Transfers, Christmas and service projects - 22 December 2015

TRANSFERS

Six new missionaries arrived last week from the MTC and we sent 8 home a two days later.

SERVICE PROJECTS

In the east of the Netherlands, in Zwolle, several missionaries participated in a large project to gather food and other goods for the needy. A total of almost 30 000 products were donated by local supermarkets and packed to be delivered to the foodbank. 

Thumbs up: Here are some of the participating missionaries. Elder Williams, Sister Jaramillo, Elders Higham, Knaupp, Sisters Bush, Jensen, Elders McConkie, Zwygart, Williams, Meads and Harp (behind the lady)

CHRISTMAS

As Christmas approaches, the people of the Netherlands and Belgium prepare for Christmas and it becomes a lot easier for missionaries to talk to people about Jesus Christ and about his gospel. Additionally, the Church has provided great resources to share with people. This includes the central message "A Savior is Born", several other videos (including music videos from different artists) and information about the Saviour's birth. This and more can be found at christmas.mormon.org.

On the 25th of December, we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ

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.

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).