New York New York South Comparisons - The Missionary Dept., called Wed Sep 13, 1995 - "We have been comparing the NYS Mission with all other North America Missions. When you arrived it was the highest baptizing Mission in the North America North East Area with 7.0 baptisms per missionary. It now stands at 10.2. This compares with the following highest baptizing missions in each area of 9.9 for Idaho Boise, 10.4 for California Arcadia, whilst in Utah, Ogden is 7.0, Provo is 11.9, and SLC is 19.3. He made mention that there has been an emphasis on the 9, 10, & 11 year olds in the SLC mission that has raised that number. He called them "Kiddy" baptisms. He pointed out that almost all these missions enjoyed a large LDS membership base with SLC having some 167 Stakes and Provo with over 100. He said this mission has only 1 Stake and 3 Districts with little LDS introduction base. They congratulated the missionaries for achieving their "finding" almost exclusively from their own efforts. They wished us well in our continued efforts."

NOTE: NYS completed the year with 2,073 for 1995, up from 1,347 for 1994 and 974 for 1993. California Arcadia completed the year with 2,270.

Hna Heather Kidd - RM since Dec 7, 1995 - May 20, 1996 - "I actually stay in pretty good contact with how the mission is doing. I have been excited to hear how the mission has progressed and how wonderful the missionaries are doing. I love being able to talk to missionaries who are in the MTC, preparing to go there. I excitedly tell them stories about the mission and try and help start their vision young. I want them to get that vision while in the MTC so that they hit New York on fire and nothing stops them. They need to go back there with that "No Fear" attitude already instilled in them. (PRES. NOTE: Kristin Walden, who also teaches at the MTC, has just sent us Elder McMullen, (from her 1st MTC District), with that same fire and enthusiasm.)

Well Wendy Callister called me at almost midnight a few nights ago and excitedly told me about her recent engagement. I am so thrilled for her. She hardly took time to breathe as she told me all about it and I could picture her smiling from ear to ear. She is someone who deserves the best. It looks like Brett Curtis has found the best as well. He recently began teaching at the MTC and our paths crossed. He is also getting married in August as well. His fiancé, also teaches at the MTC and I have always been impressed with her. Bret smiled excitedly as he told me the news and then said "Kidd, she’s the girl of my dreams." (PRES. NOTE: I received a call from Bret on June 16, to advise me and have me meet Shaulee, who had served in Chile where they had 1,000 conversions each month. She sounds just like an on fire NYS RM. I "blessed the union.") As for me, I still haven’t found the "man of my dreams." I have dated quite a bit, but no-one has really impressed me all that much. I get sad when I get to know people and realize that they do not have a vision for their life. That’s the type of person I want to marry, someone with vision. But with my old NYNYS attitude, I’m not afraid!!

I continue to love teaching at the MTC. I am working with my second district and am sad to say that none are coming your way. I get excited each morning for a new challenge and a new day. I found out the other day that Elder and Sis. Child are learning Spanish in the MTC. They are being taught a few doors down from my classroom and are reportedly doing well. Noone seems to know why they are being taught, not even the teacher. To-day I went to Adam Bateman’s homecoming. What a talk! He did an excellent job on how to listen to and follow the spirit. I just sat and smiled as I watched him speak. He represented the mission well and rose the vision of all who listened to his experiences. I had a wonderful time talking and laughing with him while getting caught up on the last 5 months of our lives. (PRES. NOTE: Some missionaries have given their homecoming talk from a milk crate, as if they were conducting a street meeting.)

Rebecca Iverson and I continue with our running. In fact we both have sent in our applications to run the St. George Marathon this October. We are following on from our countless mornings of running in the mission field. It’s fun to have such a great friend who is willing to tackle this new challenge with me. Actually I’ve come to realize that most of my greatest friends are those with whom I served as a missionary. It’s wonderful to watch as those friendships continue after the mission and I imagine into the eternities. (PRES. NOTE: Ben Davis and others have reported that even missionaries they thought they would not associate with once at home have turned out to be "fun to hang out with", and have become friends, with no judgments.) It was about a week ago that Rebecca and I were rollerblading and talking about things that we learned and went through on our missions. Well, your name was brought up over again. It was interesting to note that with your name, the word "vision" always seemed to follow. We talked about how grateful we were that you had instilled such vision in us. It is something that has effected us immensely. I was explaining to Rebecca how I had just received this letter from an Elder I taught who is now in Mexico. He thanked me for all that I shared with him in the MTC and for the vision that I had given him. I had to smile. I didn’t feel worthy of the compliment, I felt it was one that belonged to you. If you hadn’t taught it to me, I wouldn’t be able to teach it to these young Elders and Sisters. (He also excitedly told me that he had already had 7 baptisms and was hoping for 14 within the next two weeks, He’s been there a little less than a month.)

This has been my goal while teaching at the MTC, to teach vision. I just want to thank you once again, for teaching it to me. Not a day passes that I do not reflect on my mission or ponder a vital lesson that I learned. I love the time I spent as a missionary and I will never regret going. It has served to be a life-changing experience for me. And everyone was right; life doesn’t end when the black name tag is retired. PS. Jodi, my sister has decided not to go on a mission. She and Rusty Oslund have been dating pretty seriously and she wants to see what happens with their relationship!

Sis Lowe/Barker - Bushwick 1 - May 26, 1996 - "FAMILIES WILL BE BLESSED THROUGH OUR SERVICE - My parents told me all the blessings our family is finally receiving after all their trials these past months. There is a light at the end of the tunnel. Sister Bailey’s talk at Zone Conference touched me deeply. When she said "Your families will be fine, sure they will have trials, but they will be blessed by your service, so serve well!" It hit me directly. I knew that they’d be fine, and the best thing I can do to help them is to serve with all my heart, might, mind and strength."

Hna Arroyo/Orgill - Ridgewood Sp - May 19, 1996 - "SISTERS HIGH BAPTISMS - Did you always know that Sisters could baptize as many as Elders? Did you really see sisters baptizing as many converts as big # elders going home? How? Thank you for having this vision for sisters and allowing us to make it a reality. Three big keys that have helped me were:

(1) Understand our purpose - "Elders and Sisters alike, you are here to reap the harvest, not to sow! You are here to baptize!" Pres. Bailey - April 1995 Zone Conference. Once I clearly understood this, I knew what I needed to do, then I could learn and figure out how to do it. This will stand true for the remainder of my life, in every aspect.

(2) "Mediocrity is of the Adversary" - Pres. Bailey - October 1995 Conference. This helped me to endure and realize my responsibility to achieve at any expense or sacrifice. I could not allow complacency or "settling" to take place. This understanding triggered my "fight or die" skills and helped me realize the Lord wanted it too. He wanted me to be succeed in reaching my goals.

(3) "Elders and Sisters, you must trust in the Lord, allow Him to use you!" Pres. Bailey - Nov 1995 Conference. The "trust in the Lord" really hit me. It has been a theme lesson from the beginning, yet my understanding has gradually become greater. Taking each month’s theme and working through the inverted Pyramid of Success, has helped me build a solid base. This theme also will be constant in normal life, as home, schooling, and other experiences arise. I’m excited to continue learning and applying all that the NYNYS mission experience has provided me."

Elder Fowler/DeLeon - Apr 28, 1996 - "OTHER MISSION COMPARING THEMSELVES TO NYS - My family has heard many good things about our mission. My father is in the Stake Presidency and a lot of missionaries who come home say they have always compared their missions (Boston, Washington DC, Florida, Canada) to the NYNYS Mission. It’s really neat to be in a "powerhouse" mission."

Elder Chris Erickson/Ballantyne - Cebra Br - Mar 24, 1996 - "NEW JERSEY MORRISTOWN RM REPORT - My grandfather works in the Washington DC Temple. He said that a returned missionary from the NJ Morristown Mission had many positive stories that he shared in his Sacrament Meeting Homecoming talk, about the excellence of the New York South Mission. It was awesome for me to think that the greatness of this mission is beginning to become generally well known."

Elder Michael Shaw/Porter - Little Neck - Mar 24, 1996 - "CARE FOR EACH OF US - I really count myself as one of the most blessed missionaries in the mission, to have the chance to get to know you and your family. I was so impressed to see how personally you and Sister Bailey and Monique, know each of us missionaries and how actively engaged you are for our well being. I think all the missionaries would be surprised to see how you rejoice at their success and how you sorrow at their hardships. Seeing you and Sister Bailey, has helped me to paint a more accurate picture in my mind about how my own parents feel about me, and how my Heavenly parents feel about me and love each of us."

Elder Bassett/Kelly - Brooklyn Deaf - Mar 25, 1996 - "UNIQUE MISSION - For the first week here, I have to tell you, that you have a very unique mission. Never have I seen such trust in missionaries, and I’ve been in two other missions. I am really excited to serve here. I was companions with Elders Kowalski and Dearinger, both of whom talked constantly about this mission. When I got my call changed to here, I thought I was going to be translated. Thankyou for this opportunity that I’ve heard so much about."

Elder John Nielson/Reynolds - Huntington Sp - Mar 17, 1996 - "LOVE OUR CONVERTS - Thankyou for your talk at Stake Conference yesterday. I had 13 investigators there and they said that during most of the talks, they couldn’t understand them very well, but they all felt the spirit during yours, especially when you pleaded, through tears, with the members, to "Please, love our converts!" It was a good example on how to be a Challenging and Testifying Mission President."

NEW YORK SOUTH RETURNED MISSIONARIES at KIRKHAMS’ - Letter written by Sis Deona Kirkham - Jan 20, 1996 - Travis Liston, William Binns, Robb Anderson, Ben Davis, Andy Niepraschk, Alvie Christensen, Troy Powell, Chad & Bodie Price, Grant Hansen, Eang Chea, Eric Parkinson, Todd Eves, and Bob & Deona Kirkham. "Each of them look so handsome, still have missionary haircuts, and they were all clean shaven. Most importantly, they still have that strong spiritual aura, that is so typical of our mission. Sister Price expressed her feelings, stating that she was grateful to be here and share the spirit of Chad’s mission. She also is an RM and had a great mission, however, she said she was a little envious because they didn’t experience anything like the spirit, we had in our mission.

Eric Parkinson told us that when he reported to the High Council, another missionary was reporting and they asked him to tell a spiritual experience. The missionary said "I didn’t have any spiritual experiences." We all just shook our heads. It’s sad they don’t all have a President Bailey to preside over them! Thanks for all you did to help our missionaries recognize the spirit, feel it and let it guide them not only in missionary work but also afterwards in their lives."

Hna Kidd/Arroyo - Ridgewood Sp - Nov 20, 1995 - "GOING HOME THANKS - One and half years ago, I met you at the MTC, and I never realized how monumental you would be in changing my life. For that I thank you. I am grateful for your vision, for the vision you have shared with and given to me. Now my vision is so much greater. Not only about missionary work, but about me. Through the months, the trials, through you, and companions and friends, I have learned confidence in myself and in the Lord. I can confirm what power comes with confidence. It's not just confidence, but a humility, knowing that you are totally dependent on the Lord - for everything. It's a cool feeling and realization.

It's something Elder McNairy learned early in his life. I got to talk to him last night, and he is nothing short of miraculous. I love learning from him. He has learned so much at an early age. My mouth hung open in awe at the things he shared with me. The thing I love most about him, is that he knows all that he has is from the Lord and that he is on earth to serve God and to develop all the things that God has given him. Most grown-ups don't have that! But a little surfer from South Pasadena does get that, and as a result, is one of the most powerful people I have ever met. There are few people who can inspire me the way Elder McNairy does. He's incredible and I feel so blessed to have had the great opportunity to learn from him. My comp's the same. Never have I met a person so concerned about making other people better. She sees people as they can become and not what they are. That has helped me raise my vision of myself and show me what I can become.

You said at Sister's Conference in August, "Mediocrity is of the Adversary." I love that quote and I will always live it. You have furthered my drive and desire for excellence. I have watched and learned by your example as you continually give credit to the Lord and do all "For His Glory." Really President, I cannot fully express proper gratitude to you for all that you have taught me. With my new vision, I know that anything and everything is possible with the Lord. By putting my faith in the Lord, I will see miracles throughout my life. I will not settle for anything less than what the Lord wants for me. For that I know that I will marry someone incredible, (and won't he be lucky to have me as a wife and mother, just kidding), excel in my career, my church callings and my role as wife and mother. I, thanks to you have an unstoppable vision and am excited for life!"

Wilburn C. West - Oct 2, 1995 - "FORMER EASTERN STATES MISSION PRESIDENT - I can't tell you how pleased and proud I am to find your mission featured and honored in the centerfold section of the September 30 Church News. The 7 photographs and thrilling report of your activities, indicate the same enthusiasm and innovative inspiration that you demonstrated so effectively 30 years ago. The informality of working in shirt sleeves impresses me. And street meetings! How I would enjoy participating in a street meeting after 65 years. You and your missionaries are indeed fortunate and blessed to work among the friendly people of Brooklyn. May joyous success continue to be yours. My love and good wishes."

Robb Anderson - Ricks, Rexburg - Oct 2, 1995 - "Just a week ago, I received my first Newsletter since returning home. I can't describe the great joy and longing to be back with you as I read it. President, it is so wonderful to see the "Mission of Miracle" still produce those great miracles with the help of the Lord. I am more convinced than ever that NYNYS only receives the best missionaries. As I have been able to be in contact with many RM's, I have seen the great blessings, the Lord has given our mission by sending to it only the strong and faithful, that carry with them a desire unmatched, and a spirit more powerful than normal.

I was so happy to see the articles in the Church News about our mission, when I say that I mean, you, me, the missionaries and of course the Lord. It was particularly special to read about my converts. I was so blessed to be used as His mouthpiece to serve those special people. I don't think I could thank him enough for such a great experience. Once again I received a great testimony that the Lord is on our side and that we are fulfilling His will, when I literally shouted for joy as the prophet announced the Temple at White Plains. After the session, I heard two men talking about the person who was happy with the announcement. I didn't think I was that loud. I attempted to explain what it meant to be able to take converts to the Temple and receive those blessings. Their response "That's cool." Obviously not RMs. I have also realized that our missionaries seem to have a greater love for their converts, they are not just numbers left at the baptismal font.

President, I was also impressed at Conference with the Lord's anointed. I know that you are totally in tune with the spirit, and that you were called by inspiration. The whole tone of conference was different this time. I feel the Lord is guiding us in a new direction. A softer, gentler, more loving, and optimistic vision. The same vision and spirit I felt so many times as I listened to you speak. I know the Lord is in control and guides his great work. I am so thankful to you for your service and willingness to be led by the spirit. For teaching us what the Lord's will for us is. Then allowing us to feel of his great love for us so that we can complete this divine will and destroying the spirit of fear that is so natural within us. Thank you so much, again I owe much to someone I could never pay back."

Hna Kidd/Callister - Dyker Heights 111 Sp - Aug 1, 1995 - "SOME FRUSTRATION WITH ALL LEADERS NOT CATCHING VISION TO-GETHER - I had an interesting experience in Leaders Meeting and Zone Conference. My heart went out to you as I watched you try to bring the leaders to the level you expected. I was saddened as some didn't seem to understand. I want you to know how much I appreciate your vision, drive and determination that we reach this great goal. I gained a new found, deeper respect for you and all that you do to try and elevate us to the level you know we can achieve. I cannot thank you enough for your unweary dedication to this mission. I am grateful for a President who raises my vision and helps me achieve my full potential. President, I have prayed about it. I know we can reach 300 baptisms. To those who don't believe, well my comp and I have pledged to work this month at helping them raise their vision. We want them to believe and then do it. With this unity, we can do it!"

Sister Otterstrom/McLain - Coney Island 1 - Aug 8, 1995 - "NYS CONCEPTS TRIALED IN OTHER MISSIONS - My grandma sent me a copy of a letter my cousin Matt sent her. He is serving in Sydney, Australia. He talked about how his Mission President, Leo Talbot, is friends with President Bailey (also an Australian), and that they were starting to implement street meetings, teaching in congregations, etc. into their work. He is very excited about it. My brother Paul in Philadelphia tells me that the new President is working very hard to raise the vision there. My brother says that is all that is lacking. I know that their vision will raise. It will be fun to watch them."

Elder Randall/Sanders - Coney Island 1 Russian - Aug 7, 1995 - "WE CAN COMMIT FOR BAPTISM OTHER MISSION’S INVESTIGATORS - This is the "mission of miracles'. A few months ago a friend called from Palmyra to tell me of a Russian lady who was moving to Brooklyn. She had been studying the gospel for over a year. My friend said they could not get her to commit to baptism. We met her and took her to church, to Coney Island. Not what she was used to. No fancy building, no 100's of members, but a spirit that she said she had not previously felt. Well she sure felt it, and never so strong. The next week, as we talked, , I asked her to be baptized. She knew it was right and had already decided to be baptized. Although she decided to be baptized back in Palmyra, I thought that if all other missions just sent us their "hard" investigators, for one week, we could have them commit and then send them back for baptism."

Jeremy Stowell RM - Jul 23, 1995 - "NYS OBEDIENCE COMPARED TO OTHER MISSIONS - I have been able to visit with quite a few returned missionaries and I have been shocked by some of the things I have heard. Last night I was at a dance in Portland and was talking to an RM who also served state-side. He asked me, "You guys weren't like, really obedient in your mission were you?" I said "Yes! We were!" "Oh he stammered, we were too, but we uh, just liked to have fun!" His perception of having fun and being obedient about curled my toes. The scary thing is that I have talked to many other people who talk just the same. After talking with them, I'm not surprised to learn that they are only baptizing 20 or 30 people a month as a mission. I guess my point is that there is something special, something different about the missionaries in the NY NY South mission. If the elders and sisters don't believe it now, they'll have no doubt about it when they go home and talk with all their friends. PS. I always believed there was something special about our mission. It was vision, exact obedience, intense effort, faith and unity. Keep the "miracles" going."

Elder Ben Davis/Liston Sp - APs - Rego Park 111 - Jun 19, 1995 - "FATHER’S DAY TRIBUTE - When we left our homes to come on this Mission, we thought that we would never come in contact with a man who would touch our lives, raise our vision, and help us understand what it means to truly "build the kingdom." Through your quiet example of hard work, righteous living and a principle centered, balanced lifestyle, you have changed our lives in a way that will have an impact on the eternities. As Helaman's 2,000 looked to him with the respect, love and admiration that they had towards their own fathers, we look to you with that same regard. We love you as a father, leader, friend and brother. Thank you for all you have done on our behalf. And more!"

Elder Peterson/Gerald Davis - Staten Island 1 (Eng) - Apr 9, 1995 - "MIRACLES - I love Staten Island and especially Park Hill area. I am on the "Island of miracles", in the "mission of miracles", during the "month of miracles". It is very obvious that miracles will happen."

Elder Stowell/Lewis - AP's - Dec 1994 - "BUILDING ALL MISSIONARIES - Look for good; not for evil". A quote located by the APs to confirm any criticism of President Bailey, who chose to build upon the strengths of certain missionaries, giving them another opportunity, rather than discipline them according to "the grapevine's judgments", present in every mission and based upon "heresay" only. "Change the focus of your view, and of your eye, from watching for evil to watching for that which is good, that which is pure, and leading and prompting those who err into that path which has no error in it, and that will not admit of mistakes. Look for good in men, and where they fail to possess it, try to build it up in them; try to increase the good in them; look for the good; build up the good; sustain the good; and speak as little about the evil as you possible can. It does not do any good to magnify evil, to publish evil, or to promulgate it by tongue or pen. There is no good to be obtained by it. It is better to bury the evil and magnify the good, and prompt all men to forsake evil and learn to do good; and let our mission be to save mankind and to teach and guide in the path of righteousness, and not to sit as judges and pass judgment upon evil-doers, but rather to be saviors of men. April Conference Report, 1913. P.8."

Elder Hall/Nielson - DL - Rockaway 1 - Sep 10, 1994 - "18 HOUR LAYOVER ON P-DAY - All went well with Elder Ditto. What a time we had with him if only for 18 hours. We would have enjoyed keeping him for a 3 some. He had spent a month in Georgia, visa waiting, then just missed his flight out. He freaked out as we took him with us around the area, he couldn't believe that we "worked" in such heat and conditions (102 and with humidity). He told us how members did all the work for them, fed them every day of the week, washed their clothes, gave them rides, and how his trainer always slept in. He didn't know what 9.30 meant whether AM or PM, or why we had appointments on P-Day. I said to him "You haven't ever been in Bed-Sty have you?" We took him outside, roughed him up a bit, whipped him into shape, showed him how to baptize by immersion and still got him to the Airport for 6 pm. One more confirmation that this is the best mission in the world. I thank God I am part of it."

Elder Price/Welch - Brooklyn Deaf, Aug 14, 1994 - "TRANSFER FROM OTHER MISSION - LOVE - I have come from the Illinois Chicago Mission to the NY NY South. What comes to mind is love. When I arrived I felt the love of the APs. When I met President Child I felt his love for me and MW. I felt love from all the other FTMs. That is the difference. Here there is a love for the Lord that begins with a love for the work."

OTHERS: Deaf - LA, So Carolina, Washington DC, Chicago. Elder Little - Sweden. Elder Fairbanks - Korea