Photo Update - 17 April 2019

Michael added pictures of himself and his companion, Elder Archibald to his shared picture folder with us. I thought I would share these pictures of a handsome missionary. We are so proud of him!

Michael included this picture comparison for us. I think he is looking great!

Temple Visit - 2 April 2019

All of the missionaries were able to visit the California Newport Beach Temple this month. Temples have been around for a long time. Moses had a tabernacle, Solomon built a beautiful temple, and Jesus taught at the temple in Jerusalem. Today, temples are built all over the world. In over 140 temples worldwide, faithful members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints find opportunities for peaceful reflection and for learning more about God’s plan of happiness.

Similar to the Redlands California Temple, it uses interior and exterior architectural themes consistent with what was used in the Spanish missions of the early Western US and Mexico. The interior includes murals of the California coast. The temple is topped by a cupola holding the traditional statue of the angel Moroni. As with many contemporary LDS temples, the Newport Beach California Temple is built on the grounds of an existing stake center and shares parking with it. It is a very beautiful temple.

Here is a picture of Michael with all of the other missionaries serving in the Newport Beach Zone. There are at least six zones in the California Irvine Mission.

Weekly Email - 15 April 2019

Hi everyone,

This week was pretty good. We have been able to go finding a lot this week which has been cool even though most people aren't interested we are definitely giving the church a good rep as we politely invite all to hear a message about Christ. It's been good and we are having slow gradual success which is still incredible. This week Elder Archibald and I helped a family of 3 get baptized this past Saturday and it was incredible! The spirit was so strong. The father was even baptized then confirmed and then ordained after which he baptized his daughter which was a really spiritual experience. It was really cool and the families testimony grew at the baptism even more. And of course yesterday with the good old 7 to 8ish hours of church and church meetings! Woohoo! Anywho it's been a great week with lots of great experiences and lots of fun. Thanks for everything yall are the best!

Love Elder West

Baptism - 13 April 2019

Michael had the opportunity on Saturday, April 13th to be part of the Planchi family's baptism in the Newport Beach Zone. He baptized the husband and wife. It was so exciting that the father was ordained to the Aaronic Priesthood right away so he could baptize his daughter. What a great experience for this family and for Michael. He was so happy for them and happy that he could be a part of this amazing start to this families journey.

Weekly Email - 8 April 2019

Hi 

So this weeks highlight has been general conference and it was so good. I loved Elder Holland's talk on the sacrament and the importance of remembering the true meaning and taking time to solely focus on that. The rest of this week was great nothing ground breaking this week just a really great time to ponder and grow day by day. 

 

We had a music devotional and brought people we are teaching who really loved it the singer was Kevin Odekirk a Broadway singer. And it was themed on the plan of salvation and hope it was really powerful. Love yall and thanks for the support. 

 

Elder West out!

 

 

 At the Newport Beach Temple doors following the Mission Musical Devotional

General Conference - 6 April 2019

Elder and Sister Sansom (senior missionaries) hosted the Newport Zone missionaries for dinner following Saturday's General Conference sessions. This was one of their last missionary dinners because it was their last week of their mission and they were going home. Sister and Elder Sansom are amazing people and I cannot thank them enough for taking the time to post/send so many pictures of Michael and most of all for the love and care they gave to all of the missionaries. They will be missed in the mission for sure!

 Left to Right: Elder Sansom, Sister Sansom, Sister Clark, President Clark

Weekly Email - 1 April 2019

Hi everyone,

My week has been fantastic but I dont really remember what exactly happened (that's what a journals for) but it was great I remember the feelings I felt and I know that God loves me and everyone more and more each day. There is no doubt about it. No one could say or do anything that would make me question that. I pray daily so I can know that more and I do everyday and I know you all can too. I know you can receive the witness that God loves you and wants what's best for you. Thanks everyone for your support!

 

Love Elder West