Hometown Trade-off

Talk about a small world! The newest – and 19th couple missionaries - in the West Indies Mission are Elder James and Sister Mary Andrus from St. George, Utah. They raised their family in Nevada where they worked side-by-side for more than 35 years building Andrus Transportation, Inc, a family owned long-distance trucking business serving 11 Western states. “From scratch to 350 trucks,” states Sister Andrus who was the company accountant until she had to pack her bags for a mission to the West Indies. For more than three decades, “we didn’t do anything but work . . . at the office, at home and in the Church.”

Sister Andrus has served as president of the Relief Society, Primary and Young Womens program and has had numerous other callings, including teaching. Elder Andrus, a pilot who operated a touring company over the Grand Canyon for a number of years, was recently released from the Bloomington Utah Stake High Council but has also served in Mesquite as a bishop, Elders Quorum president and was a scoutmaster for 17 years, earning scoutings highest award - the Silver Beaver - given to registered adult leaders who have made an impact on the lives of youth.

The Andrus' will take our place in the mission office in Trinidad. Elder Andrus will replace Elder Sappington as the WIM Finance Secretary making certain bills are paid, missionaries receive their monthly subsistence; and a log is developed and maintained of mission vehicles, apartments and cell phones. Sister Andrus will serve as the WIM Secretary, with particular responsibility for immigration, but will also order materials and supplies, prepare for incoming and departing missionaries and “other duties as assigned.”