Mission Completed

The following post is from President Hammon's California Riverside Mission blog:

Redlands Temple

The days have flown by since the last blog. I will use this space to write about the outgoing missionaries and then the blog that follows about the new missionaries coming in.

We had a Mission Leadership Council (MLC), the last for several missionaries who are going home. We talked about “Living up to Your Potential,” “Ministering to Your Zone Members,” “Working with Ward Councils,” and “Being Accountable.”

MLC July 2018

One of the most difficult things we do is to say goodbye to outgoing missionaries. We bid a teary, happy, fond farewell to the 27 missionaries who are going home to their families! Prior to their going, I sat down with each one of them to review their My Plans, their post-mission strategic plan. All of them have planned well and know what they are going to do.  

All outgoing

As part of the outgoing missionary plan, we are able to go to the Redlands Temple with them. The Redland Temple was beautiful and peaceful. Outgoing included: Sisters Palmer, Harper, Hernández, Ruggles, Tonini, and Wilson; Elders Medearis, Cox, Steed, Frisby, de Mare, Hale, Lewis, Watson, Tobiasson, Osberg, Dew, Balls, Sorensen, Bailey, Holyoak, McCracken, Eldridge, Avei, Holloway, Rose, and Day. The session was packed. I greeted them as they each walked in. What a wonderful feeling it was to greet each of them. There is something celestial about doing this. When Sister Hammon came in, she went around and shook the hands of the elders and hugged the sisters. What a great day. Later, we all went outside and took pictures.

All of the missionaries at the Redlands Temple

Twenty-seven missionaries came for their last supper, testimony, and companion study with me. I met with a few of them around 3:00-4:00 as I did my last exit interview with them. It was a bit teary. Dinner was delightful! The Tenorio family came and prepared street tacos outside. Delicious! We ate until our hearts content. No records of eating street tacos were broken, but Elder Hale ate 12 tacos, just one shy of the record. We’ll see what happens to the records next outgoing.

The testimony meeting was sensational. Because there were so many of them, they were admonished to deliver “short and powerful” testimonies, and they did.

• E. de Mare—“We come to know our Savior more. Our goal is to become like He is.”
• E. Sorensen—“I learned how much God cares for us and helps us improve. My greatest miracle: How Heavenly Father has helped me change through the Atonement of Jesus Christ.”
• E. Balls—I have seen many miracles. My great miracle: How Heavenly Father has put people in my path to help me.”
• Hna. Tonini—“I know Jesus is the Christ. I am learning to become like Him.”
• Hna. Harper—“Christ is my best friend. He overcame all. Have I not reason to rejoice because of my mission?”
• Hna. Hernández—“My mission has become the most sacred and powerful time in my life. Jesus Christ and my mission have transformed my soul. I am returning home a different person.”
• S. Palmer—“I felt the Savior by my side. He has taken my burdens away from me.”
• S. Ruggles—“I have said so many prayers of gratitude for this past transfer.”
• S. Wilson—“I have been able to act as Heavenly Father’s hands. He can help us become mighty.”
• E. Hale—“I don’t want to take off the tag. It will be written on my heart forever.”
• E. Steed—“If we hearken to His Spirit, it will nudge us to do good things. The Atonement of Jesus Christ covers everything.”
• E. Cox—“I have thought a lot about Jesus Christ. His hand is in all things.”
• E. Holloway—“My mission has prepared me for service. This mission has improved my life.”
• E. Frisby—“The biggest thing I learned  is how much my weaknesses and shortcomings can be taken care of through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. As long as Christ is by my side, everything will work out.”
• E. Rose—“I love another chance to bear my testimony. I cannot deny how I feel about the Book of Mormon.”
• E. Lewis—“I have received an extra dose of the Holy Ghost. I know Jesus Christ lives.”
• E. Bailey—“I am so thankful for Heavenly Father helping me through the mission. I stand as a witness because I have felt the Holy Ghost.”
• E. Osberg—“The Gospel makes us happier people. I have trials, so I can learn from them. I am so grateful to have made eternal friends.”
• E. Eldridge—“Every person in the world has a whole set of experiences. Christ is the way, the truth, and the life.”
• E. Dew—“All things we have done have prepared us for the decades to come. We have divine potential.”
• E. Tobiasson—“We have been able to share the message to help our brothers and sisters to know the truth they once knew.”
• E. Watson—“It’s been a long two years; it’s been a short two years. Serving has been the best two years.”
• E. Medearis—“I know why I am here. I need to embrace my Savior. It’s been an uphill battle, but it has been marvelous.”
• E. Holyoak—“Before the mission, I sometimes ask: What is the gospel? The answer was simple: scriptures and stuff. I know so much more now.”
• E. Avei—“True change can only occur through sacrifice. My mission has done great things for me.”
• E. McCracken—“I can grow my own testimony now instead of just relying on my parents’ testimony.”
• E. Day—“What inspires you? Great miracles have happened. The missionaries inspired us to return to Church.”

All of our assistants who have served with us:
Elders Sorensen, Balls, Dew, and President and Sister Hammon

After the testimony meeting, we had companionship study with each other. We again searched the topic “light.” I love this topic because it “enlighteneth” our minds and souls. We had a great discussion about light and how it helps us see things we have never seen before because it enlarges our thoughts. We spent a bit of time in Doctrine and Covenants 50, 88, and 93. Once we finished, they all went to their respective places to spend the night. Twelve elders came to our home to sleep. They were scattered everywhere on the floor and in the bedrooms.

All outgoing missionaries

Breakfast came early! We rose early, readied ourselves, and then trundled down to the Grand Building where we had a lovely breakfast. Then, we began loading the luggage into the many vehicles. Think of it: 27 missionaries x 3 items each = 81 pieces of luggage. We had lots of places and spaces for the luggage. One member, Brother Keating, brought his truck to help us with the luggage.

We dropped most everyone off at Terminal 2. It was a tough goodbye. Tears were shed by many of us. We couldn’t believe how sad their leaving made us. These missionaries have become part of our family. Like any family leaving, we were saddened; yet, we did feel joy that they were going home to see their families whom they haven’t seen for two years or 18 months. It will be a glorious reunion for sure.

And away they go!

We want to thank all of outgoing missionaries for their missionary service and for being such great examples and leaders in the California Riverside Mission. Their incredible legacies will live on! Their missionary service has literally prepared them for their next transfer. Their gospel foundation has increased. Their testimonies have grown and are strong. They are becoming who they need to become. Thus, our message to them is this: Follow your My Plan, stay close to the Lord and Heavenly Father, and stay on the covenant path. If you do, the Lord will bless you exceedingly.

Mission Tour - Day 1

When we found out that my nephew was getting married in the Newport Beach temple, we quickly decided that we would leverage the trip to southern California to visit some of the areas and people where Hermana Tonini has served (while always maintaining to not be in the same place at the same time that she was at).  I told my wife on the flight out that I was glad that she was coming with me because I was worried that after we made introductions, I didn't know how the conversation would go with the complete strangers that we would meet.  Was I ever wrong - there was no shortage of things to talk about as we talked about Hermana Tonini and how she impacted everyone in every location where she served.

Day One started out bright and early - we were staying in Ontario (to be somewhat geographically centered for our events for the weekend) which meant we had an almost two hour drive out to Anza where our first appointment was at 8 am.  Hermana Tonini's grandma and Aunt, who had also traveled for the wedding, had accepted our invitation to come with us.

On the way to Anza, we stopped at this amazing sculpture garden exhibiting the work of Ricardo Breceda.  Here are a few of his pieces:

We had a little difficulty locating our hosts' address but fortunately, Sister Davies and Sister Moffit shortly arrived and we were greeted by Brother and Sister Boyd and the sweet aroma of breakfast.  Helping them in the kitchen was their granddaughter and Brother Moroni (his wife Nancy would join us later).  Soon, Samantha (a frequent subject on this blog) and her boyfriend Daniel joined us as well as Sister Peterson and her daughter Cheyenne.  Brother Moroni even knew of Elder Tonini who, although he never served in Anza, served in this mission a couple of years ago.   

We enjoyed a delightful visit and then went outside for pictures.  When we asked what people did who live in Anza, Brother Boyd replied, "they get away from Los Angeles."  Daniel also pointed out the horticulture projects (marijuana farms) that were in view from the Boyd's patio.  We also talked about Hermana Tonini's driving record.  Apparently she had recorded a number of "harsh incidents" on the in-vehicle monitoring system and her status had been down-graded to "yellow" in the mission office.  (Had she had any more, she would have been "blue" and would not have been able to drive the rest of her mission).  Sister Davies also told us about "the jump" that Hermana Tonini liked to take every time she came to the Boyd's.  Instead of taking the paved road, she always took the dirt road that had a pretty good change in elevation.  She took it so often that Sister Davies didn't realize that there was a paved route to the Boyd's that was much simpler!  After we said our goodbyes, we followed the Sisters and Daniel and Samantha to "the jump" before proceeding to Anza.  One of my ancestors was on the Anza expedition so it was neat to be able to see some of that history.  We were all amazed at the beautiful chapel in Anza - not bad for a small branch.  The return trip was through Idlewild and we were treated to fantastic vistas of the valley below as we descended from an elevation of 4,5000 ft.

As we made our way to Moreno Valley for our next appointment at 1, we realized that we were going to be driving right through Perris, Hermana Tonini's current area!  We decided that we would make a quick detour and go leave a note on her door.  Our quest was foiled because she lives in a gated apartment complex (thankfully!) so we had to settle for a quick selfie to prove to Hermana Tonini that we were there.

Our next appointment was at the home of Hermana Berumen and once again, as we entered the door, we were greeted with the aroma of cooking food.  This time, it was authentic Mexican food - sopas and ranchero beans.  We were joined by Hermana Sorenson (former companion from Corona) and Sister Stanley (they were on exchanges) for a delightful lunch on the back patio under this huge tree.  Next to the shade tree was a fig tree and we all enjoyed our first experience with fresh figs.  It was better than we expected and tasted nothing like fig newtons.  We posed for more pictures and fortunately ran into one more member and her family before we had to leave for our last appointment of the day - President and Sister Hammon.

Familia Berumen 

Familia Tenorio

 As we left, Aunt Sheryl commented at how attentive and polite the young women were.  They helped serve and clear the table and were delightfully engaged in the lunch conversation.

President and Sister Hammon were presiding at a zone conference in the Jurupa Stake Center.  Wow - what a beautiful building!  The building was the same design as the Lubbock Stake Center (for any of you who are familiar with that building) with a full court gym, beautiful artwork, dark hardwood throughout, and security cameras!  We arrived a few minutes after 3 but based on the lack of activity in the parking lot, we could tell the conference was not over.  We sat in the foyer and listened to the soon-to-be-departing missionaries bear their testimonies before Sister and President Hammon spoke. It wasn't hard to imagine that we were listening to Hermana Tonini bear her last testimony.  (In fact, President Hammon later told us it was too bad we had not been at the Zone Conference they had yesterday because we would have been able to hear her do just that.)  We were getting a little anxious because we were supposed to be at a wedding activity by 6:30 and it was now 4 pm.  We discussed just leaving a note but we lingered long enough that we were still there when the conference ended.  Raena and I walked into the chapel and met Hermana Harper (a companion from the Mexico MTC) and then the mission president.  I wish I could remember the exact number but he said there is a huge exodus of members from California due to the high cost of living and demanding regulations.  As a result, wards are being collapsed and even a couple of missions.  Hermana Harper told us that she had begged President Hammon to have her be companions with Hermana Tonini but he said no way.  "If I put two strong missionaries like that together, the rest of the mission would simply sit back and watch them work."  It was a very nice complement.

We walked out to the foyer and took some photos before heading to the big wedding family dinner.  As we got in the car, we agreed that meeting President and Sister Hammon and Hermana Harper in person was far superior to any note we could have written.  Twelve and half hours after we left our hotel, the weekend wedding activities began.  The original plan to visit the Games family on Friday was rescheduled for tomorrow night after the ring ceremony.

From the Mission Blog: MLC

Training leaders, baptizing, and becoming: essential qualities of successful missionaries in the California Riverside Mission!

At the end of the week of outgoing and incoming missionaries, we began our leadership meetings, first with the Mission Leadership Council (MLC) on Thursday and the District Leader Training on Friday. We were excited to welcome several new zone, district, and sister training leaders. It is incredible to watch the growth and develop of these young people.

Zone and Sister Training Leaders--phenomenal young men and women--
all future leaders of the Church!

The MLC set a new mission baptismal goal for both June and July, very healthy goals that should stretch this mission and each of us. We also spent time on the following subjects: “becoming leaders and examples and establishing and maintaining the Lord’s culture”; “the why of accountability”; “setting up, following through, and assessing goals”; “adjusting to missionary life”; “working with ward councils”; “Preach My Gospel: following patterns” (strengths and weaknesses); “Sacrifice vs. Consecration and Sanctification”; and “expectation of leaders: becoming what we need to become." The Assistants (Elders Sorensen and Briggs), President Norman (Mission Presidency), Sister Hammon, and I were the presenters/facilitators.

Some things we learned about "becoming" what we need to become!

We love baptisms in our mission. They have become one of the highlights we experience.

Hermanas Padilla (who returned), Buitrago, Tonini; Enrique and his wife Isabela;
Hermanas Sorensen, Harper, Esplin, Flores; and Elders Osberg and Baily (kneeling)

Serving and being with missionaries continue to be two incredible privileges for us. As they grow and progress and develop, so do we. Like they are, we are becoming what the Lord wants us to become, and we are enjoying it thoroughly.

From the Mission Blog: Outgoing and Incoming Missionaries

Outgoing and incoming missionaries in the California Riverside Mission

...Later that evening, we welcomed Sisters Preator, Flores, Lee, and Kaiser; Elders Mills, Lai, Muathe, and Tran. Three additional elders—Elders Davis, McInnes, and Ngatuvai—had previously arrived from Nicaragua. We took the ones who arrived on Tuesday evening to the Mission Home to enjoy a chili verde meal and Tres Leches cake. Delicious! The sisters stayed the night, and the elders dispersed to the zone leaders’ apartments.

Elders Briggs and Sorensen (Assistants); Sister Kasier, Sister and President Hammon;
Sisters Preator, Lee and Flores; Elders Muathe, Mills, Lai, Acadia missionary, Tran;
and Sister and President Wells (Arcadia Mission)

The next day, we all gathered at the Mission Office and learned about Mission goals, focuses, rules, housing, finances, mission rules, cars, bikes, health and hygiene, and other Mission details. After lunch, I assigned them to their companions, listened to their beautiful testimonies, took pictures with Sister Hammon and me and with their companions, and sent them out to preach repentance and baptize converts. They are going to do spectacular! 

Hermanas Flores (new, going to Costa Rica) and Tonini

Missionary work continues to flow! With tears of joy and sadness, we watched missionaries go home, knowing they will be in good hands and are ready to embark on a new phase of life. It is definitely going to be the transfer of their lives. Then, we are able to see the missionaries enter the mission field, ready, eager, filled with a bit of trepidation, yet simultaneously filled with a sense of wanting to serve the Lord and become an instrument in His hands. They will—with the help of the Lord, the Holy Ghost, their companions, members, family, and friends.

And we march on…..

Exit Release to Parents

We received this email today. It seems a little premature, but we aren't going to complain!

05 Jun 2018  

Gregory Tonini  

Minot     ND      58701  

United States  

Dear Brother and Sister Tonini:

It is a privilege to announce the honorable release of Sister Corina Tonini from her labors as a missionary serving in the California Riverside Mission. She has served a successful mission and will be returning home on 17 Jul 2018. Please schedule a time when your Stake President can release her.

We encourage you to help remind your daughter to take the tuberculosis test upon her return home.

You can be proud of Sister Tonini and the fine work she has done in the mission field. As she has served and taught her testimony and overall knowledge of the gospel has grown. Her missionary experience can now be a solid foundation on which she can build a life of happiness, success, service and increased spirituality. As her service here in California Mission comes to a close, I express my gratitude for the valuable contribution she has made to our missionary effort.

We thank you for the love and support given to your missionary while she served in the mission field. May the Lord's choicest blessings be yours for sharing her with us in this tremendous experience.

If you haven't received an itinerary of your daughter travel, please contact the Referral Secretary in the mission office at 951-788-9690.

Sincerely,

 

Darrel L. Hammon, President

Trainer to Parent

04 Jun 2018

Dear Gregory and Raena Tonini,

Sister Corina Tonini has been given the new assignment to serve as Trainer of a newly arrived missionary. She has received this assignment because of her dedication and unselfish service and because of the confidence the Lord has in her. She is a fine missionary.

The position of Trainer is considered the most important assignment in the mission, for it is the Trainer who establishes the foundation for her companion's success and the ultimate success of the mission. We appreciate her willingness to be an exemplary missionary.

We thank you for your continued support and prayers for your missionary and the work in the California Riverside Mission.

Sincerely,

Darrel L.  Hammon

President California Riverside Mission

STL to Parent

04 Jun 2018

Dear Brother and Sister Tonini,

It is indeed an honor to advise you that Sister Tonini has been assigned to serve on the Mission Leadership Council as Sister Training Leader for the California Riverside Mission. Her achievements during her mission have identified her as an outstanding young leader and mark her for further leadership in the Lord's Kingdom. You can certainly be proud of all that she has achieved during her missionary service.

May I personally thank you for providing such excellent training and preparation for your daughter. I would deem it a privilege to have the opportunity to meet you sometime in the future and express my gratitude for all that you have done to prepare such an outstanding young woman.

May the Lord's richest blessings be yours as you continue your support of the Lord's work.

Sincerely,

 
Darrel L. Hammon, President

To: Sister Joanne Hammon

Y'all sent an email to my family saying, "One of the focuses we have now in the Mission is emergency preparedness. Each missionary should have a "grab n' go" bag to take with them in case of an emergency. A bag and items to put in the grab n" go bags would be wonderful gifts. You could send the bag items or a gift card to buy the items they need. Your missionaries have a list of the items they need for grab n' go bags."

Well, little do y'all know that my aunt LOVES EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS. I got three boxes from her this week, and I peeked in to see stuff that was wrapped....so I figured it was ALL wrapped. I was wrong....so I had a little early Christmas! She sent me anything and everything to do with emergency preparedness. I loved one thing I got, and we decided to take a picture:

"Members of the Church have been counseled for many years to be prepared for adversity. Preparation, both spiritual and temporal, can dispel fear."

lds.org

 I tell you these things because of your prayers; wherefore, treasure up wisdom in your bosoms, lest the wickedness of men reveal these things unto you by their wickedness, in a manner which shall speak in your ears with a voice louder than that which shall shake the earth; but if ye are prepared ye shall not fear.

Doctrine and Covenants 38:30

Love y'all!! Merry Christmas! 

Hermana Tonini

Outgoing and Incoming Missionaries: Times of Tears and Joy!

This is an edited version of the post on the California Riverside Mission blog:

Monday and Tuesday have been days of outgoing and incoming missionaries, full of tears and joy! .....

             

Tuesday, September 26, 2017—The leaving and the coming

...Soon, the 25 new missionaries began to descend the chairs and escalator. What a grand sight. Think of it: 25 new missionaries. Three had arrived the night before from the Mexico City Missionary Training Center (MTC), which we didn’t get to meet because we were with the outgoing missionaries. We greeted them all warmly. They looked great! 

And here are 25 of the 28 who arrived! 

We whisked them off to the Mission Office where they ate a delicious lunch, participated in a truncated training because of the lateness of their arrival, had interviews with me, ate dinner, participated in an “unveiling” of who their new companions were going to be, shared their testimonies with all of us, then loaded all of the belongings and bikes in their companions and district cars, and headed home. There was no time for them to breathe, from the moment they landed until they entered their cars for the long ride home. We can tell you, though, the energy with these missionaries coupled with their new companions, was high and contagious. We love them already and will grow to love them even more! (Note: * means new missionary)

Hermanas Tonini and Sorensen*

Hermanas Harper y Caldes*

We love these new missionaries who have arrived. Stay tuned for information about the missionaries who have arrived from Puerto Rico.

When the Phone Rings

Sorry, I have zero time to write because we are doing transfer journal signing! Just know that lots and lots of tears were shed this week because I am leaving the best area, comp, and ward ever. My heart truly is here in MoVal. I am really nervous about doubling-in to Corona AND training...so prayers and advice would be wonderful! I am excited for the new challenges ahead of me and I know I will grow a lot. I can't wait to meet my trainee and hopefully set the pace and tone for her whole mission...it's a lot of pressure but if President and the Lord believe in me, then I will not doubt.

SPANISH CREWWWWWW. Elder Spittle (far left) and Elder Parson (far right) are both going home and I am super sad. The older you get in the mission, the more people you know who go home..

THE ZONE ❤

THE LOVE OF MY LIFEEEEEE! (pizza, not my companion) (jk, I love her more than pizza)

MY WARD!!!!!