Two Year Mark

This week marks two years of being in the Arizona Phoenix Mission. In some ways it seems like yesterday and in other ways two years is two years. One thing for sure is that there is so little time to accomplish all that the Lord has us to do. So we are trying to accelerate our pace yet put on our brakes to make time go slower. This past week we met for the last time with our Northern Missionaries who will be transferring to the Farmington New Mexico Mission. At our Zone Conference there were a lot of tears shed. I probably took it the hardest because I have never had to say good-bye to so many missionaries at one time. Each one of them holds a special place in my heart. Even though we won’t see them through their mission, we know each will work hard to do the Lord’s work. We told them that the boundaries and the Mission President will change but their purpose will be the same; “to help others come unto Christ”. As we reflect on the many miles we have put on the car going up and down I-17, we have felt much joy in our labors of serving in that part of the Lord’s vineyard. There are so many beautiful sights we have beheld. Window Rock, and Canyon DeChelly, Monument Valley, Lake Powell and the Grand Canyon have all been a part of our mission, not to mention the contrast and the beauty of pine trees and cooler weather in Flagstaff. We have learned to love the Navajo and Hopi people and their rich cultures they have shared with us. We have had discussions in a hogan and watched the Navajo women cook over a fire and make fry bread. All these are memories that are very dear to us. The mission is doing well. The Lord is truly sending us the finest missionaries. Last transfer we received 18 new Elders and Sisters ready to serve the Lord, but probably not ready to tract in 120 degree temperatures. They will adjust. Our missionaries, through their obedience and hard work are finding the Lord’s “Elect”, those who have been prepared to receive the restored gospel, and they are baptizing them. We had 125 baptisms in March as our record month. The beautiful thing is that these new converts are preparing to go to the temple as a family through the teachings of the gospel. As far as our familiy is concerned, Tyler and Sarah flew out to Cincinnati for the memorial day weekend with Sarah’s parents and we put a capstone on the wedding celebration. Tyler introduced his bride to many of his old high school friends and many others that came to support him. It was a beautiful weekend. We were recently blessed to have Tricia and Tracy’s families and also Tiffany come visit us. This was the first time that “Papa” had seen his newest granddaughter, Olivia. The girls actually came for a friends wedding at Lake Powell and we capitalized on it. We met up with Reed, Paul’s brother, and his family and had a weekend of fun. We taught the children an old family tradition game, “Who stole the cookies from the Cookie Jar” and laughed until we were sick. It was so nice to be around the family, as we haven’t had much of that. We haven't seen our other grandchildren since Tyler's wedding in December, but we are grateful we can keep up with their events through skype, which allows us to be a part of their lives. These are all tender mercies of the Lord that sustains and strengthens us. We count our blessings daily as they are so numerous. There are many lessons we have learned in the past few years, which we will share with you when we are through with our mission, but the blessing of being able to serve together as eternal mates daily has been so wonderful. Together, we are doing what is most important and that is serving the Lord with all our “Hearts, Might, Mind and Strength”, and in turn the Lord is blessing our family. Those words have come to life for both of us as we have tried to give our all. Many ask how we keep up with all the travels, schedules, needs of missionaries and planning in the mission. My reply to them is that, “Whom the Lord calls, he qualifies” and he also strengthens. We could not do this without his continuous help and guidance and tender mercies. We are grateful for this humbling experience and opportunity to serve in the Arizona Phoenix Mission. I would like to testify to each of you that the gospel of Jesus Christ has been restored in its fullness to the earth again. That the Book of Mormon is another witness of Jesus Christ. By reading this book and applying it's teachings you will come closer to Christ and have a greater desire to serve him and obey his commandments. We love you all and appreciate all the support you have given us in our calling. Love President & Sister Beck Arizona Phoenix Mission July 2010