Humanitarian Work in Montenegro

This past week we had the opportunity to travel to Podgorica, Montenegro and work with Elder R. Wayne and Sister Leslie Johnson who are doing excellent work among the people of that region.  We always count it as a privilege to be able to work with and support such wonderful couples.  Each day they pray for the Lord's direction on who to help. 

One morning they were directed to travel to a small town outside the city of Podgorica and visit the local Red Cross office.  When they arrived, they noticed the immigrants and others being served waiting in the hot sun.  The adjacent children's classroom was also too hot and without adequate furniture to conduct daily language lessons taught by Red Cross volunteers.  This missionary couple was inspired to develop a humanitarian project to make a difference in the lives of the people needing help.  The pictures below show how a relatively small project makes a difference in the lives of children and others in need.  It is wonderful to see how small donations to the Church humanitarian aid fund from thousands of Latter-day Saints can bless the lives of people around the world. 

The Red Cross director is pleased with the newly installed awnings.

New immigrants enjoying the shade provided by the awnings

The air conditioning unit makes a big difference in the children's classroom

The children have a classroom where they can learn their daily language lessons from dedicated Red Cross volunteers.

Each child can put their own wish upon the "wishing tree".  

Many of the wishes are things each of us might take for granted.

The children created this "Latter-day Saint Charities" logo to show their appreciation. 

It's great to be involved in this work that makes a positive difference in people's lives.

And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.  1 Corinthians 13: 13

Senior Missionary Opportunites

Many people ask our children: "Are they on a mission or a vacation?"  Our typical daily work is in the office, talking on the phone, in meetings and working on the computer.  When we post about our activities, these posts and pictures show what we do on the weekends.  Our primary missionary assignment is to support the humanitarian missionary couples serving in the Europe Area.  There are 9 humanitarian couples plus 6 more couples that work with refugees for a total of 15 couples.  We work with Elder and Sister Davis supporting these 15 couples to be successful in their work.

There are a limited number of senior missionary couples available and the Church has devised a system to allocate them as a scarce resource around the world.  There are always more opportunities for service than there are couples to meet those needs.  At present we have 2 immediate openings for missionary couples in the Europe Area.

1) We have an opening for a humanitarian missionary couple in Mindelo, Cape Verde.  The couple serving there went home early with health problems.  They loved the mission and really wanted to come back, but they were recently reassigned to Atlanta, Georgia.  We have another couple in Praia, Cape Verde who have been doing double duty.  They have been doing a fantastic job, but they go home in December, 2019. Cape Verde is a beautiful island in the Atlantic.  People there speak Portuguese, but much of the work can be done through translators.  

2) There is another opportunity for a missionary couple to serve in Milan, Italy.  The primary assignment is to work with refugees coming from various parts of the world to Italy.   Our current couple in Milan is scheduled to return home in January, 2020. This is a wonderful opportunity to serve in a beautiful country and help those striving to better their lives and assimilate into a new environment.

Milan is beautiful.  Many humanitarian assignments are in developing world environments, so this assignment may be attractive to someone wanting the experience of participating in humanitarian service while living in a European environment.  Their apartment is one of the nicest. They have their own car and travel to places like Verona, Florence, Venice, etc.  Any takers?

You might be asking about the language.  Portuguese and Italian would be great, but lack of language fluency are not deal breakers.  We knew very little Bosnian when we went to Bosnia.  Translators can be hired to assist the couple and language preparation is available for senior missionaries once they receive their call.  English is spoken almost everywhere and you would have no problem getting around. 

There are other senior couples in both Milan and Cape Verde and the mission homes are there as well.  You would also have involvement with the young missionaries and the mission president. 

Feel free to share this information with anyone who may be interested.  If you know someone that may be interested, tell them we can help them make a request and get them to the right people.  These are wonderful opportunities for someone looking to serve the Lord and who might like a little adventure in  their life.  

"Some of the truest followers I know are couples that have put the anticipated ease and pleasure of retirement on hold and followed Him into full-time service in His kingdom.  If you desire to to grow in your discipleship together, talk to your bishop about a mission.  Every mission in the Church needs more missionary couples. . . "  Robert J. Whetten, "True Followers", April 1999 General Conference

Windecken

The senior missionaries meet twice a month for Family Home Evening.  On Monday, August 5, 2019 we went to the town of Windecken.   Ralf Grünke, an employee was gracious enough to take us on a walking tour of Windecken.  He shared with us the history and folk lore of the town.  We visited the Town Hall, Market Square, Hospital, Monastery Church, Lindt Bakery, Jewish Quarters, City Wall and Wonnecken Castle.  It was a very nice evening for all.  

Monastery Church

Stumbling Stones

Lindt Bakery

Market Square

Jewish Quarter

Witch Tower

Often as we experience the storms of life, we witness the Lord's hand in providing eternal protections. " Quentin L. Cook, See Yourself in the Temple, April General Conference 2016

Königswinter - Siebengebirge

After leaving Bonn we drove to a nearby castle.  Yes - there a lots of castles in Germany.  First we rode a tram to the hilltop tower and fortification overlooking the castle.  The view was spectacular.  We then rode the tram down, stopping half way down to visit the castle.  We were glad we took the time to see this castle, check the pictures and see what you think.

After our self-guided tour we caught the tram to the bottom of the hill and parking lot.  We had to walk the last leg of the journey to our car (we couldn't make the donkey take us there).  Thus ended another interesting Saturday and nice diversion from our week-day activities.

"Whenever we are inclined to feel burdened down with the lows of life, let us remember that others have passed the same way, have endured, and then have overcome."  Thomas S Monson, Look to God and Live, April General Conference 1998

Bonn, Germany - Roll Over Beethoven

It was another Saturday and we visited the town of Bonn, Germany (birthplace of Ludwig van Beethoven and capital of former West Germany).  The Beethoven Museum was closed, but we were able to visit the nearby concert hall and learn somewhat of Beethoven's early life.  After the concert hall we visited a beautifully preserved and lovely church in the downtown area.

After visiting the church we wandered through the town center where we ate lunch and enjoyed the sights of Bonn.  

Every day one can become a little bit more like Jesus wants us to become.  It's a lifetime project.   Practice it every day.  President Russell M. Nelson, Pacific Ministry Tour

Happy Birthday

The month of July is birthday month for two of our grandsons.  Fitz Winters had his fourth birthday on July 7th.  Fitz and his family are temporarily living in our home while their new home is being finished.  Their house is nearly done.  They have an occupancy permit so the nearly two year project is almost completed.

On Saturday, July 27th we had the opportunity to attend a free concert at our Frankfurt church building.  The group performing as Gentri.  It was an amazing concert.

July 30th was Max George's 4th birthday as well.  Both Max and Fitz were born while we were serving our mission in Auckland, New Zealand.  Max and his family were in Utah over the 24th of July Utah holiday so he had two birthday celebrations.  One in Utah and one in Canada.  We are so thankful for these two boys.

Nora Elizabeth has learned to sit up and can now crawl.  She is 8 months old.  She will be a big girl by the time we go home.  She always has a smile on her face.

We love what we are doing in Germany, but we do miss our family.  We truly are thankful for modern technology so we can touch base with those we love.

"If we could look into each other's hearts and understand the unique challenges each of us faces, I think we would treat each other much more gently, with more love, patience, tolerance, and care."  Marvin J. Ashton, April General Conference 1992