Broad Shoulders and a Big Heart – Celebrating President Quinn

*President Quinn at his desk in the mission office/Badger building*

Happy 67th Birthday to President Quinn.

It has been a joy working with President Quinn. Over the past three years, we have stood shoulder to shoulder loving, serving, teaching, and cheering on our amazing missionaries. Whether we are laughing with them on the pickleball court, training them in zone conferences, working with them individually, or sitting in interviews, these missionaries have become part of our hearts.

During these last three years, I have driven well over 100,000 miles next to President Quinn. One thing I have learned is that when President Quinn feels a missionary needs a serious conversation, he wants to see them face to face despite our large mission. That means either the missionary drives to our office in Santa Rosa, or quite often President Quinn drives to them. He believes people matter more than convenience.

*President & Sister Quinn in front of mission home*

*Sister and President Quinn presenting at zone conference*

I have watched him carry many heavy decisions. More than once, I have heard him say, “I am waiting for the Spirit to tell me what is best for this missionary. I just want to do what is in their best interest as a lifelong disciple of Jesus Christ.”

Tears often come to his eyes when he talks about the missionaries. You can feel the depth of his love for them. He has both high love and high expectations for each one. He frequently asks himself, “How can I help this missionary have the experience the Lord wants him or her to have here on their mission?”

*Elders Witt and Halls with President Quinn*

*President & Sister Quinn with Sister Aston*

I have seen him rearrange the transfer board because he felt one missionary needed an opportunity to lead and grow. I have watched him worry, pray, and lose sleep over missionaries he was especially concerned about. Every morning he rises early to read and answer missionary letters because he understands that every missionary is an individual with unique needs, concerns, strengths, and struggles. He has answered every weekly letter he has received from missionaries writing to him.

*President Quinn in office at the mission home.*

Sometimes I tell him I worry about his lack of sleep and the weight of all he carries. He just smiles, gives a little wink, and says, “That’s why they pay me the big bucks!” Then he adds, “I have broad shoulders. I can do this.”

I appreciate the love, wisdom, compassion, and Christlike care President Quinn gives to each missionary. I am grateful for the opportunity that President Quinn and I have had to serve the Lord in His great work of gathering Israel. We have enjoyed working with missionaries both young and senior. They are awesome! I feel so blessed! President Quinn is my best friend. I’m deeply grateful for the love we share and for our eternal marriage. What an immense blessing President Quinn is in my life and the lives our children and grandchildren. Love you sweetheart!

*President & Sister Quinn saying goodbye to some of their grandchildren right before they enter the MTC back in June of 2023*

It’s been a wonderful week with MLC - Missionary Leadership Council, transfer prep and a Sister’s Conference. So much to share! See photos below.

And here is our #46 journal prompt. I so love seeing the missionaries journals. Each of their handwriting makes these journals a work of art and what a treasure these journals will be to them and their families after their missions.

Photos from the week….

Broad Shoulders and a Big Heart – Celebrating President Quinn

Missionary Work is - Hard!