October 2015

September ended with our being able to attend a special Regional Conference where Elder D. Todd Christofferson presided over the formation of a new LDS Stake in northern New Jersey. There now are eight Stakes in the state.  It was a wonderful meeting.  To accommodate the large number of members it was held in a rented theater in downtown Newark.  The Church is now more than ever a worldwide organization.  It was a thrill to see the diversity of those in attendance and how they represented the global membership. Conference was translated into Portuguese, French and Spanish.

New Jersey Multi Stake Regional Conference - Newark

Fall in New Jersey is beautiful.  Everywhere we go we see glorious autumn colors.  In the East Brunswick area, where we live, there are beautiful farms, trees, and until recently acres of tall corn. One of our favorite stops has been a nearby farm stand which is still selling fresh tomatoes, squash and apples.

NJMM CES Missionaries - David & Marilyn Cherrington, Kellers, Reed & Sheryl Hancock

We've now settled into a routine of studying, preparing and teaching our YSA Institute classes.  We take turns teaching so we're both continually preparing for our next rotation.  Each week we teach gospel principles found in the lessons from the Old Testament and encourage our students to apply those patterns and principles to their 21st century lives.

Our young adult students have a wide span of gospel knowledge.  Some are life long members. Many are recently returned missionaries.  Some are very new converts, having been baptized in just the last few months.  This presents a challenge in teaching but is rewarding as we watch new members grasp concepts of doctrine as they realize the applications to their lives.  As time goes on we're learning more about their personal lives and challenges.  When we began our mission it was easy to tell that we would enjoy our time with these great young adults.  However, as we start now to realize the sacrifices and commitment many are making, we are becoming increasingly inspired by them.

This past month we have been able to join other senior missionaries from the New Jersey Morristown Mission in visiting a sculpture garden in Trenton NJ, the site of George Washington's crossing of the Delaware River, and touring the Paterson Falls area, the old manufacturing mills and a museum.  For anyone who may know New Jersey,  our Paterson tour included a hot dog lunch at Libby's diner.

The Keller's and Hancock's at the Sculpture Garden

George Washington's crossing of the Delaware River 1776

Part of our NJ CES team - Kellers, Hancocks, Beans

YELP, where were you when we needed you?

Paterson, NJ. In 1791, America's first planned industrial city, was established, centered around the Great Falls.

Mid-month we were able to attend the Manhattan Temple.  The interior of the temple is beautiful. The temple complex also houses the Manhattan Stake Center and local Wards.  It's located by Central Park and across the street from Lincoln Center.   After leaving the temple we had walked a few blocks and ran into one of Janet's "favorite young women" from Minnesota (Anna Hoopes).  Who could imagine that we would run into anyone we know in NYC?  It was so much fun to see Anna.

Anna Hoopes and Sister Keller

This past Saturday we attended a regional YSA Halloween dance.  Young adults from the NJ Stakes as well as parts of NY and Connecticut attended.   It was fun to now recognize members of our classes and the YSA Branch.   It was a great activity.

Winning Costume - "Chicken Cord On Blue"

We're feeling very grateful for our mission, friends and family who support us!  So blessed to be associated with these outstanding young adults.