We've met a Crocodile Dundee!!

November 4, 2020

Sorry for the delay in posting updates the past couple of weeks. We've been very busy & I just have been too tired come evening time to make a concerted effort to keep up. But that's  ok... we have lots of news to share.

Meet Jason, a true Crocodile Dundee! No kidding... Jason's a full-time gold prospector & lives in his rig out in the bush for weeks at a time even when the temperatures are in the 100's. This would be like living out of your four-wheeler in the middle of nowhere Nevada, without cell coverage & no people for many, many miles in every direction. 

We spent a delightful evening listening to his stories...tales of sleeping w/spiders; coming across dens of deadly king brown snakes; taking helio rides scouting for potential gold fields; being contacted to help find people lost in the bush & other amazing adventures. Not long ago he was the advisor on a TV show about finding gold in the outback. When the directors saw how personable he was with everyone & good on camera, they offered him the lead in a new TV series to just play himself. They offered him a lot of money & couldn't believe it when he turned them down (we couldn't either)! He's just not interested in money or fame, just loves the simple life & is a very humble man who recognizes when he 'has sufficient for his needs.'

However, he's helped others find treasure! One friend asked him to take an acquaintance out prospecting & this guy found three nuggets...one worth about $230K, another worth $40K & a smaller one worth $5K. Of course they were pretty excited. Jason didn't expect to be paid anything for helping the guy, so wasn't disappointed when he wasn't. I think it was pretty cheap of the guy, but that's on him, not Jason. He just goes about his business doing good & helping others.

Below are a few of the nuggets he's found recently...the worth of these three small pieces was around $4000. The largest piece is only about an inch across & worth about $2200...so he does just fine for himself. Elder Tate is antsy to get out in the bush to d0 a bit of gold prospecting for himself. I hope when it comes time to leave for home he doesn't decide to stay behind, but one never knows when gold fever can hit...kind of like covid-19!

Jason started taking the missionary lessons & was progressing very well. He has no religious background or upbringing; no concept of prayer or preconceived ideas about life in general. In other words, he is a clean slate upon which the Spirit can work & write. Jason's very happy w/what he's learned so far & hungry to continue this spiritual journey. He recognizes how those he's loved & lost have actively been directing his path towards us in order to learn about the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. However, please keep him in your prayers as the adversary has been working overtime to prevent him from coming to the waters of baptism. It's been our experience that as blessings start to come, so do temptations/trials & if these good souls are not prepared & understand what's happening, they get confused & pull away. 

Here are pictures of our last P-Day w/Elders Maguale & Winter. We spent several hours showing them around Kalgoorlie & went up to the Super pit gold mine. They are wonderful missionaries & we love having them here.

Elder Winter at our Friday game night playing 'Murder', which has quickly become a ward favorite! Even the younger kids are getting ruthless & love the game. Can you see how the marbles for the two teams are at the exact same place? He may not look too happy, but Elder Winter & I won! 

Getting ready to make our weekly jaunt out to the Boulder camp, one of many places the government provides for Indigenous people to stay when they come in from out bush to attend funerals, go to the shops or see friends/family. Some camps are very nice w/cafeterias, nice showers/bathroom facilities & dorm style living accommodations for individuals & families...kind of like our national KOA campgrounds. The difference is the nice ones are alcohol/drug free areas & costs $20/day while the other is free w/no restrictions. Unfortunately, many people come in to these unrestricted camps & bring their little children w/them where they are surrounded by drunks, abuse & unsanitary conditions. It is very disheartening to those who serve & wish there was a way to break through the cultural conditioning & rampant addictions. It is at these times we're so very grateful for Christ's Atonement & the Plan that provides a second chance for all of God's children to be taught free of chemicals & traditions & make informed choices whether or  not to follow Him.

          

Every Saturday we pick up a big black garbage bag filled w/fresh bread donated from one of the local bakeries. We then separate the bread & rolls into individual bags w/one of these fliers inside. The Elder's put together a drop route & Randy drives them around to visit less actives & non-members they are teaching. It's a lovely way to say 'hello' & we hope to see you tomorrow at Church. Almost everyone loves free, fresh baked bread!

Our most exciting news is the road trip we took last weekend down south to a small coastal town called Esperance. It was nice to leave the dry, red dirt & parched hills of the outback & experience the cool wind & salty sea air that is found along the gorgeous, white sand coastlines. As much as a little vacation is always lovely, the reason we drove several hours south was for long awaited baptism of a 16 yr. old young woman named Bree...& it finally happened! Kicked out of her dis-functional home when only 14, she was taken in by a friend's family, the Barr's. This family moved from California to Australia 20+ yrs ago; have raised 6 kids & continue to be very engaged in the Gospel. They are the only active family in the area...true pioneers, which has not always been easy for them or the kids. But they love it here & have no intention of leaving Australia...only plan on moving closer to Perth & their grandkids as soon as the youngest graduates from high school. 

Elder Tate was able to be one of the witnesses to the baptism...he was excited to be able to observe this sacred ordinance while standing in the sparkling aqua waters of the southern Indian Ocean. In addition to the baptism, he also represented the Mission Pres. in ordaining the Barr's son, James, to the Melchizedek priesthood. It was truly a delightful Sabbath for us all. 

Here you see the flies starting to cover Randy's

shirt...by the time summer hits full on, it will be 

almost black. Hence, the fly net for the head 

otherwise they'll be up your nose, eyes, ears...

 

We had a stake conference this past weekend w/visits from our Stake President & counselor from Perth. They flew out for two days & helped us enjoy a barbeque & games night Saturday evening & a lovely Sacrament service/combined Relief Society & Elder's Quorum Zoom lesson afterwards. Then we held a 'Munch & Mingle' afterwards w/delicious foods & great conversations. We realize we're very fortunate to be able to do this right now as COVID has prevented these gatherings in so many parts of the world, including our own hometown. We continually pray for the Lord to bless the world & bring about a cessation of the virus so life can resume for families & communities. 

Another birthday celebration here in Australia for me! So grateful for lovely friends & our ward family who help us not be quite so homesick & being away from home a wonderful experience. We visited w/family & friends via FB; spent time w/the Elders...fixed buttermilk pancakes for brunch & played a few games, then had a delicious dinner w/the Mortley family & a missionary lesson w/three nonmember ladies...an auntie, Elisa & Luisa & her daughter Silo (11). We've been teaching them for awhile now & continue to be hopeful they will commit to baptism soon. Scott & Melissa have become our family away from home...lots of sweet, rambunctious kids to hug; great gospel discussions & laughter around the dinner table. Melissa's a great cook...here's the Black Forest birthday cake she bakes for me...yummy! We love our peeps here in Kalgoorlie!

                    

There are some very interesting trees here...these are pictures of one...the Jacaranda tree. During most of the year they are just regular trees w/pretty fern-like leaves & then, when fall approaches, the leaves drop off & what's left is a typical naked tree. As spring approaches, these weird, oval brown seed pods appear & it really is a rather unsightly tree. However, ove a period of weeks this ugliness disappears as stunning purple blossoms pop out & the whole tree is bursting with beautiful bell-shaped blossoms & then bright green foliage appears. When in full bloom they are absolutely stunning! There is no smell until the blossoms are crushed, then a heavenly fragrance is released. It is beyond beautiful.

Like the Jacaranda tree, we too go through periods of dormancy, when we aren't very productive, positive or hopeful. We can often feel ugly or unlovable & feel like a failure. But because of our Saviour, we all have the opportunity & blessing to repent & come unto Him; to become clean again & feel refreshed & whole. Just like the unsightly Jacaranda trees in springtime, when we reach up to the Son, the Spirit can move within us, bringing renewed hope, vitality & beauty to our lives. We are meant to bloom where we are planted & grow into magnificent trees; giving shade or comfort to others who feel hopeless; food to the hungry, shelter from the elements & beauty in a world is often ugly & lonely. 

As we move into the season of thanksgiving, let us seek to have eyes to see & ears to hear that we may let His will prevail in our lives. May we turn to our Father w/gratitude for the glorious plan of redemption through our Saviour's Atonement & recommit to be a little kinder, less judgemental, more patient & faithful. 

We are so happy to be serving the Lord in this little patch of His vineyard & to share in the great gathering taking place throughout the world. We testify that He lives & loves us; that  His gospel has been restored in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints; that we are led by living Prophets & Apostles & that the Savior & Redeemer of the world will return again. 

Thank you for your continued prayers in our behalf. We know our Heavenly Father watches over our little flock at home & feel to shout 'Hosanna!' every time we think of the blessings the gospel brings into our lives & that of our loved ones. May you feel His love in your homes & hearts is our prayer....Hurrah for Israel!! 

Love to you all!!   Elder & Sister Tate

Bringing a little bit of home to the Goldfields!

 October 5, 2020

Anyone who knows us well knows we love playing games w/our family & friends. And, of course, the most favorite game we play would be our very own marble game Elder Tate created a few years back called...'Murder'...the game you love to hate! We welcome the newest 'Murder' marble game fanatics to our growing ranks! The Pilason family here in Kalgoorlie, WA! This past week, he got together w/one of our ward friends who possess more power tools than anyone we've ever met & the two spent several hours together cutting, drilling, & sanding to make a gameboard for Daniel's family. They now have an original, one-of-a-kind, autographed game that they very quickly came to love. With upcoming ward game nights being planned, the happy duo plan on making a few more to share w/ward members as a fun memento to be remembered by when we have to leave Australia. S0 looking forward to seeing/hearing excited voices as multiple games are being played...a little bit of home down under!!

 

As usual, just about the time we have people ready to be baptised, things change. Here we have Elders Palelei & Elder Maguale getting ready to board the train to Perth where they will be going for the next few days to enjoy Zone Conference w/the other missionaries. This is a very exciting time for those serving outside of Perth for they seldom get to hang out w/them. Elder Palelei won't be returning to us as he's being transferred to a new area...bittersweet as he's excited to go someplace new, but has the potential for three baptisms here in Kal in the next few weeks. He'll Zoom in when it happens, though. So Elder Maguale will be returning w/a new companion & will continue moving the work forward w/his infectious smile & humble teaching. He's a great missionary & we're very happy to be serving w/him. And, from the smile on our Bishop Papasin's face, you can see how happy he is because now there's someone else as short as him! 

 

And here's Elder Maguale back from the 3 day conference w/his new companion, Elder Winter. As you can see, he's going to be feeling even shorter than before. Elder Winter is about 6'4"...a very tall fellow & strong. His original call was to serve in Cambodia but will be in our mission until it opens up again. He has a sister living in Calgary Canada & a brother at BYU-I. His parents are planning to move to the States as soon as the restrictions are lifted, so he'll be coming our way in about 21 months.

Here we are at the Church for our first game night! Small turnout, but fun all the same. Basketball under the stars for the Elders, Bishop & Henry (non-member from China); Murder game & Uno...pingpong & treats. Now that school breaks are over & summer's on the way, this will be a weekly Friday evening activity. Good times & opportunities for missionary work w/our neighbors & friends! 

These past weeks we've been reminded how often the Lord whispers to us & when we are prepared to hear, hearken & heed...blessings always follow. Here's just one example of how much the Lord is aware of the one & desires to bless each of us. 

Yasmin is a recent convert of about 9 months. She's 40, attractive, smart, yet has never married...just the sweetest woman & without guile. She's been living in an RV for the past year on a friend's property to save money & help him out. We had met this guy, John, through Yasmin...he's a less active member of the church, kind of a crusty guy, 66 yrs. old single with no family. It was an opportunity for them both to be independent, yet offered friendship. Several months after the arrangement started, the missionaries found John through the area book & started teaching Yasmin the gospel. In February of this year, Yasmin was baptised.

Life was pretty good, until a few months ago when things began to change. Yasmin became concerned because John had started acting strange...smoking pot; treating her like his personal maid; became very rude, belligerent & deceitful...so she moved her trailer & for the past several weeks & began looking for her own place to live. John got very angry & basically told her he didn't want to see her again. He treated her very badly, but she tried hard to not have any harsh feelings against him.

Yasmin travels several hours away to work at one of the goldmines & stays on site for two weeks then comes back for one. Two weeks ago, after Yasmin left for work, John was admitted to the hospital in great pain & was told the next day that he had terminal cancer w/maybe a year to live. Understandably, he was very distraught at this diagnosis. No family, not active in church & he had kicked Yasmin out of his life & had no one else to turn to. 

Randy's been very kind & genuine in wanting to know what makes John tick, so, when the Dr. gave John this prognosis, he called Elder Tate. He was filled w/fear & his immediate query to Randy was...'Is it too late for me to repent? Am I going to hell?' He wept & was so afraid of being alone & what was to come. He has spent many hours this past week sitting at John's bedside teaching, giving him support, hope & encouragement. John has gone from being afraid of death to wanting to learn more about our Father's Plan of Happiness & all the entails. He now yearns to be reconciled to God & his small seed of faith that all will be well w/his soul is increasing. Because of Christ's Atonement, he is coming to realize that death merely unlocks the gate that leads to eternal life & through repentance he can be made whole. 

When Yasmin returned home from work, she prayed & seriously pondered whether or not she should continue looking for her own place, but in less than 24 hrs decided to move back to John's w/her RV in order that she be available to assist in John's care. This was such a compassionate, humble decision...I'm not sure I would have been able to make such a selfless choice. But she doesn't see herself in this way. She said to me..."The Lord has blessed me so abundantly these past few months by bringing me into His gospel. I've received answers to so many questions/prayers & found so much joy. I would be very ungrateful if I didn't help one of His other children who needs my assistance."

The Elders, Yasmin, Randy & I went over & cleaned/prepared John's home for his return. He's so grateful for the love & care that has been provided & is humbly accepting help he wouldn't have even considered a short while ago. The Bishop, EQ & RS are all aware of what's going on & ready/willing to assist in any way & at any time. Yasmin met with the long-term care organization & got everything organized & set up for when she is at work.

Charity truly is the pure love of Christ made manifest in the compassion & empathy of those who lift, edify & serve others without expectation of reward. We're so thankful to be able to participate in the gathering of Israel. What a wonderful, exciting time to be alive & a part of this great work! 

We pray for you, our dear family & friends. May you seek to know the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ is true, that Joseph Smith was the Prophet of the restoration, that Jesus is the Christ, the Redeemer & Savior of all mankind & that we have living prophets & apostles upon the earth today. 

 Hurrah for Israel!! Elder & Sister Tate

'

Teaching & more teaching....the Lord's work is progressing!!

September 24th, 2020

Our teaching pool has been enlarged so much in just the past couple of weeks! The Elder's found several new people by tracting & our newest converts, Josh/CeCe, who both work at the prison along w/another member of the ward, have been instrumental in reaching out & connecting w/people there. We are now teaching three from their workplace, two others from the ward who are unmarried w/member partners; & two families in the community the Elders tracted out.

Last night we met w/Elisa, a 26 yr. old gal from NZ who is very keen (excited) to learn more about the gospel. She came to Church last week w/her niece & had so many questions; was so happy to get the Library app on her phone & made another appt for later this week. Her older sister, Luisa & 11 yr. old daughter Seilo (the niece), also started lessons & are very excited. I wouldn't be surprised if they all commit to be baptized within the next few weeks. 

We had a wonderful fundraiser last weekend for the ward youth to attend FSY in Perth this January. They held a carwash, bake sale & sausage sizzle at the church's parking lot...it was very successful & they were able to raise the funds necessary to offset what parents put in. Everyone had a great time & fun was had by all that participated & we bought three dozen of Sister Papsin's fresh spring rolls...they are delicious!! 

               

We were surprised when a call came in Monday morning from President B telling us that all missionaries from Samoa w/less than six months left were going home. The Samoan government & the Church had worked out a chartered flight, sadly, this meant our dear Elder Loto was leaving on a jet plane, along w/60 other missionaries from all over Australia. He would finish serving in December, so he's just leaving a bit early...even though the shock of finding out & having less than 24 hrs to pack up & be gone is hard to deal with, he's excited to see his family. Many of the ward members came to the airport to see him off...bittersweet moments, for sure. Those missionaries are in lockdown until they fly out next week, then will go into quarantine when they arrive home.  He's the one in the suit...

This is one of our favorite ward families...the Sheck's. They are Maori from New Zealand & are very musical. I wish I could share the farewell song they sang in the airport...it was beautiful & if they sing it when we leave....we'll be such a mess!!

Randy's coaching an under 14 basketball team & his assistant is a young man of about 22 whose partner is a member, but he is not. Again, not married, but he really wants to be a good father to his little 2 yr. old boy & they are expecting a little girl in a few months, so we are hopeful that these two will tie the knot soon & move forward on the path to full activity. Her parents are wonderful people & very active in the gospel, so it's been hard for them to stand by & see the poor choices some of their children have made...however, they choose to have good relationships, love them & pray that the Lord will soften the hearts of their children to come back. We can see this happening & are so very grateful for their examples. Their daughter is one of those we are hoping will get married soon so her partner can be baptized. 

The other couple we're working with is Limbalan & James & they have four children, the oldest was baptized just a few weeks ago. I think I posted pictures of their family in my last post. Limba really wants to be baptized but they have to get married first...so please keep them in your prayers that these couples will tie the knot so parents can be baptized & the families receive the blessings the Lord has prepared for them. 

At the train station we picked up our new missionary...Elder Maguale from the Philippines! He's about 5' tall but filled w/the Spirit & loves teaching the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ. He & his previous companion, Elder Fui Petelo, were together down south for almost 5 months & had more baptisms than any other companionship while there...8 convert baptisms!!  

You might remember us posting awhile back about our time down in Bunbury w/an Elder who had some issues w/obedience. We had been tasked by the President w/putting him to work cleaning out flats & spending time helping him became more focused on the work of salvation so he could remain on a mission. It wasn't us that got him there...it was the Spirit & this little companion he was assigned to be with that showed such an outpouring of love & support that really took Elder Fui Petelo to the next level & helped him w/his English so much that they took their area by storm & did amazing things. We're very grateful to have him here w/us now & look forward to the work moving forward even faster now.

Elder Loto & Elder Fui Petelo are now companions are doing great as they wait to return home. They are in the upper left hand square in this photo of our last District meeting w/President & Sister Bennallack & all the missionaries in our district. Elder Loto is still our District Leader until they leave next week & continues to do a great job. We will really miss his infectious smile & laughter...which he did around us lot w/Elder Tate's wacky sense of humor.

Earlier I wrote about Josh & CeCe & others who have been instrumental in bringing the gospel to others. Here is a picture of the regional Prison outside of Kalgoorlie. The officer in front is Bro. Mortley, who is in our ward & the #3 guy out there. He's a great missionary & is always looking for opportunities to teach & help others come unto Christ. Randy really enjoyed his tour of the Prison...brought back some memories of his experiences teaching the ADR program out at the Prison outside of Boise & the spiritual times he had there. I'm always glad when he gets to leave & return home!

It's impossible for me to imagine being confined to a cell...to life in prison. But in a very real way, we've all found ourselves confined, in darkness, imprisoned...by sin; bad choices we've made or those of others; addictions; poor habits & decisions that have either prevented the Spirit from being a part of our lives or has drawn us away from our Heavenly Father & the Light. There, but for the grace of God, go I....we are our brothers & sister's keepers. 

This virus has taught me many things, but one of the most obvious, is how much we really need one another. People are lost, alone & confused without hope or any idea where to turn for help or comfort. There are so many loud voices pulling in one direction or another; giving instructions that seem to change hourly or conflicting ideologies that seem fine one minute only to discover that they speak lies. Indeed, we live in interesting times. D&C 123:12

Peace comes to hearts & minds when we turn to the scriptures for answers, especially The Book of Mormon. It builds my faith to know these words were written & preserved for our days...these difficult, challenging times. I know the words, council & promised blessings of ancient prophets have not changed & I am encouraged & edified when I listen to or read the words of our living Prophets who teach that the Lord is in control & I have no need to fear. That there are great blessings ahead. I encourage everyone to re-read Pres. Nelson's last conference talk...'Hear Him' where he states, "Our Father knows that when we are surrounded by uncertainly & fear, what will help us the very most is to hear His Son." 

As we prepare to receive further instructions/promises in General Conference this coming weekend, let us look for opportunities to share the message of the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ w/friends, family & even strangers who 'are kept from the truth only because they know not where to find it.' Let us share this Light so that prison doors will be open & our brothers & sisters can come out of darkness & feel our Father's love by learning of the Savior & Redeemer of the world. 

We miss & pray for you, our dear friends & family! May you remain faithful & fearless!! Love to you all...Hurrah for Israel!!  Elder & Sister Tate

Spring is in the air...in Kalgoorlie!

 Sept. 8, 2020

Here in WA it has been a ridiculously harsh winter! NOT!! It has been windy & wet at times...certainly not like winters back home in lovely Idaho. No frost, no snow, just red dirt. By the time we get home next summer, we'll be ready to celebrate a beautiful white Christmas... then perhaps go to Texas for awhile so we can feel like we're wintering back in Australia! 

We keep busy doing service activities, teaching English, child baptisms & missionary opportunities. We continue to teach our dear friend Bronwyn in Karratha over the internet & are hoping to meet up w/her in Perth the end of September when she has her baptismal interview w/President Bennallack. We are so looking forward to being able to watch her enter the waters of baptism before the end of the year...even if it is only by Zoom! 

A new first happened this past week...we were blessed to participate in a coast to coast Australia-wide Devotional w/Elder Gary Stephenson, Elder Davies of the Presiding Bishopric & Elder Nielsen of the Seventy with their wives. It was wonderful to feel of their love for missionaries, to hear of the amazing things that are occurring around the world because of technology & how it is helping the work of the Lord move forward. Because of COVID, the plans for in the Brethren to visit in person were altered & we watched everything via Zoom from SLC. There were about 600 missionaries in attendance from across several thousand miles & they could see each of us as our pictures flashed on huge screens in front of them. I guess our little group of four were seen a few times by others, but we didn't see ourselves at all, but it was fun to see so many missionaries from around Australia & know they are experiencing similar things & being creative in finding & teaching investigators & in assisting to reactivate less active members. This is our new normal in missionary work.

This wonderful devotional was followed the next two days by Zone Conferences. This was very different from earlier in the year also when we were able to gather together in our Zones for chapel meetings, luncheons & fun games/activities in a local park by the mission office. We didn't get to attend the temple or spend time together...which is probably what everyone misses most of all. But, like everyone else, we just keep doing our best to serve, be joyful & grateful for the opportunity to still be here in the great Australia Perth mission.

Unlike so many of you in America, we are able to get together in groups outdoors, in parks, for funerals & in sports venues. A couple weeks ago, we had a Family History ward activity in a beautiful park a few blocks from our flat. It is across the street from a HUGE cemetery where the majority of graves are partially above ground & massive. We did a cemetery scavenger hunt looking for names, dates, places of birth/death & other details; games & then an Aussie barbeque...minus the shrimp on the barbie! 

There was a great turnout w/many non-members, less actives & lots of ward families. Our RS President saw some Aboriginal children w/two community workers & invited them to join us...no coincidence as both adults were inactive members. One of the gals said the Lord must want her to come back cause we just keep finding her wherever she goes! Here are some pictures of that day.

                  

This is a baby kangaroo, or joey, whose mother was most likely shot. He was found dumped in the animal compound at the park several weeks ago & nearly died. There are several people who take in orphaned animals & help raise/rehabilitate them so they can be released into the wild. This little joey will grow up knowing it's name & answering to it. While at the park one day, Elder Tate met the keeper & she took us inside w/the two gals raising the joey to feed a large kangaroo they had raised. They came up to the women & ate bananas & apples from the hands & let them pet his head. The other kangaroos were having nothing to do with that & stared at us the whole time we were there.

 

          

Our Bishop brought a family who are from China to the activity & we are now helping his wife improve her English skills. They are lovely people & are working on their permanent citizenship & hoping they won't have to return to China. The ward has been very welcoming which makes all the difference for those looking to make changes/improvements to their lives. They came to church this past Sunday & I know she had absolutely no clue what was going on or being said. But she was still smiling!

We've come to know a member of the city council quite well who, by profession, is a trauma/crisis councilor & runs a women's refuge center. We met this week & discussed possible service opportunities & activities that would help build relationships between members of the community. Those of you who have participated in or grown up doing things like Rake Up Boise/Paint the Town & other fun services, don't realize how unique & special those opportunities are amongst Americans. When we mentioned it as being a city-wide project, she was very surprised & hadn't even considered that as a possibility, so we're very hopeful to get something wonderful & new started here.

This Sunday was Father's Day in Australia! We invited a gentleman who's been here without his wife for almost a year plus a family from the ward for a Father's Day lunch of baked french toast w/praline topping, ham/eggs & fresh fruit. The family remind us of our own kids & Elder Tate is going to work w/the dad, Daniel, to make a couple Murder Marble game boards. We bought the wood & marbles & Dan has about every tool one could imagine, so they are hoping to begin work on them this week. We also introduced them to the Name Game & they love it, too! The daughter, Melena, bottom left, taught all the YW how to play & now it's making the rounds of the ward. Hopefully we'll be able to get some game nights at the church going during the holidays this year like we do at home. 

Our Elders have both been sick for the past week, so we've been able to take over some of their teaching appts & meet w/people they were just getting to know. One of our favorite lessons was w/a family from NZ who have a mom/dad & four young children, the oldest of which will be getting baptized this coming Saturday. Unfortunately, we have the same issue w/this couple as w/so many... they are not yet married. The wife/mom really wants to get married, be baptized & prepare to go to the Temple. Her partner was baptized as a child, so he just needs to do the right thing & tie the knot so she can begin her personal journey & their family can progress together. We had a lovely discussion w/them last night on the Restoration & Joseph Smith's first vision. It was lovely & the Spirit was very strong. Their kids were so attentive & interested...filled w/questions & anxious to see the pictures on my phone of what Temples look like. 

Limba had tears in her eyes as we explained the purpose of the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ is to bring us back into our Father's presence & to seal families together as eternal units. We showed them pictures of a sealing room & explained the purpose of Temples & why thy are so essential to God's plan of happiness for His children. The Spirit was so strong & the children quiet as they listened. It was a beautiful experience & we are so very grateful for the opportunity to share our Savior's love w/others. 

Serving full-time & not being actively engaged in work, school or other interests of the world certainly brings blessings we wish everyone could experience! It's only when we go online to see pictures or catch up w/family & friends that we are once again reminded that we don't live a 'normal' life right now. We try not to pay too much attention to what is going on, but seeing FB posts that deal w/the craziness going on in America, it is hard to ignore the ugliness that people are capable of inflicting on one another. So many images of violence; horrible words screamed in the face's of innocent bystanders & assaults upon individuals whose only offence was being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Our police officers & first responders, who are so willing to put their lives on the line so other's can live in peace/safety, are finding it nearly impossible to enjoy those same freedoms

So, how do we find peace amid such turmoil & confusion? Where do we find the answers that will bring calm assurance that all will be well? It certainly isn't through government control or party affiliation. It won't come by looking through distorted, clouded lenses at problems we face or by seeking after the riches or vain imaginations of the world.

The answer to life's problems & numerous questions always has been & always will be... in & through Jesus Christ, our Redeemer. He is the Light of the world; the Bread of Life. Those who partake of the Living Water will never thirst, but shall be filled. Just as in Lehi's dream of the Tree of Life, we must hold fast to the iron rod, keep our feet firmly planted upon the covenant path & turn away from the mocking crowds in the spacious buildings of the world. It is only then that we will navigate safely through the mists of darkness that can confuse & mislead us & we will find the fruit most delicious... even the Love of God.

We testify that our Father in Heaven sent His only Begotten Son because He loves us & would not leave us alone to face the trials & challenges of earth life without a perfect plan. We know Joseph Smith is a true Prophet & was the one called to bring about the restoration of the gospel in these latter days & that our beloved Pres. Nelson is God's chosen Prophet upon the earth today. We know that families can be together forever & that it is through priesthood power that all blessings come to God's children. We know our Savior will return in majesty & power in the not too distant future & are filled w/joy to be a part of the great army gathering His children. How grateful we are to know these things!

We love & miss you, our dear family & friends! May you turn to our Father in Heaven for comfort & peace in these troubled times. May you be blessed w/strength & courage to stand fast in the face of adversity & uncertainty; be humble & repentant that you may feel the Spirit bear witness of truth to your hearts & minds. We ever pray for you.....Hurrah for Israel!!   

Hugs & kisses....Elder & Sister Tate