It was a joyful reunion at the St. George Airport, when on Wednesday, April 13, Elder Selwin Lovell was reunited with his identical twin brother Simeon Lovell after their combined 26 months of full-time missionary service (Selwin in Mississippi Jackson and Simeon in Georgia Atlanta).
Selwin's mission president Bruce L. Olson wrote: "We are grateful to have had Elder Lovell in the Mississippi Jackson Mission. He has been an outstanding missionary.
"Sister Olson and I have loved serving with Elder Lovell. We have watched him grow in his faith and his love for the Savior. We have seen him strengthen the missionaries and members around him and he will be missed. We have encouraged him to continue to be faithful and keep his sacred covenants, to serve where he is called and to continue to bless the lives of all those with whom he comes in contact. We express our gratitude for your support and love for him during his service. May the Lord continue to bless you and your family."
To Southgate Stake President James Bown, Selwin's mission president wrote: "Elder Lovell has served faithfully. He has studied and applied the gospel and has acquired Christ-like attributes which will bless and benefit himself and others throughout his life. He has been an example to all of the missionaries with whom he has served and has strengthened the faith of members in wards and branches."
Selwin was also welcomed home by Stacy and Rick, Kendi and her friend Taylor, Taisley, Danielle and our Bishop Mike Bair and his family including wife Lori, daughters Brianna, Cara and Aspen. Following Selwin's meeting and release by St. George Southgate Stake President James Bown, we met up with the family for a hamburger cookout at home.
Certainly many stories are still to come from this "exceptional missionary and fine young man" who served in the deep South, but the future is bright for the twins, though certain to include hardwork, school and eventually marriage and families.
Thanks to our children and grandchildren - as well as to our ward members and neighbors - who have embraced these Guyanese kids. We love you all for opening your hearts and homes to these young men, who when they arrived in St. George a little more than 2 years ago were "strangers and ye took (us) in."
No comments:
Post a Comment