And a great cry arose up from
the southern (or at least southwestern part) of the land. And lo, there
were nearly signs and wonders in the heavens. For it came to pass in
those days that in fact Elder & Sister Phippen repented of their lack of
diligence and sought to write an epistle. So here it is - finally - after
about 6 weeks
As we think about all that has transpired over
the course of our mission, the main memory we have is of the good people we have
come to know and love as we have been collectively engaged in the work of
saving souls. Among the choicest spirits we have made friends with have
been Jose and his wife Whitney. These good people run a Christian
ministry for the soldiers here called Hospitality House. The provide
weekly Bible study and food at their home - called the Hospitality House.
We met Jose during the several Newcomer orientations we attend. He
and his wife provide a place where soldiers can relax and decompress from their
week of very intense training. Most of the time, AIT students cannot
leave post or even ride in private cars. So this service is invaluable in
helping the soldiers maintain a focus and their sanity. This impart of a
world-wide ministry, funded entirely from donations to this cause. It has
been great to know these good folks and we are certain that the Lord is pleased
with how Jose and Whitney help the soldiers muddle through their challenges.
Our volunteer service
opportunities have helped us come to know and love some of the post chaplains
and their families. We have become quite close to Chaplain Perez and his
family. Their daughters, ranging in ages 4 to 17, think of us like we are
their grandparents. Chaplain Perez has done monumental work in helping us
arrange special transportation, obtain authorization for soldiers to travel to
Mesa, visit with ward and stake leaders off-post, and develop and maintain
contact with LDS soldiers who arrive at Ft. Huachuca without our knowing about
them in advance. Unfortunately, we have likely seen the last of these
friends, since they are on leave or temporary duty away from Ft. Huachuca until
sometime in July - which is after we complete this part of our service. We are sure the Lord will continue to bless
them as they seek to minister to his children who serve in the Army.
One of the nicest people we
have met since coming to Ft. Huachuca is Chaplain Mike Fox. He is such a
good and pleasant soul. We have worked with him a great deal in Cafe
Connection - which we have mentioned before. Mike is retiring from the
Army this summer - a couple of weeks after we leave - and is looking for a
parish/church to serve in. He likely is headed for central Washington
(state). Elder Phippen has promised to take him fly fishing in they come
west and stop through Idaho. Tough work, but somebody has to do it.
The shorter couple on the far right in the photo are the Pans - he is
another of the post chaplains, and in fact is the person who invited us to
participate in national Prayer Breakfast in February. He also plays a
mean base guitar. His wife is a tiny little thing who has a great big
voice and sings hymns really well.
In the military, there is a
tradition that when people leave or join a unit - which happens often - a unit
commander holds a “Hail and Farewell” lunch where new folks are welcomed and
departing folks are recognized. We were pleased to be recognized in such
a context by the post chaplain’s office. In the In the first photo
below, Chaplain Weston - we have mentioned him before - is reading a
certificate of appreciation to us for the service we have rendered during our
time here. Needless to say, we are surprised by the gesture, but also
acknowledge the hand of the Lord in helping us help move the Church out of
obscurity in this community. The second picture is of two ladies with
whom we have served in a number of capacities at the chaplain’s food locker and
Cafe Connection. They are lots of fun and have some very interesting
personal history stories to tell. They are from Viet Nam and married American
Servicemen. The last in this set of pictures is Sister Phippen as she
was nominated for Volunteer of the year by the Chaplains office. It was because
she had cleaned and organized the Turn Around Point, which is the free Deseret
Industries. She didn’t win, but the fact that she was nominated is
amazing.
Of course, the most treasured
memories are of the soldiers who are the main focus of our mission. This
first young man had not been particularly active prior to his arrival here. But
he has been a very regular attender. Last
Friday, we were privileged to a tend his AIT graduation. He was
required to clear - as in vacate - his barracks room on Friday night, and had
planned to get a hotel room for one night. But since we have a second
bedroom in our apartment, we invited him to stay with us. He then
accompanied our soldier’s group to the Mesa Temple (we do this about once each
quarter). He has not yet gone through the temple, but was able to enjoy
the spirit of the grounds and the visitor’s center. Then his aunt picked
him up from there and took him to the airport so he could travel home to Utah.
We loved having him as our guest and hated to see him go. But he is
from central Utah, and is engaged to be married this fall. We expect to
get an invitation to the reception.
Attending the temple with
these soldiers is always a special experience. This trip - taken last
Saturday (May 6) - was particularly so, since one of our young men was able to
receive his own endowment on the trip. His parents, and parents of his close
friend who also is in our group, traveled all the way from Payson, Utah to
participate in this special day. We were privileged to teach this young
man the temple preparation lessons and then to be with him in the temple along
with several family members and some his fellow soldiers. These kinds of
days are what we like to call paydays. The
second photo here shows the whole group. An added bonus was that there
were two non-members joining us. One remarked to Sister Phippen that, “I
really needed this day.” That young lady likely just had her first
spiritual experience, even though she may not yet recognize it as such YET.
This group of soldiers is particularly special for us. They have
been so strong and valiant. Not coincidentally the real rocks of the
group - including one sister - are returned missionaries. It will be sad
to say goodbye to them in about another 10 days. I think I will miss them
more than any of the other groups. But the happy thought of that is that
another group will follow.
Another special moment since
we last wrote was that a fine man, active, returned missionary, great family,
was given command of one of the training companies here. He will be in a
position to be a great example of how to serve both God and Country at the same
time (kind like captain Moroni). He will also be in a position to
continue to move the work forward on Ft. Huachuca for an extended period of
time.
The young missionaries also
continue to amaze us with their spirits, diligence and faith to press forward
when things are not particularly easy. Our last transfer - about
3 weeks ago - brought one new missionary to each of the 5 companionships in
Sierra Vista. But they all seem to be working hard, particularly in
finding new people to teach. We have been invited to participate in
several discussions. And we just heard today that a soldier that we met
about 6 weeks ago at Newcomer Orientation is planning to be baptized on May 27.
He has been a ”golden” contact. His very pregnant wife is so
excited she can’t quite contain herself. This appears to be the
first step to this couple - and their 4-year old son and soon to be new sister
- becoming an eternal family. I’m sure we will hear about THAT event when
the time comes. It has been amazing to see how this young couple’s whole
countenances have brightened as they have embraced the gospel and have worked
to be totally obedient to the commandments. And the missionaries who are
teaching them are precisely the right personality mix to teach and fellowship
them.
And speaking of young missionaries, we really
enjoy Riley Phippen’s letters from Arequipa Peru. If you don’t realize
it, Riley is the 5th generation Elder Phippen to serve in this dispensation.
It is a great privilege and blessing to be numbered among so may noble
and great ones, which all of you are.
Well I think We’re about “lettered” out for
this edition. We promise not to wait so long for the next message, since
if we do we’ll be sending it from Chubbuck ID. Our anticipated departure
from Sierra Vista is June 26 - a Monday. We anticipate arriving
home on June 30 or July 1. We are getting anxious to
return, but not very anxious to leave.
The Gospel it true. May the Lord bless
you all. And for the more mature - at least chronologically - be thinking
about how you too can serve a senior mission. Our slot will not be filled
immediately, due in large measure to the lack of a senior couple with the
needed experience. But it’s the Lord’s work and He will provide the
resources - human in this case - needed to get it done.
Love
Granny & Gramps/Mom & Dad/Elder &
Sister Phippen
