Sunday, February 19, 2017

Elder Renlund

Elder and Sister Renlund shaking the hands
of all missionaries prior to our meeting.
We had the opportunity to attend a special missionary meeting on Saturday where we were able to shake hands with Elder and Sister Renlund, with Elder and Sister Hallstom, and Elder and Sister Haleck.

All of the LDS missionaries on Tongatapu were present and we filled the chapel.  President and Sister Tuione (our mission president and his wife) spoke first and bore powerful testimonies.  We have grown to love them and their family in a very short time.  They are so loving, accepting and kind.

Then we heard testimony from Elder and Sister Hallstrom.  They were last minute replacements for this trip with Elder Renlund but gladly accepted the assignment and made the trip on short notice.  What a wonderful people they are as they testified of the divine callings of our Prophets and Apostles.  

Sister Renlund got the audience involved as she told of her connection to Tonga.  Her mother was born here as her grandparents served as missionaries (on multiple occasions) helping teach the Gospel and build Liahona as well as lay groundwork for the Church to expand here.

Elder Renlund gave a wonderful address as he reminded us (missionaries) that God loves each of us and is happy we are serving.  He told us each of our callings is inspired of the Lord.  He detailed some of his experiences extending calls and how the Spirit directed him.  Some very special stories. Then he testified of the divine nature of the calling of Mission President for President and Sister Tuione and a few of the details of how that calling was made.

He demonstrated on a chart (to the left) that as missionaries, when our attitude is positive and our work is hard, we are working in the "quadrant of miracles".  It puts a new perspective on what we are doing and really makes us want to do more to improve and work even harder.   I think this pertains to all areas in our life as it relates to God, if we give it our all and do it with a good attitude we can expect to see miracles.  He told us that by nature he operates in the upper left quadrant and it takes effort for him to show a joyous attitude even though he is always grateful.

He then pronounced an Apostolic blessing on all missionaries in the room promising blessings from the Lord as we served not only on us but on our loved ones at home.  He promised us that as we keep the mission rules we will be protected and blessed with health and strength.  It certainly brought both Becky and I to tears of joy as we felt the Spirit so strongly and knew that although we miss so many at home, they would also receive blessings.  

We have only been set-apart as missionaries of 5 weeks now but have had some of the most amazing experiences of our lives.

10 comments:

  1. One of the things I witnessed on our mission was the dedication of the General authorities and their wives. Their only thought is to go forth and serve whenever and wherever no matter what else is going on in their lives. They are such wonderful people to hear and see how they live!

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    1. Thanks mom (Sue)! We knew we'd enjoy our mission as all we have ever heard from those who served is what a happy and spiritual time it was in their lives. We didn't really understand fully until we started serving. The Lord really does pour out His blessings. We are so grateful to Him and hope to be worthy servants.

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  2. I've really looked forward to Elder Renlunds talks the last few conferences. Thanks for sharing!

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    1. Obviously they are great people but to feel of their Spirit in person was amazing to me.

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  3. We can add our testimony to the blessings that come to families of missionaries. Great things have happened with our kids and grandkids from attitudes to health blessings. Our mission brought great benefits to the whole family. You will also see miracles large and small. (assuming there is such a thing as a small miracle)
    Love you guys, Sam and Barb

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    1. We are already seeing the blessings in our lives and are enjoying woking so closely with each other. We know our loved ones will be blessed too. We miss you guy!

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  4. Please forgive me for signing in as anonymous, but I felt inspired that I should let you how much Elder Renlund enjoyed meeting you. In his conversations with me, he shared how deeply he felt your spirit and dedication, and hopes that other senior couples can see your example. May the Lord bless you and your family as you serve with distinction in this part of the vineyard.

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    1. How humbling. The opportunity to shake hands with Elder and Sister Renlund and hear their messages was one of our most treasured experiences as we serve in Tonga. They are wonderful people and have such a powerful Spirit about them. Thank you so much for sharing. May God bless you for your thoughtfulness.

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