Mann's In Mexico

When new elders arrive in the mission, they are assigned a "trainer" - an experienced elder who becomes their companion for the first 12 weeks of their mission.  It is a sacred trust from the Lord and the Mission President to be chosen to be a trainer of a new missionary. The trainer has a profound lasting influence on the development of and care of that missionary. Well, two weeks ago, we received a new "generation" of missionaries. The trainers were carefully and prayerfully chosen for these new missionaries, and they went to work. About a week into his in his mission, one new elder (19 year old Elder X from the USA) fell and hurt his ankle, necessitating a trip to the ER.   While nothing was broken, the doctor's orders were to stay off his foot for a week.  Elder Y. (his 19 year old trainer from Veracruz, MX) cared for Elder X.  The elders can study, work on learning Spanish and rest when they are in their apartments recuperating.  (FYI:  Missionari...

OH, HERMANOS, ADIOS, PUES, ADIOS! This week we said "adios" to 12 elders that we have only known for 7 weeks.  I had no idea how much we would grow to love them in such a short period of time!  I wept at the airport as each one left us. We had a departing dinner and testimony meeting in our home before they left.  It was interesting looking at the painting in our living room of Jesus Christ and his apostles...as we sat with our 12 departing missionaries and heard their sincere and heartfelt testimonies.  I thought of these 12 young men, only in their early 20's,  each of which has given two year of their lives, and now would continue to be disciples of Jesus Christ for the rest of their lives.  I was proud of them...and humbled by the charge that each of us have - to continue to grow in our own discipleship throughout our lives. The Spanish hymnbook has a hymn that is not in the English version - which we sang together in closing.  The words ar...

My husband received a urgent phone call from a stake president in South America with the sad news that the father of one of our missionaries, Elder R., had passed away in tragic circumstances.  We were just heartsick!   Our office couple, the Carollo's, and we mourned together at this news. Because this elder serves in a remote place with poor cell reception, it was hard for President Mann to even get word to our missionary that he wanted him to come and meet him at the closest stake center (a 30 min. drive for us) to discuss this difficult news.  Finally, a text message did get to our missionary. and arrangements were made to meet in person for President Mann to tell him the unfortunate news. Elder R. and his companion arrived at the stake center.  President Mann met alone with our missionary to tell him the news about his father and the unfortunate circumstances of his death.  He told President Mann, "I had a dream last night about my father"... and then w...

For 36 years we have visited Bass Lake without fail - even if for only one day - we have been there every year.  So this year we will not be there as the family gathers.  One evening of the week we have a missionary themed campfire program where we hear reports from family members about missionaries serving in the field, as well as hear from recently returned missionaries.  Since we couldn't be there this year, Lindsay wrote a letter to be shared at this year's campfire....as follows.... We will miss you and our wonderful extended family at Bass Lake this year. I know, I know - where is my commitment to the family anymore! 1. Our experience at the mission president's seminar was truly remarkable. President Eyring and President Uchtdorft and 11 of The Council of the 12 Apostles spoke. The spirit confirmed that these are truly men called of God and leading this Church under the immediate direction of Jesus Christ – no doubt about it!  Our testimonies were strengthe...

In the Mormon faith, an important holiday is "Pioneer Day" the 24th of July  -  the day we celebrate the pioneer's arrival into the Salt Lake Valley, in 1847.  Every year we celebrate the faith, strength, testimony, endurance, grit and spirit of the pioneers who made this epic crossing of the great American plains in search of a place where they could live their faith without persecution.  The pioneers remain a great source of inspiration for all Latter-day Saints. This year the "24th of July" was a little different for us.  It was a regular day of missionary work.  We started the day with a group of missionaries, singing the beloved hymn "Come, Come Ye Saints".  Then we pressed forward in our work with appreciation in our hearts for what their sacrifice had made possible...for us and so many of our faith throughout the world. But our real celebration of "Pioneer Day" came one day later for us - on the 25th of July.   That day Lindsay and...

One of the unique parts of my calling is the opportunity to chat with each missionary before he has an interview with my husband  - once every six weeks.  I usually sit in another classroom at the church building and talk with one missionary, while his/her companion is in with my husband.  It has been delightful and inspirational to get to know each of these remarkable young people! I am so impressed with the strength of character, spiritual sensitivity, faith in Jesus Christ and courage of each of these missionaries!  Many are pioneers - first member  of the Church- first missionary in their families.  Perhaps I can share one example... We have an elder from South America who is the youngest of three boys in his family.  Their family began listening to the missionaries message and he, at age 16, was the first to be baptized in his family.  His mother and step-father were baptized sometime later.  He is from a tiny branch with perhaps onl...

SINGING HYMNS, PRAYERS AND TESTIMONY MEETINGS HYMNS- I have come to appreciate the reverence of the Mexican members of the Church.  They are an inspiration to me...and a reminder to  me to be as reverent as they are. I don't know why but most chapels have very few hymn books.  At the beginning of Sacrament Meeting there are a few hymnals stacked on the side of the podium for audience members.  However, many members bring their own hymnal or use their smart phones while singing.  Very few congregations have a pianist.  Most meetings the chorister either sings the first line of the hymn by himself/herself or says "1,2,3" for the audience to begin singing.  The members love to sing.  I have not been to a single meeting they conduct where they sang less than all the verses of the hymn!  They really enjoy singing.  It is not half-hearted or dragging whatsoever - they sing because they enjoy it and it brings the Spirit. In nearly eve...