Unseen Help

Dear Sisters and Elders –

 

Missionary work is challenging. Sometimes we may be tempted to get discouraged and even feel like we are on our own. However, we know that Heavenly Father and His Son will support us (see DC 39:12; 49:27; 84:88) and that we have access to the Holy Ghost when worthy (see Alma 17:3; DC 43:15-16).

In addition, there are many from the other side of the veil praying and working to help us find those that are prepared to receive the gospel of Jesus Christ. Elder Melvin J. Ballard (Apostle from 1919 to 1939) explained:

“It was made known to me that it is because the righteous dead who have received the Gospel in the spirit world are exercising themselves, and in answers to their prayers elders of the Church are sent to the homes of their posterity so that the Gospel might be taught to them, and that descendant in the flesh is then privileged to do the work for his dead kindred. I want to say to you that it is with greater intensity that the hearts of the fathers and mothers in the spirit world are turned to their children now in the flesh than our hearts are turned to them” (Melvin R. Ballard, Melvin J. Ballard, Crusader for Righteousness, Bookcraft, 1977, p. 219).

When you are tempted to become discouraged, remember that Heavenly Father, Our Elder Brother, the Holy Ghost, and others beyond the veil are supporting you.

“I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up” (DC 84:88). We are part of a greater effort than we sometimes realize!

Love,

 

President Pingree

Sister Sheldon arrived today, a few days later
 than her MTC group.  Welcome!

Sister Sheldon meets her two companions in the Woodlands

 

Transfer Time

Today we finished another big transfer in the Texas Houston Mission! Ten faithful missionaries returned home and twenty five arrived from the MTC in Provo.  We will dearly miss Elders Curtis, Crane, Richins, Boehmer, Sagal, Kauo, Ammon, Leishman, Trotter and Sister Crowley.  Activities for them included a career workshop, interviews, temple excursion, dinner, fireside and breakfast.  Our new missionaries arrived on Wednesday afternoon, three hours after the others left. They were a very tired group having awakened at 1:30AM the night before to prepare and catch their flight.  Together they participated in orientation meetings, interviews, dinner, fireside, breakfast, more training meetings and lunch.  We welcome each new missionary to Houston and wish them the very best as they begin their full-time missionary service!

A mission transfer meeting was also held this week.  Again, due to the large numbers of incoming missionaries, new areas have been opened, additional missionaries have been added to wards/branches and many are training, even those who have been here only six weeks.  Your prayers and encouragement are needed in their behalf.  We also thank all who continue to help things operate smoothly, especially those working in the mission office. Below, please find a few pictures from transfers as well as some additional ones taken during the week.

Departing Missionaries at Houston Temple

Elder Ammon with mother and sister

Heading home

New Missionaries

New Missionaries with Trainers