Dear Parent and Loved Ones of the Great Missionaries of the Texas Houston East Mission.
Attached is the lasted copy of the Focal Point for T.H.E. Mission. We hope you will find joy in reading and feeling the power of the work of your loved ones. Sister Crawford and I dearly love the missionaries of this mission. The work is hard but so rewarding. I hear that in their voices when they call to tell me of baptismal commitments in their area. It is much like childbirth, so hard to get there, but once the event happens the joy overwhelms the difficulty of process (at least that is what Sister Crawford tells me which backs up my observations as well!).
We are getting ready to go into the hot months of missionary work where the heat and humidity are stunningly intense. There is an old Texas saying about Houston of; “If I had a home in Hell and a house in Houston, I’d go home.” If you can imagine that statement with a bit of a Texas drawl it becomes even more rich and humorous. I have found that missionaries look at doing work on bikes during the summer months as a badge of courage and that they are doing missionary work the way it was intended to be accomplished. Our baptisms also tend to be higher during the summer months as well. So while complaining about the heat and humidity is a pastime for the area it is also a great time to do missionary work. Your encouragement will continue to be valued during the hot times.
I mentioned in the Focal Point that our most recent survey showed great progress in all area compared to the previous survey. One area where we did not progress was in understanding our “Purpose” as missionaries. We start every meeting by quoting our missionary purpose which is: “To invite others to come unto Christ by helping them receive the restored gospel through faith in Jesus Christ and His atonement, repentance, baptism, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost and enduring to the end.” I was surprised at the finding because we have spend so much time in making sure our purpose drives our actions not just to be words repeated at a meeting. However, the information is good and lets me know where Sister Crawford and I must do a better job in helping the missionaries understand the power of the atonement and why it is so important. You can help as well through your e-mails and letters. Help them stay focused on their work. News from home is always welcomed and loved, but keep it balanced. Share with them your reading and insights regarding the power of the atonement and their work. You are as important a teacher as Sister Crawford and I are for them.
Sister Crawford and I value and treasure your support for your great missionary. We appreciate, welcome and need your prayers for the mission. Personally, we thank you for your kind prayers on our behalf. We are thankful and touched by your help.
We give you our love.
President and Sister Crawford
Focal Point:
Missionary Health:
Families,
Please be aware that this week only preparation day will be on Thursday. Please review the President’s Mother’s Day Guidelines in the Focal Point and make phone arrangements with your missionary accordingly.
Enjoy your visit!
Sister Larson,
Referral Secretary