No Place Like Home

Dear Family and Loved Ones,

We had a wonderful week, of course the highlight was our Mission President's Training in Portland, Oregon.  Just being in the presence of members of the Seventy and the other mission presidents and their wives is a lesson on consecration, testimony and faith.  Being taught and instructed by them is one of the great blessings of our current assignment. Our Seminars occur every six months, we come back to the mission feeling uplifted, rededicated and determined to give our all to our Father's work.

The setting for our seminar was spectacular. The Northwest is so beautiful and we were in an extra amazing spot, a lodge on the Columbia River. Though we were in meetings throughout each day there were many large windows allowing us to look out on the lush green mountains. I hadn't realized how much we have missed being in nature, it was refreshing and exhilarating to be in such a glorious place. In spite of how much we enjoyed our seminar we were so ready to get back to our mission, it is good to be home!

As you would expect our instruction centered on missionary work and how we can help missionaries and members really take to heart the Doctrine of Christ. The Doctrine of Christ simply put is the First Principles and Ordinances of the Gospel, without which no one can enter God's Kingdom. When that Doctrine is clearly understood and felt missionary work (by both full time missionaries and members) becomes urgent.  The thought of one of our brothers or sisters not receiving the ordinances is painful, we want to warn everyone that they must prepare to return to their Father in Heaven. Every living soul is subject to the Doctrine of Christ.

Several of the Seventies expressed appreciation to the families of the mission presidents, they called them the unsung heroes. They also promised that Christ will not forget them. They are sacrificing so much and often don't get the acknowledgement they deserve. Without their support and encouragement it would be impossible for us to complete our missions. We all agreed that we will pray for each others families and exercise our faith for those at home sustaining us.  Thank you to each of you who pray for us and support us, we couldn't do it without you! We especially appreciated having Cristy come stay with Ben and Mari while we were in Portland. We didn't worry for a minute and we were able to enjoy our seminar.

Last night Ted was able to teach a less active sister with the two Elders who serve in our ward.  This sister was deeply effected by a recent tragedy in Seal Beach.  Several of her friends were among those killed in a hair salon where a man opened fire. They had prepared another lesson but as they listened they recognized what she was most concerned about and decided to share some scriptures with her. She felt great comfort as they shared scriptures relating to the Plan of Salvation and the Savior's Atonement. There is great comfort in knowing God's plan for us and especially in knowing that Jesus Christ has made it possible for each of us to resurrect and return to our Father's presence.

We love and appreciate each of you,

The Long Beach Buberts