Called to serve as a Trainer.....

I thought I would add to Elder Rob's blog his letter from his mission President in regards to his new calling as a Trainer....

13 September 2011


Elder Robert Schroeder
3858 Pennsylvania St. #259
Longview, WA 98632

Dear Elder Schroeder,

Congratulations on your call as a Trainer of a new missionary. This assignment of responsibility and trust is among the greatest that a missionary can receive in the mission field. The privilege to train is a sacred trust and responsibility.

Many are counting on you. First, your new companion has high hopes and expectations that his first companion would be one that would help him learn what the Lord would have him do to be effective and successful in the mission field. Second, the parents of your new companion have been praying that their son's first companion would be one that would help him have a trememdous start to his mission. Third, your companion's bishop and stake president at home are equally concerned that this new missionary get a first companion that will be hard working and obedient so that their missionary can be happy and successful in the field.

In their instruction to Mission President's, the leaders of the church have taught "one of the highest compliments you can pay to a missionary is to assign him or her as a trainer of a new missionary. A missionary's first companion will have a profound, lasting influence on the development of the missionary's attitude and habits....Choose only outstanding missionaries to serve as trainers." (Mission President's Handbook, 2005).

As a trainer, you have certain responsibilities that are outlined in the "in field Training for New Missionaries." Always remember that as you faithfully fulfill this trust that the Lord has placed in you, your new companion will remember you all the days of their life for the contribution that you made in helping them get a good start on their mission.

May the Lord bless you for your faithful service and for conducting yourself in such a way that you would be worthy and prepared to serve as a Trainer of a new missionary.

Faithfully Yours,
President Leonard D. Greer
Washington Kennewick Mission





Elder Schroeder and his new companion Elder Day......
Service is a good thing....good luck on this new endevor on your mission Elder Rob.

LDS Missionaries Coming Home Mix

New transfer.....Same area....

9 months out!
Elder Rob is doing really good...He had a recent baptism which was really exciting for them...apparently this man they baptised had family already in the ward that he didn't know...they are now getting to know each other and be that family they are. Also, there was another transfer on Wednesday, Elder Rob stayed where he is in Longview (which made him very happy because he loves the people in his area) and his new companion is a greenie that he now gets to teach. This is his first experience as senior companion....he was concerned about not knowing who this companion would be, but the looks of it, they look like they are compatible and will do just fine.

We had a nice surprise email from a member of their ward that fed them dinner...this is the email (pictures as well)

"We just had the pleasure of having these two wonderful young men in our home for dinner. What a delightful time we have had listening to them tell of the love they have for their families and the incredible experiences they are having while serving the Lord. You must feel very proud of your son--and you should. He is certainly an outstanding young man. Thank you for sharing him with us as well as the people of our area.

We thought you might enjoy these pictures of your son and his brand new companion. Elder Day just arrived today. I'm sure your son will be a wonderful influence on him.

Brother and Sister Johnson"

And the work goes on in Longview Washington...............