Elder and Sister Wakolo

Every Tuesday evening at the Missionary Training Center, a one hour devotional is scheduled. The missionaries receive an inspirational message and needed knowledge from a church leader.

Last night we were honored to have Elder and Sister Wakolo.  Elder Wakolo is the 2nd Counselor in the Philippines Area Presidency.  Elder and Sister Wakolo are native Figian and have many years of leadership experience between them.  We enjoyed having them to dinner before the devotional.   

Elder Wakolo reminded the missionaries, “Never forget the shoulders that you’re standing on,” referring to parents, family and many others who pray for their success.  He said, “Your testimony won’t save you in the last days; your continuous conversion will save you.  Then you must reflect, change and become.”  He told the missionaries, “You think your mission will be hard? It will be harder. But it will be rewarding!”  It was a wonderful evening.  

Lost Luggage, Reunions and an Abundance of Love!

Our travel to the Philippines went pretty much as expected.  We had nice flights and arrived on time in Manila.  Not everything was just as we had planned.  We checked four bags and collected two in Manila.  Through the lens of jet-lag and our pending assumption of responsibilities at the Missionary Training Center, things looked kind of grim.  Because of the kindness of others and fortuitous packing, we had sufficient, and our other two bags arrived within two days.  

We spent three delightful hours with the Carlos' after they picked us up at the airport.  Our Area Presidency hosted a surprise farewell for the Carlos'/Welcome to the Clarks on the afternoon of our arrival.   It was a delight and a relief to see familiar faces at the MTC and in the Area Offices.  The Carlos' were appropriately loved and remembered.  We are personally grateful for the time and effort they made to ease our transition.  

The Philippines Area Presidency welcomes us.

Sis. & Elder Schmutz, Sis. & Elder Teh, Elder & Sis. Wakolo

 

This is the entryway to the MTC campus.  We live and work here round the clock.  We consider this to be sacred ground and it is our privilege to be part of the training of the incredible young missionaries that come here.  

Part of the joy of returning is seeing our returned missionaries again.  Many of them live in the Manila area.  We will have months of happy reunions.  It's a bonus to become acquainted with their young families.

Sister Clark's office is a hive of activity.  Missionaries are in and out and she is busy meeting their temporal and spiritual needs.  Leading and managing this large operation has its share of administrative duties.  

Setting Apart and Family

On the steps of the Church Administration Building before meeting with Elder D. Todd Christofferson and Elder Carl B. Cook.

Special counsel for a prospective missionary.

A special occasion with family, Elder Christofferson and Elder Cook.  This is one of the highlights of our week of preparation.

Final Training

Departure day from the Provo Missionary Training Center.

Five Presidents and Companions reporting to their training centers January 2019.  They include Brazil, Mexico, New Zealand, Provo and the Philippines. Great leaders and good friends.

Missionary Training Center Leadership Seminar

Provo MTC

This week we spent four days in training at the Provo Missionary Training Center in Utah.  It's been wonderful to associate with four other MTC Presidents and their companions.  Some of the highlights so far have been teaching a group of young missionaries who will soon depart for the Philippines, a visit from an apostle, Elder Dieter Uchtdorf and focused learning about the functioning of a Missionary Training Center.  We have some terrific opportunities ahead.  

President & Sister Rahlf

Good friends from service in the Philippines

A friendly face from our home ward.

An original copy of the Book of Mormon. Circa 1830

A grand group of missionaries preparing to go to the Philippines.