Masks for Missionaries -- With Love

    Cathy Leonard received a call from Stake President Scott Means asking if she could supply masks for the eleven Elders and Sister missionaries serving in the immediate area. That was certainly no problem.  Cathy has been distributing them by the hundreds to people who need them.  The zone leader picked them up that very day and distributed them to the missionaries.  In this picture are the sister missionaries who serve Mokelumne River Ward-- Sister Ball and Sister Bodily.  They love their new "feminine" looking masks.

Cori Daley Teaches her RS Lesson In A New Way

 
    The Coronavirus pandemic is still going on and we aren't being able to meet as a church group.  The picture of Cori on the right was taken during one of her lessons in the RS room.  This time she emailed her lesson to all the sisters.  She said this:  "I loved this talk when I first heard it and so wish I was actually facilitating this discussion at 1510 Century Blvd. today."
   It was an excellent lesson (Spiritual Capacity by Michelle Craig) with questions to think about, key points, her favorite part of the talk and her testimony.
   "As I have pondered the spirit of Sister Craig's message, I have been asking myself about increasing our spiritual capacity," Cori said.  "Specifically with a mind toward deciphering the voice of the Lord and His intentions for us regarding the well-being of others in our Covid-19 circumstances, knowing that there is more out there than the four walls of my home, and knowing that undoubtedly my fellowman is more in need now than ever before in my lifetime.
    "These realities have been weighing so much on my mind and heart.  My hope for us is that as we implement Sister Craig's four ways to increase one's spiritual capacity to receive revelation and come to know the voice of the spirit, that our hearts and minds will be led by the Lord in shining light on how we can not only serve within the walls of our own home, but outside of it also." 

The Mask Story Continues . . .

   Cathy Leonard and her crew of sewers from all over Lodi keep busy as they continue to make masks for those who need them during the Coronavirus pandemic.  (See story on blog, April 9 "Local Media Covers RS Mask Project")
    Cathy was busy delivering masks and making all kinds of friends.  Ann Kerr submitted a second story to the Lodi News Sentinel and the coverage was unbelievable--three color pictures on the front page, and three more color pictures on an inside page. The story was very long and they printed it all.  Cathy received even more requests to volunteer and at this point in time it's not slowing down.
     You can find the story on the Internet at https://www.lodinews.com/news/article_2dd76f90-7fa3-11ea-8c50-fff3d594bcfc.html?utm_medium=social&utm_source=email&utm_campaign=user-share

Joy in Sisterhood: Sewing Machine Becomes A Reality.

  Grit Avellar (left) wanted to help with the Coronavirus masks many others were making.  The only problem was that she didn't have a sewing machine.  She was given an ironing job that needed done: folding and ironing the ties that went on a particular mask. It took her 10 minutes just to iron the ties for one mask.  A necessary job and she was a big help to the mask makers, but she really wanted to sew and needed a sewing machine, a desire she expressed to Sister Cathy Leonard.  

     The next day Cathy called Priscilla Quarnstrom to see how she was doing.  In the course of the conversation she found out that Priscilla had a sewing machine she didn't want any more and was willing to give away.  "Do you know anyone who needs a sewing machine?" Priscilla asked Cathy.  It so happened she did!  The two were united and Grit (who is from Germany) starts on the journey of learning how to sew.

Pandemic Doesn't Stop Sunday School Lessons

    Vicki Anderson, one of the Gospel Doctrine Teachers likes to present her lessons with PowerPoint. Because she works on her lessons ahead of time, the lesson from Mosiah 1-3 scheduled for April 19 had already be completed.  "Rather than waste it," she thought, "Is there a way to share it on the Internet?"  As it turned out, there was.

 
    Above are some examples in her presentation. All of the slides were available for reading, and the questions were asked.  The video "The Old Shoemaker" was posted separately to be watched.  Vicki said she enjoyed preparing the lesson  and plans to continue doing it. 

Young Women Spread Joy and Love

     Right in the middle of the coronavirus shutdown, the Young Women ventured out to spread joy to some of the ward members.  Young Women President Hilary Sroufe said, " I have  received some really sweet feedback from those who have received love from the YW.  You are making their day and bringing tears of joy during a very difficult time!  Let's keep it up."  (Please note that the girls are observing social distancing by staying outside of homes and using their imaginations to create messages of love.)
     Young mother Margaret Moon wrote this beautiful response to the girls' visit to her home. "Earthly angels visited my home today.  Clearly following divine prompting, they could not know how physically hard and taxing my days have been of late--specifically today.  I was overwhelmed with gratitude (ie: sobbing with a smile) to discover their delightful gift drawn across our driveway.
      "Your true love fills my heart, Sweet People.  You have given my children delight and wonder, smiles to my mother and husband, and you have gifted me something that I have no words adequate for.  I've never had such a gift before.  Thank you so very much for thinking me.  XOX"
    PS: My son said this,  "Somebody decorated our house.  We will have to investigate who did it.'"

A Temple Visit in the Nick of Time

   The Young Women visited the temple just a few days before it closed because of the coronavirus. At the time no one knew that all temples would soon be closed. It was the first week of school break and not all girls were able to make it, but it was a special day.  YW president Hilary Sroufe said "I loved being in the temple with these amazing girls and women. I can't wait until we can do it again with more young women when the temples reopen!  I'm missing the temple and the peace that is felt there."

Using "ZOOM" to Communicate During Pandemic

   We've heard of several who have used Zoom (a program for holding meetings) to communicate with ward members.
   Hilary Sroufe, Young Women President, used it to play the game "Movie Emoji Pictionary" with the girls she works with.

    Joseph Stringer, Second Counselor in the Bishopric, held a meeting with Deacons via Zoom.  This is his report:  "I had each one report on how they are doing during this pandemic and how their families are holding up.  It was really refreshing to see thee Young Men again and
their zeal for life!!  A lot of them said how they enjoyed General Conference and the Hosanna Shout.  This really was a highlight of my day.  Deacons, we love and appreciate you."

   
  In addition, these meetings have also been held on Zoom: Stake Bishops council, Bishopric meetings, Ward Council meetings, YM and YW meetings and Bishop's interviews.  This is a screen capture of a Mokelumne River Ward council meeting held in April.

Click on the picture to see the names of those present.

Note: We will add more examples to this post as we hear about them.

First Baby for Russell and Shaunee Cook!

It's a boy!  Russ and Shaunee welcomed Joaquin Russell February 19, 2020 at 1:03 AM at Lodi Memorial Hospital.  He weighed 8 lbs 3oz, and was 19.5 inches long.
   His dad calls him a "crazy little guy."  Russ says Joaquin loves his momma and loves when his daddy puts him to sleep.  "He is wide eyed and very serious," Russ commented.  "He is wonderful!"
     NOTE FROM JOAQUIN'S PARENTS:  Being parents is awesome.  It is hard and tiresome, but at the end of the day being able to look at what we created and how cute he is, makes everything worth it!  We are excited to be able to raise him in such a time of revelation and also be able to teach him the gospel of Jesus Christ!

Coronavirus Sends Our Missionaries Home

  The Church has had to reshape missionary work because of the worldwide pandemic of COVID-19.  All six of our full time missionaries have returned home.  Senior missionaries Wade and Ann Broughten never made it to the MTC.  This is where things stand. Here are a few words from each one.

                                                       Alysabeth Webb, Chile Rancagua Mission
      This situation with all the missionaries has been pretty hard and sad for most missionaries in its own way. I am what President Nelson would say, "Hoeful for the future."  Not many missionaries can say they were called to two different countries, and it is cool to think that there are people in the United States and Chile who need to hear the gospel from a girl like me.  As crazy as times are, we can say steadfast and immovable, have peace in Jesus Christ, and understand that He has a plan for all of us. No normal man can understand the workings of God because they are mysterious, but they are so wonderful.  It is no coincidence that a world renowned heart surgeon is leading our great church in these times. I have a testimony of this gospel and it's true. I'm grateful that because of Jesus Christ's atonement I can be with my family forever, and I know that the gospel blesses families.

                                                                                    




Chance Godi, Peru Lima North Mission
   I loved my mission and am upset at this whole coronavirus thing for robbing me our of 81 days that I should of had teaching, preaching and testifying and with the 18 days of quarantine in Peru, that is a total of 99 days that coronavirus stole from me changing the lives of many Peruvians with the great gospel message of peace and happiness.  I know that God lives and loves all His children, literally EVERY SINGLE ONE.  I know that He suffered so that we could obtain eternal life if we live the gospel of Jesus Christ.  I know that God has a plan for each and every one of  His children and sometimes we feel like we have received a bad deal, or something happened to us that was just not fair--but I promise you that in God's time you will look back and thank God for giving you that bad deal.  He knows what we need.  He knew that what I needed was to be a representative of Jesus Christ serving the people of the Peru Lima North mission.  I know that the Church of Jesus Chris of Latter-day Saints is the kingdom of God upon the earth and that following Him is the way to obtain eternal happiness.

                                                                                  
                                                                    Evan Webb, Bolivia Santa Cruz North Mission

     Well, I guess that's a wrap on the whole mission!  I have to say, that it really was the best (almost) two years of my life.  I worked so hard to help the people that God put in front of me, and I feel that I have become a man that I'm really proud to be, and that's all thanks to the grace of God, that was won by the atonement of Jesus Christ.  I loved every moment of representing Him, and I felt so much of His support through the highs, the lows, the persecution and the pure bless seeing people be baptized.  WHAT A JOY!

Jackson VerSteeg, Brazil Belem Mission
     Jackson had an amazingly difficult time getting home, but once there this is what he said: "I took my first hot shower in 7 months which felt wonderful (and I didn't have to wear flip flops in the shower!)  Also got a steak and potatoes dinner.  Now, I am just on quarantine for 14 days, but it seems like there is no plan as to what will happen with me after this time.  It's kind of like having a vacation at home while on the mission, except I can't do missionary work.

Wade and Ann Broughten, North Carolina Charlotte Mission



Even though our mission has been canceled and we are no longer missionaries, we are thankful; to the Lord for blessing us with such great family here in Utah that have put us up.  We 

sold our home in California and are homeless.  We've now found an apartment to rent and will wait out the virus and then see if we'll go out on the mission to North Carolina.  It's been tough but hey, we can do hard things!  Right?  Miss our family and friends.  Stay well ever


Jeremy Banks and Kedrin Farlee have also returned from their missions.  We have not been able to obtain their information.

Teaching Your Children During a Pandemic

Fiona Moon, 7-year-old daughter of Margaret Moon and granddaughter of Kathy Marshall wrote a book about her experiences and these are five pages from the book.  Not only did she help with the masks being made at her house, she also recorded her thoughts about the situation and how her family was helping.

This is what Margaret wrote about the project:  This last week,our family has been very busy doing our part to help out doctors and nurses fight the good fight.  My mother, directing, cutting and sewing, daughter age 7 doing ironing and organizing, and son age 3 stacking.  I was laundering, ironing, and making binding.  We have carefully been working together to make reusable hospital masks to cover official ones, allowing each one to last longer through the day.  This has been a very special, bonding, humbling, even sacred week of love and service.  Our hearts are full and eager to do more.  The greatest gift is opportunity to serve. Many hands make burdens light.

Margaret has delivered over 200 masks for use in various places.

Note: A picture of Kathy and Fiona can be found in the newspaper story in a separate post.

Local Media Publicizes RS Mask Project

   Ann Kerr shows the story published in the Lodi News Sentinel Saturday, April 4.  It took up one whole length of the paper's page and was too long to scan, so following is a copy with pictures inserted.  We are proud of these sisters for the work they are doing, and hope many more will join them.  

 

This is the first picture used in the story.  L to R:  Ann Kerr, Shirley Mason, and Cathy Leonard demonstrate the elements needed to make masks.

With a big shortage of facial masks in the United States due to the Coronavirus Pandemic, a group of Lodi women who call themselves “Masks 4 Millions” are busy sewing cotton fabric masks by the dozens to be distributed to those in need.

    Cathy Leonard heads up the local women who are a takeoff from a Granite Bay group headed by Karen Wilkes who have produced over 2,000 so far.  “We’ve received requests from local convalescent and rehab facilities in Lodi area for masks,” Leonard said, “as well as a military group and families.”  It’s possible local hospitals will have a shortage and need them too.  Individuals are beginning to see the advantage of wearing them when they go out.

    “This is going to be a healing time for our country.” Leonard added. “My grandmother used to do similar things for the World War II effort.  This is a war.  Just a different kind.”

   The masks are made in three different styles—one has elastic which wraps around the ear, one ties around the head, and one is styled to fit over a N95 mask used in hospitals. Doctors and nurses have discovered that their N95 masks can be used longer if covered with a cotton mask which can be replaced, laundered, and used again over the N95s.

   The mask pattern is very basic and can be constructed in about 20 minutes. Cheerful fabric patterns have been a hit.  The masks have a different pattern on each side so healthcare workers can tell which side has been near their face.   

Shirley Mason started making cotton masks for herself, children, and grandchildren when she found it was impossible to purchase them.  Mason says she began when her nephew asked her if she could make some for the skilled nursing home where he worked. Then other people started asking, and she realized from the news that everyone needs them. “Charity is a common bond,” she says.  “We are all Americans. We

have a goal to be more Christlike, with charity and service to others.” Mason continues to use her skill by donating through the Masks 4 Millions group.

Cathy Marshall and her granddaughter Fiona Moon

  The entire family of Margaret Marshall Moon from Woodbridge participated in this project. “Our family has been very busy doing our part to help out doctors and nurses fight the good fight,” she said.  Her mother Kathryn directed the cutting and sewing, a daughter age 7 did ironing and organizing, her son age 3 did stacking and Moon did laundering, ironing, and binding.

   “This has been a very special bonding, humbling, even sacred week of love and service,” she said.  “Our hearts are full and eager to do more. The greatest gift is the opportunity to serve.”

   Kathryn Marshall expressed her feelings this way: “Battling this virus is no different than fighting a war.  We must hold the line, following good guidance for our home defenses, and personally step up to provide the support our front line health professionals need to keep fighting for us. Each of us has a role to play"  This little family has produced over 200 cotton masks.  

   Masks 4 Millions is not exclusive. Donations of 100% cotton fabric would be welcomed. The group started with donations of 20 bolts of fabric from The Church of Jesus Christ’s humanitarian facility in Salt Lake City, but when that runs out there will be more local donations.

   They also need seamstresses, cutters, and donations of elastic in 1/8” or ¼” widths. Volunteers will be given a simple pattern and instructions for sewing.  Leonard says “If you don’t sew, there are opportunities to wash, iron and cut fabric.  We can arrange to pick up your supplies or to deliver fabric to you.”  She can be contacted at ctleonard11@comcast.net.

       Here is how the finished product looks: