On Wednesday afternoon, my wife, Julie, and I, greeted Elder Crandall at the Minneapolis St. Paul Airport and welcomed him to this great mission. He was happy and excited to begin his mission. Thank you for all of your efforts to prepare him for the adventure that lies ahead. We understand what a great sacrifice you are making to support your son.
On our way home from the airport, we stopped at Normandale Lake to take a picture of the group. It was a beautiful, brisk winter day. We then drove to the mission home where we had lunch and provided a mission orientation. I also interviewed each missionary
.
Typically, we introduce missionaries to their new companions and have them working in their areas of service on the first evening. However, because of a winter storm, we kept all 16 missionaries overnight. This afforded us the opportunity to spend more time with the missionaries on Wednesday evening.
The following day, Sister Clements and I introduced them to their trainers, who greeted them with big smiles and bear hugs. After some more training, we sent them to their assigned areas. Elder Crandall has an outstanding trainer whom I carefully and prayerfully selected. In two weeks, we will bring them back to Bloomington for a day of training in finding, teaching, and extending the baptismal invitation.
Your son joins a remarkable corps of accomplished and dedicated missionaries. There is a great tradition of obedience and accomplishment in this mission. He will serve with missionaries who desire to build the kingdom and who are willing to sacrifice their all for the cause. We serve in a beautiful part of the Lord's vineyard where mighty rivers and beautiful lakes are plentiful. We are privileged to serve among faithful saints. The work is blessed and prospered by their faith and commitment.
Please encourage your son to obey all mission rules. He will become stronger, more mature, and more self-disciplined
as he faithfully follows the rules. Attached is a map of the mission showing his first area of service, which is Frogtown Hmong ; his companion is Elder Mearns . Also attached are some photos, which I hope you will enjoy.
If you need to contact the mission office, the number is 952-835-7788.
[scan0002]We send our love and best wishes,
Jordan W. Clements
Mission President
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ReplyDeleteHello, Elder Crandall
ReplyDeleteI am the previous Elder Lybbert but still consider myself as I carry my name tag in my wallet. I can assure you Elder Mearns is a fantastic missionary as I have had the honor to recieve direction through him as my zone leader. I thank him for so many things that words have no way to explain.
As you learn from him, you will not only grow, but become a true emessary of Jesus Christ.
You make me miss my mission so much! let everyone that you meet know how much love that god has for them as you learn to feel it grow inside you.
Good Luck,
Elder Ryan West Lybbert
Dec.2010-May 2012