Missing Ministering - I See You

“I See You” by Greg Olsen. Artwork I have in my office here in the mission home.

My friend, Betsy Bennett, a member of the Catholic Church tells me that one thing she really admirers about our church is how people watch over each other in our congregations. She has seen the Church’s ministering program in action. I, too, appreciate how in the Church we are given the opportunity to truly act for Christ and care for one another’s spiritual and temporal needs through ministering assignments. The above photo is entitled, “I See You.” I love this painting that hangs in my office. It depicts how the Savior would have us “see” those things in others that are easy to overlook. Jesus wants us to see others as He sees each of us individually. As mission leaders, President Quinn and I have encouraged the stake presidents in our area to ask the bishops to give newly baptized converts ministering brothers and sisters right away to befriend them and to help love and support them.

Speaking of ministering, last July my cousin Sharilyn was visiting with me when I had been on my mission about a year. In our conversation, I was telling her how although President Quinn and I reside in California, our membership records are still in the Naperville 1st ward in Illinois. I explained that it is with that bishop we have tithing declaration etc. I went on to tell her that because I don’t have a home ward here in California I no longer have a ministering sister and I didn’t realize how much I’d miss that. My words were still floating in the air when she immediately volunteered to be my ministering sister and for her sister, Christine, to be her companion. Surprised and feeling a little embarrassed, I tried talking her out of it. I told her I really was okay and that I know how busy she is and it wouldn’t be fair to expect that of her or of Christine. It was too late. Sharilyn was now smiling and scheming how she, living in St. George, Utah and Christine, her sister, living in Tucson, Arizona could minister to me living in Santa Rosa, California on my mission.

Sharilyn, Elaine, and Christine (Idaho - around 1974)

These two sweet cousins have been a blessing to me all my life. Growing up, I loved getting together with them and their family - the Ockeys in Idaho. This last year they have been fabulous ministering sisters to me. Loving and supporting me in many ways. They have sent me cute notes, favorite talks, care packages, and encouraging texts.

Just this week, Christine and Sharilyn asked to FaceTime with me. What a treat it was to visit with these women who I admire and love. It’s been an emotionally hard week with missionaries returning home early for health reasons. It seems like whenever we send missionaries home early it tends to come in clusters. It doesn’t happen without a lot of stress, sadness, and grief. We had also received some sad news of a sister-in-law’s passing. Having an outlet with these cousins to laugh and cry was a sweet blessing for me this week. My heart is full of gratitude to them. I feel so blessed.

Ministering is all about being seen, being known, and being loved the way our Savior would have us feel. No wonder I was missing ministering. It feels right that ministering is part of the Savior’s restored Church. Christine and Sharilyn have the knack of seeing others. They both have been through the battlefields of life (more than their share) and have come out stronger, more Christlike, and willing to give of themselves. They minister to many. Their example has touched my heart and made me want to reach out more to others in love and kindness. Thank you Sharilyn and Christine!

Christine Tobler and Sharilyn Green

 Saturday, President Quinn and I were able to make a quick trip and travel to Highland, Utah to attend the funeral of President Quinn’s brother, Craig’s wife, Laura. It was a beautiful celebration of her life. She will be missed. We were glad we could be there to show Craig and his family love and support.

President Quinn with his eleven siblings. They all gathered from around the United States to be with their brother Craig.

As we walked into the church building there in Highland, we were greeted by two of our former senior missionaries, the Kennans. What a sweet greeting that was. It was so kind of them to come and see us.

The Quinns with the Kennans.

We’re back in Santa Rosa. We attended a CCM meeting. We enjoyed a zoom call with our family. It is always wonderful to catch up with our grandchildren. We had dinner with some new converts from the Rincon Valley Ward. We also had a former missionary come visit - Sister Pletsch. It’s been a nice day.

Love to you all! Sister Quinn

A visit from Sister Pletsch with President and Sister Quinn.