Bitter because our mission was over.
Sweet because we came back to the most amazing family ever. We arrived late afternoon on Labor Day, Monday, September 7, 2015.
They made signs and the grandchildren wore their Guam t-shirts that we sent them.
The pics say it all...
 |
| Temporarily lost and then found this sign |
On September 20, 2015 we had the opportunity of giving our homecoming talks at the Heber 8th ward. Sister Mecham and so many friends and family came to the meeting. She had this picture taken after we spoke.
We gave similar talks at the Barrigada ward, just before leaving for Japan.
Mike and I loved serving as missionaries in the
Micronesia Guam Mission. We served as the office secretaries in the mission
office. Our responsibilities kept us busy and we never had time to get bored. We
will miss the dear friends we made and the wonderful experiences we had there. As
members of the church, we have experiences and opportunities that allow us to
serve in many ways, which enrich our lives, enlarge our hearts and bring true
joy to our souls. This was truly one of those special experiences for us. We
will always treasure in our hearts the time we served in Micronesia.
We have enjoyed many
blessings while serving a mission. In fact, they began when we first felt the
little nudge from the Spirit which led us to see Bishop Luke. We are so
grateful that we followed through with that prompting. Once we took the first
step, everything fell into place in a timely manner.
I marvel at the wonder and the glory of the gospel
of Jesus Christ spreading throughout the world. Through small and simple things
his work moves forward. It’s amazing when you think about it, that young 18 and
19 year old missionaries are changing the world. The Lord’s gospel is the hope of the world. When Jesus walked the earth, He said, “This is life
eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom
thou hast sent” (John 17:3).
As we were able to see the growth of the church
throughout Micronesia, many times I thought of the prophecy and vision of
Daniel. President Hinckley said about this prophecy, “The
Church has become one large family scattered across the earth….A marvelous and
wonderful thing is coming to pass. The Lord is fulfilling His promise that His
gospel shall be as the stone cut out of the mountain without hands which would
roll forth and fill the whole earth. (seeDaniel 2:31–45; D&C 65:2). A great miracle is taking place right before our eyes.”
Serving in the mission
office gave us the opportunity to be around the young missionaries. It was shaking
hands with the Elders and hugging the sisters. They are fine leaders and
dedicated to the Lord’s work. Many of them have made great sacrifices to serve.
They are young, yet powerful in their testimonies of Jesus Christ. I loved to
hear about their teaching experiences and I feel the spirit when I am around
them.
One of my responsibilities
in the mission office was to help process new missionary applications. Many
were new converts that were only members a year, desiring to serve a mission.
After they received their mission call, we would see them before they departed
for the MTC. Many of them only had the clothes on their backs when they arrived
in Guam-A testimony to me of the truthfulness of this gospel that it changes
the lives and hearts men.
We enjoyed our association with
other senior couples. Senior missionaries can have fun and do whatever
activities they normally do with their spouse or family. We got together often.
We learned about the history on Guam, shared our testimonies and strengthened
one another as we enjoyed this wonderful experience together.
Attending many convert
baptisms was a beautiful blessing. When one makes covenants with the Lord, you
can feel His spirit. I felt the joy of witnessing a brother or sister come unto
Christ. We were fortunate that we were able to attend many baptisms in Guam. I
remember one month recording 80 baptisms for the mission.
I admit, at first, I
was overwhelmed with the amount of work that was necessary to manage the
mission office. I became frustrated with
myself when I made mistakes or couldn’t remember something. However, my
husband, and dear companion, was a support to me. He encouraged me and was
always positive. He helped me see some
of the miracles working in the office.
I realized that if I put forth my best effort and
sincerely prayed for the Lord’s help, He would help me with what I lacked.
Sometimes missionaries would call me and I knew they were inspired to call
because there was something I needed from them. Or thoughts would come to my
mind of things I needed to do.
One time a Elder Selander called because he was
planning to go home earlier to go to school and needed me to make the departure
arrangements. As the time got closer to his return home, he called me again and
asked me if I had made the arrangements. I told him that I did not remember
that conversation. He said, “That’s good because I want to extend my mission.”
He did extend his mission and he was the senior Elder to open a new island for
missionary work. Within just a few months there were about 40 people attending
church weekly on that island. I found
that things seem to always work out for the good even when I thought I made a mistake.
It was a privilege to serve under two inspired
mission presidents. The responsibility and schedules they keep are incredible.
I think it’s the most demanding calling in the church. They truly receive
wisdom, strength and power from the Lord to fulfill their responsibilities. Transfers
were challenging because circumstances and inspiration many times came at the
last minute. One of my responsibilities was to make all the mission airline
flights. Almost every transfer there were flight changes made for missionary
transfers.
One day a sister missionary came out of the mission
president’s office. She was crying because she was going back to an area where
she had served for many months without success and she was placed with a
companion she did not get along with. Elder Martin told her that maybe now
would be different and the people she taught before would be ready. This was
her last transfer before going home. It turned out to be the best part of her
mission. She was instrumental in several baptisms and she contacted lice and
her companion would pick the lice out of her hair which bonded their
relationship. Heavenly Father inspires mission presidents to know where and
when his missionaries need to serve.
I also was able to witness the mantel of the calling
of the mission president change from President Mecham to President Zarbock. As
I watched the new mission president greet some of his missionaries, I saw a
spiritual mantel of priesthood power around him. The spirit bore witness to me
that he was the new mission president and that this is truly the Lord’s work
and he knows his servants and his missionaries.
Whenever I or anyone asked
President Zarbock, our mission president, how he is doing? He always says, “I’m
living the dream.” I imagine that many might think that living on a tropical
island, would be living a dream. However, sometimes jokingly, Sister Zarbock,
the mission president’s wife, replies, but why do I have to live your dream? Mike and I believe that we were living the
dream. One of the reasons is because of the miracles we witnessed and watched
how the Lord blesses his missionaries. I’d like to share some of the miracles.
One summer Elder Barrus
was called to be the new Assistant. He was serving on Pohnpei and needed to
come to Guam as soon as possible to serve with Elder Peterson. Elder Ashcraft
(former assistant) was sent to Saipan for his last transfer. During the summer
months the flights to Guam are booked with summer tourist. They fly from
Honolulu to Guam stopping in the Marshall Islands and then in Micronesia and
then Guam. The flight I booked for Elder Barrus was 10 days out. Friday
afternoon, Elder Peterson asked me if
there was anything we could do to get Elder Barrus to Guam and could he fly
standby. I said, “He can try standby, but it will take a miracle to get him
here.” Monday morning when I walked in the office, there was Elder Barrus. I
said, “Elder you are a miracle.”
One last miracle blessing I want to share is during
the month of July. There was a fast
approaching potential typhoon that was on track to hit Guam with 105 mph winds.
Flights had been arranged for over 20 young missionaries to fly into Guam for
Mission Leadership Council and all 8 couple missionaries had flights to attend
our Senior Couple Conference. This
caused a concern for all those involved. Many prayers were offered and we frequently
watched the weather storm track. As we watched we realized the speed of the
tropical storm began to slow way down and then it randomly altered its course.
Prayers were answered and all missionaries made their flights safely. It was a
wonderful miracle to behold.
It’s a joyful blessing keeping
in touch with our family through video calling. As senior couples, we can call
or talk to our family whenever we want. We have 8 children. We decided to video
call each family once a month. How fun it was to interact with them and see
them. We looked forward to our calls. Our family was really supportive of us
serving a mission. Mike kept a Blog too, so they could see what we were doing.
Mike and I felt so blessed to serve a mission. We missed our family dearly, but the experience
was so incredible.
Testimony
This is the Lord’s work and He is in charge. His
work is going forth. His gospel is spreading over the earth.
I have a
testimony of the real need for senior couples. They bring their different
talents and skills and strengthen the mission in so many ways.
I have a testimony of the Restoration and
establishment of the Church of Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ and God the father
appeared to Joseph Smith. Joseph Smith received all the keys and authority of
the priesthood needed by John the Baptist, Peter, James and John.
The Angel Moroni appeared to Joseph Smith and showed him
the gold plates which were translated into the BoM. If one will read the BOM
and pray they will know that it testifies of Jesus Christ.
I have a desire for our grand
children to serve missions and we hope to serve another mission too.In the name of Jesus Christ Amen.
Brother Martin's Talk:
Sister Martin and I were given the topic “Joy of Living the
Gospel”. The Joy we’ve received serving in the Micronesia Guam Mission is
beyond description. But I’ll try to give you a sample of the last year and a
half.
Let me begin by saying that it’s never convenient to serve a
mission. There are so many reasons why we can’t or shouldn’t go. But there are
more reasons to go. If we set righteous goals, the Lord will help us move
mountains, even if it is a mountain of debt. The few years before coming on a
mission, Sister Martin and I worked hard to earn money and eliminate debt. When
we needed a new car, we would buy a good used car, trying to avoid loan
payments. Most loans take away your extra savings and put you in chains. Our
moto was, simplify. We attacked it hard by selling stuff, selling our camper,
eating out less, canceling our satellite/cable TV, canceling our land line
phone, selling my truck (that was tough) and many other things in order to get
out of debt and save for a mission.
About my truck, when we decided to go on a mission and had
our mission call, I knew I needed to sell my truck. I listed it one evening for
what I thought it was worth, definitely above book value. The next morning we
received a call from a woman who had seen my truck parked at our home for a few
months, wishing it was for sale so she could buy it. She paid the full price
immediately. Do you think that’s a coincidence? No way. We were praying for
God’s financial help to go on a mission. He blessed us.
Too much joy to describe. Sister Martin and I were very
happy serving together in the mission office for the past year and a half. I
thought to myself, why am I so happy? It’s a 60 hour a week desk job, doing
paper work, filing, paying bills, taking calls from missionaries, accounts
receivable clerks and stressed landlords, ordering and shipping tires and car
parts, buying cell phones, taking cars down to repair shops with cockroaches
running around you, and getting paid $0.00 to do it. To some people it may
sound like I’m crazy. But the pay, or “Blessings and Joy”, I’ve received, you
can’t put a price to it.
What do the scriptures say about blessings…
Remember the story of Alma and Amulek in the Book of Mormon
when they were arguing with lawyers such as Zeezrom. Amulek was helping Alma do
missionary work and talked of Blessings he had received since knowing Alma.
Alma 10:11
11 For behold, he hath blessed mine house, he hath blessed me, and my women, and my children, and
my father and my kinsfolk; yea, even all my kindred hath he blessed, and the blessing of the Lord hath rested upon us
according to the words which he spake.
Each of us can receive extra blessings by accepting callings
and trying to do our best. We all just do the best we can and God knows we are
not perfect.
Have I made mistakes on my mission? Yes, and I hope God forgives
me through the merciful atonement of Jesus Christ, for all my sins, weaknesses
and mistakes.
I’ll mention one mistake I made. In July, I got confused and
didn’t pay a Saipan Island utilities bill, thinking it was an apartment we had
closed. The Saipan missionaries called me up and said that their water and
power had been turned off. I realized my error and felt really bad. The two
Elders had to move into the Zone Leader’s apartment. Little did I know what
would happen next. One week later on August 2nd, Typhoon Soudelor hit, damaging
the main power lines and the power plant. All the power and water in the whole
island of Saipan was shut off. Weeks later Saipan finally got one of their
diesel generators to start. It is estimated that by this November, most of the
power and water service will be restored. Until then it’s like camping out.
You have to look for and notice the blessings in your life.
Sometimes we notice little tender mercies. For example, several weeks ago in
the evening, the Assistants – Elder Striplin and Elder Gibb called me and said
that their key card to lock the Mission office door didn’t work anymore. We
told them we would be there in 20-30 minutes. Just as we were leaving our
apartment, Elder Hamilton was just going in his apartment (Coincidence? Not
likely). Sister Martin mentioned to him where we were going and he told us his
card didn’t work either until the FM office fixed it. He asked us to take his
card just in case ours didn’t work. Sure enough, when we arrived our key card
didn’t work. Having his key card saved us an extra trip. Another blessing.
Blessings from getting sick on a mission.
Last
November, Sister Martin caught the bad sickness
most everyone and I caught. We stayed inside our apartment after work each
night and over the weekend. What do you
do when you're stuck inside your apartment?
Well, you could do Family History work. That's what I did and was able to find some missing ancestors. I was talking to our Family History couple, and Sister Hurst suggested I try looking on findagrave.com. I had never found much there before and was amazed to find a variety of clues to help continue my research. I found a head stone and a death certificate which gave me clues to eventually add 19 more family ancestors to my family history. What a blessing to have these great Senior Family History couples. Many more are needed out there.
Well, you could do Family History work. That's what I did and was able to find some missing ancestors. I was talking to our Family History couple, and Sister Hurst suggested I try looking on findagrave.com. I had never found much there before and was amazed to find a variety of clues to help continue my research. I found a head stone and a death certificate which gave me clues to eventually add 19 more family ancestors to my family history. What a blessing to have these great Senior Family History couples. Many more are needed out there.
When Sister Martin
and I received our call to serve on Guam, my first thoughts came from my
business dealings on a project which included our Utah manufactured garage doors
on some homes built on the naval base for officers and their families. The
project was suddenly stopped when they discovered an undetonated 1000 lb. WW2
bomb. It was a year or two before the project got started back up and the
garage doors were installed on the homes in Guam.
Shortly after we arrived in Guam, a young woman walked in
the Mission Office door. She said she had just been transferred to the Navy
base in Guam. I greeted her and she exclaimed that she had just got on the
church web site and put in a request for missionaries to contact her so she
could learn more about the Gospel. But said she couldn’t wait, looked up the
mission address and drove straight over.
The spirit of the Lord filled the room and the joy I felt
was so strong it makes me think of a popular song that attempts to describe
Happiness and a room without a roof. More than that, songs that Sister Shelton
taught us in Primary like, “I will follow God’s plan” popped in my head.
I told her that Elder Ramiterre, who was just about to
return home, and had been serving on the Island of Yap, was weighing his
suitcase in the other room and would be happy to teach her immediately. She
agreed and so Elder Ramiterre grabbed two other Elders and they went over to
the Church and taught her about our loving Heavenly Father. They taught her
about ancient Prophets. They taught her about Jesus Christ’s death atonement,
resurrection and His 12 Apostles. They taught about the Great apostasy and then
how the Prophet Joseph Smith helped to restore the True Gospel of Jesus Christ,
the Priesthood, and by the gift and power of God, translated the Book of
Mormon, Another Testament of Jesus Christ. They taught her how we have living
Apostles and a Prophet on the earth today that receive revelation from God to
help and guide each of us to true, lasting happiness.
She was touched by the Spirit of truth and accepted Elder
Rameterre’s challenge to be baptized. She was baptized two months later. The
Joy Sister Martin and I have been blessed with is to attend over 50 baptisms,
almost weekly for the last 18 months.
Some of our young missionaries served on islands with no
running water, no power, no stores to buy food, catching scabies (sometimes
called the seven year itch), dealing with rats, bed bugs and other creatures,
learning to use a machete for service projects after typhoons, enduring thefts,
and more. All of this was a small price to pay to help people and themselves, become
converted to the true Gospel of Christ.
I’ll end with a statement I
made on our mission blog last November. “It's an amazing blessing to be around
these great missionaries who have chosen to give their time and resources for 1
1/2 to 2 years for unselfish, unpaid service to the people of Micronesia and to
the Lord Jesus Christ who we love and serve. All the glory and all the credit,
goes to God for all the good works that may be accomplished here”.
What a blessing it was to
attend general conference rebroadcast with one of the newly baptized members of
the church. After listening to the living prophets, and being filled with Joy
and the spirit of the Holy Ghost, he exclaimed to me, “I had no idea”.
The Spirit had born witness
to my heart and his that Thomas S. Monson is a true prophet of God, and the
Apostles and leaders who spoke gave true inspired information that we needed to
hear.
In the name of Jesus Christ,
Amen.
