Mission update 2/9/2025

 We had a devotional with President Camille Johnson (Relief Society President for the church) on Monday and it was wonderful. She is quite amazing and spoke about being able to have both grief/stress/doubt etc and joy in our lives at the same time. Because of Jesus Christ, these can co exist in our lives and we can truly feel joy, no matter the circumstances in our lives. It is a bit freeing to know that!

She also shared what she has been doing with humanitarian work around the world but then said that "you are the bishop's storehouse." Meaning, we are the help that is needed where we live, in our neighborhoods and towns. 

Tuesday we had dinner with the Kershizneks who served in Hong Kong with Gary many years ago. We discussed plans for this year's Hong Kong mission reunion and had a great dinner and evening with them. It's fun that Gary is still in contact with so many of his fellow Hong Kong missionaries and their mission president.

Wednesday we found out that Elder Von Kunz passed away so we are making plans to go to that funeral this next week. He and his wife have been an inspiration to our whole mission, so many of us will be travelling up or watching the funeral on zoom. 

Packs and Kunzs - Together in the Work

We interviewed a couple of brothers this week and they were both very sharp but as we compared notes afterwards (we each interviewed one of them), we agreed that they were definitely cut out for computer programming, which they were both studying. Neither had much to say but you could tell they were very sharp and what they said was right to the point. It's so funny how we have some interviews like that and others where each question produces a long monologue. We had a good mix of both this week. 

Last night our MTC district got together for a dinner and had a great time. We always share experiences and it is so fun to see how much growth is happening and how many our really loving what they are doing and how they are serving. A couple of the sisters have recently gotten new assignments and are so happy with where they have ended up. One will be the new mission financial secretary and she is just giddy with joy. Not the reaction I would have to that news...

The Kopps finished their mission and went home to Switzerland but were back this week for our party. We love them!  And Swiss Chocolate makes everyone happy!

North side of the temple, construction of new sealing rooms

Beautiful clouds from our office window

From Gary:  The most impactful story from this week was the death of Elder Von Kunz.  He and his wife Sister Sheila Kunz are from Blackfoot Idaho.  He served as Stake President there.  In August of 2023 he was just getting released as Stake President when he was diagnosed with ALS.  When the General Authority released him, he was told to get his mission papers in and go on a mission as fast as possible.  They got their papers in and were called to our Utah Salt Lake City Headquarters Mission.  They arrived about 10 months ago and started to serve in the Church History Library.  They felt they wanted to have more on their plate, so they asked for more to do.  We were able to get them called to help us part time with our BYU Pathway Worldwide Ecclesiastical Endorsements.  They have been helping us for several months.  About three weeks ago, they were sent home by Von's doctors to be put on hospice since his ALS had advanced quickly.  They were still doing interviews with us literally on the day Von passed away this week.  Talk about serving to the best of your ability until your last breath.  We love Von and Sheila and the example they have been to us and every other person who has known them.  We are so grateful for the plan of salvation that assures us that this friendship is eternal!

We are still loving our mission and the adventures that bring us closer to God every day!

We love you all!

Elder and Sister Pack