Jeni and I are impressed and humbled by their dedicated labors in the Lord's vineyard. They are full of faith and love for the Lord and His children.

Sister and Elder Greenland

Elder and Sister Smith

Sister and Elder Rugg

Elder and Sister Curtis

Weather Update

2012-03-02T10:49:00.000-06:00

All is well. The mission is clear of tornadoes at this time and all missionaries have reported.

We will keep everyone safe and sound.

Blessings, President Holzapfel

Tornado Update

2012-03-02T10:29:00.004-06:00

All is well!

All missionaries are safe and sound and taking appropriate action.

Blessings, President Holzapfel

Weather Update 10:30 pm

2012-03-01T22:34:00.000-06:00

All is well in the Alabama Birmingham Mission!

This evening we held a mission-wide conference call with all our wonderful missionaries to review our emergency preparation for sever weather, including potential tornadoes.

Our missionaries have a NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) weather radios in their residence (this allows me to sleep better at night knowing that they have this amazing warning radio). We have provided each missionary a cell phone charger for their cars (this will keep the communication lines operation even if residential power grids go down temporarily, allowing our missionaries to re-charge their cell phones). We have also provided each missionary a 72 hour emergency kit. We have this past week added to our emergency preparedness by adding to our cell phones a "text alert" system, decried recently as, "revolutionary" statewide weather warning system (February 22 Newsreport). This is a "free" text option providing street-by-street warnings based on zip codes. This technology was developed in Huntsville, Alabama (in the northern part of our mission). Finally, we have provided each missionary residency a copy of an excellent emergency plan. This is placed in the "Area Book," an important binder found in each apartment. We asked our missionaries to review the specific information in this emergency plan.

We feel confident that we are better prepared than most and as a result we are going to be safe and sound. Our missionary leaders have also been instructed to help our newest missionaries, including our new visa missionaries so everyone will be up to date on what they need to do before, during, and following any serious weather conditions.

Please check this blog for additional updates during the next few days. Of course, if you have any questions or concerns, please contact me directly.

Blessings and good night! President Holzapfel

2012-03-01T21:13:00.000-06:00

We have enjoyed baptisms, interviews, councils, and specialized trainings with our missionaries. We also received news from two of our returned missionaries--announcing their upcoming weddings.

Elder Kason Gubler and Jessica Esplin

Elder Travis Oliekan and Kortny Tullis

Elder York

Elder York and Sawyer

We held a specialized training with our couples and Sister Dunbar on Wednesday at the mission home. After an hour of training, we enjoyed a lunch.

Sister Halley, Sister Blau, Elder Blau, Elder Callister, Sister Callister, Sister Rugg, Elder Rugg, and Elder Halley

Elder Greenland, Sister Greenland, Sister Curtis, Elder Curtis, Elder Winsor, and Sister Winsor

Sister and Elder Smith joined the group in the dinning room

Sister Johnson, Sister Memory, Sister Dunbar, and Elder Johnson

Following our luncheon, I met with several missionaries for interviews during the week and enjoyed visiting with them at the mission office on Tuesday afternoon.

Elders Nielsen and Craner

Elders Thomas and Taylor

Elders Hidenshield and Allan

We held our monthly zone leaders' council on Wednesday at the Lorna building starting at 9:00 pm. We did some training and discussed various aspects of the work, breaking briefly for lunch.

Our zone lasers council group

At the conclusion of our zone leaders' council, about 3:30 pm, I took the opportunity to take a photograph of each zone leader companionship (including the assistants of the president).

Elders Wimberley and Reed

Elders York and Sawyer

Elders Klabacka and Rock

Elders Hawks and Withers

Elders Starley and Jardine

Elders Sorenson and Hortin

Jeni and I left the zone leaders' council and drove to the Birmingham ward where we me Elders Anderson and Coleman.

Elders Anderson and Coleman

Today (Friday), we held our weekly planning sessions with the assistants. We started with an early morning breakfast meeting at a local drug store and then continued our meeting at the mission office.

Elder Klabacka enjoyed some traditional grits with his breakfast (his mom makes them back home in Las Vegas)

Elders Klabacka and Rock

Our planning meeting included a companionship study from Preach My Gospel, which was a welcome break from planning. One our major efforts was the planning up our upcoming multi-zone conference to be held on 20 and 21 March.

We completed our planning and study session about 11:30 am. Sister Semedo and Sister Wilson were at the office having just finished some language training for us. Sister Semedo is from Angola, Africa, and is a native Portuguese speaker. She spends an hour each week helping some of visa missionaries heading to Brazil increase their Portuguese language proficiency. She a blessing to us in many ways, including her help with our visa missionaries.

Sisters Wilson and Semedo

I took a break to the mission home to pick-up Jeni and returned to the mission office to meet Sisters Fakatava and Sherwin. They arrived about 12:30 pm. We love to see our missionaries, each opportunity is a blessing to us.

Sisters Fakatava and Sherwin

Weather Update 7:35 pm

2012-02-29T19:31:00.000-06:00

We have a weather warning (including some tornadoes watches in Gadsden and Birmingham) for central and northern Alabama this evening through 9 pm.

For specific information see link (Weather Update).

All missionaries are safe and will check-in later this evening.

If you have any concerns or questions, please contact me.

Blessings, President Holzapfel

New Missionaries!

2012-02-28T19:21:00.000-06:00

We received eleven new visa missionaries on Monday afternoon! We are excited to have them join us for a season.

Our missionaries continue to fulfill their purpose as they teach the gospel. Here are a few baptism photographs to give you a feel for what our weekends are like in the mission (baptisms occur any day of the week, except on Mondays, but most occur on the weekends--Friday, Saturday, and Sunday).

Sister Albright and Robinson

Elders LaCour and Lofthouse

Elders Lofthouse and LaCour

I enjoyed meeting with several missionaries on Monday morning for various interviews. Six of them enjoyed a tradition Southern experience--lunch at a drug store counter! This particular drug store was built in 1961 and has been serving breakfast and lunch since the day it opened. None of the missionaries had lunch at a drug store lunch counter before so it was a real treat for them. Elder Dunn enjoyed a BLT club and the rest choose the special, "Bacon cheese burger with fries."

Elders Dunn, Honeycutt, Coleman, Bentley, Anderson, and Mancera

Lunch is served!

Elders Bentley and Mancera

Elders Anderson and Coleman with their medals (see earlier post)

Elder Anderson's "Outstanding Citizen" Award

Elder Coleman's "Outstanding Citizen" Award

Elders Dunn and Honeycutt

Jeni and I drove to the Birmingham airport to greet eleven new visa missionaries who arrived on Monday afternoon from the MTC (Mission Training Center in Provo) via Salt Lake City.

They will eventually travel onto their individual permanent assignments in Mexico, Brazil, New Zealand, and the Marshall Islands. We are happy to have them join us for a season to preach the everlasting Gospel of Jesus Christ as they wait for their visas to be processed.

Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International

After greeting our new missionaries we gather their luggage from baggage claim and take them upstairs to the curb where Elder and Sister Curtis pick them up in the mission van and trailer.

Between the airport and gathering at the mission office, Jeni and I each went our own ways so we would have something to eat for the hungry missionaries (not just the eleven new missionaries who had been gotten up at the MTC in Provo between 3 and 4 am). Jeni went to Costco and I went to Publics. We met up at the mission office and set up to serve our missionaries.

During our meeting at the mission office we allowed our new missionaries to send a quick email home to let their family know they have arrived safe and sound. We did a little orientation and held rather brief interviews.

We also announced their assignments and introduced them to their new companions. It was crowed at the office and full of excitement for all the missionaries involved. Here are our new visa missionaries with their new companions.

Sister Rakotomalala with Sister Porter

Elders Lunt, Stewart, Hernandez, and Reed

Elders Del Francia and Leali'le'e

Elders Olson and Starkey

Elders Brown, Hortin, Sorenson, and Hopper

Elder Watson and Mendenhall

Elder Tonga and Schwarting

Elders Tonga, Schwarting, Watson, and Mendenhall (all serving in Madison)

Elders Mueller, Poulter, and Paulson

Elder Barboza and Colby

Elders Van Wagnen, Despain, Colby, and Barboza

Elder Oppenlander's mother sent me a note today and asked me to give her son a big hug since she knew he would be at the mission office on Monday. Here is proof that I will keep my word!

Elder Oppenlander

As noted above, I took the time to interview each of our new visa missionaries after they received their assignments and met their new companions. In this brief visit I learn a lot about the missionary and their families. I give them a little counsel and direction and thank them for coming to help us.

We offered a blessing on the food and everyone joined in eating a late lunch. They enjoyed visiting with each other and getting organized to leave for their assignments. We wished them all best and sent them on their way to begin finding, teaching, and baptizing!

Sunday Update

2012-02-26T20:31:00.000-06:00

This has been a remarkable and busy week. We continued visiting our senior missionaries and young missionaries throughout the week; held a specialized training for our sister missionaries on Wednesday, attended two recent convert temple baptism sessions on Friday; picked-up Elder Bluth of the Seventy late Friday evening; dropped a missionary off at the airport early Saturday morning; took Elder Bluth to a Public Affairs gathering held at the Birmingham Stake Center, continued to visit missionaries on Saturday and a local branch president about an upcoming activity that we will be helping with next month. Today, I spoke at a protestant church. We had been invited to talk about the Restored Gospel. I spent a lot of time reviewing their history and beliefs from their official websites, including this particular church's website to be able to compare and contrast our faiths. I was impressed by their out reach and really enjoyed spending time with these wonderful Christians today.

They were kind and open. After about forty-five minutes presentation we opened up for questions and answers. It was a good day for dialogue and discussion. They were sincere and thoughtful people of faith. We became a little better acquainted and built some bridges.

I took time to thank them for inviting me to talk about my faith. I read a short story about two missionaries visiting a pastor from their denomination (from the pastor's perspective). It was a good story and broke the ice. I highlighted the major historical events of the Restoration and shared with them the Articles of Faith of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints ( Articles of Faith). We spent time discussing numbers 1, 8, and 13.

We emphasized some similarities between our faiths and suggested how their faith tradition blessed our Church through early contacts and through contributions to our hymnal. However, we did take time to discuss the differences in our view of the Godhead and the role of the Bible as we discussed the Articles of Faith. I did not minimize the significant theological differences on these two key points.

There were some excellent questions--none surprised me given the current news stories appearing in national and local papers about the Church. I did my best to respond clearly and openly.

Following the meeting, I visited with several people and enjoyed additional discussions with them. This was a good day and enjoyable. I walked away much impressed with the people and the ministry of the church. I hope we can continue to build bridges of understanding and work together on those things that we share in common.

This past week our missionaries continued to fulfill their purpose by finding, teach, and baptizing those willing to listen to the message of the Restoration. As they bring hope and build faith, many people continue to join in worshiping with us.

Elder Hortin and Sorenson

Elders Burdette and Neilson

Elders Fatiau and Banks

Our week continued with many interviews and visits with our missionaries. This is one of the most enjoyable aspects of our callings. We have wonderful missionaries!

Elders Lunt and Stewart

On Tuesday, Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday) we delivered more Kings Cakes and visited Elder and Sister Winsor in Gardendale; Elder and Sister Caudle in Huntsville; and Elder and Sister Halley in Gadsden. It took all morning and afternoon--putting on a lot of miles on the car. Well worth the effort to visit with them and let them know of our love, appreciation, and admiration.

Elder and Sister Caudle are records preservation missionaries--donating their time to help organizations preserve important records. They have been working in Huntsville. We visited them and enjoyed a tour of the library where they have been helping organize records--preparing them to be digitized.

Sister and Elder Caudle

Family History employee completes the digitized process in the back room of the library

We continued our tour visiting another couple--this time in Gadsden (Elder and Sister Halley)--south east of Huntsville.

Sister and Elder Halley

This past Wednesday, we held a specialized training for our sister missionaries (held at the Lorna building). We broke for lunch about 1:00 pm and re-grouped at the mission home. Following lunch, Sister Eggett favored us with several musical numbers on the violin. Everyone enjoyed hearing her play.

Elder Rock provided training for the sisters

During our training we received training from Elder and Sister Curtis and Sister Rugg.

Elder and Sister Curtis

Jeni also conducted some scripture study in the New Testament, focusing on missionary efforts of women disciples.

Jeni conducting a study session on Wednesday morning

Sisters Robinson and Allred

Sisters Simpson and Kemp

Sisters Schroepple and Nievas-Marcado

Sisters Hart and Eggett

Sisters Semedo and Wilson

Sisters NewMyer and Belford

Sisters Fakatava and Sherwin

Sister Seidl and Spendlove

Sisters Oman and Deem

Sisters Brennen, Brown, and Rakotamalala

We held lunch at the mission home on Wednesday afternoon and took a group photographs. Actually, we took several as the sisters handed Jeni and I their cameras!.

As noted above, we ended our specialized training with Sister Eggett playing several songs on the violin for the group.

Sister Eggett providing us some special musical numbers on Wednesday afternoon

We continued visiting missionaries on Thursday. Elders Rock and Klabacka traveled with me to Mississippi to visit Elder and Sister Johnson (she is holding a "King Cake." She made cookies for the elders, which they enjoyed on our return trip to Hoover.

Friday morning we invited several missionaries to the mission home for a breakfast and companionship study session.

Elders Rock, Klabacka, Hortin, and Sorenson at the mission home on Friday morning after companionship study and just before breakfast

We held a number of interviews this week including a visit with Elder Bowles and Holley who kindly met us at the mission office on Friday.

Elders Bowles and Holley at the office on Friday

After completing several interviews at the mission office, I drove to the temple and spoke in two sessions of baptisms for the dead for recent converts at 6:00 pm and 7:00 pm. We received two large groups Friday evening. The first was conducted in English and the second was conducted in Spanish. It was beautiful! I shared some insights regarding 1 Peter 4, "For for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit" (1 Peter 4:6). We always emphasis that God loves all His children and offers them the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Early Saturday morning I met Elders Rock, Klabacka, and Grant at the Birmingham airport. Elder Grant returned home after completing his mission. We loved serving with him in the vineyard and wish him the Lord's blessing.

Elders Rock, Grant, and Klabacka at the Birmingham Airport on Saturday morning just before 7 am

We returned to the mission home about 7:50 am where Jeni had prepared another big breakfast. Elder Bluth prayed and lead a discussion with the assistants on the work as we enjoyed sharing a meal together.

Elders Bluth, Rock, and Klabacka

Following breakfast, I took Elder Bluth to a training meeting at the Birmingham Stake Center that began at 9:00 am. Stake presidents and other unit leaders.

Brother Acker spoke to the gathering at the beginning of the training

President Harmon spoke briefly and welcomed everyone as the Birmingham Stake hosted the event

President Smartt spoke to the group

There were several displays of news stories from the area that highlighted Latter-day Saints and some of the events we participated in during the year.

Highlighting some of the newspaper articles from the area were posted on two walls

The second wall high lighting more newspaper articles

Sister Brandau provided some training on Saturday morning

Elder Bluth held a short meeting with the stake presidents and myself during the first part of the lunch hour. We discussed some renewed emphasis from Preach My Gospel that we will begin to focus on this coming month. Elder González and Elder Wilson have asked us to move forward with strengthening the guidelines in Preach My Gospel on helping our investigators to read the scriptures.

Presidents Pettus, Boswell, (Elder Bluth). Harmon, Smartt, Draughon, Vaughon and Brother Robinson

We returned to the training meeting being held in the cultural hall of the Birmingham Stake center. Elder Bluth provided some closing remarks for us. Always insightful, Elder Bluth gave us much to consider.

Elder Bluth of the Seventy on Saturday afternoon in Birmingham

Visa Missionaries on their way to Brazil!

2012-02-20T21:15:00.000-06:00

We said goodbye to Elder Fogleman and Sister Woodall, two of our visa missionaries. They left for Brazil this afternoon and will arrive in their missions tomorrow.

They had been temporarily assigned to our mission following their MTC training in Provo, Utah, as they waited for their Brazilian visas to arrive.

They have both been diligent and excellent missionary and we will miss them, but we are happy they are on their way to their assigned missions in Brazil. We wish them a safe journey!

Sister Rakotomalala and Sister Woodall (our visa sister missionary now on her way to Brazil)

Elder Stewart (a visa mission waiting to go to Brazil) and Elder Fogleman (our visa missionary on his way to Brazil this evening with Sister Woodall)

We gathered at the mission office about 11:30 am to give them their passports (with their visas) and get them on their way to the airport. We changed a few companionship assignments as a result, so we had a rather large group of missionaries at the office today.

We did not send anyone away without lunch, especially our two traveling visa missionaries. We appreciated Elder and Sister Callister helping with bringing Sister Woodall to the mission office. Sister Dunbar made sure the passports and visas were in order.

Elder Callister, Sister Rakotomalala, Sister Woodall, Elder Rock and Elder Klabacka enjoying lunch at the mission office

Sisters Curtis and Callister

Sister Dunbar

Elder Romero (he gets a new companion in this mid transfer--Elder Hemmingway, another visa missionary waiting for his Brazilian visa)

Elders Hemmingway, Stewart, Lunt (back to us) and Fogleman (he left today for Brazil)

Elders Lunt, Fogleman, Stewart, and Hemmingway

Elder Curtis

Elders Kaupert and Lunt

Elders Klabacka and Gervais

An Alabama Tradition: "King Cake"

2012-02-20T20:44:00.000-06:00

Tomorrow is Mardi Gras (French, "Fat Tuesday").

We ask our missionaries to experience, where appropriate, the history and culture of the South during their mission. We want them to return home as ambassadors of the South to all the people they meet and share with them the things they have learned and experienced, such as Southern hospitality and etiquette ("Yes Sir" and "No Ma'am").

Learning about others, including their traditions, is a healthy and positive thing to do when you live among them. There is always something important to learn and appreciate in the culture, tradition, and faith of others.

Senior missionaries have a little more freedom to take advantage of extra activities in the mission than the young missionaries since they have a more flexible schedule. They organize activities among themselves so they can socialize and experience what the South offers.

In our most recent effort to help our senior missionaries experience the South, we are giving them an "Alabama King Cake" or "Gulf Coast King Cake" (see photographs below). We wish we could provide a King Cake for each and every missionary at this special time of the year, but that is impossible. Nevertheless, we will encourage them to learn about this tradition and hopefully, they will have an opportunity to enjoy a piece of "King Cake" sometime during their labors in this part of the Lord's vineyards.

The South has many traditions and this one, associated with Mardi Gras, is delicious even though the green, purple, and yellow food coloring may look appealing to everyone.

Religious faith has played and continues to play a significant role in the South, including the historic Catholic faith. Learning about these faith traditions allows us to appreciate and admire the people we met during our sojourn in the South. Of course, I am a history professor!

We enjoyed learning about this tradition and sampling a piece of it too!

Here is a close-up of the cake--highlighting the traditional baby placed in each cake (see extracts from a Wikipedia article that explains the significance of this little baby posted below).

King cake

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

A king cake (sometimes rendered as kingcake, kings' cake, king's cake, or three kings cake) is a type of cake associated with the festival of Epiphany in the Christmas season in a number of countries, and in other places with the pre-Lenten celebrations of Mardi Gras /Carnival. In the United States, Carnival is traditionally observed in the Southeastern region of the country, particularly in Mobile, Alabama, the towns and cities of the Mississippi Gulf Coast, southern Louisiana and New Orleans. In this region, the king cake is closely associated with Mardi Gras traditions and is served throughout the Carnival season, which lasts from Epiphany Eve to Fat Tuesday.

The cake has a small trinket (often a small plastic baby, said to represent Baby Jesus) inside (or sometimes placed underneath), and the person who gets the piece of cake with the trinket has various privileges and obligations.

Gulf Coast king cake

In the southern United States, the tradition was brought to the area by colonists from France and Spain and it is associated with Carnival (also known as Mardi Gras), which is celebrated in the Gulf Coast region, originated in Mobile, AL, but ranging from the Florida Panhandle to East Texas. King cake parties in New Orleans are documented back to the eighteenth century.

The king cake of the Mobile Mardi Gras tradition comes in a number of styles. The most simple, said to be the most traditional, is a ring of twisted bread similar to that used in brioche topped with icing or sugar, usually colored purple, green, and gold (the traditional Mardi Gras colors) with food coloring. Mobile king cakes are traditionally deep-fat-fried as a doughnut would be, and there are many variants, some in more recent years featuring a filling - the most common being cream cheese, praline, cinnamon, or strawberry. A so-called "Zulu King Cake" has chocolate icing with a coconut filing, because the Krewe of Zulu parade's most celebrated throw is a coconut. Also, some bakers have now taken the liberty to offer king cakes for other holidays that immediately surround Mardi Gras season, such as green and red-icing king cakes for Christmas, red and pink-icing cakes for Valentine's Day, and green and white-icing cakes for St. Patrick's Day. Others have gone a step further and produce specialty king cakes from the beginning of football season for Louisiana State University and New Orleans Saints tailgate parties, then for Halloween, then Thanksgiving - and do not cease until after Mardi Gras season with an Easter holiday king cake.

It has become customary in the Southern culture that whoever finds the trinket must provide the next king cake or host the next Mardi Gras party.

Missioanry and Young Men Activity on Saturday

2012-02-20T19:55:00.000-06:00

Some of our missionaries participated in the Bessemer Stake Young Men's activity this past weekend (missionaries in the Birmingham and Bessemer zones who lived nearby participated). We gathered at the Bessemer Stake building on Saturday morning at 9:00 am. After a hymn and prayer, the stake young mens's presidency invited to speak to the group before they divided us and went out to visit people in the community. Here are some photographs of our missionaries when they arrived at the stake center and then several more at the end of the gathering showing our missionaries, the young men, their leaders, and the group departing from the chapel to being this activity.

Our missionaries waiting to be assigned to accompany a young man from the Bessemer stake

Some of the young men from the Bessemer stake

The Young Men leaders in the Bessemer Stake getting instruction on the activity

A close-up of the young men in the Bessemer stake

Elders Sawyer and York

Sunday Mission Update

2012-02-19T13:21:00.002-06:00

A deadly tornado struck Birmingham in late January, destroying homes and businesses and taking several lives (Local News Report). Our missionaries, along with local members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, joined in the clean-up efforts in the days and weeks that followed.

Our missionaries provided "Ammon-like" service to the people of Jefferson County (the same county where the mission office and home is located and the largest city in Alabama--Birmingham). Ammon was a Book of Mormon missionary who served the people as he taught them the "Good News" (see Alma 17 ).

Elders Coleman and Anderson, our missionaries in the Birmingham Ward, were involved as were many other missionaries in the Birmingham area. Recently, the Birmingham City Council honored our missionaries and asked Elders Coleman and Anderson to represent them all at a ceremony at the Birmingham City Hall.

City Council woman, Lashunda Scales, nominated them for the city's "Outstanding Citizenship Award" (see photograph of her and our missionaries below and note the medallions around their necks). Although our missionaries serve people without seeking recognition, we accepted the gratitude offered and sent them to represent the missionaries who labored in the wake of this most recent natural disaster.

It is not unusual for our missionaries to spend time each week helping others in planned and unplanned service activities. We encourage them to serve and hope that this will become a "holy habit" for the rest of their lives. For many, they came to the mission already having been involved in significant service to others and engaging in it joyfully and willingly. We appreciate the opportunity to work with other people--including other religious groups, to assist people who have experienced such challenges. It allows us to recognize the good in so many other people.

We remind our missionaries the only reason to serve is love--there are no exceptions. We invite them to purify their motives and seek for the highest motive for serving others--charity. We seek to change our hearts and to answer the question "Why do we serve?" with a resounding, "Because we love!" We are always impressed with the maturity of our missionaries when it comes to helping and serving others. They love it and seek opportunities to help often.

Jesus said, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven" (Matthew 5:16). In this regard, we hope our service glorifies the Lord who sent us to serve His children.

During the weeks that followed the January tornado, our missionaries coordinated the efforts and participated in the efforts to clean-up. The following photographs were taken during two different clean-up days. You will note Elders Coleman and Anderson were sometimes dressed like missionaries as they lead out interacting with the public and at other times, they dressed in work clothes so they could help with their hands.

In the midst of serving, we continued to fulfill the Lord's great commission found in Matthew 28:19-20 to teach and baptize. Here are a very few of the baptisms we witnessed during the past two weeks.

Elders Lofthouse and Reed

Elder Andoh-Kesson and Tolman

Elders Paulson and Mueller

Elders Johnsen and Bruce

Our senior missionaries take opportunities to get together from time to time to experience some of the historical, cultural, and natural sites in our mission. Last week, a group of them met in Huntsville to visit the NASA Visitor Center (US Rocket and Space Center). An impressive science museum that highlights the United States space program, especially the development of the rockets that took US astronauts into space and to the moon (Huntsville Space Center Web Site).

Our mission is composed of five zones (Bessemer, Birmingham, Huntsville-Madison, Montgomery, and Tupelo. Each zone has a set of missionaries, designated as zone leaders, to direct the work in the zone.

The zones are composed of smaller districts. Districts are composed of smaller proselyting areas. Many proselyting areas have a set of missionaries (a companionship) laboring in the area.

Each district is led by a district leader, a missionary responsible to direct the work in a specific district.

One of the largest districts in our mission (an unusual situation) covers the work in Gadsden, Talledega, Oxford, Anniston, Jacksonville, and Sylacauga. Elder Holley is our district leader and they recently met in their weekly district meeting (see photograph posted below). This is a remarkable group of missionaries that includes, a senior missionary couple (Elder and Sister Halley), a sister missionary companionship (Sisters Spendlove and Seidl), and several wonderful elder companionships.

Elders Dunn, Honeycutt, Gibson, Harris, Holley, Bowles, Stankey, Faitau, Elder Halley (Sister Halley took the photograph), Sisters Spendlove and Seidl).

In this district we have Elders Harris and Gibson serving together. There is an interesting story in this new companionship. Both mothers have become good friends and sent each of their sons a photograph of them together. When they were assigned to labor together (Elder Harris was transferred to the Oxford area) he unpacked his belongings and set up a photograph of his mother and Elder Gibson's mother. This matched the same photograph Elder Gibson had in the apartment (see photograph below of them in the living room in their apartment--note the two photographs on the desk and then the close-up in the next photograph).

Elder Harris and Elder Gibson in their Oxford area apartment with their own photographs of their mothers together

The rhythms of life continue after our missionaries complete their labors in the Lord vineyards by returning home to work, school, and marriage. We recently received the wedding announcement for Elder Putnam--one of our missionaries who returned home this past year. We congratulate him!

Bessemer Zone Conference

2012-02-18T15:12:00.000-06:00

We held our last zone conference for this quarter on Thursday. The Bessmer zone missionaries gathered at the Bessmer Stake Center between 8:30 am and 4:00 pm. Generally following the same outline, we did adjust some of our training to accommodate some of our guests.

As we had done in some of the earlier zone conferences, we talked about happiness. Often people believe if they could change their circumstance (environment) they would be happier. Certainly, in dire circumstances a change can make a difference in someone's life. However, recent studies have shown how humans adapt to changes in circumstance and rather quickly go back to an earlier level of happiness.

For example, buying a new car or moving into a new and bigger home may raise our happiness level. However, through "Hedonic adaptation," we quickly adapt to the new situation and often forget the happiness we had when we first made a change.

This adaptation works both when we better our situation and when we confront challenges. It seems God has wired humans to do so. Of course, not everyone adapts well to challenges.

As we discuss some gospel-centered life skills on happiness, we shared with our missionaries the story of Jack and Jo Anne Rushton (Jack Rushton's Web Site). They are remarkable and amazing individuals and their story is one of loving dedication, courage, and inspiration. Jack was left a quadriplegic and on a resporator following a swimming accident on 1 August 1989. They had been vacationing at one of the beautiful beaches in Southern California when the accident occurred. Their book (see the back of the jacket cover to their book below), website, and various YouTube movies tell part of their remarkable story. For them, it truly is "good to be alive!"

The missionaries arrive between 8 and 8: 15 am. Our meeting began at 8:30 with a hymn and prayer. I took about twenty minutes to talk with the zone before turning the time over to Elder Curtis to begin our first training segment.

Elder Curtis provided his auto safety and mentoring training

Elders York and Sawyer, the Bessemer zone leaders, followed Elder Curtis with some training specifically chased for their zone.

Elder York

The zone leaders, Elders Sawyer and York, used a role play to teach a principle on how to "begin teaching." They invited Elder Yogoh, a missionary from Kenya, to come forward. Elder Sawyer took the time to show how he would teach Elder Yogoh to shoot a basket. They took the principles demonstrated and applied them to teaching the gospel. The missionaries really enjoyed this demonstration! By the way, Elder Yogoh is a natural--putting the ball in the very first attempt!

Elder Sawyer teaching Elder Yogoh how to shoot a basketball

After a demonstration shoot, it was Elder Yogoh's turn.

Elders Sawyer and York teaching the zone

As with all our gathering, Elder and Sister Curtis check our missionary vehicles to ensure they are safe and maintained. Thursday was no different!

The president of the Bessemer Stake, President Smartt, joined us and spoke to the missionaries before lunch. He is an excellent communicator and loves the missionaries and the work. President Smartt is a blessing to our mission in so many ways.

President Smartt talking with the missionaries on Thrusday

We recognized our senior missionaries, members of the presidency and our stake leaders who joined us on Thursday. As before, we discussed gratitude and sincere praise as some of the skills we practice on a mission that will be a blessing to us all well beyond our missionary service. The missionaries love these wonderful senior missionaries and local Church leaders and they enjoy being with them in any setting.

Brother Phillips (mission presidency), Elder and Sister Smith, Sister and Elder Greenland, President Smartt (Bessemer stake president), Brother Wells (Bessemer stake high council), Sister Dunbar, Sister and Elder Callister, and Elder and Sister Curtis

We also had the pleasure of hearing from Brother Wells of the Bessemer stake high council. He is responsible for the missionary program in the stake and works with our zone leaders.

In the afternoon we received training from Elder and Sister Callister on scripture study and memorization. In Preach My Gospel we read, "Memorize scripture passages that explain and support the principle you teach" (PMG, p. 23). Our effort to help and encourage our missionaries to study the scriptures by focusing on those they teach and to memorize key passages will be an important step forward in our efforts to fulfill our missionary purpose.

Elder and Sister Callister Thursday afternoon at the Bessemer zone conference

Elder Hardy demonstrating his scripture memorization skills

My assistants, Elders Rock and Klabacka, trained in the afternoon on the "Doctrine of Christ." Keeping focused on the fundamental message (faith in Jesus Christ, repentance, baptism, gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end) is a very important part of our training.

We closed our meeting with a special musical number by Elders Shaw, Haderlie, and Smitley (Elder Rock accompanied them on the piano).

Huntsville-Madison Zone Conference

2012-02-17T22:08:00.000-06:00

We started the week with speaking assignments in the Cahaba Heights Branch on Sunday, February 12. As is my custom, we took our camera with us to captures some of our missionaries we meet when we attend worship services on Sundays. Ironically, there was not card in the camera so all the pictures I took on Sunday were for naught--no card, no photographs!

We continued our quarterly zone conferences on Tuesday--holding two (Huntsville-Madison and Bessemer zones) this week.

I traveled to Huntsville the night before on Monday and met with our zone leaders (Elders Wimberley and Reed) and with my assistants (Elders Rock and Klabacka) at the Bryd Springs building about 9:30 pm to review our conference.

In the morning, Valentines' Day, we picked-up some Krispy Kream donuts. I was surprised to find a hugh line in the drive through and inside the shop. Apparently, they have a tradition of baking heart shaped donuts on this day each year and as a result, sell a ton of them!

Our missionaries gathered at the Huntsville Stake Center for our conference, which started at 8:30 am. We followed a similar format as the earlier zone conferences (see earlier posts).

Elders Wimberley and Reed conducting training in the morning session of the zone conference

Elder and Sister Curtis completed car inspections during the morning session of our conference after introducing our auto safety-mentoring program at 9:00 am.

Elders Rock and Klabacka also conducted training in the morning session with the Huntsville-Madison zone on Tuesday.

We broke for lunch about 12 noon and continued with a working lunch at 12:20 pm with additional training. We enjoyed a Costco pizza lunch. It was a spectacle picking-up fifteen large pizzas, several boxes of apples and mandarin oranges, fruit roll-ups, paper cups, plates, napkins, and several bunches of flowers in one large cart by myself.

Jeni prepared homemade cup cakes for everyone the day before and that topped off the afternoon.

We often take a moment to recognize our senior missionaries, members of the presidency and local priesthood leaders attending our zone conference. We have remarkable couples and our mission presidency is the best ever.

We were blessed on Tuesday to have President Vaughan of the Huntsville Stake join us for some of our conference. He also spoke to the missionaries, providing them some encouragements and invitations to help the work move forward in the Huntsville-Madison zone.

Elder and Sister Callister conducted their training on scriptures and scripture memorization. The missionaries are enjoying their help and they have a lot of fun during this training as they get quizzed on scriptures they have memorized and learned.

Elder Schwarting demonstrating his scriptural knowledge

We covered many of the topics discussed in previous zone conferences last wee. Elder Klabacka discussed gratitude. Elder Rock discussed sincere praise. We also talked about being happy in life--covering some insights from Dr. Sonja Lyubomirsky's book, The How of Happiness. Her academic work has really helped scientist to understand more than ever how people can increase their happiness level. Almost all of her findings support scriptural and prophetic teachings on the topic.

She indicates that happiness levels are determined by three distinct aspects. She identifies the first aspect as the "set point." This is DNA--this is how we come and it accounts for 50% of our happiness level. Much like how music, language, and sport skills are already present when we are born. Surprisingly, scientific studies have revealed the second aspect accounts for only about 10% of our happiness level. This aspect is circumstance or environment. The good news, according these studies on happiness, suggest that the third aspect (composing of 40% of our happiness level) is based on intentional activities. In other words, we have a lot of control on the level of happiness we can reach in life.

To emphasis some of the research findings, we introduced the missionaries to Jack Ruston--a YouTube sensation (YouTube Site). Jack has written a book, It's Good to Be Alive--a story of his own accident that left him quadriplegic and on a respirator. Humans are programed to adapt. Obviously, some choose to adapt with dignity in the face of challenging life circumstances. His wife and family are amazing too!

Elder Klabacka acted as my scribe on Tuesday during the afternoon training

We had several guest join us at our zone conference in Huntsville

We concluded our zone conference in Huntsville with a special musical number by Elders Lofthouse and Watson and Sisters Simpson and Schroeppel (accompanied by Elder Rock).