Marler Missionaries : May 2014

Eric Alton Nelson, My Dad

Last evening, my Dad, Eric Nelson passed away

My Dad was always smiling and happy, every day, he looked at the bright side of everything

Everyone loved my Dad, he was kind, gracious, generous and could grow the greatest garden ever

He loved music, he played a clarinet years ago, and here he is playing the bells with President Marler at a family Christmas party

Dad loved his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and for years he could be seen pulling a red wagon load of grandkids up and down the hill in front of his home

I am so grateful I was able to sit and talk with him when I was home a few weeks ago, a beautiful tender mercy. I love you Dad.

We have to admit that one of the most beloved places in our mission is the Sierra. Being up in the Andes, looking down on the world, maybe the way our Heavenly Father sees things, is always so peaceful and beautiful.

Another great blessing is getting to spend time with the Elders and Sisters who serve in the Sierra Zone.

Hermana Calle, Hermana Marler and Hermana Gonzalez

Elder Cheal and Elder Cuno

Elder Harris and Elder Zavaleta

Elder Allen, Elder Dority, Elder Nelson, Elder Boekweg, Elder Harris, Elder Antuña, Elder Cheal and Elder Cuno

Hermana Calle, Hermana Sarat, Elder Zavaleta, Hermana Wisa and Hemana Marler

Hermanas Wisa and Sarat, Elders Mollo, Cheal, Cuno, Zavaleta, Harris, Antuña, Bravo

Hermanas Marler, Gonzalez, Calle, Romero, Elders Nelson, Allen, Dority and Boekweg

The rainy season has just ended, President took a walk to enjoy the lovely flowers.

Hermana Gonzalez, Hermana Sarat, Hermana Marler and Hermana Calle

When we give, we receive

We had a wonderful service project at a local orphanage. The children loved playing with the missionaries and helping pick up leaves and trash on the campus. We learned how to spin tops and loved playing games with the children.

We were supposed to be serving by cleaning up the orphanage grounds and playing with the children, but we received the far greater blessing by being with these delightful, lovely children.

Here is the Mission Leadership Council with a few of the kids from the orphanage

Elder Endicott, Elder Dow and Elder Rotolo sweep up the debris in the grass

President and Sister Marler enjoy a chat with two lovely young girls

Elder Haake and Elder Valencia (Huayapuma) doing some sidewalk detail

Sister Connors and Sister Watkins had a following all afternoon

Sister Marler and Junior had a bonding moment...

Sisters Alzamora, Bedoya and Calle with Elders Fernandez, Zacharias and Rodriguez

Sister Mathis and some of the children

Elder Endicott and Leavitt help hang a towel on the line

Sister Worlton, Sister Pullan play with the children

a little play while working hard, or hardly working

Enjoying time with the children at the orphanage,

Elder Dow enjoying some play time

Elder Diaz having a great time as Elder Antuña looks on

Sister Worlton and Sister Pullan talking a stroll

We just had a terrific time and can't wait to go back and see all of these lovely children

Mission Leadership Council- new Zone Leaders

We had a marvelous day with our Mission Leadership Council. I am amazed by the strength, spirituality, and maturity of those who sit our this Council. I am the one who has their testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ strengthened each time I meet with them.

Sister Marler gave a presentation on strengthening our testimonies, and helping others to really become converted to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. She taught how to help strengthen the testimony of others.

A testimony is a witness of something that you know to be true.

Elder Mollo and Elder Fernandez gave a wonderful presentation on working with Stake Presidents and leadership.

Elder Zavaleta and Elder Antuña talked about the progression of a great lesson and had everyone practice.

Everyone just loves the time they have together to try to principles that are taught.

President Marler taught about how to share your testimony and teach with power of the Holy Ghost. He also talked about how to have strong companionships. With strength in our companionships, we are effected teachers.

He also gave training on working effectively with Church leaders, such as our Stake Presidents.

We found a fun way to announce our new zone leaders. Colorful balloons were popped with messages inside…telling every new Zone Leader and Sister Leader Trainer who their new companion is and what zone they will be working in.