Mark Clifton

Left to Right: Stephen Clifton, Betty & Ronnie (Mark's parents), Elder Cannole, Mark Clifton, Elder Stoven, Cassie Clifton, Teresa Reynolds (Debbie's mother) and Mark's wife, Debbie!

This is the most amazing family! Debbie and the children joined the church about four years ago, but Mark wasn't interested. During the five months we have been in Richlands we have witnessed the "mightly change of heart" spoken of by both Book of Mormon prophets, Mosiah and Alma.

Debbie is not in good health and has longed to be sealed as a family for eternity, knowing her days may be numbered on this earth. I know no one with greater faith than this woman. She has a pure heart and great wisdom. One year from now I expect to be journaling about their trip to the temple for that is where the sealing power is available that will bind this family together for the eternities! The clock is ticking...

Side note: The Clifton family is standing under a weeping cherry tree. One of the many flowering trees that bursts into bloom every spring. There are red buds, Bradford pears, forsythia, dogwood, and lilacs everywhere. I am in heaven!

"Country Roads"

Following our last Richlands District meeting prior to transfers, we recorded this video singing the Charleston West Virginia Mission version on John Denver's "Country Roads." Elder Synderguard is accompanying on the guitar, and this pretty much tells the life of missionaries.

There is a new mission song now...but everyone in the group wanted this one preserved, hence the recording. Enjoy!

Divine Nature of Women

On Sundays I teach young women ages 12-18. This week's lesson is on the Divine Nature of women: "Be partakers of the divine nature...giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charily." 2 Peter 1:4-7

For a take home reminder of the lesson I made these paper high heel shoes...from a template I found here: http://www.creatingkeepsakes.com/content_downloads/Ladies_Shoe_Template_-_CK_Version.pdf

A sticker on the bottom of the sole reads: "I have inherited divine qualities, which I will strive to develop." I hope the lesson goes well, and the girls like the heels. They were fun to make.

Blacksburg Zone

Sisters Brandley and Walton,

who are being transferred out of Bluefield, and sent to open Bedford.

They have had overnights with us, baked bread together, and roll-played during

District training. We have become "mission parents" to these sisters.

The Elders of Blacksburg Zone take on Goliath

Left to Right--Elder Moore [6 ft 5 in], Stoven, Kopelson and Synderguard

Elder Synderguard was a rafting guide in Idaho prior to his mission.

He plays awesome guitar and we recorded the former mission song, "Country Roads"

following our last District meeting together in Welch.

The "chain"

When Quintin was on his mission in Romania, Kimberly made a chain

that hung from the ceiling in her bedroom to the floor.

Every week she removed one link to mark the time till Q came home.

Following her example, this is our "mission chain" which hangs in our hallway.

One link represents a month! 18 links are remaining.