OGC Training and On to Africa

Church Headquarters in SLC

After finishing our missionary training at the Provo MTC we went to Salt Lake City for three days of intense legal Training conducted by the Office of General Counsel -International.  There were 7 missionary couples there for the OGC training. Three were going to South Africa, one to Russia, one to Australia, one to the Dominican Republic,  and one to Chile.  It sometimes felt like we were drinking from a fire hose because there was so much information to cover.  However, it is amazing how much we were able to absorb and would end up needing to use.

It was a real eye opener to see all of the work that is taking place all over the world.  The Church is growing so rapidly in so many areas. As a result, more attorneys are needed to work with foreign governments to gain recognition for the Church to allow it to officially function, teach, and build facilities, etc.  It is really exciting to be involved in so much dynamic activity.   Even if we are not the ones out preaching each day, we are helping to facilitate the missionary work moving forward.

The giant wall map of the world where missionaries often pose.

Here we are posing in front of the large world map pointing to Johannesburg, South Africa.  It has taken months to get to this point but now we will be there in a few short days and a long plane ride. A 4 hour flight to Atlanta and then a 16 hour flight to Johannesburg or Joburg, as it is more commonly called.

We are really getting excited to get there and get to work!





While in Salt Lake, we were able to stop and see our dear friends Chris and Erlynn Lansing where Chris is serving as the Mission President in the Salt Lake City South Mission.  We had a wonderful visit with them and they are doing an incredible job working with 150 plus young missionaries from all over the world.  They are in a beautiful new mission home where Erlynn's touches are evident. Truly they make a wonderful team and we know they are touching the hearts and lives of so many missionaries as they serve the Lord.