Thanksgiving

To the Missionaries of the Great Texas Houston Mission,

On October 3, 1863 President Abraham Lincoln issued a Thanksgiving proclamation establishing the last Thursday of November as an annual national holiday to remember and give thanks. The interesting part of that proclamation is that it was extended in the midst of the American Civil War; a war that took it's heaviest toll on American lives and families. An inspired President at the time, instead of focusing on the problems that were so obvious to everyone, focused a country on the "gracious gifts of the Most High God." He admonished, referring to these gifts that, "they should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and one voice by the whole American People. I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens."

We read about similarly inspired people in the Book of Mormon, who in the midst of tragedy all around them never forgot to praise God and give thanks to Him. These people were blessed and remembered by Him. This is a talent that must be cultivated in each of our hearts. As we spend more time counting our blessings and less time counting our problems, we will find greater happiness and peace in the midst of challenges.

So it is in this Spirit that we give thanks for you. We are grateful for your faith, for your sacrifice and your love. We are most especially grateful for the privilege we have of serving with you. What a wonderful miracle it is to be among the few who have been selected to be the "light bearers" to the world. We have the opportunity to experience just a glimpse of what the Savior experienced of whom it was said by Isaiah, "he was despised and rejected of man, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief." He has given us the great opportunity to become like Him. If that is the blessing, should we not embrace this experience in spite of its difficulty?

We love you and wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving.

Love,

President and Sister Mortensen

We enjoyed having Elder Packer and Sister Packer in our mission last week. We had a special MLC with them and then held two mission tour conferences with them. It was wonderful to have so much of the mission together and to hear the words of a general authority. The Packers were very impressed with our missionaries and the spirit they possess. Here are some pictures taken those two days. 

Elder and Sister Packer

Monday's Conference

Tuesdays Conference

 On Wednesday we held the 8 week follow up training for the missionaries who arrived in September. It was great to see them all together and see what great teachers they are! It was a great meeting and I think we all learned and were edified.

 On Thursday we were able to visit the Aldine School District where many of our missionaries were volunteering at Operation Saving Smiles. The organizers of this event were so thrilled to have the missionaries there to help and they were so impressed with the work ethic and happiness they brought with them. We loved being with them too!

Faith in Perilous Times

To the Missionaries of the Great Texas Houston Mission,

In light of the recent tragic world events in Paris, we have had a verse from the New Testament continue to come into our mind. Paul prophetically tells Timothy of the conditions that will exist in our day when he says:

1. This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.

2. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,

3. Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,

4. Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;

5. Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. (2 Tim 3:1-5)

We have seen some of this in these recent attacks in Paris, but the greater "peril" that we face is a spiritual one. It is interesting to consider that the only safety anyone can receive is found in the message we carry. Our message leads them to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. Of the Holy Ghost, the Savior taught:

26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. (John 14:26-27)

The only way anyone will avoid feeling "afraid" and find the kind of peace that the Savior provides is heed to invitation to "Come unto Him."

We invite you to ask people you meet during your finding efforts how they have been feeling lately in light of these world events and remind them of the promise of peace that the Savior gives and that we can help them receive it and much more!

We love you and are inspired by all the good you are doing,

President and Sister Mortensen

We held temple grounds tours just over a week ago. We enjoyed another wonderful spirit on those sacred grounds and many came to learn more about the purpose of temples. Here are some pictures taken that night.

Our wonderful tour guides

Last Wednesday the Mortensen family received our own daughter home from her mission to the New Jersey Morristown Mission. What a thrill to be on the other side of this transfer! We are loving the spirit she has brought to our mission and she is loving to meet our missionaries.

We attended two district meetings on Friday one in English and one in Spanish. We enjoy uplifting experiences in both meetings.

Elder Schloer provided great training and is such an effective leader.

Elder Lee also lead with the spirit and we enjoyed this meeting so much!

Mallory was so impressed with our Spanish speakers! It was so fun to have her and Sophie with us.

 We held another Mission President's "Why I Believe Fireside" last night in the Spring Stake. We heard beautiful musical numbers and enjoyed inspiring testimonies from recent converts. We feel all in attendance were edified. The following are pictures taken that night.