"Let us run with patience the race that is set before us." Hebrews 12:1

Kansas City Chiefs sure ran with patience their race today, Superbowl Sunday! When he joined the church, in an effort to "observe the sabbath day and keep it holy," Norm gave up viewing the Superbowl on Sunday. A "sacrifice" that has been a symbol to him of the commitment he made with God at baptism. That has not kept him from watching highlights the next day, or recording it to enjoy later, but he has continued to abstain from watching on Sunday. It so happens a member of one of our congregations here in San Diego is Eric Weddle. Some of you may not know the story of Eric Weddle. He retired from the NFL in 2020 after a storied 14-year career (All American, All Pro, Pro Bowl, etc.). One Tuesday late in the 2021 season, he got a call from the defensive coordinator for the LA Rams. They were on course to have a run at the Superbowl but had just lost their two safeties to injuries. The question posed was “What kind of shape are you in? Could you give us 17 snaps this coming Monday night?” Long story short, as unbelievable as it is, Eric came back from retirement with virtually no conditioning and went on to help lead the LA Rams to a Superbowl championship exactly one year ago!

 

Eric had joined our church when he was a student at the University of Utah. After being named All American, a recognition that should have made him really happy, he reported feeling empty. He really envied the happiness and confidence his returned-missionary roommates exuded. Long story short, Eric was taught and accepted the gospel of Christ. It was only finding Christ and making a covenant promise with Him that filled his soul. 

So we had Eric come teach our missionaries. It was really something. One liners like, “Attitude equals performance” or “If you want it badly enough, you’ll get it done” or “Attack each day like it’s your last” continue to resonate with our young missionaries. They LOVED having Eric Weddle come address us. (The highlight reel at the beginning was just the start.) One young elder eagerly came up after Eric’s presentation and explained that Tom Brady has done it all but he feels the same emptiness because he doesn’t know Christ. “Eric, could you share this Book of Mormon with Tom Brady with your testimony?” Eric smiled and agreed to do it. In classic CSDM missionary-style, the Elder then quipped, “Can I have your number so I can follow up with you to see how it went?” 

Time continues to fly by so quickly. January was a beautiful month with many rainy days. Our missionaries have diligently worked through the rain and have seen miracles as a result. There were many people who, given the rain, were home and invited them in to share a message. One January highlight was the Commemoration of the Mormon Battalion arriving into San Diego. Each year a Commemoration event is held in Old Town and our missionaries have an opportunity to march in a parade reenacting the event. See pictures of this year's commemoration below.  

Then Jesus beholding him loved him. Mark 10:21 -  Each transfer cycle we have the opportunity to meet with all the missionaries in conferences. This last conference we discussed what it means to "behold" someone considering the story in the Gospel of Mark of the ruler who inquired how he could inherit eternal life. We read "Then Jesus beholding him loved him." Our missionaries have taken that to heart as they find and teach new friends they are newly committed to beholding and loving them as the savior would.

This Valentine's Day (Tuesday, Feb 14) is transfer day. We continue to see miracles as assignments are made and unknown discoveries become apparent after the transfers. For instance, one of our mandarin speaking elders was transferred to a congregation with an english speaking companion, an "outbound" transfer. He was disappointed as he wanted to continue working in the mandarin program. President Merritt asked him to discover why he was assigned there. We saw the Lord's hand when this elder met parents in his new English-speaking area who had just arrived from China to assist with a new baby. These parents desired to learn more about Christ and needed a mandarin speaker to be there to teach them. Our Mandarin speaking elder was in the right place at the right time. Although we did not know, God knew why he needed to be in that particular area. After assigning Elder S, our deaf elder from Romania, to act as trainer for our newest ASL missionary, we discovered that our new missionary's father served his mission in Romania. Such a special connection for the two elders. 

We also continue to see miracles in the work. A pair of missionaries were knocking doors looking for members who stopped coming out due to Covid. They knocked on a door a few times and rather than the member they were seeking, a teenager, unknown to them, answered. He was pleased to see them and explained that on that very morning, he had prayed and asked God to let him know that God knew he was there. This connection was a direct answer to his prayer.

Yesterday we attended a sweet baptism. An elderly member (86 years old) flew out from Florida to baptize his new elderly friend (82 years). The two, both attorneys, met when discussing some trust issues over the phone. Both had spent time in the military and their discussions turned to spiritual matters. After referring his new friend to the missionaries and learning he made a decision to be baptized, our Floridian flew out to perform the ordinance himself. It was a beautiful service to witness someone in their 8th decade of life being "born again" being baptized by a friend also in his 8th decade. It was helpful to have a young elder in the font to assist with the baptism by immersion.

But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities . . . and with his stripes we are healed.  Isaiah 53:5 -  Last entry, I described a fall in which I believe angels caught me, I had no bruises, no tears or abrasions - it was simply put miraculous. After walking into the hamper in our closet one morning this month and getting a nasty dark bruise, I determined that angels literally did catch me. MIRACULOUS. I am grateful for Christ and the bruises and stripes he has taken for me in order to allow me to repent of my sins and return to live with him. 

We want to congratulate any and all who rooted for the Kansas City Chiefs - no we did not watch the game and are not sure we will find the time for a Monday morning review of highlights given transfers. We do want to send our love to you, our family and friends this Valentine's Day week. May you each run your race with patience and finish it in a way that is pleasing unto the Lord.