Farewell to Wonderful Missionaries

We had to say farewell to another set of wonderful missionaries as their missions came to an end after months of dedicated service. They have earned the right to stand worthy with those early saints who have given so much at Winter Quarters. We encouraged them to always be worthy to enter the temple and continue to worship there as frequently as possible - weekly if they live close to a temple. We will miss these fantastic elders and sisters - they return home with stronger testimonies of their Savior Jesus Christ and with determination to serve Him the rest of their lives!

In this group of returning missionares are Elder and Sister Kunz from Victor, Idaho. We are related: Elder Kunz grandfather and my great-grandfather were brothers. When missionaries return home, we send letters to their stake president and bishop. The stake president is President Kunz, the bishop, Bishop Kunz regarding Elder and Sister Kunz from me, President Kunz. That is probably a first in the Church!

We welcomed our second group of wonderful young missionaries on September 1st.  Again we feel like the MTC sent us their finest!  We enjoyed a great morning at the Mormon Trail Center, and an afternoon of training and interviews.  That night we were able to be a part of an inspiring testimony meeting where each shared sweet feelings of faith in the Savior and excitement about being a part of this great work.  The next day off they went to their new areas and companions. We wish for them many incredible experiences and faith building opportunities.  These young people are so remarkable and the Lord cares dearly for them, as do we.  

  

Stewardship

Leslie and I attended the seminar for New Mission Presidents and I have read my Mission President Handbook and Preach My Gospel but I didn't fully understand my stewardship until I received the following letter from a missionary's father (name withheld):

"Dear President and Sister Kunz:

Thank you so much for the kind letter and wonderful picture. Your guidance and leadership is greatly appreciated. My son is a tremendous young man full of positive energy and the willingness to serve. Your role in my son's life is EPIC in molding his future and outlook on life. You have my love, appreciation and support in your willingness to serve and be apart of his life. Thank you!! He is in your stewardship and I couldn't be more pleased.

Thank you so much for your leadership in his life. He is headed for a great place in this life and this is the first big step in finding out what that is.

Sincerely,

Missionary Father"

This letter brings in complete perspective the calling we have and motivates me to do the very best.