The Things that Matter Most . . .

Imagine Yourself as a Living House - 

Serving as Mission Presidents is a very humbling experience . . .

You may be familiar with the CS Lewis quote that begins -

“Imagine yourself as a living house” . . . 

It's very painful to say I think I was a little prideful in my life before the mission, but yep, um, i think I was prideful.  I was quite proud of the little house I had built, I was very content with my life . . . I  had no idea of the major remodel that my Heavenly Father had in store for me, or how painful it might be. 

And at first I resisted that remodel quite . . .  insistently . . .

But as I let Honduras, and each missionary, and each little starfish on the vast number of beaches that our Heavenly Father has out there . . . and more importantly, the fervent fervent message that filled my heart of our Heavenly Father’s love for all of His children change my heart -

I began to experience this extensive remodulation take place, until I can truly say I am hardly the same person that I was three years ago when we said farewell to family and friends and got on an airplane to Honduras.

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Nothing But Photos . . .

I'm very far behind on blog posts  . . . and I have a bunch of photos to share -

So here is a BONUS photo post -

Nothing But Photos

(lots of missionaries!)

(An inside look to the sisters home)

(departing missionaries)

(Cultural Garifuna lunch)

(new arriving missionaries and training)

(a visit from some returned missionaries!)

(my wonderful kitchen helpers!)

(in the airport) 

 (outside my window)

(new missionaries and training)

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The Mission Experience & Photos

Time for an Update - 

Oh my goodness, it has been a LONG time since I have been able to compose a new blog post.   Every single day, week, and month is so filled to the brim . . . we are not sure if it's just us trying to finish everything up in the last few months of our mission, or if we're just getting older, with a lot less energy than we began 34 months ago!  Most likely both!

I have been working on Part II of a previous Post - 

MISSIONARIES . . . ARE YOU THE BEST YOU CAN BE?

It has been longer in coming together than I had hoped.  I have so many thoughts to share, and trying to get them all organized and presented in succinct blog post hasn't quite happened yet.  Yet, it is in the works and I do anticipate finishing it before too much longer.

In the meanwhile, I have many photos from the last several weeks in the San Pedro Sula East Mission to share, and some tender missionary experiences.  

There's no doubt President Klein and I are inspired daily by our missionaries, through their challenges and growth that we see occur on almost a daily basis. We are certainly so proud of them in all they are able to accomplish, and the many testimonies they share to bring other to a greater light and knowledge of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

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Are YOU the BEST you can BE?

What is Required?

As missionaries of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints we believe that our Heavenly Father is always preparing people to receive His message of the restored gospel.  The challenge of each missionary is to reach out and find those prepared to receive this special message.  It delights a missionary's heart when almost immediately their message is well received.  We call these contacts “golden” investigators.  In many instances they have been waiting and waiting for the missionaries to come into their lives.  

Perhaps, they have heard the missionaries message before, but were not at the proper place and time in their lives where they needed to be, to make the important changes necessary to embrace the gospel message and move forward.  

An Exercise in Faith!

But we do believe through exercising our faith in our Heavenly Father and in His Son, Jesus Christ, as missionaries we will be led to those who are seeking a message that can bring great joy, peace and comfort into their lives.  

One of the most important ways missionaries can find those who are seeking the gospel is to build and strengthen their relationships with the current members of the Church in their areas.  Almost everyone has a neighbor, a friend, an acquaintance from work, brothers, sisters or parents who need the gospel to bless their lives.

According to the statistics that the Church keeps, newly baptized converts are more likely to stay active in the Church if they are already acquainted with current members and are taught the gospel within the homes of the members.

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Come Serve a Senior Mission . .

Come Serve a Senior Mission in Honduras . . .

Hey!

What can I say?

Countless opportunities await Senior Missionaries to help keep the Lord’s work moving forward.

Married couples can be found in the Church’s 406 missions serving alongside the younger missionaries at a time in their lives they could be enjoying hobbies during their retirement such as spending more time on the golf course, fishing, traveling or being with their grandchildren. Some couples end up serving multiple missions because they find the opportunity to serve others very rewarding.

This is an outright blatant plea for your consideration . .

We're even willing to offer a bribe (or a promise) of sorts  . . .

What is it?

Hopefully I have your attention!

Wanted:  LDS Senior Missionary Couples

to serve as Senior Missionaries for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Particularly in the San Pedro Sula East Mission!

Are you the adventurous sort, just wondering where the next stage of life is taking you?  Looking for an opportunity where you can really make a difference?  

Boy . . . have we got an opportunity and challenge for you!

We are currently in need of Senior Couple missionaries.  No Spanish necessary to serve in English speaking areas of our mission.  We are really in need of 3-4 Senior Missionary couples!

You are in a position to serve and really make a difference in the lives of the people.

Do you have love you an share?
You are qualified for the work.

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The First Twelve Weeks of a Mission

What you Should Know about the First Twelve Weeks of a Mission - 

One of the fairly recent additions to missionary work across the world is the program entitled "The First 12 Weeks for New Missionaries and their Trainers".  It came about after the age limit was lowered to 18 years old for men of the Church and 19 years old for the women.

As the MTC's (Missionary Training Centers) across the world were reaching their capacity for receiving new missionaries, the time a new missionary spent in training in these facilities was decreased tremendously.  In most instances, new missionaries learning a foreign language now spend no more than 6 weeks in the MTC.  Those not learning a new language usually have a 10 day length of stay.

These circumstances lend great importance to the first 12 weeks a missionary spends in their assigned mission with a new trainer.  It's important that those first 12 weeks be the most productive and beneficial that they possibly can.

I personally have a great testimony of this program.  While is was developed for training new missionaries, this is a program that benefits each missionary in the field continuously.

Live by the Whisperings of the Spirit . . .

One of the greatest roles of a trainer for a new missionary is to help their new companion seek for and heed the promptings of the Spirit.  This begins in the MTC training and is carried forward right into the mission field.  

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Merry Christmas from Honduras 2015

For all our dear friends and family and this special time of year.

When we say our 'dear' friends and family, that is the understatement of a lifetime . . .  We cannot even begin to recognize and rejoice in the many ways that each one of you have influenced our lives in some way.  When we say we miss you and wish our most happiest and most joyful wishes for you in the New Year ahead, it's doesn't even begin to express the heartfelt emotion that we experience as we think of each one of you.  You all touch our lives in so many ways.  From your kind caring concern, your actual physical service and good deeds, the good thoughts and prayers we feel in our behalf, to the support we have felt throughout our missionary service, to the friendships you extend to our family, especially our children . . . thank you just isn't a big enough word.  We feel emotionally connected across the miles to so many . . .

And a special thanks to our many many missionaries, serving and returned  . . . what a privilege it has been in our lives to be associated with you, and to serve alongside you as we accomplish our Heavenly Father's work here on the earth.  We extend our warmest Christmas wishes to you and your families and want you to know that not a day goes by that we don't think of and miss you all and appreciate the wonderful things you were and are able to accomplish during your missionary service.  Thank you.

The Savior of the World . . .

Even though life continues to be a roller coaster of challenges and adventures here in Honduras, life is good and we truly feel our blessings have far outweighed our challenges.  Our Heavenly Father continues to bless us greatly, and we feel privileged to have the opportunity to testify daily of the glorious mission of our Savior, Jesus Christ.  That He is the Savior of the world, the Son of God, our Redeemer. That He was born in Bethlehem, organized His Church with Priesthood power and authority upon the earth.  He is the only way by which we can return to the presence of our Heavenly Father.  

Jesus Christ suffered and died for the sins of the world, for you and for me, for us, giving each of God's children the gift of repentance and forgiveness.  And through His resurrection prepared the way for each person to overcome physical death as well.  These events are called the Atonement.  We testify that it is real, and is for you for me, for us. 

It's a privilege to share with the world that some day He will return to the earth again - 

"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government

shall be upon His shoulder; and His name shall be called Wonderful, 

Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

(Isaiah 9:6)

Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and He will be our Lord, forever.

We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Wherever this Christmas season may find you, we testify that these things are real.  That God is our loving Heavenly Father.  That He knows us and loves us.  That He desires to bless us.  That we celebrate the birth of His son at this special season of the year.  May you enjoy this special season with your family gathered all around.  May you experience the fulness of life's greatest blessings in the year ahead.  

We send our love across the miles from the wilds of Honduras.  

Merry Christmas!

Norm and Kristin

President and Sister Klein

Honduras, San Pedro Sula East Mission

2013 - 2016

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A Mission, in the Service of God

In the Service of Their God . . .

(Enjoy this beautiful video . . . of the life of a missionary here in Central America,

prepared by those who love missionaries here in our mission)

"Now behold, a marvelous work is about to come forth among the children of men.

Therefore, O ye that embark in the service of God, see that ye serve him with all your heart, might, mind and strength, that ye may stand blameless before God at the last day.

Therefore, if ye have desires to serve God ye are called to the work;

 For behold the field is white already to harvest; and lo, he that thrusteth in his sickle with his might, the same layeth up in store that he perisheth not, but bringeth salvation to his soul;

And faith, hope, charity and love, with an eye single to the glory of God, qualify him for the work.

Remember faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, brotherly kindness, godliness, charity, humility, diligence.

 Ask, and ye shall receive; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. Amen. (Doctrine and Covenants 4)

Called to the Work . . .

Above is a scripture much loved and memorized by missionaries throughout the world.  Really, it's a call to each of us.  To share, teach and testify of our Savior, Jeus Christ, the lessons of the atonement and the restored gospel.

But today . . . at this blessed and sacred time of year, when we celebrate the birth of the Savior, a long time ago, in the humble city of Bethlehem, with all the surroundings of the nativity story as found in literature throughout the ages, and the scriptures of the New Testament.  Today, I want to focus on the tens of thousands of young people throughout the world, those who willingly give up 18 months to two years of their life, so that others might find the Light of the Savior in their life.

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LDS Missionaries - A Savior is Born

(Sorry so long in between posts . . . I broke my camera in September and have finally received a new one! Hurray! So more photos on the way . . . in the meanwhile, enjoy these cell phone photos!  Thank goodness for cell phones!!)

The Living Christ . . .

As Missionaries for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, it is our great privilege to testify daily of the important role of our Savior, Jesus Christ.  Even though He came to earth, suffered and died for us upon the cross . . . 

Today He lives!

He was the Great Jehovah of the Old Testament, the Messiah of the New. Under the direction of His Father, He was the creator of the earth. “All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made” (John 1:3). 

 Of Him the Prophet, Joseph Smith, also declared: “And now, after the many testimonies which have been given of him, this is the testimony, last of all, which we give of him: That he lives!

“For we saw him, even on the right hand of God; and we heard the voice bearing record that he is the Only Begotten of the Father—“That by him, and through him, and of him, the worlds are and were created, and the inhabitants thereof are begotten sons and daughters unto God” (D&C 76:22–24). 

(Excerpts from The Living Christ)

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Behold, I am a Disciple of Jesus Christ

“Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great.

“Behold, the Lord requireth the heart and a willing mind” (D&C 64:33–34)

Our focus for the last three months has been on how can we be better disciples of Jesus Christ.  

More than ever before, our Heavenly Father needs missionaries and members with willing hearts and minds, with a desire to stand for right, share a testimony of the Savior through example, thoughts, deeds, and actions.  

Missionaries come to the mission field with many varied backgrounds and talents.  Indeed some are very well educated, some are great teachers and speakers, some have no fear of testifying boldly, some are extremely diligent and obedient with exactness.

The goal of every missionary should be the ability to follow through with their commitment of what they said they would do!

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Are you Ready for a Mission (Part II)

Previously . . .

In our previous post . . .
We shared ideas and thoughts for advanced mission prep.  I've been trying to get this update prepared through all our interviews and mission traveling this month, so thank you for being patient.

Are you Ready for a Mission?

Part I of Advanced Mission Prep - 

A while back a popular LDS Magazine shared an article by Jeremy Goff entitled  -
"7 Ways to Come Pre-Trained for your Mission".

If you haven't had an opportunity to read and study the linked article, please do so.
I also suggest you read our post, Part I , so you understand that these remarks are continuing on from the foundation laid in the previous two articles.

Hastening the Work of Salvation - 

As our Heavenly Father hastens His work of salvation, it is up to us as members of His Church to keep pace.  I am inspired by the words of Elder David A. Bednar from instruction given at the Seminar for New Mission Presidents in 2014 - 

"The hastening of the Lord’s work requires His followers continuously to learn, to change, and “to press forward with faith in the Savior . . . Elder Bednar suggested that members ask themselves if they as individuals and as a Church will choose to keep pace with the Lord’s hastening. “Or will we insist on doing things the way they have always been done, or the ways we are accustomed to or comfortable with?”

When it comes to missionary work missionaries must now enter the mission field better prepared to serve!  We no longer have the long stays once possible at the MTC's (Mission Training Centers) and CCM's (Centro de Capacitacion Misional).  Stays are brief, focusing for many on learning necessary language skills and a brief introduction to the missionary lifestyle and Preach my Gospel. 

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Are you Ready for a Mission?

Part I of Advanced Mission Prep - 

Part II coming soon
with photos of mission life, zone conferences and transfers . . .

A while back a popular LDS Magazine shared an article by Jeremy Goff entitled  -
"7 Ways to Come Pre-Trained for your Mission".



It is an excellent article! 

It is absolutely true that there are many things young men and young women of the Church can and should do so that they will enter the mission field more prepared and effective upon their arrival.  The Lord is hastening His work of Salvation, there can be no doubt.  We are seeing both the challenges and the blessings of increased emphasis coming to pass all around us daily. We see an outpouring of the Spirit and blessings upon those missionaries who have the desire and come prepared to serve.

Not very long ago young men and young women of the Church had an opportunity to spend a lengthy time in the MTC's (Mission Training Centers) of the Church located throughout the world. Amongst many things, a particular purpose was to educate and train them to be more effective missionaries, to help them comprehend gospel principles they did not yet understand, to help them increase the strength of their testimonies.  Young people do not have such a luxury at this time.  They need to come prepared. Although to loved ones, two years or 18 months seems like a long time . . . and it is . . . the time passes rapidly.  You will want to make use of everyday!

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The LDS Missionary Experience . . .

The LDS Missionary Experience . . .

We continue to marvel at the amazing experiences that come to pass through the efforts of the many young people serving in all parts of the world . . . otherwise known as missionaries for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (aka Mormon Missionaries, LDS Missionaries, Sister Missionaries, Elders) . . .

LDS missionaries receive a charge to teach the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.  They are called by priesthood authority, by a member of the living apostles present upon the earth today.  They are called as authorized representatives of the Savior, Jesus Christ and are expected to represent him and do his work in all things.

Therefore they can teach with both power and authority . . .

 Wherefore, redemption cometh in and through the Holy Messiah; for he is full of grace and truth.   . . .  Wherefore, how great the importance to make these things known unto the inhabitants of the earth, that they may know that there is no flesh that can dwell in the presence of God, save it be through the merits, and mercy, and grace of the Holy Messiah, who layeth down his life according to the flesh, and taketh it again by the power of the Spirit, that he may bring to pass the resurrection of the dead, being the first that should rise.  (2 Nephi 2:6,8)

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Elder Neil L. Andersen in Honduras

As a mission, and as a country we were greatly blessed to receive Elder Neil L. Andersen, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles as a guest here in Honduras, and especially here in our mission. 

 He was accompanied by Elder Richard J. Maynes of the Presidency of the Seventy, Elder Dean M. Davies, second counselor in the Presiding Bishopric of the Church, Elder, Elder Adrian Ochoa of the 2nd Quorum of the Seventy, and Elder Valladares, our presiding Area Seventy.  It was a great opportunity to hear from each one of them as they addressed the youth of the Church both in a special fireside, and a meeting of both missions here in San Pedro Sula.

Whenever you have many wonderful General Authorities gathered and more than 450 missionaries in one place . . . you can certainly feel the spirit of the great work of the Church on the face of the earth today.

I have been blessed to be in the presence of General Authorities in my life, but I will always remember the feeling I experienced as I first met Elder Neil L. Andersen.  My immediate impression was he brought with him the love of the Savior for each person there in the room. I never really comprehended what the love of the Savior might feel like . . . but I experienced it that day in some small measure through Elder Andersen.

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