Senior Training In Palmyra

Last weekend was a great time for us and a good break from the proselyting and teaching regimen.   Thursday we attended a training session with President Jack R. Christianson at the John Young Home. He is always inspiring.  (So much so, in fact, that we ordered several of his lectures on CD. )  For this training he showed the video of Elder Bednar's address in the MTC speaking about Christ's ability to "turn outward" rather than inward by always thinking about what others need rather than selfishly thinking about himself. President Christianson's comments together with this inspiring talk made a deep impression on all of us.  On friday, several senior couples met at the Erie Canal for a tour and presentation about the history of the canal while riding a boat through one of the lochs. After the tour we had dinner at Uno's with the Servoss', the Bests, and the Barlows, laughing and sharing experiences. It was so relaxing and fun to be socializing with great friends.  Saturday morning was Cattaraugus Branch's time at the Bishops Storehouse.  This storehouse is located in Canandaguia, just a few miles from the John Young Home in Mendon so we were able to help there before we headed back.  It made for a couple of hours of hard work but so good to see the welfare plan in action.

A Visit with Wic

It was EFY (Especially For Youth) week for Wic at Palmyra, New York last week.  We were able to pick him up and spend a few fun days with him before he flew back home.  Looking forwards to having a great weekend together, we started out by once again visiting the sacred grove, then driving along Lake Seneca and hiking through Watkins Glen.  Following this side trip we headed to back to Hamburg to take in the Erie County Fair.  In the Indian Village at the Fair we bought a Tshirt for Wic with the Wampum on it.  Sunday, Wic went to church with us as Grandpa Jeppesen confirmed Mike and Marlene Sternisha.  Following church we were all invited to join the Atkinsons and Grandpa Hugh Jones for dinner at the Campbell's.  It was a gorgeous Sunday and we enjoyed another scrumpdelicious  meal.  That evening Wic, Grandpa and I drove out to Sunset Beach on Lake Erie, just a few miles from where we live.  Monday morning we headed for Old Fort Niagara.  After enjoying the tour there we drove back to the airport and bid our goodbyes to Wic.  It was a great change of pace for us and so fun to spend time with our grandson.

Mike and Marlene Sternisha are Baptized and back home Ben is too!!

Our grandson Ben was baptized this year.  Even though we weren't able to be there, we know what an important event it was for him.  What made it even more special was that not long after his baptism, way out in New York our friends the Sternishas were also baptized.

In the MTC we were told, "The Lord is preparing the people you will teach.  The Holy Ghost will be the one who converts them.  Just make sure you are obediently doing what good missionaries do and you will have success."  This was made apparent early on in our experience with our friends the Sternishas.  Mike and Marlene had already been doing their own searching, studying and investigating.  We met them in church even! We sat down in back of them our second week at the Cattaraugus Branch, became acquainted, and the rest is history.  We connected with them so quickly and really have always enjoyed being together.  Not only were we praying for them, but some of our family members were fasting and praying for them too.  Last Friday night, August 10, they were baptized.  We had a nice program in the chapel:  Elder Jeppesen and I gave the talks on Baptism and the Holy Ghost; Ira Jones conducted; President Jones, his father, and his three sons sang, in beautiful four part harmony, "Come Unto Jesus."  Following the baptism several bore their testimonies. With the help of some ladies in the Branch, a nice meal was provided afterward.  It was a special, memorable night for the Sternishas and for us.  Many prayers have been answered and continue to be.