IT'S WORTH IT

TRANSFERS WEDNESDAY - Transfers come and go, we only have two transfers left. On these days (every six weeks) we're usually packing up the car by 8 AM, driving out of the parking lot shortly after, an hour and half drive to Irmo, South Carolina, transfer meeting, meet and greet Elders and Sisters, pack up and then return to Augusta, Georgia, stopping for a quick bite of lunch (usually McDonald's), and arriving in our district about 2 PM. The day isn't over then it's out to the rescue. Many times we have appointments, if not we're off to find some of His lost sheep. It's worth it!

Elder Berry preparing to start packing the car. Our district Elders live in our apartment complex now so we just have to drive to the parking lot next to ours.

All the Elders living in the apartment assist with the transfer. Everyone brings down luggage or bikes, watch as every thing is loaded and secured then everyone gets a man hug and slap on the back and we're off. Sweet memories. 

Elder Potts loading up Elder Wilkinson's bike. Elder Potts and Wilkinson were companions. Elder Potts goes with us to meet his new companion.

Elder Wilkinson and Potts

Elder Wilkinson was an excellent District leader and we will miss him. God be with you Elder Wilkinson!

Elder Potts and Elder Meyer, our new district leader.Elder Meyer is from Alaska. We look forward to working with him. All loaded up ready to get on the road again.

Elder Berry & Elder Oliver who served one transfer in Augusta as the Zone leader and was in our District. Last transfer going home to Canada. At transfer meeting new arrivals bear their testimony, then those returning home bear their testimony. Elder Olive bore one of the strongest testimonies I have ever heard. As he closed he said "It's worth it." Many of the Elders and Sisters we have served with are beginning to return home. This was also the last transfer for Sister Ross and Sister Bell who served in Harlem  Sister Roos and Sister Bell also bore beautiful testimonies. Harlem only has two sisters now but hopefully when the nineteen year old sisters begin arriving more will be sent back to Harlem. There were many changes made in our Zone and many more will be made as we receive more missionaries in greater numbers in the next few transfers.

Elder Berry loves visiting with the Elders

Every transfer the mail is brought in. This is one of the most visited areas in the building as packages are eagerly searched through.

Cultural hall - new arrivals. This transfer we received 10 Elders and 2 Sisters.

 

Brother and Sister Norris from Grovetown. They joined the church over a year ago and went to the temple shortly after being a member for a year. They love the missionaries and most transfers they will be found assisting with transportation. They are visiting with Elder Tonga (from Tonga) who left Grovetown two transfers ago. While in Grovetown Elder Tonga and his companion had a luau, bought some pork, buried it in a pit and cooked it for the investigators (those who attended brought side dishes). They had three baptisms from the event. Brother & Sister Norris have really bonded with Elder Tonga. Sister Norris said, "I really love that boy" 

Our third companion upon arriving in Irmo. It was a cloudy, rainy day but a beautiful day.

HIGHLIGHT OF THE WEEK - BAPTISM OF DEQUAN

 Dequan is a 12 year old boy. Elders Potts and Olsen have been teaching him. His grandfather, baptized him.

Dequan and grandfather (lives in Harlem and has been a member probably not more than a year.

Dequan, little brothers, and deacons quorum. The deacons quorum attended the baptism. They played the piano, led the music, and gave the talks.This was one of the most powerful baptisms we have attended. These young boys will grow up to be powerful priesthood holders, it;s worth it.

Stripling warriors

Sister Lynch called Monday and said, "I have something for you." We drove downtown to visit and she had this cap wrapped up and gave it to me. She knitted it and it will always be a treasure.

One sister we visit recently returned home from the hospital. When we visited I apologized because I promised to bring cookies. She loves for us to bring her a home baked treat. The lady laughed and said that's OK the next time you come you can bring me a coconut pie. Elder Berry loves pies but I don't bake pies. When we returned home Elder Berry searched on-line for coconut pie recipes. We finally found one and Elder Berry wouldn't rest until we had baked one and delivered it. It's worth it.

We along with Elder and Sister Gowans usually host a transfer dinner for the zone on Monday prior to transfers on Wednesday. At our last zone meeting the President reminded everyone that when the zone gets together other than regular scheduled zone meetings the gathering must be approved. The zone leaders called Monday for approval and were told no. Missions aren't social gatherings (even if it's during preparation time) and the miles used to travel to the dinner takes away from allotted miles for missionary work. We know this is true and we will gladly obey but we will miss these occasions. Our desire is to assist the Elders and Sisters become the best missionaries and it's worth it. 

Love, Elder and Sister Berry