1,000 Souls!

Our inspired goal for the FJM this year is to bring 1,000 souls to Christ. To fulfill this goal we are working hand in hand with the members to find and teach. We do not doubt!!

Spanish Conference

Meet the Spanish speaking missionaries of the FJM! They are called from all over the Americas to teach some of the most elect people living in our mission as well as fulfill promises made in the Book of Mormon. We love these men of God!

Back: Elders Jones, Davis, Bingham, Mlazgar,Pope,Parker, Bown,Nally, Clark,Perez, Martinez, TaylorElders Lopez, Owen,Nielsen,Schoenfeld,Giraldo, Sister Craig, Pres Craig,elders Cooper,Jensen


Our favorite part - lunch!

Elders Nally, Perez, Giraldo

Elders Martinez,Nielsen,Perez,Bingham,Taylor,Mlazgar,Giraldo, Schoenfeld

Elder Jones, Owen, Pope,Parker, Lopez

Transfer Meeting September 2014

Transfer Day is a joyous occasion as the missionaries travel from all over the mission to meet at the Mandarin Building, load into other vehicles that will take them to their new area. We love transfer meeting. Of course there is the excitement of a move and a new companion.  But it is also a spiritual meeting. We are given the opportunity to hear testimonies of the departing missionaries and sense the strength they have developed through their service. President Craig and Sister Craig also addresses us which builds us up and motivates us. 

Departing Missionaries - September 2014

Our words of gratitude seem to be inadequate for our wonderful missionaries who faithfully finish their missions after 18 months to 2 years.  We have watched these missionaries on their path of service as they have become ever more powerful disciples of Jesus Christ.  Thank you for allowing the Spirit to work in you and through you. Every transfer gets harder to say good-bye to these amazing missionaries. I know their families are thrilled to have them home again. We miss you all! 

Back row: Elders Herrick, Masters, Craven, Allison, Largo, 

Mission Tour with Elder Christoffel Golden

Elder Golden's visit was an incredible experience. To learn from his example for 6 precious hours was the privilege of a life time as he spoke with undeniable power and understanding regarding what our
mission specifically needed. We all could clearly feel our Savior's love whom he represented so well.

President and Sister Craig, President Berry of the Jax West Stake, Elder and Sister Golden

He trained us all on a variety of gospel subjects. For over an hour, he opened up for questions of all kinds and responded through the scriptures, expounding upon verses in a way many of us had never experienced. Elder Golden defined faith as simply our personal righteousness. He taught us all more about the Prophet Joseph Smith, explaining that the reason he faced so much persecution was because he brought forward new knowledge and understanding regarding our Savior, Jesus Christ. As missionaries representing Jesus Christ and testifying
of Joseph Smith, we face similar persecutions, but we can press forward knowing that dark opposition accompanies the light of the gospel.

The take home theme that has continued to sweep through our mission has been all about becoming who we are foreordained to be, a disciple of Jesus Christ. As we increase our faith, obey with greater exactness, and more fully understand the doctrine of the gospel we'll be able to not only reach our baptismal goals consistently each month, but we will be able to each become more like our Savior.

Because of this experience with a servant of The Lord, each of us has recommitted to change and be better. Personally, I have recommitted to act on my very first thought, trusting that the Spirit can work through me. I've already seen God's hand more in my work. It's days like these on the mission that rekindle my passion for sharing the gospel. The Jacksonville, Florida mission is full of disciples of Christ. We love tough things!!

The Goldens with the Jax West Zone

Elder Golden with the Jax South Zone

Elder Golden with the Kingsland Zone

Elder Golden with the Jax East Zone

The Goldens with the Mandarin Zone

The Goldens with the Lake City Zone

Elder Golden with the Ocala Zone

Elder Golden with the Gainesville Zone

All of that spiritual feasting sure does bring on an appetite! Half way through the meeting we break for lunch and have the chance to talk with all the missionaries gathered together.

Incoming Missionaries - September 2014

This month we welcomed in 13 new missionaries to the Florida Jacksonville Mission. Our excitement to do this work is strengthened every time we pick up a new group of missionaries from the airport. Their enthusiasm to begin sharing the gospel is contagious! We bring them to our home for an authentic southern meal and they have a chance to relax from their day of travel.

The next day is a whirlwind of events as these missionaries attend trainings to prepare them for their first days in the mission field. The day after they arrive the new missionaries are given seasoned missionaries to be their trainers. 

Elder Purcell training Elder Averett

Elder Newbold training Elder Ferrier

Elder Jorgensen training Elder Hadfield

Elder Jolley training Elder Holt

Elder Wall training Elder McAlister

Elder Caito training Elder Murdock

Elder Holder training Elder Nielson

Elder Lane training Elder Toolson

Elder Weller training Elder Riley

Sister Pasko training Sister Knudsen

Sister Waite training Sister Mann

Sister Hillman training Sister Smith

Sister Allen training Sister Taylor

Many more miracles will continue to abound as our missionaries go out boldly preaching the gospel and serving our brothers and sisters!