- Steve Woolley. I learned the value of integrity and honesty from Steve. I admire Steve in many ways however if you spend a few minutes with him, you will find man that doesn't take himself too seriously. His easygoing nature sets you at ease, and allows you to be taught by the Spirit. Steve built a strong relationship with a young man, named Myron, that needed someone to care. He listened because he knew that Steve genuinely cared about him. During the course of my years in the branch, I had occasion to call Steve and get advice. I always felt he gave me an honest answer based on true principles.
- Missionaries. I was blessed to come in association with the best missionaries in the entire church. As they came into the branch and served for a month or two they would all hit the ground running. My only regret is that I neglected to write all their names down. I can only list a few from memory such as Elders Lolotai, Jones, Payne, Takis, Poll and Esheit. I'm missing a ton of them! Every missionary had to be self reliant and self starting since we didn't have the strength in the branch to support them as we would have wanted to. Not one complained and every missionary lived the example of being "Called to Serve!"
- Stake Leaders. Here is another collection of awesome hero's. In my humble opinion, this is one of the miracles and the "secret sauce" of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I had always wondered how the Lord could take a man with relatively little experience in running a complicated organization such as a church congregation only give him four years to get something done and actually have some success. Most churches install a Pastor and leave him to his own devices, either good or bad. In this case, I received a monthly interview with two unbelievable men who served as our Stake President, first Matthew Thomas and then Paul Hintze. These spirit filled sessions were part training, part therapy, part motivation and all good. I truly miss these monthly meetings. The Stake Auxiliary leaders were incredible. For example Rebecca Rahm was a rock star when it came to helping with our young women's program.
- Katelyn Hunt. This sister is just plain amazing. Like some of my other hero's this sister had a very powerful spirit and testimony. She was a leader of our young women and lead them with love and testimony. It's so easy to get discouraged with teenagers and their behavior however Katelyn had a calm cool demeanor that I really admired. She would capture their hearts first then open their minds. Some people might give up on young African American girls with tons of attitude. However she never gave up and saw the goodness in them and earned their respect.
- Shannon Gubler. I always wonder why there are so few examples of sisters in the Bible when I found myself surrounded by powerful women of faith. Shannon was no exception. I learned what it really meant to get down to business and make it happen. Shannon is the type of person that knows how to take the bull by the horns and make it look fun. Unfortunately due to my own personal flaws had a misunderstanding with Shannon which I deeply regret. She showed me what the scripture meant, "The Lord is on my side; I will not fear what man can do unto me?"
- Aaron Hess. Aaron is the real Iron Man. He was given the assignment to start a Scouting Program with a group of boys who only a few had even been camping before. He owned the program, he loved the boys and did whatever it took to help them advance. It's not easy to get boys to do somethings for the first time, especially hard things. Aaron pressed forward. I remember being invited to a camp out where the weather was going to drop below freezing. I politely declined thinking they were probably not going to go only to find out that they went and had a great time!
- William B. Smith. Brother Will joined the church a little over a year ago. Over 70 years old he has the spirit and the heart of a teenager with the wisdom of all the years. I loved the phone calls, advice, council and encouragement Will provided me week after week. At first I was under the impression that I was helping Will with his first steps in the gospel only to have him be the one that was helping me. His easy going nature allowed him to move from role to role in my life easily. One day he would be friend and the next day he would be giving fatherly advice. I always appreciated his intelligence and insight.
- Ron and Rachelle Guymon. This couple showed me how to seize the day. Some people come into a new ward or congregation and wait to see what happens. Some people knowing they are going to be in an area for a short time, purposely don't get involved. The Guymon's jumped into the deep in of the pool from day one. They lived in the branch for about a year and made about 10 years worth of contribution. The Lord truly magnified their callings and impact. I learned that no matter how long or how short you are anywhere you can make a difference. Ron was our Employment Specialist and Rachelle worked with our young women. The hit home runs in both areas. More important was the "outside of the lines" work they did. They made lasting friendships and were just generally great people to be around. Some people just make you feel good when they are present.
- Lafi Manumaleuna. I think somewhere in my family history has to be a Polynesian. Over the years, I have met Polynesian families that I have fallen in love with. I wish I could gather them all together somewhere and live! Brother Lafi is true brother. He is the strong silent type. He leads. He serves. He loves. If you ever wonder how Jesus Christ would serve and relate to his people then all you need to do is watch Lafi. I don't recall ever seeing him frustrated or angry even during some very tight situations. I recall a relatively hopeless situation that I will not detail here. Lafi quietly told me, "I'll take care of it." ...and he did! That guy is a hero.
- Terry Taylor. When a man becomes a father, it changes him. However when a man is a father of girls, who become young women who then grow into women it's transforming. I admire his unconditional love for his daughters. Terry also taught me how to lead with your personality and have compassion for others. I will never forget and will always be grateful for the compassion shown towards me the day after my mother passed. Terry along with Jeff came to my home, gave me a blessing from the Lord. Words cannot express my gratitude for this act of charity, love and kindness.
- John Rains. John was the little brother I never had. He showed me how to have fun in my serious calling and serious life. My mother always told me that I was too serious. John was able to help me see the bright side of things. Eternally optimistic no matter what the situation. I was impressed with his dedication and loyalty. John took a personal and individual interest in the young men of the branch. They looked up to him and followed his advice. To get teenage boys to stop and listen is an art and a skill, John's ability was magnified by the Spirit of the Lord. I was amazed at how a relatively young man himself was able to generate such maturity. I was equally impressed with his wife Catherine.
There were so many people over the years that were hero's and contributors to the Lords work. Some were large and some were small acts but all were significant and increased my gratitude for these people and that the Lord placed them all in my path for good.
With much love!
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