Packers France Paris Mission Blog 51
Packers in Paris Blog 51 – February 25th – March 3rd,
2019
INCREDIBLE
FIRST WEEK REVIEW! THE REST WILL FOLLOW!
Forgive us for our excitement of the
first week and new direction of the center, but it has been so remarkable we
couldn’t help but share just a brief synopsis!
After many efforts to even be remotely ready for last Wednesday’s opening day with the new direction, we tried to not have any major expectations, but to gain experience. Prior to each set of missionaries, we went through a 30 minute training.
What we found though is that each day
was an adventure to improve upon (kind of sounds like life). We found new ways to
help engage people in communication to tell them about the new and free resources
we offered. It was mostly the missionaries doing the contacting. At first the
missionaries would stand outside with the banner, flyers in hand and wonder,
what do I say (new subject)! After a short while, they got the rhythm of how to
engage people. It was quite fun to witness!
The first day was slow as far as
missionaries inviting people to come inside. But it was insanely busy inside,
because of the new missionary conference that had just ended and all of the
missionaries, including seniors and the mission President and his wife and son
came inside to visit. It was not what we had expected, but nevertheless we
carried on! We could not be doing what we are doing without the help of several
people. First off Roland Léporé is on the phone with us 1-2 times weekly, also
texting, emailing almost daily and at that, he keeps on giving with ideas and
great support.
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| Sister and President Sorensen and Jared |
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| Georgette Lalaus - right hand woman and friend! |
Total 60 in 5 days!
The next four days brought an amazing
turn around with as many as 60 people in 5 days (including Sunday) who had signed
up for classes and even more who had come in solely for Family History. We were
stunned and in awe of the great interest off our street. We know it will only
increase as more publicity is passed out through the missionaries.
What finally worked?
What we learned throughout the week was
such a great experience.
v Large banner outside
was very helpful from the start
v Music was a huge
benefit
v Clip boards with sign-up
sheets in the hands of missionaries was magnificent
v Large white board with
“FREE CLASSES”
So, why does this all matter?
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
Saints has always been a resource to help and bless others and lift them from a
state of dependence to independence through their many free programs and
classes. When one finally breaks free from any of the bonds that tie them down
and keep them from physical and mental progression, they begin to feel a sense
of hope and joy personally and with their families. It then allows them more whole
heartedly to begin a path of dependence on the Savior, Jesus Christ.
WHAT THEN?
We
realize we have much work ahead of us with follow through and organizational
plans! There are already many on board teaching or prepared to start teaching
and willing to serve in any other capacity. Our scope is broad, but we have
seen that the desire is here and will help bring a positive change to the
community drop by drop! As the need arises, more classes will be formed in the
Paris area. Are we insane, probably yes, but there’s no doubt, we have the Lord
on our side and just following His lead!
BELOW ARE PHOTOS OF THE VARIED
SHIFTS OF MISSIONARIES EACH DAY
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| Elders McGrew and Pickard and Jared Sorensen (Mission President's son) |
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| Sisters Jones and Ackroyd |
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| Elders Ludwig and Koshoil |
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| Elder and Sister Packer |
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| Elders Sun and Patrick |
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| Elders Sun and Patrick |
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| Sisters Ramirez and McCoullough |
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| Elders Durant and Worlton |
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| Sisters Scoffield, Tabiliran, and Jensen |
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| Sister Morrison |
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| Sister Johnson |
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| Sisters Johnson and Morrison |
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| Elder Nilsson |
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| Elders Labbe and Nilsson |
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| Elder Labbe |
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| Elders Connors and Calabuig |
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| Elder Connors - lives on the same street of our old Orem home |
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| Elders Connors and Calabuig |
We
are extremely touched by some of the personal and poignant stories that emerge
from our interaction with those we meet. Below are just a few that I would like
to share.
Reahin
Out
of the blue, a young man came inside the center this last week, sent by his
Branch President from Southern France, yet originally from Africa. He is a
refugee and was told that coming to Paris would give him more job opportunities.
This young man has come from very hard circumstances. He is still sleeping outside
but has done all the necessary things to get himself on a better road. He has
signed up for the class to get a better job and came to church last Sunday to
get his records transferred and has found work since we first met, as a
dishwasher at a restaurant and is still looking for more. His family back in
his home country is counting on him to help them financially. He is a
determined man with no fear to ask for what he needs. He feels love, he feels
hope now and is determined to make it work. He has no doubt that the Lord has
guided him, as he continues to read from his scriptures daily he finds peace to
get through. He told us that this “hard” is nothing compared to what he has
gone through previously. We were overwhelmed and inspired by his strength and
desire to succeed! |
| Elders Ludwig, Koshoil and Reahin |
These two women came inside to learn more about the Family History Center. They were visiting from Eastern Europe. I connected instantly with them as we talked about all that our center does. They were quite enthralled with the ability to do Indexing. We hope to keep in contact them and direct them how to locate Family History Centers around their area.
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| Sister Packer, Lisa and Darya |
Asmid is an amazing woman from South America but has lived here in Paris for over 20 years. She and I had such a sweet connection! She came to the center just as we were getting ready to close, but I gladly welcomed her in. She wanted to know a little more about our church and to see our church building next door. She and I enjoyed our visit and look forward to further getting to know one another more. We are now connected via texting. She is anxious to come to church with us. She told me that she never goes down the road of our center and felt that she was guided.
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| Asmid and Sister Packer |
We
are so grateful for the many who have offered to help us, realizing we will
need several types of secretary type people to input information and send out
emails and such. Our first is Kèvin Gauthier. He is a genius! He’s got so much going for him. He is going into International
Relations and yet is making time for us! He’s also a great musician! He speaks
several languages also!
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| Kèvin Gauthier - # 1 computer helper, secretary, life saver! |
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| Kèvin Gauthier - man of many talents |
FAREWELL TO ELDER RICHARD AND SISTER
PATRICIA FITT
Elder
and Sister Fitt are leaving this week and have been the office couple over
apartments. It is such a huge responsibility in the mission and they are
traveling constantly trying to figure out problems and getting new apartments or
closing down old apartments. We are most grateful for our dear friendship, the
wonderful people they are, and remarkable missionaries they have been.
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| Sister and Elder Fitt - Office couple over apartments |
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| Packers with Sister and Elder Fitt |
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| Sister and Elder Fitt and Packers |
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| Elder and Sister Fitt |
Greg
and Lisa Erikson are from St Louis, Missouri. Greg works for the church in
Public Affairs and shared with us some amazing stories. Part of their trip this
last week was in Morocco and they told us about their chance meeting with a man
who had a great desire to meet a ‘Mormon.’ Little did he know that he just did.
He told them that he desperately wished he could defect from his current faith
but that it’s very hard and it could cost him his life. Greg and Lisa spent an
afternoon at this man and his wife’s home, where they were fed and nurtured a
special friendship. They are determined to stay connected.
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| Greg and Lisa Erikson - amazing Morocco story |
I’ve
not been very good at keeping up with our family back home and
determined I want to do better! We stay in touch with our family through group
chats, but perhaps extended family may appreciate reading these! Forgive me
family if I have forgotten some of the more recent or past happenings.
Austin and Emma – fundraising went remarkably well, thanks in great part to
Camille and others who helped this happen. They have begun the lengthy IVF procedure
to able to have another child and prayers are with them that all will go well.
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| Austin and Emma on one of their past treatments |
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| Becca's graduate application |
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| Brent's new wooden phone cover - product testing |
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| Janine and Brigham! |
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| Jordan and Larissa Packer family in front of their new home! |
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| One of many of Camille's amazing photos! |
Nathan – no news
is good news? Actually, Maddie seems to be doing amazing and we’re grateful for
that! Nate is always checking on our home and sending us emails of important things we need to be checking. He keeps our life running smooth back home!
Jaron and Vanesa – Their boys were quite devoted to creating a bible story video, Daniel and the Lions Den via Legos. We think it turned out pretty awesome! Enjoy!
Avec amour de Paris (With love from Paris),
Elder et
Soeur Packer
Grandpère et Mémé Packer (Please be sure and use the last name on any mail, or it will get returned)
Our Address:
4 quai du Marché Neuf
75004 PARIS
FRANCE
Email address: Renée: srpacker10@gmail.com
Steve: wf-packer@hotmail.com
You may still text or
FaceTime Renée at 801-564-1332
We are 8 hours ahead of
Mountain Standard Time
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