10/2/18
Hi family. Gma and I did the Senior Missionary FHE lesson yesterday evening (Oct. 1, 2018). Attached are the slides we used. There are also a couple of videos that we did not share, but included them because they illustrate the subject matter. The slides reflect some of the most import gospel principles impressed upon my heart and mind by the Spirit over the last 55+ years of my life. What I finally came to understand (thanks in large part to you) is that this mortal adventure is not about what we achieve. It is about what we become.
I have a testimony of the "gospel change process," but I still grapple with my inner "Cookie Monster."
As painful as it may have been for some of you, from time-to-time, your love, example and friendship, have been my greatest motivation to overcome the "natural man" and become a friend of God.
To associate with each of you throughout the eternities will be heaven to me. To not associate with you would be hell.
Let´s keep the Handerdum Clan moving forward in faith together forever. The circle of love just keeps growing! (Sister Rust, N.J. circa 1985)
Link to the presentation: THE POWER OF ONE
We’ve decided that senior missions are a lot like having babies. Before embarking on the adventure, it promises to be an exciting, edifying, spiritual, fun, altruistic experience. Then reality sets in! The “labor” starts and it is too late to back out.
All of a sudden the mission blurs into a challenging, stressful, and sometimes intimidating endurance contest. Thank goodness it is punctuated by brief periods of peace and calm to catch your breath!
Despite the occasional reprieves, the labor resumes, the work intensifies and muffled murmuring (including occasional swearing) may be heard from the normally kind and composed missionary couple.
Eventually, the labor comes to a safe and successful conclusion. Memories of the ordeal soon fade. Before long, the couple once again starts contemplating another mission adventure!
Why would any rational senior married couple ever consider multiple missions? The answer for us is found in D&C 31:5. (Of course, this assumes Marilyn donates her unused forgiveness credits to her junior companion!)
On this mission, the promise found at the end of D&C 31:5 was vividly fulfilled. Our family has indeed “lived” both figuratively (i.e. our relationship as husband and wife) as well as literally (i.e. our children and grandchildren, especially our precious Ellie).
In other words, our Welfare Specialist assignment in Brazil has been exhausting and challenging, but it has been worth it.
10/3/18
We are on the “homestretch!” We’ve decided that senior missions are a lot like having babies. Before embarking on the adventure, it promises to be an exciting, edifying, spiritual, fun, altruistic experience. Then reality sets in! The “labor” starts and it is too late to back out.
All of a sudden the mission blurs into a challenging, stressful, and sometimes intimidating endurance contest. Thank goodness it is punctuated by brief periods of peace and calm to catch your breath!
Despite the occasional reprieves, the labor resumes, the work intensifies and muffled murmuring (including occasional swearing) may be heard from the normally kind and composed missionary couple.
Eventually, the labor comes to a safe and successful conclusion. Memories of the ordeal soon fade. Before long, the couple once again starts contemplating another mission adventure!
Why would any rational senior married couple ever consider multiple missions? The answer for us is found in D&C 31:5. (Of course, this assumes Marilyn donates her unused forgiveness credits to her junior companion!)
On this mission, the promise found at the end of D&C 31:5 was vividly fulfilled. Our family has indeed “lived” both figuratively (i.e. our relationship as husband and wife) as well as literally (i.e. our children and grandchildren, especially our precious Ellie).
In other words, our Welfare Specialist assignment in Brazil has been exhausting and challenging, but it has been worth it.
We agree with you on why senior couples serve multiple missions while their health will allow them. Thank you for sharing some of your experiences from your mission.
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