"But he that endureth unto the end, the same shall be saved." Matt 24:13

It is amazing to think that in two years of service here in San Diego, we are sharing our 15th post. I had hoped to do a bit better, but life gets busy, and our mission time has been no exception. We like to say we are busy in the best way and feel so blessed for the time we have here. I have received a few emails asking for an update and have had "blog" on my list many mornings. Here goes.

Since our last post we have had the distinct privilege of welcoming our ninth grandchild, Van Meade Buttars, into the world on July 10. Armenay was fortunate enough to be there for his birth and to assist following the exciting event. This gave her opportunities for many fun times with Van's three older siblings. We picked apricots and made apricot jam, to supplement the other basic meals we prepared together in the kitchen. We attended summer camps for archery and science experiments and fun and most of all we celebrated Van who, at 23 inches long, wins the prize for longest baby in the Buttars family. When I told Rex he was the littlest, he replied, "No, I am the cutest." They are all pretty darn cute and we feel so very blessed at the safe and healthy arrival of Van.  

Since our last post, we have had three transfer days with the fourth looming next week. Four temple trips, three zone conferences, four outdoor Inspire: Music and Messages of Hope programs at the Mormon Battalion, numerous baptisms and many, many interviews, mission home brunches and surprise twists. Two missionaries have lost a parent this summer. One was sudden and unexpected, the other with a few months notice. We mourn with these young missionaries and are amazed at the endurance and resilience they have shown through this hardship. 

In June we had a stirring Why I Believe Devotional with Sister Camille Johnson, Relief Society General President, as our keynote speaker. Sister Johnson shared beautiful thoughts that can be seen at this link. She amazed us with the schedule she kept while here in San Diego. She is a woman who is serious about her role/calling. Prior to the Devotional we were privileged to hear from both Sister Johnson and her husband, who served in the California San Diego Mission a number of years ago. They both inspired us. A couple of key takeaways from that meeting are: 

• Obedience in the morning and diligence in the afternoon bring miracles in the evening. 
• Christ witnessed to the Samaritan woman at the well. We should not prejudge who will want to hear His message but share it with everyone around us.
• When we love people, we want them to return to Heavenly Father.

A fun highlight in September was the JustServe Padres night that found all California San Diego Missionaries sitting in a high tier at the Padres game. We made the Jumbotron multiple times and many people commented both that day, and since, about the lifting presence of the missionaries in the stadium that evening. Unfortunately, the Padres, who had been in the lead until the ninth inning, experienced a huge upset when, in the top of the ninth, the Tigers hit a home run while the bases were loaded. Padres did not rebound and within moments the tide changed and Padres had a loss. 

In spite of that small disappointment, we have experienced some wonderful miracles. Some sisters were out knocking doors and after a few knocks started walking away. They were stopped by a knock on the window. They turned and found a woman saying "One second girls, I am coming to the door." She then described how she had just received a diagnosis and needed some hope in her life. Their visit was timed just when she needed it. God is so good.

Two elders were at a lesson and after they left, realized one had forgotten scriptures at the home where they taught. Not wanting to be late for their next appointment, they determined they would have to return for the scriptures. When they returned later that evening they ran into a woman who told them she "needs the Lord right now." They were able to teach her and she has now been baptized and feels the Lord's love and light in her life. So the scriptures brought them back to the house at the perfect time to share a much needed message with this particular woman.  

Two weeks ago at a baptism, we met "Sam" (name changed) who was seeking to help someone who had a broken vehicle. Sam is a mechanic. This week, Sam was baptized and we heard more of his story. Sam shared that he reached a point where he realized his life choices were not leading him to happiness. He got on his knees and prayed saying, "Jesus guide me, save me, I want to know you." The next day missionaries knocked on his door and began teaching him. Today he described the peace and joy he has felt since turning to the Lord. A peace that was magnified as he promised God that he would walk His covenant path. 

We chose as our study theme this transfer Christ's admonition to endure to the end. (Matthew 24:13) We ask the missionaries to find synonyms of the word "Endure". In closing I will share two of these synonyms with you. 

REST. To me this seemed the opposite of endure but then I was directed by missionaries sharing the synonym to Matthew 11:28-30 which reads: 

"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." 

As we partner with Christ, we rest ourselves from worldly cares and gain the Lord's help with those matters that endure.

PREPARE: Another elder shared "prepare" as a synonym for endure. I believe this verb to be an important component of enduring. If we fail to prepare we are unlikely to be able to endure well and to the end. In Luke 1:17 we read of John the Baptist's role:

 "And he shall go before him [Christ] . . . to make ready a people prepared for the Lord." 

That we may each prepare our hearts, our homes and families to meet the Lord is our prayer. Thank you all for your love and concern and especially your prayers for us and our missionaries. 

We love you now, in twenty and forever!

My mother, in her 80's playing at the park with grandchildren. I aspire to be like her!

Father's Day sentiments shared by missionaries as we met for interviews.

We love the time Doug and Camille Johnson shared with our mission!

The miraculous arrival of Van Mead Buttars, so blessed to be there!

 

Happy Birthday President! You are LOVED!

Take me out to the ballgame! Go Padres!

Ashley Ward is greeted by her younger brother as she completes her mission. Can you tell he missed having his big sister at home? What a joyous and tender reunion awaits those who ENDURE well!