PROMPTINGS OF THE SPIRIT

Through the miracle of modern technology we have been able to listen to four of the five sessions of General Conference broadcast from SLC. It has been a spiritual boost for both of us. Although all of the talks had meaningful messages, I (Eileen) felt especially touched by one particular talk. Elder Rasband’s talk “Let the Holy Spirit Guide” seemed especially pertinent to the thoughts going through my mind this past week.

Wednesday morning we received notification from Elder and Sister Lindsay that they had been called to be our replacements.  We were especially pleased, as we know this couple well. Not only are they extremely well qualified but also we have a firm conviction that Heavenly Father wants them here in Europe doing humanitarian work.

This is our third mission together as a couple. During our second mission we served as recommenders for senior missionaries in the Missionary Department. The Lindsays served as recommenders in the Welfare Department. We interacted daily with them, sometimes having conversations multiple times per day. We shared an instant bond with them.  The Lindsays had served two prior missions and we loved hearing about their experiences in Egypt and the Philippines.  We ate lunch daily with them and also did some things socially with them. They laughed at my ridiculous jokes.  They told us of spiritual events in their calling.  A strong friendship was forged.  When Russell had some complications with kidney surgery the Lindsays were the ones that I turned to.   Even though we had been released from our service in the missionary department I knew they would drop everything and be there to offer comfort and support. 

We have exchanged occasional emails with the Lindsays since we have been in Frankfurt.  This past January I had a very strong feeling that I should write to the Lindsays.  While sitting in the airport one day I wrote them a long letter telling them of the love I had for them and asked them when they would be going on another mission.  That was on a Tuesday. On Saturday when we returned to Frankfurt I told Russell that I felt I needed to call them. He questioned this prompting, as he knew that I had just written an email to them just a few days earlier. Nevertheless, I called them. During our conversation I discovered that the Lindsays had been fasting, praying and attending the temple to determine what the Lord would have them do regarding serving another mission when they received my email.  Through a series of miraculous events, the Lindsays received a call this past week to serve as our replacements.  As I listened to Elder Rasbands talk today I thought about the impressions I received to both email and talk with the Lindsays.  I didn’t call them out of friendship. I called them because I “felt” inspired to do so. I truly believe that Heavenly Father wants them in this calling. I am grateful for their goodness and desire to follow the Lord’s will.  I am also grateful that perhaps in a small way I was able to help the Lord move His work forward here in the Europe Area. 

Earlier this week we traveled to Greece to help train Elder and Sister Willmott. The Willmotts first were called to Greece to be office specialists, and then they were moved to Thessaloniki to work as Member-Leader Support missionaries and also help with some of the Churches efforts to render aid to the refugees there.  A few weeks ago the Humanitarian missionary couple that was serving in Athens needed to go home suddenly due to some medical issues.  The Willmotts were asked to move to Athens just a week ago and are fill a role which primarily deals with the Church’s refugee aid efforts in Greece. As we listened to Elder Bednar’s talk about how missionaries are first called to serve and then secondarily assigned to serve in a specific location I thought of them.  The Willmott’s willingness to serve wherever and do whatever is asked of them is a great example of how we should serve.

On our return home from Greece I had a small misfortune. A man sitting behind us on the plane was reaching up to get his wife’s suitcase, and it slipped and fell on my head.  I visited a local hospital for a checkup. I am grateful that I wasn’t hurt worse than a headache and a few sore muscles.

Listening to conference yesterday and today has been marvelous. I know that we have a prophet leading our church and that we are greatly blessed to be able to hear him and the other leaders of our church speak. I am excited for the additional newly announced five temples which will be built. I have done medical work in Kenya and the Philippines, and we have a daughter who lives in Saratoga Springs.  Each of these three locations has special significance to me.

Eileen with Elder and Sister Willmott

L to R-The Ritchies (our replacements in the Missionary Dept,) Russell and I, The Lindsays (our replacements in Germany) This photo was taken at our farewell to Germany. Both the Ritchies and the Lindsays attended to show their support.