Spain Malaga Mission

February is the Month of Baptisms

2012-02-11T09:15:00.000-08:00

More and more families are coming into the church. It is such a blessing to the members here in Spain and it takes a lot of work on the part of the missionaries. Elders Hamilton and Allred worked so hard in Cartagena. They were aided by the members and Elder Bradley and Elder Mendoza in Cartagena with them.

A week before they had another baptism. Cartagena is happy.

Elche has also enjoyed the fruits of hard working Elders. Elder Hunt and Estrada have been doing a mighty work in Elche.

Here they are again. Just after these baptisms Elder Estrada moved, but we are sure there are many new members that are grateful to him and Elder Hunt for being such incredible missionaries to bring the gospel to everyone.

Sometimes we just feel like we are on top of the world here in Spain. Of course, everyone can't be in the best mission in the world!

Yes Elder West, we are #1. Elder Gomez is feeling pretty good about being here in Spain. Elder Gomez and Elder West love it in Jaen.

Another scripture bag has been given out in the mission. These bags are adorable and very much loved.

Elder Hamilton sent this picture and asked me if anything great happened in 1986? As you can see on the license plate it says 1986 CLG. That's the closet thing to Clegg in Spain! Well many great things for sure.

Look who Elder Bennett found in Murcia. Yep, that's our former Elder Basurto, now home and is now Alberto Basurto alog with his mother.

And yes, he is the ward mission leader for the Hermanas in Murcia. Now that's a great calling for him now that he is home.

Hermana Vasquez and Hermana Bozeman are enjoying the sun in Badajoz.

I am not quite sure who the Elders found on their p-day, but hey, I guess there are some Hawaiians or New Zealanders in Spain???

Elder Hales mom made this greatest quilt for him. Wow, we all want one of these!

I guess you can go swinging on p-day. Elder Allred is trying it out.

Hi Elder Hamilton. Looks like you enjoyed that when you were young!

This week we had concilio with the Zone Leaders. Elder Birmbaumer and Elder Pedersen are leading the way in Granada.

Elder Waite and Elder Hafen are all smiles in Sevilla.

Elder Hall and Elder Peterson are loving LaMancha.

Elder Peterson and Elder Ferguson are all thumbs up and smiles about Malaga.

Elder Manning and Elder Lignell are hearing the music in Alicante.

And Elder Shaver and Elder Biamont are making things happen in Murcia.

Elder Blanch and Elder Pratt couldn't be happier or working harder than they are in San Fernando.

We love our ayudantes, Elder White and Elder Alejandre.

As well as our "ayudantes in the office" Elder Staples and Elder Thronley.

And boy do these Elders eat!!

These were the biggest potatoes we have seen ever in Spain.

Yes Elder White, that is one potato. We were all fed well both for the body and for the spirit at this Concilio.

Hi Mom, we are just getting ready for our picture out back.

Elder Pratt was ready while Elder White is looking for everyone else.

Here they all are. Great looking Elders who really care about all the missionaries in their Zones. They have all committed to do even better.

That's right Hermana Clegg. We all love Elder Thornley. Elder Biamont just wants to make sure he is eating enough.

Who did you say was coming?

It's the District Leaders. We had a District Leader training after the Zone Council. The favorite place in the mission home is in front of the transfer board.

They are also ready to eat before we get started with the training. Are we all here?

Everyone but Elder White. He was busy making some last minute arrangements before we started our training with the District Leaders.

3 days feeding 20 people each day gets a little crazy. But with all the help of the Elders and Pres. Clegg washing dishes, we did great. Feeding missionaries can be kind of fun.

After the evening training you have to go out and enjoy one of the beautiful sunsets that we always have in Spain. Elder Mockler and Elder Bradley are just trying to take it all in.

Here you have Elder Jones and Elder Jones. Boy it is hard to keep up with the Joneses!! (Is that how you spell that?)

For the first time ever it was too cold and too windy to eat breakfast outside so we ate in. It actually went well. We are now ready for the rest of the training. Many of the District Leaders were given assignments to teach and they were fantastic.

Hey that's right Hermana Clegg. It was awesome, says Elder Bradley.

Elder Dangerfield and Elder Barahona have matching ties. Elder Hales has one too but they didn't tell him to wear his. Now Elders!

It was still so windy and cold that we decided to do the group shot indoors. What a great bunch of District Leaders.

But everyone wanted to run out and try a few photos. Everyone of these Elders have either served in LaMancha or are there now.

These are Andalucia serving Elders.

Well these are too, but they have served in other areas of the mission.

And like the end of every meeting we have, we have to sing our mission song. The best mission song in the church.

Friday we took the train up to LaMancha in Ciudad Real. Hermana Carter is saying good-bye to Hermana Vega who is moving to Sevilla.

She is saying good-bye because Hermana Meldrum finally arrived after being a visa waiter who's passport was lost by the American Consulate.

So we did all her orientation in Ciudad Real. She was brought down from one of our favorite couples in the mission.

Yea, we got to see the Cleggs for a few hours. They had to come down to do a little bit of residency work. Hermana Carter and Hermana Meldrum are excited to go to work. We had to say good-bye to the Cleggs as they returned to the CCM in Madrid where they are interim Presidents. It was a very busy week in the mission, but when is there not a busy week?

February is Full of Faith

2012-02-05T08:38:00.000-08:00

We are so full of Faith in the mission! We are seeing miracles like these that happened in Lorca. Elders Wright and Taylor along with Elder Gibson and Avellar had two wonderful baptisms.

Getting ready for baptisms can be a lot of work. Here they are filling the portable font that is in many of the churches in Spain. They can be a little tricky, but we are grateful for the ones we have.

And so the light is shinning forth on the land, especially in our mission. January was a great month for baptisms and February is setting itself up to be even bigger and better. Many baptismal dates are set for February. It will take lots of work and faith and prayers to see them all come to pass.

We wish a huge amount of success to Elder Melgarejo. He served in our mission for 3 months while he waited for his visa to come to go to Puerto Rico. From left to right Elder Forrest and Elder Shaver, along with his companion Elder Bennett sent him off on the bus to Malaga where he flew off to Puerto Rico. We loved having him here and know he will continue to be a great missionary in the Lord's army.

This picture is for you Hermana Stevens. She is in charge of helping the missionaries get their 3 day supply of food and water. Elder Avellar has done just that and knows he will not starve!! You go Elder!!!

And the cute scripture covers are getting out to many new converts in the mission. The 3 Martinez sisters who joined the church a few months ago in Badajoz show their covers. Thanks again to the wonderful young women from Fillmore, Utah who sent us these bags.

Elder Gibson and Elder Avellar gave a bag to this young women in Lorca. Your love is being felt all throughout the Malaga Mission.

The San Fernando Zone had a fun p-day of playing football. This is as close as we are going to get to the Super Bowl in Spain. Well at least Spain won the World Cup two years ago.

Hey, they just want to show us they were having a fun time. Be gentle Elder Crawford!!

This past week we went to Nerja to be in their District meeting. Elder Barahona held a great meeting and Elder Crespo and Hermana Woodward and Hermana Gibson along with President and I learned a lot. Then we had a little lunch to enjoy the sun by. The weather in Spain is beautiful this time of the year.

Wait a minute, what is that new doorway doing in the office. This picture is taken from over by Elder Staples desk. Take a look at the next picture and you will see what is going on in the mission office. Another change, but this should be the last.

President Clegg is talking over things with Elder and Hermana Stevens. This is taken from the Stevens side. You can see into the secretries office. This will be so wonderful! No more walking around and through the hall to get to the other side of the wall. We are excited about the change and it should be all finished shortly. When it is we will take pictures of the entire office so everyone can see how great it looks.

This weekend was a special weekend in Spain and Portugal. We all had Stake Conferences held to hear a broadcast from Salt Lake made especially for the Saints in Spain and Portugal. Here we are in the Malaga Capilla with some of the missionaries. We were even able to hear it in English. Elders Lyman, Thronley, and Nally, followed by Hermana and Elder Stevens, and Hermana and Elder Massaro with Elder Dangerfield peaking in while President and Hermana Clegg round out the group. It was a great broadcast and we all grew from seeing it.

So it's a slam dunk that things are going great in the Spain Malaga Mission. Just had to show two little grandkids practicing their dunking style!

And two of our three pregnant daughters. Lauren on the left is our youngest son's wife and they are having a girl, their first baby in April. And Nikki, our second oldest daughter is having her 5th, a boy in May. We are just missing our Rachael. She is our oldest son's wife who is having her 4th in March. They live in Washington and were not in Utah for this picture. This will be 3 new grand babies before we come home in July. Great blessings keep coming to our family back home. We are feeling so blessed and grateful for our wonderful children both in the States and here in Spain.

January Happenings

2012-01-29T10:43:00.000-08:00

We celebrate every week with baptisms. We rejoice with the many new converts to The Church of Jesus Christ. Elders Rodriguez and Barahona are seeing many miracles in Motril. Two of many more converts yet to come in Motril entered the waters of baptism.

Sevilla is continuing to work hard and bring many souls to baptism. Elder Waite and Elder White are working to have this entire family baptized.

Cordoba is seeing many miracles thanks to the hard work of Elder Velasco and Elder Thomas. Again, we are about finding and bringing families together in the gospel.

Hola to our former Hna Brown. Here we have one of our recent converts with one of the precious scripture bags made by the young women in the Filmore Stake in Utah. All the bags have been given out and we expect to see more pictures of these young women who received these wonderful gifts.

Yippeee says Annie Kate when she hears how great things are in the Spain Malaga Mission. She sends her love to all!

And in the District of Valdepenas, the Elders have a football p-day activity. Elder Seely and Elder Jones are incharge.

Elder Triana is jumping for joy. It must be a great match.

You show them Elder Fagersten.

In Lorca the Elders are doing some service. Elders Taylor, Avellar, Gibson and Wright are enjoying their time helping where they can.

A large part of the Malaga Zone enjoy a p-day seeing the sights of the beautiful city of Malaga.

In Crevillente Elder Jones is trying to be spiderman on the wall. Be careful Elder Jones.

Hermana Bascope and Hermana Vega were given the chance to try on some of the native clothes of some investigators from Ecuador. They look real nice but I don't think these cloths are correct for missionary work.

That's right, Hermana Ross. Lovely skirts found in Rebajas in Spain. We love the sales don't we. Hermanas Ross, Vega, Bascope and Capener took advantage of the sales.

Hermana Torres had to try on the "Red Claws" that we use in the mission home to take hot plates out of the oven. They seem to flatter her bright shiney smile.

A few other pictures from the Hermanas leadership training. All of these Hermanas have or are serving in Ciudad Real where they have done such wonderful work.

And yes, the Hermanas in one of the bunk rooms. 11 Hermanas in one room makes for a lot of happy faces.

In Murcia the District spent a p-day together. Hna Capener and Ross enjoyed their hike.

What a view from on top.

Another picture of the group up by the Christus statue.

Back at the mission home, Elder Fetzer arrived for the Trainer training to find the car with a flat tire. Never fear, Elder Avellar is here! (He was here for residency work)

Wow, with those reflective vests the "lights" of our missionaries shine forth. Elder Avellar and Elder Basurto do the changing while Elders Fetzer, Barahona, Staples and Thornley stand by to supervise.

The secretary's car was swiped by some unknown person. The problems that goes with cars. Elder Staples doesn't look too happy. Even though it wasn't their fault, we all feel bad to see damage done.

Elder Stevens uses a little duck tape to temporarily fix a fender.

This week we received two wonderful new Elders, Elder Crespo and Elder Barbosa.

Like everyone, they needed to be oriented to the mission.

And finally, where are they going?

Elder Crespo gets to work in Motril with Elder Barahona as his trainer. They are both so excited.

And Elder Barbosa with Elder Fetzer in Caseres. Two great Elders with two great trainers. We are sure the work will continue to go forth.

O.K., why does Elder Fetzer have a knife in his hand? Elder Basurto is wondering the same. Does it have something to do with Elder Basurto going home? Oh please say it isn't so. Not kind Elder Fetzer.

Elder Basurto isn't quite sure of what might be going on.

A nice hug, but wait, what is this? Elder Fetzer, we don't "kill" our Elders in this mission! What a crazy expression for when a missionary leaves the mission. We don't kill them, we send them off into the world to continue their journey.

We are often times sad to see our Elders and Hermanas leave.

Don't cry Elder Barahona, Elder Ferreira will be all right going home. He has a great future ahead of him.

Yes, two great missionaries who have served with all their heart, working on some momentos before leaving the mission.

Their last night in the mission field was spent in bearing testimonies filled with a few tears. This is a very special time to realize the full time service is over, but the work is still out there to be done. We wish them both well and are sure they will continue to serve the Lord throughout their lives.

And yes, Elder Ferreira, you have to leave the phone with our new ayudante, Elder White. It's hard to leave, but life is exciting for you and for your future.

Finally we spent our Sabbath Day in Huelva. Elder McGarry was excited for his letter along with the supplies for the 4 Elders serving there. Elder Seely is getting to know Huelva and enjoying it tremendously.

Elder Walton is the hit in Huelva. He plays the piano and they love him for it. See moms, it is definitely worth it to keep your sons and daughters in piano lessons if you can. They are a tremendous asset in the mission field. We love all our missionaries and know that they are working hard in this new year to reach our goals and bring many unto Christ.

Hermanas In the House

2012-01-21T03:39:00.000-08:00

We want to show you what the back of some of our missionaries chapas look like. The end of 2010 was 203 baptisms and 2011 was 325. We now have the huge goal of 404+ so we will need everyones faith and prayers and a lot of super work by our super missionaries over the entire year. We are all up for the challenge and know that if we are obedient and do everything we can, the Lord will be there to guide us and direct us to the honest in heart. We love being missionaries.

Speaking of the honest in heart, Elder Mervai and Elder Hatch found a wonderful man in Alicante. They know this is a very spiritual work and these two are so faithful in all that they do.

The same thing goes for these two wonderful elders, Elder Estrada and Elder Hunt. They are some of the hardest working missionaries in the mission, each week striving to reach the standards of excellence which means bringing souls unto Christ. They are seeing marvelous miracles in Elche.

On the other side of the mission, Elder Brown and Elder Hafen are helping to bring families together in the gospel. This young man was fortunate to have his grandfather come all the way from Switzerland to baptize him. We are all about bringing families together in the gospel. It is a wonderful work.

Our Zone Leaders in Sevilla are busy working to find the elect. Elder Waite and Elder White are a dynamic duo. For the Spaniards Waite and White is said the same way, so they are what we call "Twin" Zone Leaders.

Elder Moss and Elder Redd have also been busy in Granada working on growing the church there. It always helps to have friends when someone decides to accept the gospel in their lives.

This week brought us two wonderful new Hermanas to the mission. Hermana Escobar originally from Columbia but now from Ourense, Spain and Hermana Collett from Draper, Utah. We met them at the train station in Malaga and brought them to the mission home for their orientation and to meet their trainers.

But where are their trainers? Well, we thought we would bring in all the Hermanas to greet them and welcome them to the best place to serve in the world.

Wait a minute, Elder Staples, you seem to be surrounded by 3 Hermanas, where is Elder Thornley when you need him? Hermanas Vasquez, Torres and Vega were so happy to see their former District Leader who is now the Finance Secretary in the mission. He, along with his companion were helping to transport all 20 Hermanas to the mission home for a 3 day leadership conference.

Here they are, ready for some dinner before we start the conference. We have the best Hermanas in the entire world serving in the Malaga Mission.

After dinner the first thing was to let Hermana Escobar and Hermana Collett find out their first area of service and which one of the Hermanas was going to be their trainer. When Hermana Collett picked Dos Hermanas, there were lots of expressions of surprise and disbelief. There haven't been sisters in DOS Hermanas (this means Two Sisters) for years, if ever.

Hermana Collett will be going there with Hermana Letendre to be the first Hermanas in Dos Hermanas. Everyone was very excited.

And next we have Hermana Escobar hugging someone. I think that is her trainer, Hermana Rojas who is hugging her back. This was fun to introduce them with everyone in the mission home.

Dos Hermanas in Dos Hermanas!

And Dos Hermanas in Sevilla. Great day for the Hermanas!

We ended the day after great instruction from the Ayudantes and Presidente Clegg. Hermana Torres and Hermana Vasquez came to give me a good-night hug. The smiles of our hermanas radiate so much light. Angels were among us in the mission home.

The next two days were filled with teaching and instruction done by each companionship on the 8 fundamental lessons from the missionary department. We learned so much from each other and know that our Hermanas are even more equipped to teach and preach and work as missionaries do.

Fitting all twenty of them in our living room along with the Massaros and the Stevens took some real organization. But we all loved it and felt the spirit with us throughout the leadership training.

Hermanas like to take pictures. Notice all the cameras on automatic.

Hermana Perera and Hermana Moreno looked adorable in their floral skirts. Two wonderful Hermanas who have loved being companions. Hermana Perera has done a wonderful job in training Hermana Moreno.

At the end of the conference Presidente Clegg had them stand up and companionship by companionship informed them of the transfers. There were a few surprises but the reality is that every Hermana is a great Hermana to serve with, so no tears here.

And talk about twins, Hermana Letendre and I have the same pair of earings. We just had to show them off. Say cheese!

And here they are, all 20 of them. 20 of the best Hermanas you will find anywhere. They are all so dedicated to doing the best they can. We love them for it and know they are giving all they can to serve the people in Southern Spain.

And so for a few days, we heard lots of laughter, experienced lots of hugs and witnessed many smiles. The light of Christ was so evident in their eyes. Hermanas are such an important part of the missionary force throughout the world. We can't imagine what it would be like if they weren't here. Les queremos!

January Joys

2012-01-15T09:47:00.000-08:00

Fuengirola experienced a lot of baptisms this past week. Three brothers and a sister and one member baptism made for a sweet baptism of the children. Elder Alejandre and Elder Ferreira enjoyed the sweetness.

Elder Manning and Elder Ferguson enjoy bringing families together on the path of being eternal. The husband was baptized a few weeks ago and then he was able to baptize his wife. It was a very sweet baptism with lots of tears and joy. Two people, one from Mexico, one from Russia find the church in Spain. This world is truly in commotion.

In Elche Elder Hunt and Elder Estrada are busy trying to keep up with all the baptisms. They are two hard working, happy Elders.

See what I mean, they had another baptism. These two can't be stopped in inviting all to Come unto Christ.

The Hermanas in Murcia, Hermana Capener and Hermana Ross are always doing their part. Elder Forrest helped out in the baptism. Way to work together.

Jaen is enjoying the fruits of the work of Elder West and Elder Gomez. They are enjoying some time with the people of Jaen.

No wonder everyone looks so happy. I think I am going to ask Elder Gomez to come and cook for me!

Elder Bennett and Elder Melgarejo are always busy visiting and teaching members and investigators. This looks like a 3 Kings celebration.

In LaMancha Hermana Carter and Hermana Letendre are serving members by helping with the olive harvest.

Wow, great work Hermanas.

Elder Jones is ready to stand up and fight for the right. Look out Valdepenas, he is searching and he and Elder Triana will find.

Elder Seely seems to have noticed something in the Liahona.

Yea, that's our Hermana Clegg from her days when she served in the General Primary Presidency. She and Elder Clegg are now Presidente and Hermana Clegg in Madrid serving as the interim MTC or CCM president. We miss them but hope to have them back by March.

Elder McGarry is taking it seriously to call all unto repentance in Huelva. But this is hard work and so afterwards he is in the mood for some nourishment.

Cookies sound great to me. He wanted to dedicate this to Elder Mervai, who must love cookies too.

We enjoyed more great specialized training this week. In Malaga we had a great zone meeting. Everyone seemed happy and energized to keep moving the work forward.

As we moved to Seville, the Elders moved the piano into the cultural hall. For some reason there are no wheels on pianos in Spain. Thanks Elders Geest, Card, Fowkes and Taylor.

The Sevilla Zone is the largest zone in the mission, and they are excited to reach out to all the people in Southern Spain.

We noticed that we seemed to have a few sets of twins in Sevilla. Elder Pallas and Elder Taylor bought matching ties, Hermana Rojas and Hermana Crowder bought matching sweaters while Elder Geest and Elder Berrett were given matching ties.

The next day we had a wonderful training in San Fernando. This is an all Elder Zone (no sisters). And guess what, we have a set of twins here as well. They have done the ultimate. They bought matching suits. They both look sharp but you'll have to guess which companionship did that.

Elder Blanch, Elder Kirkham, Elder Hafen and Elder Rodriguez all came out together. They are getting close to their year mark. Everyone is a fantastic Elder whom we love. For that matter, we love all our Elders and Hermanas who are working hard to understand their purpose and do all they can to invite everyone to Come Unto Christ and be baptized. We love our missionaries.

We Are Starting the New Year Right.

2012-01-08T09:45:00.000-08:00

The new year started where we left off, with baptisms. Elder Hoyos and Elder Peterson won't let up in searching and teaching and baptizing.

Elder Bradley and Elder Anderson had the last baptism of the year in Cartagena. Way to work every day Elders.

Some of the Malaga Elders and Hermanas went out on Christmas Eve to feel the wonderful feeling of the season. Beautiful lights, and I am talking about the missionaries!

Hermanas Torres and Sturgess with Elders Dangerfield, Peterson, Hoyos and Roa enjoyed a special night in Malaga.

Christmas in Murcia also was full of cheer and celebration. Elder Melgarejo, Hermana Ross and Hermana Capener along with Elder Bennett, Elder Forrest and Elder Shaver enjoyed New Years Eve with some members.

A different kind of Hermanas with Hermana Capener, but nevertheless, sweet servants of the Lord Jesus Christ.

The Almeria Missionaries spent a p-day with the JAS of Almeria.

Hermanas Perera and Moreno enjoy a moment together.

Monday brought consillio at the mission home but we had a problem. Only 3 1/4 liters of milk for breakfast for 18 Elders, what is Hermana Clegg going to do?

Elder Shaver and Elder Forrest just tell her to believe, have faith.

Our newest Zone Leader, Elder Hall agrees.

So do Elder Alejandre and Elder Lignell.

Breakfast went forward and would you believe it, the Elders used very little milk and we ended up with some extra. Go figure.

Hey, is that our Ayudantes in a church picture? They look great don't they. Elder Ferreira and Elder Alejandre are always looking sharp.

We had a great 1st of the year consillio with hard working zone leaders. They know they will all need to work hard and trust in the Lord to be with all the missionaries all year in order to achieve our goal for 2012.

They are jumping for joy at the task of serving the Lord in 2012.

The rest of the week was spent doing Specialized Training with each Zone. We are in Alicante with the Elche Zone.

Everyone is learning a lot as they listen to President Clegg talk about the basics of being an excellent missionary.

Oh me oh my, what has happened to all the pictures of Elche, Murcia, Granada and LaMancha Zones? Hermana Clegg's computer lost them, literally. After a lot of tears on her part and a lot of sympathy from Elder Fagersten and Elder Seely in Puertollano, she is trying to feel better. Sorry to everyone, they were great pictures. So to ease the pain a little bit, she thought she would share her favorite Hockey Player to make everyone smile.

Fearsome, rough and tough Annie-Kate to the rescue. If this doesn't make you smile, then you don't have a heart. This is what one cute 4 year old looks like in some hockey pads. They have a frozen pond in their backyard in Utah. Go get them Annie!

2012, Here We Come

2012-01-01T07:08:00.001-08:00

Happy New Year to everyone! Here in the Spain Malaga Mission we are so excited to share our goal busting total of 325 baptisms this year. This is the 4th largest ever in the history of the mission and the 1st time it was done with only 100 missionaries. The other 3 years that were higher were back in the vicinity of 1989-91 and at that time they were 220 missionaries or more, so to say we are proud and pleased and blessed and honored and happy in this mission is an understatement. The best part about this is that the church is really growing here and the faith of the missionaries, put into action, works. We are so thankful to our Heavenly Father for his blessings to everyone, especially the new members of his church.

Elder Hales and Elder Biamont were helping President Clegg along with one of the most recent converts in Chiclana to show you the new goal. Can we say, "READ OUR FINGERS." After every missionary putting in the number they prayerfully thought should be our goal, taking an average and President Clegg rounding it to 404+, we have a new goal. Elder Hales and Elder Biamont are sure it will happen. They are already working toward it as is all the rest of the mission by now.

In Murcia, on Christmas Day, Elder Forrest and Elder Shaver thought it was the best Christmas ever. But wait, they forgot something.

Yep, that looks better!

Elder Cooper and Elder Rencher had a great Christmas Eve in Almeria. Can we say "White Christmas?"

Puertollano wanted to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. This little branch is growing and feeling the love of the Savior in their lives. Elder Seely and Elder Fagersten are there along with the Cleggs to help them celebrate.

Talk about great recycling. Elder Rencher and Elder Cooper reused the bows that were on their Christmas present from President and Hermana Clegg to look festive for Christmas. Creative thinkers here.

The Murcia District wanted to wish all of you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and say, "Share a Book of Mormon with everyone this year." Hnas Capener and Ross, along with Elders Melgarejo, Bennett, Shaver and Forrest share their love.

Elders Card and Wells send a special Christmas greeting from Alejrafe. They are enjoying a little hot chocolate on Christmas Day.

And though we might not have much snow in Spain for Christmas, we border the beautiful Mediterranean on all sides. And as we look to the future, we are so excited about every missionary in this mission who have learned to exercise their faith in their Savior Jesus Christ. They have put their shoulders to the wheel and marched, ran, knocked, taught and invited everyone they could to bring the country of Spain the truth.

And so as the sun has set on a wonderful 2011, we can only look now to the future, 2012, with much joy and anticipation. And proclaim to the world that in the Spain Malaga Mission we baptized and confirm worthy converts and we are going to find more and more, 404+ in 2012.

Merry Christmas To All

2011-12-25T12:56:00.000-08:00

What is better than a baptism on Christmas Day. In Alcala that is exactly what happened. Elder Geest and Elder Berrett knows what it feels like----FANTASTIC!

In Sevilla a few weeks ago they had a handful of baptisms. The Elders and Hermanas there are working to grow the church.

Elder Manning and Elder Ferguson had a wonderful baptism in Malaga. Malaga has been on fire as all the Elders and Hermanas that serve there are giving it everything.

In San Fernando Elder Pederson and Elder Pratt are baptizing and bringing many into the true gospel of Jesus Christ.

In Chiclana Elder Hales and Elder Biamont are bringing families together.

In Fuengirola, the office was super excited about this baptism. Elders Alejandre, Ferreira, Taylor, Staples and Thornley used the group method to bring another soul into the gospel of Jesus Christ.

The Sevilla Zone put on their own version of the nativity. How sweet!

We are always finding and so in Cartagena, the Murcia Zone was hard at work. Elder Hamilton is giving out the plan to find the elect.

As a mission we challenged everyone to read the Book of Mormon by the Christmas Zone Conferences, underlining every time they found the name of Jesus Christ mentioned. It was a fabulous experience for everyone. Hermana Ross and Hermana Capener really got into the spirit.

Elders Forrest, Shaver, Bennett, and Melgarejo enjoyed a little Burger King time. Nothing like some good old American food once in a while.

As we started the Christmas Zone Conferences we felt the spirit of Christmas throughout the mission. Elder Berrett and Geest helped by sharing with us their Christmas card. Clever, clever Elders.

Oh yes, it is the Olympus gang! Elder Estrada and Elder Lignell join me in making an O for the Olympus Titans! Once a cheerleader, always a cheerleader. We all attended Olympus, I was just a few years ahead of them:)

The tigers were on the prowl. Yes, everyone here had a high school mascot of a tiger. Elders Stowell, Long, Fagersten, Seely and Peterson along with Hermana Sturgess.

Ho,ho,ho, Merry Christmas. Papa Noel came as twins to the mission except one of them has eaten a bit much this past year. But hey, who are these bearded ones. They started with us in Sevilla.

Ho,ho, ho, Merry Christmas in Murcia.

And they showed up again in Malaga.

Presidente Clegg would like to introduce you to Papa Noel Ferreira and Papa Noel Alejandre. Two great ayudantes who helped to bring a little Christmas cheer throughout the mission.

The Sevilla/San Fernando Zones say Merry Christmas--

and enjoy the season.

The Murci/Elche Zones say Merry Christmas--

and may you always have a smile on your face.

And the Malaga/Granada/LaMancha Zones say Merry Christmas--

and a Happy New Year.

Take a look at the following two plates. This one looks great, would you choose this one?

or this one?

Elder Jordan had to choose the second one because he had been a little sick before Christmas. We had him and his companion in the mission home for Christmas Eve to help him with his recovery.

Christmas morning Elder Jackson and Elder Jordan were getting a little bit of advice from Presidente Clegg.

Christmas Day the Stevens invited the office over for a Christmas Dinner which was wonderful. We would all, as an office, like to say Merry Christmas.

And Presidente Clegg and I would like to express our love to each and every one of our 112 wonderful missionaries. The BEST missionaries in the world who are serving in the BEST mission in the world. We were presented with two stockings full of sweet, dear letters from all our missionaries. We spent our Christmas evening enjoying the wonderful messages of love and devotion to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ by all of our missionaries. We love you all. Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night. Oh, and by the way, in the Spain Malaga Mission we baptize and confirm worthy convert children of our Heavenly Father!!!!

Ramping Up for Christmas!

2011-12-18T09:55:00.000-08:00

Elders Mervai, McGarry and Blanch are getting ready for Christmas, are you?

We've had a lot more baptisms lately than I have received pictures! (Elders and Hermanas, please send me your pictures.) Elder Masterson and Elder McGarry sent their baptism in Alicante.

So did Hermana Sypherd and Hermana Woffendin. Such great Hermanas seeing miracles in Cartagena.

Talk about miracles, they are happening all the time in Chiclana. Elder Hales and Elder Biamont have a lot of faith and are working very hard.

Beautiful picture brought to you by our new office finacero, Elder Staples.

The Hermanas in Almeria look like they are cooking up something great to eat. We know that Hermana Perera and Hermana Moreno are great cooks and I am sure it was great.

You've got to love the blue sky that we see a lot of here in Spain. Elder Jones and Elder Staples along with Hermana Vega and Hermana Vasquez are soaking up the sun.

Wow, the Zone of Elche sure look fearsome.

They are a true force here with the many members of Alicante on their mission day. It was a wonderful success with so many members out to help find people for the missionaries to teach. Members do make a huge difference in the work.

Isn't this a great picture. The old castle with a crane behind it? I guess everything needs a little remodeling once in a while. The castle of Lorca sits high on the hill for all to see.

That's right Elder Rodriguez, our missionaries are the most important people in the world.

Lunch with members sometimes includes the dog! Do you go contacting with the dog Hermana Perera?

To stay on our animal theme, Elder Wright is shaking hands with one of the friendly monkeys on the street! They might not be the ones we want in the church. I think they might be a little irreverent.

Sure, we are "doctors" for the souls of everyone.

O.K., are you telling us that the toy in the kids meal at Burger King is a Semana Santa hat? Hermanas Crowder and Carter and Elders Hall, Geest, Berrett and Card enjoy a lunch together.

The Elders in Alicante served the members to help clean the baptismal font. It has been used so much, we are sure it needed a cleaning. What a great problem to have. Thanks Elders for serving.

Elder McGarry and Elder Banbury, you two are Kings for a day.

Maybe dressing like a Christmas Tree is a great way to meet new people.

The office sure looks sharp don't they? Every Monday we have an office meeting to discuss what needs to be done to keep the mission moving forward and working well. Elder Staples is being trained by Elder Taylor to be the newest financero and Elder Alejandre is our newest ayudante. Elder Fagersten left the office this week so Elder Thornley is on his own so be nice everyone.

We are excited to have Elder Alejandre with us in the office. This is the first time to have two native Spanish speaking Elders as ayudantes. Hey maybe Hermana Clegg's Spanish will really improve.

So with one week to go, we say, Ho, Ho, Ho and Merry Christmas to everyone. This week we will be having a Christmas Zone Conference. Stay tuned for next weeks blog to see if "Santa" came to all of us.

An Early Christmas Present

2011-12-11T14:38:00.000-08:00

In the Spain Malaga Mission we got an early Christmas present. The Elders in Elche seemed to know what was coming. Thanks Elders Valenzuela, Banbury, Hunt and Estrada. You seemed to know what happened last week. And what happened?

300 Baptisms exactly. Yep, we have already reached our first goal. Yea for everyone. But wait a minute, we did have something at the end of the goal. It is called a +. We set the goal of 300+ baptisms. So for the month of December, we are working to see how high we can go. And the Baptisms keep coming. It is incredible to see the dedication and faith of the missionaries. Oh and by the way, yes, that is Elder Thornley next to Elder Fagersten. He is the new office secretary and is learning his role quickly. Welcome to the office, we know you will do great.

We are all about Families getting baptized. This family in Alcazar had the last 2 daughters that were old enough get baptized Sunday. Elder Peterson and Elder White prepared them well and we all enjoyed the baptism. The only people left are mom and dad and we all know what is one of the biggest obstacles in today's world. Yes, it is called marriage. They have a goal to get all their papers and so we hope to see them baptized by March.

In Malaga mom and son were baptized. The husband baptized his wife while Elder Dangerfield baptized his very active and adorable son. He insisted on Elder Dangerfield to baptize him. Now the entire family are members of the church. We look forward to one year when they can be sealed in the temple. Elder Corradi and Elder Dangerfield had a great day.

This is officially our 300th baptism which took place last Sunday night in Murcia. Way to go Hermana Woodward and Hermana Ross.

Jaen is celebrating this wonderful baptism. Elder West and Elder Gomez have worked super hard to see success. They know what it takes to find someone ready to receive the gospel.

Cartagena is seeing the baptismal font more. Elder Hamilton and Elder Phillips have made great strides in the missionary work going on in Cartagena. Elder Anderson is there to support them.

Elder Pearce and Elder Barahona have worked and worked in San Lucar and are seeing another baptism. Faith and work go hand in hand in this work.

Elder Jones and Elder Staples have seen several baptisms in Crevillente. It is great to see such great success.

This is a great picture. Elder Rodriguez and Elder Kirkham never gave up hope of baptizing in Motril. They also have another one for January. It takes a lot of hard work but they are not afraid of it and know that the Lord is with them always.

Oh, we caught you Elder Kirkham. He is eating his birthday cake that he and Elder Rodriguez made. Happy Birthday to everyone who has a birthday in the mission.

The sun was just setting as we were getting ready to eat at the start of Consilio. We had a large, enthusiastic group to feed and then get to work.

Now there is a better look of this great group.

We focused on contacting. The Zone Leaders practiced and re-practiced so that they were ready to teach their Zones. Nice smile Elder Birnbaumer.

Elder Fagersten is standing by our missionary tree. Everyone has a picture on the tree and all the Zone Leaders put their Zone on the tree. And yes Elder Pederson and Elder Shaver, your pictures are now on the tree.

The Elders were contacting everywhere, even in the kitchen. Elder Long was contacted by Elder Pederson and Elder Pratt. I think they did a great job.

Elder Lignell and Elder Bailey are sure to use the Book of Mormon when they contact.

Out on the deck Elder Alejandre and Elder Waite are doing a great job in contacting Elder Shaver.

And yes, it is a V for Victory. We have our shield of faith with Presidente Clegg leading the charge. 300 baptisms was nothing, we are going for many more!

Hooray for Israel! We are one excited mission right now.

Elder Bailey is the one who brought the shield to the mission home. He looks unstoppable.

This shows you how it was put together and by who. Yep, Elder Bailey and Elder Hamilton did this on a p-day and now it hangs in the office for everyone to see.

But we weren't done yet. After working and practicing contacting, all the Zone Leaders were off to do a "Harvesting" in Fuengirola. It was great and they were ready to go.

We have the happiest and hardest working Elders and Hermanas in all the world right now. Faith can move mountains.

When they came back it was time to load up with boxes and supplies that were waiting for them in the office. There was so much they couldn't take it all even though they brought empty suitcases.

The office was loaded and ready to go for the rest of the mission.

At the mission home the only thing left to do was laundry!!!

The weekend was spent in a large training meeting in Madrid for all the Mission Presidents of Spain and all the Stake Presidents. The Area Presidency came to do the training. As we were waiting for the train to go to LaMancha, President Clegg and President Hinckley enjoyed some real root beer brought to them from Hermana Clegg's trip to a store called "Taste of America." President Clegg ordered some vanilla ice cream and had a real root beer float.

That evening we visited the English class of the Hermanas in Ciudad Real. Hermana Sturgess and Hermana Letendre had brought treats and they were all excited and surprised when we walked in. They are a cute group with a lot of energy.

As we were just about to board the AVE train to come home to the mission home, Presidente Clegg and Elder Clegg were going over a few things that were going on in the District of LaMancha. Hmm, they look very serious, hope all is fine.

Yes, two cousins always have a smile on their face. Those Clegg men are good looking don't you think? I am sure La Hermana Clegg in Ciudad Real agrees with this Hermana Clegg in Fuengirola that we are married to two great Elders in Israel. Such a wonderful blessing. And so many blessings to enjoy here in Spain. It is a great time to be a missionary in Spain.

Wow What a Week!

2011-12-04T11:41:00.000-08:00

Alicante had a very special baptism of two young adults. Elders McGarry, Masterson, Mervai and Blanch all had a part in this special night. We felt so honored to be able to be in attendance. The sweet spirit that attended the baptism was sweet and tender. Both of these young adults are deaf but it doesn't lessen their strong testimonies. Hey who is that guy next to Presidente? Stay tuned for the answer a little later in the blog.

Alicante had another baptism the week earlier. Never a week without a baptism in Alicante. Elder Blanch and Elder Mervai are working non-stop.

This was such a cute picture of enthusiasm. This little girl was so excited to be baptized. Good for her!

Elders Hunt and Estrada are all smiles in Elche. The work is picking up and nothing says happy missionaries more than great baptisms.

Elder Gibson and Elder Taylor were excited in Lorca. This wonderful young women was found in an "hora de oro." Yes, it does help to find the golden contacts.

Elder Thomas and Elder Stoner felt elated about their two baptisms in Sevilla.

And just had to add another baptism in Alicante. The wards there are incredible. Members really do make a huge difference.

Does anyone want a Book of Mormon? We are here to invite all to come unto Christ. Nothing helps anyone to gain a testimony like reading the Book of Mormon. The entire mission is reading it with the goal of being finished just before Christmas. Elder Blanch is doing his part to share the truth.

O.k., what is this a picture of?

Yes, it is the Sunday after the 8 baptisms and it takes 4 Elders to get the Baptismal records all filled out to send to the office to record. Remember, it isn't a baptism without submitting the paper work.

Elder Stowell, Elder Nally, Elder Walton and Elder Long know what it is like. And they did a neat job. Thanks Elders.

Just a little piso fun in El Puerto. Elder Brown and Elder Hafen are filling up the hallway. This is one high hallway because we know that Elder Brown is one tall Elder.

Elder Wells and Elder Wright have something they are excited to eat. Could this be a Thanksgiving celebration in the mission?

Yes it is. The San Fernando Zone had a Thanksgiving feast together.

This week we went to the east side of the mission starting with a visit to the District Meeting in Almeria. Elders Cooper and Rencher and Hermanas Perera and Moreno are a little surprised to see Presidente doing the dishes? Hey, he is a man of many talents.

We had a great district meeting and enjoyed lunch together afterwards.

Almeria is really coming alive with several baptismal dates set. It always helps to make for some happy missionaries.

The next day we were in Elche. We stared our morning spending an hour of study time with the super Elders in Elche. Elders Hunt, Valenzuela, Estrada and Elder Banbury are 4 great Elders. Their piso was so clean and neat and we shared a sweet hour of studying the scriptures together. We wanted to stay for two hours but we had to adapt our plans because we were needed in Torrevieja.

Presidente, this just doesn't seem to fit you. And you don't have a knee injury do you?

No it belongs to Hermana Rojas. We are taking her and Hna Vasquez to Elche for 10 days where Hermana Rojas can rest with the help of a lot of members there. They are going to stay with the Hermanas in Elche.

We have arrived and are waiting for the Elche Hermanas to come home. They are so busy teaching so many lessons that it is hard to find a time to meet with them.

But here the two super sisters come. Hermana Vega and Hermana Bascope are two incredible missionaries who work, and work and work. They have a few baptismal dates and working as hard as they can in Elche. We love our Hermanas.

Wow, what a nice picture. I actually took a picture of a picture of the District in Cartagena. Wouldn't everyone like to claim these 6 as their family? We think they look super.

And they are super. We attended their District Meeting on Thursday. They were great to change their schedule so we could be with them. Elders Phillips, Bradley, Hamilton, Hermanas Sypherd and Woffinden and Elder Anderson make up the Cartagena District. They are seeing more and more baptisms in Cartagena. Another example of great missionaries finding and teaching and baptizing.

Presidente Marmol came and cooked us all a fabulous lunch of Paella and Tortillas de Patatas and salad. Wow, he is a great cook. We love Pte. Marmol. Presidente Clegg and he had a meeting afterwards to talk about the work in his Stake. What a great missionary Presidente Marmol is, as well as a super cook. Gracias!!

We all sat down to eat together and enjoy the beautiful day in Cartagena.

Wait a minute, where are you Hermana Clegg? And what, a red hat that says Cougars? We took a p-day to be with someone very special. Now we weren't playing, we were watching the second stage of the European Q-School qualifying tournament because....

Our son, Garrett, who is Head Golf Coach at Washington State University in Pullman, Washington was in the Province of Murcia, caddying for one of his former all American players where he used to coach at the University of Washington in Seattle. Can you believe it? it was held in Murcia inside the boundries of our mission. Now don't make too much fun of his farmer hat. It was a little bit of an inside joke with the player he came to the tournament with. But hey, aren't these two great looking men!!!

Just a little view of the Golf Course called El Vallee outside of Murcia on the way to Cartagena. It was beautiful and we enjoyed being with our son for a little bit of time.

Here is Garrett again with us at the Baptism in Alicante. Elders Bailey and Elder Lignell were there as well.

Sunday we were greeted with some great smiling faces of Elder Shaver and Elder Forrest in Murcia. We attended both wards and each was filled with the Spirit with many wonderful testimonies. These Elders are happy too because their baptismal candidate came to church and is on track to be baptized in a few weeks.

We needed to get all the Murcia Elders in one picture. Elder Bennett and Melgarejo are also working and finding in Murcia. We don't want him to get his visa, he can stay in our mission forever, he is a super missionary.

Elder Basurto, your mom says hi! She also told me he is coming home in January, right? I assured her that he was.

And to top of the day, Hermanas Woodward and Ross are so excited. Pedro, their investigator is getting baptized tonight. He is a great young man and will add a lot to the ward. We were sorry we couldn't stay, but we know all was wonderful. We will see his picture in white next week. A great week with lots of things happening in the mission.

Eight is Enough?

2011-11-26T12:55:00.000-08:00

Is this one of the best baptism pictures you have ever seen? We baptize families in the Spain Malaga Mission. Elders Stowell, Long, Walton and Nally feel like they are in heaven with the Martinez Family. This family found Elder Nally and Elder Long because they were in the streets, contacting as they needed to be instead of going in for lunch 10 minutes early. It is a wonderful story of obedience, faith and enduring. We have more pictures at the end of the blog, but last night in Badajoz the heavens were opened.

They were also opened in Sevilla. Hna Crowder and Hna Carter enjoyed the fruits of hard work. This work is wonderful but also it takes a lot of effort and these two Hermanas work!

Elder Ferguson and Elder Manning had a wonderful baptism in Malaga. There were 60-70 people at her baptism. Many young single adults were there in support. It was wonderful.

Elder Staples and Elder Jones are smiling at the wonderful scene of a baptism of a mother and her son. Crevillente is growing and these two Elders are a big part of the success they are seeing there. They also feel the love and support of the Branch.

Elder Triana and the other Elder Jones held a very sweet baptism in Valdepenas. They love the members there and the members are feeling the excitement of seeing new people come into the church.

Now what is this? Elder Manning, you aren't going to eat all of that are you?

Elder Hoyos says you bet he is and so am I. This was Thanksgiving at the mission home but we shall have more of that later.

With Thanksgiving time comes the beginning of the Christmas season. The Hermanas in Cadiz are getting in the spirit of the season. You've got to love the tree.

Elder Staples is contacting and working with everyone. Missionaries are happy when they are doing missionary work.

Elder McGarry says, "Si"

Last week in Alicante we were so warmly greeted and welcomed and taken care of by the JAS leaders. This dear couple are serving a mission as the JAS leaders in Alicante. They also live in Alicante, natives to Spain, and serve with joy. They made us an empanada and a cake that was incredible and made our ride home a joy.

What are these 3 up to in the mission home?

"Hey Presidente, we are hear to help you in anyway we can." Actually, Elder Jordan and Elder Thornley from Algeciras and Elder Stoner from Sevilla are in the mission home because we are getting two new missionaries tomorrow and these 3 are the trainers. (Elders Thornley and Jordan are training as a triple.

After a good night sleep, they want Breakfast. Boy, did they want breakfast!!! Now Elder Jordan, save some for Elder Thornley.

And here they are, Elder Fowkes from Arizona and Elder Jackson from Utah. Two great young men who have been visa waiting for a little bit. Actually Elder Fowkes was in Salt Lake for 2 1/2 transfers and Elder Jackson was only waiting for 1/2 transfer. But both are glad to be in Spain.

As always, there are papers to fill out and things to be taught.

"Hey, can we come in now?" No fair peaking Elders, but o.k, the time to meet them has arrived.

Elder Stoner is so excited, his companion is...

Elder Fowkes and they are going to Sevilla.

And Elder Jackson is going to Algeciras. They are all excited.

A great looking group of Elders don't you think?

We decided to have a group picture of all who were at the mission home to help orient 2 missionaries. Can we say overload? Not really, we just always get so excited when new missionaries arrive in the mission.

Elder Jordan says, "Head 'em up, move 'em out"!! He's got Elder's Jackson's back and then some. Doesn't hurt to have a former All-State wrestler as your companion when you've been an All-State Football and Basketball player. Oh my, please be nice to Elder Thornley.

On Wednesday we went to Nerja and attended the District Meeting with the Elders of Nerja and Motril. We had a wonderful meeting followed by a great Italian meal in Nerja. Elders Rodriguez, Kirkham, Barney and Mendoza are great and working hard in these small branches. Not to say also what great November weather!

Later that night we were delighted with the visit of the Neibergall family. They came to visit Spain. Elder Neibergall served in the office from October-March. He was a great missionary and it was so fun to meet almost all his family. He has one brother currently serving in Mexico. His two older brothers also served in Mexico. They had a little trouble in Antequera where they were robbed. But they still were able to put on happy faces.

And no Elders, this is not his sister. He surprised us with the news that this is his fiancee as of 3 days ago. He proposed on the trip. Now that takes planning. Way to go Elder Neibergall.

He stopped by the office the next morning to visit with Elder Taylor and Elder Fagersten.

And what do you do for P-day on Thanksgiving Day? You play football in the backyard while the food is getting ready! The Malaga Zone chose to have their p-day at the mission home.

Hermana Stevens made pumpkin and apple pies.

Rolls are a part of every Thanksgiving meal.

Hna Massaro mashed the potatoes and brought a wonderful fruit salad.

Elder and Hna Stevens picked the turkey's clean. We had to cook two 12 pound turkeys.

Yes, Hna Clegg is making the gravy and almost going crazy to get all the food out at once. Thank heavens for many helping hands, feeding a group of twenty takes a little planning and a lot of help.

Elder Dangerfield seems to be consoling Elder Ferreira because it isn't the office p-day. But I don't think Elder Ferreira minds, he just wants to experience a real American Holiday or maybe he just wants a great lunch.

The table is ready.

Hermana Bozeman says all is ready and it looks like a thumbs up.

And there you have it, the food is ready to be devoured.

Oh the pains of a full stomach. Who is that under the quilt? Not quite sure, but he was on his way soon as Malaga had to get back home and to work that evening. We all felt more thank-full for our many blessings and for all the Lord has blessed us with. Hopefully everyone throughout the mission were able to do something to celebrate Thanksgiving. But we know that all are thank-full for many many blessings.

What are the 4 Elders in Badajoz doing? It's called a branch party where we celebrated all the nationalities in the branch. There were many. They shared chili and banana bread and brownies from the United States. Mostly it was Arizona as Elders Stowell, Walton and Nally are all from Arizona. Elder Long was there to represent Utah. (Along with Pte and Hna Clegg and Elder and Hna Clegg)

This is the one of the sweetest stories every told. Hna Rocio from Jerez, 16 years ago taught Bro. Martinez and his wife and family of 4 the gospel. They moved to South America before they could be baptized. After 16 years and 3 more children, they moved back to Spain and live in Badajoz. Bro. Martinez found Elders Long and Elder Nally in the street one day and told the Elders he and his family wanted to be taught again and become members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Elder Long was shown the 16 year old picture of the Hermanas that taught them in Alicante and Elder Long, who had served in Jerez recognized Rocio and she was contacted and with her husband they drove up to Badajoz for the baptism. Such a wonderful story.

Pte. Koh of the mission presidency is talking with some of the Badajoz members. We were having a branch conference with a branch activity on Saturday night. The baptism followed the activity.

Here are 7 of the family members with Elder Long. They are getting excited for their baptism.

Elder Nally is bringing in all the white clothes. This took organization on the part of the 4 Elders to get enough baptismal clothes.

Here is the entire family of 8, ready to be baptized.

And even though we have all 4 of the missionaries on the first of the blog with the family, we had to have the first missionary, Rocio, who taught mom and dad and 4 children 16 years ago. Wow, this was so incredible. All solid and converted and ready to be baptized.

Before Rocio left we took a few pictures with her husband and daughter with Elder and Hna Clegg who were in Badajoz with us for the Branch Conference.

And we end with the missionaries who helped this miracle come to pass, with a lot of inspiration from the Lord. Don't anyone doubt that the Lord loves his children and is mindful of many ways to bless those who serve him faithfully, especially his wonderful missionaries. It was a great weekend in Badajoz. We had over 75 people in the church on Sunday and probably even a few more at the baptism. It was incredible. This church is true!!! And it's a great time to be a missionary in the best mission in the church, the Spain Malaga Mission. "Bautismos por mi les habra."

Hooray for Zone Conferences

2011-11-19T06:29:00.000-08:00

As every week goes by in the mission, we have baptisms. Fuengirola is baptizing again. Elder Fetzer and Elder Ferreira are always inviting people to be baptized and two angel women accepted.

And the same goes for Elder Alejandre and Elder Waite, the two Zone Leaders in Sevilla. They know and understand their purpose as missionaries.

Elder Thornley and Elder Jordan baptized a beautiful couple in Algeciras. There is never any doubt that they know why they came on a mission.

Alcazar is seeing white again. Maybe it is because Elder White likes to bring others unto Christ.

He and his companion Elder Peterson, the two Zone Leaders in LaMancha, are doing all they can and working with sincere hearts and real intent. The Lord will always make up the difference.

Elder Bennett and Elder Malgarejo are finding those to baptize in Murcia. Way to train your new companion Elder Bennett! We have heard that Elder Malgarejo is all about talking to everyone and doing his best. That's what missionaries do in the Spain Malaga Mission.

A wonderful old Roman bridge in Murcia along with the Cathedral reminds us of the beauty that is all over Spain.

These are some of the saints that come into Murcia once in a while and then other times the Missionaries go out to them to take them the sacrament. The wards are growing and in the near future there should be another ward in Murcia. That is great news.

The windmills of LaMancha are always something to be fascinated by. Elder Peterson is tall enough to catch one of the panels of the windmill. Maybe he is going to push it faster?

Whoa, you didn't have to whip it that fast Elder Peterson. Elder White is trying to stay grounded against the wind. Notice his tie being blown back.

This week meant Zone Conferences. We are so excited to get started. As we drive up to the capilla in Sevilla most of the San Fernando Zone was arriving. What a great looking group of excited missionaries.

Always happy to have lunch after a great morning of being taught and doing several practices. The role plays were wonderful and we know all of the missionaries learned from practicing.

Are Elder Rodriguez and Elder Crawford happy or what? Great missionaries are happy missionaries and these two are great.

This table of missionaries are also happy to be fed after the great morning.

We enjoy singing Happy Birthday to those who have had birthdays since the last Zone Conference. We had a lot this time.

So nice to have Hna. Crowder to play the piano for the special number. Elder Geest offered to help turn the pages.

The Sevilla District along with the Hermanas from Cadiz sang a beautiful song that set the tone for the afternoon.

Didn't we see these two happy Elders earlier? Yes, but look, matching Chino ties. They are really the dynamic duo.

More matching ties but these two are not companions. Elder Jordan and Elder Pederson received these ties from the former Elder Del Molino and Elder Solari who are home now. Just a little hello to two former soldiers!

The Sevilla and San Fernando Zone Conference was wonderful. We felt the spirit and learned so much from each other. Thanks to some 31 missionaries for all the work they are doing to bring as many people unto Christ as possible.

Wow, now we can let our hair down and sigh a sigh of relief after a big day:)

On to Malaga where we had the Malaga Zone, the Granada Zone and the LaMancha Zone all together. This will be our biggest group. The tables are set with homemade empanadas from one of the members in the Malaga 1 Ward.

Here he is taking a picture of a group of happy missionaries. Want to see them?

3 cheers for a great lunch! They are all ready to eat.

We had an equally wonderful conference in Malaga. Elder Kirkham and Elder Walton enjoy seeing each other again. Can you just see how happy and hard working they are! What a great representation of all of our missionaries. We are having a wonderful time serving the Lord in Spain.

Elder Ferguson and Elder Peterson are pointing the way to each other. This looks serious.

Elder Hoyos and Elder Mendoza are sharing their great smiles for everyone.

Now we have the tall and the short of it. 3 of the tallest Elders with 2 of the menos tallest Elders. We love every one of our missionaries no matter what the physical size because they all have big hearts of gold. Elder Taylor, Elder Gomez, Elder Peterson, Elder Basurto and Elder Hatch are all super!

"Mom, please help me", is what Elder Manning seems to be saying. Actually he and Elder Ferguson, our two Malaga Zone Leaders are happy that all went well during the conference. They were in charge of the food and the set up. Great job Elders.

Two more Zone Leaders, Elder Dunoskovic and Elder Birmbaumer did a great job in teaching at the Zone Conference. Hey, we even got Elder Birmbaumer to smile a little bit more. Good-looking and hard working these two Elders are. Granada is exploding.

Elder Long says "Go Tigers" (He and Elder Seeley's home team of Hurricane High just won the state football championship but he doesn't know that yet) He and Elder White are showing all the world that Elders everywhere who have the Spirit with them are happy.

Now this is an impressive group. But would you believe it, someone is missing. Do you know who?

Why it was Elder Massaro. We are glad we found you.

The next day came fast as we found ourselves with 4 happy Hermanas in Murcia. Hna Rojas, Hna Vasquez, Hna Vega and Hna Bascope are as happy as can be. All super missionaries.

Two other great Hermanas, Hna Woffinden and Hna Sypherd are with Elder Hunt, Elder Bradley and Elder Phillips as we all enjoyed another great lunch served by some of the wonderful members in Murcia.

"MMM good" say the 4 Zone Leaders, Elders Lignell, Bailey, Shaver and Forrest. Along with Elders Estrada and Hamilton and Bennett.

Some more thumbs up from Elder Masterson, Elder McGarry, Elder Banbury, Elder Valenzuela and Elder Bennett again?

Can't leave out our other Hermana companionship, Hna Woodward and Hna Ross are always lighting up the room when they come in. Looking great Hermanas!

Elder Mockler and Elder Marchello, you know, Elders M & M, look like they are feeding Elder Taylor Elder Marchello's birthday candy. Elder Taylor wouldn't mind that.

And desert is great according to Elder Bennett and Elder Malgarejo.

We ended happy and healthy and ready to be the AVE'S we can be. (You would have to be there to understand.) The Murcia and Alicante Zones are up for anything and continue to set feches, teach people not lessons and bring many many souls unto the Savior. We are happy in the Spain Malaga Mission and we are baptizing in the Spain Malaga Mission because we know what "OUR PURPOSE" is.

November is upon us.

2011-11-13T11:25:00.000-08:00

The only thing better than baptizing, is seeing a father, who was recently baptized, baptize his daughter. Elder Long and Elder Nally love doing missionary work in Badajoz.

Elder Corradi loves being a part of missionary work too. Baptisms are always so sweet, especially the children.

Before Hna Ackerman left to go home, two of the missionaries she trained became companions. A sweet legacy of work and effort. Hna Woffinden and Hna Sypherd are working hard to do what the Lord expects of them and what Hna Ackerman taught them to do.

Transfer day is full of missionaries coming and going. Elder Shrewsbury is leaving Murcia while Elder Melgarejo is new to the mission being trained by Elder Bennett. All Elder Forrest can say is good-bye and welcome.

The LaMancha District is showing off their style on their p-day together as a district. You go girl, Hna Sturgess.

The LaMancha District enjoyed the holiday of Halloween with a District Halloween party. Our "babies" in Valdepenas seem to be doing fine.

The Hermanas think a pair of dice might come in handy one day! They enjoy the activity along with the branch members. They had 22 non members at the party. Way to go LaMancha.

Elder White and Elder Peterson are??? men in white?

It's much easier to tell who these two are, men in Black. Now they are cooooooool!

But nothing was better than watching Elder and Hna Clegg cutting a rug on the dance floor in Ciudad Real. What a pair. The smile on Hna Clegg's face says it all.

This week brought our Zone Leader Council. We enjoyed a great council that will help to continue to push forward the work of the Lord.

We love singing the mission song. What a great song.

Now what is this? A new fashion statement in the mission?

I guess so when you have a tear that big in the rear of your pants. We are just grateful this happened in the mission home where we could repair it. Elder Pratt was happy too.

We found a few more in need of hemming pants or sewing on buttons. Well what is a gal to do but get out the machine and fix it. Elder Lignell liked wearing a pair of President Clegg's pajama pants.

Such a great looking group. And this time was a little different, every companionship had a new companion, so we thought we would introduce all of them as a companionship.

Elder Bailey and Elder Lignell are over the Elche Zone. With those smiles they are going to be finding and teaching a ton.

Elder Pratt and Elder Pederson are on the move in San Fernando.

Elder Waite and Elder Alejandre are in charge in Sevilla. Notice as I went around taking pictures, other Elders had to get in their funny faces. Don't think Hermana Clegg didn't notice.

No worries for Elder Forrest and Elder Shaver in Murcia. They are excited for all the possibilities in their Zone. O.K. Elder Pederson and Elder Pratt, we know what you are up to.

Yep, Elder White and Elder Peterson are quite confident that the work is going to explode in LaMancha. Actually, it already is and they will do their best to keep it going. We see you Elder Manning.

Yes, Elder Fergusen and Elder Manning are making it great in Malaga. Elder Alejandre, you need to keep Elder Waite under control and happy.

Elder Birmbaumer and Elder Dunoskovic are already tearing up Granada with 8 baptismal dates set. Elder Lignell, good try at looking serious.

Well we couldn't leave out our office Elders. Elder Fagersten, Elder Ferreira, Elder Taylor and Elder Fetzer are doing great work. Hey, Elder Taylor, you are the only one who's name doesn't start with an F and yet you are our Finaciero. Go figure.

We spent the weekend in Casares but on the way we stopped in Sevilla to see the missionaries there. All are doing great as all have baptismal dates set with baptisms near. Elder Stoner, Elder Thomas, Hna Crowder, Hna Carter, Elder Alejandre and Elder Waite loved sharing a kabob with us.

This is the beautiful old city of Caseres. It is amazingly preserved. This weekend they were having a medival fair. The city was filled with people and music.

Every town has their ode to the Semana Santa. This is truly a part of Spain.

But the best people to see is always the missionaries. Elder Basurto, and Elder TodoRojo, aka Elder Allred are doing all they can to continue the wonderful work in Caseres. We enjoyed a wonderful branch activity Saturday evening and a great conference Sunday. (Notice Elder Allred's chapa does say TodoRojo. It is great. And the best part of it was Elder Basurto hadn't seen it. He was very surprised.)

As the sun sets on the straits of Gibraltor, we bid you adieu after another wonderful week in the Spain Malaga Mission. The mission that is filled with the hardest working, most obedient, kindest and greatest missionaries on the planet.

Gone Baptizing!

2011-11-05T13:13:00.000-07:00

Yep, you read it right, in the Spain Malaga Mission we baptize and confirm worthy converts. It was a record breaking month filled with joy and exhaltation over the many new converts to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

Our favorite Mad Scientist Willy, will tell you the magic number. 46 in one month!! Don't forget to go to the end to see the rest of Pte and Hna Cleggs grandkids. We just couldn't leave them off this Halloween week.

Much of the joy was experienced by Elder Dangerfield and Elder Hales. Their fingers are showing you the number of baptisms in one weekend in Malaga 1. Yes, you read it right, 8 in one weekend.

Yes, they all happened & they have the 8 baptismal records to turn in. Malaga is pumped.

This little guy isn't one of the 8 baptized. His sister was baptized and he is hoping to be baptized in a few weeks. We all need to become as the little children, pure and sweet.

Here is # 1 of the 8 baptisms.

3 more were getting baptized on the same night. Elder Hales and Elder Dangerfield were ready to be in the font for a while.

The next night was a family of 4 that were baptized. Here with them are the 4 that were baptized the night before. Great new converts with testimonies that are radiant.

Elder Pearce and Elder Barahona are busy in San Lucar baptizing again. Way to go Elders.

Oh and you can't count out Sevilla. Elder Alejandre and Elder Ferreira were baptizing just before Elder Ferriera came into the office.

Aljerafe had a sweet baptism. Elder Hall and Elder Card were excited. This young man was baptized by his cousin who is definetley going on a mission in a year or two.

Elder Becerra and Elder Dunoskovic had a very special experience in Granada. This was a special baptism, where 4 men had to carry this gentleman into the font. His son is a member and the baptism was a very special experience for everyone in attendance.

Elder Hafen and Elder Banbury were delighted to have a baptism in El Puerto. They have been working hard for a long time and were excited to take one precious soul into the waters of baptism.

We couldn't have too many baptisms without having one in Alicante. Elder Masterson and Elder McGarry keep the spirit of finding and teaching and baptizing going strong in Alicante.

And Cartagena had another baptism. This young man watched his brother and father get baptized the week before and felt that he was ready. Hna Ackerman and Hna Sypherd were happy to make the arrangements.

Yes, we are here to Invite Everyone to be baptized and Elder Thornley used his etch-a-sketch skills to draw our 300+ baptism goal. Next to the Savior makes it a special work of art.

Last Sunday we were in Ciudad Real for the LaMancha District Conference. Elder Weidman and his beautiful wife pose with Elder and Hna Clegg and a wonderful family that were baptized just recently in Puertollano. They are going to be going to the temple hopefully next year. This is what it is all about.

After a busy day in LaMancha and a fireside in Malaga, we came home to say good-bye to two wonderful warriors. Hna Ackerman has been a shinning star all throughout her mission. Hna Massaro and her dear husband helped us to get them to the mission home.

The other great warrior is Elder Becerra. Everyone who worked with him know this missionary knew how to work and find and teach. We will miss both of them.

Elder and Hna Stevens also helped to get the missionaries to the mission home and help to prepare the dinner. After a wonderful dinner we had a very special and sweet testimony meeting. These are always special times.

We said good-bye with heavy hearts at the thought of not seeing them in the mission any longer, yet excited for their futures. They served the Lord with all their heart, mind, might and strength. There is nothing more we could ask from our missionaries.

Wow, who are all these great looking missionaries? Why they would be our 7 trainers of the 7 new missionaries who came into the mission this week. Elder Avellar, Elder Bennett, Hna Perera, Hna Bascope, Elder Velasco, Elder West and Elder Peterson are excited.

They should be. Look at this great looking group of missionaries who arrived ready to go to work. We love getting new missionaries.

They have to get oriented. Always a few things to fill out and get straight.

There is so much love in the office. Elder Fagersten and Elder Ferreira were companions in Sevilla. It's great to see each other again. Elder Ferriera is our newest ayudante if you didn't know already.

The trainers just can't wait to meet their new companion. This is always so much fun.

The table is set, what a huge group we are going to feed today.

O.K., it's time to come in and meet the new ones. I never know who is more excited, the new missionaries or their trainers.

Well let us introduce you to them. This is Hna Vega next to Pte. Clegg, and she will be serving in Elche with our ever working, always smiling, Hna Bascope.

Who is Elder West hugging?

It's Elder Gomez and he will be serving with Elder West in Jaen. We are happy to have Elder Gomez here. He had a biking accident and had to postpone his mission a few transfers to recover.

Hermana Moreno is going to be with Hermana Perera in the every exciting city of Almeria. She comes to us from Costa Rica.

Elder Marcote is a visa waiter as his mission is to be serving in Ecuador. We don't know how long he will be with us but he will be trained well by Elder Velasco in Cordoba.

As well, Elder Melgarejo will be with us for a short time. He has been called to serve in Puerto Rico but that doesn't matter to Elder Bennett. They will be working in Murcia and doing all they can to find and teach and baptize.

We have another Elder Mendoza who is going to be working hard in Antequerra with Elder Avellar.

And finally, Elder Hoyos will be in Malaga 3 with Elder Peterson. They will be a very dynamic companionship. Elder Hoyos is an exciting missionary ready to go to work.

Elder Hoyas is estatic at hearing that they have a baptismal date set for one of their investigators. A great way to start your mission. This group was full of excitement and abilities that will be put to work immediately in the mission field.

Oh my, what faces. All that Elder McGarry and Elder Masterson were asked to do was help find an additional apartment in Alicante. Come on, Elders, it isn't that bad!

No, Elder Mervai and Elder Blanch are calm and cool and collected. They will help settle down their piso mates in Alicante.

Elders Gibson, Taylor, Ferguson and Mockler did a little sight-seeing for their preparation day. Lot's of Cristus Statues in Spain.

Elder Taylor we do hope you didn't drink all of that pop!

Elder Taylor and Elder Gibson giving some service to help organize a store for some members. Way to go Elders.

Do any of you recognize these 4? Yes, 4 x-missionaries, more specifically Hermanas that wish they were still here serving with us. Great young ladies who worked hard this year to help achieve our goal of 300+. Former Hna Stolk, Hna Montes de Oca, Hna Frandsen and Hna Cluff all say hello and that they are praying for us. Thanks Hermanas. We love you too.

Now this is what we call a companion going the extra mile for her companion's birthday.

Cute Hermana Rojas made Hermana Vasquez's birthday a wonderful day.

Ghee Elder Pearce and Barahona, you are looking a little spooky. Actually, just had to pay tribute to Halloween and feature 12 of the cutest little grandkids of Pte and Hna Clegg, alias Grandpa and Grandma Annie!

Our youngest grandchild, our little Sarah Jane is such a cute little cow.

Here she is with the rest of her family, Big sister Ellie, who was a bag of skittles, Henry who was Optimus Prime and AnnieKate who was the little mermaid.

3 other great little Cleggs. Sophie and Grace were little fairies and brother Brady is a fearsome knight.

Big brother Sam is a shark.

Then he is followed by his little brother Will who is our mad scientist.

And their family is rounded out with their pretty witch little sister, Abby.

Cam is an adorable lion.

And finally, his big brother Jack was also a transformer. Just couldn't pass up the opportunity to share the little people of our family with everyone here. They are always praying for Grandma and Grandpa and all their missionaries in the Spain Malaga Mission and that they can be successful. We know that their prayers are always heard and answered.

We Are All Enlisted

2011-10-29T13:33:00.000-07:00

A future missionary!!

He was just baptized with his father. Hna Ackerman and Hna Sypherd are doing great in Cartagena. Hna Ackerman is working down to the last minute in her mission. Way to go.

Algeciras is baptizing again. Great work Elder Jordan and Elder Lignell.

Double blessings.

Valdepenas is all smiles and thumbs up with Elders Triana and Bradly. This was a special baptism with many people there to celebrate.

Our dear members in Caseres are learning about missionary work. Elder Allred and Elder Shaver made them their own missionary tags. Such a special branch.

Elder Waite and Elder Dunoskovic are talking to everyone in Granada.

We returned to Algeciras for a wonderful dinner with a few wonderful members who invited us to come to their home. We went on their roof for our picture.

Elder Jordan isn't sure what to think about the look that Elder Lignell is getting from the Presidente. Hmn, what have you been up to Elder Lignell? Just keep on smiling and keep on baptizing.

We were out in Sevilla at the Plaza de Espana and we found Malaga! Yes, the best mission on the face of the planet.

Two couples from our home ward in Utah came and spent two days with us. Linda Reeves and Jill Taylor and I are by the beach at Fuengirola. A beautiful day to be with friends.

We took another picture with their husbands and President Clegg. Brian Taylor is our Stake President and was a missionary in the Sevilla mission 27 years ago. He is sitting by his wife Jill. Mel Reeves was released as the mission president over the Riverside Mission in California this past June. He and his wife Linda were fabulous in their assignment. They also have a son in the Barcelona Mission right now. Oh so close, too bad he didn't come to the best mission.

Elder Taylor and Elder Fagerston spent their p-day and Elder Taylor's birthday visiting Mijas, just up the hill from Fuengirola. See the beautiful blue mediterranean behind them.

They are ready to take on anyone today.

The Stevens and the Massaros went along for a fun p-day.

We spent the weekend in LaMancha with Elder Weidman and his wife. He is an Area Seventy from Switzerland. We went visiting a few members on Saturday. We drove to Alcazar to be with Albalino and Elder White and Elder Crawford. The Cleggs also came along to keep us on course.

We were able to spend a little time with Hna Letendre and Hna Sturgess. They love Hna Clegg and working with her in Ciudad Real.

I wanted to get a hug too.

Saturday night before the conference we had a dinner with the leadership in the District. Here we have Elder and Hna Clegg holding the LaMancha cake made by the Presidente Pedrajas, the District President.

We took a group shot after our wonderful meal. We were missing two branch presidents and their wives, but all in all, it was a wonderful night. The next day was a wonderful branch conference. The mission is moving onward and upward and we are going to reach our goals for 2011.

Malaga Mission Believes Faith Precedes the Miracles

2011-10-23T05:35:00.000-07:00

We have seen so much faith in our missionaries lately. For example, the Malaga District has set some very high goals for baptisms. By the end of the month they could see more baptisms in their District in one month than the entire mission normally sees in a month. They are working with faith and a lot of effort to reach their goals. Elders Dangerfield, Peterson, Walton, Manning, Wells, and Hales (who is in the next picture) know what it takes to do the work of the Lord. They, along with Elders Avellar and Jones are working at doing something very special this month.

Two of their many baptisms took place this week. One of their recent converts performed one of the baptisms. It was a beautiful experience as all baptisms are. Elder Hales and Dangerfield are doing all they can to invite EVERYONE to Come Unto Christ.

Elder Fetzer and Elder Waite have been very busy in Fuengirola when they aren't going around the mission. They have brought some very special people into the church these past two weeks.

Their second baptism may be little, but she is mighty in spirit. Little Andres will light up the Fuengriola Ward along with her sister who joined a few months ago.

Like the song says, "Do more than dream of your Mansions above." That's what the Hermanas in Almeria are doing. They not only prayed for persons to teach and baptize...

They went out and found them. And they were rewarded for their efforts.

A wonderful baptism in Almeria.

And a second baptism in Almeria. Way to go Hermana Perera, Bozeman and Woffinden.

San Lucar is feeling the love and the joy of growing.

Elder Barahona and Pearce enjoyed bringing their investigator to the waters of baptism.

Yea for Elder Shaver in Caseres. A beautiful city with a beautiful branch that is growing rapidly.

The members are sweet and loving to all. They are excited too because they are going to be getting a new capilla in the upcoming months because of their growth.

Oh Elder Allred, we didn't forget you. We know you are a major part of the wonderful work that is going on in Caseres.

3 hard working Hermanas taking a moment to smile at the world and let everyone know they know and understand their purpose as missionaries. Hermanas Carter, Capener and Crowder, the 3 C's of the mission, are loving serving and finding.

Now Hermana Capener and Gibson, I don't think they can be baptized with their ears on!

We needed a few more days to finish going around the mission and finish the training and interviews. We had a great time in Huelva with Elder Lyman and Elder Mendoza. After their training we went with them to teach a lesson. We were a little late so instead of walking, we took a taxi.

Yea Elder Mendoza, you lead the way.

The next morning we arrived in Aljarafe to the smiling faces of Elder Card and Elder Hall. They are seeing miracles happening there through their faith and prayers.

They even think President Clegg looks like Elder LeGrand R. Curtis, Jr. What is so fun about this is Elder Curtis is a personal friend of both Pres. and Hermana Clegg. In fact, Hermana Clegg sat next to Elder Curtis when they were in kindergarten. We have known each other for a long time, in fact, Hermana Clegg has known Elder Curtis longer than knowing President Clegg. He is married to the former Jane Curtis and we love them both. They too, are graduates from the best High School in the world, Olympus. Isn't that right Elders Estrada and Lignell?!?! Anyway, do you think Presidente looks like him?

Afterwards it is visiting Dos Elderes in Dos Hermanas! Yea for Elder Roa and Elder Peterson. Two great Elders with a lot of faith.

Afterwards we took them to lunch at a wonderful Italian Restaurante. You can never go wrong with Italian. (Even in Spain)

We then moved on to Alcala where the Elders live in a mansion, as we have been told. And, it is right, Elder Hunt and Elder Berrett have a great place to live, especially with the Savior nearby. He is always with his missionaries, that's what we know.

Finishing off the night was great in Cordoba. Elder Pratt and Elder Velasco are all for eating cookies.

I thought they should come into the Young Women's room and learn about what Young Women do, but I don't think they thought it was a great idea.

Finally, our last day of almost 3 weeks of teaching and interviewing, we found ourselves in beautiful Antequera. Elders Jones and Avellar are doing amazing things in this wonderful city.

We finished the day at the office. We couldn't find the assistants as they were doing an exchange, but we know they are alive as they thought they should send us a picture of them eating. Glad to know you are finding time to eat Elder Fetzer and Elder Waite, sometimes that is hard.

Elders Fagerston and Taylor are busy in the office. It was a huge job to change all the phones and keep all the residency issues in check as well as teach and preach. Two very busy Elders who are serving all the mission by their good works.

Everyone loves the Massaros. They are so busy helping with health issues, apartments and organizing the office, and also training the Stevens. They are willing to do anything, and everything they do is top notch. We love having them here and can't think of what it would be like without them.

And finally our dear new office couple, the Stevens. Over the next few months all the missionaries will come to know these two fine people from Preston, Idaho. You know what, they've got skills!!! They are wonderful and willing and working very hard. Elder Stevens was called to be the Branch President of the Mijas Branch as well as do his many office duties. They are so important for the welfare and running of the mission. We are so glad they decided to serve a mission and do all they can to help Invite All to Come Unto Christ.

October Visits are Great

2011-10-15T14:43:00.001-07:00

Hooray for Baptisms. We are so happy in Malaga!

Isn't this the best picture ever! Great work Elders Hales and Dangerfield

Oh my goodness, Alcazar is baptizing. We love it! So do Elders Crawford and White

Elders Peterson and Walton are happy in Malaga 3

And Elders Pederson and Marchello are seeing great miracles in San Fernando.

And little miracles too.

Badajoz just keeps growing.

Elders Long and Nally are on cloud 9 with joy!

Elders Phillips and Thornley are making things happen in Cartagena.

All the missionaries had to join in for this baptism. It's a future missionary.

These are the feet of 3 hard working missionaries. Can you guess who?

Yep, Hermanas Capener and Gibson. Hermana Clegg just loves all her Hermanas. They are so wonderful.

Elder Basurto and Elder Hafen are cooking up something special. Following district meeting in El Puerto we had a homemade lunch. Way to go Elders.

We ate chicken and rice and french fries. Yummy!! Elders Pearce, Banbury, Hafen, Rodriguez, Basurto and Barahona are all doing wonderful things in the Jerez District. We enjoyed our time with them for our training and to be in their District Meeting.

Elder Birnbaumer and Elder Biamont along with Presidente Clegg think things are looking up in Chiclana.

As well as in Algerciras where Elder Lignell and Elder Jordan are trying to find the lost sheep.

Almeria brought treats from Hna Perera as well as Hermana Woffinden and Hna Bozeman. They are busy planning several baptisms.

We also have Elders in Almeria who are finding the elect as fast as they can. Elders Wright, Rencher, Cooper and Pallas are doing their best.

Looking great in Huercal Overa with the Elders from Lorca too. Elders Taylor, Ferguson, Gibson and Mockler are striking a great pose. They are also making a big difference for the members of these two branches.

In Murcia we did some great training. Elders Forrest, Corradi, Shrewsbury and Bennett along with Hermana Woodward and Ross are ready and willing to do what it takes to find and teach and bring people to the waters of baptism.

Wow, the Elche missionaries are really intent on what Presidente Clegg is teaching them.

Hermana Bascope and Hermana Torres had to run after the training. These two are always teaching and working hard.

Wait a minute, Elder Valenzuela and Elder Estrada, two of the newest Elders are without their companions and have a pole between them? What's up with this? At least they have their Books of Mormon to share.

For once I get to be in a picture with the Elders. El Presidente was off on the phone and so we took this picture ourselves. Aren't the gardens around the Elche chapel beautiful! And these are 4 great Elders, Elder Valenzuela, Elder Estrada, Elder Hamilton and Elder Bailey.

Elder Jones and Elder Staples are enjoying a visit with Presidente Clegg in Crevillente.

And all Alicante can say besides Baptism is bring on the cookies. Elder Mervai, Elder Masterson, Elder McGarry and Elder Blanch are 4 hard working, happy missionaries.

Two Angels, Hna Vasquez and Hna Rojas. They light up any room they go into.

And we ended this week of training in Cartagena in the Chinese Restaurant? Yep, we had time after our training with Elder Phillips, Elder Anderson, Elder Thornley, Hna Ackerman, Hna Sypherd and Elder Stowell to get a little food before we attended and spoke at the Elche Stake Conference. A busy week with one more to go to get all around the mission. Lot's of traveling but it is always worth it to be with the best missionaries in the world.

The Book of Mormon is True

2011-10-09T13:52:00.000-07:00

Elder Masterson and Elder McGarry are all smiles in Alicante. We did have a few more baptisms this past week but some of the missionaries forgot to send their pictures. You know who you are and don't forget to send them this week:)

Our lovely Cadiz Hermanas are enjoying the food that went along with the activity for the sisters in Cadiz. Hna Gibson and Hna Capener are a great companionship and are working extra hard in Cadiz to bring the people unto Christ.

Nothing like a picnic after District Meeting. Elder Marchello, Elder Lignell and Elder Biamont look like they are enjoying their lunch.

What's this, Zone Leaders making transfers? No way, but looking at the board was a lot of fun for the Zone Leaders at our Zone Leader Counsel this past Monday. They are trying to put a lot of thought into what they would do if they were El Presidente.

Hey life is great when you are a missionary in the Spain Malaga Mission. Elders Becerra, Fagersten, Alejandre, Fetzer and Marchello are excited to learn what they need to do to help the mission continue to soar.

"No, No, No", say the Zone Leaders. Who is putting such fear in their hearts?

It couldn't be this good-looking Presidente could it?

When you look closer you can see why there was a little fear in the hearts of the Zone Leaders. This was a great chapa that the former President, Presidente Mellor gave Presidente Clegg on arrival to the Spain Malaga Mission. It's a long story but during a skit about reporting numbers better this came in handy. It was all fun.

See, everyone looks great after a wonderful consillio.

O.K., haven't we seen this before. Well sort of but this time it is with the District Leaders. They are sure they can do it better. We held a Leadership training with all the District Leaders right after the Zone Consillio. It was great to have so many Elders coming to the mission home for training.

Elder Bennett and Elder Lignell were chilling for a few minutes before we got started.

Now everyone is getting ready to start and take this serious, right Elder Lignell?

Elder Basurto, Elder Peterson and Elder Bennett are getting ready to learn as well as Elder Hatch who popped into the picture just in the nick of time. Elder Fagersten provides great music for us always to enjoy.

We felt the training for the District Leaders went well and hopefully they can share it well with their Districts over the next month.

And now, the specialized training of the month has begun. We are focusing on teaching in a way that we can help our investigators receive revelation through the Book of Mormon. It is the greatest tool to convince anyone that this is Christ's true church. Elder Hales knows that the Book of Mormon is true and reading it with a cookie just couldn't get any better.

His companion, Elder Dangerfield would agree as they have one of their 3 baptismal candidates for this week come to the church for their baptismal interviews. These Malaga Elders know the importance of the Book of Mormon.

So do Elders Wells, Manning, Walton and Peterson. Mmm, life is great when you are a busy in the Malaga District and Zone. This gave Elder Wells and Elder Manning strength to take us on one of their visits. We have great teachers in the mission.

In Nerja these 3 handsome Elders know how to take a perfect bite. Actually, Elder Barney and Elder Brown are making a difference in Nerja with their willingness to teach and preach.

Dear Elder and Hna Massaro jumped into their car to meet us in Motril with our new Baptismal Invitation Cards hot of the press. We are real excited about these especially as we have more baptismal feches than we have ever seen in the mission. October is going to be a huge month and we are excited to be using our cards.

Elder Kirkham and Elder Rodriguez are the first in the mission to receive the cards. They are excited because they are going to have a baptism in Motril soon. Two wonderful, humble Elders working as all missionaries should, with all their hearts.

In Granada we find Elder Moss and Elder Redd hurrying out of their apartment after their training. They just can't wait to go teach their investigators and bring them to a knowledge of the truthfulness of the gospel.

And Elder Becerra and Elder Dunoskovic are partners with the Savior in their work. It is all thumbs up in Granada. They are teaching many people and working very hard to find the elect. We also went on a teaching appointment with them that was very special.

The next morning we were surprised by breakfast in Jaen from Elder West and Elder Geest. Gravy and Biscuits hit the spot, especially Presidente Clegg loved them. They are finding people in Jaen and have a few feches.

After our morning in Jaen it was off to Ciudad Real. Again, our lovely Hermanas are working and working and working in Ciudad Real. Hna Letendre is loving her trainer Hna Sturgess. They are using the new program for new missionaries and are loving it.

After our training with Elder Hatch and Seely in Puertollano, Presidente Clegg and I went to a visit with their next baptism. She was incredible. It was so touching to hear her tell how blessed she was that these two Elder knocked on her door. With tears in her eyes she told us this has changed her life and she is so grateful for them. Way to go Elders.

The next day in Alcazar we loved being with Elder White and Elder Crawford. Presidente Clegg is on the phone a lot, hearing about all the baptismal feches that are coming in the mission. Can we say over 100!! It must be because all our missionaries are drawing closer to Christ themselves as they are teaching the Doctrine of Christ.

Wait a minute, these Elders look a little stern, maybe even a little mean. What's up in Valdepenas?

Naw, just kidding, Elder Triana and Elder Bradley can't wait to get out of their piso every day to work for the Savior. They are standing taller because they know their purpose and love to shout it to the rooftops.

Sunday morning brought us to the beautiful city of Cacares. Elder Shaver and Elder Allred are with their wonderful Branch President, Pte. Blanco. This little branch has gone from 10-12 members on Sunday to over 30 every week. It has been approved and this Sunday Pte. Blanco announced to the members that the church is looking for a new church for Cacares. We are growing the church here in Spain. It was a beautiful sacrament meeting for sure.

Afterwards we drove quickly over to Badajoz. We had lunch with Elder Nally and Elder Long. Elder Nally made us a wonderful egg and ham lunch. He told me one of his favorite things to do was cook with his mom and that's how he learned to cook. Everyone, this was wonderful along with the melon. Great meal.

That's right, it was great. They have their piso all decorated because Elder Long's birthday is in a few days. Oh no, he not's a teenager anymore. Great Elders who teach well and served us well on this Sabbath day.

Finally we arrived in beautiful Sevilla. Elder Alejandre and Elder Ferreira met us at the church. Their ward is doing a wonderful activity and they have invited all the Stake to come. You can be sure that these two Elders will have many investigators at this activity, as they are always teaching and baptizing in Sevilla.

More beautiful Hermanas in Sevilla. Hermana Crowder and Hermana Carter are working and running around Sevilla. They are enjoying the new training as Hna Crowder is new to the mission. I sure love all of our Hermanas. They teach so beautifully and work so hard. They are amazing.

And last of the night and for this week, Elder Stoner and Elder Thomas are eating up the crumbs and telling us it is good. We have had a wonderful week, very full but very rewarding. As we talked about the importance of the Book of Mormon, we know that our missionaries are teaching with power and joy and love. We have the best missionaries in the Spain Malaga Mission.

Our White Field is Growing

2011-10-02T06:49:00.000-07:00

We are so happy in the Spain Malaga Mission because the Stevens finally arrived. They are from Preston, Idaho and they are here to work in the office. It is such a treat to have another couple in the mission. They do so much to help the work going forward. We feel blessed to have them here and anxious for all the missionaries to get to know them.

And talk about a white field, we are baptizing in the Spain Malaga Mission.

In Sevilla Elder Alejandre and Elder Ferreira are at it again.

This was a very spiritual and wonderful baptism.

Elder Pederson and Elder Marchello are finding souls to bring to Christ in San Fernando.

A daughter of someone who used to be inactive. Her children will be next. We are all about bringing families together forever.

In Alicante they are also bringing the families into the church. Elder Blanch and Elder Birnbaumer are always working hard.

The Hermanas in Cadiz are all about miracles. Hermana Capener and Millan have worked very hard to bring souls unto Christ.

Elder Mervai and Elder Taylor just can't stop in Lorca. When you bring the world the truth there are those who will find it.

I know this is a bad picture, but it was the only one we had. This is Marije and her family. She worked with Presidente Clegg and I in Bilbao in the mission home. We were so surprised to see her, her husband and daughter in church in Sevilla. She is a very special member of the Bilbao ward and this is another eternal family. They were bringing their daughter to Sevilla to go to school. What a tender mercy to be able to see her and her wonderful family again.

We not only baptize families we are looking like families. The LaMancha Zone always feels like a family with Elder and Hna Clegg around. This time the color was yellow. I don't think Elder Crawford got the memo. We love you LaMancha. Baptisms will be happening there soon as well.

Hermana Bascope and Hna Torres are working hard with their investigators. They have one who wants to be baptized but his parents have asked him to wait. No problem, the Hnas will continue to teach and pray and one day he will be able to join.

Elder Blanch wanted to send a photo of his new companion, Elder Mervai. Transfers were the past week and lot's of changes in the mission. One thing that is truly constant in the mission is change.

Here are some of the Elche missionaries being treated to a wonderful Medio-Dia. Thanks to the many members who support them.

You better watch out. If you don't say yes to baptism you will have to answer to Hna Torres! Really, she is so sweet, you don't have to worry about her.

Elder Blanch had his 21st birthday in style. A cake! Happy Birthday to you Elder Blanch and to all the missionaries in the mission. We are having birthdays all year round.

This week was special as we received not only the Stevens but 4 new missionaries. Hna Carter, Hna Sturgess, Elder Hamilton, Elder Bailey and Elder Stoner are in for the trainer training. Hmm?, 4 missionaries with 5 trainers, what's up Presidente?

We'll answer that question latter but here we are at the Train Station. Elder Estrada, Elder Valenzuela, Hna Letendre, Hna Crowder and Hna and Elder Stevens. Welcome to the best mission in the world, the Spain Malaga Mission.

We thought we would leave all the luggage for Elder Stevens to deal with. He is a worker!! Actually, he would probably manage but we wouldn't really do that to him.

At the mission home we are going through a lot of orienting and interviews. There is a lot to learn at first.

We are sure the Stevens have got it all.

Oh yea, Elder Hamilton and Elder Stoner are wondering who is going to train and who isn't yet. They know, because Elder Stoner's companion is still visa waiting. Those darn visas.

Hna Carter and Hna Crowder are so excited to be together.

They are going to be in Sevilla. Lucky Hermanas because they have a newly remodled piso to go home to.

Elder Estrada is going with Elder Bailey to Elche. Hey Elder Lignell, he is a Titan too! For those who don't know, Elder Lignell, Elder Estrada and Hna Clegg all went to the same High School, only Hna Clegg is just a little bit older:)

Yea for Hna Letendre and Hna Sturgess. They are excited to be together that is for sure.

Yep, to Ciudad Real.

What's this, the same skirt. This really must have been inspiration going on here!

Finally, Elder Valenzuela is going to Elche to be with Elder Hamilton. They are going to be working well together.

Poor Elder Stoner, but don't worry, your companion will come eventually.

We had to eat lunch, and then it was off to the areas. Always such a great day when new missionaries come to the mission. They bring so much enthusiasm and this day was no exception.

Hey what are the Nerja Elders doing in Malaga? They are watching conference. We were so happy to see Elder Brown and Elder Barney, catching a bite between sessions.

We also found a few of the Malaga Elders watching conference. Elder Peterson, Elder Manning, Elder Hales and Elder Dangerfield. Great Elders bringing the truth to the precious souls in Spain. We have all been so uplifted by the wonderful messages of conference. We are renewed and refreshed to continue our work here in Spain.

I Hope They Call Me On A Mission

2011-09-24T07:01:00.001-07:00

We love little future missionaries, but we love them more when they grow up and get called to the Spain Malaga Mission. This is our own Elder Fagersten and his little brother. Elder Fagersten was 6 years old and now he and his little brother are serving missions. Oh mom's, don't they grow up too fast. By the way, Elder Fagersten is on the left if you hadn't guessed by now.

We hope they call us on a mission that we are able to teach and preach and bring worthy converts to the gospel of Jesus Christ. This wonderful woman was looking for a church, found US on the internet and read until 3:00 a.m. all the way through Mosiah the first night she had the Book of Mormon. A great miracle story which delighted our Hermana Perera and Hna Frandsen in Almeria.

Sevilla is seeing many miracles through a lot of hard work and dedication and faith from Elder Ferreira and Elder Alejandre.

Caseres has baptized their first deacon. This is a branch that has almost doubled over the past 4-5 months. We are even petitioning for a new capilla (church) to meet in. They have outgrown the one they are in now. Way to go Elder Allred and Elder Shaver.

Aren't they a great group of saints!

Our truly dedicated Elders, Elder Long and Elder Ferguson are at it again in Huercal Overa. Miracles are happening there every day. What a beautiful new convert. Two great missionaries who know their purpose.

Elder Alejandre and Elder Ferreira are at it again. Wow, Sevilla is on a true up swing of new converts. The church is growing in Spain.

Elder Dunoskovic and Elder Berrett had a wonderful baptism in Granada. They have been pounding the pavement and it has paid off.

Yea for the Secretaries in the office. Elder Stoner and Elder Fagersten were happy. A Grandmother and her grandson were baptized. Mom and Dad need to get married and then they will join them in the waters of baptism. We are doing all we can to find families and bind them together on earth.

Elder Fagersten is getting adjusted to being in the office. But he doesn't neglect Preach My Gospel either. He is all trained and doing a great job for the mission.

Ah, where is that last receipt? Elder Taylor is taking over the reigns of "financiero" for the mission. And he is doing it with a smile.

And so it is out of the office you go Elder Moss and Elder Stoner. They are showing the treats that Presidente brought them as a going away gift. The entire mission says Gracias for all you have done for everyone. Elder Moss is going to Granada and Elder Stoner is going to Sevilla. Work hard Elders. We love you as well as all of the wonderful missionaries in the best mission in the world!

No, this isn't an investigator, just one of the many goats we see in our travels. This one has a descent rack. No Presidente, it isn't hunting season in Spain for goats?!?

But it is the time to say good-bye to two wonderful Hermanas. Normally we would be receiving new missionaries but they were held up for a week. They will be with us next week. But for now, we have to say good-bye to two stalwart Hermanas, Hermana Millan and Hermana Frandsen.

We love both of you so and wish you all the best. Two great workers who have done much to see the church grow in Spain. You will be missed a lot. They worked hard and gave it all to the Lord. Adios Hermanas!

We Specialize in Baptisms

2011-09-18T12:58:00.000-07:00

The mission is realizing many blessings from exercising faith and working hard. Hna Rojas and Hna Vasquez had a wonderful baptism that united a family. This woman's husband was baptized a few months earlier, now they can plan for their future together.

Elders Avellar and Jones are experiencing many miracles in Antequera. These two wonderful men are excited to be the newest members there.

Great things keep happening in Lorca. Elder Taylor and Elder Mervai had two baptisms but one of their pictures didn't work. Send it to me again Elders.

Badajoz is all about bringing future families together. This young man who is going on a mission baptized his girlfriend just before leaving to serve.

He told Elders Nally and Manning that now he is ready to go and start his mission.

Puertollano is experiencing miracles with Elders Hatch and Seely.

What a beautiful view for a p-day in the Elche Zone.

Elders be careful! Don't get too hung up!!

The week brought Specialized Training all over the mission. We first visited Ciudad Real where we met with the wonderful LaMancha Zone. Hna's Gibson, Sturgess and Ross are glowing.

Elder Nally and Manning shared a beautiful song while we ate lunch together.

The LaMancha Zone is working to have at least 5 baptisms per month to help the mission reach our goal. They have already had 4 this month. Way to go LaMancha.

Wait a minute, what do we see on the heads of Elder Bradley and Elder Triana?

They just want to be blondes. What can we say.

On to Elche where we have some great looking and hard working Elders and Hermanas. Here are the Elders.

And here are the Hermanas

Great training!

Great fun.

Afterwards I went out with the Hermanas and who do we run into? The former Elder Vananetti who is trying to find work and live in Spain. Better go out with the Elders soon. Hermana Torres and Hermana Bascope are great Hermanas. We had a great evening.

Later that night the Elche JAS Mission Leaders, Manuel Castellon and his beautiful wife Estefania are ready to put their shoulders to the wheel along with Elder Hamilton and Elder Bailey and Presidente Clegg to move the work forward in Elche.

The next morning we were excited to be in Murcia.

Elder Pearce and Elder West are happy to be here.

Hermana Ackerman and Hermana Sypherd are looking like twins. They are happy to be finding and teaching in Cartagena.

We barely got everyone in the picture.

What's this a little GQ by the Elders? Just thought it would be fun to see a few of the cameras. We are glad to have timers aren't we!

And we couldn't forget it was Elder West's 21st Birthday. Elder Corradi thought Spong Bob was a great choice.

On to Granada where singing the mission song is the best.

Hermana Frandsen can always be counted on for great treats.

A happy Elder Wright along with his real happy trainer Elder Rencher and the always happy Hermana Perera.

Elder Brown do you know that Presidente Clegg used to be 6'4" when he started the mission?

Way to make him feel better.

Yes, we are all happy in the Granada Zone.

Well maybe a little crazy.

And now we are in the Malaga Zone. We had two young men serving mini-missions. Welcome to mission life.

There is always time for a little fun.

Look mom, Elder Jordan and Elder Hales are happy to have their own picture on the blog. They are also happy being hard working missionaries.

Elder Walton and Elder Masterson didn't know what to do for 16 days without power. Yes, you heard me right. They had a very interesting two weeks but finally the power, la luz, is back on.

We are singing the mission song all over the mission. San Fernando Zone is ready to go.

Presidente told everyone where they were going for transfers. Hmn, I wonder what will happen to Elder Lignell and his companion Elder Mockler. Elder Banbury is there to comfort all.

Come on Presidente, tell us please!

Can you find all 14 missionaries in this picture? You'll have to look closely to find Elder Marchello and a few others.

Here's a better picture of all of us. We are on fire in San Fernando. They had 36 investigators in the Stake Conference general session. Great work!

The Saturday evening sessions were a priesthood session and an adult session. Black and white were the colors of the evening. Myself and Hna Moore, temple matron along with several members of the Cadiz Stake are waiting for the Priesthood session to be finished.

We spent a very special night with Pte. and Hermana Moore, temple President and matron of the Madrid Temple and Pte. and Hermana Lopez, Cadiz Stake President and his wife. We feel honored to be with these wonderful people. Not to mention a wonderful meal of some of the best food in Andalucia. We finished the Sunday Session filled with the spirit and happy that we are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It's true and we love being in the service of our Heavenly Father.