Out of the Mouth of Two or Three Witnesses - Elders Hart and Martin

November 17, 2023, Elder Hart and Elder Martin walked off the airplane in Santa Rosa, California with 23 other missionaries fresh from their training at the MTC in Provo, Utah. They’d first met over a video call in October during home MTC and were made companions on the very first day of their missions. They remembered being a little nervous when finally meeting in person in Provo, but they hit it off quickly as friends and continued there as companions as well.

*Elder Martin and Hart at the MTC in Provo, Utah*

When they arrived in California, they were sent to different areas. I remember their group well, 25 eager missionaries stepping off the plane. I always play little games with myself to help remember names. There was Elder Schmit with curly hair, Elder Willhite with the deep voice, Elder Beard (who, yes, looked like he could grow a beard), Elder Hayes with the big smile, and Elder Dixon with red hair. Yet for the life of me, I couldn’t keep Elder Hart and Elder Martin straight! Which one was Hart? Which one was Martin? They looked like they could be brothers.

They hoped to serve together again, but it took over 14 months before they were reunited as companions and zone leaders in Vallejo. When they finally did serve together, many others also thought they were brothers and had a hard time, like me remembering who was who. I was glad to know it wasn’t just me! I decided that Elder Hart’s chin with a slight dimple was shaped a little bit like a heart and that was the trick for me.

Later, at their 18-month mark in Eureka, they served together again. Interestingly, neither had baptized anyone yet, and they were both feeling a little down because of this. Then they met their friend Jim. They taught him and eventually baptized him on his 83rd birthday! Jim hasn’t missed coming to church each Sunday since. They both said it was one of the most special experiences of their missions.

They also shared a story – funny now, not so funny then. One day, while visiting a new friend, Elder Hart knocked on a door, and before he knew it, a German shepherd had come out of nowhere and latched onto his arm! Luckily, he had a coat on. (only in Eureka do you need a coat.) Unfortunately the dog still broke through his skin. He still has the scar. A lady came running out and sprayed the dog with a hose while the elders made a quick exit! When I wondered why I didn’t remember that incident, they sheepishly admitted they’d never reported it to the mission nurse. I gave him a scolding. Then Elder Martin piped up, “Well, I was bitten by a dog too.” “Oh no! It’s a good thing neither of you are foaming at the mouth,” I teased! “We do have a protocol for dog bites, after all.”

As I visited with them this week the night before they were to return home, I could, of course, clearly see who was who and I could also clearly see the confidence and spiritual strength in their faces that has developed in them over these past two years – just like the faces of the other missionaries that were gathered here at the mission home this evening for the farewell dinner and devotional.

*Missionaries at farwell dinner at the mission home Elders Hayes, Joaquin, Hart, Lunt, Martin, Beard, Webb, Hadley, Judd, Schmidt, Pres. Quinn Sisters Curtis, Gordon, and Quinn*

These wonderful 12 missionaries have done what they were asked to do. They have sacrificed their time and desires, been obedient, and willingly testified of Christ. “…that in the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word may be established,” (Doctrine and Covenants 128:3) Each of them have made a huge difference for good in establishing the word of Christ here in Northern California. Many people have been brought into the waters of baptism because of their willingness to open their mouths and share the words of Christ! President Quinn and I will miss each one of them greatly. Thank you for all you have done! Elders Hayes, Joaquin, Hart, Lunt, Martin, Beard, Webb, Hadley, Judd, and Schmidt, along with Sisters Curtis and Gordon. They each have really done an amazing job being missionaries!

Back Row: Elders Schiffman, Call, Horoba, Peterson, Durffey, Spendlove, Elder, Waldo-Speth, Eaton, Comito, Larsen, Marchant, Black, Brown, Cowley, Gonzales, Christensen Front Row: Elders Christensen, Moyes, Sisters Jackson, Pancic, Cockrell, Sister & Pres. Quinn Pres. Travis. Sisters Myburgh Williams, Foster, Elders Hanks, Wells - - Welcoming 27 new missionaries!

I’m excited for this next transfer! We have 27 new missionaries! Thanks for reading our mission updates. We love keeping connected with you. Here is the #17 “Coming to Know Him” Journal Prompt! We hope you are enjoying keeping up your journals along with us.

More photos from the week:

Out of the Mouth of Two or Three Witnesses - Elders Hart and Martin

A Week I Will Never Forget - Being Taught at the Feet of an Apostle