It's a Miracle!

Dear Family and Loved Ones,

   There is no way we are nearly half way through June!  The famous Southern California “June Gloom” is here and I love it.  The day starts out overcast, sometimes misty, the air is moist and cool and there is an incredible calm.  By afternoon the marine layer disappears, the sun appears but the temps stay pleasant – usually in the low 70’s.

     Ben and Mari have two days of finals then they will be finished with their Freshman year at Los Alamitos High!  We are very blessed that the mission home was moved from Long Beach to Los Alamitos.  Their High School is large (about 4,000) students but it is a very safe school, there are so many opportunities to participate in a variety of activities and they have made great friends, some from the ward and many they have met in class.  They don’t do much socializing away from school so hopefully the summer will pass quickly and they will soon be back to school.

     Ted and I were talking about all of the resources the Church puts into its missionary program.  It costs a lot to run a mission. Apartments, vehicles, office expenses, medical expenses, etc have to be paid for.  If a business consultant were to look at the program in a strictly logical way it would not be a good investment.  There are other more cost effective ways to do missionary work.  We could have the most amazing member missionary program, with local missionaries serving in their own communities.  The Lord could call down legions of angels to do the work.  Instead He calls young men and young women in the prime of their lives, asks them to postpone education and careers and He requires they leave behind family and friends.  They are an unlikely army, many straight out of high school, often the mission is their first experience away from home.  Yet they are humble, teachable and He molds them into His tools. It is a miracle!

     The missionary program is not just about spreading the Gospel, though every missionary can recite their purpose: “Invite others to come unto Christ by helping them receive the restored gospel through faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement, repentance, baptism, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end.”  The greatest return on the investment the Church makes in the missionary program are the incredible young men and young women who return to their homes having developed testimonies, leadership skills, faith, love of people, etc.  It is wonderful to be a part of His work and to see how it blesses both those who are called to preach as well as those who receive their message.

We love and appreciate you!

The Long Beach Buberts