"Our Unusual Experience"

Earlier in November, we got a call from our bishop here with a request to do something on behalf of the Church. That, itself, is not unusual. We are, after all, missionaries assigned to his ward and do many things under his direction. This one was different.

The bishop had received a call from a member of the Church in Salt Lake City indicating that her brother had passed away. Although a member himself since age 14, the gentleman now 79 years of age, had not been active in the Church during most of his lifetime. The sister thought it would be a nice gesture if the Church were represented in some way, if only to visit the widow, ask what her wishes might be, and extend some support. For whatever reason, the bishop thought we would fit this assignment.

A visit was made to the family home where the wife of the deceased was gracious and warm. Things were all planned for a brief Catholic service the following day and we were welcome to attend. We went to the beautiful funeral home not far from our apartment and enoyed a lovely visit with the family, and especially the widow. It seemed like an instant connection. During the viewing, she asked Elder de Paula if he would "say a pray" at the open casket with the large family seated in the room.

Then comes the touchy part. After seventeen years of marriage, this man had left his wife and five children, married another woman, then just five years ago, returned to his first wife and children. As the wife said, "He's tried to make it up to them in the last five years."

I could see the turmoil in Elder de Paula's face. . . What do I say? How do I say it? How not to offend? How to comfort? I don't even know this person. Well, the Spirit took over and the words of comfort and consolation flowed. Afterwards, the widow came to me and said "Well, I see why you married him...he gives a great talk!" She was very pleased, as was the family. After that, the funeral director entered, knelt and recited the Catholic prayers and the funeral was over. We hugged a few more times and promised to visit this dear lady who had become our friend.

The 83-year-old sister in Salt Lake City, and her 89-year-old husband could not make the trip to the funeral. But they were so thrilled to be able to make a phone call across the country to a person they didn't even know, in the Church they dearly love and that someone would send representatives in their behalf to offer comfort and attend their brother's funeral.

In a letter to our bishop, the sister of the deceased wrote,

"My sister-in-law called me after the funeral of my brother and told me how wonderful the missionaries were at the funeral. They gave a nice talk and lovingly put their arms around Marilyn. She was so impressed with the De Paulas. It's times like this the Church really comes through and what a blessing it is. Tell the De Paula's thank you. In a year I will be able to do my brother's temple work."

We did what any representative of Jesus Christ would do. We are called to serve and love as He would do. His name is on our name tag.

"District Interviews and Other Good Things"

The Bay Shore/Brentwood District is the largest district in New York South Mission. And I might just mention that we have some pretty remarkable young missionaries serving here! We love inviting them to our home and also preparing food for them occasionally after a district meeting. They are always so appreciative - and so hungry! They will always have a place in our hearts.

Front (l to r) Sister Ditto, Sister Balimuttajjo, Elder Lee, Elder Alder. Standing (l to r) Elder Johnson, Elder Duce, Elder Nehmer, Elder Peterson, Sister Kevan, Elder Lee, Sister Sellers and Elder Wiggins. Of these, one elder and one sister companionship is Spanish-speaking.

Below are shots of missionaries mingling, eating and celebrating birthdays in the kitchen during the lunch break at the district meeting/mission interviews.

President and Sister Bennion add immense joy and leadership to all the missionaries here in New York South Mission and among the all people. What qualified, capable and humble servants they are!

Friday morning is always district meeting, but the 14th was a special day because of interviews with the president. What a positive experience. What gracious man! The meeting began at 10:00am and ended at 3:00pm.

It was a wonderful day of inspiration, learning, interviews with our great district and our dear mission president and his wife. What a wonderful place to be serving a mission!

"Frank Baptized His Mother"

Our daughter, Nicole and her husband Frank were married in the Salt Lake Temple just one month before our first mission to Brazil five years ago. Frank had joined the church about eight years ago and was the only member in his family...until Saturday November 8 when he baptized his mother.

Frances moved from Ohio last year and she has been attending church with Frank and Nicole - all the meetings, reading, paying her tithing, etc. Then she began having lessons with the missionaries several weeks ago.

One night the missionaries challenged her to baptism and asked her to pray about it and told her that they would do the same. She did. That night she had a dream in which she saw her deceased husband, Frank's dad, just sitting in a chair "somewhere that looked like it could have been heaven." He just sat there, saying nothing, as if he were just waiting for Frances to take care of something - "so he and our family could progress" she said.

The following night the missionaries returned and told her that they felt prompted to set her baptism for Nov 8 - just one week away. She started to cry. When they asked her if there was a problem, she told them about her dream and that she was hoping the baptism would be soon.

Frances was baptized by her only child, Frank, and is thrilled to have the gospel of Jesus Christ in her life! She looks forward to going to the temple and then having her husband's work done and their family sealed forever.

What a lovely lady! We love you Frances.