'PASTOR' ROBYN

'Pastor' Robyn

We recently received a call from Crossroads Hospice, asking if we would be willing to help out with a bi-monthly devotional service at one of their senior care centers here in Missouri. The pastor who had been coming twice a month was quite overwhelmed with her work at some of their other facilities and needed a break. After discussing the needs and schedule with pastor Rachel, we agreed to come once a month to provide a short devotional prayer meeting for any of the residents that are interested. They sometimes have between 5-15 residents and guests who come on Wednesday afternoons. Pastor Rachel suggested we continue discussing Psalms, as that has been her main subject of discussion. We thought about it, but felt a little differently. Robyn and I decided that if we were going to spend the time to come, we were definitely going to talk about the Savior - his birth and ministry. And we were also going to bring in the truths of the Gospel as we understand them. It was an interesting experience. I concluded my remarks quoting Alma 7: 10-12 in the Book of Mormon. Nobody seemed to mind.

BACK AT THE TEMPLE

Pedro Porras

Another beautiful morning in the temple. Pedro was anxious to attend the temple after being away for a time. He and his wife, Claudia, attended our temple preparation class the past few months. Claudia joined the church last year and she will receive her endowments at the monthly Spanish session in a couple of weeks. Both recently immigrated from Mexico where Pedro taught music in school for many years. As you can tell from Pedro's smile, he is grateful to again be in the temple.

Happy to be here

THE GOSPEL NET 'GATHERS FROM EVERY KIND'

Cerestine Nsabimana

Cerestine and his family are refugees from the Congo. They were brought to Orlando, Florida about 3 years ago where he and his wife and six kids were introduced to the church and were baptized. Cerestine recently came to Kansas City to find work and better housing. With no transportation, we have been bringing him to church the past couple of weeks. His English is pretty limited and our Swahili is even more limited, but we manage OK. 

Robyn can now say, 'how are you' and 'I am well' in three languages... English, Spanish and Swahili :)

Swahili:

Habari gani - How are you?

Mimi ni vizuri - I am good.

LUNCH DATE WITH THE SISTERS

It is fun to spoil the elders and sisters in our ward every once in a while. Sister Sly (Las Vegas) and Sister Rodriguez (Vera Cruz, Mexico) really brighten up our day. We try and take the missionaries out to lunch once a transfer to get to know them better and let them know how much we love and support them. 

                                                EMAIL FROM THE TEMPLE

When his folks asked Orrin what he wanted for his birthday, he told them he wanted to go to the Los Angeles temple to see the Christmas lights. That night I received the above picture in my email. The visitors center has interactive computers that allow the kids to draw something and then email it to a friend or family member. Orrin likes rocket ships and temples... :-)

I am grateful that my grandchildren are learning at a young age the importance of the House of the Lord. 

Matthew and Teagan