SEPTEMBER 2020 VOL. 2 ISSUE 9

Elder David Davis, Lessons Learned in the Field Service Missionary The following is However, those parts that come from consider to be one of the best years of a talk given by doing a proselytizing mission, like leav- my life so far. During that span, I did Elder Davis in ing your family for 18-24 months, get to become acquainted with many Sacrament Meeting. seemed petrifying to me, especially people for service missions, including since I’m high functioning with Autism. my leaders Chuck and Therese Stead- Hello brothers and sis- In no way am I saying that’s a bad man. As 2019 concluded and moved ters. I feel compelled to thing, since that’s not the case at all. It into 2020 and a new decade, I had sev- speak to you today in re- simply means I have a unique perspec- eral spiritual experiences to help me gards to the experiences tive on the world. prepare to serve. These include receiv- I’ve had so far as a service ing the Melchizedek Priesthood, my missionary. IT LIT A LIGHT BULB IN MY HEAD Patriarchal Blessing, and going through I’m Elder David Davis from My two older siblings the temple to be endowed. The latter Chandler, Arizona serving in did get to serve mis- was especially significant since every- the Tempe Chandler Service sions too. My brother one in my immediate family was there. Mission. I was officially set apart Kevin served his in We would do sealings together in the seven months ago in February, Rancho Cucamonga, temple a month later too. and a lot has happened in my life California. Unfortu- I WORK ON BEHALF OF OUR SAVIOR, since then. The prelude to my nately for him, he was sent home early DOING AS HE DID mission was just as interesting as due to some health issues. When he well. got home, we got to meet with some My mission officially service missionary leaders to see if that commenced in Feb- A MISSION PETRIFIED ME was something he wanted to do. While ruary. I knew I was in I’m sure that when we were all it didn’t resonate that well with Kevin, for something spe- growing up, we were told about it lit a light bulb in my head. While I cial since the service serving missions. The proselytiz- was in my Senior year of high school at missionary purpose ing missions is probably the first that time, a service mission gave me an says: “Our purpose is thing that comes to mind when idea for what I could do for a couple of to help others come thinking about serving a mission. years. unto Christ by serving them as the Sav- It’s definitely a powerful thing ior would. We serve voluntarily in chari- After graduating high school Class of to go out to certain parts of this table organizations, church functions, 2019, I was able to have lots of enjoy- world to bring the Gospel into and within the community. We will ment from the remainder of what I the lives of those who need it. minister in His name to the one, just as lar moments too. These include April’s Brothers and sisters, I know that our He did, expressing His loving kindness.” General Conference which was “unlike church is true. And I know that Presi- With me having such an incredible way any other” like President Russel M. Nel- dent Nelson and many others are here of looking at the world, I have been able son stated back in 2019. I was able to to light our way even during dire times to show Christlike attributes in my ser- do plenty of activities with my fellow like these. I am certainly looking for- vice. I love the fact that I am able to do service missionaries, forming strong ward to hearing from them again in Oc- work on behalf of our Savior and do relationships, as well as building upon tober’s General Conference. In the precisely the thing that He did. some I already had with some I knew meantime, I’m proud to be taking on a prior to my mission. Doing Sacrament vital role in helping others come closer THE CHALLENGES OF 2020 with my family at home reinforced the to Christ. I invite all of you to find your As you all know, our world has been importance of home centered worship. purpose to help our world to become turned upside down this year, most no- On top of that, continuing to live and stronger than ever before in prepara- tably with the COVID pandemic and the enjoy time with my own family is anoth- tion for His Second Coming. And this I George Floyd incident. They have great- er powerful thing. say in the name of our beloved Savior ly affected the way we go about our and Redeemer Jesus Christ. Amen. The flexibility of my life as a service mis- lives, with our church work and worship sionary came to my benefit as well, par- being no exception. My missionary ser- ticularly when my family from Utah vis- vice was of course affected too, but WHERE DO OUR MISSIONARIES SERVE? ited and I went to Utah with them be- thankfully not as much as it could’ve fore going to five other states out of PROJECT C.U.R.E., a medical warehouse provid- been. Midwest Food Bank in Gilbert is ing needed medical supplies for emerging na- Arizona too. my most prominent service location, tions. During the pandemic, Project C.U.R.E. but my other locations have varied as a APPOINTED TO GREATNESS! also provided supplies for the local area. result of what’s transpired this year. I MIDWEST FOOD BANK, a faith-based organiza- No matter what circumstances may tion sharing the love of Christ by alleviating started working on the grounds at the hunger and malnutrition locally and throughout Gilbert Temple, but I had to go some- arise, my Father in Heaven always has my back. He has chosen me to be here the world and providing disaster relief. where else when the pandemic hit and ST. VINCENT DE PAUL is dedicated to feeding, when the new requirement of being set at this time. At a recent mission confer- clothing, housing and healing individuals and apart by the temple presidency took ence over Zoom, I got to hear from a families in our community who have nowhere effect. I have spent the times I couldn’t member of the Seventy. He related to else to turn for help. D&C 50:26: “He that is ordained of God BOYS AND GIRLS CLUBS work to enable all go to the temple at Project Cure in Tem- young people, especially those who need us pe. and sent forth, the same is appointed to be the greatest, notwithstanding he is most, to reach their full potential as produc- When I say that even my personal life tive, caring, responsible citizens. the least and the servant of all.” I am V.R.O.C. is the Virtual Records Operation Cen- has been affected by how 2020 has destined to be one of the greatest ser- ter. Missionaries serve in an office or from gone down so far, I’m not kidding. Sa- vice missionaries ever. I still probably home using the computer and internet to sup- tan knows how much I mean to this have over a year to go in my mission. I port the familysearch.org website preparing world, and he would go to any lengths definitely have upheld what’s implied in images for functions such as indexing and pub- lication. to destroy me, like on the evening of that scripture, and I strive to continue May 17, when I was simply playing YUMA COMMUNITY FOOD BANK focuses on that way for however long I serve. the need to feed hungry children within Yuma Pokemon Go since that’s something I do HELP OUR WORLD PREPARE FOR HIS County, creating and enhancing emergency and for enjoyment on my own time. Some supplemental food programs that have an edu- fellow children of God were twisted and SECOND COMING cational and a nutritional component for fami- perverted into ambushing and robbing lies throughout Yuma County. me at gunpoint. Though I escaped phys- MESA & BISHOP’S STOREHOUSE provides many of the same services as any retail food ically unscathed, I felt exactly like Jo- store, not one has a cash register. seph Smith described when he was DESERET INDUSTRIES provides useful goods at bound by Satan whilst attempting to low cost to the public, as well as clothing and call upon God in the Sacred Grove 200 other items for humanitarian efforts in local years ago: “It seemed for a time as if I communities and throughout the world. DI also provides work training and rehabilitation op- were doomed to sudden destruction.” portunities. In spite of that setback, I showed my THE MISSIONARY TEACHING NETWORK, a resilience by continuing what makes me social media effort created by the Tempe- experience joy, refusing to allow Satan Chandler service missionaries. The network to use fear to his gain. hosts podcasts, uplifting messages, and videos. Missionaries also assist non-profit organiza- Even with the dark moments that have tions in developing and enhancing their web- infested 2020, it still had plenty of stel- sites as well as their presence on social media. SCAN THE QR CODES OR FOLLOW THE LINKS TO SEE HOW YOU CAN WATCH GENERAL CONFERENCE & VIEW TWO NEW VIDEOS https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/ https://www.youtube.com/watch? https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/ article/5-ways-to-watch-october-2020- v=bmP3QTMv9IM&feature=youtu.be event/october-2020-general-conference general-conference-live?lang=eng

5 Ways to Watch General Conference We all Have Questions Peace in Christ This month we’ve had 4 great presentations on important like skills. The lessons have been taught by our leadership team and they have done a fantastic job! Following are some high- lights from their presentations.

September 6—Elder Tendick taught about the importance of develop- ing decision making skills. He highlighted the five important questions to consider when mak- ing decisions. Elder Tendick ex- plained that the best decisions are made when we take the time to look at the decision before us and think about several possibilities associated with our decision. September 13—Sister Skousen taught about the im- portance of communication and listening skills. She September 20—Elder Davis taught about the importance of had a great activity to demonstrate her topic. We were learning to become resilient and learning divided into companionships and one person was blind- how to get back up after we fall. We folded. The chairs were put in disar- had a great discussion about learn- ray and the one who was blind- ing to cope with change, disap- folded had to navigate the pointment, challenges. Sister room by listening to his/her Critchfield share the following: companion. The only trou- Change how you cope; Change the ble was that everyone was situation; Change your reaction. doing it at the same time Elder Davis reminded everyone that and loud music was playing. failure is part of learning to be resilient and It was a that the fear of failure often holds us great exercise back. He shared the following quote by in learning to lis- Winston Churchill: Success is not final. ten. She also had a wonderful Failure is not fatal. It’s the courage to handout with lots of suggestions for continue that counts. improving our listening skills!

September 27—Elder Tilton taught about the importance of cooperation. He led a wonderful discussion covering five important skills needed to create a cooperative environ- ment. These skills can be used in family relationships, missions, workplace, friendships, etc. POSITIVE INTER- DEPENDENCE (everyone matters); INDIVIDUAL AC- COUNTABILITY (do what you say you’ll do); PROMOTIVE INTERACTION (be encouraging to others); CONFLICT MANAGEMENT (resolve conflicts without anger); GROUP PROCESSING (work together to achieve goals). This was Elder Tilton’s last lesson and last meeting. He will be released on October 10th. He has Sister Critchfield did an awesome job been an excellent missionary, leader, and teacher. We are sorry to see him leave, but capturing Elder Tilton’s discussion! know that great things await him! TOP ROW, L-R: Elder McMullin; Elder Perkes; Elders Otey, Tilton, Tendick, Davis, Newton and Sister Critchfield (Zone meeting). SECOND ROW, L-R: Elder Anderson; Sister Critchfield; Social Me- dia Team: Elders Tendick, Tilton, Perkes, Haymore, Otey, Sister Critchfield, Elders McCurdy, Newton and Megan. Their video project, Debunking the Myths and Mysteries of Service Missions, was finally finished and uploaded. HURRAH! THIRD ROW, L-R: Sister Steadman, Sister Critchfield, Sister Skousen, Elder Steadman. The Sisters had just finished speaking in a Sacrament meeting; Elder McCurdy and Sister Skousen enjoying some refreshments following our Zone meeting. BOTTOM ROW, ZOOM ATTENDEES: Elder Fulks, a room view, Elder Parrish, Elder Despain, Elder Garcia, Elder Butler (no pic).

TOP ROW, L-R: Around the table at our Zone meeting: Elders Tendich, Otey, Perkes, Newton, Sisters Rulli and Skousen, Elder Parrish; Sister Critchfield helping with Elder Parrish’s presentation; Elder Despain at BSH. MIDDLE ROW, L-R: Elder Perkes, teaching, Sisters Rulli and Sklouosen, Elder Anderson, Sister Steadman. Another Zone meeting: Elders McCurdy, Anderson, Davis, Fulks. MIDDLE ROW, L-R: Lighting crew—Sister Skousen and Elder Otey on the floor, Elder Newton and Megan standing; Sisters Rulli and Critch- field; Social Media team meeting—Elders Newton, Tilton, Haymore and Elder Steadman in the background. BOTTOM ROW, L-R: Elders Otey and Parrish enjoying a friendly game of pool, and Sister Critchfield and Newton chatting. BACK ROW, L-R: Elders McCurdy, Perkes, Parrish, Tendick, Davis, Newton, Anderson, Tilton. Elder Pugmire, NASW Support Advisor. Elder Butler, Elder Jay Anderson, Area Seventy. Elders Fulks, Brewster and Despain. FRONT ROW, L-R: Elder and Sister Steadman, Sisters Skousen, Rulli, Critchfield. Sister Laurel Pugmire, NASW Support Advisor, Elder Otey.

On September 12, 2020 we had our first Mission Conference. Our Conference was held at the Gilbert-Chandler Institute of Re- ligion. It was a perfect location. (In fact, it is such a great location and has so many wonderful amenities, we have received per- mission to meet there each Sunday evening for our weekly mission meetings).

The Conference was organized by our Leadership Council: Elder Parrish (Assistant), Elders Tilton and McCurdy (Zone Leaders), Elders Butler, Tendick, Anderson, Davis and Sister Skousen (District Leaders). They did a fantastic job. Elder Jay Anderson, our Area Seventy, was the key note speaker. He discussed the importance of learning to receive revelation. We also had a presen- tation by Elder John Mullen (Utah Support Advisor) via Zoom. He led a wonderful discussion about the Doctrine of Christ and Grace. Our missionaries were spiritually fed!

We also heard remarks from Elders Newton and Perkes as well as farewell testimonies from Elder Anderson and Elder Tilton who’s missions end in October. In between speakers, we had a breakout session led by Elder McCurdy. We played Mission Feud (a take off on Family Feud). Questions centered around what makes for a good companionship study. It was lots of fun and we were reminded about the importance of quality companion study. The Steadman’s led a breakout session on personal and companion scripture study and had the group break into smaller groups and participate in a variety of scripture study activ- ities. We also played a fun game called Signs, led by Elder Tendick. Finally it was time to eat. We had a delicious BBQ lunch. Afterwards everyone stayed around and enjoyed fellowshipping as well as playing pool, foosball, basket ball, chess, and just chillin’. Unfortunately, other than the group picture, we didn't re- member to take any pictures at this Conference. (We were having too much fun!!). But you can take my word for it when I tell you that a good time was had by all! Scan the QR codes or click on the hyper-links to visit any our sites. You can find us on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram. The Steadfast Podcast will soon be on all the places where you listen to your favorite podcasts!

https://www.themissionaryteachingnetwork.com/ https://www.facebook.com/themissionarymorningshow/ Check out our website The Missionary Teaching Network, The MTN. Lots of cool stuff there! You’ll have access to all podcasts and other posts, an archive of all newsletters, pictures, music videos, etc. This is a great site for finding lots of great resources and inspirational messages and posts. The Missionary Morning Show has new posts every day. We just posted a great video on Service Missions. The Steadfast Podcast will begin posting episodes later this month. We hope you’ll check us out using the hyperlinks or the QR codes. ARIZONA TEMPE-CHANDLER SERVICE MISSIONARIES Mission Leadership and Companionships With the addition of a number of new missionaries over the past several months, we have made adjustments in the Dis- tricts/Zones and a few companionships. Please note the changes below.

DISTRICT 1/ZONE A Elder Tendick, DL Elder Brewster Elder Tilton, ZL Sister Rulli and Elder Fulks have accepted the assignment to Elder Fulks send out birthday cards to each of our missionaries. In addi- tion, they will also be sending out, on a rotating basis, DISTRICT 2/ZONE A ‘thinking of you’ cards. We appreciate Sister Rulli suggesting Sister Skousen, SL this great idea, and both Sister Rulli and Elder Fulks taking Sister Critchfield this assignment. So, don’t forget to check your mailbox! Sister Rulli JANUARY JULY DISTRICT 3/ZONE B 20—Sister Rulli 23—Sister Critchfield Elder Davis DL 22—Sister Skousen 29—Elder McCurdy Elder Newton 28—Elder Steadman AUGUST Elder Otey But Jesus said, FEBRUARY 22—Elder Garcia 6—Elder Otey SEPTEMBER Elder McCurdy, ZL Suffer little children, 13—Elder Parrish 7—Elder Davis DISTRICT 4/ZONE B and forbid them not, 28—Elder Newton 28—Elder Butler Elder Anderson, DL MARCH OCTOBER Elder Despain to come unto me: for 9—Elder Perkes 16—Sister Steadman Elder McMullin 13—Elder Tendick NOVEMBER DISTRICT 5/ZONE B of such is the kingdom 25—Elder Despain 8—Elder Tilton Elder Butler, DL of heaven. APRIL 16—Elder Brewster Elder Garcia 17—Elder Anderson 18—Elder Fulks —Matthew 19:14 MAY DECEMBER Elder Parrish, AP 4—Elder McMullin Elder Perkes JUNE