Missionary Report No 67

Monday 10th July, 2023

In the morning we had Seniors Council. In the evening we went to visit the Taulas. While visiting the Hargraves, a senior couple, in Townsville, we were inspired to buy a copy of  President Russell M. Nelson's book, Daily Joy. For every day of the year there is a scripture and a quote from President Nelson relating to the scripture. It's a really useful little book for sharing an uplifting message when visiting people, and we used it tonight at the Taula's.

Tuesday 11th July

In the morning we went to visit the Wilferts. Poor Donna broke her ankle just recently, so she is not very mobile. Bargain of all bargains though - they found a wheelchair at the local op-shop for $10.00!

In the afternoon, our kitesurfing friend, Paul, delivered coconuts. I have learned how to peel coconuts with a machete and drink the water and then make coconut cream. It will be a very useful skill to have once we are back in Victoria. 

In the evening, I had District Council meeting, which I could have Zoomed in to, but I attended in person which is so much nicer. I'm just about done with Zoom meetings, to be honest.

Wednesday 12th July

Took the mission car into be serviced.

In the afternoon, we visited Sister Skewes. She was very excited after we showed her by clicking on the Family Tree App and then going to Family History Activities and then Famous Relatives, you can discover your connection to famous people and she is related to Winston Churchill.

Thursday 13th July

Murray did an interview with Kyle Jacobs who is a talented musician and also a descendant of Samuel Smith.

Then we delivered home baked bread to some members.

In the evening Murray had his Gospel Study Class.

Friday 14th July

Yoriko kindly made us a delicious lunch and afterwards Murray interviewed her for his podcast.

We then dropped off homemade bread to a family.

Saturday 15th July

A working bee at the chapel again to finish putting mulch on the garden.  Again, we did chapel cleaning instead.

Murray had his regular Tai Chi class.

Then at midday, Margot joined other sisters from both Branches to enjoy a lovely lunch with a tropical theme at one of the member's home.  A lot of effort had gone into it and they even had a place where you could get a mocktail. And with Margot at a RS activity, I went kitesurfing!

Then we went to Hana's, Leila's niece, for a delicious dinner and had the opportunity to meet Mark and Lisa who had adopted an Ethiopian boy while teaching there.  It turned out that Lisa's cousin is a member of our Church so knows a little bit about our beliefs.

Sunday 16th July

We had people to transport to Church.  One we had forgotten about but as we were driving to the chapel and just before we got to his street, we were reminded by the spirit to pick him up. How grateful we were for that prompting as he was dressed waiting for us.

In the afternoon, there were a few non-members attending Church meetings which was exciting for the missionaries. There was also a member from Taiwan, who has just arrived in Cairns and we were able to give her a ride home. Her name is Zoe, that's her above.

Later that day we had a meeting with members throughout the North Queensland District via zoom to explain the Temple and Family History reports and their responsibility. I don't like Zoom meetings, but when you have a district the size of the North Queensland District, it's the only way to go.

North Queensland District - 10 branches from Thursday Island (Torres Strait) in the far north (bordering PNG) to Mackay in the south and Mt Isa in the west. It's basically half of Queensland, in area.