Dear Family and Loved Ones,
Summer is coming to an end. Ben and Mari finished their summer vacation with a great youth conference last week and begin school on Wednesday. We also had a busy week in the mission with departures and arrivals, along with some challenges.
Ted spends the day before departures giving a final interview to the departing missionaries. These interviews are a great chance to review their mission and to give advice to the missionaries about how to move forward in their lives once they arrive back in the “real world”. Ted also tells each missionary, “tomorrow we are welcoming in a group of brand new missionaries, what advice do you have for them?” He takes notes and often is able to share the wisdom of the departing missionaries with those arriving.
Monday night we had our traditional funeral meal; Honeybaked ham, cheesy potatoes, green beans and ancini salad and then our departing testimony meeting. The group that was leaving is extra special, each one of the three young missionaries had overcome challenges of either health problems or injuries in order to complete their missions – and they did it! Ted said earlier that day this is my favorite day of the transfer, I thought this is my least favorite day, it’s so sad to say good-bye. Ted explained that he loves knowing that each missionary has done their best to fulfill their mission and will soon be reunited with their families I decided it’s time for me to join with them in that excitement and to try to be less sad when our missionaries complete their assignments.
Among the missionaries leaving this transfer is one of our amazing senior couples. They were the first couple assigned to us with a calling of member and leader support. We really weren’t sure what to expect or how they would contribute but as soon as we met this amazing couple eighteen months ago we knew they would find a way to bless whichever ward they were assigned to. They began their mission in one of our inner city wards, they asked the Bishop for a list of all of the members who were not attending. They were astonished to be given a list with hundreds of names on it. They got to work seeking out each individual on the list, many had moved, some were happy to see them and others more reluctant. They were able to clean up the records in the ward and more importantly invite back each of the less active members they contacted. They worked miracles in that ward bringing back into activity many including several members who had been away for decades. They went on to do the same in two other wards and also gave a lot of service to our Cambodian Ward. We love our senior missionaries – they are miracle workers!
Tuesday six great Elders and one Sister arrived at the Long Beach Airport from the MTC. They are a great group of missionaries and were ready to get to work. We look forward to seeing them again next week for more training and to get to know them better.
Ben and Mari went to our stake youth conference Thursday, Friday and returned Saturday. The theme was “Search and Rescue”, they focused on family history and missionary work. They began the conference at the Redlands Temple (they did baptisms there), then went to Camp Hinckley for workshops, games, food and dancing. Sunday night they had a testimony meeting. Ben and Mari were reluctant to participate this year because they knew their summer vacation was coming to an end and they weren’t sure they wanted to spend the last few days at youth conference. They said it was really good and they were glad they went.
Friday two senior sisters arrived, they will be working in the Church Employment Office. This is another first for our mission so we will be learning as we go. They are living with a member in Huntington Beach near the Employment Office.
Sunday Shelly was the companion speaker to one of our Stake High Councilors. They were assigned to our old ward in Long Beach so Ben and I were very excited to give Shelly a ride, to be able to hear her talk and to visit with our friends from the 10th ward. Shelly’s talk was exceptional and it was great to see dear friends that were so welcoming when we first arrived in Long Beach.
Sunday night we had five great missionaries come to the mission home for brownies and ice-cream. We were saying good-bye to one of our visa waiters. His visa came and he left this morning for Argentina. He’ll arrive there early tomorrow morning. He put his whole heart into serving here in Long Beach and will be missed. Argentina is lucky to have such a great missionary!
This past week brought many challenges most were resolved with a very positive outcome. At least once a week Ted wakes up holding his chest and says, “My heart is heavy for one of our missionaries, I need to find out who is hurting.” He goes about his normal routine knowing that he will either see the missionary who needs help or that he will get a call or a text saying, “President, I need to talk.” Often a missionary is homesick, sometimes he or she is feeling inadequate (even the most outstanding missionaries feel that way), every once in awhile it is a serious, life altering problem. In all situations the inspiration comes and usually there is a happy ending. Always the Savior’s Atonement is needed and is big enough for even the most difficult and heart wrenching situations. I love this testimony from Elder Cook, “A loving Father has provided a comprehensive and compassionate plan for His children ‘that saves the living, redeems the dead, rescues the damned, and glorifies all who repent.’ Even though our journey may be fraught with tribulation, the destination is truly glorious.”
“I rejoice in the great plan of salvation that is big enough for all of our Father in Heaven’s children. I express gratitude beyond my ability to articulate for the Atonement of Jesus Christ. I bear my witness of Him in the name of Jesus Christ, amen”
I know Elder Cook’s words are true, I am so grateful for our Heavenly Father’s love for each of us and for Savior’s Infinite Atonement.
We love each of you,
The Long Beach Buberts
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