As LDS Floridians were enduring a devastating, historic hurricane season, dozens of local priesthood leaders and Church officials were holding almost daily conference calls.
Those frequent calls served as LDS hurricane information central — a forum for stake presidents and welfare officials throughout the U.S. Southeast and at Church headquarters in Salt Lake City to report on hurricane damage, identify member needs and coordinate recovery efforts. Uneasiness was often heard in the voices of stake presidents who had their eyes focused on fast-approaching, threatening skies. But amid the anxiousness there remained the calm, measured voice of Elder Wade W. Fillmore.
Elder Fillmore and his wife, Sister Joanne Fillmore, are full-time senior missionaries serving as area welfare managers in the North America Southeast Area. Like countless other senior couples, the Fillmores are enlisting equal parts experience, desire and faith to serve those among them.
As hurricane after hurricane battered Florida and coastal regions of the American Southeast, the Fillmores played pivotal roles in delivering relief to victims of all background. They were the right people at the right time, said Douglas Carter, president of the Lake Mary Florida Stake.
"Elder Fillmore played the role of facilitator," said President Carter, who oversees the Orlando Regional Welfare Committee.
Local priesthood leaders such as President Carter had to meet the physical and spiritual needs of their own wards and stakes. The Fillmores, through their callings as welfare missionaries, provided those leaders with the contacts and resources to meet those needs.
"Elder and Sister Fillmore have expertly coordinated the LDS Church response to complex, critically urgent needs among members and non-member humanitarian aid situations alike," wrote President Stephen E. Thompson of the Fort Myers Florida Stake.
Priesthood leaders in Florida are eager to speak of the Fillmores' hurricane-period contributions. But the missionary couple from Utah would rather sidestep the attention and talk about the Church's welfare system. Hanging on the wall of the Fillmores' office in Atlanta are a pair of quotes: "Exalt Not Yourself" and "Adulation Is Poison."
"It is not a matter of our abilities," the Fillmores wrote. "We were blessed because of Heavenly Father's love for His children. He will bless any other missionaries in the same way."
Still, they are thrilled to be part of a global corps of senior missionaries answering the call to serve. In his recent general conference address, Elder Russell M. Nelson of the Quorum of the Twelve spoke of devoted couples such as the Fillmores.
"They are young in spirit; wise and willing to work," Elder Nelson said of senior missionary couples. "They even tolerate remarks from the fun-filled children who might change President Spencer W. Kimball's plea 'Lengthen your stride' to 'Hasten your shuffle.' These dear members are willing to serve and strengthen the lives of others."
Senior missionary service is not always convenient, Elder Nelson added. Many couples leave adult children and grandchildren at home to answer calls in various capacities. Hardship can come even amid faithful service. As the recent hurricanes were bearing down on Florida, Sister Fillmore was simultaneously convalescing from surgery.
"Elder Fillmore was able to manage both this personal crisis and the near chaos of the aftermath of these storms," President Thompson said.
President Carter said sending faithful senior couples on to missionary service is a highlight of his stake calling. Such couples, said President Gordon B. Hinckley, are needed throughout the Church.
"There is a constant need for more couple missionaries," said President Hinckley in the 2004 Worldwide Leadership Training Meeting. "They perform wonderful service throughout the world. . . .The sacrifices associated with serving the Lord full-time will abundantly bless the couples, their families and the people they serve."
The Fillmores hope many more senior couples will answer a missionary call.
"Many may not feel comfortable going to strange places or doing things they have not done before. Our words to them are: don't underestimate our Father's love for those you will serve. He will bless you and magnify you and life you if you seek His help."
E-mail: jswensen@desnews.com
