A Little Bit of Pennsylvania

We were thrilled to have the Slaugh 'boys' stay with us for an evening in September.  They were driving, cross-country on their way to Idaho to drop off the kids for school and then when they are all settled, Brother Slaugh will fly home.  It was just a short visit but it was sooooo good to see them.   

Another Eagle!!!

Daniel has completed his Eagle Project thanks to the help of a wonderful senior missionary in the Omaha Mission, Elder Palmer. He works in the grounds department and made possible a fantastic project!  Daniel was able to organize a team to come to the LDS Trail Center Cemetery and repair the flagstone at the entrance and throughout the grounds.                 He had great support from our wonderful ward and then of course we were able to gather a few missionaries to help out.  First they removed the old worn grout with chisels and hammers. Once removed it was swept clean and then a new and improved grout (Elder Palmers secret formula) was filled into the spaces.  After this step the grout was smoothed.  Oh, was it pretty when it was all done!  Everyone worked very hard.  The Burton Family contributed wonderful cinnamon rolls for the morning break and then we had a good lunch when it was all over.  All that remains is a quick acid wash that Daniel will do later this week.  Thank you, Elder Palmer.  You're the BEST!  

Mission Presidents Seminar

We attended a marvelleous Mission Presidents Seminar in Nauvoo, IL two weeks ago. Elder L. Tom Perry presided with President Ronald A. Rasband, President of the Presidency of Seventy, Elder Donald L. Hallstrom, Presidency of the Seventy, and Elder Lowell M. Snow of the Seventy and their wives. Eighteen mission presidents and their wives from the North America Central Area. Also attending were seven Area Seventies that serve these 18 missions, our Area Medical Director, Area Temporal Affairs Director, and Marvin VanDam, Executive Secretary to Elder Hallstrom.

As you can imagine, we were well instructed by the Spirit - the true teacher. Elder Perry discussed the importance of creating the image of the Church. He also instructed us to build from the centers of strength in our stakes and wards. He suggested that branches with less than 20 active Melchizedek Preisthood holders may not be the best place for full-time missionaries. If a ward has many less-active Melchizedek Priesthood holders then we should have full-time missionaries assigned to help reactivate these less-active brethren and their families. Elder Perry said that if the mission president doesn't move missionaries to productive areas within his mission, then the Church will move them to more productive missions. This counsel confirmed the feelings that I've had since arriving in the mission. Of course, the ultimate guide for missionary assignments is the Spirit. A member-oriented missionary effort is the best and Elder Perry reviewed the Ward Council process and how the missionary program needs to be led by the Bishop, Ward Council, and Mission Leader through the Missionary Coordination meeting.

We toured several sites in Nauvoo and attended a temple session. It was great to associate with other mission presidents and wives to seek their advice and get many of our questions answered. President and Sister Ludwig, Illinois Nauvoo Mission, were the host for the seminar and they did an absolute fantastic job in all the many preparations and seminar organization. Next year, the seminar will be held in Omaha, Nebraska!

Late Arrival

Elder Kennedy showed up a week after his MTC companions due to an appendectomy he had while he was there. He wanted to come out with the rest of his group but was just not up to the traveling. So the next week (just two weeks after his operation) he arrived in Omaha carrying his 50lb bags. I said' "Elder Kennedy, do you think you should be carrying those bags?" He said, "Sister Kunz, I am completely well and feel just fine. I asked the Lord to heal me and He did." What a humbling lesson in faith. We are so pleased to have Elder Kennedy in the Nebraska, Omaha Mission and look forward to serving with him.

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.