Here are the updates that we received as the storm approached. We were not told which building s they were evacuated to. In fact, when we asked, we were told that we were to have faith. I have PLENTY of faith. I know that they will be fine. I just want to know if they have been taken to Orlando or to the local stake center. Either is fine. I just want to know so that while I track the storm, 24/7, I want to see what is going on in my child's area. The times have changed from the 80's when you used to send your child off on a mission and hope to receive a letter once a month. The Lord has given us the internet and real time access to everything so that we can bless the lives of others. Not to create stress in the minds and hearts of parents who willingly give their child away to serve Him. ANYWAY...
Florida Fort Lauderdale Mission - President Garns
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Alarms clocks sounded at 6:30, and although there were a few groans, everyone got up and made their makeshift beds. The occupants of each building gathered for morning prayer. In Sister Measles’ prayer, she prayed for the parents, that they would be calm and given peace.
After breakfast, the missionaries changed into proselyting clothing to begin their morning studies.
Another mission-wide conference call happened at 9:30. The conference
calls begin with a roll call, zone by zone. It’s fun to hear the
creative cheers the zones have come up with to answer roll call.
President Garns gave a storm update, which was hopeful and reassuring. Although throughout the state tropical storm force winds and rain are predicted, Irma’s path is currently believed to be shifting to the west.
As our spiritual leader, President Garns focused on preparing for the Sabbath Day. Sacrament meetings will be held, although not in the Chapel area of the buildings. Missionaries are brainstorming ideas for appropriate activities to fill the remainder of the Sabbath Day hours.
Once again, the utmost in caution is being encouraged. As the stronger winds arrive, he instructed the Elders and Sisters to sleep in the hallways, far away from windows and doors.
After the storm passes, no one will be permitted to exit buildings until they are authorized by the Mission Presidency. If communication is limited, the Mission Presidency will travel around the mission to authorize safe exits from buildings.
At the end of the conference call, all knelt as Elder Krieger offered a powerful prayer.
The next conference call will be this evening at 9:30. Zones will gather for family prayer at 10:15.
We are filled with faith and optimism, but should we lose power and communication towers, we will update parents as soon as we possibly can.
President Garns gave a storm update, which was hopeful and reassuring. Although throughout the state tropical storm force winds and rain are predicted, Irma’s path is currently believed to be shifting to the west.
As our spiritual leader, President Garns focused on preparing for the Sabbath Day. Sacrament meetings will be held, although not in the Chapel area of the buildings. Missionaries are brainstorming ideas for appropriate activities to fill the remainder of the Sabbath Day hours.
Once again, the utmost in caution is being encouraged. As the stronger winds arrive, he instructed the Elders and Sisters to sleep in the hallways, far away from windows and doors.
After the storm passes, no one will be permitted to exit buildings until they are authorized by the Mission Presidency. If communication is limited, the Mission Presidency will travel around the mission to authorize safe exits from buildings.
At the end of the conference call, all knelt as Elder Krieger offered a powerful prayer.
The next conference call will be this evening at 9:30. Zones will gather for family prayer at 10:15.
We are filled with faith and optimism, but should we lose power and communication towers, we will update parents as soon as we possibly can.
Florida Fort Lauderdale Mission - President Garns
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Today has been fun! These missionaries know how to enjoy themselves, even in a time of stress.
Up until 3 p.m. the gyms were full of activities, but those were moved right on schedule, in obedience to safety rules. The games and puzzles continued in the hallways, in between eating and sharing stories. The missionaries are getting to know everyone in their zones like never before. It's amazing to see the harmony in such a diverse group.
In our evening conference call, President Garns emphasized making
tomorrow, the Sabbath Day, sacred and reverent. Keeping the Sabbath Day
holy is a prophetic priority. The zones shared suggestions with each
other for creating a special spirit tomorrow, not only in our sacrament
meetings, but throughout the entire day. Everyone knelt together in
prayer as Sister Seipert thanked the Lord for our protection.
We will arise early, dress appropriately for the Sabbath, and begin our personal and companionship studies. Sacrament meeting will be at 11:00 a.m., in which testimonies will be given.
Our hearts are full of gratitude for the buildings we occupy which are sanctuaries every Sabbath Day, and especially this one.
"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear." Psalm 46: 1-2
Our Sabbath Day began as the missionaries arose at 6:30. After breakfast, and dressing in appropriate Sunday attire, they began personal study at 8:30.
We gathered for a conference call at 9:30. Roll call was taken and, “all are safely gathered in.” The AP’s instructed the Zone Leaders in each building that our Sacrament Meetings, Priesthood and Relief Society Meetings should be held in the safest areas of the buildings, away from windows; no one should enter the chapels or gymnasiums during the storm.
Our
hearts are full of gratitude! The storm has passed by and all
missionaries have been protected and are safely accounted for. Several
locations are still waiting for electrical power and we are not sure
when it will be restored.
In our evening conference call, President Garns quoted President Monson that sincerely giving thanks unlocks the doors of heaven and helps us feel God’s love. Tonight, we all felt that love as we knelt together and joined in a prayer of gratitude.
We will arise early, dress appropriately for the Sabbath, and begin our personal and companionship studies. Sacrament meeting will be at 11:00 a.m., in which testimonies will be given.
Our hearts are full of gratitude for the buildings we occupy which are sanctuaries every Sabbath Day, and especially this one.
Florida Fort Lauderdale Mission - President Garns
·
Our Sabbath Day began as the missionaries arose at 6:30. After breakfast, and dressing in appropriate Sunday attire, they began personal study at 8:30.
We gathered for a conference call at 9:30. Roll call was taken and, “all are safely gathered in.” The AP’s instructed the Zone Leaders in each building that our Sacrament Meetings, Priesthood and Relief Society Meetings should be held in the safest areas of the buildings, away from windows; no one should enter the chapels or gymnasiums during the storm.
A brief storm update was given. During and after the storm, President
Garns warned, the eyes of the world are upon us. Our words, actions and
reactions will have the power to uplift and strengthen the faith of
those looking on. He cautioned to not exaggerate the events of this
weekend, but honestly and peacefully share the love we have felt and the
comforting presence of the Spirit.
President Garns delivered a beautiful message about the sacrament, from the thoughts of Elder Dallin H. Oaks. As the Priesthood bearers break the bread, each piece is unique, just as each child of God is unique as we approach the covenant with broken hearts. As we partake of the emblems of the sacrament, the Savior’s sacrifice becomes personal and individual to each of us.
After a mission-wide prayer, led by Elder Hantz, the missionaries returned to their companionship studies.
President Garns delivered a beautiful message about the sacrament, from the thoughts of Elder Dallin H. Oaks. As the Priesthood bearers break the bread, each piece is unique, just as each child of God is unique as we approach the covenant with broken hearts. As we partake of the emblems of the sacrament, the Savior’s sacrifice becomes personal and individual to each of us.
After a mission-wide prayer, led by Elder Hantz, the missionaries returned to their companionship studies.
Florida Fort Lauderdale Mission - President Garns
·
In our evening conference call, President Garns quoted President Monson that sincerely giving thanks unlocks the doors of heaven and helps us feel God’s love. Tonight, we all felt that love as we knelt together and joined in a prayer of gratitude.
In testimony meeting today, Elder Lantor told us that the hardest part
for him of being sheltered from the storm has been his desire to be out
serving. He doesn’t want to waste any of the valuable time he has on his
mission.
Elder Briggs expressed this same eagerness to serve, “We are the storm. We are just waiting for Irma to pass, so we can be the storm!”
Elder Davis said, "When the storm passes, let us walk out those doors and be ready to labor in serving, crying repentance and baptizing converts. We need to be urgent in the short time God has given us."
These incredible Elders and Sisters are ready to do just that.
Elder Briggs expressed this same eagerness to serve, “We are the storm. We are just waiting for Irma to pass, so we can be the storm!”
Elder Davis said, "When the storm passes, let us walk out those doors and be ready to labor in serving, crying repentance and baptizing converts. We need to be urgent in the short time God has given us."
These incredible Elders and Sisters are ready to do just that.
Sophie is holding up another sister in the center. Sophie always tries to get in the center of any picture. She rarely gets told to move because she is so short. This is her Zone. 38 of them and 2 Sr. Couples whom I love! Sister Pack is the lady in peach sitting down. She has sent a lot of videos, some of which they are all singing songs around the piano. Here are copies of them. They are not the best quality but they are the only thing that has kept me going. These are the last things that we saw of them before Irma hit and have not had any communication with Sophie's Zone since.
Army of Helamn makes me cry. I'm glad they did Don't Stop Belivin' afterwards.
Aloha Sister Beckstrand be safe and keep on smiling you're amazing. Love and aloha from the Kahanu ohana.
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