Keeping the torch lit June 30, 2016

The transfer of mission presidents is very simple.  A new mission president and wife are called in the last couple of months of the year.  They receive their assignment at the first of the year and begin in earnest their training and preparation.  Near the last week of June, they will enter the MTC for about 3 1/2 days of teaching and training by the missionary committee of the Church, the First Presidency and Twelve Apostles. After the MTC, they begin traveling to their missions--arriving so that they begin their work on or about July 1st.
The moment the new mission president's foot touches the ground within his mission boundaries, he becomes the president and the previous president is released.  After meeting together for a few hours, the new president and wife receive the phones, the files, the house and chapel keys, etc. and the transfer is complete.  The spirit of the Lord is there, and the power of revelation and guidance is over all, and it is a peaceful and sweet event.

When our missionaries are about two cycles from completing their missions, we send them what we call their "Torch Letter."  The letter has practical information about preparing to complete and leave the mission field: what airport they want to fly into, getting their chest xrays done, attending Career Workshop.  We also include a great article by "Finishing with Your Torch Still Lit," and we encourage and emphasize the importance of keeping their missionary and gospel torch burning strong until the last moments--being able then, to pass the torch to the next missionaries coming in so that the work of the Lord continues on.

President Rahlf and I are grateful to pass the torch to President and Sister Hiatt.  They arrived June 30th--so excited to be here and to continue on the great missionary traditions that have been here for many, many years. They will be wonderful and dedicated in their calling and all is well... all is well!


The plane has landed in
Tuguegarao and we are
watching for President
and Sister Hiatt.

Mabuhay!

A happy greeting between us
as the torch is passed

 

The old and the new--

both with unsurpassing love

for the Cauayan Mission



And finally!  After 1073 days,
we at last get President Rahlf
into a tricey for the ride
to the hotel!

 

 

 

"This race of discipleship is not a sprint; it's a marathon.

As long as we continue to rise up and move toward our Savior,

we win the race with our torches burning brightly.

 

For the torch is not about us or about what we do.

 

It's about the Savior of the world."

                                                                          

                                                                         President Dieter F. Uchtdorf