Anyanghasaeyo

New Link to Sister Furniss' Blog!

2010-08-28T01:47:00.003+09:00

Please bookmark the following address to see the current events in the Daejeon Mission!

http://daejeonmissionfurnisss.blogspot.com

Last Day/Last Post in Korea

2010-07-05T22:42:00.003+09:00

Wow! Saying goodbye and letting go is so hard! We have been so grateful and feel so blessed by the amazing experiences of the past three years. So much love to give and receive, so many miracles to witness, so much beauty in a land full of ancient culture. I'm so thankful for the opportunity to have been called a servant of the Lord, and to be surrounded by young men and women anxiously engaged in the work of bringing souls unto Christ. His church is here on the earth, led by a living prophet. The Book of Mormon was translated by the power of God through the prophet Joseph Smith. This incredible book testifies of Jesus Christ, and through the Spirit of the Holy Ghost everyone with desire can know of its' truth.

We were so surprised and pleased by a great sendoff at the airport by people we love so much! Left to right: Kang Byung Seok, Baek Seung Ik, Ha Young Soo, Sister Koo, Elder Choi, Lee Se Ri, Jung Eun Joo, Oh Min Jung and Choi Sang Mi. They came prepared and sang a beautiful departing hymn to us, "I Know That My Redeemer Lives".

A little bit of fun was enjoyed by the Passing of the Cellphone ceremony, which signifies the passing of the mantle of stewardship from the departing President to the newly arrived President. At the moment the cellphone is in the hands of the new President, it rings. The AP's stage a call to report a big problem of a runaway companion. After a moment of panic, the Elders return to the room as they continue to talk on the phone, and the joke is revealed. Elder Anderson tried to beg forgiveness with the lowest bow possible, but was still threatened by banishment to the nether corners of the mission!

Thank you for preparing and sending your precious sons and daughters to the Best Mission in the World! I've enjoyed sharing with you. This blog will obviously need to change in title and form, but will hopefully continue to report on the lives of the missionaries who served with us from July 2007- July 2010. Sister Furniss plans to create a new blog, and we will create a link for you to be able to visit them both.

Baptisms!!

2010-06-29T23:32:00.004+09:00

It's been awhile since baptism pictures were posted. I wish I had all that have taken place, but mostly these are the ones that we have attended over the past few months. Attending baptisms and witnessing the harvest after a sometimes very long planting season is so thrilling! I feel so very blessed for the opportunity! Some missionaries don't actually see the fruits of their own labors, but every missionary who has had a part in the process is fulfilling their purpose and is an important part of the eventual success.
(If you move your cursor onto a picture, it will pause the slideshow until you move the cursor away)

Elder Bowcut Live! Practice Clip

2010-06-28T22:57:00.003+09:00

This amazing Elder has been playing the violin since he was three years old! I am so grateful to have heard his beautiful music several times in the last couple of weeks! He and his companion have been doing some of their street contacting through music which is having a great effect!

Moving Furniture

2010-06-28T22:47:00.003+09:00

Don't try this at home!! All I could think of was President Hinckley's advice to missionaries at the MTC, "Don't do anything stupid"!! Thank goodness everything went smoothly and no one was injured!

Our Last Zone Conferences

2010-06-26T21:30:00.018+09:00

West Gwangju Zone

East Gwangju Zone

Jeonju Zone

Sisters forever!
Happy July birthdays to Elders Thompson, Burton, Brassfield and Sisters Erdenezaya and Lee!

District missionaries presented us with a wonderful little memory book with kind sentiments and fun pictures! A huge THANKYOU to Sisters Warner and Kil, and Elders Thompson, Stephens, Kim and Thomas!

I was totally blown away by the incredible surprise that our dear Sister Pierce pulled off. Somehow, without my knowledge, she contacted all the missionaries who have served with us to ask them to send a memory page and photo and filled a beautiful album that she covered in the perfect Korean fabric. It is a precious, priceless gift that will be cherished forever.

Suwon Zone

We were sorry to miss Elder and Sister Wright who had family visiting and couldn't be at the airport and zone conference at the same time!

Cheongju Zone

Daejeon Zone

Happy Birthday to Elders McArthur, An Gi Boem, and Christiansen!

How we love our sweet, lovely Sisters!

We enjoyed a couple of wonderful, love filled and emotional days with our dear missionaries. Zone conference agendas were business as usual, with focus and training on continuous improvement of missionary skills, increased effectiveness in teaching #3 - The Gospel of Jesus Christ, and developing the Christlike quality of faith. The AP's created a wonderful video "How Great a Call", with testimonies borne by missionaries and new members of the miracles that abound during the conversion process. We are SO grateful to witness these experiences!

We showed a photo and information on the big screen of Elder and Sister Furniss, who will be arriving to take over the helm of the mission in just a few days. We are so desirous that it be a seamless transition, and expect that the missionaries will experience the miracle of the law of love - that it doesn't divide, but multiplies! We are pleased that they are curious and excited about the new turn that their missions will take as they welcome their new Mission President and another "Mom".

Mark Chester Furniss, 57, and Julie Ann Barlow Furniss, five children, Korea Daejeon Mission; Pleasant Valley 5th Ward, Ogden Utah Pleasant Valley Stake. Brother Furniss is a former bishop, high councilor, ward Young Men president, elders quorum president and missionary in the Korea Seoul Mission. Tax partner, Schmitt Griffiths Smith. Born in Pocatello, Idaho, to Lloyd Smith and Carol Marie Chester Furniss.

Sister Furniss is a former stake Primary president, ward Young Women president and adviser, counselor in a ward Relief Society presidency and ward Primary music leader. Born in Logan, Utah, to Granville Elwood and Edith Rawlings Barlow.

Enjoying Local Korean Culture

2010-06-26T07:17:00.005+09:00

A shadow shot, taken looking straight down from the bridge

I carried a postcard picture of this bridge around for 10 years, and finally discovered that not only was it within our mission boundaries, but a mere 30 minutes from Daejeon! This hike epitomizes opposition in all things. It claims the most injuries of any hiking spot in Korea, and is a tough hike, climbing up and over boulders and rough, steep trails. But the beauty is breathtaking, and the bridge and ladder suspended between mountain peaks are exhilarating. I LOVE this place!

Elder Pierce leads the way!

Elders hiked from here

to here!

We spent some time on a couple of preparation days to show the office staff some of the beautiful sites near Daejeon. SangGoksa, in Gongju, is a Buddhist retreat that boasts over 10,000 Buddahs, an amazing sight to behold. Daedunsan is a popular mountain hike. You can take a cable car part way up (or not) and then hike up to the suspension bridge and then a little further to a suspended ladder, and then another last push to the apex with a gorgeous panoramic view of the whole surrounding valley.

Our First Reunion in Korea!

2010-06-25T21:06:00.004+09:00

On June 19th, we spent the most wonderful afternoon with 29 of our returned missionaries. Some left in our very early transfers, nearly three years ago, and one had not quite left yet, showing her parents the highlights of her mission in person before returning home to be released. Two are are married and we are delighted to adopt their lovely wives into the Daejeon Mission family! Jun Sung Cheol happily announced that he has acheived 2 bae plus alpha in his personal life, with a wife (2 bae) and a baby (alpha) on the way !

June 2010 Zone Leader Council

2010-06-25T07:19:00.004+09:00

We are coming down to our "last" of everything, including this Zone Leader Council meeting. But for some, it is their first. We are so blessed to witness the growth and strength of the leadership skills demonstrated by our amazing missionaries!

Pictured front to back, left to right (sort of):
Elders Choi, Anderson, Casey, Bulloch, Fertig
Shrack, Han, Thomas, D. Morin, Lee
Alberro, Stephens, Lallatin, Duckworth, Pres. Perriton and Elder Jube

Change in the Ponbu

2010-06-01T08:39:00.003+09:00

With the departure of Elder Bullen, we welcome the wonderful, delightful and talented Elder Lallatin to the Ponbu in his new assignment at mission recorder/statistician/supply manager. He is key to the smooth running of the mission office, for which we are so grateful!

Our Last Departures Return With Honor!

2010-05-31T16:32:00.003+09:00

Elders Joseph Park, Kang Byeong Seok, Gregory Treuhaft, Paul Chamberlain and Sisters Jung Eun Joo, Oh Min Jeong and Chyanne Stehmeier return home with honor!

Elder Reed Bullen and

Elder Eric Booth returned home a little earlier than the rest to jump right back into school. Just look at those wonderful, happy faces!

We have delivered our last missionaries to the train to depart for home! How strange that the next ones to board the train to begin the trip back home will be us! And just before that, the next missionaries we will greet at the airport will be President and Sister Furniss! We are blessed to have such a wonderful couple come to love, nurture and guide our precious missionaries on to great new heights of success in the Daejeon Mission!

Our Newest Arrivals!

2010-05-29T07:57:00.005+09:00

We greeted our last group of new arrivals this week. Wow! They are all amazing, and we feel so grateful to be able to serve with them for the last few weeks of our mission.
Left to right: Elder Matthew Schneider, Sister Lee Kyung Ran, Elders James Madsen, Preston Dodd, Blake Laidlaw, Sister Amanda Sherwood, Elders Porter Bowcut and Jordan Routt!

Enjoying Korean barbecue and all the wonderful side dishes!

Exciting meeting of new greenies and trainers!

About to depart to their new areas with their trainers: Elders Routt and Brassfield, Elders A. Morin and Laidlaw, Elders Schneider and Kim, Elders Burton and Bowcut, Elders Jeong and Madsen, Elders Dodd and Crosland, Sisters Cho and Lee, and Sisters Rees and Sherwood!

May 2010 Zone Conferences

2010-05-27T09:12:00.010+09:00

This month's zone conference training focused on using the Book of Mormon effectively, creating a teaching environment that invites the Spirit, and developing the Christlike attribute of charity. President Perriton shared many wonderful insights from the recent Mission Presidents' Seminar that he attended, such as the process to reach our end-in-mind with an automotive analogy. The "engine" or principle of what we do is to teach the pure doctrine of Christ, the "battery" that gives the power and ability to teach is to obey with exactness the guidelines in the white handbook, (book of blessings!), and the "powertrain" or transmission system that allows action to accomplish the goal is performing missionary work by following Preach My Gospel.

Elders with Birthdays from today until our next Zone Conference!

Elders Alberro, Henderson, Selman and Lee Won Gi!

Daejeon Zone

Cheongju Zone

Suwon Zone

West Gwangju Zone

Jeonju Zone

Happy Birthday to Elders Sorensen, Kim Seong Won, Sisters Copeland and Warner!

May Zone Leader Council

2010-05-26T10:35:00.003+09:00

Zone leaders and office staff met together on Monday, May 17th to plan for the next zone conferences. Pictured above, front to back, left to right:
Elders Bullen, David Morin, Thomas, Bulloch, Cho, Stephens, Kappas, Casey, Shrack, Anderson, Jube, Duckworth, Kang, Lee, Richards, Han, Choi, President Perriton and Elder Lallatin.

LDS Missionary singing "TO THE RESCUE"

2010-05-24T23:16:00.002+09:00

One of our mottos for 2010 that comes from our Area North Presidency, and one of President Monson's main themes, is "To the Rescue". I was so excited to find this beautiful song and slideshow on YouTube! You should turn off the playlist music at the bottom of the page while you listen to this video!

Elder Christofferson Visits Jeonju Stake

2010-05-19T17:29:00.007+09:00

Some of the Jeonju missionaries were not available for this photograph, as they needed to hurry off for scheduled appointments.

Leaders and Members of the Jeonju Stake

We enjoyed a wonderful weekend of Stake Conference meetings and were so blessed by the presence of an Apostle within the mission. Elder and Sister D. Todd Christofferson were accompanied by Elder Bae Duk Su and his wife, Sister Lee. Elder Bae is one of our dear area 70's who resides in Taegu.
We enjoyed inspired instruction:
The power of godliness changes and sanctifies us as we prepare for and receive every ordinance possible for us to receive - and as we live faithfully every blessing and promise WILL be fulfilled;
To minimize discouragement and stress, do what matters most first - don't be too busy with other things that we don't get to the things of eternal worth;
We will be rewarded for diligence in magnifying our personal talents, not in comparison to anyone else - be faithful in whatever service we are called to perform;
Be happy in the Gospel and find joy in service;
One inexperienced musician playing a solo might be hard on the ears, but in a duet with a maestro the music is sensational! Heavenly Father expects us to do what we can, and He makes up the difference to achieve perfection. He makes more of us than we can make of ourselves;
Children are our greatest treasure. We want the gospel truth to penetrate their hearts. The church helps, but the environment and Spirit in the home is critical;
Follow the example of President Monson who is ALWAYS helping someone. We can't help the whole world, but we can do many small things to help our neighbors. Just as the Savior served individuals, we can serve and love those around us. As each person serves another, and he serves another, the world can be changed. The brethren call President Monson the Apostle of Compassion;
What sacrifice can we make that would be in similitude of the Savior's sacrifice? As we submit our whole will to the Father, we are following the perfect example of Jesus Christ.

These are my very summarized notes on a spiritual feast of such magnitude that words cannot properly express!

Children's Day Stake Activity

2010-05-09T23:19:00.007+09:00

Every year the Daejeon Stake sponsors a Stake Sports Day on the national holiday of Children's Day, May 5th. Children's Day is a day for families to spend time together. We enjoyed perfect Spring weather and had a wonderful time being together.

Returned missionaries Jeung In Hwang and Kim Te Yeon came to visit! We miss them!

Learning a line dance with the youth

This day is also our wedding anniversary. We celebrated 38 years and some of the Dunsan Ward members (below) sang us a fun songs!

Korea Daejeon Mission Newsletter - May 2010

2010-05-07T15:33:00.007+09:00

I didn't know how to publish the newsletter in it's regular format, but wanted to share it with you. Here is most of what was included!

A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

My beloved missionaries, during this past week with the visit of Elder and Sister Stevenson, I was able to receive an “outside” viewpoint of what I already knew with respect to our Daejeon missionaries. Namely, you are a very special group of
missionaries, as good as any in the worldwide church. Elder Stevenson remarked to me multiple times throughout his 3 day visit as to how impressed he was with the caliber, the quality and the unity of our missionary team. He was admiring of your high level of obedience, your enthusiasm, your happy dispositions and passion for the work, your level and exhibition of faith in setting goals and having miracles occur, your work ethic and dedicated focus, all of which is contributing to the success we are seeing in the Daejeon mission. He commented that in both of the conferences in Gwangju and Daejeon, he felt a very, very strong presence of the Spirit being attributable to the caliber of missionaries that you are. It was heartwarming for me to hear him speak of you this way. Know how proud I am of each of you. My expectations for you and the work are high and you are proving more than equal to the opportunity.
Given our charge for a “Miracle Month in May” and Elder Stevenson’s comment that we are looking at having a “historic month”, I thought his stated challenge of: “obedience with exactness will take this mission to a level beyond what has already been accomplished” was very appropriate and timely.
Ahh, this work is wonderful. What a joy and a privilege it is to “go on in so great a cause….on, on to the victory!” (D&C 128:22)
P.S. The 3 M’s stand for: “Many Mighty Miracles”

Obedience is the price
Faith is the power
Prayer is the source
Love is the key
Christ is the reason
Joy is the reward

Sister Perriton’s Zone Conference Notes

What a blessing it was to receive a visit from our North Asia Area President, Elder Gary E. Stevenson and his lovely wife. I certainly enjoyed a spiritual feast of inspired words and instruction, as I am sure you all did. You probably took better notes than I did, but I want to just comment on a few things that especially touched me.
I loved the focus on the blessing of being called “Servants of the Lord” - what an honor it is, how precious to serve the Lord by serving others. I learned at a very young age of the joy of service. I spent my summers during junior high school volunteering at a summer school for handicapped children, and I wrote journal entries, and often bore testimony of the love and happiness I received from that experience. I still have the letters that some of those sweet children wrote to me and am thankful for the testimony I have of the fact that serving others is the greatest source of happiness in our lives.
I loved being reminded by Elder Stevenson of the impact on our lives of obeying with exactness. We are not perfect, but we can be perfect in certain things! What comfort and power that knowledge gives us! I remember a story Elder and Sister Brown told of their tiny little grandson, who being grilled by his father on how to correct something he had done wrong replied, “Obey with ekzakness!” Barely able to speak, this little child had already learned a beautiful phrase from the scriptures that will bless his life forever! I like the definition of the White Handbook as the Handbook of Blessings!
We talked about the history and the miracle of the Book of Mormon, the keystone of our religion, and we were taught principles for the effective "finding" of our own Cornelious's - those precious souls who are searching for truth. I loved the analogy of preparing for and participating in the Olympics, and having a lifetime to reflect on our performance, and relating that to our premortal, mortal, and postmortal lives.
I loved the exercise of writing three things we admire about our companions. Such an activity is so strengthening and has the power to heal! I hope you have all shared what you wrote with your companions! This is a wonderful exercise to use in both good times and bad. When my children were growing up, we sometimes used the following exercise: On one side of a 3 x 5 card, I had them write 3 things they wished their sibling would do to make life easier, and on the other side, they wrote three things THEY could do to make their relationship better. It had the immediate effect of removing contention. I hope your companionship inventories are teaching you important tools for successful relationships.
Sister Stevenson taught the Sisters a beautiful lesson on being Women of Virtue, and extended the worldwide challenge for each Sister (of any age) to earn the newly introduced Young Woman of Virtue value award.
I was so impressed that our visitors were so intune with the Spirit to be able to set aside or change the material they presented according to the inspiration they received. The two conferences were quite different as different stories and examples were used, some things left out and others added from one conference to the other, and I learned that preparation requires much more than is needed, so that what is required is at hand and able to be presented well. It's wonderful to have special visitors who leave such a deep impact, who lift and inspire us so powerfully. I hope we can learn from and apply the great things that were given to us!

April Baptisms

황윤선 상당
오부관 송정
김귀웅 풍향
최창원 송정
Margaret 삼성
모이 정읍
김영화 삼성
이종훈 율전
김진아 공주
임혜원 삼성
오상민 송정
박미란 목포
안영균 농성
지은동 서산
이경한 선화
안세원 서산
한영채 유성
한재혁 서산
최동춘 송정

WELCOME TO OUR NEW MISSIONARIES

Sister Choi Ji Seon, Sister Jo Ah Ra, Elder Philip Jones

A FOND FAREWELL TO OUR DEPARTED MISSIONARIES

Sister Stephanie Thayn, Elder Mark Carlson, Elder T’Jae Thorkelson

MAY and JUNE BIRTHDAYS

May 02 Elder Jackson Richards
May 22 Elder Andrew Alberro
May 26 Elder Kim Sung Won
June 01 Sister Angela Copeland
June 04 Sister Megan Warner
June 10 Elder Andrew Henderson
June 13 Elder Daniel Sorensen
June 17 Elder Jacob Selman
June 19 Elder Lee Won Ki

“The greatest healing therapy is friendship and love.” Hubert Humphrey.
Sister Katie Burgess has a long recovery time ahead of her. We can extend friendship and love to her through short notes and letters. Her address is:

Katie Burgess
Apt #206, 312 3rd Ave NE
Calgary Alberta Canada T2E oH4

Miracle Moment!
After a 10 year arduous journey to escape oppression in North Korea, 2 precious souls, a brother and a sister, have not only found safety and opportunity in South Korea, but have found the Gospel, received baptism, the Gift of the Holy Ghost, and are continuing with faith on a path back to our Father in Heaven. Miracles removed insurmountable obstacles, casting away any possibility of doubt that God is in control of the universe and that His great love and care encompass us all.

Elder Stevenson's Mission Tour/Zone Conferences

2010-04-30T17:34:00.011+09:00

We were blessed with a visit from our North Asia Area President, Elder Gary E. Stevenson and his lovely wife. We enjoyed a spiritual feast of inspired words and instruction. Just a tip of the iceberg of some of the topics included: the blessing of being called Servants of the Lord, the impact on our lives of obeying with exactness. We are not perfect, but we can be perfect in certain things. We talked about the history and the miracle of the Book of Mormon, the keystone of our religion, and we were taught principles of effective "finding" of our Cornelious's - those precious souls who are searching for truth. Sister Stevenson taught the Sisters a beautiful lesson on being Women of Virtue, and extended the worldwide challenge for each Sister (of any age) to earn the newly introduced Young Woman of Virtue value award. It's wonderful to have special visitors who leave such a deep impact, who lift and inspire us so powerfully. We are so thankful!

Suwon Zone

West Gwangju Zone

Jeonju Zone

Cheongju Zone

East Gwangju Zone

Daejeon Zone

Happy Birthday to Elder Richards! - the only missionary to celebrate a birthday before our next zone conferences!
A Family Connection!

Twins reunite again!

April Zone Leader Council

2010-04-24T13:26:00.004+09:00

Left to right, front to back: Elders Lee, Han, Choi, D. Morin, Anderson, Kang, Kappas, Duckworth, Jube, Pres. Perriton and Elder Shrack.

I decided to post this picture a little belatedly even though it is missing four elders who had to rush off to catch a train. Missing are Elders Stephens, Thomas, Bulloch and Casey.
Zone leaders are the heartbeat of the mission as they lead by example and love. They go out on companionship exchanges once a transfer to both teach and learn about how successful missionary work is accomplished.

In 'n Out

2010-04-22T11:46:00.003+09:00

Our dear and most excellent AP, Elder Richards, is returning to the field as a model missionary, to serve in the Jeonju Zone, in his greenie area! Joining the office staff as our newest AP is the able, enthusiastic and talented Elder Anderson. We are so blessed to serve with such awesome missionaries!

So Long, Farewell, Auf Wiedersehen, Adieu...and Anyanghi casayo!

2010-04-20T09:02:00.004+09:00

Until we meet again, we return three wonderful missionaries to their family and friends back "home". Thank you Elder Thorkelson, Sister Thayn, and Elder Carlson for your faithful, cheerful service and love. We will miss you SO much and wish you every blessing you so rightly deserve!

New Missionaries Arrive!

2010-04-20T08:37:00.006+09:00

Wow! We are so blessed to receive these three stellar missionaries! Welcome to Sister Choi Ji Seon, Elder Philip Jones and Sister Jo Ah Ra!

Just arrived after a lo....ng flight!

New missionaries and their trainers: Elders Jones and Burton, and Sisters Judd, Choi, Jo and Stehmeier.

First introduction between new missionaries and their trainers.

Sisters Judd and Choi, oh, and the glorious cherry blossoms we are currently enjoying!

Elder Jones relishing his first traditional Korean meal!

March Zone Conferences

2010-03-25T09:26:00.008+09:00

We were delighted with special guests from our Asia North Area Medical Advisors, Elder and Sister Mead and Elder and Sister Brown. They gave wonderful presentations on how to protect and maintain good physical and mental health while serving rigorous missions. Along with expressions of faith and testimony, their visit was a wonderful blessing and enhancement to our zone conferences!

Daejeon Zone

Cheongju Zone

Suwon Zone

Happy Birthday and Saeng-il Chuka Hamnida to Elder Elliott, Sister Crowther and Kil, Elders Treufaht, Stephens, Sumsion, Tegai and Duckworth!

West Gwangju Zone

East Gwangju Zone

Jeonju Zone

We sang HAPPY BIRTHDAY and gave out little gifts to Elders Anderson, A. Morin & D. Morin, Elder Thorkelson, Sister Oh Min Jeong, and Elders Jube, Nelson and Duckworth!

Sisters from the Cheongju and Daejeon Zones. At this time there are no sisters serving in the Suwon Zone.

Sisters from the Jeonju, East and West Gwangju Zones

Elders David (R) and Alexandre(L) Morin had a joyful reunion this morning as they met for the first time since saying goodbye on the day of their arrival in Korea nearly a year and half ago. Alexandre has been serving in the Seoul West Mission until the recent transfer of twelve Elders to the Daejeon Mission. Happy day!

MARCH ZLC

2010-03-16T18:27:00.003+09:00

Left to Right, front to back: Elders Thomas, Duckworth, Kang, Shrack, Choi, Han, Richards, Anderson, Bulloch, Gygi, Stephens, McArthur, Pres. Perriton, Elders Jube and Kappas.

This group of Zone Leaders is larger than usual with the new addition of the Suwon Zone. Elders enjoyed a great day of planning and preparing for upcoming zone conferences.

Newcomer to the Ponbu

2010-03-11T11:01:00.004+09:00

With this last transfer, we had a changeup in the Mission Office staff. Elder Choi Hong Soo returned to the field to serve in Nonsan and Elder Cho Min Hyeung came in to serve as Administrative Assistant to the President.

Welcome to the Suwon Zone!

2010-03-07T22:19:00.006+09:00

The former Suwon Zone, with President and Sister Burton, front left to right: Elders Bae and Kappas, Elder and Sister Wright, President and Sister Burton, Elders Sorensen, Nye. Back: Elders Fertig, Jube, Morin, Nordfelt, Thomas, Pearson, Nelson and Curriden. A very fine looking group!

The new Suwon Zone, including Elders Conley, Selman and Choi who will be moving in from more southern areas.

Oh, it was a happy day on Friday when we were able to meet the 12 wonderful new missionaries and Senior Couple who have been officially transferred to the Daejeon Mission from the Seoul West Mission. High emotion and great gratitude were experienced by all in this historic move. We were able to spend a couple of hours and share a meal together, and had a chance to express feelings and testimony. We are so blessed!

Gone But Never Forgotten!

2010-03-07T21:52:00.003+09:00

Elder Ha Young Soo left a few days earlier than the rest to be able to begin his school term on time. It was wonderful to meet his delightful family!
We said a difficult and emotional farewell to a record number of departing missionaries. How we love them and will miss them SO much! We wish the VERY best to Elders Ko Hong Soon, Ahn Min, Baek In Woo, Zachary Huffaker, Baek Seung Ik, Joshua Freckleton, Randall Cox and Sisters Katie Jensen, Jessica Moynihan, Angela Erickson, Jessica Miller, Lee Se Ri, Connie Fairbanks, and Mallory Eagar.
Waiting on the train platform for the KTX to take them to Seoul to attend the temple.

Our New Arrivals!

2010-03-07T21:07:00.005+09:00

Welcome Sisters Seo Ye Ji, Megan Warner, Janae Richey, Jung JiYeon, Elders Kim Sung Won and Kim Hak Pyeung!

Private training session with President and the AP's

Just before departing to their first areas with their trainers - Back: Sisters Jung, Copeland, Thayn, Seo, Richey, Oh, Warner, and Nam. Front: Elders Park, Kim, Kim and Millard. This is such an exciting time!

We are so happy to welcome six new missionaries to the best mission in the world! We enjoyed two wonderful days getting to know them and feel our kindred spirits meld! We can tell they are going to be amazing missionaries!

Suncheon District Conference

2010-02-28T16:29:00.004+09:00

Here are some pictures of missionaries with their investigators and members.

February Zone Conferences

2010-02-26T19:50:00.004+09:00

Elder Park was the lone missionary to be celebrating a birthday during the period from this zone conference to the next. Happy Birthday!!

East Gwangju Zone

West Gwangju Zone

Jeonju Zone

Daejeon Zone

Cheongju Zone

This month's zone conferences focused on teaching the pure doctrine of Christ with emphasis this time around on the Plan of Salvation. Zone leaders trained on ways to encourage investigators to attend church and the AP's presented a great power point on the subject of retention. Sister Kim Yeong Jun, who lives in the Cheongju Stake and is newly returned from serving in the Washington DC North Mission, was a special guest speaker and bore a wonderful testimony of the thing she misses the most - the POWER of the call to represent the Lord Jesus Christ. The removal of that nametag at the time of release has a huge emotional impact! But missionary work doesn't ever end! Returned missionaries are expert in knowing how to be perfect member missionaries.

February Zone Leader Council

2010-02-18T15:14:00.003+09:00

Front to back, L to R: Elders Ha, Baek, Millard, Cho, Stephens, Schrack, McArthur, Anderson, Richards, Duckworth, Han, Choi and Pres. Perriton

It's time for zone conferences again next week! Zone leaders and AP's met together for a day of planning and preparation for the training and focus of this month's conferences.
Missionaries recently made a list of why they love this day as a time to: feel the spirit and be edified, to know how to fulfill our purpose, to learn, be renewed, and to feel the love and support of fellow missionaries and leaders.

REALLY Big News Flash!!

2010-02-10T22:10:00.002+09:00

The Daejeon Mission is about to expand! Beginning with our next transfer on March 4th, the Suwon Stake, currently in the boundaries of the Seoul West Mission will be incorporated into the Daejeon Mission. This means that we will also receive twelve precious missionaries from the Seoul West Mission who serve the Suwon Stake. On our part, we are thrilled with this wonderful news. On the other hand, we sympathize with President and Sister Burton and the grief they and their mission will suffer to turn 12 of their beloved over to us. However, we are all in this wonderful work together, and allegiances can be shared. Love multiplies, it does not divide, and we consider the missionaries who will transfer to be very blessed indeed, to be able to broaden their experience in building up the Kingdom of God in multiple missions. We don't yet know who they will be, so stay tuned for our next exciting transfer week!
The rest of the story is that in July, at the end of President and Sister Burton's three year assignment to preside over the Seoul West Mission, the Seoul and Seoul West Missions will combine under the leadership of current Seoul Mission President Lee Yong Hawn. The Pusan Mission remains unchanged.

Elder and Sister Donald L. Hallstrom Mission Tour

2010-02-10T10:47:00.007+09:00

East Gwangju Zone

Daejeon Zone

West Gwangju Zone

Cheongju Zone

Jeonju Zone

Yesterday we were delighted with a visit from Elder Hallstrom from the Presidency of the 70. Accompanying the Hallstroms were Elder and Sister Choi Yoon Hwan from our North Asia Area Presidency. Rarely have we had the blessing to gather all of our missionaries together. We enjoyed a wonderful spirit of love and spiritual insight and all felt edified and renewed!

Mini Reunion in Hawaii

2010-02-06T19:42:00.003+09:00

This past week President Perriton was required to make a quick trip to US soil to renew his green card status before it expired. Without doing so it might have been tricky to return home come July! He went to Hawaii for a couple of days, and was able to have a wonderful evening with some of our beloved returned missionaries who are attending BYU-H. Pictured above are Kwon Jun Sung with wife Jang Hyo Jin and baby, Daniel Hill, Im Eun Sol, Choi Jung Geun, Hong Kwang Jin, Byun Chang Ki and Lee Jae Won (and girlfriend). Special bonus guests were President and Sister Cole, who were the 2nd Mission president and spouse to serve the Korea Daejeon Mission in 1989-92. They are currently serving on the faculty of the university.

Goodbye Elder Lish!

2010-01-24T17:11:00.004+09:00

One extraordinary departing missionary leaves a big crater to fill! We will miss this great Elder and his effervescent spirit! He embodies everything about "no bad days" with his positive attitude and happy disposition! We love him and wish him all the best of everything!

New Missionaries!

2010-01-23T12:29:00.004+09:00

Meeting their first companion is always exciting! Left to right, Sister Cho Hye Rim with her new trainer, Sister Miller who will be serving in Seosan, and Sister Keri Crowther with her trainer Sister Lee Se Ri, on their way to Yeosu.

Enjoying Kalbi grilled beef and all the banchans (sidedishes)!

We received our first missionaries of the New Year! Two wonderful sisters arrived full of anticipation and excitement to be serving in the best mission in the world!!

Birthday in the Ponbu

2010-01-12T21:34:00.003+09:00

We celebrated Elder Bullen's birthday with a fun birthday lunch including cake and candles!

January 2010 Zone Conferences

2010-01-07T17:28:00.007+09:00

West Gwangju Zone

East Gwangju Zone

Jeonju Zone

We celebrated birthdays for Elder Boothe, Sisters Jung, Nam, Rees, Judd,and Elders Kim In Hyup and Millard.

Cheongju Zone

Daejeon Zone

Happy Birthday to Elders Choi, Shrack, Sister Pierce, Elders Chamberlain and Bullen!

The first zone conferences of the New Year focused on the doctrine of Christ, the Restoration, and effective planning.

New Zone Leader Council

2010-01-03T21:33:00.005+09:00

Front to back, left to right: Elders Henderson, Anderson, Shrack, McArthur, Choi, Ha, Pres. Perriton, Lish, Millard, Duckworth, Baek, Barzee and Richards

It's time for zone conferences again! Seems like they will be coming alot faster now that we will hold them once a month. Here's a peek at our new banner: Continuous Improvement

New International Elder!

2010-01-02T09:54:00.002+09:00

We are so happy to welcome Elder Danil Tagai, newly arrived from Russia! He is was born and raised in Uzbekistan, but has spent the last several years living and working in Russia. He comes well prepared with a great enthusiasm to share the gospel with his Korean ancestors.

Off Into the Wild Blue Yonder

2010-01-02T09:46:00.004+09:00

Elders Jacob Hill, Ethan Cook and Caleb Brown

Three more Elders return home with honor. How we love and appreciate them, and wish them the very best in their future endeavors!

English Class

2010-01-02T09:33:00.005+09:00

Samseong Elders' Christmas English class. One thing class members were introduced to at this Christmas party was American macaroni and cheese!Samseong English class members singing the 12 days of Christmas

Elder Choi's talented mother made this pretty scarf for me!

One of the ways missionaries introduce people to the gospel is through our English teaching program. Once a week the missionaries teach a free class to anyone interested in learning English. They teach daily conversation as well as gospel messages. Ideally, the ward English class coordinator and members facilitate the class while the missionaries teach.

Gift Exchange and Cookie Decorating

2009-12-30T14:27:00.003+09:00

Missionaries' Merry Christmas!

2009-12-30T12:06:00.010+09:00

On Wednesday, December 23rd, the north half of the mission met at the Daejeon Stake Center for a day of Christmas celebration. The agenda included a video clip of each missionary, after which we watched The Polar Express. We used the theme of "I Believe in Miracles" throughout the day. After a Christmas luncheon we exchanged gifts and decorated gingerbread cookies. Finally, we adjourned to the chapel and enjoyed a wonderful program of music and scripture. A joyful time was had by all!
This A-frame is called a chigae. It has traditionally been used by Korean farmers and vendors to carry their wares. Without the basket, it is astounding to see what can be carried on a person's back! The pole is used to prop against the frame while resting. We piled all the white elephant gifts that the missionaries brought to the party in the basket as our main decoration of the day!

As a gift to Pres. Perriton, I made this gift as an office decoration: a paper chain with the names of all 253 people baptized in 2009 - The highest number of baptisms since 1999. Each link is a precious soul that we are so thankful to have brought into the fold!
A big THANK YOU to Elder and Sister Pierce for all their help to make our Christmas parties a wonderful success!

Happy Birthdays to Elder Brown, Ko, and Sisters Eagar and McKay!

Daejeon Zone, including our Daejeon Stake President, Sol Yang Hwan and his wife, Sister Kim

Daejeon Zone, District A

Daejeon Zone, District B

Daejeon Zone, District C

Cheongju Zone, including our Cheongju Stake Pres. Jung Tae Gul and his wife, Sister Kim

Cheongju Zone, District A - two of our lovely sisters wore their Hanbok, traditional Korean dress in beautiful Christmas color!

Cheongju Zone, District B

Cheongju Zone, District C

On Christmas Day, the south end of the mission gathered together at the Jeonju Stake Center. We followed the same program as on Wednesday. We have so much musical talent in the mission for which we are very grateful. On each day we had several missionaries share their talents in special musical numbers during the program. Our amazing Elder Anderson wrote a beautiful background score for the piano that played throughout the readings, and a wonderful arrangement of What Child is This, played by two of our accomplished pianists at each of the parties.

Happy Birthday to Elder Barzee on this very Christmas Day! and also to Elders Bulloch and Lallatin during this transfer period!

Jeonju Zone

Jeonju Zone, District A

Jeonju Zone, District B

West Gwangju Zone

West Gwangju Zone, District A

West Gwangju Zone, District B

East Gwangju Zone

East Gwangju Zone, District A

East Gwangju Zone, District B

December's Zone Leader Council

2009-12-21T22:12:00.002+09:00

Left to right, front row: Elders Choi Kwang Hyun, Richards, Anderson, Ha Young Soo, Barzee
Back row: Elders Baek Seung Ik, Millard, Duckworth, Shrack, Lish, Hill and Henderson

End of year zone leader council was intense! New mission goals for 2010 were discussed, and some major new decisions made, i.e. monthly zone conferences instead of once a transfer. Since planning, goal setting, working with ward and branch leaders, and reporting stats are all on a monthly schedule, we feel it will increase efficiency and growth to have our zone conferences coincide with the monthly calendar. This new change will begin in January.

Angels in Gongju!

2009-12-14T15:56:00.003+09:00

New Faces in the Ponbu!

2009-12-12T22:42:00.006+09:00

Elders Richards, Choi Soo Hong
and newly assigned Elders Bullen and Duckworth

Elders Richards, Choi Soo Hong, and departed Cha Yo Na and Bardsley

With this latest transfer, our Supply Manager/Statistician and an AP went home. Filling their old, tired, wornout and precious shoes are Elders Bullen and Duckworth. Transfer week is always pretty hectic, but these Elders make it look easy! They have the double task of their office responsibilities as well as proselyting their own areas and are always very busy!

Fly Away Home!

2009-12-12T22:30:00.003+09:00

L to R: Elder Austin Boyce, Sister Katie Burgess, Elder Cha Yo Na and Elder Jesse Bardsley

Elder Michael Gambles

Sister Ahn Soon Young

As I write this three of our returning missionaries are on that long flight back home. Two native missionaries didn't have all that far to go, and we were heartbroken to say goodbye to one special Elder way too early for a needed medical release. It never gets any easier to see them leave, but we know they are headed for wonderful new adventures.

We Got Two Fantastic New Missionaries for Christmas!

2009-12-11T13:27:00.005+09:00

Just arrived at Incheon airport

So brave! Trying the bondaegi (silkworm larvae) at their first Korean meal!

New Missionaries and their trainers:
Sisters Rebecca O'Bryan, Jung Eun Joo, Jessica Moynihan and Laura Kelley

We were thrilled to meet two delightful, energetic, well-prepared new Sisters at the airport this week! We don't quite understand why we are so blessed to receive the best missionaries in the world, but we just keep getting them, and are SO happy!

More Baptisms!

2009-11-30T23:58:00.003+09:00

This is just a smidgeon of the recent baptisms. In the month of November we had 24!

New Blog Background!

2009-11-30T21:34:00.004+09:00

Don't you love the new blog design?! A big Thank You goes to Helena Ahlstrom Jole, former Taejon (92-93) missionary, with a whole lot of wonderful artistic talent and generosity! I hope she doesn't mind that I found this old, fuzzy photo! I love it!

The Perfect Missionary Apartment

2009-11-21T13:32:00.005+09:00

We are visiting every apartment in the mission this transfer, and this one in Suncheon blew me away, I just had to document it! Most missionaries live in rather old and well worn buildings and this one is no exception. I have been to this apartment several times, but it has been transformed by these two sisters who demonstrate how lovely and comfortable even an old house can be when cared for with simplicity and an eye single to the work they are engaged in. We are only a little more than half finished with our visits, but so far, every apartment has been quite clean and acceptable! You can rest assured that your children are not living in squalor!

A Short Slideshow from Zone Conferences

2009-11-15T14:12:00.003+09:00

Sorry there aren't more pictures this time!

November Zone Conferences

2009-11-15T13:12:00.004+09:00

Jeonju Zone

West Gwangju Zone

East Gwangju Zone

Saeng Il Chooka Hamnida Elders Bardsley, Kang In Hee, Blotter and Ha Young Soo

Cheongju Zone

Daejeon Zone

Happy Birthday to Elders Huffaker, Pierce, Gygi, Stimpson, Bardsley, Lim Sung Jin, Ahn Min and Hill!

November Zone Leader Council

2009-11-15T13:06:00.003+09:00

Front to back, L to R: Elders Cha Yo Na, Baek Seung Ik, Ha Young Soo, Gambles, Lish, Boyce, Barzee, Duckworth, Crosland, Pres. Perriton, Elders Millard, Hill and Richards.
Zone leaders enjoyed a full day of planning for the next week's zone conferences.

Music Fireside

2009-11-08T14:51:00.006+09:00

Some of the missionaries in the West Gwangju zone planned a wonderful fireside with music and testimonies interspersed by both missionaries and new converts. The music numbers chosen told the story of the restoration of the gospel. There were many investigators in attendance, and the program was wonderful!

Dearly Departed Missionaries!

2009-11-02T18:43:00.002+09:00

We wish the very best to this group of good looking, hard working missionaries as they return home. Left to right: Sister Alder, Elders Brandley, McCaffree, Messegee and Sister Bourgeous
We love you!

Welcome to the Mission!

2009-10-31T02:38:00.006+09:00

New missionaries with their trainers! Left to Right: Elders Selman, Han Gi Seok, Cho Min Hyung and Cook, and Sisters Lee Se Ri, Rees, Miller, Ahn Nah Yeon, Eagar and Lee Saet Byul

Enjoying lunch at our favorite local restaurant

Sister Ahn Nah Yeon and her twin sister (going to the Pusan Mission)
said a difficult "goodbye" at the airport

Wow! What a wonderful bunch of new missionaries we received this week! They arrive with enthusiasm and energy that invigorates the whole mission! We are blessed!

Zone Conference Olympics

2009-10-05T18:31:00.001+09:00

Zone Conference Sports Olympics

2009-10-04T22:10:00.004+09:00

Daejeon and Cheongju Zones at the K Water facility

October Birthdays for Elders Cox and Cha, Sisters Perriton and Alder

Jeonju and Gwangju zones at the beginning of our hike through the Bamboo Forest

Happy Birthdays to Elders Jeong, Freckleton, Conley, Sisters Stehmeier and Perriton, Elders Brandley, Han, Casey and Cha

This month we had a sports day for the first half of our zone conference. Activities were based on a team decathlon, with liberal game variations for actual olympic events. A fun time was had by all! To end the day, we changed into missionary attire and held a brief session of training and testimony. Perfect fall weather in lovely surroundings helped make it a very enjoyable day!
(I have about 400 photos to go through and will post a slideshow shortly!)

September Zone Leader Council

2009-09-24T21:10:00.003+09:00

Front to Back: Elders Stimpson, Barzee, Ha, Cook, Lish, Boyce, Brandley, Crosland, McArthur, Cha, Richards, Pres. Perriton and Elder Han

Elders enjoyed a day of training and planning for increased effects of their missionary efforts AND planning for upcoming zone conferences. Next week are having some different kind of zone conferences. We'll be havinging a Sports Olympics Day! Stay tuned for some fun pictures!

September Arrivals and Departures

2009-09-18T21:18:00.008+09:00

We said farewell to Elder Brandon Taysom today. We call him the "last man standing" since everyone in his "donghee" returned a little earlier this month. It's so hard to say goodbye to these wonderful missionaries that we become so attached to, but we know great things are ahead for him!

Sister Erdenazaya

Elders Lee Won Ki, An Go Beom and Pak In Chul

New missionaries and their trainers: Sisters Erdenazaya and Erickson, Elders Millard, An, Pak, Cox, Stephens and Lee.

We have been waiting five long months for the arrival of Sister Erdenazaya from Mongolia. After a lot of red tape we finally were able to get a visa for her. In the meantime, she has been serving in the Mongolian Mission for the past four months where she had phenomenal success, baptizing nine people! We have several Mongolian investigators here in Korea and it will be so wonderful to have a native speaker be able to befriend and teach them! We also received three wonderful new Korean Elders this week. We are so blessed!

Enjoying our favorite lunchtime restaurant!

Departures

2009-08-23T18:51:00.002+09:00

Sister Choi Yun Jo, Elders Byun Chang Ki (departing Sept 3), Jordan Brown, Gavin Baker, Kim Jin Gyeom, and Brad Murdoch

Ah! Again, we have to say anyanghasayo to more wonderful missionaries. It only eases the pain to know that we will meet again someday! We love them so much and wish them a very happy return to their homes and families.

August 2009 Zone Conferences

2009-08-22T17:26:00.004+09:00

Cheongju Zone

Daejeon Zone

West Gwangju Zone

East Gwangju Zone

Jeonju Zone

August Zone Leader Council

2009-08-22T17:13:00.003+09:00

Elders Crosland, Ha, Barzee, Boyce, Brandley, Stimpson, Cook, Lish, Byun, Richards, Gambles and Kang.

Sorry I missed posting this earlier. This photo of Zone Leaders was taken on August 10th!

Korean Worldwide Young Adult Conference

2009-08-19T21:37:00.006+09:00

Near the center is Shaun Riley, an Australian member of one of our Daejeon wards, on his way to attend the conference and traveling on the same train.

A whole train full of missionaries!

Our native-born Korean missionaries were delighted to be invited to attend the closing session of the young adult conference that was held in Seoul last week where the highlight was having Quentin L. Cook, from the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and Claudio R M Costa of the Presidency of the 70 speak. Our newly called Area Authority 70's and Area Presidency were also in attendance. We traveled together to Seoul on the KTX train and were escorted to front row seats while greeted with audience applause that was so wonderfully emotional! Everyone enjoyed a very special day together, and returned home grateful for the uplifting experience.

Summer English Camp 2009

2009-08-13T19:06:00.002+09:00

Under the direction of the Stake President, missionaries in the Daejeon Zone were heavily involved in the planning and implementation of English Camp for youth aged 12-18. During this session, 120 youth attended, of which 50% were friends and potential investigators for our missionaries. Camp involves 3 exhausting days of fun games and activities including performing a segment of The Lion King. The Youth were divided into 9 teams and each team prepared to sing and act out a segment of The Lion King. A favorite activity is an evening of line dancing. Our sister missionaries taught nine 45-minute dance classes throughout the day and and by the evening dance had nearly lost their voices and strength from their grueling day. But they persevered, and the dance was a wonderful culmination of their efforts enjoyed by all.

Departing Missionaries

2009-08-12T16:22:00.005+09:00

A fond farewell to Sister Sarah Healey, Elders Jordan Hill and
Tyler BennettElder Jordan McCort stayed a few extra days to help out with
English Camp!

We were teaching a lesson at the mission home a few nights ago with the Sister missionaries, and the investigator asked why we are sad when someone dies if the next life is such a great place. She had just been telling us about how her mother was sobbing and sobbing because she was moving out of the house for the first time to go to college. She was able to see the similarity of how painful it is for those left behind when someone they love moves on, even though the separation may be temporary. It's same way I feel when these missionaries who are so dear to my heart go home. Their futures are exciting, and I will see them again, but oh, how I will miss them!

Amazing New Missionaries!

2009-08-10T17:53:00.005+09:00

Sisters Annie Judd, Kil Eui Jin and AshLee McKay
We are so pleased to greet three wonderful new missionary sisters! They arrived fresh from the Provo MTC full of excitement and enthusiasm to put to work all that they have been studying! We are so blessed and grateful!

Since their flight arrived earlier than usual, we stopped for supper on the way back from the airport, where tastebuds were introduced to new delights!
After a day and a half of training at the mission office, sisters embark to their first areas of assignment with their new trainers! From Left to Right: Sisters Kil Eui Jin, Mallory Eagar, Sarah Healey, Annie Judd, Katie Burgess, Lee Se Ri, Lee Hye Jin, AshLee McKay and Connie Fairbanks.

Training Day lunch at our favorite neighborhood restaurant!

Two-Minute Insights Shared by Sister Missionaries

2009-08-02T21:56:00.010+09:00

Sister Jensen - The widow’s mite – it may not seem like someone is giving their all. Don’t judge/compare yourself or others. Just give your best and assume others are doing likewise.

Sister Copeland - Abraham’s example of his willingness to sacrifice his son can be seen (in a lesser degree) in the parents of missionaries who sacrifice their children to the Lord's service for two years.

Sister Eagar We often think that if we take care of ourselves first we will have the energy to complete our tasks, but in missionary work I’ve found that when I forget myself and give everything, I then receive the strength to carry on and experience miracles.

Sister Moynihan Alma 51- interesting analogy to war in heaven.

Sister Lee Se Ri 1 Ne 3:7 The Lord qualifies those he calls. I will go and do because I know he will prepare a way.

Sister Bourgeous Nephi’s desire to know allowed him to receive amazing revelation.

Sister Nam D&C 3:9-12 Seeking signs is not pleasing to the Lord, but we are blessed with a multiplicity of miracles as we act in faith.

Sister Healey Proverbs 3:10; D&C 59:2 – Realizing my divine worth as a daughter of God gives me great joy!

Sister Erickson - A lesson from Mom - Life isn’t to just be endured, but to be enjoyed.

Sister Oh – The Lord repeatedly called Moses “My son”. Later, knowing who he was enabled him to repel Satan’s enticings.

Sister Thayn Some things can’t be changed, worrying doesn’t help. The Lord knows us and loves us and will provide everything that is needful!

Sister Jeong – Reading scriptures used to be difficult, but as I continually read, the Lord uses them to solve my problems, and now I LOVE reading the scriptures!

Sis. Ahn – Mormon 9 – As missionaries we have experience and know that through faith we can do all things.

Sister Choi D&C 38:33 This work is bigger than we could have ever known before our missions. The Lord creates miracles. Nothing can stop it.

Sister Fairbanks Alma 2:30 Pattern of how the Lord gives strength to his people. This same prayer saves us spiritually as well as physically.

Sister Lee Hye Jin Mosiah 24:13 - Just as the Lord delivered his covenant people from bondage, he will deliver us from all suffering and affliction as we serve in righteousness.

Sister Oates The Lord always suffers with us, both the offended and the offender.

Sister Burgess Satan’s power is manifest in opposition. Inspiring thoughts come to our mind in defense. We can be destroyed or strengthened. Endurance brings blessings, miracles.

Sister Stehmeier Reading thru the standard works can sometimes seem boring. I’ve been able to see relevance even in obscure verses, such as the minutely detailed instructions for building a temple reminds me how we have detailed instructions for missionary work, personal worthiness, etc. The Lord cares about the details of our lives.

Sister Miller Some recent Ensign articles tell of how hard missionary work is. They also teach us of how hard things make us better.

Sister Alder D&C 84:88 Angels round about you.....Sometimes it’s hard to see all the help we are getting.

Get Thee Up Into the High Mountain

2009-07-31T09:09:00.004+09:00

This week we enjoyed a Sisters' Conference with all 21 of our lovely sisters. Every day we strive to live worthy to "meet the Lord on the mountain", to receive strength, personal revelation, to
be taught by angels, and experience miracles.

July 2009 Zone Conferences

2009-07-18T12:07:00.007+09:00

Cheongju Zone

Happy Birthday to Elders Burton, Crosland, Sister Lee Hye Jin, Elders Christiansen, Brassfield, McArthur and Murdoch

Daejeon Zone

Jeonju Zone

Happy Birthday to Elders Gambles and Thompson

West Gwangju Zone

East Gwangju Zone

Happy July Birthdays to Elders Shin, Cook, Messegee
Sisters Fairbanks and Jensen

This month zone conference training focused on several points: being 100% Preach My Gospel Missionaries, faith, the Low-Hanging Fruit policy, using our daily planners effectively, extending powerful commitments and effective personal study. Missionaries certainly return to their areas feeling sated after a day full of innovative teaching and training.

HongSeong Branch Conference

2009-07-14T21:37:00.003+09:00

L to R: Elder Ahn Min, President Perriton, Brother Jeong In Hwang, Sister Kim Te Yeon, Sister Perriton, Sister Lee Da Rae and Elders Han and Gygi.

These 7 delightful little girls comprise the whole of the Primary!

HongSeong is a tiny branch in the north of the mission. How happy we were to meet some "visitors" on Sunday - former missionaries who have previously served here - returned to visit their favorite spot to have served, where they love and are loved by the small group of wonderful members.

Time for Zone Leader Council Again!

2009-07-13T13:54:00.003+09:00

These elders spent an enjoyable day training and planning for our next zone conferences coming up soon! Elders Cha, Anderson, Bullen, Boyce, Hill, Crosland, Chamberlain, Byun, Carlson, Ha, Brown and Lish.

A Few of Many Recent Baptisms

2009-07-04T16:54:00.000+09:00

Departing Missionaries

2009-06-26T13:22:00.003+09:00

UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN

Elders Skyler Krall, Jeong In Hwang, Steven Sadler, Nathaniel Robinson, Marc Mitton, Derek Haight and Sisters Mindy Crockett, Kori Meservy, Lee Sulgee and Kim Tae Yeon

Sister Jo Hyun Ah departed a few days ahead of the others.

Ouch! We say goodbye to 12 missionaries this transfer! What a delight they have been, every one. We are so grateful for our association with these fine missionaries who have served so faithfully and well. We will miss them terribly!

New Summer Arrivals

2009-06-26T13:09:00.006+09:00

WELCOME! Sister Erica Oates, Elders Kim In Hyup and Lim Sung Jin

New missionaries and their trainers
Elders Stephens and Kim, Cook and Lim
Sisters Lee Se Ri and Oates

Our newest arrivals had the unfortunate experience of missing their plane connection in Los Angeles on Tuesday, and so we did not receive them until very early Thursday morning. They had a very abbreviated one day of training, and departed for their new areas with their trainers on the same day! (Probably pretty jetlagged) We are wonderful and we are so thankful for their safe arrival.

Office Elders Make History!

2009-06-18T18:21:00.005+09:00

What a wonderful surprise we had today to be invited by the office elders to a home-cooked lunch! Chicken curry, rice, a wonderful mixed green salad with lots of yummies in it, and watermelon chunks. This is a first! I was so tickled by their enthusiasm and thoughtfulness, and the food was delicious! Thank you Elders Gardner, Baek and Kim, Byun and Robinson!

June Zone Conferences

2009-06-13T11:41:00.010+09:00

West Gwangju Zone

East Gwangju Zone

Happy June Birthdays to Sister Copeland, Elders Bennett and Lish!

Daejeon Zone

Jeonju Zone

Happy Birthday to Elder Baek, Sister Miller, Elders Carlson, McCort, Krall and Taysom

Cheongju Zone

Happy Birthday Elder Henderson

We enjoyed wonderful zone conferences this past week, focusing our training on "finding" techniques, enhanced preparation for baptism, and 100% obedience! We always have a special musical number at each zone conference where we enjoy the wonderful talents of our missionaries. We had some exceptionally excellent renditions this week. I wish I had a video to share!

June Zone Leader Council

2009-06-01T22:16:00.005+09:00

Elders Richards, Baek, Anderson, Hill, Chamberlain, Duckworth, Shrack, Boyce, Brown, Mitton, Byun, Pres. Perriton, Elders Robinson and Ha

We have a new landscape at the mission home, with gorgeous green grass and flowering shrubs! We enjoyed today's ZLC lunch barbecuing in the backyard!

Welcome to the Mission!

2009-06-01T22:06:00.002+09:00

We are so grateful to receive a new proselyting missionary couple! Elder Shin Ho Pil and his wife, Cho Gil Ja will be serving for the next 2 years. Their home is within the boundaries of the mission, so they will be able to live at home with a variety of responsibilities to help the work of the Lord move forward in the Gwangju region. They are the parents of 6 children and are wonderfully talented, enthusiastic, and pleased to have this opportunity to serve!

Jeonju Stake Conference

2009-05-26T19:12:00.005+09:00

The Stake Presidency at the Jeonju Stake Conference was reorganized this last weekend. Elder Kikuchi was the visiting authority. Kim Yeong Nok, formerly the second counselor was made the new Stake President. Several sisters wore their lovely Korean hanboks (traditional dress) in honor of the visiting authority.

Missionaries and Their Families

2009-05-19T13:26:00.004+09:00

Occasionally parents come to meet their missionaries to return home, (especially in the nice weather seasons) or they come back to visit at a later time. It is a joy to meet family members and share in the joy of their missionary returning with honor!

Elder Michael Mathis with his parents

Elder Thomas Stanfill and his brother Brian

Elder Jason Nelson with his parents

Elder Garret Hansen and his father

Elder Dane Skabelund and parents

Our First-Born Elders Depart!

2009-05-16T10:27:00.002+09:00

We met these Elders at the MTC before we all arrived in Korea together in July of 2007. In fact, we met Elder Frost before he went to the MTC at a mission reunion that we both attended. How quickly the time for their departure has arrived! We will miss these wonderful, happy souls, until we meet again!

Elders James Frost and Michael Mathis

New Missionary Arrivals!

2009-05-14T15:44:00.005+09:00

We were blessed with the arrival of three new missionaries! After spending three wonderful weeks at the Provo MTC they have arrived full of excitement and enthusiasm to serve with all their heart, might, mind and strength!

Elder Choi Kwang Hyun, Sister Nam YunHee and Elder Jeong Woo Young

Ready to leave for their new areas with their trainers:
L to R: Elders Choi Kwang Hyun, Lish, Freckleton, Jeong Woo Young and Sisters Erickson, Nam Yun Hee, Jo Hyun Ah

Elder and Sister Evans' Mission Tour

2009-05-08T09:57:00.006+09:00

We were delighted to have extra zone conferences scheduled this week. We drank from a fire hydrant of wonderful training from Elder David F. Evans, our Asia North Area President. He is a master scholar of the scriptures and kept everyone actively engaged all day long. Everyone went home all fired to hone their finding skills to "a better way". Sister Evans also touched our hearts with her wonderful, kind words. What an angel she is!

West Gwangju Zone

Happy May Birthdays to Elders Alberro, Baker and Brown!

East Gwangju Zone

Jeonju Zone

Cheongju Zone

Birthdays are coming up for Elders Robinson and Mitton

Daejeon Zone

Special Daecheon Baptism

2009-04-19T20:21:00.007+09:00

Today we attended the wonderful baptism of Young Seung Hi in the chilly waters at Daecheon Beach - an exciting day for this tiny little branch of exceptionally kind and friendly Saints!

Elder Ko Hong Soon, Elder Ian Blotter, Young Seung Hi and Kang Gi Hoon

AP's Produce "Miracles"

2009-04-18T11:10:00.008+09:00

The AP's (Elders Robinson and Byun Chung Ki) created a wonderful movie for our zone conferences that was so inspiring and uplifting. As a mission we are realizing more and more that "faith precedeth the miracle". We are blessed with missionaries of great faith. Mute/pause the music at the bottom of the page to hear only the audio for the movie!

McArthur Has Landed!

2009-04-18T10:23:00.002+09:00

We were so happy to welcome Elder Kyle McArthur at the airport on Thursday. He would have arrived two weeks ago with the rest of his "Donghee", but suffered a broken nose while playing basketball at the MTC, so was held back for a bit. I was expecting him to arrive with some swelling or bruising still visible, but his nose, and whole face are perfect! After a short night's sleep he traveled with us to the Gwangju Zone Conference where he met with his companion/trainer, Elder Derek Haight. We are delighted for his arrival!

April Zone Conferences

2009-04-17T20:44:00.003+09:00

West Gwangju Zone

East Gwangju Zone

Happy Birthday to Sisters Moynihan and Lee Se Ri

Cheongju Zone

Happy Birthday to Sisters Oh Min Jong and Erickson

Jeonju Zone

Daejeon Zone

Happy Birthday to Elders Richards and Elliot

April Zone Leader Council

2009-04-08T21:47:00.005+09:00

Three outstanding zone leaders returned home last week, which means that this zonc leader council had alot of new faces. We are always amazed at the caliber of missionaries that we are so blessed to serve with. They spent the day planning and preparing for next week's zone conferences.

Front to Back: Elders Boyce, Shrack, Ha Young Soo, Duckworth, Morin, Hill, Brown, Choi Su Hong, Mitton, Richards, Pres. Perriton, and AP's Robinson and Byun.

It All Went By in a Blink!

2009-04-07T17:46:00.002+09:00

I'm sure their family back home might not agree, but we feel that the clock was running double time or something during Elder and Sister Brown's 18 months of service in the Daejeon Mission. Their time to return home came much too quickly! We will miss them so much. Their example and love, and constant good cheer endeared everyone to them. Their dedication and commitment to making every minute count was inspiring to all. We love them so much and look forward to seeing them again!

April Departures

2009-04-03T11:48:00.005+09:00

Front: Elder Spencer Saunders, Sister Koo Ye Ryung, Elders Jonathan Ence, Dane Skabelund and Derek Hansen.

Back: Elders Kade Lyman, Rhett Bailey, Jason Nelson and Kyle Van Genderen

Again we had to say au revoir to some very fine missionaries. They are an amazing group of incredibles. We love them all so much and will miss their angel faces and the comfortable jung we enjoy with one another. We know they have great things ahead of them and look forward to future association.

Wonderful New Missionaries

2009-04-03T10:13:00.008+09:00

Left to Right: Elders Casey, Lallatin, Gambles, Heo Soon Haeng, Henderson, Gygi, Barzee, Conley, Blotter, and Sister Copeland

First Korean meal at our favorite neighborhood restaurant

New Missionaries and their trainers.

Front: Elders Heo Soon Haeng, McCort, Casey, Gambles, Gardner, Sisters Crockett and Copeland, Elders Lallatin and Lish.

Back row: Elders Ahn Min, Barzee, Cook, Cha Yo Na, Gygi, Conley, Millard, Ko Hong Soo, Blotter, Henderson and Taysom.

Elder Krall arrived a little later meet his new greenie, Elder Gambles.

We were supposed to receive a dozen new missionaries, but one elder broke his nose playing basketball at the MTC and will be arriving a couple of weeks later. Still, we are thrilled with the amazing new group. They are so enthusiastic and well prepared. We are consistently astounded at the high level of language competency these new missionaries arrive with, it just keeps getting better and better. We assume that it has something to do with some of our former missionaries who are now MTC teachers! And of course we just keep receiving the cream of the crop!

One of Today's 17 Baptisms!

2009-03-29T22:42:00.002+09:00

We enjoyed a wonderful day in the Choemdan Ward in Gwangju today, to share in the baptism of a family of three - mother, daughter and grandson!

Preparation Day Fun at the Rink

2009-03-19T20:33:00.005+09:00

Today we joined in the fun with some Daejeon missionaries at their District activity. Even with some sore ankles, uncomfortable skates and a few falls, a grand time was had by all.

March Zone Conferences

2009-03-07T12:22:00.005+09:00

Jeonju Zone
Cheongju Zone

Happy Birthday in the Cheongju Zone to Sisters Kim Te Yeon and Burgess and Elders Sumsion and Sadler!
Daejeon Zone

We celebrated birthdays in the Daejeon/Jeonju zones for Elders Kang, Treuhaft, Gardner, Anderson and President Perriton!

More Happy Birthdays in the East and West Gwangju Zones to Elders Duckworth, Park, Morin, Thorkelson, Stephens and Haight!
West Gwangju Zone
East Gwangju Zone

We enjoyed a wonderful week with the #1 missionaries in the #1 mission!

New AP and Office Elder

2009-02-23T17:08:00.003+09:00

Left to Right: Elders Stacy Greene, Ha Young Soo, Michael Mathis, Nathanael Robinson, Baek Seung Ik and Jordan Hill

We have a new configuration in the Mission Office with Elder Greene returning home, and Elder Ha returning to serve in the field. Filling Elder Greene's place as a new AP (Assistant to the President) is Elder Hill, and taking a new assignment as AAP (Adminstrative Assistant to the President) is Elder Baek Seung Ik.

Zone Leader Council February 09

2009-02-23T16:55:00.003+09:00

Zone Leaders and AP's Top to Bottom, Left to Right:
Elders Saunders,Bailey, Hill, Pres. Perriton, Elders Lyman, Burton, Shrack, Mitton, Freckleton, Byun, Brown, Taysom and Robinson