August

President and Sister Clayton, our new mission president came to the Mormon Battalion.  They are enthusiastic, humble servants who show love and acceptance to everyone. 

     Sister Clayton’s parents are Elder and Sister Ballard.  Elder and Sister Ballard visited our mission and spoke to all of the missionaries.  Sister Ballard expressed her gratitude for the missionaries. .  “We are grateful for people who want to serve and thank you for all you do. That you want to give your time to your Heavenly Father.“   Elder Ballard then told us that “we are all on the same errand.” He told us  our primary role is to teach.  We have a message that no one else has.  We know who we are.  We know where we came from.  We know about premortal life.  We know where we are going and what will happen next.  Because of Joseph Smith we have this knowledge.  He went on to say that “You cannot buy for money what we have to offer.  This wonderful gift of the gospel. “ We have the opportunity to teach this to people who the Lord leads to us.  


    I was standing outside the door of the Mormon Battalion Historic Site when a family walked by.  As they walked by the father motioned to one of the boys to come up the steps.  As he came up the steps he said, "I took three too many pieces of gold so here are three back."  I thanked him as he handed me three tiny pieces of pyrite.  The size of the pyrite didn't matter, but the importance of doing what's right does.  Yea to his father for encouraging honesty.  Then a few minutes later his brother came running down the porch.  "I have three too many, too." he said.  What a good example of honesty they showed and what a great father to help them realize that integrity includes little things as well as bigger ones.
  

     Sister Seguin and Sister Nielsen left today.  Last night we had a farewell for them at the Battalion.  They both told of how they had grown in the gospel and grown personally from their experiences during their mission.  They have strong testimonies and have touched many lives while they have been here.  The sisters in the San Diego Mission are such examples of service and stewardship.  We are fortunate to work with them.