Boise Bound

This morning the phone rang promptly at 9:15 am. It was our missionary Mike calling from the SLC airport. Those of you who have been through the Salt Lake airport on Tuesday mornings have the visual...banks of pay phones lined with new missionaries making that last call before they reach their assigned area. It was great to hear his voice. He is very excited. He learned a lot in the Missionary Training Center and made lots of good friends. He and five others are flying to Boise today.

He has recieved a lot of mail from many of you. He tells us that is what keeps them connected and helps move them forward in the work. His new address in the Idaho Boise Mission is:

Elder Mike Hopkins
Idaho Boise Mission
1111 S. Cole Road
Boise, ID 83709-1869

He enjoyed serving as a District Leader and indicated to us how much love he felt toward each missionary in his district as he prayed for them individually in his daily prayers. He says he hopes all of you are well and loves each of you.

Please write a note when you can. Care packages are also welcomed.

Here's a thought from Elder Russell M. Nelson one of the Twelve Apostles in our Church:

"As the work expands at a rate that many have described as "unbelievable," we should recall a remarkable admonition given by the Lord through the Prophet Joseph Smith on 11 September 1831 to the elders of the Church assembled at the Morley Farm near Kirtland, Ohio. There the Master simply said": ' "Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great" ' (Doctrine & Covenants Section 64 verse 33).

Check back for pictures soon.