Greenest Missionaries in Long Beach

Dear Family and Loved Ones,

Hello from the greenest missionaries in Long Beach.  We are definitely finding out that we have a lot to learn and that our missionaries are going to inspire us to improve each day.

We arrived in Long Beach on Weds. June 30th and were greeted at the Long Beach Airport by President and Sister Sexton.  After a quick tour of the BEAUTIFUL mission home (we will attach photos next time), about an hour of orientation and a brief introduction to the office staff we took the Sextons back to the airport.  We were stunned.  We were warned that our time with the former mission president would be short but we not prepared for how unprepared we felt.  The rest of the day was spent unpacking, finding our way around Long Beach and asking ourselves, "now what do we do".

Friday was the first of our zone meetings, we have now had a chance to meet with six of our seven zones. Our missionaries are AMAZING!  We keep thinking of the scripture that described the Stripling Warriors and which describes our Elders and Sisters, as "young men (and women), and they were exceedingly valiant for courage, and also for strength and activity;  but behold, this was not all - they were men (and women) who were true at all times in whatsoever thing they were entrusted" Alma 53:54.  We have been blessed with outstanding missionaries. At our get to know you zone conferences we played some games and then Ben and Mari shared their testimonies and Ted and I each spoke. 

Friday night we went to Huntington Beach Stake for their 26th annual 4th of July celebration.  It was wonderful.  We met the Stake President, who is very helpful and supportive.  It is great to see the church in action and to know that is one of the things that makes it so true - no matter where you go you can count on order and belonging to a ward family.

Our Sunday meetings were awesome.  Ben and Mari continue to impress us with their ability and willingness to adapt.  Ben joined in passing the sacrament and Mari met some great young women in our new ward. Our ward (and all of Long Beach) is very diverse.  It is wonderful to meet with brothers and sisters in the gospel who come from so many different backgrounds.

Mari left today (Tues) for girl's camp. It is Stake camp and there were many young women getting on the bus at the church this morning, she will come home with lots of new friends.

We have already had a missionary get hit by a car and thrown from his bike.  After 15 stitches he was back to work the next day and we were thanking Heavenly Father that it wasn't more serious.  There is no doubt that this is the Lord's work and that He is watching over His servants, this minor accident could have been a tragedy.

One of the things that we have been focusing on in our zone conferences is having the faith to find.  In PMG (Preach My Gospel) it says, "believe that people who are being prepared to receive the message of the Restoration will be placed in your path . . . have the faith that you can share the restored gospel."  We usually don't know who our Father has prepared just by looking at them that is why we need to "open our mouths at all times, declaring the gospel with the sound of rejoicing." D&C 28:16  Please pray for our missionaries to find those the Lord has prepared.  We hope and pray that you will all take the opportunity to share the gospel too.

We are blessed to be here serving in the Lord's work.  Thank you for your love, support and prayers, they are felt and appreciated!

Ted, Cathy, Ben and Mari

P.S.  Here is our address and phone numbers:

1541 Ramillo Ave.
Long Beach, CA
90815-3931

Ted 562-212-5780
Cathy 562-212-5497