Elder Christopher MartinSanto Domingo West Dominican Republic 1-2011
Elder Martin is enjoying his last few months as a missionary in the Dominican Republic. He is serving in San Juan which is not far from the Haitian border. Of his area he says, "San Juan rocks. There [are] beautiful parks [and] scenery, it only lacks a beach. They have all sorts of trade. Everything is cheap."
He also reports, "We have five banana trees in the back [yard]. I have a strawberry banana smoothie almost every day!!” Of his companion he writes: "My companion, Elder Espinal...has a deep spirit of humility and love. He's awesome!! We are very united in purpose. He's a good cook too."
The work is going well there in San Juan. Almost every week Christopher reports of baptism(s) or progressing investigators. They are now meeting in a chapel instead of a house because their numbers have grown.
Elder Martin is working hard to be a good missionary right up to the end. He says, "I have been feeling really good recently. I've recognized more the help and support the Lord gives me and how [I am] nothing without Him. I desire everyday to draw myself nearer to Him, because the closer I get to Him, the more I feel His love and goodness, which is most desirable. I know the Gospel is true and the fruit of such is most sweet." Christopher will be ending his missionary service and coming to Santa Clarita, California on January 19, 2011.
Elder Adrian EthertonIdaho Boise Mission 8-2011
Elder Etherton Winter has come to Idaho, and it has been snowing for a week. Elder Etherton has told us how much he enjoys this time of year. He has been busy with all kinds of services. This weekend he spent a full day hanging Christmas lights on a house owned by a family he has been teaching. He was given a wonderful teaching opportunity this past month. The Mission President asked if he would be a trainer to new elder. This experience has given him a chance to teach this new elder, and also learn and grow as a missionary himself. He has learned as you follow the Savior's example, your teaching will uplift others, and build their faith. He feels very blessed to be serving Heavenly Father. He loves being a missionary. At this time of year he wishes everyone in Plano 4th Ward a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Elder Joseph CalcoteGeorgia Atlanta Mission 10-2011
From Elder Calcote’s weekly email: "This week in district meeting we studied Revelation through the Book of Mormon and how important it is to use it in teaching. Pretty much everything we learned is something we've heard before. But it was interesting to see how much I needed it. Without the opportunity to teach much you really forget these things. We had an amazing opportunity yesterday that I don't think I've ever gotten to do before, that is we got to learn in district meeting and apply what we learned within the hour. Right after district meeting we had an appointment with a former investigator who was able to meet with us, on her porch (which, amazingly enough was the most peaceful porch lesson I've ever had) and shared with her our testimonies of the importance of the Book of Mormon. She did commit to read and pray daily though, and she agreed to daily contact. I feel like it went well.
Things are changing in the area, they are reorganizing the Wards and Branches. For the missionaries, it was just exciting to see what would happen, when the ward boundaries change, our area changes, the people we teach change, the people we interact with change. It's kind of like being transferred but getting to stay with your companion. We now cover about 65% more area, which is a little daunting. I think I have to admit that I'm having the time of my life. I'm with a great companion, I'm learning so much and I've never been closer to God. I know that my Heavenly Father loves me and is pleased with my efforts.”
Elder Andrew SantiagoUtah Ogden Mission 1-2012
Elder Santiago continues to do well and reports that he LOVES his mission! He is currently serving in Logan on the campus of Utah State University and reports that they are busier than they have ever been. He loves teaching the students and being around young people his age. He finds the work to be very fun and stretches him. He tells us that there is never a dull moment teaching students because they always have good questions that make you work and think. He and his companion have had several baptisms while on campus, and enjoy the support of the LDS students that are so supportive of the missionary effort.
Elder Santiago's current companion, Elder Bauptista, has only been out one transfer and was a rapper in his pre-mission life. The other day they were walking around campus and a group of guys in a car drove by and were yelling and giving them a hard time. The music was blaring, and as the car past them, Elder Bauptista said, "Hey, they were playing my Album!." Both missionaries got a kick out of the fact that while the guys in the car were harassing the missionaries, they were playing the music of the guy they were yelling at.
It's hard to believe that Elder Santiago is rapidly approaching the one year mark of his mission. He was so excited when the last transfer occurred just before Thanksgiving because he not only got to stay in Logan at Utah State, but because one of the other Elders transferred to Utah State to work on campus is Elder Mansell from Allen, TX. He said life just keeps getting better!
Elder Santiago had a unique experience take place a few months ago while serving in Wellsville. A local artist that paints for galleries and does work for the church approached the missionaries to be models for a couple of assignments he had received. One of those assignments is complete and you can see it in the December issue of The New Era with the article entitled "The Spirit We Feel at Christmastime". You will see a painting of two missionaries, one facing you and the other missionary (with his back to you) reaching to shake hands. The missionary you see from the back and side is Elder Santiago.
The Reports we receive from those working with Elder Santiago indicate that he is focused, loves the work, and is a very happy missionary!
President & Sister Martin & Adam
California San Fernando Mission 7-2012
President & Sister Martin have been doing a lot of public speaking. On one recent weekend, President Martin spoke in six different meetings. He spoke in the evening session of one Stake Conference, the Morning session of another, three different leadership training sessions and a fireside. (And he wonders why he is so tired all the time). When we started the mission, we had about 135 missionaries. We have grown by about 50 and will soon grow again. We will be close to 200 missionaries at the end of this year. Although we feel the added responsibility, we are grateful for each wonderful Elder and Sister we serve with. Seeing their testimonies and capacities grow, strengthens ours.
Recently President Martin asked the missionaries to lay down their “weapons of rebellion.” He now has quite a collection of iPods, CDs, DVDs, and other electronics that missionaries have turned in to him to get back after their missions. We can see a big difference. For the first time since we came, the mission has over 100 baptismal commitments! These do not always result in baptisms, but we are praying that the majority of them will. Adam is enjoying his last year of High School. He now has a car (we purchased a used mission car) and gets himself to Seminary, school, church, and many other activities. He serves on the Stake Youth Committee. We know the Gospel is true and that the work we are engaged in is our Savior’s.
Elder Kenny MidgleyEcuador Guayaquil North 9-2012
Elder Kenny Midgley has jumped into his mission literally feet first: they walk several miles each and every day in their sector. He is stationed in the northern part of the city Guayaquil, named Via Daule. He really wishes they had a cell phone to verify if people are home before having to walking all over. Slowly but surely, he is getting his missionary legs.
Kenny reports that the members in Daule are a lot of fun and very funny also. They enjoy life, and they enjoy the company of one another. He says that the non-members are also nice and friendly. He advises us to remember to always be nice...that will help us to be good examples of Jesus Christ.
He is loving all the new foods, including exotic fruits, tropical sodas, and cooked bananas. They have rice and beans with practically every meal; that is not only healthy, but is also tasty. Here is a picture of a typical meal.
Kenny says that he misses everyone at home more than he expected and that he prays for us always.
Elder Kyle MidgleyEcuador Quito 9-2012
Elder Kyle Midgley is in love with Quito, Ecuador. The city is very interesting and beautiful, nestled among the green, pointed Andes mountains at 10,000 feet above sea level. His mission president gave him a tour of the city, and he is pictured here at one of the highest points, the Panecillo, overlooking the city.
His first sector, however, is far away from Quito, in the northern coastal city of Esmeraldas. It is literally at the beach and is very tropical. There are beautiful red and blue/yellow McCaw parrots just hanging around in the palm trees.
Luckily, Kyle has a nice and large apartment, so the transition to Ecuador has been softened. He has quickly built some barbells out of a broomstick and milk jugs, so he can workout regularly, along with push-ups and a jump rope.
Kyle says that he is enjoying the mission even more than he thought he would, and he is glad he did not miss it. He says that the people are both very humble and happy, even though they don't have a lot of material things. This has been a lesson in humility. He is able to teach a lot of people and many are progressing towards baptism.
