Tag: missions

Sweet Missionary Moments

August 5th, 2024 Catherine Frodsham

Tim and I have been serving as missionaries in Lyon France for 9 months now. We are halfway through our mission. We have had some sweet miracles that I don’t want to forget so I am going to write about a few of them.

We had some missionaries (Elder Adams and Elder Brown) call us and ask if they could come over and bring one of their special “Ami’s”. They said you will like him. So we set up a time and they came for dinner in May 2024. This young man just turned 21 and is one of the most Christlike individuals I have ever met. He met the missionaries last January 2024. He had just left the Jehovah Witness congregation and noticed our missionaries wearing white shirts, ties and name tags. He started asking them questions. Those two missionaries were Elder Sumsion and Elder Beard. They were our zone leaders in Lyon and some of the best missionaries. They taught him about the church. He soaked it up like a sponge. He has since gone through several missionaries and when we talk to him, he knows more about the Book of Mormon and Bible than most members. He wants to be baptized but his parents are Seventh Day Adventist, and his grandparents are Evangelists I believe. They are not happy that he has broken with their traditions and their faith. He was told if he was baptized, he would have to move out and take care of himself. Basically, they would disown him. Oh how sad. He is such a good young man. So, for now, he attends church every week and participates in every way but has not been baptized. We had him over a few nights ago for the second time and the missionaries as well. He said his parents are on vacation for two weeks. I said, “Yes, you can get baptized, and they will never know!!!!” Haha. He did chuckle but wants them to support and be happy for him. So, in January it will be a year that he has chosen to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. We are hoping and we pray that Clemont’s parents’ hearts will soften and can sustain him in his decision to be baptized. I hope he will be baptized while we are still here, or we will have to fly back – I love this young man that much. When I looked at him, I told him – we are here for you. He is one that we are in Lyon to support. Maybe his parents will come to dinner at our apartment. I do know that the Lord puts people in the paths of others for reasons. Here is a picture of Clemont, Elder Adams, Elder Brown, Tim and me.

Also, the two missionaries that first met him. Elder Sumsion and Elder Beard who are home now.

Another sweet missionary miracle is Segolene Perez. Segolene is in our Port des Alpes ward in Lyon. I would see her on Sundays sitting by an older woman and man that I just found out are her parents. They did not smile much and were very quiet. We have lots of French members that do not smile much and are private and quiet. It seems to be the culture here until you get to know them. So, I taught Relief Society a month or so ago. I had written some of my personal stories that I wanted to tell them in French, and I wrote the words phonetically so I could read it correctly. I have not learned French as I hoped. But I don’t let it hold me back. I had a power point with quotes in French and pictures of my family so they could get to know me. I never shy away from telling my weaknesses or what trials I have gone through. I have been through some tough tragic events that I believe I went through so I can help others go through tough times. I am not afraid to tell hard stories if it can help someone else. So, I told a few from my life. I told of how members of our ward and stake had shunned my sweet daughter and me because she had gotten pregnant at a young age. I talked about how it is our choice to be offended if someone treats us badly or we think they are treating us badly. Sometimes we think they are being mean but most of the time people just don’t know what to say or how to act. It is out of ignorance on their part. There was a new older widow in our ward in Relief Society that Sunday named Jennine Roux. I asked her when her husband died was there anything we could do to make her feel better? She said no. I said what about us coming up to give you a hug and tell you we love you? She said that was comforting. I said the only thing we can do is not ignore but at least offer love and maybe take a meal in or give them a ride or take them grocery shopping, etc. Ignoring someone when they are hurting is the worst thing to do. I made a comment about being on the floor when my husband died, and I couldn’t get up. I prayed and Heavenly Father sent angels to lift me up off the floor. I talked about let’s be each other’s angels to help us off the floor when we need help. So now I get to the story of Segolene. She had never talked to me before, but I could tell she was touched in the lesson. She came up to me and said, “some of us in this room today are still on the floor.” What a profound statement and I gave her a hug. The next Sunday she came up to and told me she is married to a man who is not a member. He has started to ask questions. I told him about your lesson last week and he said I could invite you and your husband over to dinner at our home. MIRACLE!!!! I said we would love to. So, we went over last week. Tuesday, July 30, 2024. They have a lovely, very nice apartment on the 7th floor of a nice building. It has a deck around the entire apartment and air conditioning. We had a wonderful time. Her husband’s name is Serge. He was so kind and pleasant. We want to be friends, and we are friends. We talked about his family and our family, hobbies, jobs and education, etc. We laughed and enjoyed each other’s company. We will have them over to our apartment when they are back from their vacation in a few weeks. We are here in Lyon for Segolene and Serge Perez.

Here is a picture of Serge and Segolene Perez and Tim and me.

Tags faith, france, Mission, missionary, Missionary work, missions

Mission

Read

Tim Frodsham: 17 July 24

When reading the Book of Mormon, I try to do so with a theme in mind. Several times, I have read the Book of Mormon from the perspective that the events leading up to the first coming of our Savior are a sign and a type of the events that lead up to His second. There are times I read it for history, other times, I am looking for doctrine. On one reading, I read the Book of Mormon from a missionary perspective. This reading, I am reading with President Nelson’s statement from the October, 2022 conference in mind.

“So many wonderful things are ahead. In coming days, we will see the greatest manifestations of the Savior’s power that the world has ever seen. Between now and the time He returns “with power and great glory,” He will bestow countless privileges, blessings, and miracles upon the faithful.”

That is a powerful statement. One can apply this citation to not only the Book of Mormon, but to all scripture. Any miracle, any manifestation we read about in the scriptures will be manifest and more in these latter days. Here are but a few examples:

1 Nephi 4, Laban is delivered into Nephi’s hands.

1 Nephi 16, Lehi and his family are guided by the Liahona.

1 Nephi 17, Nephi is instructed on how to build a ship

1 Nephi 18, Nephi miraculously calms a storm

2 Nephi prophesies of the last days

Jacob 7, Sharem demands a sign and is smitten

Mosiah 18, the people of Alma flee from king Noah. Even their children and pregnant women out pace the soldiers of Noah.

Mosiah 24, The people of Alma are persecuted but their burdens are made light, then they miraculously escape from their Lamanite persecutors. This is one of my favorites.

Alma 14, The people of Ammonihah reject Alma and Amulek and then destroy the believers in front of them. The prison walls tumble to the earth and their persecutors are slain.

Alma 15, Alma heals Zeezrom, a lawyer who was astounded and converted by the teachings of Alma and Amulek.

Alma 17, Ammon slays the enemies of the king at the waters of Sebus.

Alma 18, Lamoni, a king of the Lamanites is miraculously converted

Alma 24, The conversations of Lamanites when the Ammonites willingly laid down their lives

Alma 30, Korihor, an anti-Christ challenges Alma for a sign. He is struck dumb and eventually trodden down by the Zoramites

Alma 31, Missionaries are filled with the spirit and go their separate ways to preach the gospel

Alma 56, the Sons of Helaman fight with miraculous power

Helaman 5, Nephi and Lehi are preaching to the Lamanites and are cast into prison. Clouds of darkness overshadow the prison, the prison shakes and Nephi and Lehi converse with angels. There were 300 Lamanite witnesses.

Helaman 11, Nephi calls a famine down on the land, Nephi and Lehi receive many revelations

Helaman 16, Samuel the Lamanite prophesies and cannot be slain

3 Nephi 1, the signs of the Savior’s birth

One of my favorite stories is about the prophet Nephi who led the righteous saints just before the death, resurrection and appearance of the Lord. I marvel that his ministry to the saints preceding the coming of the Lord in the meridian of time, will be surpassed in our day. It is worth including passages concerning his ministry.

3 Nephi 7:17 And he did minister many things unto them; and all of them cannot be written, and a part of them would not suffice, therefore they are not written in this book. And Nephi did minister with power and with great authority.

18 And it came to pass that they were angry with him, even because he had greater power than they, for it were not possible that they could disbelieve his words, for so great was his faith on the Lord Jesus Christ that angels did minister unto him daily.

19 And in the name of Jesus did he cast out devils and unclean spirits; and even his brother did he raise from the dead, after he had been stoned and suffered death by the people.

20 And the people saw it, and did witness of it, and were angry with him because of his power; and he did also do many more miracles, in the sight of the people, in the name of Jesus.

The power the adversary wields in our world today is seemingly unbearable and insurmountable. We fear for our children and the whirlwind of lies, subterfuge and deceit that envelop them. Without hope and faith in His plan, it all seems hopeless. The Book of Mormon is replete with miracles that will be duplicated and surpassed in our day. It is not a coincidence that the bulk of the Book of Mormon, from Mosiah to 3rd Nephi, is dedicated to the years before His first coming. They are a mirror of our days. The miracles of those days will be made manifest and more in the dispensation of the restitution of all things and I have mentioned only a few of the events that transpired among the righteous who lived in the time preceding his first coming. We need always remember that the Lord is aware and in charge. He is wielding His power with finesse and authority far beyond our feeble understanding. We, in our day and our time, will witness and be surrounded by many of these miracles. We will see them individually as well as collectively as our Lord works tirelessly though us to gather the remnants of his flock before the whirlwind of his judgment.

6 And now, I, Moroni, would speak somewhat concerning these things; I would show unto the world that faith is things which are hoped for and not seen; wherefore, dispute not because ye see not, for ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith.

12 For if there be no faith among the children of men God can do no miracle among them; wherefore, he showed not himself until after their faith. (Ether 12:6,12)

Yes, the Lord promises to try our faith and he will not manifest His power to those who have no faith. But as with the faithful people of Alma, surrounded by trial and persecution, they were also surrounded by miracles. The power of God has and always will surpass in glory and light anything from the adversary.

That is why we are serving a mission. We are here because of a faith that the Lord will magnify our feeble efforts to bring about His will, and add to the uncountable miracles transpiring in these last days. We have faith that the blessings poured out on our families will far outweigh our absence. We testify of this work. The Lord is pouring miracles, small and mighty upon his people and all those seeking righteousness in the time before He returns.

Tags Book of Mormon, christianity, faith, france, grandchildren, jesus-christ, lyon, miracles, Missionary work, missions, nephi, scripture

Mission

Miracle Sunday

Catherine Frodsham, Sunday July 7th 2024

Several weeks ago, I taught Relief Society. I had a month to prepare, although some of that time was taken with some special family events. I was asked to teach on a Conference Talk by Ulisses Soares on being Confident Covenant Keepers. I speak little French, and many of the Sisters in the ward speak no English, so I made a power point presentation on parts of the lesson in French and had sisters read them. I also had a sweet translator named Helena. She is 18 years old and is the Relief Society Presidents daughter. I had lots of pictures of my family in the power point and I told a couple of personal stories. The reason I told those stories was so the sisters could see how I got through some very hard things in my life by staying true to the covenants I had made in the temple. That gave me strength. I am pretty honest and told of my weaknesses as well. I told a story of being on the floor and I couldn’t get up after my husband Zane died. But I remembered my eternal covenants and I prayed for help. The Lord sent angels to help me get up. The lesson went well and we had lots of discussion. One sister came up at the end and said some women in this room are still on the floor. That was interesting. The French people tend to be very proud and private. Most of the sisters would not ever tell a personal story let along reveal weaknesses. BUT, here is the miracle!!!! A cute sister that I see each week who is very quiet and does not engage with anyone came up to me after sacrament meeting the next week. She was nervous but she came up to me and said, “you don’t know me but I was in Relief Society last week and heard your lesson. I went home and told my husband about your lesson. He is not a member. He has not been interested in church although we have a son serving a mission in Africa right now. He told me I could invite you and your husband over to dinner in the next few weeks”. She said he is changing in some ways. I said Tim and I would be so happy to come over to dinner.

I told Tim about this on our way home from church and he said there are reasons we are here. More and more miracles happen when we turn our hearts over to God and let Him lead us. We just need to be willing to go where he asks us to go. There have been several people that we have met and I have looked them in the eye and I know we are here for them. I have told them that when I feel that so strongly. Here are the few by name because I want to remember when I said this: Machilo – baptized in May. Yebei –from China and still investigating. Clarmont – I love this young man. He will be a Bishop someday. His family are 7th day Adventist and are very against him being baptized. Members I know I am here for – Theresa, Martine, Munashe, Laetitia, and all our missionaries who we love!

God is a God of love. We all need to be loving and kind and welcoming. I am grateful to be a missionary in the Lyon France Mission.

Tags christianity, faith, france, jesus, missionary, Missionary work, missions

Mission

Self Reliance

When we were filling out our mission papers, Catherine listed her extensive experience in introducing the church’s self-reliance program. She helped establish a pilot program in her ward and stake as a Stake Relief Society President as well as the stake Self-Reliance specialist. It was no small surprise that we were called as Welfare Self-Reliance (WSR) missionaries, certainly a big surprise that we were called to France.

“The aim of the self-reliance initiative is to help individuals help themselves become self-reliant. Self-reliance is more than having a good job, food storage, or money in the bank. Self-reliance is ‘the ability, commitment, and effort to provide for the spiritual and temporal necessities of life for self and family. As members become self-reliant, they are also better able to serve and care for others,’ and work is enthroned as a ruling principle in their lives” (Handbook 2: Administering the Church [2010], 6.1.1).

Over the last five months, We have been studying the self-reliance program. There are four core classes in the Self-Reliance initiative:

Personal Finances
Find a Better Job
Starting and Growing my Business
Education for Better Work

In addition to these core classes, the church offers two courses for learning English:

EnglishConnect 1 and 2

There is an EnglishConnect 3 course which is taught through BYU pathways and is to help individuals learning English prepare for entering the BYU Pathways education system.

There are four additional courses offered by the church to strengthen self and family:

Emotional Resilience
Strengthening Marriage
Strengthening Family
Addiction Recovery

Churchofjesuschrist.org

In studying these programs, I have come to better understand the meaning and purpose of Self-Reliance as taught by the church.

“Without self-reliance one cannot exercise these innate desires to serve. How can we give if there is nothing there? Food for the hungry cannot come from empty shelves. Money to assist the needy cannot come from an empty purse. Support and understanding cannot come from the emotionally starved. Teaching cannot come from the unlearned. And most important of all, spiritual guidance cannot come from the spiritually weak.” (The Celestial Nature of Self-reliance, Marion G. Romney, October 1982)

President Thomas S. Monson taught: “Let us be self-reliant and independent. Salvation can be obtained on no other principle”
(“Guiding Principles of Personal and Family Welfare,” Ensign, Sept.
1986)

“All things unto me are spiritual, and not at any time have I given unto you a law which was temporal” (D&C 29:34)

“We invite you to diligently study and apply these principles and teach them to your family members. As you do so, your life will be blessed. You will learn how to act on your path toward greater self-reliance. You will be blessed with greater hope, peace, and progress.” (The First Presidency, in the introduction of all self-reliance manuals)

As a young father, I remember talking with one of the members of our ward. He was well off, but his whole demeanor, his entire focus was on making money. He was sincere in his belief that the difference he made in God’s kingdom depended on the amount of money he had to further His work. Once he was really wealthy, he would “make a difference in the church”. He wasn’t quite there yet, but his spacious house, large boat and other earthly possessions told a different story. He entirely missed the point. If all the Lord is after is money, he knows where all the riches of the world are hidden and has but to direct his leaders to untold wealth. Self-reliance does not separate the temporal and the spiritual. They are one. Being self-reliant does not dictate we have a lot of money and need to rely on no one else.

“Self-reliance is not the end, but a means to an end. It is very possible for a person to be completely independent and lack every other desirable attribute. One may become wealthy and never have to ask anyone for anything, but unless there is some spiritual goal attached to this independence, it can canker his soul.” (The Celestial Nature of Self-reliance, Marion G. Romney, October 1982)

President Léporé of the France Lyon mission and his son holding up a list of items to be included in homeless kits

Could not a homeless person, or a homeless family be self-reliant in the eyes of the Lord? Missionaries in the France Lyon mission assembled homeless kits, not as a dole, but with the goal to include messages of hope and inspiration, hand written notes to lift up heavy hearts, to distribute these kits as the spirit directs to those whom they encounter during their service.

What is the Lord’s view of someone who is self-reliant?

churchofjesuschrist.org

The widow giving her mites at the temple may have been ‘dependent’ in the world’s view, but she was one of the most self-reliant people mentioned in the New Testament. I love the image of the widow as a young woman with children, teaching her children about trust, faith, action and service. In other words, to be self-reliant.

“Self-reliance is evidence of our trust or faith in God’s power to move mountains in our lives and to give us strength to triumph over trials and afflictions.” (My Foundation, Self-reliance is a principle of salvation)

Self-reliance has little to do with our ability to make money, the extent of our possessions or even the amount of food storage in our closets. Self-reliance is doing all that we are capable to spiritually and physically prepare ourselves to care for our families, care for others and wear ourselves out in His service.

Tags Book of Mormon, christianity, faith, missionary, Missionary work, missions, preparedness, Self-Reliance, spirituality

Mission

Homeless

Early in our mission, Roland Léporé, our mission president requested that we help with a service project. At each zone conference, he wanted the missionaries to put together homeless kits that they could give out to the homeless they encounter during the course of their work. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has decided, however, to focus on larger humanitarian projects which impact many people. Smaller projects, such as homeless kits, are no longer approved for funding by the church.

After several months of work, we started a homeless kit project with the mission. Using a bit of creativity and finding local sources for materials, we put together, over time, sufficient supplies to have each elder and sister assemble two homeless kits; four per companionship. During the last sequence of Zone Conferences, the missionaries took the time to assemble the kits, and more importantly, write personal notes to put in each kit. After searching the web for resources on homeless kits, I came across this site, which gives many good recommendations on what the homeless need.

With the help of the office elders, we transported the materials, boxed up for each zone, to the mission office. For each zone conference, the supplies would be organized on tables for the missionaries to assemble kits.

We have already received posts and videos from missionaries who have given these kits to a homeless person they encountered during the day, tender stories of love and encouragement. It is our hope that over the next few weeks, these kits are distributed with love and care, as the spirit directs, to homeless individuals in the mission.

A hand written note is one of the most important components in a kit. Tracts and other mass-published items are quickly recognized and tossed, but a hand written note makes a profound difference. They are all children of a loving Heavenly Father and recognize the touch of his spirit. It is our prayer that the tender messages written by these missionaries will touch lives, however gently.

We also pray that as the missionaries give out these kits, they will feel the same love for them as the love emanating from our Heavenly Father over all his children. These are the last days, and we are tasked with gathering Israel. Sometimes this gathering takes place in the smallest of ways, a hand-written note of love and testimony, a kit at a time, one by one.

Tags christianity, france, Gathering Israel, homeless, homeless kits, Mission, missionary, Missionary work, missions

Mission

“Look”

Welfare Self-Reliance (WSR) missionaries do not work as closely with the mission as do mission couples in the office, or those working as MLS (Member, Leader Support) missionaries, so we go out of our way to make time and energy available to the mission. Several weeks ago, we assisted the mission with transfers. For those not familiar with mission service in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, young men, 18 years old or older are asked, as part of their priesthood responsibility, to serve a 2 year mission for the church. Where they go is completely dependent on the church. Young women, 19 years old or older may also serve and are called for 18 months.

These young missionaries serve two by two. Two young elders or two young sisters work together. About every 6 weeks, the mission goes through a “transfer” where some of the missionaries are moved to a difference city or with a different companion. Not everybody is shuffled, thank goodness, only about one third of those serving in the mission. Transfer day is a hectic one indeed. Along with shuffling the existing missionaries, there are those who complete their mission and are headed home, plus new missionaries entering the mission. Those going home come to Lyon for interviews and then a trip to the airport. Seasoned missionaries, called as trainers, come to Lyon to meet with their fresh new companions coming from one of the Mission Training Centers.

Transfer meeting screen capture, one of five

The couple in the office in charge of transportation must purchase train and bus tickets for all the missionaries who are moving, plus coordinate with Salt Lake City concerning flights for those arriving and those leaving. All of this mayhem transpires over two days. In volunteering to help, we were assigned the task of picking up new missionaries at the airport and transporting them to the mission home on the other side of the city. With flight delays and cancellations, we have to be flexible. This last transfer was impacted by strikes in Germany, so connecting flights had to be rescheduled and arrival times changed. Through all of this flows a stream of tiny miracles. Connections, luggage, assignments, it all comes together.

Elders Cannon and Sumsion with Dorothee Cannon our MTC instructor, on the screen. Elder Cannon was in town for a transfer or training activity and ‘happened’ to stop by while his mother was on line with us

Our part this last transfer was to pick up one of the mission vans at the mission home, drive across the city to the airport and pick a group of missionaries arriving late due to flight cancellations, drive them back to the mission home and then deliver a group of Elders to the apartments they would be staying in that evening before traveling to their destinations the next morning. The mission president likes to meet with the newly arriving missionaries for the day to interview them and get to know them before assigning them a trainer. They have dinner that evening and then send them all to local apartments for the night. We arrived with the late batch of missionaries just in time for dinner, which President Léporé, invited us to share.

The love, care and concern that the Léporés pour out on these young missionaries defies description. I stood with Sister Aimee Léporé as she said goodbye to the departing Elders and Sisters. Her description was like having your heart ripped out, thrown to the ground and stomped on every six weeks. They have given their lives in the service of these young emissaries of our Savior.

Before the transfer confusion begins, the president holds a mission-wide zoom meeting for all missionaries in the mission. In this meeting, Sister Léporé talked about Joy in the Savior. We know that He pleads our cause and joy is a gift as we bind ourselves to Him. President Léporé talked about “Look” moments. In Nephi’s vision (1 Nephi 11 – 14), he was invited many times by his attending angel to “Look”. As Nephi “Looked”, he beheld many events that had unfolded before and that for him would take place in the future. Each time he “Looked”, the angel showed him more of the future of the world and the role of the Savior in all that transpires. President Léporé invited each of us to “Look”; be aware of the events transpiring around us. Be aware that all of this is the fulfillment of Scripture. Nephi was invited to “Look”, and he saw the very events swirling around us. President Léporé described the results of acting in faith from the challenges given at the last Zone conference. Though the numbers tell only a small part of the story, indicators in the mission are doubling and doubling again.

President and Sister Léporé

Each of the missionaries who are returning home have a few minutes to render testimony. Again, we can feel the love and devotion they have for their Savior, and the friendship and trust they have for the Léporés. Again and again, I am reminded of the strength of the rising generation. We are loosing many who listen to the jeers and mocking from those in the great and spacious building (1 Nephi 8 in the Book of Mormon) and drift away from the church, but those who remain are stronger still.

We love being here. We love being a small part of his work and witnessing the strength and testimony of the many who stand beside us in His service. We have taken to heart these last weeks to “Look”. Look at the people who surround us through the Savior’s eyes. “Look” at the work we are trying to accomplish, the events unfolding around us, the care, protection and love God extends to His children; all through the Savior’s eyes. We invite each of you to take the time to “Look”. The evil raging in the hearts of men around us can be discouraging, but “Look” at the events transpiring as did Nephi, with an angel beside us to guide and interpret. “Look” at the care the Savior has taken in creating and guiding this mortal experience. “Look” at where He has placed us, the talents He has given us, and the weaknesses He has given us to help make us strong.

Tags france, Mission, missionary, Missionary work, missions, service

Mission

Feeding the Missionaries

In our call as Welfare, Self-Reliance missionaries, our responsibilities include all of French speaking Europe as well as the Netherlands. Because of this, we don’t work as closely with the local members and missionaries are those called as Member-Leader Services (MLS) missionaries. We put in extra effort into our relationships with the local missionaries and members of the church to build a comradery and feel of their testimony and enthusiasm.

Catherine and I talked about this for some time and decided that one thing we would do is periodically offer a waffle breakfast for the missionaries on their preparation day. Catherine contacted the Zone leaders to pick a time and to notify all of the Elders in the zone and within easy traveling distance of our apartment. What to serve was a no-brainer. We love waffles, and I have been tweaking a recipe for years. It has whole wheat flour, rolled oats, butter milk, chia, and if I can find it, ground flax seed and a dash of Zantham gum for a little bit of crunch. It’s a staple for us, we will make up a batch for breakfast and then freeze the rest for meals to come. If we’re having waffles, we have to have homemade buttermilk syrup. Nothing healthy to see there . . .

I was skeptical that even a handful of Elders would show up, they are busy and their schedules are tight. P-Day time is precious. All 14 available Elders showed up and filled our tiny apartment. We mixed up four double batches of waffles and used every drop. Mingling with these Elders always restores my faith in the future of the church. They exude a spirit of faith, testimony and enthusiasm. After breakfast, we gathered in our living room for a group picture. In a spontaneous yet powerful gesture, the Elders linked arms and began to sing a hymn. Afterwards, one of the Elders asked to say a prayer before they departed. The faith and spirit in that room could have moved mountains.

The next Monday, we extended the same invitation to the Sisters serving in Lyon. Though the zone takes in a large area of Southern France, there are many missionaries serving here who have access to the Lyon metro system and our apartment is two short blocks from a stop on one of the major city lines. I had more faith this time, and indeed, all of the available sisters showed up for breakfast.

Catherine was in here element. She has been around youth most of her life, and taught seminary for many years. To be with groups of stalwart young men and women who have dedicated themselves to His service is for her, pure joy.

This was too good not to be a reoccurring event, the question is how often? Once a transfer, about once every 6 weeks is our current thought. We are working on other activities to draw closer to the members and missionaries here, but that is for another blog.

This week, we have talked at length about our mission service here. Yes, there were a thousand reasons to stay at home. We will miss the wedding of my first grandson, too many baptisms, high school graduations and the list continues. If one waits for the perfect time to serve a mission, if we have done family right, that time will never come. Of one thing we are sure, in choosing to serve the Lord, all of the other reasons fade in the perspective of His service. Miracles happen while we are away.

Tags france, grandchildren, Mission, missionaries, missionary, Missionary work, missions, service

Mission

Paris

Thus far, I think Zone Conference is my favorite part of serving a senior mission. In order to serve a mission in France, the young elders and sisters have to have completed seminary, which they need in order to get a minister’s license here in France. In part, because of that requirement, the missionaries here are incredibly faithful and motivated. Zone conferences are run mostly by the young missionaries, with the assistants to the president, the zone leaders and sister missionary leaders making the presentations. The theme was chapter 10 of Preach My Gospel. “How can I improve my teaching skills” but they spent a lot of time on finding as well.

Sister Liz Hardy (Office Sister) with Catherine

President Léporé spoke at the end of the conference for nearly an hour. He encouraged us to “bind our selves to Christ”, and to seek those “look moments”, referring to the admonition of the angel that led Nephi through is vision, encouraging him to “Look”.

Our contribution to the conference, green salad and a large container of ranch dressing. It was the dressing that was a hit, Ranch is simply not available in France. (Some of the missionaries have eaten at our home and they know Elder Frodsham makes a mean green salad with so many goodies in it. When we brought the beautiful salad, the missionaries said “that’s an Elder Frodsham salad!!”)

Saturday morning we were up before dawn and driving to Paris. We wanted to make the 11:15 session at the temple and meet another couple serving as Welfare Self-Reliance missionaries in the Paris mission. Using headphones, I have listened to the ordinance session many times in French, but this was the first time I have attended a session entirely in French. I have been studying French for several years now, and it surprised me how much I understood as we progressed through the ceremony. (Cathy again…I had headphones to hear it in English but they didn’t work so I listened in French and knew what was going on. At the veil I had Bro and Sis. Allen from the US who was called to be a new sealer there.)The Paris temple is within walking distance of The Palace of Versailles. It does not have a huge front entrance and we didn’t get a picture of the front. We will have to do that another time. It is beautiful, and is the only temple in France. Many of the workers drive from all over France to get to the temple to work their shifts. We are very blessed to have temples close to us in California.)

From the temple we drove to the town of Évry to assist with a Welfare Self-Reliance devotional Saturday evening. It was a small ward, but there were nearly 80 people in attendance and many of them signed up for one of the self-reliance courses. Momo Djamai, our manager here in France gave the presentation. He had the baptism of a young lad in his branch a few hours before, was in a hurry to get to the Évry ward building and forgot his bag with computer and sign up materials. He borrowed a laptop from the Bishop of the local ward and gave a stellar presentation on the fly. He later admitted that the presentation he gave that night was far better than the one he had prepared.

WSR devotional in Évry

At the end of the devotional, Catherine and I stayed during the potluck meal just to chat with the members. One young woman took a liking to Catherine and came to our table several times to converse. Catherine asked her genuine questions about her life and goals, to which she answered honestly. I think she enjoyed that someone cared. We realized we were very late getting out and excused ourselves quickly to leave. The ward had music playing in the background, the the number playing at that time was perfect for a Hustle so we danced for a few minutes in the middle of the floor. I do not like to be the center of attention in normal circumstances, but I felt that we should show the members there that senior missionaries have a life as well and we can enjoy it.

We drove to Amboise to spend the night with our manager here in France, Momo Djamai and his wive Pascale. It was a 2 and a half hour drive and we did not want to arrive after 22:00. We were late, but not by much.

The Frodshams and the Snyders with Momo and Pascale Djamai

Pascale was an incredible hostess. She was born on the Island of Jersey in the English Channel, and was educated in Scotland. She welcomed us into her home with grace, charm and humor. The next morning, we traveled to Tours to attend Sacrament Meeting where the four of us spoke, all in French. Again, Catherine mingled with the sisters there with such ease, making fast friends.

Catherine with a young woman scheduled to be baptized on the 3rd of March

We spent several hours back at the Djamai’s home, eating dinner and conversing around the dinner table. I love the French custom of lingering over a meal to talk. Laughter binds us together and we made many bonds that day.

We lingered a bit too long at the Djamai’s home and knew we would not arrive back in Lyon until after nightfall. In addition, there was rain and high winds most of the way home. During the calm stretches, I went with the flow of traffic, and the tattle-tale electronics let the mission president know that I exceeded the speed limit of 130 kph (80 mph). I must tell you in all honesty I did not exceed 160 kph (100 mph) at any time . .(One would expect this of me…not of Tim ;-))

We do have a life in Lyon. Catherine celebrated her birthday the day after Valentine’s day and decided to made a cake to celebrate. Yes, I should have made the cake, but I was busily putting together a major presentation our manager requested at the last minute, and wanted us to present that evening to church leaders in Central Europe.

The best German Chocolate cake I have ever eaten

We enjoyed several slices and then shared with missionaries and investigators alike as they wended their way through our home.

We are also working on a humanitarian project, putting together the supplies for homeless kits the missionaries will use in their work. They will assemble the kits during zone conferences, add a card and personal note, and then distribute these kits as they travel through their areas.

No, Nutella is not part of our humanitarian project, but I am addicted to the stuff, and during our visit to a local “PromoCash”, a store somewhere between “cash and carry” and “Costco”, searching for homeless supplies, I couldn’t help taking a picture of the two things I love most. The other picture? Out on a walk, we discovered a tiny restaurant serving Kabobs. It’s sort of like a falafel, but with a French twist.

There are a lot of things going on at home and we are missing out on so many events in the lives of our children and grandchildren. There are always reasons to delay a senior mission, but my advise is to go. Go now. We miss our families terribly, but we can see the blessings our mission is having in their lives as well as our own. We love our Savior and have placed ourselves in His care as we serve as His hands.

Tags europe, france, grandchildren, missionary, Missionary work, missions, temple, travel

Mission

Friends, 15 February 24

Catherine and Tim Frodsham 15 Feb 24

First and foremost, Happy Birthday to Catherine. Her birthday is the day after Valentines Day, which makes it easy to remember.

This will be more of a photo blog of the people who have touched our lives in the first three months of our mission. When I was young and foolish, age having solved one of those issues, I loved to take scenery pictures. On walk-abouts with my children, I would focus on the scenery and take the occasional people picture. The people pictures are the only ones I look at anymore, so no, this is not going to be a travelogue.

These family pictures were taken when we were set apart to serve this mission the 4th of November, 2023. We entered the Missionary Training Center (MTC) on Sunday the 5th.

We flew from Sacramento to the Salt Lake City airport, and Adam Shaeffer and his family picked us up there and drove us to the MTC.

We met several young elders we knew while at the MTC. Tim was the home teacher, then ministering brother for the Istook family. The Rodriguez family were good friends in the Oregon ward as well. Gabby and Ella were Catherine’s seminary students, attending school at BYU. Sheila is a long time friend of Catherine.

Catherine is a magnet for friendship. At times, I step back in awe and watch her magic as complete strangers become lifelong friends. We worked with the Hatfelds in the MTC and the rest in training in Frankfurt, Germany. She still converses with her friends in Frankfurt, even though we were there only a few days.

Missionary couples we are working with in France. The Gannaways and the Hardys work in the mission office, taking care of the auto fleet, apartments, visas and finances for the mission. There jobs are much more defined than ours, which is a good thing. At times, we struggle a bit with the ambiguity of our mission call, but we love following the spirit to define many of our contributions to the saints in France

The McBrides serve as the mission medical for both the Lyon and the Paris mission. Bernadette McBride was right there to help when we arrived in Lyon, sick with COVID. They are stationed in Chalon, but we get together every time they come to the mission office in Lyon. We traveled to the Chalon branch the 2nd week in February to speak in Sacrament Meeting and to present the self-reliance courses the second hour.

Youth missionaries we work with in Lyon. Elders Guiernot, Dane and Last are Chinese speaking elders in the area (Yes, there was a transfer between photos). We spent a day with them, cleaning an apartment which had been locked up for months. Unfortunately, the last elders there turned off the refrigerator before leaving . . . We picked up Sister Nash at the airport, flying in from the Provo MTC. Her arrival was delayed so she was the last missionary to fly in for that transfer and there was no one in the mission available to pick her up. We remember our arrival in France, so we were delighted to welcome her to her mission.

The sister missionary trio are media specialists for the mission. They are teaching Machilo once a week in our apartment.

Most of all, are the friends we have made in the ward, or should I say, the friends Catherine has made in the ward.

After she bore her testimony in Relief Society, Soeur Meyer came up to her and exclaimed ” You have to learn French, and you have to do it now!” Yes, I used an exclamation point. For those keeping track, It has been at least a decade. She wanted so much for Catherine to push through the language barrier and testify to the people here in their native language.

In the collection, I had to add the shop keeper in the silk district who was Catherine’s best friend from the instant we walked into the shop. Also included is the street musician she befriended outside the Basilica Notre-Dame de Fourvière in Lyon. He was a charming, articulate gentlemen and they did their best to converse in between numbers he played for her.

Last of all, I am including some photos of us as we have worked and traveled in our mission. We are not here as tourists, we are here foremost to push forward the work of our Savior in France. During our assignments, we have a goal to visit Lausanne, Switzerland where my grandmother was born, Marseilles, France where Catherine spent some months as a youth, and Normandy, which has so much history for us as Americans.

The Frodshams at the Basilica Notre Dame, overlooking Lyon

Every day we grow to love our mission and the people of France. We miss our children and grandchildren terribly, baptisms, ordinations and as we just heard, the first wedding of one of Tim’s grandchildren. If we were to wait till there is nothing to miss at home, we would be waiting forever. We know that innumerable blessings will come to our family because of our service here, we have seen His hand already.

The Frodshams

Tags france, grandchildren, lyon, missionary, Missionary work, missions

Mission

31 January, Olympic Hopefuls

Post author By Tim Frodsham
Post date January 31, 2024
2 Comments on 31 January, Olympic Hopefuls

For this week’s blog, we bring you excerpts of an exclusive interview by Sheri Damp, close associate of the famous CEO of Dessert Books, a publishing organization specializing in uplifting snacks for Latter-Day Saint readers for whom issues of the day weigh heavily on their souls, as well as their hips and thighs. In light of the release of a recent photo by renowned photographer, emergency medicine specialist and budding comedian, Ari Shaeffer, Ms. Damp flew to France to interview the famous Frodsham couple, Olympic Hopefuls for the 2024 Olympics in Paris, France.

Image leaked to the press by photographer and comedian Ari Shaeffer

Catherine and Tim Frodsham are serving undercover as Missionaries for The Church of Jesus-Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Lyon France, teaching principles of Self-Reliance to leaders and members of the Church in France and surrounding countries. These former Olympic champions are planning an ambitions repertoire of events at the Paris games. Even before competition begins, the Frodshams will spearhead the ‘Opening Exercises’ ceremony to usher in the games.

According to Ms. Damp, the Olympic Duo are heavy favorites for the gold as they head to the coast for their first competition ‘Preach Volleyball’. In a stunning display of stamina, they will simultaneously compete in the ‘Title of Liberty Flag Football’ scrimmages. Their chances here are perilous, but with the support of their 2000 stripling warrior fans, they are hopeful for the gold in this match as well.

Elder Frodsham in rigorous training for the academic marathon events

In day two of the games, the Frodshams will compete in the ‘Iron Rod’ competition. Their participation in this event sent shockwaves through the Olympic community, given Elder Frodsham’s dismal performance in last years ‘Idita-rod’ dog sled race where he choked on the final night of the run, staring at the stars and babbling ‘Pleiades, Pleiades’. According to Ms. Damp, ‘holding fast to the rod’ will be a winning strategy for this intrepid couple as they not only compete for the gold in this cornerstone event but vie to break the record in the ‘race to the tree’, set by Father Lehi, a record which has stood unchallenged for 2600 years. The Frodshams are undeterred in their quest for gold as they will also participate in ‘Promised Land Sailing’, ‘Trampoline out Sin’, ‘Wrestling with the Spirit’ and the ‘Roller Derby Meet and Greet’ events the same day.

Soeur Frodsham in training for the Curling Competition

Day three of the Olympics will be no ‘day of rest’ for the Frodshams as they move to the ‘Tract and Field (white and ready to harvest)‘ events to be held in the country’s largest stadium, Stade de France. They will start the day with three events, the ‘Scripture Marathon’ and the lesser-known Trial-athalon and Pentateuch-athalon events, new to the Olympics this year.

Due to intense criticism for specializing only in LDS centered events, the Frodshams will participate in several mainstream tournaments as well. Catherine Frodsham is a heavy favorite for the Curling event, spending hours each day in an intense training regimen. Competition is tight for ‘Synchronized Snoring’, but Team Captain Catherine, with years of training and outstanding performance in this event, should lead her team to the gold in this culminating rivalry.

Soeur Frodsham demonstrating her winning Curling ensemble

It was a great disappointment to learn the Frodshams were disqualified from the ‘Uneven Bars’ due to their height difference, a ruling bewildering to event organizers and experts alike.

Thanks for Alamy for providing a wide angle lens capable of capturing the moment

News of this disqualification was devastating to Sister Frodsham, and she is determined to dominate the newest Olympic competition, ‘Amazon Shopping’ where she has vowed to ‘Fill the Immensity of Space’.

Elder Frodsham in a ‘Shopping Assist’ while recalling his ‘Pleiades’ moment

We thank Ms. Damp for her hours of interviews and observation of this enigmatic couple, bringing to light their fortitude, rising victorious in all trials and competitions they encounter while they serve the Lord in Lyon, France.

Tags Missionary work, missions, news, olympic-games, olympics, sports, summer-olympics