Last night we had a family home evening gathering with our Temple Presidency. President Bricknell asked us how we felt when we received our mission calls. One by one we shared our "road to a full-time mission". It was very interesting and heart felt. Nese and I learned that we are youngest couple (Nese 64 and David 65). Here are some of their stories;
Bro and Sis Hagedorn (Utah)--he was the typical "I want to serve a mission" and had been for years. She had grown up in a less active family and thought missionary work was knocking on doors out in the elements, so she was not so sure. They had two obstacles in coming: an elderly father and a dog who was old and in poor health (interestingly, those are the two main reasons couples do not apply for full-time missionary service: 1) pets; and 2) not wanting to leave family). The Lord took care of the pet problem, the dog unexpectedly died (we had to put our elderly cat down the month before we left). And they had faith and left their father in the good hands of family members. The Hagedorns will go home next month, and their father is doing fine.
Bro and Sis Barnett (Utah)--they wanted to come on a mission 4 years ago when they were 66. But one of their children was diagnosed with cancer and they felt their "mission" was to care for her. she moved into their home to be cared for and spent the last 16 months of her life with them. After she died, their desire to serve a temple mission was stronger than ever. They wanted to come to South Africa (which is unusual for couples--60% decline calls to Africa) and their wish was granted. After they received their call Bro. Barnett was filling in for a friend at the baptistry in the Provo Temple. He was asked to help with the confirmations. He said when he got there, there was an old guy (dig) who spoke funny. He asked him where he was from. The fellow said, South Africa. Bro Barnett said, "We just got a call to serve in South Africa." "What mission?" "Johannesburg Temple" The old guy said..."I have just been newly called as the President of the Johannesburg Temple." They were both amazed and touched by this "tender mercy".
Bro and Sis Pead (Wyoming) they were in their 70's and had some pretty serious health problems. They were contacted by a Seventy asking them to serve in Gabon, which is in Western Africa. But the medical department would not clear them for that mission. In fact their application was pulled and left unassigned for quite a while. Several telephone calls were made trying to get them assigned. They finally got a call to serve a Welfare Mission in New York. They were disappointed not to be serving abroad. They also knew they would be stuck in an office most of the time, helping people get work. As it turned out they loved their mission. When they got home another General Authority suggested them to serve in New Caledonia. Again the same thing happened, their application was pulled and left unassigned due to medical reasons. It was suggested to them to serve a local Stake Mission. Bro Pead called Elder Moody begging him for a full-time Temple assignment. Unfortunately, all the temples in the US with couples assignments were filled. Elder Moody said, "Too bad you don't speak French, we could really use you in South Africa." When Bro Pead told him they both spoke French, he said well lets make the request and see if it goes through. It turns out that Johannesburg has one of the best trauma centers in the world and is located close to the Johannesburg temple. They would receive better care than if they were home. They have been here almost 10 months and haven't missed a day of work.
Bro and Sis Pace (Idaho) Bro Pace is a sheep farmer and has a business with his two sons. When they got the call to serve in South Africa, they were thrilled to be traveling so far from home. They have just three months left in the mission field. They have loved it and their business has been thriving at home in the care of their sons.
The best two stories for last.
Bro and Sis Nyasulu (Zimbabwe)--This native African couple wanted to serve in the Johannesburg temple but they came from very simple means. Bro Nyasulu's passport had lapsed and Sis Nyasulu had never had a passport. When they applied their government told them it would cost them each $350-$400. That was a fortune for this very simple family with almost no means. Bro Nyasulu felt impressed to return to the office a few weeks later and ask again (he said repeatedly, "With God, anything is possible"). Another man said to him, "How much money do you have?" "$100.00" was his reply. the government official said, "Oh no, it will cost only $5.00". They gave him his reinstated passport and his wife's passport even though she was not present. Next they had to get a visa. They were told, "Old man, why do you want to go to South Africa? Stay here where you belong." Bro Nyasulu explained that the Church need him to serve in the Temple. The Official replied, "If your Church needs you so much, have their headquarters write us a letter to that effect" They figured that would send him away for good. but he contacted the Temple and they got a letter from the Area President explaining why it was vital that Nyasulu's serve. Not only did they get their visa but got it in just 3 days while others in his country were waiting 6 months for an answer. They still had no money and arrived in Johannesburg with only 250 Rand ($20.00). But with help from the Church, and from family and friends, both back home and here in the mission, they have gotten along and have been here for 9 months now ("With God, anything is possible")
Bro and Sister Moloi (South Africa, Durban Area)--President Moloi is the 2nd Counselor in the Temple Presidency, and a native African. Before his call, he had been serving as a Branch President in a small Branch outside Durban, several hundred miles from Johannesburg. They had not been to the Temple in 4 years due to financial limitations and the cost of travel. Their Stake President asked them to come in for an interview but when they arrived, the Area President was there to interview them. They thought they were in trouble. They talked about serving in the temple and the Molois agreed to pray about serving 6 to 18 months as temple workers. They left, but when they returned there was the Area President and President Bricknell, and they were asked to serve 3 years as a member of the Temple Presidency. They were overwhelmed and asked if there would be training. "Oh yes, there will be plenty of training (on the job training)". They have been out almost 8 months, and they are still being trained.
So many different stories, each was born of faith and a willingness to serve. As Bro Hagedorn said, "If people would just believe us, a mission is the greatest experience in the world." (D)
Very interesting to read all the stories!
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