Newsletter for the Tacoma Mission

 

August 2015

Sister Blatter and I find that it’s such a joy to be serving the Lord in the Washington, Tacoma mission.  We’ve been busy as we’ve gathered together as missionaries for different events. We had a very successful Fourth of July picnic on July 6^th in Bremerton with the north conference for an afternoon of food and games.  We didn’t get too wet with the water balloon toss.  We had 3 “Why I Believe” firesides in July with our first one in Olympia on the 12th and concluding with one in Lakewood on the 26^th.  We also held a Spanish fireside in Lacey on the 19^th where Sis. Blatter bravely bore her testimony in Spanish.  All of them were filled with the spirit of new members bearing strong testimonies of how they were searching for something more in their lives and listening to the wonderful music of our missionaries was a treat as usual. 

Our zone conferences were centered on the theme of making better use of the pamphlets by listening to our investigators and testifying in shorter more powerful messages.  Additionally, using the same teachings with our members to inspire them to invite others to be taught. We received great instruction on more effectively using the key indicators to assist our “seekers” in making and keeping commitments.  Lastly, President reminded us to use the Book of Mormon in everything we do. This includes our morning studies to proclaiming its divinity to members and investigators alike.  We are to “sweep the earth as with a flood, to gather out His elect unto the New Jerusalem” (Moses 7:62.)

July also brought a huge transfer as 18 of our beloved missionaries departed for the next stage of their lives and we welcomed 24 new excited and eager faithful sons and daughters of our Heavenly Father.  Again it was a busy day full of love and so many intense emotions.

On Friday, August 14^th we had the blessing of having our Area Seventy, Elder Lawrence P. Blunck, instruct us at Mission Leadership Council on how to be more effective missionaries and how to find more people to teach. We were all edified and appreciated his taking a day to be with us.  This training will be carried to the entire mission at our monthly zone meetings.

We’re now into one of our favorite times of the mission with the opportunity to interview every missionary.  The smiles and righteous desires of the missionaries are contagious.  We love them and admire their consecrated service.  We feel so very blessed to be able to share in His work and to serve with them.

We love you!

President & Sister Blatter