Ward Mission Leader

This next week I am having a ward mission leader training. I am happy because you recently shared an example of how the WML had picked up your day after some hard times. This is the 2nd time I have had missionaries from the stake say things like that in a letter. This is fantastic to me as I really believe that they can have such an impact on the missionaries. Their role is to quarterback the work. But along the way their experience and wisdom, their faith and support, can make a huge difference in the lives of the missionaries serving in their units. Thank you for sharing.

The mission leaders in our stake are amazing. They do such a great job of meekly sharing their time with the full time missionaries, with supporting the investigators, and just providing a great leadership example. This week we had two different families get baptized. One in Kettering and one in Miamisburg. It was so amazing to witness the confirmations of huge Miamisburg family. Brother Gibbs (an elementary principal) did the blessings and it was amazing to listen to how each was so different and each was so personal. It was a great thing to see a family recognize the truth in their lives and desired eternity together.

I spoke in Miamisburg today. It was great to be there. So many familiar faces and people. They are a great ward. I spoke on the topic "when thou at converted". I used the example of Noell Pikus-Pace who is an Olympic medalist in Skeleton. I think I sent that to you before. I am still amazed that she spoke directly to the youth at such a pinnacle of her career. Then spoke about the work of salvation principles that we can use to strengthen each other. Like missionary work, convert retention, work with less actives, temple and family history work, and gospel teaching.

I am now on my way to Europe for meetings. I will be in Aachen Germany again for 3 days, to Mikulov Czech Republic for 1 day, then back home. Very full days as our agenda is loaded with much to cover.

Recently I had had to work through various topics at work that do not have a prior path defined. New things around variable speed that just have never Been done here before. It is somewhat fun to help define a new way to accomplish something, listen to challenges to what I have proposed, have lively debates, and in the end still go with what I came up with. That is because I work to understand all affected parties and their ends long before I make a final proposal. So when others begin to debate, we just discuss the wide ranging need of all and they discover for themselves that's the proposal is the best compromise and path. It is fun to "win" after doing so much work to ensure we have good solutions.

Do the same in your life. Be willing to listen to everyone around you before you take final action. Consider their needs and act accordingly. You will always be happy when you are serving others even if it is not your first choice.

Love you tons, I always enjoy hearing from you.

Dad

3 John 1:4