The Changing of the Guard

This week marked a change in our mission president. President Larry Gelwix and his wife Cathy completed three years of service leading young men and women into adulthood and ready to take on the future of the Church. With change, there is always a lot of speculation about leadership style, mission culture and loyalty. The change in the mission president has been an interesting phenomena to watch. As we held our final zone conference and specialized training session with the Gelwix', emotions were high and at the surface. Many tears were shed and long hugs were the order of the day.

With the emotional good-bye's behind us, it was time to move forward and embrace the new. A couple of months ago President Gelwix asked us to begin praying for the Clark's daily. Yesterday Sister Olson and I got to attend the "Meet the Clark's" gathering of missionaries from two of the Fresno zones.

President Jeff and Sister Bonnie Clark 

Because of a funeral at the church, the meeting got bumped back and then the Clark's meeting with the north zones in the morning went longer than anticipated; so our 12:30 meeting began around 2:30.  After sitting in the chapel waiting for over two hours, the anticipation was palpable. As the Clark's came into the chapel, all the missionaries stood in respect. The Clark's immediately began embracing and shaking hands with the missionaries. It was delightful to see the yearning in every young missionary's eyes to be recognized by and to touch the new president. He did not disappoint - and made a point of hugging the elders and shaking hands with the sisters (even us oldies). Sister Clark did the same in hugging the sisters and shaking hands with the elders.

 

President Gelwix had previously explained in zone conference that the moment President Clark stepped off the plane onto Fresno ground, the mantle passed to him. President Clark testified that it was an actual passing that he felt physically and spiritually. Elder Castaneda, one of the Assistants to the President, testified of the same - that as he watched President and Sister Clark step off the plane, he received the confirmation that "Yes" - this is the right man for this mission. All is well.

 

We loved them immediately. After a brief introduction of themselves they each spoke briefly then began personal 3 minute interviews with each missionary there. In my interview President Clark expressed his unconditional love for each of us and asked what he could do to bless me and to serve me.  President reassured us that nothing in the mission culture will change - as it would be foolish to change anything that makes the CFM the top baptizing mission of the 17 California missions! With the focus on retention of new members recently laid out by the Church, he only expects this mission to get stronger and lead out in the surge of baptisms throughout the church.

 

It is a new beginning, not only for the Clark's, but for each missionary in the California Fresno Mission. No personal information is passed from the old to the new. Everyone starts fresh. It is an opportunity for each of us to love unconditionally and go forth in faith serving in the Lord's Vineyard. The same happens each Sabbath as we partake of the sacrament with a repentant heart. We start fresh. We begin anew striving to be better. Our Savior makes it possible for this to happen for each of us. 

 Sister Olson wrote this poem regarding the change of leadership:
Mantle Passed  

The Captain turned to leave the field.

Soldiers paused, some stood, some kneeled-

“No regrets!” … “This step I'll make.”

-A tear tugged glance- “Your love I'll take.”.

Another Captain, true and clear,                    

Approaches now, with righteous fear.

His step is planted, as they greet;

The Mission transfer is complete.

One Captain's mantle, is heaven sent.        

The other's mantle, 3 years lent.

From Him it radiates to cover,

Protect, illume, direct and buffer.

 

The soldiers rally, increase their vigor;

Their shout, “we baptize”, even bigger.

Our Captains we follow, who first love our King,

We pledge them our lives- “For the Kingdom”, we sing. 

            by Linda Olson/July 2014