"Leave No Man Behind"

Dear Sisters and Elders -

There is a motto used by elite military units in times of battle: "Leave no man behind." Survival depends upon the men and women of a unit showing absolute loyalty to each other, and underscores the morale and cohesion required by soldiers during times of war.

As missionaries, we are not in a military war, but we are involved in a spiritual one, and absolute loyalty to one another is just as essential. "Satan...maketh war with the saints of God, and encompasseth them round about" (DC 76:28-29). Satan seeks to divide us and to conquer us. However, if we remain one in Christ, we will have protection from the adversary.

As a mission, let us strive to be "one in Christ" (Gal. 3:28) and "perfectly joined together in the same mind" (1 Cor. 1:10). Our unity and love for each other is critical to our success in the Lord's work. Please find below several thoughts about ways we can remain one in Christ, and guard against Satan's efforts to divide us:

1. Commit to live our singular missionary purpose to bring souls to Christ;

2. Recognize that each missionary has been called by God, and no one missionary is more important than another;

3. Look for each missionary's spiritual gifts and talents, seek to recognize those gifts, and allow them opportunities to use those gifts to further God's work;

4. Pray for the mission and the success of each missionary;

5. If another missionary is struggling, reach out to help him or her; and

6. Never gossip, backbite, or speak negatively about another missionary.

Sisters and Elders, let's do everything in our power to "leave no man (or woman) behind." Let's lift, help, strengthen, build-up, and inspire one another. Let's seek to become a Zion mission. As we do, we will become more powerful, effective instruments in God's hands and we will be able to hasten His work.

Sure love you!

President Pingree

 

Transfers

Transfers were a little different this month with departing missionaries leaving on December 19 and new missionaries arriving on December 26.  We were very sad to see Sisters Rivera, Roberts and Dement leave the Texas Houston Mission along with Elders Fox, Padilla, Chang and Angilau.  Each served faithfully and made significant contributions to the missionary work here in Houston!  Yesterday we were delighted to welcome eleven new missionaries who celebrated Christmas on their last day at the MTC!  The past week has been a busy one with activities and meetings associated with transfers, plus the mission Christmas conference (pictures coming soon).  We hope you were able to connect with your missionary on Christmas day and that the holidays have been happy for y'all at home!

 

Departing Missionaries at the Houston Temple

 

New Missionaries

 

 

 

 

New Missionaries with Trainers

Christmas Calls Home

With Christmas around the corner, we thought it might be helpful for you to read guidelines from the missionary department regarding calls home.

"We want to remind you that your missionaries may telephone their parents on Christmas and one other time during the year, usually Mother's Day or another significant holiday' (Mission President's Handbook, 22).  These calls should be kept 'short (preferable not longer than 30 or 40 minutes)' (see Missionary Handbook, 37) and should not distract missionaries from their service.

For many missionaries, it will be most convenient to use the mission-provided phones.  However, in some areas of the world such phone calls can be difficult to arrange and/or be very costly.  Therefore, missionaries are authorized to use Internet options, like Skype, to make their calls.  If a video option is available, they are also authorized to use the video feature in their call.

As always, these calls should not create an inconvenience to members or others.  Neither missionaries nor members should purchase any additional equipment in order to make these arrangements.  Weekly letters home should continue to be by postal service or e-mail only."

Interviews Completed, etc.

Quarterly interviews were completed this week after meeting with missionaries serving in the Spring, Houston North and some of the Houston West zones.  See below pictures taken both days along with a few others on preparation day in the employment office and peanut butter cannery.

Elder and Sister Cutler

Elders Carter and Peterson wear matching ties