Washington Federal Way Mission: March 1, 2017

Valentine's Day - the Washington Federal Way Mission way!
Thanks Sister Zavala!

February was a great month full of Zone Conferences, missionaries coming and missionaries leaving, transfers, and quite a shake up of assignments throughout the mission. Change is sometimes hard, but we can do hard things!
"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."
Philippians 4:13

The missionaries didn't forget to honor President Rasmussen on President's day!

(Thanks to Sister Nebeker and Sister McClellan, and the office elders Elder Samuels and Elder Mortensen for the decorating)

Our departing missionaries attended the Seattle Temple and had a wonderful experience together.

Departing missionary devotional held at the mission home.
(Standing: L to R- President and Sister Rasmussen, Sister and President Campbell and Sister and President Layman)

Message from Elder and Sister Holliday, housing coordinators:

One of the major themes of the Doctrine and Covenants is the call to prepare. The word prepare is found 137 times in its pages. A sampling of them would surely include "Prepare ye, prepare ye for that which is to come....," (D&C 1:12) "Prepare every needful thing," (D&C 88:119} "prepare for the supper of the Lamb." (D&C 65:3)

One of the greatest fears in life is that of being unprepared, whether for a catastrophe or the Coming of the Lord.

Let this theme also be one that applies to your apartments. Knowing where the water shut off valve is, having emergency phone numbers posted in an easy to access location, having a 1st Aid Kit, extra food and water, regularly testing and reporting your CO/Smoke detectors are also important. Add to the list the need to have a clutter free apartment that is regularly cleaned and kept orderly.

If you establish a lifetime habit of doing all you can to be prepared you will realize the truth of the Lord's promise, "If ye are prepared ye shall not fear." (D&C 38:30)

As you especially prepare for the Coming of the Lord, you will know that he as also prepared for your coming. To you he extends the greatest of all promises, "..in my Father's house are many mansions, and I have prepared a place for you; and where my Father and I am, there ye shall be also." (D&C 98:18)

ZONE CONFERENCE PICTURES:

Auburn Zone Feb 4th

Federal Way Zone Feb 4th

Puyallup South Zone Feb 7th

Graham Zone Feb 7th

Puyallup Zone Feb 8th

Enumclaw Zone Feb 8th

Renton Zone Feb 10th

Kent Zone Feb 10th

Message to the missionaries from Sister Rasmussen:

We enjoyed being with all of you at zone conference in February. We learn and grow together from your personal dedication, testimony and insights into missionary work. Keep up the good work! Following up on what President Rasmussen said about “With the Lord, all Things are Possible” I wanted to remind us all of some things we can do to reduce some of the challenges we all face while on a full time mission. If we expect the Lord’s help, we need to do our part as well.

We are wisely taught in Adjusting to Missionary Life that ”excessive stress can affect our health, ability to sleep and ability to handle temptation”. Good nutrition and exercise help us manage stress better. Elder Draney gave us some wonderful workout ideas I hope you are utilizing. Remember his counsel: Nothing works until you do.

As we strive to work hard every day to fulfil our purpose as missionaries, Preach my Gospel (page 23) offers us some great suggestion. I think we would all benefit from reviewing them and picking a couple to earnestly work on. “If you are having challenges, prayerfully choose one or two suggestions that seem right for you. Not every suggestion will work for every person, but most ideas must be practiced for at least two or three weeks to begin to be helpful. Look in the ‘General Principles for Managing Stress’ section on pages 17-22 for additional suggestions” PMG p. 23.

1. Break down big or difficult tasks into smaller pieces. If they still feel too hard, break them down more. Then act. If you wait to ‘feel Like’ working before starting, you may wait a long time. Get started and motivation will follow.

2. Pace yourself. Vary the work you do and don’t work too long at just one activity. Remind yourself: All I have to do right now is _____.

3. Get enough sleep, healthy food, water and exercise to have the stamina you need.

4. Look for and welcome support, suggestions and encouragement from others.

5. Express gratitude. Be grateful for not only you blessings but for your challenges and adversities and what you can learn from them. This will open the door for the Lord to bless and help you.

I have been keeping a gratitude journal this year and I have enjoyed the time it gives me to reflect on my many blessings. You missionaries are often mentioned as you are one of them. I want to take the advice here and be grateful for my challenges and adversities from now on. Writing often helps us put our life in perspective as we spend quiet time thinking. In doing this we put ourselves in a position to feel the Spirit and often receive guidance in our lives.

I know that with the Lord, all things are possible. May we work hard to be physically and mentally healthy so He will help us go forward each day, teaching repentance and baptizing converts. With faith in Him, we can accomplishing things that are not possible by ourselves.

Random pics: