Christmas Day 2015

Christmas Day - Joyful visits with family on Skype, Christmas Dinner together, and a fond farewell to Sister Pajaro

Sister Pajaro is surrounded by those who love her as she prepares to return to the Philippines

Sister Ashton and Wood play a lively Christmas Duet

Sister Trane was in charge of the Cafe Rio Dinner

Sister Pajaro's bright countenance will be missed

Rejoice - A Savior is Born

"Rejoice"

The theme resounds in the December initiative from the Church in 

"A Savior is Born"

A Savior is Born is introduced to all who enter the Visitors' Center during the Christmas Lights season

An extended family enjoys the exhibits in the Visitors' Center

All of the sisters in the Arizona Mesa Mission prepare to greet guests - inside the Center and out on the grounds

The Visitors' Center Sisters rejoice in the Christmas Season

In the Dark Streets Shineth

"In the dark streets shineth the everlasting light"

a phrase taken from the words of "O Little Town of Bethlehem"  describes the light that is shining every night from the day after Thanksgiving through December 31st on the grounds of the Mesa Temple.

Over one million visitors come to see the lights and remember the Savior at His birth.

Our mailman and his wife and son, Carson, came to see the Christmas Lights

The visitors enjoy the new exhibits in the Center

The Book of Mormon exhibit instructs visitors about the Doctrine of Christ

The display of international nativities reminds us of the joy that is felt across the world in celebrating the birth of the Savior

Those who desire to know more about the gospel of Jesus Christ receive more instruction through the referrals from Christmas Lights
Hermana Loynd receives referrals

Hermana Gonzalez-Calderon helps in the process

Hermana Zamudio and Gonzalez invite guests to see "A Savior is Born"

"So God imparts to human hearts the blessings of his heaven"
Those who come to see the Christmas Lights and the Visitors' Center are drawn to the blessings of his heaven

The Visitors' Center Re-opens with New Exhibits

Following a 7 week closure, the Visitors' Center has new carpet, upholstery and three new exhibits 

Testimony is powerfully born in English and in Spanish about the Book of Mormon in this exhibit

"8 Stories" tells the story of 8 missionaries following them before, during and after their missions

The display includes 1500 missionary name tags

Janet's story is inspiring for all who view her life as a missionary

In the Book of Mormon stations an individual is able to participate in reading the Book of Mormon, being directed to specific scriptures covering the Doctrine of Christ. They are instructed by those who have read the Book of Mormon and know the truth of the message contained in the book. 

"I'm a Mormon" tells the story of 25 different members of the Church allowing others to understand their faith and commitment to the Gospel of Jesus Christ

Fit for the Kingdom 5K Race

On Monday, November 23rd, the Arizona Mesa Missionaries participated in a 5K race on their preparation day.  The missionaries have been seeking to strengthen themselves both spiritually and physically to be prepared to serve "in the kingdom".

Excitement before the race

Sister Emily Lund was the one who planned the race. She is here with Sister Jeppson and Anderson

Sister Trane ran the race in 33 minutes!

Sister Duran, Anderson, McNeely and Ganta

Sister Gonzalez-Calderon and Mc Sheehy

The Visitors' Center sisters are ready for the race

Family of the ward mission leader came to cheer us on

Elder Ashton with family from Utah who came to participate at Thanksgiving time

Elder and Sister with their grandson before the race

Elder and Sister Whiting came from San Carlos and lead the couples in "speed walking"!

Sister Hernandez and Makaya feel the energy

Sister Beach, Kohler and Stringfellow

After the Race: The missionaries gathered and then stood to recite the Arizona Mesa Mission Statement

Sister McSheehy was the first of the sister missionaries to come across the finish line - and Elder and Sister Cameron were happy to make it to the end!