Beloved Family,
We feel guided to share with you events and experiences that we feel may lift, edify, and teach of the "goodness of God" as we endeavor to serve Him in His work.  We trust this will be of more value than to share travelogues and schedules.

We pulled into the MTC to find they "knew us by name." As we pulled up they both said: "Hello President and Sister Clark.  Welcome to the MTC then directed us to parking (picture included)"
As we drew near to the building everyone knew and addressed by our name and the same was and continues to be true as we move through the halls of the MTC.  We were also touched by the radiance of their countenances.  Such a strong spirit is here to be sure.

We were blessed to attend Sacrament Meeting this morning with the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve (minus Elder Packer).  Bonnie and I were so overcome by the spirit we couldn't even sing the opening song -  Jesus  the Very Thought of Thee.  President Monson was the only speaker at Sacrament.  It was interesting to witness how feebly he moved and yet how robust his  prophetic voice is.

We were instructed by Elder Nelsen this afternoon as well as Elder Evans ( Director of the missionary department).  it was historic with Elder Nelsen announcing that hence forth missionaries will continue to teach Converts after their baptism (as coordinated with and assisted by the  Ward Mission Leader and Members) and over a series of time lines will be responsible for much of the teaching during the first year after baptism.  Further, they are to remain in contact, attend their temple ordinances where feasible while on the mission and encouraged to remain a part of their lives for decades to come.  We were instructed that the measure of conversion and activity will be if their children and grandchildren (Converts and Missionaries) are active, serve missions and make and keep sacred covenants.  

Further, Elder Evans revealed that in the fall North America and Japan missions will receive iPad minis as tools to tract electronically through social  media, teach electronically those they find through social  media before handing them off to  local missionaries, and track area books, records, and reporting.  This is historic! We can't wait.  While it may be one's initial reaction to say; "Oh, how will we keep them safe from the evils of the internet, the net effect is that we will be teaching our young people how to stay away from these evils the rest of their lives.  The doctrine is that the only effective filter is the individual heart and desire of each son and daughter of God in using these devices effectively and appropriately the rest of their lives."

Everyone we meet is absolutely gracious, kind and caring.  We look at them and know why they are here but continue to wonder how we got past screening and security.  Elder Andersen talked to the  congregation this afternoon about exactly that and we have all ended the day inspired that we truly have been called of God.  He shared that the Missionary Dept has over 10,000  names in its data base of possible Mission Presidents and bore testimony that we had been called forth at this time as the most  righteous within the Church that The Lord would  have serve now.  He reminded us that our call is to serve missionaries and that likely we made special covenants and promises with them in the pre-existence and they with us to be together at this time.  Our job is to help  them become converted to the Gospel  of Jesus Christ and live it faithfully for the rest of their lives. 

We talked briefly with Elder Andersen today and he wasted little time in inquiring about his new friend, David Clark. 

Aside from the Prophets and Apostles, we/they are flanked with many of the Seventy throughout  the days here.  The Seven Presidents of Seventy are here, many of the First Quorum of the Seventy (we had dinner with Elder Gifford Nielsen and his wife tonight) and many from the missionary committee, etc.  Clearly they  have put a lot of emphasis on our training. It is the pep rally of all pep rallies.  We sat with Elder Alan Packer at lunch who is over Family History.  He had much to share which won't fit in this email but the key take away was that when Family History becomes part of a new convert's integration into the church, the retention rate goes from mid 30% to high 70% as the spirit of Elijah distills upon them and they get to the temple sooner rather than later to do baptisms and confirmations for their ancestors, thus feeling the  spirit of the temple as well.  Powerful!!!!!

We hope what we share will have spiritual substance which, when accompanied by the Holy Ghost - He who reveals the truth of all things - will serve to teach, lift, edify, and bless your lives.

With all of our love knowing The Lord will bless and keep you,

Jeff and Bonnie