MLS

There are many different ways senior couples can serve; some are in the mission office as secretaries, or over things like health, housing, finances and vehicles. Others offer service or humanitarian aid, serve as physicians or dentists in developing nations, or are called to family history centers, temples and visitor centers. On Oahu, we have dozens of couples who serve at the Polynesian Cultural Center in a variety of ways, both in front of the tourists and behind the scenes. And we have several couples who have base access who are called as military relations missionaries for the service men and women. But the vast majority of senior couples are MLS, which means Member and Leader Support. This is the official description of what we do: "Member and Leader Support missionaries share and teach the gospel of Jesus Christ, reactivate and minister to returning members, retain new converts, strengthen young single adults, and support local leaders. They may also provide a great and lasting influence on younger missionaries. MLS missionaries are to be multi-purpose resources to their assigned wards and stakes. They may also be assigned to assist with local self-reliance and family history programs."

We feel the most difficult part of being an MLS missionary is simply deciding what you are supposed to be doing with your time. We all have 24 hours in a day, and it is left up to us to choose how to fill our time in the most productive or fulfilling way as we are led by the Spirit. Many of the ward and stake leaders, even our mission leaders, don't really know how to use these "multi-purpose resources" afforded to them by senior couples assigned to work in their areas. So the secret to success is either to be very self-motivated and seek out our own opportunities to serve and bless others, or to have ward and stake leaders who have a clear vision of what their needs are, and who make specific assignments for the senior couples to carry out and get the job done. We have not been given many assigned tasks, and so far it's been all on us to carve out successful and meaningful ways to help, serve and bless God's children as full-time missionaries. Luckily, we thrive in that type of situation because we believe in being proactive and not waiting around for someone to tell us what to do.

It is such a great blessing for us to live and serve in Hawaii. Nearly all of the people we've met here are kind, considerate and generous, even if their own circumstances in life are difficult. We admire their Aloha spirit, and we're trying to learn as much as we can about the Hawaiian culture. The island lifestyle is more laid back and casual compared to the hustle-bustle of daily life we see on the mainland. In one respect we stand out from all the rest. Elder Mundell calls it being the "One Percent". He says except on Sundays at church, he is the only person around here wearing a tie. Nobody, and we mean NOBODY, wears a dress shirt and tie like the male missionaries are expected to do. So as a result, we really stand out. We know that other people are very aware of us, and are always watching us. It is impossible to "fit in" as missionaries, and we need to always be good examples of who we are and what we represent, by trying to be like Jesus in all that we do and say.

This past week, we had the opportunity to do a social hour at a local homeless shelter. While the people were engaged in a Thanksgiving craft project, Sister Mundell met a employee there. She asked her how long she had worked as a janitor for the shelter. She stated, "Two years and I am very grateful that I have a job, because I used to live in this shelter, and now I can be out on my own..." As she expressed her undying gratitude for her employment she wiped tears from her face and stated, "...it's all about GRATITUDE in our lives, I am so grateful for a job. It made her realize how important it is to be grateful for even the little things in life. November is a good time to pause and reflect on the things we are thankful for. We've asked the people we visit to start a Gratitude Journal, and write down a few things each day that they are grateful for. An "attitude of gratitude" gives everyone a better outlook on life and helps us be kinder, more gentle and loving with the people we meet, and endure well the hardships we encounter each day.