The "First Born"

We finish the day with a dinner and devotional for the departing missionaries. There were 7 going home. Again, in missionary lingo, these are our 'first born' that we are sending home. It was an emotional experience to say good-bye to these great missionaries. We are amazed with their growth in two years. Their testimonies were profound and strong. We are so proud of these fine men. They have all they need to go on to their next assignment. They are dedicated disciples of Christ.

We are gathering for dinner. 

Elder and Sister Sparks serve in the office.  On the right is Elder and Sister Farlane.  They arrived in the mission 2 hours before this meal.  We are so happy to welcome them to the FJM. 

Elder DiCristofano, Elder Lucas and Elder Hammond digging in.

It's always an emotional experience singing our third verse to "Called to Serve" on last time. 

Aren't they an amazing looking group of men?  They glow with the spirit.  Their eyes shine with testimony.  They have sacrificed for and loved those they have served.  It thrills me just to look at them.  You must be proud of your missionaries!  I know I am. 

Leadership Meeting

After transer meeting all the mission leadership gather for a training from the Assistants to the President.  Many of these are new leaders who are grateful for the 'how-tos' of leadership.

Time to get to work

Good-bye!

Introductions

As part of Transfer Meeting the trainers introduce the new missionaries to everyone.

Elder Hamilton being introduced by Elder Andrade

Elder Derr will be trained by Elder Smith

Elder Woodard will train Elder Albertson

Elder Erickson is introducing Elder Tuft

Elder Nielson will be trained by Elder Reid

Sister Scott is being introduced by Sister Gilbert

Elder Coleman  is introducing and will train Elder Hales

Elder Webb is having a good laugh with Elder Clark.  He will train Elder Clark.  They are going to have a good time.

Elder Huntington is being introduced by Elder Craynor.

Reunion

While the new missionary training is happening the rest of the missionaries who will be transferred start arriving for Transfer Meeting. They love seeing past companions and others that they have grown to love. It is like a big family reunion!

Those hat arrive early get to eat the left over food from lunch for the new missionaries and their trainers. 

Elder Kiracofe, Elder Cervo, Elder Housel

Elder Tomlinson, Elder Maxfield, Elder Hansen.  Yes, Elder Hansen broke his wrist just below the thumb.  He was hit by a car while on his bike.  It is my least favorite call from a missionary..."Sister Barry, I've been hit by a car..." 

Elder Jamison, Elder Schuyler, Elder Ramstedt, Elder Crites

Elder Huckvale, Elder DiCristofano, Elder Bennett, Elder Kiracofe

Elder and Sister Elliott, Elder and Sister Sparks, Sister Priest

Elder Feliz, Elder Boamorte, Elder Grant

Elder Fuller, Elder E. Jensen (We have 4 Jensens in the mission.  We have to call them by their first initial.:)

Elder Maxfield, Elder Frizzell, Elder Tenney, Elder Brimhall, Elder Wilde

This is so much easier.  This is everyone involved in transfers!

This is Elder M. Bishop's posterity.  In missionary lingo 'posterity' means all the elders that one elder trains or that is trained by one he trained - sons and grandsons.  Elder M.Bishop is standing third from your right.

New Missionary Training

After a good nights rest, hopefully, we start the day early with new missionary training.  From 7:30 - 1:00 they learn what is expected of them.  President Barry, Sister Barry and the Assistants go over rules, the handbook, medical, doctrine and purpose. It's a little hard for them to stay focused since their body clocks haven't adjusted yet.  They are still on Utah time.  The hight light of the morning is meeting their trainers.   

Elder DiCristofano, an assistant, is going over rules and expectations. 

After meeting their trainers we have lunch.  Sub sandwiches.

Welcome

It seems that transfers come every other week!  We love receiving more missionaries every 6 weeks.  They bring an excitement for the work that is contagious.    It's like a shot in the arm.  The church Missionary Department has devised a new training program for the MTC and for the first 12 weeks in the field.  It started last August.  We have been using it for almost a year.  We are seeing that the missionaries come better trained spiritually.  They have powerful testimonies and know their purpose.  Then when they get here they learn techniques of teaching and then use them everyday in real life situations.  The missionaries are better teachers and better prepared then ever before.  There is no such thing as 'greenies' anymore. These are powerful missionaries already. 

Back Row:  Elder Albertson, Elder Tuft, Elder Hamilton, Elder Huntington,
Front:  Pres and Sis. Barry, Sister Scott, Elder Derr, Elder Clark, Elder Hales, Elder Nielson

4th Week Training

They have been here for 5 weeks already!  Our newest missionaries are showing that they came to us ready and prepared to work hard and effective from day one. 

This training occurs in the 4th week of their mission.  It seems to be more effective then the trainings they receive the first week.  They have calmed down and settled into the work and more open to be taught.  Three training meetings were held in different areas of the mission.

This meeting was held at the Institute Classroom in Jacksonville



President is role playing with Elder Coon.   He is inviting Elder Coon to be baptized.  The greatest invitation we do!

Sister Jensen and Sister McCracken practicing the Invite/Test

Elder Bennett and Elder Huckvale role playing.

Elder Coon and Elder Tenney

Elder Garnica and Elder Pyne practicing.

Elder Foulger and Elder Crosby



Elder Smedley and Elder McCarthy

Elder Lemmon and Elder Nelson