Called to Serve Phoenix

It's Time to Gather Again!

2012-03-08T10:00:00.000-07:00

Hello to all our Arizona Phoenix return missionaries. It seems like it was just yesterday we gathered for our first reunion. We are so excited that our 2nd mission reunion is just around the corner! There are so many of you that have returned since our fall reunion and we are anxious to reunite with you once again and share stories. There will always be a great bond for those of us who have shared time in the #1 mission and we all need to stay in touch and share our "Life after Mission". We hope you will all make time to come. This time we will be keeping it simple so we can spend more time connecting. I'm afraid I got cheated last time because we didn't have enough help to serve the food and I was stuck behind the table and was not able to talk with so many of you. We will be holding the reunion at the same place as last time.

Place: West Building- University of Utah Institute- 1780 E. South Campus Drive 84112

Time: 6:00 pm- 9:00 pm

Date: March 30th, 2012

If you want to carpool from BYU Idaho, just contact Jared Bell. He is our amazing promoter

from up north.

***Please send me a current picture of you ASAP so I can make an after mission video.

Send it to debralbeck@gmail.com

See you soon

Fall Reunion Pictures

2012-03-07T11:17:00.003-07:00

Are you coming to the Reunion?

2011-07-29T20:01:00.001-07:00

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Lance Ringhand's Baptism

2011-07-01T20:09:00.000-07:00

Beside being able to be reunited with our family, one of the things

we were looking forward to was Lance's baptism. Paul was able

to baptize and confirm Lance within 24 hours of our arrival. It

was such a wonderful feeling to still be linked to those great

experiences of seeing someone close to you enter into the waters

of baptism. This was a long awaited baptism by many. We love

Lance and his family and so proud of the decision he made.

Congratulations Lance!

Lances' family and his mother

Our Welcome Home!

2011-06-29T14:13:00.004-07:00

Our final decent into the Ohio Valley. It was quite different scenery

than we were use to during the past three years.

In fact, it was a real contrast between greens and browns;

and both were beautiful. We had about 3 1/2 hours of

reflecting on what had just occurred that day, and our mission

experience. Emotions were on the surface and it didn't take much

for the tears to start flowing. But, we knew the Lord had

accepted our offering of serving in the Arizona Phoenix Mission

and that our family was awaiting our arrival.

As we came down the long corridor, in anticipation of seeing 23 members

of our family awaiting our arrival, I realized how much we had really given

up over the past three years. Off in the distance, behind glass doors were

13 grandkids jumping up and down. Some were dressed in white shirts and

ties and dresses but all with big smiles on their faces as they ran up to us

to give us big hugs. We were now just "Nana" and "Papa", and we were ready

to begin a new chapter in our lives with our family.

Papa was the Prize!

Lots of helpers to carry our luggage.

Home Sweet Home!

This was the last link of the countdown chain that Izzy & Katelyn used

the last couple of weeks of the mission. We both took it down from the

mantel in celebration of our arrival home!

Our good friend Carl McDonald was awaiting our arrival at home. It was

so good to see him as we arrived. Celeste and Rick (Ryan's parents) served

as surrogate grandparents while we were gone and took good care of

all the grandkids. They had pizza and salad awaiting for all of us when we

got home from the airport and the celebration began.

It is Finished-Bitter Sweet Endings

2011-06-29T13:16:00.001-07:00

President & Sister Taylor and their son Braydon arrived as the

New Mission Family on June 29th. As we greeted them,

President Beck & I took off our mission badges and told them

their was only room for one President of the Arizona Phoenix Mission.

We traveled to the mission office to introduce them to the

Office Staff and show them around and we said good-bye to

all our wonderful office couples who had been so instrumental

in helping us during our mission term. Then it was off to the mission

home for a quick lunch and tour of the house as we tried to give them

all the in's and out's in a brief time. Before we knew it, it was time to

depart. Jany Matsen came over with a dinner for them. It was to

give them a burst of quick energy before they began their journey.

As we walked out the door and turned to say good-bye to them one

last time, we saw a look in their eyes of uncertainty and heavy

responsibility upon their shoulders. It was now their mission to lead,

but they would have the Lord by their side to lead them in this

glorious calling.

We said good-bye to our dear friends the Matsen's and

drove to the temple for one last temple session. It was a

way of telling the Lord that we had given our all to the

Arizona Phoenix Mission and to thank him for the countless

blessings we had received. The sacrifice of leaving our home,

family and our friends for three years really wasn't a sacrifice

as the blessings we received were far greater.

Departing Letter of our Service in the Arizona Phoenix Mission

It is hard to summarize the experiences we have had over the past three years in a short letter. I would have liked to share with you play by play the tender mercies of the Lord during this time, but I had to choose from the good, better and best way to spend my time. There is urgency in the work of sharing the restored gospel of Jesus Christ to all of Heavenly Fathers children. Each day is important as we invite others to come unto Christ be baptized as he was, by someone holding that same priesthood authority that was on the earth so many years ago.

We have had only a brief window of time to serve here in the Arizona Phoenix mission, but it has been a life changing experience. Just like the scriptures say, “When ye are in the service of your fellow men, ye are only in the service of your God. “ As we have served, we have felt joy in our hearts as we have seen lives change. We have been very humbled by the overwhelming responsibility of watching over the Lord’s young servants. We have had over 640 missionaries pass through our doors, and it has been our deepest desire to touch each one of them so that when they leave the mission they will have a deeper personal relationship with their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and know of our love for them. It is an amazing experience to see young men, nineteen years old, and young women, twenty one years old, come into the mission as the weak things of the world, and watch them grow into the spiritual giants.

There are stories that have made us laugh, others that have made us cry. Some of our missionaries have lost parents while serving, but have had the faith to endure to the end of their mission. We have seen those whom have entered the waters of baptism and come up with hands over head, saying “I am finally baptized”. We have seen miraculous healing of missionaries, investigators and within our own family. We witnessed those who have only been members for a short time dedicate two years to serving the Lord only to find great blessings come to their families at home. We have seen difficult trials in the lives of our missionaries where they have overcome great adversity only to have their weaknesses turn into strengths.

The number one thing we learned while serving here was that God is in charge of his work and nothing will stop it from progressing. When we are in tune with the spirit, then we know those things we must do to further the work. As our prophet, President Thomas S. Monson said, “We are participating in a great rescue of our brothers and sisters so that they may have the opportunity to return to his presence.” After all, that is why we are here on earth; to receive a body and learn and apply the gospel which will help us return back to Him. We also learned that the success of the mission was because of M&M’s. Not the candy M&M’s, but I’m referring to Members and Missionaries. They cannot be separated and have it mean the same. They go hand in hand. When our members share their friends and family with the missionaries and invite them into their home, the miracle of conversion occurs.

We have grown to love the people in Arizona, this is truly Zion! We have made many friends that have helped us along this journey and we are grateful for each one of them . One of the greatest blessings has been serving side by side with my eternal mate, and my best friend, as we have lifted each other and share sacred experiences together in the Arizona Phoenix Mission. There is nothing better than to feast upon the words of Christ together and strive to apply those principles to our lives.

We knew our mission was going to come to an end sooner or later, but we have been sprinting to the end. It will be hard to leave our 192 mission sons and daughters that we have grown to love as we have served together. Our hearts have been woven in purpose and meaning. I won’t lie, we are tired and have truly worn out our lives these past three years. We have given our all. Now, are days are numbered as we turn the baton to another chosen man and woman of God to build on what we have tried so diligently to do.

As we turn the page to a new chapter in our lives, we are anxious to see our children and almost 14 grandchildren once again. They have been an enormous strength to us and have made us proud as they truly carried on in our absence.

I would like to close with my testimony of this work. I know that we are all spirit children of a Heavenly Father who loves us and that He is anxious to have us return back to his presence. I know Jesus Christ is his Son and he atoned for our sins. I know that Joseph Smith is a prophet of God and he was instrumental in the restoration of the same church that was on the earth at the time of Christ. I have grown to love the sacred records of the ancient people of the Americas that are found in the Book of Mormon. It is another testament of Christ and as we abide by its precepts it will change our lives. I know that God has called a prophet today, President Thomas S. Monson to lead this church, just as he called ancient prophets to lead his people. I am grateful for the experience we have of “sharing the living water to a thirsty land.

So we say good-bye to Arizona for this season of our lives and hello to our family and friends awaiting our return.

More Homecoming Pictures

2011-06-29T07:19:00.000-07:00

Our Final 3 Zone Conferences

2011-06-25T15:05:00.003-07:00

Friday was our last gathering of the mission. We had a wonderful day of

learning about inspired questions and how critical they were in knowing

the needs of our investigators. Those questions were ones that

they needed to come from heaven.

To close the meeting we bore testimony and expressed our gratitude for

the many lessons we had learned as we had served in the mission.

President authorized a hug to each one of our missionary sons and daughters.

It was a very emotional week for me.

In President Beck's closing remarks about change and transition he

presented a bowl of ice cream containing one scoop of chocolate and

one scoop of vanilla. He then told our missionaries that working with

President Beck had been like eating plain vanilla and now they were going

to enjoy the deep rich chocolate flavor of President Taylor. For those

missionaries who only experience one mission president, they will

never know the richness and benefit of being led by two chosen leaders.

He then proceeded to say that the had been working with the second

string and that the first string was about ready to join them.

Enjoying both flavors of ice cream.

Whose got the best watch tan?

Elder Peck wrote the last verse of the mission fight song and the assistants

sang it for everyone. I'll post the song later.

Our President is awesome

He owes it to his Wife

They teach us by example

How to navigate through life.

They'll leave the mission stronger

Than they found it when they came,

If we don't succeed.

they're not the ones to blame.

Arizona, thirsty land

We'll serve the Living Water while we can.

Master Gospel Scholar

2011-06-24T14:54:00.000-07:00

Many thanks to Jany & Trey Matsen for their continuous service to the

Arizona Phoenix Missionaries. Trey and Jany served in the office for the

first 18 months of our mission and they became dear friends. After, Trey

continued to be a part of the Level Six Study at his house using his library.

He is truly the Master Gospel Scholar. Jany and I would fix the breakfast

before the study. It was a labor of love for both of them. Thanks Matsen's!

Elders Garin, Posado, Sieverts, McBride, & Wren

received their Gospel Scholar Awards

Your'e Fired President!

2011-06-20T20:10:00.002-07:00

I guess this means we have to go home. It was one of those events that

made me realize that it was really going to happen.

Moving day was sandwiched in between transfers and Zone Conferences

and not much time to prepare for the separation of where things were

going to go. We had a small load going to Salt Lake, one to Cincinnati.

We also had to leave some things to carry us over for two weeks. There

was one day before the transfer that we had to do the separation. I told

President that he had to reserve that day to help me, but he got lost and

it wasn't until late that afternoon he appeared to help. We scattered to put

things in the right piles and hoped we had remembered all that we would

need, especially given the fact that we had a Zone Conference, ZL Council

and a Stake Conference still to speak at. The next morning came along with

the movers and things moved fast. President was in his office doing his

weekly emails while I directed traffic. Mid afternoon I had to leave for a

doctor appointment and put him in charge. Bad choice!!! When I returned

they had gone, he had signed the papers and I found that not only did they

not finish packing some things, but that they had packed all of the clothes

that were to stay with us for the remainder of the time.

Late that night we had to undo about 11 boxes to find what we needed.

The next morning the movers came and found that the packing

still wasn't complete and they had no boxes in the truck. The

were not very happy campers! Way to go President!

More Good-byes

2011-06-18T19:19:00.001-07:00

The office staff wanted to get everyone together for a good-bye dinner before

we left. One problem....President isn't big on that kind of stuff. So, they

did it anyway. They had all the senior couples we had worked with in the

mission meet at the Olive Garden. It was a tender moment for us as we looked

at each couple and the contribution they made in the Arizona Phoenix Mission.

The Loftgreens, Pecks, Lopez & Matsens were the only ones missing. A lot of

kind words were said and they presented us with an Arizona Mission Logo,

framed with all the signitures of our dear friends. It will be a real treasure.

They also gave us an original print out of the temple ground breaking that

was on the front of the Church News. We will never forget such dear

friends that we served the Lord with.

Millers, Skonnards, Morris, Terry's, Eagers, Zyas, Cherry's,

Lyons, Clarks, Ely's and Williams

Dr. Hawks and his wife Kathy were not only our doctors, but they were our

therapists who gave us comic relief, and also our dear friends.

I found early in the mission that a nursing degree should have been one of the

requirements as a mission mom which I didn't have. I have learned a lot about

medical problems missionaries have since then, but I admit, sometimes, I just had to fake it,

or call our trusty Dr. Hawks. He truly is "The Great One"! We love and appreciate

all he has done for the mission . We will miss you Jack & Kathy!

These are my dear friends from the West Wing Ward. Each of them touched

my heart and kept me connected since I didn't attend a lot of meetings in the

ward with our speaking assignments. Becky & Vicki were my wonderful, loving,

caring, visiting teachers. JoAnn was a FHE friend and shared our last name.

Ellen will be my eternal friend. Our paths have crossed here in Arizona for a

second time. She was my shopping buddy and took good care of me. Thanks

to all these special friends in my life.

Return Missionary Surprise

2011-06-17T19:49:00.000-07:00

What a fun surprise for us when we walked into Applebee's. We were expecting

to have lunch with 3 missionaries who were down for a visit, only to find

eleven of our returned missionaries there. It was so fun to have

lunch together and catch up on each of their lives. It was suppose to

be a lunch with E. Grayson, Jenny Matthews, & E.Bullock but Elders

Noyce, Price, Reading, Bratt, Sweeny & his girlfriend, Sisters Corless

and Sepulveda surprised us also. (Sorry, I haven't quite broken away from

the Elder & Sister part yet)

As we departed, Aaron Bratt gave us a

CD with testimonies of many of our missionaries. It was truly a labor

of love for him to do that. As we got into the car and waved good-bye they

all began to sing in spanish, "Hasta Vez" or "God be with your till we meet again".

Once again the tears began to flow with feelings of gratitude for being able to

serve with so many of the Lord's missionaries.

Transfer Day

2011-06-15T15:20:00.002-07:00

I love this one! Elder Rivas

(dynamite comes in small packages)

and Elder Condie.

Off to their new areas.

Elder Martin bought a suit at the Goodwill and keeps it

for signing when he is with the missionaries.

Our wonderful assistants Elders Perkins and Brase as they circle the

airport (6 miles worth) waiting for the arrival of our new missionaries.

It is quite the system them have as they drop off each missionary at

their different terminals, gather their expense cards

and then rush in to greet the incoming missionaries.

By the time the transfer is over, they are ready for a long.......nap

which they never get.

Our Last Missionary Group

2011-06-14T11:11:00.001-07:00

Welcome Elders!

Elders Hilton, Hall, Jensen, Hastings, Pollmeier, Griffin, Harline

Our newest Elders arrived in Phoenix a half and hour early, but we found

them at the baggage claim excited and ready to start the journey.

A group of happy elders on the way to the mission home for lunch!

President giving his introduction and welcome to the #1 mission in the

world. "The hour of your mission has come" D&C 31:3 & 5. A reminder that

the white handbook are the "rules" of conversion,

Preach My Gospel is the "how" we convert and the Scriptures are

the "what" we convert with. Also a brief reminder that deportment and

demeanor are an important element of being an ambassador of the

Lord Jesus Christ.

A small portion of our office couples that came

for the orientation. They are the best!

Our Final Returning Missionaries

2011-06-13T15:04:00.000-07:00

Our "lasts" just keep on coming whether we want them to or not. This was a great group that went home this transfer and we grew to personally love each one of them. I can look back over their individual missions and see how they have grown and overcome many challenges. They are truly our mission sons and daughters whom we hope to keep in touch with over the years.

Elder King, Wright, Alling, Taylor, Hall, Kennington & Angelos

Elder Manning, Sisters Fleener, Sister Aydelotte & Elder Hair

You have all served with honor!

Presidente Lopez, now known as Obispo Lopez, came to transfers one

last time to serve his carne asada dinner. It truly was the last supper!

He and Sister Lopez have given much time to the preparation of so many

departing dinners for the missionaries. He loves missionaries and missionary

work. There is not a better missionary in all the world than Presidente Lopez.

He converts with the spirit but also his love penetrates anyone

he shares the gospel with. Many thanks to the two of them for their sacrifice.

Each Missionary that comes into the mission home brings a tie to share with

Sister Beck. Some of them are pretty ugly I must admit, but it is the name of

the missionary on the back of the tie that is important. A dear friend and

former missionary in the office, Sister Miller, so graciously

put together a tie skirt for me to wear the last days of Zone Conference.

It was a labor of love and will be a special treasure for me.

I wish I could have used all the ties that were given to me over the years,

but that would make a really big skirt.

This is a treasured gift for our departing missionaries. It is a book that

contains all the missionaries, baptisms, and companions during their

missions. They are always excited to receive them.

Preparing for a bedtime story!

Elder Wright had an early breakfast so he could

catch a flight to Canada to reunite with family.

Well done thou Good and Faithful Servants!

A Fun P-day with the Surprise Zone

2011-06-09T08:40:00.004-07:00

It was Monday, a P-day and also Memorial Day. We have forgotten

the meaning of celebrating holidays. In the mission there is no such thing

as a holiday. There is too much work to be done, no time for slacking off.

But, today was an exception as we joined the Surprise Zone for a softball

game. It was too hard to sit back and just watch, after all I played softball

growing up and the juices were flowing. So, I joined in the fun. I must

admit I have lost a lot of my skills and wasn't very happy with myself,

but we had sooo much fun. The Zone Leaders brought some watermelon

to eat. Elder Cava, from Tonga, had never played before and learned the

game fast as he knocked them out there. It was a great day!

It is a rare occassion for President Beck to be seen without his suit

and tie on. One year when our children were here for Christmas, he

came in on Christmas morning with his suit and tie on.

We immediately sent him back to change. This is the T-shirt that

his children gave him so that he felt appropriately dressed

It even had his personalized name badge on

They just keep Coming - Level Six Recipients

2011-06-07T07:41:00.002-07:00

Elder Chandler, Egan, Sister Fleener, Harker, Gibby, Northrup, Zollweg

Elder Sieber, Sister Kunz, Sister Aydelotte, Kunz, Urias,

Elder Grady, Ray & Manning

A Day to Remember

2011-06-04T07:46:00.002-07:00

On June 4th 2011, at 9:00 a.m. we were privileged to be able to attend the

ground breaking ceremony for the new Phoenix Arizona Temple.

Elder Ronald A. Rasband, of the presidency of the seventy, presided

and was joined by the executive director of the temple department

William R. Walker and our area seventy, Michael Pickerd.

To members of the church, temples are the "House of the Lord",

the most sacred places on earth. Temple services bind families together

forever and teach the purpose of life and explain

God's plan of Salvation. We felt it a great privilege to be present.

President & Sister Morris & President & Sister Beck

The Golden Shovels

Stake President's turning the dirt

Members supporting the temple ground breaking!

Elder Michael Pickerd, our Area Seventy with President Beck who is

displaying the Phoenix Arizona donation of $182.00 which

came from missionaries who collected coins found in the

street while. They called this their sacred tracking

tracting Phoenix Temple fund.

Sister Ann Dibbs, President Monson's daughter, was at the temple ground

breaking. Ann was in my graduating class at Olympus High. It was good

to see her again after many years.

Welcome to President & Sister Zayas

2011-05-31T07:04:00.000-07:00

Since President Lopez was called to be a bishop, President called a new

counselor, President Zayas. He is a wonderful, humble man who will be a great

asset to the mission presidency to help us in the spanish work.

They all came to the mission home for dinner and a get to know you night.

Our Newest Group of Zone Leaders

2011-05-31T07:02:00.000-07:00

A returning missionary

2011-05-29T07:08:00.000-07:00

Elder Burris and his wife Whitney came to give us an update since

he left his mission a year ago. He is still the wonderful Elder Burris

that we knew and loved.

Someone Stop Time!!!!

2011-05-27T14:46:00.002-07:00

When we came to the mission, our children gave us a little countdown calendar.

At first we thought it was a cute idea. Now I can barely bring myself to look at

it. Where has the time gone? This has become our life and oh how much we

have loved it. All I know is that we are sprinting to the finish line. Until then

there is no time to think about what is behind the corner.

Aren't they just the Best!

2011-05-17T14:14:00.001-07:00

Sisters Burton, Kolo and Glenn enjoying the desert table!

The wonderful Relief Society Sisters always put together such wonderful

meals for our missionaries. They go above and beyond the call. You can

tell they love the missionaries. Many of them have sons and daughters on

missions themselves and feel a great connection as they serve them.

We love singing to our Birthday Missionaries each time we gather together.

I found out this particular day that we had missed calling 2 of the missionaries

on their birthdays to sing and wish them a happy birthday.

We repented of our wrong doings and we sang personally to both of them.

The Relief Society Sisters love this part of our lunch activities.

Many get tears in their eyes as we sing the thank you song to them.

Our Morning Walks

2011-05-09T08:21:00.008-07:00

One of the highlights of our day is to take an early morning walk together!

The beauty of Arizona is unique and it has been wonderful to soak it all

in. Some mornings we take the desert trails and others we just enjoy

looking at all the desert flowers bloom in front of the houses as we

pass by. Everything is in bloom right now and it is a beautiful sight.

President is enthralled with the gamble quail that seem to be everywhere.

As our journey comes to an end, we will miss all these special

moments we have had in Arizona.

Some mornings on our walk we are able to watch the hot air balloons

rise into the sky. The most we have counted is seventeen. It is a

beautiful sight to behold. It is our secret desire to be able to go on

a hot air balloon ride someday!

The cactus is in full bloom. It is beautiful.

The clouds in the sky and the sunsets are incredible pictures in my mind!

How about those tomatoes? This has been President's therapy

on his P-days. He grows a mean tomato. He has found that

growing vegetables in the desert takes a different approach,

but we love the tomato sandwiches that come from his efforts

Good job President!

Happy Mothers Day

2011-05-08T14:01:00.002-07:00

Everyone loves Mothers Day to come around! There are only 2 days in

the year that missionaries are able to call home. One is at Christmas and

the other on Mothers Day! I don't want to crush all the mothers, but we

have a good portion of our missionaries that find the call home a big

distraction. They enjoy talking to family but it is hard to catch up in such

a short call and it takes a while to get back on track. There is a good reason

that missionaries are not able to call home more than those 2 days.

Our foreign missionaries were able to come to the office to make their

calls to their families in the far off islands in the Pacific.

Happy Mothers Day to all the amazing mothers who raised such

wonderful missionary sons and daughters.

Elder Cava- Fiji

Sister Kolo-Tonga

Two New Assistants!

2011-05-04T09:22:00.000-07:00

Elder Tyler Perkins is our newest English Assistant and his new

companion is Elder Jason Brase. Elder Perkins will bring much

enthusiasm and energy as our Assistant. He has been a great

example to our missionaries and is love by all.

Welcome Elder Perkins! Elder Tripp is going out to

train a new missionary his last two transfers. A big thanks to

him for his leadership in the mission.

Elder Falconer will join Elder Miles as our new Spanish Assistant. He too

will bring lots of energy and leadership to the group. We want to thank Elder

Klemme for all he did for the past 10 months. He was our thinker and always

was looking into the future to see how we could do a better job in improving

things in the mission. He was truly a diligent missionary who contributed much.

Thanks Elder Klemme!

Our Newest Arrivals from the MTC

2011-05-03T17:01:00.001-07:00

WELCOME!

Sisters Winchell, Graves, Jeanfreau, Elders Fagersten, Alvis, Burrows & Lynn

Our newest arrivals!

President Beck doesn't waste any time teaching our new missionaries

about deportment and demeanor. Is that a surprise?

Filling out paper work before lunch!

May Departures

2011-05-02T16:29:00.001-07:00

Sisters Ochocinski, Ayala & Lowery,

Elders Bell, Schneider, Murdock, Berry, Barker, Elkington

It just wasn't the same without Presidente Lopez's carne asada dinner that

night! Sister Beck tried to fill in for him, but we missed the special touch

he and sister Lopez brought to the evening. President Lopez was made

Bishop of the Montana del Sur Ward! We will miss them greatly but know

the Lord has called him where he is needed. He must be needed really bad

because he was our best missionary in the mission. He could convert anyone

he talked to. He had a great gift.....the spirit of conversion.

We love you!

President & Sister Lopez.

Each missionary receives a badge to replace his name tag when

they are released from their service. It is a reminder that they

will be a "Missionary for Life". This was just their mini-mission!

A little ping pong with the missionaries. I must admit, I'm getting better

and better with each group. I can at least hold my own. Right Elders!

Our missionary locker room!

Getting ready for their bedtime story!

Another Group of Level Six Missionaries

2011-05-01T16:20:00.000-07:00

Elder Angelos, Farnsworth, Bell, Nuttal, Alling,Falconer, Giles

Sister Matsen has added scones to the menu of fruit, egg casserole & waffles. No

wonder the missionaries are so eager to reach their level six of the study guide.

Office Couples Barbeque

2011-04-30T09:32:00.001-07:00

The Eagars were so kind to host the Senior Couples barbeque on Friday

evening. We had a wonderful steak dinner, cooked by Elder Eagar and

everyone brought something yummy to go with it. After, we sat in a circle

and told stories, laughed and enjoyed each others company. We had three

new couples join us as they were the replacements for the Eagars, Clarks

and Ely's. We presented a plack to those leaving as an appreciation of all

that they gave in the prime of their life to serving the Lord in the Arizona

Phoenix Mission. We have an amazing office staff that keep things running

so smoothly and we have grown to love and appreciate each of them so much.

Skonnard, Clark, Eager, Ely & Cherry

Elder Eagar doing his magic on the grill!

Magic in Sister Eagar's kitchen.

Welcome Williams who will take the Eagar's place

Elder and Sister Cherry have already brought much to the office as they have

applied their skills and talents to help us out.

A trip to Mesa Temple

2011-04-30T08:54:00.001-07:00

After a long process of determining where each Elder & Sister will be for the

next transfer, we go to the temple to take it to the Lord for confirmation.

These are our dedicated Assistants, who work relentlessly during a transfer

to make it all go smoothly. You would get tired just watching them accomplish

all they do, not to mention living their purpose as a missionary. We love and

appreciate them so much. Thanks Elder Tripp, Brase, Klemme & Miles!

Leadership Training

2011-04-27T17:36:00.001-07:00

The Assistants did a great job of training the Zone Leaders and District

Leaders at the meeting. This was a part of their demonstration; that as

leaders we must always have on our leadership hats and never take them

off and forget the responsibility we have.

Dr. Hawks - the Great One!

2011-04-26T20:05:00.004-07:00

Dr. Jack Hawks and his wife Kathy have been a great asset and heaven sent
gift to us during our 3 years in Phoenix. He is a family doctor here in Glendale
but also has been called to be the mission doctor. We do not know how we could
have done the medical end of the calling without them. I am not kidding either.
He has been so good to respond to our calls no matter what time of day
it is to give us medical advice. Many a nights he has had missionaries come
to his home that have needed his immediate help. Did I say we could NOT
have done it without them. They have both added a sense of humor to the calling
which is sometimes needed. They are our dear friends and we will
never be able to repay them for their service to the mission!

Update on the Family

2011-04-26T19:27:00.003-07:00

Abigail turned 8 in April and was baptised. She wanted to wait until nana and papa returned home but we told her she needed to go ahead. When the Hensleys were here in Arizona, Uncle Ryan video taped my baptism talk to be played at her baptism. Abby looked beautiful on the day of her baptism!

The Hensleys visited us also in April. This was the first time that papa got
to see our newest grandchild, Taylor, since he was born last September.
He has come a long way since the day he was

born 7 weeks early. He is such a fun addition to the family.

We were trying to get Taylor to sit up on the lawn by himself.
He has actually never sat or seen lawn before.

Nicholas and Ethan were fascinated by the cactus plants

Emma, Halle,and Eli didn't come with their dad this time. Only Jordan did to
do a little outdoor practice before his season began. Unfortunately, he met
with an injury the first day and was out of commission.
Jordan's team, coached by his day, is rated 5th in the nation.
Hopefully, we will be able to see a game before the season ends this year.

Taking in a little Red's spring training game with Jordan and Travis.

Isabelle, who will be 4 years old when we return home, asked her mom
why all of her aunts, uncles and cousins got to go to see nana and papa
in Arizona. She didn't think it was fare at all!

More Level Six Study Guide Recipients

2011-04-25T08:19:00.002-07:00

Elder Abel

Elder Cook, Hair Choules, Sister Kolo , Elder Tripp and Brase

2011-04-25T08:10:00.002-07:00

Elder Goddard, who was one of our first missionaries to go home
came and visited with his cute wife and new baby!

Elder Tyler Yorgason made a visit with his family this weekend!

Elder Browning just happened to be visiting the mission
at the same time as Elder Westbroek and his family. Sister
Beck checked up on their progress in finding their eternal mates.

Both need a little more focus to applying President Monson's counsel.

Another wonderful week

2011-04-24T18:52:00.002-07:00

Mom & Dad decided they too needed to make a visit to the mission to see what a day in the life of a Mission President was like. I also know it was an excuse to get out of the dreary spring weather in Salt Lake. So they followed us around for a week, beginning with a Saturday evening Stake Conference and also a Sunday morning one. We were asked to speak that day so they liked that. One day they went to a specialized training with our Sister Missionaries. They loved being a part of that morning also. It was not a heavy week for us so I was able to spend some quality time with them and catch up on their history.
I was truly born of goodly parents .....and I love them!

We attended the Mesa Pageant again. Everyone needs to see the Mesa Easter
Pageant some time in their lives. We also had a dear friend from Cincinnati
that was here for a business meeting and he and a friend went also.
It was a very spiritual night for us.

Elder and Sister Pickerd, our area seventy sat with us also.

On Friday morning there were 17 hot air balloons in front of the house.
You can always see them rising early in the morning.
This was a record number for us to see. It was an amazing
sight to behold as they rose into the atmosphere.

Our New Spanish Assistant Elder Miles

2011-04-16T08:24:00.002-07:00

Elder Miles joins Elder Klemme as our new Spanish Assistant

Zone Conference - Church Tours

2011-04-12T08:57:00.008-07:00

This week we had our Zone Conferences on
"Revelation through Church Attendance".

We found that one of our powerful tools of conversion was Church Tours and it had been forgotten. We keep reminding ourselves that we have a lot of new missionaries that haven't caught up yet. So this was the focus. We had a Stake President at each ZC to instruct us, which is always a highlight.

A reminder to everyone that we need to put ourselves in our investigators shoes as
we invite them to church. It is a completely new experience for them and we
need to make them feel comfortable before they attend.

The sisters in the Relief Society provided us a delicious authentic Mexican lunch
and they went all out. We appreciate the love and service they provide
to feed the missionaries. We always sing "Armies of Helaman"
a song of gratitude after lunch. They love it!

Our mission fight song continues to get more and more intense every time we sing it.
You can see the energy they give it just from the pictures. It is truly a sight to behold.

This was the highlight of the day as we gave out the Fundamentals of Preach
my Gospel awards. Our missionaries are working really hard to be gospel
scholars. About 80% of them received awards this time.

It's birthday time again. Sister Turville, our honorary missionary,

joins our group of birthday missionaries.

Elder Romwell memorized the Family Proclamation
and received his buck knife that Harvey Gardner,
from Page Steel gives the missionaries when
they finish their memorization.

President's Sisters & Mom Visit the Mission

2011-04-10T08:29:00.001-07:00

Every year the Beck Sisters plan an outing to get away and spend some quality time with each other. I have been obviously been absent from the scene for the past two years. They all thought it would be a good idea to come to Phoenix before we went home and enjoy a little warmth from the sun, which has been missing from Salt Lake for a long....time. Our time was short together but wonderful memories were made.

We took our P-day and drove up to Sedona to see the beautiful red rocks and spent some time shopping. Something that President hasn't really given me the opportunity to do when we have gone there. Actually he hates to shop. We enjoyed an ice cream cone,eating at a Mexican restaurant and each others company.

The highlight of the trip was a trip to see the incredible Mesa Pageant.

President Beck led his sisters and mom up Sunrise Mountain for the usual hike.

One night we spent reading from Valene's journal of memories growing up together.
We were sad Paul's brother Reed was not there to share the experience with us as that would have completed the siblings. We laughed and we cried together as we relived the events of their past. It was a wonderful four days together as they caught a brief glimpse of what our mission life was like. We had Zone Conferences
that week so they were able to come and participate in one of the days.

Our Last Mission President's Seminar

2011-04-09T19:21:00.001-07:00

We went to our last mission president's seminar in April.
It was a bonus for me because the wives usually do not attend.
They are always a motivating and spiritual experience for us to
be able to listen to Elder Costa and Elder Ellis as they instruct
us on how we can implement new ways of becoming a better Preach
My Gospel mission. These are great men and women which have touched
our lives through their dedication and their service.

We will miss not getting together with them anymore.

Our Last Hike up Sunrise Mountain

2011-04-05T20:21:00.000-07:00

Seth & Tania

2011-04-01T09:00:00.000-07:00

Sister Brobst returned to the mission with her future eternal mate Seth.

We had a wonderful visit with the two of them who will be married in

the Nauvoo temple on August 6th. Congratulations Sister Brobst, you are

marrying up!

It must be Spring Break at BYU!

2011-03-29T21:54:00.004-07:00

"Brother Jordan" & Daniel Carver made a visit to the Mission Home

Jeffrey Sentman returned with his family who were here for a reunion

We enjoyed catching up with Melanie Pehrson & Samantha Williams
on their visit back to the mission.

Brooke Willardson brought her fiancee to the mission home for approval.
With Brooke, we knew she would never settle for less than the best.
Congratulations Brooke & Jake!

What a wonderful surprise we had when we walked into a sacrament meeting
(not our ward) and there standing in the hall were Carol and Mike Sullivan,
(our good friend Eppa Rixey's daughter from Cincinnati)
It took us back for a moment as they lived in Michigan
and were not members of the church, or so we thought.
She surprised us with the news that they were baptized last September.
How Great was Our Joy !

Dick & Brent Miles were just called as new mission presidents for
Austria/Germany. They were here in Scottsdale with their friends, Clark
and Marsha Lowder on a quick vacation before the big onslaught
of being a mission president came in July. Brenda and I were grade
school friends and hadn't seen each other for about 22 years. Paul
had gone to high school with Clark & Dick also. It was a quick but fun reunion
over lunch at Olive Garden. Elder Miles just happened to be his nephew.

Another Group of Gospel Scholars

2011-03-29T21:49:00.002-07:00

Congratulations, Elders Rodriguez, Miles, Sister Ochocinski,
Elder Schneider & Perkins

Stress & Stress Management

2011-03-29T20:39:00.004-07:00

O.K., I will be the first to admit that being a missionary can be very stressful.
It just comes with the job description. The kicker is that when we reach a high
level of stress then we need to allow our bodies to relax and come down
to a normal state so that we can gear up for the next expectation/challenge.
At least that is what I tried to tell our missionaries in our Interview training.
We tried to identify the "Stressors" in our lives and then talked about ways

we could address them so we didn't crash and burn!

I demonstrated different ways we could release the stress and one of them
was to close your eyes, let your arms and legs go heavy, clear your mind,
think of the rolling waves on the beautiful white sand,
with a gentle breeze blowing in your face. Clear your mind of everything
and let your body go limp. Well, as you can see,
some of them really got the idea and played the role.
Others weren't sure they wanted to display the way they looked when
they were relaxed I guess. Now lets see if it helps in
the weeks to come. It was a fun training!

Orange Blossoms!!

2011-03-29T20:27:00.004-07:00

This is what it is all about while living in Arizona. This is what I look forward to every
spring when the orange blossoms start popping. It is the most delicious smell ever.
I can almost taste it as I stand underneath the tree. I keep my bedroom window open so that I can dream orange blossoms all night long. I have to find a way to bottle the smell. I may have to come back each spring just to take it all in.

Transfer Meeting Gatherings

2011-03-23T12:07:00.000-07:00

Ten Missionaries Come to the Mission

2011-03-22T11:28:00.000-07:00

Our New Arrivals include Sisters Falke, Alvarez, Uriostegui, Elders McCauley,

Lancaster, Walpole, Killian, Condie & Barton

A brief welcome to the #1 Mission and orientation before lunch.

Signing the Arizona Phoenix Flag

Sister Uriostegui takes a cat nap before

leaving for the transfer building to meet her new companion!

Elder Barton was added to the new missionary group when they

arrived at the mission home!

Five Great Missionaries Leave the Mission

2011-03-21T10:28:00.005-07:00

Sister Hartvigson left the mission a week before transfers so she

could get home. She had extended her mission a transfer and did

a wonderful job in serving the people in Wickenberg.

She was one of our great sisters!

Our numbers were few this time, but great were the missionaries.

Elder Beard, Mijares, Rodriguez, & Bingham left the mission to

continue a new chapter in their lives. We will miss these great

missionaries who served with honor.

Elder Mijares....ready to return home

Their final breakfast

Our assistants are great to do the dishes at every transfer. We love and

appreciate all they do above and beyond being a missionary.

A little ping pong competition. This time we got President to play a few

rounds with us even though it was beyond his bedtime.

He pulled out his crazy serve which threw them for a loop.

Elder Rodriguez loves to play the harmonica and he is good at it.

When he came into the mission he asked President to put it away

for him until he left because he wanted to be strictly obedient. When

President gave it back to him that night he told him he had used it as

an example of obedience with other missionaries over the past 2 years.

Our Mission Presidency is so wonderful in supporting the mission transfers.

They are men and women of God who serve with all their heart, might, mind

and strength. They are incredible examples of servants of the Lord.

T-Shirt time!

2011-03-19T15:13:00.002-07:00

Car Inspections in Prescott

2011-03-15T14:54:00.002-07:00

Elder Skonnard does a wonderful job of car inspections. The missionaries know that he is tough in giving out points. Top points are a 60 and nobody has received that score yet.
As missionaries arrive they get busy and put on the finishing touches to make it look the best they can. A clean car award is given to the top companionship in the district. Theyare awarded 100 extra miles after receiving 3 of them. Believe me, this comes in handy when you are short of miles at the end of the month.

Planning with our Assistants

2011-03-13T20:26:00.003-07:00

This is a frequent picture of our Assistants and the time we spend planning for the mission. There is always a meeting we need to plan for. We love and appreciate all they do to help in making this the #1 Mission.

The Faith of a Missionary

2011-03-13T18:21:00.003-07:00

Sometimes missionaries have to deal with difficult news, as Elder Thomas Taylor did last month when his father called the mission to tell us that his wife, and the mother of Elder Taylor had passed away suddenly that night. After talking with Brother Taylor about his wife, he re -emphasized that his mother would want Elder Taylor to stay in the mission and finish strong. Many don't quite understand this decision of not having a missionary return home for the funeral of a loved one, but when you understand the Plan of Salvation and that they will be able to be with their loved one after this life then there is comfort in continuing the work.
Elder Taylor displayed extraordinary faith as he was told the news, he dedicated the rest of his mission to his mom. Her favorite color was red, so Elder Taylor decided right there that he would wear a red tie the rest of his mission in honor of his mothers. Ties flooded in from all the missionaries and as you can see, I think Elder Taylor will find his choices are not limited to his own red ties. We have had a handful of great missionaries who have lost one of their parents in the mission still serving. I can think of no better place to serve during a trial like this. We love each one of them and admire their strength also.

A Visit from our Tenessee Friends

2011-03-05T20:31:00.002-07:00

Jack & Trish Mills, our long time friends came to visit us in the mission.
We enjoyed visiting with them for a couple of days.
We decided to take a P-day up to Sedona where we took the pink jeep tour
up close to the cliffs to view ancient Indian ruins. The red rock country is a
spectacular place to visit in Arizona.

Before they left to go back to Tennessee, we took a quick hike up

Surprise mountain. I was a beautiful day to enjoy the desert scenery
and a great friendship!

Welcome Elder Brase

2011-02-13T08:18:00.004-07:00

It was time to send Elder Pickett home, who served diligently as one of our
English Assistants! The Lord kept him in as an assistant till the very end.
Usually they have the opportunity to go back out to train the last couple of transfers.
He served with diligence, endless energy, and love and was always looking to
better the mission. Elder Pickett left his mark and we will miss him greatly.
But as always, the Lord selects the next Assistant to stand on his shoulders.
Elder Jason Brase will be our new English Assistant and will be companions
with Elder Tripp.
Some may think this is a glamorous assignment to be an Assistant,
but may I just say that these young men work endless hours with
the President, in meetings, assignments and training and also in doing
all the regular missionary work. It is not an easy calling, but the Lord extends
their days to accomplish the things that need to be done.
Thanks to every Assistant we have had in leading the mission with exactness and love.

Transfer Meeting

2011-02-09T07:50:00.003-07:00

After orientation our missionaries are taken to the transfer building where they
are introduced to their new companions. They enter the room where the new
trainers have just been oriented and reminded of the sacred and most important
calling to be a "Trainer" and to train with excellence. They then are paired off and
get to know each other. Meanwhile all the missionaries that are involved in the
transfer are awaiting the new missionaries and their trainers in the chapel. They
all march into the chapel while we sing "Called to Serve", included the 3rd verse
which is specific to our mission. (Yes, our beloved Elder Peck wrote that one too!)
They all go to the choir seats and remain standing while we finish the song.

Sister Kunz and Sister Brown getting to know each other

Elder Kennington's new trainee, Elder Baldree

After the meeting is over they are instructed to get the keys to their cars
and apartments and also take care of other business before they return
to their new areas and meet their bishop and Relief Society President.
Then place their first Book of Mormon that night.
They will all learn real fast that..........
"There is no Comfort in a growing Zone and no Growing in a Comfort Zone"

It is quite the sight to see the all the luggage, new packages of bedding, and bikes
everywhere during transfers. It is quite the process to get them out to their new
areas. We are a bike mission now so they all come to transfers with them. Thanks
to so many of our wonderful members who take their time to get them where they
need to go each transfer.

These are our wonderful Spanish Sisters who came to the transfer this time.
Sisters Wells, Urias, Borrows, Ayala, Okeson, Kunz, Lowery and Aydelotte
all welcomed Sister Brown to the mission.

February Transfers-

2011-02-08T20:41:00.004-07:00

We didn't know how to act this transfer because we only had 8 missionaries come to the mission and 9 depart. It was actually manageable! I was glad that we got the freezing cold weather (I'm serious) out of the way before they came. They were all anxious to feel the warmth of the Arizona sun.

WELCOME TO THE #1 MISSION
Elder Jones, Elder Brown Elder Baldree, Sister Brown, Elder Carroll
Elder Beck (what a great name) Elder Gould, Elder Hafoka

Elder Bingham, our Spanish Assistant, welcoming our new missionaries
as they put their luggage into the transfer van.

President Beck welcomed the new missionaries before going down to retrieve their
luggage. They were all excited to get on with things
and anxious to meet their new companions.

Straight from the MTC

Elder Bingham and Klemme gave an introduction to the Mission to begin the
orientation, followed by a mandatory automobile safety video, instruction on
expenses and medical. Sister Beck finishes off the orientation by reading a
short story by Max Lucado, "With you all the Way", with great parrellels that
apply to their mission. It posed the question "Who will you take with you on

your missionary journey the next two years?"

February Departing Missionaries

2011-02-07T21:01:00.003-07:00

Wow! this seems to be getting harder and harder and harder to let these
wonderful missionaries return back home. They have served with honor and
have been great leaders in the mission. The longer they are here, the more attached
we get to them. We are so grateful to their parents for preparing them to serve
diligently and we will miss them greatly.
Don't forget to keep in touch Elders and Sister Jensen. We love you all so much!

We had fun taking pictures and finding a unique pose. Each group comes up with their
own departing photos. Here's a few we came up with!

This one is my personal favorite as they hold up the mission
flag in unity!

Celebrating departing interviews with the President.

As they awaited their breakfast, they all did a group scripture study!

The Last Supper...President Lopez's Carne Asada. They never get tired of it.

Elder & Sister Morris and Elder & Sister Eager are such a great strength
and support to the mission. We absolutely couldn't do it without them.
They have earned their angel wings.

Never seen this kind of toothbrush holder before
Elder Browning...very creative

President Beck's mean egg omelets

We need to teach Elder Coburn how to use the whipped cream dispenser. That's not the way you want to look when you see your mother Elder Coburn !

Relax! This is the Last time you will have to have your picture taken by me Elders
......until our reunion that is!

Another Group of Study Guide Recipients

2011-02-06T20:34:00.000-07:00

Elder Davis, Westbroek, Bingham, Coburn, Deakin, and Klemme.
The majority of this group have already received round one of
Preach My Gospel Scholars and are now the recipients of
"Fundamentals of Preach My Gospel".

We Love You Sister Barker

2011-02-02T12:47:00.001-07:00

Sister Stephanie Barker was one of our marvelous Spanish speaking sisters.
She was a very special sister who taught with the spirit and touched many lives.
It was difficult to say good-bye to her as she left the mission to take care
of some medical needs. I know she will always radiate and share
the gospel in her life. We wish her the best.

More Visitors

2011-02-01T12:57:00.001-07:00

The wonderful blessing of serving in Arizona is that it attracts people to come visit you.
Elder Baker and his father flew down for the weekend to attend a wedding
of an investigator. Elder Leavitt and his wife also came down to go through
the temple with an past investigator. It is always good to see our return missionaries
come back and spend some time with us and it doesn't hurt that the
warm weather and the sun is a big draw.

Laura Williams is a dear friend I had in Cincinnati who moved to Idaho. She also came
down with her husband who was on a business trip. I think we were kindred spirits.
Thanks for the visit Laura!

My brother Brent and his wife Vicki also drove down for a visit. Brent had business
meetings to attend, but we did get to spend our P-day with them as we went to see
Montazuma's Castle in Camp Verde.

Lots and Lots of Oranges and Grapefruits

2011-01-22T15:27:00.003-07:00

One of the highlights of living in Arizona besides the beautiful weather, even in

the winter is being able to go out the back door and pick a fresh sweet orange or

a giant grapefruit off the tree. It even gets better when we juice them and are

able to have a fresh glass every morning.

The Divine Companionship Zone Conference

2011-01-21T12:56:00.005-07:00

We focused on having the Divine Companionship of the

Holy Ghost with us as missionaries and what it takes

to use the Holy Ghost in everything we do, from Finding,

Teaching, Asking Inspired Questions to our Investigators,

Planning has to be linked with the Holy Ghost.

We also taught that if you don't have a Divine Companionship,

then you can't be an effect missionary.

So...President & I demonstrated how to have

a companionship inventory every week to make sure we

are unified and worthy to have the Holy Ghost be our guide.

Mssionaries in the Goodyear Zone eating lunch with the

President Hayes

The Sisters in the Relief Society really go out of their way to provide a

wonderful luncheon for our missionaries.

They put in a lot of special touches to show their love for them.

In case you were wondering, our missionaries really get into singing our mission

fight song. They show some real enthusiasm when they sing. It is like they are expressing

who they are -The Missionaries of the Arizona Phoenix Mission

This time I was able to stand in the birthday line and get a candy bar!

Fundamentals of Preach My Gospel Study Guide

Completion Certificates

Gospel Scholars

2011-01-18T15:31:00.002-07:00

These are the New Certificates that our Elders & Sisters received after achieving

each segment on the new Study Guide

Elders Hall, Berry, Wright, Pickett, Cannon, King & Browning

More Visitors

2011-01-13T19:34:00.003-07:00

Tanya Jones

Derick Wesche

Elder Brandt Jensen (old picture but forgot to post)

Elder Marc Humbert

Elder Devin Rider

Thanks for your Service Sister Brobst

2011-01-08T12:52:00.000-07:00

Sister Brobst left a few weeks early to return home to school. Her father came to pick her up

at the mission home where we had her departing lunch and she told us of the highlights of her mission. They took the train back home. That's an exciting way to leave. We will miss you Sister Brobst, you made a difference!

December Arrivals

2010-12-28T17:45:00.001-07:00

WELCOME Elders Barker, Colovich, Flukicker, Freeman, Johnson, Kelley,
Malmberg, Morton, Neiman, Dye, Zeldon, Grasley, Cava, Peterson, Romwell,
Rivas & Sister Wells

Awaiting their luggage

President & Sister Beck welcome our newest arrivals to the mission

Sister Clark helps the new missionaries fill out their arrival information

Good Home Cookin'

Orientation by the Assistants

"With You All the Way"
A send off message for the new Arrivals

Meeting their new Companions/Trainers

Sister Wells is welcomed by our Spanish Sisters

Our many mattresses can you fit in the back of a missionary truck?

Elder Beames Returns

2010-12-26T21:10:00.005-07:00

Elder Beames and his mother and sister visited the mission on the day after
Christmas. He was welcomed by all in the wards he visited.
Everybody loves Elder Beames!
He was a spiritual giant and great leader in the mission.

Christmas Day

2010-12-25T21:47:00.001-07:00

It was a different Christmas this year. No one to come jump on our bed in the early morning hours
to say that "Santa" had come. No rush to get things going before Christmas Brunch. Just a quiet time to reflect on the meaning of this day of the Savior's birth. Our connection with the family was SKYPE this year. We were able to visit with each family and watch the opening of presents with the grandchildren. It wasn't the same, but it was good to be able to see the excitement and happy faces on all of them. Thank goodness for technology which allows us to be a part of their lives from so very far away.

We were invited to the Beechers, Sarah's family, for Christmas dinner. We had delicious B-BQ ribs and thick juicy stakes and grilled asparagus. It was absolutely delicious and a perfect ending to a perfect day.

A White Christmas

2010-12-25T20:45:00.001-07:00

It was a white Christmas in the Arizona Phoenix Mission. This is two of the 10 baptisms we had on Christmas Day. The Phoenix Zone couldn't think of a better way to Celebrate the Saviors Birth with these two baptisms.

Christmas Eve

2010-12-24T21:14:00.004-07:00

Even though we didn't have all our family here this Christmas, we still followed the traditional Christmas Eve program. We enjoyed having the Clarks, from Cincinnati, who are serving as service missionaries, Tyler & Sarah and also The Anderson Family who use to live in Cinti but now live in Chandler. We were also privileged to have all four assistants come. It began with a Christmas dinner of brisket and the trimmings.

We all joined together to play Christmas hymns with the Chimes. I must admit this was our most talented group who were able to play in a way we could actually tell what song it was.

It was time for the essence of the evening. The reading of Luke 2. We didn't have all the little kids this year to play the parts including baby Jesus, but that didn't stop us. Sarah starred as the angel, Tyler was the Star, Sarah & Erik were Mary and Joseph, and our wonderful Assistants were the Three Wise Men and a Shepherd.

There was no chaos and we actually were able to hear as President read the Christmas Story.

Thanks for being good sports Elders.

We always end with Christmas Bingo and pass out presents for those who get Bingo. Then we finished with Peppermint pie with hot fudge sauce and it was off to bed to wait for that special Christmas guest.

We celebrated Christmas with Tyler and Sarah that night as they were going to Mesa to be with
Sarah's family. It was actually a very quiet Christmas for us. It was a time for reflection as we read
that night about the Saviors Birth after everyone had gone.

Tyler and Sarah's visit before Christmas

2010-12-24T21:00:00.001-07:00

It was wonderful to have a visit from Tyler and Sarah before Christmas. They came down at the beginning of the week and stayed until Christmas Eve. We enjoyed having at least a little of our family to celebrate the season. Sarah and I did a lot of damage in the kitchen. We had dough and dishes everywhere as we made Christmas Orange Rolls and lots and lots of dinner rolls for the Christmas Eve Dinner. We even made our traditional Peppermint pie with hot fudge sauce. The only problem was I ran out of Peppermint ice cream and we went everywhere to find it. You would think I would learn after years of experience in knowing it sells out fast. Thanks for the help Sarah!

WHAT A MESS!

Getting the Mail out before Christmas

2010-12-24T20:53:00.001-07:00

It took the whole office staff to assist Sister Ely who is tracking and sending out packages to all the missionaries so that no one will be without. The day before Christmas we were still receiving lots of packages from families back home. Applauds for Sister Ely and all she did to make it all happen.

Some missionaries were without packages from home, so the Buckeye Stake Relief Society put together beautiful gift bags which were delivered on Christmas Eve.

Good-bye Sister Hoof

2010-12-22T21:08:00.000-07:00

We will miss Sister Hoof as she returns home this week. This is a Sister who truly made a difference!

I'll Be Home For Christmas!

2010-12-19T09:19:00.004-07:00

Elders Kear, Marr, Evanson, Bergeson and
Sisters Williams & Pehrson!
As the time for transfers drew nigh, President Beck decided that he would send the December departing missionaries home for Christmas, rather than wait until 2 days after. This was not a very popular decision with the missionaries as they wanted to have one more Christmas in the mission. They had grown to love their investigators and those they served and weren't so sure they wanted to leave them. I know that a lot of families were appreciating the early arrival of their missionary though.

Each missionary looks forward to Presidente Lopez's carne asada dinner.

Departing missionaries surround the heater as President & Sister Beck prepare
them for what is to come when the go back home. This includes the "M" talk!

When the Elders go home they sign a tie for me. Someday I will make a skirt out of
the ties from the missionaries as a reminder of each of them.

A time for reminiscing the past 2 years of service as the look at the albums of pictures.

A little pingpong match before bedtime

Elder Bergeson & Elder Evansen decided to spend an hour after testimony meeting to go out with the Assistants to go for their last tracting experience. What a way to end your mission Elders!

Coming Home from the Hospital

2010-12-19T09:07:00.001-07:00

This is a favorite picture of ours. His first photo shoot. They call it
"The grumpy little Elf".
Merry Christmas to All!

Taylor is leaving the hospital and saying good-bye to all those who took care of him since he came. He spent his first 7 weeks in the hospital but was able to come home on November 20th, which was his original due date and the birthday of his mother. What a wonderful birthday present to give your mother Taylor!

Everyone was elated when little Taylor came home from the hospital. Even though he still has his struggles we are happy he is home with his family. Celeste (Nana) and the boys show this joy in their faces.

How precious is life! We are so grateful for all the tender mercies of the Lord this season. To see the struggles of little Taylor so early in his life has been difficult for all of us and especially him, but we give thanks for the trials we have so that we can learn and grow from them and turn more completely to Christ and his infinite atonement.

Christmas Zone Conference

2010-12-03T09:41:00.000-07:00

Elders Pickett, Bingham, President & Sister Beck, Elders Klemme, Tripp

Peoria and West Maricopa Zones

Deer Valley & Glendale North Zones

Cottonwood Zone

Prescott Zone

Phoenix North Zone

Peoria North & Surprise Zones

Prescott Zone

Glendale & Phoenix North Zones

The Buckeye and Goodyear Zones

The Phoenix Zone

New Study Guide Recipients

2010-12-01T11:29:00.000-07:00

The newest Gospel Scholars in the Arizona Phoenix Mission are
Elders Farmer, Gibson, Holden and Sister Brobst

They are the first to have the Gospel Study completed for the new Study . Elders Bergeson, Wesche, and Reading also received it before they left to go home.

The New Study Guide includes 6 different levels of Gospel Study.

My Purpose: The Doctrines of Christ
The Role of the Holy Ghost in Conversion
Receiving Revelation through Prayer
The Book of Mormon
The Gospel of Jesus Christ
Teach People, Not Lessons
We Invite, they commit, we follow Up

When they have completed each of these lessons they are able to come to Elder Trey Matsen's library for a Companion Study along with President Beck. Sister Matsen also prepares a breakfast for them. They become

Some Returning Visitors

2010-12-01T10:18:00.002-07:00

Elder Skyler Smith

Sister Carrie Ann Little

Elder Liam Sweeney

Elder Zachery Cox

Our Wonderful Zone Leaders

2010-11-30T11:32:00.001-07:00

Each month we have a Zone Council Meeting. Two zone leaders from each of our nine zones come to council with the mission Presidency and leader how to better run their individual Zones. Not only do they have their usual responsibility to be a missionary, but they are also responsible for each missionary in their zone and their individual progress, meeting with the Stake Presidents in the area, and reporting to the President. You think a missionary is busy, you ought to try to be a Zone Leader! We love and appreciate all you do to make this the number one mission. We love you Elders

A Great Missionary leaves us

2010-11-29T21:34:00.002-07:00

Elder Blake Stromberg, a missionary in the Arizona Phoenix Mission, left this earth for a greater mission. He died following a long valiant battle with cancer after leaving the mission a year and a half ago. Elder Stromberg was a kind and energetic missionary whom everyone loved to be around. His Christlike love for others and diligent missionary efforts will long stand as a lasting witness of his devotion and willingness to serve his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We love you Elder Stromberg and are grateful for the time we spent with you.

Welcome Elder Tripp as our Newest Assistant

2010-11-29T20:30:00.003-07:00

A quiet THANKSGIVING

2010-11-25T11:54:00.000-07:00

Sarah & Tyler were not able to come for Thanksgiving because of a snow storm in Salt Lake. Elder Kleeme and Bingham did join us though. It was a day to "Count your many Blessings, Name them one by One". There were obviously too many to name, but it was a day of reflecting of how the Lord had shown his tender mercies throughout the year.

The day after Thanksgiving we went to the turning on of the Mesa Temple Lights, which was a beautiful sight to behold. The Beacher Family and Robbie & Larry Clark were our guests. It was a beautiful night!

Our Wonderful Office Staff

2010-11-19T12:07:00.000-07:00

We couldn't make it all happen without the dedication and service of our Office Staff, who have dedicated their service to the Lord in the Arizona Phoenix Mission. Each one have brought their talents and time to the table making our mission the best of the best. Thank you so much for all you have done!

More Missionaries Arriving in the Mission

2010-11-16T21:03:00.002-07:00

Arriving on a cool day to the mission were 17 Missionaries. Elders Anderson, Beeston,
Boothe, Budge, Bush, Labrum, Pearson, Pugsley, Roberts, Vaughan, Waynick, Wood, Young,
Johnston (now we have 3), McConnell, Young and the rose in the group was Sister Okeson

Awaiting the mission trailer and van

Trainers meeting their new Trainees

Another Bad Mitten Tournament

2010-11-15T21:25:00.000-07:00

This was definitely an animated group of missionaries, dressed for the occasion, whatever
that means. We had a fun P-day together! Thanks for inviting us!

A Quiet Evening with Elder Wolcott & Dodd

2010-11-15T20:57:00.000-07:00

It may have been only 2 missionaries going home, but they were great missionaries and did much to serve in the Arizona Phoenix Mission. It was a quiet evening, but it was great to spend one of one time with them. President even played a little ping pong with the Elders.

Celebration of the Harvest of Souls

2010-11-13T12:11:00.000-07:00

Elder Pickerd is our Area Seventy. Together we hosted a dinner for the 14 stake President's
in the mission. They have been instrumental in the harvest of souls as we work hand and
hand in Missionary work. Their favor was a package of M&M's with a message that
"Missionary and Members go hand in hand. You can't get the full sweetness if one is not

present in finding God's children.

We had some of our talented missionaries share some beautiful music with us.

Baby Taylor update

2010-10-21T21:29:00.003-07:00

This is Taylor. He is now 3 weeks old and is still in NICU. It has been a rough couple of weeks, including a staff infection from his feeding tube. Each day he seems to improve. They are giving him supplements in his feeding tube and this week he has been trying to nurse. He is up to 5lbs. 5oz. We are so grateful for all the tender mercies of the Lord. Tracy goes to the hospital every day to hold him while the kids are at school. Her sisters have been such a wonderful help as they have taken over with the kids. It is truly a family rally at times like this. We will all be glad when he can eat on his own and go home to his family.

Visitors to the Mission...They just couldn't stay away

2010-10-21T21:16:00.005-07:00

Elder Grey and his new Wife.....fresh from the temple

Elder Kevin Price and Nicholas Noyce made a surprise visit on transfer day

Elder Craig Rider and his family came to the mission office for a visit

Jake Trembath was one of our first missionaries to leave when we came to the mission.
He has done a good job of keeping up with us and has come back to see us often.

President & Sister Gill

Elder Michael Hanna came back so he could have his farewell dinner and M-talk from Sister Beck. He finished his mission in Tuba City as a Zone Leader and was in the New Farmington, New Mexico Mission during his finishing weeks.

Sister Willardson was one of 4 sisters that returned for Jack's baptism.
Sisters Amy Clark, Sister Solomon (now married), Sister Eustice also
returned for the baptism.

Elder Eduardo Diaz and his mother came to meet President Beck & I. He is
actually living here in the valley.

Elder Bullock, the infamous biker and Elder Neilsen made a trip to the mission.
Sorry, I know you have first names but I just haven't made the change yet.

Elder Kyle Smith came to report on his after the mission life.

Last weekend Elder Cox and his whole family came to the mission. They took a weekend off from
milking and running the farm and did a quick blitz through the mission. We enjoyed spending the

evening with them.

Our Final Level Five Study from Old Study Guide

2010-10-21T21:11:00.003-07:00

Elders Murdock, Evensen, Wolcott, Alling, & Bingham and also Sister Williams were the last recipiants of the old "Preach My Gospel Study Guide" We now have a revised one in concordance with "Fundamentals of Preach My Gospel". The Assistants were instrumental in the changes in the New Study Guide.

Another Hike Up the Mountain

2010-10-21T20:55:00.002-07:00

With all our new Zone Leaders it was time to climb Sunrise Mountain for a pep talk on the urgency of the work and also to become unified as a senior leadership. Our Zone leaders are wonderful missionaries who work hard to watch over their flock within their zones. Not only do they have their own proselyting areas but they are also responsible for training each missionary. I have great respect for each of them as they strive to accomplish the Lord's work.

The Sky is the Limit

2010-10-06T21:52:00.002-07:00

An Unexpected Arrival.....

2010-10-06T21:07:00.001-07:00

Last Wednesday, our daughter Tracy went in for her regular OB visit. She was due on November 20th, but little Taylor had something else in mind. This is where one tender mercy after another happened within the next 24 hours. Concerned about his heart beat being all over the place the doctor sent her to the hospital to be monitored. They admitted her not knowing what was happening with his heart rate ranging from 140 and then dropping drastically to 80's. After monitoring her, the doctors were not comfortable with what was happening and they transported her at 11:00 p.m. to a level 3 hospital that could handle her if an emergency C-Section was needed. About 1:10 the doctors rushed in and made the decision to take the baby. He was born at 1:22 and rushed off to ICU. They found that the placenta was 15% separated from the uterus (placenta abruption), another tender mercy that the doctor decided to do the C-section. It was a very frightening to be so far away when we so wanted to be by her side to support and comfort her and see our new little baby. I felt so helpless and knelt in prayer to my Heavenly Father asking him to watch over and protect both mother and baby. I knew I had to put it in His hands, as we were here serving. It was a very difficult night and I prayed continually for the Lord's guidance with this precious little baby.
Taylor Christian Hensley weighed 4lbs. 9 oz. which was amazing for a baby 7 weeks early, but his little heart was working too hard and all were very concerned. The doctors were not sure what was happening with his heart jumping all over the place. Sunday evening, the doctors came in and said they wanted to transport him to Children's Hospital because they were better equipped there with pediatric cardiologists to help him. The doctors are still not sure why this is happening and are monitoring him carefully, but we have seen the Lord's hand in all that has transpired over the last week. Please keep little Taylor in your prayers for us, so he will be able to go home to his two awaiting brothers, Nicholas and Ethan.

Ethan and Nicholas finally got to see their new little brother from a distance.

Yesterday he opened his eyes for the first time

Tracy finally got to hold him yesterday. It was difficult for her not to be able to hold her baby after he came into the world, she could only stand by his side and pray the doctors would be inspired to know how to help him.