Week 56

Kelly the Investigator and Happy Father's Day Again

7 September 2025

Remember Teancum "Tank" in our institute class, who is my distant relative? I wasn't sure if he was actively interested in the Church?  Well he has a mission call to Papua New Guinea. It will rock his world. Below is a picture of some missionaries in PNG. They are baptizing like crazy, but very humble/basic conditions.

Last month when 107 members were baptized before the Stake Conference. This is a picture of the missionaries involved.

Elder and Sister Shumway. Wonderful missionaries. We minister in restaurants. What's wrong with that!?! It's great, you should try it.

Kelly the Investigator. (This is such a good look.) "So I understand you Mormons don't believe we are saved by grace. Why not?" Our institute class was into the scenario on grace vs works.  Best part is that they gave some great answers.

This is turning out to be our best class. I think I have said that every time. They are starting to participate and volunteer comments. It just takes awhile. Almost all of them are "coming back" to the Church. I only know of one that has stayed faithful. So amazingly sad yet joyful at the same time.

Elder Shaw's first go at a ballet (besides the girl's recitals). He doesn't look too happy here, but I think he was pleasantly impressed with their strength and talent. Sleeping Beauty with lights.

Today is Father's Day in New Zealand. Kelly got 2 Father's Days, actually 3. The kids call the day after in June because you are a behind. I am mature and can accommodate. The senior missionaries got together for a waffle dinner to celebrate.

The junior missionaries came over to pay tribute to the fathers by singing "A Child's Prayer". It was so sweet.

After the waffle dinner we went to our ward singles/missionary dinner which is held every fast Sunday. They usually have games, talent number, and devotional. Just long enough for Kelly to squirm. 

Launette:  We sat by one my favorite people in the ward, Oriwa. She is spunky and funny, as you can see by her smirk. She gave the devotional and told everyone she is working on her doctorate. She sat back down and I congratulated her on her education and ambition. She said, "I'm working on my doctorate to find a man" and then belly laughed. I like her.

Kelly:  One of the blessings and challenges of a senior mission is finding where you can make the most difference.  It is different for every senior missionary.   Junior missionaries have a very well-defined roll, responsibilities, and similar paths.  Senior missionaries do not.   Every senior missionary we know has been on a journey of discovery to figure out how, who, and where to make a difference. We have 5 months left on our mission and we are still on that journey of discovery.   We talk almost daily about the unique nature of our particular calling and responsibilities and what we can do to build the kingdom.   

For those of you who may be considering a senior mission, just know that D&C 58:27 really applies.  "Verily I say, men should be anxiously engaged in a good cause, and do many things of their own fee will, and bring to pass much righteousness."  The good day's far out number the bad but good or bad we are still in the service of our Savior and know that we are sustained by Him and by your prayers.  When we came on our mission we both prayed and ask our Heavenly Father that whatever blessings may be associated with our service, please give them to our family.   We continue to ask for that same blessing every day and we hope our family has felt those blessings. But in addition to those blessings, what we have found is that the Lord has tenderly schooled and mentored us and we are blessed beyond measure.

We love you and miss you.

Elder and Sister Shaw