Mission Couples Dolomite Adventure

The Hymn

"Because I Have Been Given Much"

could be the theme song of every missionary couple.

Their testimonies ring strong and vibrant

even though we sometimes find ourselves breathing a little heavily

after a long, steep mountain climb.

Our gathering took us to the Dolomite Mountain Range in Bolzano.

We enjoyed delicious Bavarian meals,

the 12th century Trostburg Castile,

a tour of the Deur Woodcarving Company

and a tram ride up the grand Dolomites themselves.

Front row:  Slle Koch, Slle Griffiths, Slle Allen
Second row:  Slle Salatino, Slle Okimoto
Third row:  Slle Shucker, Slle Hall

President Allen, Anz Griffiths, Anz Salatino, Anz Koch, Anz Hall
Anz, Okimoto, Anz Shumaker

It was a wonderful day!
Weather threatened at every corner but cooperated
thanks to some well-placed prayers.

As our couples serve the wards, branches and missionaries
in their assigned areas, we know they are blessed.
We certainly know this mission is blessed because
they have chosen to serve!

Mosiah 18:27-29
"...and they did walk uprightly before God,
imparting to one another both temporally and spiritually
according to their needs and their wants."

*Special thanks for Anziano and Slle Koch
for arranging this "most excellent adventure".
It was delightful.

Assistants to the President

These are the assistants called by President Allen 

during our first year of service in Italy.

It is a rare opportunity to have them all together for a photo.

Anziano (Luca) Santoro in the yellow tie had already completed his 

mission and was visiting during this time.

Anziano Pyper (center) was leaving to go home in the morning.

I would like to express our appreciation for the great work they do,

not only for us, but for ALL the missionaries.

It is their "job" to assist in any way needed

and they go above and beyond what is asked of them.

Thank you Anziani!  We love and appreciate you!

Well done!

 Anziani:  Keller, Da Ponte, Brookes, Piper, and Santoro

Missing from this rare photo opportunity are our "trainer assistants"

Anziani Pesce and Barragan.

They were invaluable in helping to keep the mission "boat"

afloat while we learned what was needed and important.

I wish I had a proper picture of them both.

We have their service forever etched on our hearts.

We have been grateful to serve with all 7 great, dedicated men.

Thank you!

Our New Missionaries and Trainers

After four weeks of full-on missionary work

we bring the new missionaries 

and their trainers back for more.  

This time their eyes are wide open and they are settled

and comfortable in this new life they have chosen.

What IS this life?

Obedience.  Sacrifice.  Overcoming fears.  Loving.  

Smiling.... even when you don't feel like smiling.

Working.... even when you don't feel like working.

Serving.... even when you feel inadequate.

They have two over-arching goals:  

1 - To bring others to Christ.

2 - To become like Him themselves.

They patiently and diligently learn to do it all in a foreign language 

as Italian becomes the language of their prayers and testimonies.

They are happy and loving this work.

(For work it is. The best work.)

We are grateful to have them here.

Zone Conferences - August 2017

We enjoyed spending quality time with our missionaries recently.

Zone Conferences are an opportunity to gather

for instruction and fellowship.

Important topics were discussed.

The overall theme was

Improving Our Teaching.

 Venezia Zone

 Rimini Zone

 Bologna Zone

 Toscana Zone

 Milano Est Zone

 Milano Ovest Zone

 Genova Zone

 Torino Zone

Verona Zone

Zone Leaders discussed how to begin a lesson and set the tone

for a Spirit-filled teaching opportunity.

Sister Trainer Leaders presented visual aids that can be used 

to assist understanding and retention within the lesson.

Assistants introduced the BOOM Chart.

"Be On Our Message"

A system of practicing a quick lesson on a specific gospel principle.

Sorella Allen taught the importance of doing better so we can 

each become MORE-mon missionaries.

President Allen encouraged our missionaries to teach the music as well as the dance.

The music is the Spirit.  The dance is the gospel.

Thanks to all for the wonderful spiritual thoughts and musical numbers.

Your willingness to serve your fellow missionaries is appreciated.

Grazie Mille Sorella

Just a little ahead of schedule,

Sorella Stevens

returns home to begin her studies.

Serving in Northern Italy for her final area,

she also learned German 

to meet the needs of the saints there.

Well done, Sorella!

Ci Vediamo Anziano e' Sorella Hoopes

Avanti'! Sempre Avanti"!

Our Senior Couples are invaluable beyond measure!

Every single one provides incredible support

for members in the areas where they reside,

the missionaries who circulate through each area

and the mission as a whole as they become needed

and necessary "extra hands" for this great cause

of moving the Work of the Lord forward.

We are ever grateful when these couples come

and

ever sad when they leave

as they have become an integral part of our mission family.

Their work is great.  Their consecration is even greater.

Thank you!

 Anziano and Sorella Hoopes with President and Sorella Allen

A final "family photo".

Ci vediamo e' grazie mille con amore!

Avanti'! Sempre Avanti'!

New District Leaders - August 2017

Being a District Leader is a great opportunity

to serve and inspire fellow missionaries.  

It comes with the added responsibility and privilege 

to lovingly interview baptism candidates to determine their

readiness for membership in Christ's Church.

They are not just trusted.

They are entrusted.

We love and appreciate them for their diligence.

Good men ... every one.

Our new district leaders left to right:

Anziani

Hendry, Austin, Larsen, Wood, Workman, Baker Marte, Simcox, Dixon, Aglaure, Odeh

President and Sorella Allen