New Florida Jacksonville Mission President

PRESIDENT AND SISTER CRAIG

Welcome, President and Sister Craig, from all the missionaires of the Florida Jacksonville Mission.  The Priesthood Keys have been transferred.  The mantle rests upon you.  We know the Lord is guiding and sustaining both of you as you direct this work.  We sustain you and will follow your direction. 

Here we go!



Disciples of Jesus Christ - Now and Forever!

PRESIDENT AND SISTER BARRY

 

 

Dear Family and Friends of the Florida Jacksonville Mission and the Georgia Macon Mission.  

This is our final good-bye!  President Barry and I finish our mission tomorrow, June 28, 2013!  We express our love to all of you and especially to your missionaries.   We love YOUR missionaries because they have become OUR missionaries!  It has been our greatest blessing to be able to serve with them for the past 3 years.   We as their 'mission parents' have watched them 'become'.  It has been a miracle to watch.  We have seen 475 young boys and girls arrive here as infants in the gospel and then watch them transform into Disciples of Christ. They go home powerful men and women of God. They have blessed our lives.   

We are having feelings that we can't describe or contain. We feel sad to leave but excited to go home.

We look forward to recovering physically and emotionally but sad we can't continue to beat ourselves up!

  Elder Holland once said to missionaries - "I want you to go home on a stretcher!"  That's a good description of how we feel.   We have worn ourselves out in this service.We have hit the ceiling of our physical and emotional endurance many times.    We are to the point that we wear out quicker. It's harder to recover from the stresses. We have added some inches around the middle from the wonderful Southern Cookin' and our crazy schedule. We are both a little more gray. Well, okay, we are both really gray!! We have aged a lot!!! But it is a good aging and one that we feel blessed to have experienced.

Our experiences have taught us so many things:

1. The Lord is in charge of this work - We felt it and saw it everyday. Not only in our own work but the work of every missionary. We know we wouldn't and couldn't do this work with the Lord's constant guidance. 

2. The Lord is hastening his work. - This is evidence of the massive increase of missionaries and the work of Salvation among the members. We have grown from 18 sister missionaries to 60.  In the next two weeks you will hear of and see massive changes in the way we do missionary work.  It reflects the speed and urgency of the Lord.

3. Our work is to keep his commandments and help others do the same. D&C 11:20

4.  Our Glory is to be His instruments. Alma 29:9

He can only use us when we are obedient and seek his direction. If we try to do it our way we fail!

We have seen powerful miracles. There have been those that are very obvious. We have seen the Lord's intervention in the lives of so many missionaries. We have seen missionaries miraculously protected and guided.   We have seen missionaries repent of sins and become powerful Disciple of  Jesus Christ. 

But the most powerful miracle is the effect the gospel has in the lives of the investigators and recent converts. It came to our attention after we had been here about 13 months. A woman had been baptized soon after we arrived and we didn't see her again for a year. The change in her countenance was profound! From a trodden down spirit with no light in her eyes or countenance she had changed to a vibrant, happy and glowing woman of God. We have seen this time after time after time. The atonement works!!!  

Our hearts burn as we think about this work.  We feel the spirit testify that it is the Lord's work. This restored gospel is true! We have prophets on the earth. We have Priesthood power - literally God's power to bless all of His children. He is anxious that His children find the truth so He can give them greater blessings and peace in this life and exaltation in the life to come.  We know that He loves all of us. His charity is profound! It fills us as we repent.  We have felt that charity as we repent and serve.  We love our Savior and Redeemer and our Father in Heaven.  We love the Holy Ghost which testifies of the Father and Son and of their doctrine.  We have seen too much to ever doubt. It is ALL true.  

We say this in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen

Sister's Conference

SOS - Serve our Savior

This was the theme of the Sister's Conference held for all the Jacksonville area sisters.

Sister Whiting, Sister Houtz, Sister Barton and Sister Clayton are the Sister Training Leaders for these sister.  Their trainings were fabulous.  Many sisters did trainings and President and Sister Barry participated also.  The spirit was felt and we were all edified together!    

Back Standing:  Sister Martinez, Sister Houtz, Sister Whiting, Sister Orton, Sister Whiteley, Sister Shumway; 
Middle Standing: Sister Barry, Sister Clayton, Sister Eddington, Sister Scott, Sister Lewis, Sister Parmer; 
Front Standing:  Sister David, Sister Chappell, Sister Barton, Sister Major, Sister Smedley, Sister Bird, Sister Davidson; 
Kneeling:  Sister MacKay, Sister Beesley, Sister Spencer, Sister Beazer, Sister Graham

A Fond Good-bye

I'm sure you have noticed the difference in numbers of the arriving missionaries compared to the departing group this transfer. It's evidence of the "hastening" of the Lord's plan for his children. We on the mission feel the urgency as more and more missionaries pour into our ranks.

 

  This group of missionaries who are leaving have served faithfully. They have used their talents and God-given qualities to bring people into the restored church. Not any missionary is the same and each is called to find and teach people and use their personality and talents to do so. Thank you to these wonderful young missionaries. We pray for you and your 'adjustment' in your next transfer.

We love you.

Elder Wise, Sister Sheffer, Elder Lee, Elder Bennion

The departing dinner is a little different this time.  Clark's Fish Camp was our fare. We tried gator tail and some had the "Low Country Boil".  MMMM... 

Meet the Trainers

It's the highlight of the day for the new missionaries and trainers to meet each other.  The new missionaries spend the whole day being trained by the Assistants to the President and interviewed and trained by President and Sister Barry.  Finally at 2:30 pm the big event happens.  I can testify that every missionary is put with their trainer and assigned to the area where the Lord wants them to be.  After President Barry interviews every new missionary and a lot of time in prayer the Lord makes his will known.  There is much peace in that knowledge for all the missionaries.  Nothing happens by chance. 

Sister Beacham will be trained by Sister Montgomery.  They will serve in the Deep Creek Ward in Lake City Florida

This is a Spanish speaking companionship.  Elder Bingham will be trained by Elder Saynes in the Gainesville 1st Ward in Gainesville, Fl
 

Sister Carlson will train Sister Atkinson in the Gainesville 2nd Ward in Gainesville Fl

Elder Cordon will be trained by Elder Newbold.  They will serve in the Deep Creek Ward in Lake City, Fl. 

Sister Davidson will be trained by Sister Major.  They serve in the Arlington Ward in Jacksonville

Sister Fife will train Sister Conley.  They serve in the Starke Ward in Keystone Florida

Elder Frazier will train Elder Collett.  They serve in the Brunswick 1st Ward in Brunswick, GA

Elder Green will train Elder Williams.  They serve in the Ocala 2nd Ward in Ocala, Fl

Sister Hutchins will be trained by Sister Wood.  They serve in the Kingsland Ward in St. Mary's, Fl.

Sister Jensen will be trained by Sister Toledo.  They serve in the Gainesville 3rd Ward in Gainesville, Fl

Sister Joseph will be trained by Sister Waldman.  They serve in the Ocala 2nd Ward in Ocala, Fl

Elder Karren will be trained by Elder Barley.  They serve in the Palatka 2nd Ward in Palatka, Fl  Look at the unity in ties already!  Elder Karren will serve in our mission as he waits for his Visa to Brazil

Sister Martinez will be trained by Sister Eddington.  They serve in the Orange Park 1st Ward in Orange Park, Fl

Sister Parke will be trained by Sister Abisai.  They serve in the Statesboro Ward in Statesboro, GA

This is a Spanish speaking companionship.  Elder Parker will be trained by Elder Evans.  They serve in the San Jose Spanish Branch in Jacksonville, Fl

Sister Phelon will be trained by Sister Allred.  They serve in the Dunn Ave Ward in Jacksonville, Fl

Elder Roberts will be trained by Elder Cockrell.  They serve in the Palatka 1st Ward in Palatka, Fl.  Elder Roberts is waiting for his Visa to Brazil.  We are glad we get him here for a few months. 

Elder Searle will be trained by Elder Layton.  They serve in the Ft. Caroline Ward in Jacksonville

Sister Smedley will be trained by Sister Scott.  They serve in the Mandarin 2nd Ward in Jacksonville.

Sister Trout will be trained by Sister Griffin.  They serve in the Beaufort Ward in Beaufort, South Carolina

Elder Tubbs will be trained by Elder Greenlaw.  They serve in the Gainesville 2nd Ward in Gainesville Fl.

Elder Franchina will be trained by Elder Belliston.  They serve in the Statesboro Ward in Statesboro, GA

Sister McElroy will be trained by Sister Abad in the Pooler Ward in Savannah, GA

Sister Lewis will train Sister Shumway.  They serve in the St. Augustine Shores Ward in St. Augustine, FL.

Elder Northrup will train Elder Moose.  They serve in the Starke Ward in Starke, FL.

Transfers

It's quite a logistical feat to get transfers done, especially without any glitches. There were 9 new areas opened this transfer - 7 last transfer. President Barry is putting 2 sets of missionaries in every ward, a set of elders and a set of sisters. Just think about all the details. Apartments have to be found and furnished, cars found and assigned, phones assigned, map books, area books created. For transfer day the Assistants to the President figure out everyone's transfer schedule down to the minute. On transfer day two vans go around the mission picking up and delivering missionaries. The office staff, counselors in the mission presidency and Assistants do such an amazing job to make it all happen. Thank you so much!

Sister Montgomery, Sister Fife, Sister Clayton

Everyone meets in the Mandarin Chapel parking lot to disperse to their new areas.

Elder Walt, Elder Ales, Elder Layton, Elder Beckstead, Elder Coon

Elder Medrano, Elder Walt, Elder C.Jensen. Elder Calder, Elder Jenkins, Elder Bennion, Elder Northrup, Elder Eklof

Elder Belliston, Elder Ales

Elder Lee, Elder Ogilvie, Elder Peterson, Elder Lane

 I think this was all the sisters at transfers!  It was also a very hot and humid day.  It was hard to stand that long in the sun to take the picture.

Left Back:  Sister Montgomery, Sister Fife, Sister Clayton, Sister MacKay, Sister Lewis, Sister Allred, Sister Barry, Sister Eddington, Sister Call, Sister Whiting, Sister Parmer, Sister Graham, Sister Hale, Sister Scott
Left Front: Sister Bird, Sister Barton, Sister Scott, Sister Carrigan, Sister Abad, Sister Waldman, Sister Jensen, Sister Johnson

This transfer is the last time we will see many of these missionaries.  About 30 of our missionaries will be in the new Georgia Macon Mission on July 1st.  We will miss the Savannah Zone!

Our largest group of New Missionaries ever!

Parents and families,

Thank you for preparing and sending these amazing missionaries. We are so impressed with everyone of them. Just look in their faces. They are full of light. They are filled with joy to be here and finally starting their mission in Jacksonville. Yes, they are nervous and a little anxious but that is normal. You will see great things from these missionaries in the coming months. This transfer equals the largest one we have ever had. We almost can't get them in the picture spot anymore! That's a great problem to have.

Back:  Elder Cordon, Elder Parker, Elder Bingham, Elder Roberts;
Elders Standing:  Elder Karren, Elder Williams, Elder Tubbs, Elder Collett, Elder Moose, Elder Franchina, Elder Searle
Sisters Standing:  Sister Phelon, Sister Parke, Sister Smedley, Sister Davidson, Sister Trout, Sister Joseph, Sister Atkinson,
Seated:  Sister Hutchins, Sister McElroy, Sister Shumway, Sister Martinez, Sister Conley, Sister Jensen, Sister Beacham

Picking up the new missionaries at the airport.

It wasn't till they arrived that we realized two missionaries were missing.  In Atlanta, two missionaries decided to get something to eat and ended up missing the flight.  They were put on the next flight to Jacksonville and were picked up an hour and a half later.  We were sure relieved to get them here safe and sound.   

It is always a feeding frenzy with arriving missionaries. They are so hungry after a day of traveling with very little food. They have been up since 2 in the morning and only had a couple hours of sleep. They are nervous, anxious and excited. I have always wanted them to feel loved and at home in the mission home. I try to mother them a little so they will calm down.

I decided early on in the mission that I would cook them a "Sunday meal".  So with 25 new missionaries and office staff that come and help we fed 33 people that night.  The food was inhaled! They eat and eat and go back for 2nd and 3rds. There is very little left overs. They are so happy by the time the meal is over. 

Eating on the Patio

Eating at the Dining Room table
 

Mission Leadership Council

Leadership in the mission changes regularly. This is planned for and expected. So many times we tend to think that callings in a mission are a ladder climbing process. It is not true. All responsibilities are a lateral move and these missionaries know this. They are humble young men and women and they strive to do all that is expected of them. Today a zone leader tomorrow a district leader or Jr companion. It happens often.

This is the 2nd Mission Leadership Council held. Our Sister Training Leaders (STL) give a depth of understanding and counsel that is so needed in missionary work. Especially since we are up to 60 sisters in the mission. We have recently called 2 new companionships of Sister Training Leaders (STL). We now have 5 sets - 10 STL as of last week.

Back: Pres. Barry, Elder Erickson, Elder Wise, Elder Bennion, Elder Feliz, Elder Hamilton
Front Standing:  Elder Suttner, Sis. Barry, Sister Hale, Sister Jensen, Sister Heslington, Sister Gilbert, Sister Whiting, Sister Call, Elder McCarthy, Elder Bishop, Elder Housel
Kneeling:  Elder N.Clark, Elder Craynor, Elder Huckvale, Elder Lang, Elder Coleman, Elder M.Jensen, Elder Tuft

Role Plays - We are continuing our Zone Conference focus of teaching Repentance from the pamphlet, "The Gospel of Jesus Christ". The leaders need to know how to do it very well order to help the rest.

Our wonderful Sister Training Leaders:  Sister Jensen, Sister Call, Sister Whiting, (Sister Barry), Sister Hale, Sister Gilbert, Sister Heslington

I, Sister Barry, had one of the highlights of my mission when my father and mother, Vaughn and Connie Thomas, came to visit for a few days.  In their 80's and still active they continue to bless my life immensely.  Dad is a retired Institute and Seminary teacher.  President Barry asked him to teach the missionaries.  Wow, it's as if he never left the classroom!  Thank you, Dad, for the power and spirit of your teachings.  I love you, Dad!
(Pictured here with Elder Bishop) 



 

Zone Conference - Repentance and the Atonement

Zone Conference for missionaries is a spiritual feast and the biggest social event of the mission.  They love associating with each other.  They bring the spirit with them and through the spirit they learn how to become better missionaries.

So much happens at zone conference.

For example - All the mission cars need to be inspected by Elder Rhoads - the Fleet Coordinator, to make sure they are all in good shape.
There is always a pre-conference study and application to be done by every missionary.

They are to each write a talk on an assigned topic and then President Barry picks 4 missionaries a day to give the talk with no notice.

The focus this zone conference was "Repentence and the Atonement". We learned how to apply the atonement in our own lives and then how to effectively teach others how to repent.

We learned how to use the Book of Mormon to answer questions of the soul. We were taught doctrine, learned how to teach repentance and then role played to practice how to teach. I have to say these missionaries are becoming masters at teaching doctrine and bringing people to the restored gospel. They are good at using the Book of Mormon to do this. They are good at asking people to repent and change.

You will love seeing the pictures of our 4 days of zone conferences.

Below is the pre-conference assignements.  It is a powerful study and application.  I invite all who read this blog to do this study.  It will invite you to act. That is good!

 

PRE-CONFERENCE STUDY AND APPLICATION ASSIGNMENTS 

A. SERVICE DAY – Do this on Tuesday the 14th“If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet.” John 13:14

1. Read and Study John 13:1-38; Luke 22:24-27; Matt. 25:31-46 and Matt. 16:24-25

2. Read Jesus the Christ (JTC) pg. #595-596 and note #3 on pg. #619

3. Serve your companion

4. Serve a member

5. Serve an investigator

B. REPENTANCE DAY – Do this on Wednesday the 15th “Which suffering caused myself, even God, the greatest of all, to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore…Nevertheless…I partook and finished my preparations unto the children of men.” D&C 19:18-19

1. Read and study Alma 5 (Ask these questions of yourself) and D&C 19:13-24

2. Read JTC pg. #610-614

3. Identify what sins you need to repent of and repent.

4. Christ prayed 3 times in the Garden of Gethsemane for strength to bear the atonement. Pray 3 times today and pray 3 times longer than you normally pray for forgiveness of your sins.

C. SACRIFICE DAY – Do this on Thursday the 16th “Behold, he offereth himself a sacrifice for sin, to answer the ends of the law, unto all those who have a broken heart and a contrite spirit; and unto none else can the ends of the law be answered.” 2 Ne 2:71.

1. Study – Mark 10:17-22 Remember and ponder on the covenants you have made in the temple. Elder Oaks reminded us of two of them in a prior general conference address, sacrifice and consecration. Identify the other three! (July 2012 Ensign)

2. Read JTC pg. #45 and note #1 on pg. #53-54

3. Identify what is stopping you from total focus on missionary work. Is it a “Lock Your Heart” issue? No romantic thoughts orletters anytime!

4. Sacrifice that distraction starting today.

D. JUDGEMENT DAY – Do this on Friday the 17th “…the Son of the everlasting God was judged of the world…” 1 Nephi 11:32-34

1. Read JTC pg. #584-586

2. Read your Patriarchal Blessing and identify what the Lord expects of you, what he has commanded you to do, the talents he has given you and the blessings he has promised you, IF YOU ARE FAITHFUL.

3. Commit yourself to live your blessing.

E. FORGIVING DAY– Do this on Saturday the 18th “Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” Luke 23:34

1. Study the scriptures under “Forgiveness” in the Topical Guide

2. Read JTC pg. #391-395

3. Read and study Matt. 27.

4. Ask someone you have wronged for forgiveness.

F. BORN AGAIN TODAY– Do this on Sunday the 19th “Now I say unto you that ye must repent, and be born again; for the Spirit saith if ye are not born again ye cannot inherit the kingdom of heaven; therefore come and be baptized unto repentance, that ye may be washed from your sins, that ye may have faith on the Lamb of God, who taketh away the sins of the world, who is mighty to save and to cleanse from all unrighteousness.” Alma 7:14

1. Read and study the atonement and conversion sections in True to the Faith

2. Focus this day to worthily partake of the sacrament, truly seeking to renew your covenant and remember Him, His flesh and blood, sacrificed for you.

3. Based on your experiences of the past week write a 3 minute talk on “My Atonement Week Experience.”

Zone Conferences - Day 1 with the Lake City and JAX West Zones

LAKE CITY ZONE

This zone covers the north western part of Florida. It is truly the 'country' area of the mission. The zone leaders are Elder Bishop and Elder N.Clark

Back: Elder N.Smith, Elder Stewart, Elder Rahm, Elder Quinlan, Elder Smedley, Elder Welsh, Elder Ivins, Elder Northrup, Elder Bishop, Elder N.Clark, Elder Albertson;
Seated: Sister Sheffer, Sister Montgomery, Sister Rahm, Pres & Sister Barry, Sister Clayton, Sister Fife, Sister Ashcraft, Sister Shamanga;
 Floor: Elder Tuft, Elder Manning, Elder Payne, Elder Weaver, Elder Chadwick, Elder Housel

 

 

JACKSONVILLE WEST ZONE

The west side of Jacksonville is the lower income area of the city. These missionaries find a lot of success among these humble people. The zone leaders are Elder Erickson and Elder Craynor

Standing: Elder Giraldo, Elder Walt, Elder Masters, Elder Hales, Elder McCombs, Elder Satchwell, Elder Sharp, Elder Craynor, Elder Medrano, Elder Lisonbee, Elder C.Wilde;
Seated: Elder Tuft, Sister Johnson, Sister Barton, Sister and Elder Farland, Pres. and Sister Barry, Sister Spencer, Sister Eddington:
Floor: Elder Erickson, Elder Baldwin, Elder Coon, Elder Andrade, Elder Eppley, Elder Housel

President Barry teaching the Doctrine of Christ, Real Growth and Repentance

 

In the following pictures the elders and sisters are practicing teaching repentance using the church's pamphlet, "The Gospel of Jesus Christ" 

Elder Erickson, Elder Craynor, Elder Bishop, Elder N.Clark

Sister Johnson, Sister Barton

Elder Coon, Elder Walt, Elder Masters, Elder McCombs

Sister Spencer, Sister Eddington, Elder Welsh

Elder Giraldo, Elder Medrano, Elder Baldwin, Elder Sharp

Sister Shamanga and Sister Ashcraft



LUNCH TIME

The Lake City Stake Relief Society fixed the wonderful meal for the two zones.

Sister Douglas on the left is the Stake Relief Society President.  Sisters, thank you for your service

The food was wonderful, Mac and Cheese, Ham and salads

Look at the smiles.  Food always makes missionaries happy.

Left:  Sister Johnson, Sister Fife, Sister Clayton, Sister Montgomery, Jenny Jump-member, Sister Sheffer, Sister Shamanga, Sister Ashcraft, Sister Barton

Elder Ivins, Elder Bishop, Elder Weaver, Elder Chadwick, Elder Stewart, Elder Manning, Elder Smedley, Elder Northrup, Elder Housel, Elder Tuft, Elder Payne

Elder Satchwell, Elder Albertson, Elder N.Clark, Elder C.Wilde, Elder Lisonbee, Elder Erickson, Elder Quinlan, Elder Hales

Sister Barry, President Barry, Elder Farland, Sister Farland, Sister Sparks, Elder Sparks, Elder Rahm, Elder McCombs, Elder Walt, Elder Rhoads, Sister Rhoads

 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Sister Farland, Sister Ashcraft, Elder Eppley, Elder Walt, Elder Stewart, Elder N.Clark, Elder Lisonbee, Elder Chadwick

 As part of a missionary's schedule they are required to exercise 1/2 hour a day.  These elder are showing the strength exercises, stretching and cardio that are suggested by the Missionary Committee.

Elder Welsh doing strength exercises, Elder Eppley stretching.

Sister Barry leading the discussion

Elder Satchwell, jumping rope.

 

AFTERNOON ROLE PLAYS

          We learned how to contact people and navigate to the Book of Mormon.  We teach them to:

C - Connect with the person.  Be yourself and be happy.

O - Open your mouth, Find their hot button, a question about doctrine they may have

N - Navigate that question to the answer in the Book of Mormon

T - Teach them doctrine through the Book of Mormon

A - Ask for an appointment 

C - Contact- is there anyone they know that would want to hear this message?

T - Teaser, so they want you back. 

Elder Erickson and Elder Welsh

Elder Bishop and Sister Barton

We let them teach for 4 minutes then move to another station with a different scenario. 

Elder Payne teaching Elder N.Smith from the Book of Mormon

Elder Lisonbee teaching Elder Chadwick