Thursday, August 13, 2015

Two score and seven years ago when I was on my first mission in the New England States, my first transfer was a phone call from the mission office and went something like this:  "Elder Moore, this is Elder Wingate, Assistant to President Dunn.  We are transferring you to Sanford, Maine to be a senior companion.  Please make your travel arrangements by bus so you can be there by next Tuesday."  Back then, that seemed simple enough.

Yesterday was transfer day in the mission.  Wow! How things have changed.  Here, the Elders and Sisters being transferred are notified on Sunday evening if they are being transferred and told where they are going.  The big difference is that every Elder and Sister in the mission travel on Wednesday to the Stake Center in Ellicott City for the transfer.  Those being transferred pack all their stuff into their suit cases and unload the suit cases in the cultural hall.  I was surprised to see as many bicycles That there were.  NO, the bikes weren't hanging out of their suitcases, they brought those separately.

At 10:00 we were all in the chapel, except for the new missionaries arriving into the mission.  One of the Mission President's assistants conducted the meeting.  We all stood while we sang the opening hymn and the new Elders and Sisters came in and sat on the left side of the chapel as you look at the podium.  It was very nice.

Following the opening prayer, Sister Christiansen spoke and gave a wonderful message and bore a strong testimony of our Savior and of the gospel.  She was followed by President Christiansen, who also testified of the truthfulness of the gospel, who was followed by all the new missionaries, then by all the missionaries going home. About three hours later, the best testimony meeting I have ever attended, was over.  Missionaries were anxious to get to their new areas or back to where they will continue to serve till the next transfer.  Those going home express their feelings of sadness to leave great companions, members, and those who are still being taught.  It was just marvelous for Irene and me to be there to witness this marvelous thing!

Next time I'll take pictures to show you what the cultural hall looked like with all those suit cases.