In the Mission Field
Elder Eli Carling
The bells of Juárez gently chime,
Marking the start of a brand-new time.
A year of hope, a year of grace,
With Christ’s light shining in every place.
Elder Carling lifts his voice,
Inviting all to make the choice:
To walk with Christ, His love embrace,
And feel His mercy, His endless grace.
In the streets of Juárez, hear the call—
The Savior’s love extends to all.
Through trials, blessings, and dreams anew,
His guiding light will see us through.
So this New Year, let hearts be still,
To hear His whisper, to seek His will.
With faith like mountains, strong and steep,
The promises of Christ we’ll keep.
Feliz Año Nuevo, the message rings clear,
With tacos and churros, let’s celebrate here.
Together in faith, in love, and delight,
We’ll walk with the Savior into the night.
Elder Carling is once again a District Leader in Juárez. He and his District enjoyed spending Christmas together playing board games and eating delicious snacks they bought at Costco!
Elder Carling and his companion had a baptism the week of Christmas. He said there was a special feeling at the baptismal service.
The Juárez Mission once again performed a Christmas concert for the public. Elder Carling said they get lots of referrals from the event. Feliz Año Nuevo!
See additional photos of Elder Carling in the GALLERY
Elder and Sister Matheson
We’ve experienced joyful miracles on our mission, many of them through music. Service opportunities come in such a variety of unexpected ways.
Gaylen helped a young man get a haircut. He then wanted his mother to be taught the gospel, especially the nature of God. So after the haircut we taught his mother. Then the grandmother of the house said, “If you want him to get to church tomorrow, you need to fix his shower; it’s been broken for a week.” So Gaylen went to 2 plumbing supply stores and replaced the valves, the mixer and the handles. We felt so good inside that we were able to be useful and warm up some hearts.
In early December we were politely banned from playing carols in an apartment complex by a security guard. The security guard sent us to the office. The manager said, “You can't play door to door, but can you come back on December 15th and play for our 3 hour community Christmas party?” So, come back we did. The managers said, “Hey, you came! You can start playing right now. Our bluetooth system is down, and we need music.” Amy trumpeted Christmas carols until tired. A 19 year old Korean college student, who played trombone, walked up and offered a music stand and then his trombone. We now had a playing partner who could take over the melody. Daniel said it felt really good to help. His parents were so proud. The complex managers were appreciative, and now we have a new friend. We know God sent Daniel to us. He was a miracle!
Samuel a Lamanite, who played Samuel the Lamanite in a 1976 touring production prayed us to his door. He needed an accompanist for Santa la noche or O, Holy Night, to be performed for the Spanish stake’s community Christmas concert. Shortly thereafter we knocked on his door. We’d been praying we could find someone to help in a meaningful way, and we did.
And what fun it was to meet up with Midvalley 3rd Ward’s very own Beth Ercek, who was visiting her 90 year old father. We shared musical selections with him and he shared his love of the Book of Mormon and inspirational stories from his life.
As we prepare for 2025, may we all reflect upon, record, and express gratitude for the miracles and blessings of this year. We can experience greater joy as we lose ourselves in the service of the Lord and our fellow men. Trust in God. The best is yet to come!
And if you’d like a good read to start your new year off with, we suggest The Power of Everyday Missionaries by Clayton M. Christensen.
See additional photos of the Mathesons in the GALLERY
Elder Eli Carling
eli.carling@missionary.org
Ciudad Juárez Mexico Mission
Elder Tate Rigtrip
tate.rigtrip@missionary.com
Missouri Independence Mission
Elder and Sister Matheson
California Anaheim Mission