The Blains' England Manchester Mission: A Tribute and Thanks to Office Elders Everywhere!

And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. Revelation 22:12

". . . they were industrious, and did labor exceedingly." Mosiah 23:5

Today, I thought it appropriate to honor office elders, who work for a few months in the mission offices throughout the world. Office elders are sometimes under appreciated by those who do not know that missionaries sometimes get different assignments that take them away from the regular missionary routine and require a different kind of labor other than proselyting in the mission field, though they do get some time to find and teach.

This, found on a tombstone at the old church where the office elders were closing out a flat in Darwen, seems to reflect the obedience of our office elders.

Last week, when the work began to move the stuff in the flat, Elder H. was Super Elder without the cape.

The missionaries assigned to assist in the office, through inspiration from the mission president, are reliable types. They can be depended on to follow through with all they are asked to do. Their obedience is such, that they drive by themselves all over the mission to move furniture and appliances in and out of missionary flats as needed. They also clean flats that missionaries have been moved out of to other areas. This job is challenging in planning the logistics of it. Often, many hours of travel to an area must be repeated two or more times to accomplishment an assignment. It seems almost a thankless job, since no one knows all that goes on behind the scenes. Sometimes they move furniture while still in their suits, which seems rather odd, though sometimes necessary if they have something else they have to do where they need to be in "official uniform." As a mother, I know I've cringed at times when I've witnessed what those suits go through on the backs of those hard-working elders. Our office elders do their work mostly in chilly and wet weather, since England is prone to lots of rain. It is a wonder they look still very professional and presentable after a long day of travel or hauling things around.

A happy attitude in their work

Does this look like fun? They make it fun.

I cannot begin to list the varied duties of these special missionaries, but I do want to say that as I've seen them work, I am once again touched in my heart to see their faithful service in helping the Lord's work go forth through their use of muscles, skills, talent, and sheer determination to go and do whatever is asked of them. Without these backup teams of elders, a mission could not function.

We applaud you, oh young men of valor who fight the weather, the traffic, the deadlines, the odd unexpected jobs, the mold, the kitchen grease, the dirty bathrooms, the sore muscles, the back-breaking loads, the floppy mattresses . . . and . . . having to drive past those you are sure are perfect investigators!

Elder W. hiding behind the mattress

Office Elders, if you happen to see this, know that you are appreciated and you have strengthened us spiritually with the example you set. We applaud your faithfulness and devotion to furthering the work of the Lord!