North America Northwest Area: Nine run river, earn awardTHE DALLES, ORE. - Nine young women of the Dalles Oregon Stake completed their optional, fifth-year Summiteer Camping Award by making a rafting trip on the upper Deschutes River recently. The young women planned transportation, meals and activities for the four-day trip, then had it approved by local priesthood leaders and the Young Women presidency. After the activity, two of the young women, Lisa Webster and Alicia Ward, entered the Missionary Training Center to begin full-time missions, said Barbara Cole, Stake Young Women president. This is the first Summiteer activity held since the stake was organized 10 years ago, she said.
North America Northeast Area: News brings convert
MIDDLEBURY, VT. - A front page story about missionaries was published recently in the Addison Independent, reporting on what their typical day was like. Elders Jess Packer and Shawn Prince were interviewed and photographed as they worked, said Langdon G. Smith, mission leader of the Middlebury Branch, Montpelier Vermont Stake. Within two days after the article was published, a young woman called for more information. She was baptized later, and her family also received the missionary lessons.
Utah South Area: Hunter Ward notes centennial
WEST VALLEY CITY, UTAH - Some 2,500 people attended various events Aug. 26-28, celebrating the 100th anniversary of the formation of the Hunter Ward. The original boundaries of the ward now comprise 35 wards and six stakes. Margaret Wilder of the Hunter 1st Ward, chairman of the events, said all 10 living bishops of the ward attended. A time capsule from an old meetinghouse was opened, and a new time capsule was prepared with histories of the 35 wards. Also included in the events were a flag-raising ceremony, picnics, games, roadshows of historic moments from the past century, and special recognition of the former bishops.
Utah North Area: Ward learns sign language
KAMAS, UTAH - The conversion of a deaf young woman has encouraged members of the Francis Ward, Kamas Utah Stake, to learn sign language, said Dee Putnam, ward mission leader. He said classes taught by two missionaries to the deaf are being attended by from 35 to 50 members of the ward. As they attend, members take part in communicating lessons and songs with the newly baptized young woman. In addition, a young man who is deaf has begun attending the ward, said Putnam.
North America West Area: Council throws a party
SAN JOSE, CALIF. - Friends of Ann Embley of the San Jose 15th Ward enjoyed a party recently at the expense of the Santa Clara County Division of the National Council on Alcoholism. The council awarded Ann and her sister Karen $250 to throw a big party after she won a contest to create a fun party without alcohol or drugs. She won first place after designing a party, from decorations to favors and games. Both sisters had 100 percent attendance at seminary last year.
North America Southeast Area: Meetinghouse `sparkles'
WOODINGTON, N.C. - Community residents here have come to appreciate the Woodington meetinghouse. The building is surrounded by blossoming flowers donated by Catherine Sanderson. Meetinghouse custodian Tippie Tyndal volunteers to care for the plants. "This meetinghouse is not only clean, it sparkles," said Sister Anne Lambert of the North Carolina Raleigh Mission." Sister Tyndal shows her love for the Lord by the way she cares for His house."
United Kingdom/Ireland/Africa Area: Youths learn formal dining
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - Young people have enough to worry about without fretting over which fork to use at a high-class banquet, so 28 priests and Laurels in the Birmingham England Stake were instructed on formal dining. Stake Young Women Pres. Frances Broadway instructed the young people on the proper cutlery to use, and the correct way to eat each food item during a five-course progressive dinner. "Our objectives were to teach the priests and Laurels how to interact with one another socially. We selected a very formal meal so if they are ever invited out to a high-class restaurant or banquet, they will fee confident they know what is proper."
South America North Area: Building approved for branch
COCHABAMBA, BOLIVIA - A new meetinghouse has been approved for the two branches in Guayaramerin and Riberalta, Bolivia, that were organized recently following missionary work by Sisters Mana Echalar Bevvy and Sobeida Rosario Ferrufino, said Pres. Harrell G. Fallis of the Bolivia Cochabamba Mission. Sister Echalar completed her mission Aug. 30 as one of the top baptizing missionaries. "I want to show my love for the investigators so I can help them change their lives," she said.
Brazil Area: Polynesian fest draws crowd
Polynesian fest draws crowd
CURITIBA, BRAZIL - More than 800 visitors, including many non-members and less-active members, attended a cultural and missionary activity sponsored by the Curitiba Bacacheri stake. At the activity, called "Visit Hawaii Without Leaving Home," a film was shown of the Polynesian Cultural Center and entertainment was presented. In addition, excerpts from the Book of Mormon about people living on the "Isles of the Sea" were explained, said Ana Rosa Reyes Labarca, public communications executive secretary.
Mexico/Central America Area: Summer missionaries assist
MEXICO CITY, MEXICO - After the Puebla Mexico Mission was created July 1, the Mexico City East mission had only 110 missionaries remaining. At that time, the summer mission program began for the year, with young professionals or students spending vacation time to assist the full-time missionaries. Last year, 35 summer missionaries worked with the full-time missionaries. This year, some 85 summer missionaries reported for service. The increase was enough to keep all the areas staffed, said mission Pres. Enrique Moreno. "It was a fantastic experience for the young members," he said. "Their testimonies grew, and they learned what member-missionary work really means." He said tears and testimonies were plentiful at a farewell meeting Aug. 28 for the summer missionaries.
Asia Area: Busy Sunday in Bangkok
BANGKOK, THAILAND - A spirit of progress among Church members in Thailand was reflected in an Aug. 14 groundbreaking for a new meetinghouse and the calling of a new district presidency on the same day, reported Pres. Anan Eldredge of the Thailand Bangkok Mission. In July, an eight-hour seminar for branch, quorum and Relief Society leaders was the first of its type in many years in Thailand, he said. The seminar focused on home and visiting teaching, and the duties of leaders. Pres. Eldredge said there are now three fully functioning member districts in the mission.
Philippines/Micronesia Area: New branch created
UTWA, MICRONESIA - The Utwa Branch was recently created, the third on Kosrae Island in Micronesia since the early 1980s, said Herbert J. Leddy, public communications director in the Guam District. Meetings for the new branch are being held on a large covered veranda at the home of Pres. Charly Jim. "The first meeting was held on a clear tropical day at the foot of a lush green mountain with a lively stream tumbling nearby. Neatly laid out mats on the floor accommodated the attendance of 27," said Leddy. Other branches that have been established are in Malem and Lelu.
