Transfers and Zone Trainings - 23 November 2015

Some Words from President

Once again, we hear from the mission president: "It was a joy to see you all last week. We were so blessed to join with you in the outstanding training sessions provided by our Zone Leaders, Sister Training Leaders and District Leaders. The messages were so valuable. We loved hearing about improving finding, reflecting on the prophet, Joseph Smith, the Savior, working in the evenings, prayer, and so many other vital topics. We commend everyone who took part in those uplifting meetings. And thanks to the Senior Couples for feeding us so expertly... The Lord is on our side! We must have faith, be strong, undaunted and obedient. The Lord’s work will move forward and you are the warriors of this day and time." - President Bunnell

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Transfers

Two new missionaries arrived on the tuesday of transfers, Elders Geeraert and Dearden. They will be serving in Hilversum and Emmen, respectively.

The five departing missionaries from this transfer, Elders Strikwerda and Holt, Sister Bradley, Elders Leon and Ames

Elder Watson, who was supposed to arrive in December, already speaks Dutch, so they sent him only a week after transfers (meaning he only spent two weeks in the MTC).

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Zone Trainings

This week on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday the six zones had separate trainings. They are morning and afternoon trainings to enable President and Sister Bunnell and the Assistants to attend all of them.

Den Haag Zone

Amsterdam Zone

Antwerpen Zone

President Bunnell having fun at the Rotterdam Zone Training

The two new Assistants, Elders Hirsch and Bonner. Their job is a hungry job.

Special Notice - 14 November 2015

A note of information from President Bunnell:
In light of the recent bombing in Paris we would like to let the families of our missionaries know of the love and concern of each missionary we serve with. We are aware of the bombing in our neighboring mission, the Paris-France Mission. We are so grateful all missionaries are safe and in their apartment and no members have been hurt in the violence. We are in contact with the LDS Security professionals in Frankfurt Germany and receive daily update regarding any safety concerns in Europe. At this time there is no immediate cause for concern for our missionaries. We will inform you by our mission blog or email if any event arises that may involve our missionaries. We are praying for the safety of all the people of Europe and the many missionaries that serve here. Please join your prayers with ours. - President Bunnell

Almost transfers! - 9 November 2015

Tuesday is New Missionary Day, Wednesday is Transfer Day, Thursday is Moving Day... Somewhat of a busy week, you could say. But that will all be for the transfer special, later this week. As for now, here is a brief post on some small updates and such.

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The usual excerpt from President's letter

He said: "To those of you who will be new to areas, please remember to meet your bishop/branch president and mission leaders this first week.  Go with a heart ready to serve.  As we travel the mission I hear how much the local leaders love you and are so grateful for your efforts to serve them.  Thank you for your diligence and selfless service.   As you wear yourself out in the service of our Savior, keep in mind that your sacrifice will bless you and those you touch for eternity!" President Bunnell

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Some pictures

Last Saturday there was a senior couple gathering at the Mission Home, with all the senior couples in the mission: Van der Put, Robison, Caldwell, Kleyn, Romig, Gout, Hill and of course President and Sister Bunnell.

This week, Elder and Sister Kleyn will be leaving us to go home. We thank them for their service and wish them all the best as they get back to normal life.

Elders Bonner, Neptune, Cook and Andrew. After almost seven and a half months as Assistant to the President, including during the change of presidents, we bid goodbye to Elder Neptune who has served well in his capacity and will now serve in Brussels, Belgium (the first time in about 5 years that there have been Dutch-speaking elders in Brussels).

Facebook campaign, A Word from President Bunnell - 2 November 2015

A Week Left to Transfer Week...

...and the start of a new Facebook campaign. This time, we will be giving away Finding Happiness DVDs to people who order it via Facebook. Their addresses will be then passed on to the nearest missionaries who will drop by to see what they thought about the DVD and share a message with them. Past campaigns have been very successful and have led to great experiences for missionaries and the people they find through these campaigns. There have even been some baptisms!

The Easter and Christmas campaigns are always the most popular, but other campaigns also do well, and we have so far 81 referrals in the space of about 6 days. The referrals are coming in, and as more people share the facebook post to their page and the pages of friends, there will be more people interested in receiving a DVD and hearing about the message we share.

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Results of an Increased Standard:

And finally, some words from President Bunnell's latest letter to the mission:
"We are so happy for your devotion to working more for our Savior.  We are now seeing the results of your increased proselyting time in lessons taught and all other indicators that show that more people are hearing about Jesus Christ.  It brings joy, to them and to you! ... We are seeing the heavens open with blessings on those who are able to teach even more than 23 hours.  Last week a companionship reached 30 hours.  I notice a correlation between the number of hours of proselyting and the happiness of the missionaries." - President Bunnell

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Some Other Stuff:

Though everyone probably is aware of the new office address:

Schuttersveld 2 C

2316 ZA Leiden
The Netherlands

It may be handy to know that the actual office functions will be moved there on the 12th of November. As of that date, there will no longer be anyone at the old address and neither will we be able to check the mail (though most of it should be forwarded), so make sure you send your mail to the right address!

And zone trainings will be coming up right after transfers! So keep your eyes open for info and pictures!

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Pictures of Missionaries

Gouda: Sisters Hansen and Romney are really excited for the new Facebook campaign.

Zaandam: Elders Matos and Smith are happy when their apartment was deemed clean after inspection. A clean apartment makes a happy missionary.

Haarlem: Elders Troumbley and Groesbeck paying close attention during District Meeting.