Christmas Devotionals

A couple of weeks ago we had several missionaries in the office for their personal interviews with President Pratt. While they waited, several of the Elders decorated the tree. We were pretty impressed with how the tree turned out:

Christmas Devotionals were held last week throughout the mission, along the same lines as zone conferences, but the theme was Christmas instead of missionary work. We didn't get to travel with President and Sister Pratt to all of them like we did for zone conferences. At first we were a little disappointed because we enjoyed meeting all the missionaries last time. But then we found out why the previous office couple got to go--to speak and sing and say goodbye. We were just fine staying home, especially when the weather kicked in. We didn't get as much snow as Salt Lake did last week, but driving on unfamiliar roads in any snowstorm isn't fun. Besides, our winds were probably a lot more fierce than anything in Salt Lake.

After hearing some great talks and several awesome musical numbers, we broke for lunch. Then the fun began with a "talent show." Apparently all the missionaries were supposed to perform in some manner, although some of them didn't know it until the night before. There wasn't really too much talent involved, mostly good-natured parodies, like a song from Frozen (Open Door) changed to reflect the way people throw away the pass-along cards. Very cute, well done, but no one will win any awards for their music from that day.

Elder Hart (Sandy, Utah) and Elder Breinholt (Gilbert, Arizona)

The show stopper was a pair of missionaries who lip-synced and danced to a medley of jazzed up Primary songs for about 6-7 minutes. If that doesn't sound like too much, it's only because you didn't see the way they threw themselves into it. High energy is an understatement. Elders Mitchell Hart and Braxton Breinholt were amazing! Watch this (click on the second of the two pictures). 

There are some absolutely WONDERFUL missionaries serving here, both old and young. They persevere in spite of a mountain of obstacles, including physical disabilities, language issues, weather-related problems, and an office couple who still can't answer all their questions. :) We love these people! 

Just as we were getting ready to leave the office one day a couple of weeks ago, the phone rang at 4:55. Fortunately the night phone wasn't on yet, because once it is, we can't pick up calls, and messages are retrieved in the morning. A man asked to have President Pratt call him. He said his brother is serving here, and his dad had just had a pretty severe heart attack and they didn't know whether or not he'd make it. So glad we were able to talk with him. People asked if he'd be staying in the mission. Not only did he stay, but they've been working harder than ever and have had a lot of success. Here's his Facebook post from a couple of days later:

Elders and Sisters,
I got news today that my Father passed away. He had been going through a rough time these last few days because of a very major condition that suddenly came on. I would like to thank you all for all that prayers and faith on my Father's and my Family's behalf, also on my behalf as well. I have been feeling strength and guidance from your prayers and I know that I am being divinely helped in this trial. I am very thankful for you all and I know that this is the best mission ever. Because of the people, the places, and most of all the Missionaries. The Lord does everything for a reason and I know that trials come into our lives to strengthen and help us. I know that God is real, I as well know that the Savior lives today and that he has been lower than us. He knows us and he knows our pains and afflictions and all that we have felt. We can receive strength each day only if we ask and show the evidence of our faith through our actions. I know that choosing to be here on a mission was and is the best choice of my life and I know that it is as well for each of you.

Philippians 3: 8-14

Keep pressing forward and help others to come to the marvelous truths that each of us have in our lives.

I hope that we can all continually 'press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.'

Thank you all very much.

Love,
Elder Allsop

See what I mean about awesome missionaries? Great people, strong testimonies!! And supported by their faith in our loving Heavenly Father. It's wonderful to be around them. They bless our lives tremendously.

This is the most blessed time of year. Merry Christmas to one and all!