The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in San Antonio

By Marci McPhee, San Antonio East Stake Just Serve Specialist

There was scarcely any “room at the inn” for the generous donation of diapers for refugee children collected by members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ San Antonio East Stake. The Center for Refugee Services somehow found space to receive the 8127 diapers (an even 100 boxes/packages) donated by members of the stake for refugee families in our own hometown. 

The stake holiday activity was described like this: “As our thoughts turn to that refugee infant Jesus in the manger, we think of those refugee infants among us in San Antonio. If you can, bring a package of diapers to this stake activity and join us for cookies and cocoa! Curbside available if you prefer to stay outside. Then enjoy the Windcrest lights!” (The stake center is located in Windcrest.)

For some families during these challenging times, donating diapers to children in need represented a real sacrifice. For everyone, it represents generosity to our brothers and sisters in need among us. 

The diapers are distributed by the Center for Refugee Services (CRS), which is the only independent nonprofit agency in San Antonio that works exclusively to promote the successful community integration of legally resettled refugees. The refugees come from Burma (Myanmar), DR Congo, Eritrea, Sudan, Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, Central African Republic, etc. 

Many of the Afghans and Iraqis supported American soldiers in their country, acting as translators and contractors on the ground. Now it’s not safe for them to remain in their home country, so they were promised safety here. It’s just our country making good on our promise to those who supported our troops, at great risk to their own lives. When these folks arrive in the United States with their families, CRS supports those assigned to San Antonio in their transition to a new country, a new culture, and a new life. 

CRS program support manager Jill Rips said, “Refugee families have been particularly hard hit during the pandemic, with many losing their jobs. With any income or savings going to rent, utilities and food, they have no extra funds to buy diapers.  This collection of diapers is a holiday gift to the families.”

At this time of year when our thoughts turn to the infant Jesus, born in lowly circumstances, East Stake members responded to the call to provide “swaddling clothes” for our tiny brothers and sisters in need. Many thanks to all those who participated in this collection, and thanks to the Center for Refugee Services for their good work all year round. 

By Ken Jarvis, Area Media Specialist

On Christmas Eve sixteen missionaries assigned to the Hill Country Stake performed for the residents of the Emerald Oaks Retirement community in San Antonio.  Under the direction of Ronald and Sanjuanita Cooley, Stake Communication Specialists, the missionaries delivered an hour-long program of vocal and instrumental music.  

Brother Cooley said, “The missionaries have been serving at Emerald Oaks for three years but this is the first year we were invited to do a Christmas Eve Program.”  

He felt that the Sisters’ introduction set the tone for the evening.  “We testify of Jesus Christ and that’s what the Christmas Spirit is all about; giving, loving and serving.  We invite the Spirit to be with us through song and recounting the Christmas story that each of you might feel the Christmas Spirit.”

Throughout the month of December,  the Missionaries also did Christmas Caroling on Friday mornings.  They were joined by Bro Cooley and Austin Rodriguez on the piano and Angelica Cooley on the violin for a Christmas dinner time Serenade on Friday evenings.

Elders Merritt and Miller remarked that, “Serving at Emerald Oaks has been a great opportunity to meet some amazing people.  Talking to the folks there is always fun because everyone has stories to share and they are really kind in expressing their appreciation for the small service we do.”

“I absolutely loved the residents the moment I met them,” said Sister Gibson.  “We were able to talk and interact with them and they really showed their personalities.  They all have individual quirks and I have loved spending time with as many of them as I can.”

The Cooleys did have their challenges with the program, however.  At the last minute 14 of the 30 missionaries were put in quarantine due to exposure to a missionary who tested positive for COVID-19.   “We just asked them to fill in for those who couldn’t be there,” Sister Cooley remarked.

Sister Belt was impressed with how much she learned.  “I think as people we often separate ourselves and categorize each other unnecessarily.  But I soon realized that the things I love and care about are the same things that the residence love and care about, even though there is a significant age gap.”   

She summed up the entire experience by saying, “When we work with people who are different from us, we gain a grander perspective on life. I have felt so significantly God’s love for each of the people we work with, because we are all one in the same, children of God!” 

Photography by Rosie Jarvis

 Por Marci McPhee y Sussil Mejorado

(Article in Spanish below, with English following)
Mientras nuestros pensamientos se vuelven hacia ese niño Jesús refugiado en el pesebre, pensamos en esas familias refugiadas entre nosotros, aquí en los Estados Unidos. Miembros de la Rama Valencia (Estaca San Antonio Este) trabajaron juntos para hacer 177 tarjetas navideñas con un mensaje de fe y esperanza, para iluminar la navidad de familias migrantes que se ven afectadas por el sistema de detención migratoria.

Este proyecto interreligioso apoya la “sexta campaña anual Esperanza para las fiestas” de Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service. “El programa recolecta tarjetas para distribuirlas en los centros de detención de migrantes en todo el país y en los refugios a lo largo de la frontera, recordandole a la gente que no están olvidados durante la temporada navideña.”

Los jóvenes trabajaron por dos mutuales. Las hermanas de la Sociedad de Socorro, los niños de la Primaria, y los hermanos de la Rama Valencia hicieron tarjetas también. Se firmaron con su primer nombre y ciudad, nada más — no apellido, no dirección. Las tarjetas podían estar en cualquier idioma, pero fue preferible en español. La mayoría de la gente que recibió las tarjetas habla español. 

El presidente de la Rama, Presidente Wise, dijo, “Estoy muy orgulloso de la dedicación de nuestros jóvenes, líderes y padres que apoyaron en esta noble causa.” Hermana Elisa Rangel, presidenta de la Sociedad de Socorro, dijo: “Esto nos ayudó a que toda la familia tuviéramos un tiempo de calidad juntos y en realidad disfrutamos hacer servicio. Las hermanas experimentaron gozo y agradecimiento por servir. Todos en realidad plasmaron en las tarjetas sus mejores deseos de amor y paz en esta navidad para nuestros hermanos refugiados.”

Hermana Sandra Rodriguez, presidenta de las mujeres jóvenes, dijo, “Fue fabuloso ver como nuestros jóvenes hacían las tarjetas con tanto amor.”

Todos los miembros de la rama querían ayudar a los detenidos en estos tiempos tan difíciles. Especialmente este tiempo para celebrar el nacimiento de nuestro Salvador, ellos hacen Su obra, ayudando a los que necesitan ayuda y esperanza. 

Esta actividad brindará muchas sonrisas y calidez durante esta época navideña a familias que lo han dejado todo. Al realizar estas tarjetas, los miembros de la Rama Valencia les darán esperanza e iluminarán la vida de estas familias en estos tiempos difíciles, de una forma tan sencilla como el Salvador lo hizó.

Cada tarjeta fue diferente, como las personas en sí mismas. Cada tarjeta lleva amor y esperanza a personas que necesitan tanto. Feliz Navidad a todos los hijos de Dios. #IluminaElMundo

Christmas Cards of Love for Migrants in Detention

By Marci McPhee and Sussil Mejorado

As our thoughts turn to that refugee infant Jesus in the manger, we think of those refugee families among us, here in the United States. Members of the Valencia Branch (San Antonio East Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) worked together to make 177 Christmas cards with a message of faith and hope, to brighten Christmas for migrant families who find themselves affected by the migrant detention system. 

This interfaith project supports the “sixth annual Hope for the Holidays Campaign” of the Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service. “This program collects cards to distribute at migrant detention centers across the country and at shelters along the border, reminding people that they are not forgotten during the Christmas season.”

The youth made cards during two Mutual nights. The women of Relief Society, the children in Primary, and the brethren of the Valencia Branch made cards too. They signed the cards with their first name and city, nothing more – no last name, no address. The cards could be in any language, with Spanish preferred. Most of the people who will receive the cards speak Spanish.

Branch President Wise said, “I’m very proud of the dedication of our youth, leaders and parents who supported this noble cause.” Sister Elisa Rangel, Relief Society President, said, “This helped the whole family to have some quality time together. We actually enjoyed doing service. The sisters experienced joy and gratitude for serving. Everyone put their best wishes of love and peace on the cards this Christmas for our refugee brothers and sisters.”

Sister Sandra Rodriguez, Young Women president, said, “It was fabulous to see how our youth made the cards with such love.

All the members of the branch wanted to help the detainees in these difficult times. Especially at this time when we celebrate the birth of our Savior, they are doing His work, helping those who need help and hope.

This activity will bring many smiles and warmth during this Christmas season to families who have left everything. By making these cards, the members of the Valencia Branch will give them hope and illuminate the lives of these families in these difficult times, serving in a way as simple as the Savior served.

Each card was different, just like the people themselves who made them. Each card brings love and hope to people who need it so much. Merry Christmas to all God’s children. #LightTheWorld

By Ken Jarvis, Area Media Specialist

On a December weekend before Christmas, the youth of the Smithson Valley Ward, Hill Country Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, created a live, drive-thru nativity at the Stake Center.  McKay Rush, Assistant to the Priest Quorum President, said, “We were supposed to do something for the Primary age children but with COVID we couldn’t do that.”

Sister Stephani Bailey, Young Women’s President said that the idea for a live nativity, “…started as a suggestion from one of the advisors.  We all thought it was awesome and decided to involve the Young Men as well.”

It was originally just going to be for their ward.  “We wanted to do it because the youth haven’t had anything to do lately,” said Sister Bailey. 

Bishop Dan Worden agreed.  “It was all youth.  The idea started to be done in a member’s driveway.  We were going to just do a couple of scenes.  Then we thought, what if we get a lot of response, would it cause problems in the neighborhood?  So, we asked if we could use the Stake Center.”  

When they got permission to go ahead, they worked to make sure it would be COVID safe.  Some of the scenes were done by youth from large families or several families who live close together and spend a lot of time together anyway.  They were allowed to take their masks off.  

“Then it just kept morphing,” Bishop Worden said.  “Can we get animals?”  Yes, they could.   “We needed something to draw people in.  So, we decided to use the scriptures and music to add audio to it.”  

Bishop Worden noted that the adults were in the background.  “We let the youth be the center.  We felt that was a key, important thing.”

McKay said, “I  had plans for that night but I also had an obligation to help with the Nativity so I went there half-heartedly because I wanted to be with my friends.  My attitude at the beginning was not the best.  But then when people started coming and I saw how this was important for other people it kind of changed the way I looked at it.”  

Halle Wright, Young Women 14 and 15-year-old Class President, agreed.  “I thought it was successful and really fun for everybody.  Some of the people who came weren’t even members of the church, they just came to experience it even though they weren’t members.”  

Bishop Worden agreed.  “As people left some of them asked, ‘What’s the name of this church again?’,  ‘Can we give you a donation?’ or ‘Do you accept donations?’”  

It turned out to be far more successful than anyone imagined.  “We had 158 cars go through in two hours,” said Bishop Worden.  “With a conservative average of 4 people per car (and we know some had 8) we had well over 600 people.”  

Halle said, “It was something that I’ll always remember because it really impacted a lot of people that came to it.” 

McKay agreed, “That’s what life is all about, to lose myself in serving others.”  

by Leisa Parsons, Area Media Specialist

2020 has arguably been the most unique year in our collective lifetimes. You just have to look at the various “2020” social media memes ranging from toilet paper shortages, the quarantine and harried homeschool moms to realize we’ve laughed and struggled through 2020. My personal favorite, which ended up on my letter board: “Hindsight has petitioned to no longer be referred to as 2020.”

I asked around: What is something that you are particularly grateful for that is unique to 2020? Aubrey Buchei from the LaCantera Stake’s Fair Oaks Ward said: “As heartbreaking as it was to have my husband laid off due to the pandemic, I’m so unbelievably grateful he was home to help me with virtual schooling!” 

Buchei exemplifies what Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf taught. He said: “It is easy to be grateful for things when life seems to be going our way. But what then of those times when what we wish for seems to be far out of reach?

“Could I suggest that we see gratitude as a disposition, a way of life that stands independent of our current situation? In other words, I’m suggesting that instead of being thankful for things, we focus on being thankful in our circumstances—whatever they may be.” (April 2014)

Jana Hilton, from the North Stake’s Sonterra Ward said: “COVID has helped me feel more gratitude in all circumstances. In 2019 I spent weeks and even months helping three daughters and their families when they brought new babies into the world, supporting my mother through a very difficult surgery and recovery process, and caring for my disabled father. Because of the miracle of air travel, I was able to support my loved ones who lived far away. Because of COVID, the year 2020 has been completely different. While I have not been able to physically be with my loved ones as much this year, we have found other meaningful and happy ways to connect. I have also been able to focus on projects at home, some of them with my husband, that have brought fulfillment and joy. COVID has reminded me to seize the moment and look for the good that can spring from adversity.”

Megan Rulewicz, from the West Stake’s Helotes Ward heads up the dance department at UTSA. She said: “I’m thankful for the opportunity I’ve had to take dance classes from incredible dancers and instructors from all over the world without having to leave my home.” 

Matita Charlton, of the North Stake’s Deerfield ward said: “My prayers became more meaningful and powerful. When I realized there was no where to go, no available ‘experts’ with answers during this pandemic. I realized only Christ alone has ALL the answers, and I learned how to ask and really trust that only HE can answer me.”

Sixteen year-old Caitlyn Roher, from Cibolo Valley Stake’s Cibolo Ward, said “I think for me, it’s been extra time with family. We’ve been able to spend more time together, especially when the kids weren’t at school. I feel like I’ve gotten a little bit closer to my siblings, which has been really nice.

Debbie Walker, from the North Stake’s Balcones Heights Ward said, “We have loved having more time together to explore the local trails, rivers, neighborhoods and parks and to serve at the Church peanut farm. We have found that Covid has provided the perfect opportunity to do more (together) by doing less of the busy day to day activities that kept us so occupied pre-Covid.  It has been a joy playing and working together.  A family that sweats together sticks together.”

For me, virtual and now homeschool has been one of my greatest blessings. I have been able to have my grandchildren, who live in the Killeen area, visit several times and bonus: I can handle second grade math! 

During President Russell M. Nelson’s recent invitation and counsel to the world he taught that “Counting our blessings is far better than recounting our problems.” This rings true with so many that have found the positive in COVID.

By Joe Robledo, San Antonio East Stake Communications Director with Marci McPhee, Just Serve Specialist

On Saturday, September 26, 2020, the San Antonio East Stake collected an astonishing 1,013 pairs of new and hardly used pants for Haven for Hope. Haven supports people experiencing homelessness in San Antonio.

The Relief Society organizations in each of 14 congregations were the points of contact and the people that were crucial. KSAT12 was gracious enough to place the event on their news website as well. Word of the collection reached Tractor Supply in Adkins, Texas, which donated $75 towards the service project. 

While Haven has accepted used clothing in the past, COVID restrictions meant that they had no space to sort donations. For this reason they accepted only new or like-new clothing, and they needed pants the most. Numerous church members donated hardly used pants or purchased new clothes for this drive.These purchases were made at a particular sacrifice, considering the economic conditions due to the COVID virus. To numerous families, this sacrifice was no small thing, yet over a thousand pieces of new and hardly used pants were eventually collected and delivered. For those unable to contribute, many more prayers were offered on behalf of those without homes, prayers that are known only to the Father of us all.

Lee Richardson, Spiritual Services Community Coordinator at Haven for Hope, was extremely receptive and grateful as she said, “You have no idea what this means to us and the people whom we serve.” 

These donations are very sacred. What a blessing it was to see the deliveries arrive at Haven for Hope. It was humbling to see the pants and the shorts go into receiving bins and know of the sacrifice that was made by members of the San Antonio East Stake, and what that represented to those individuals who would eventually receive them. 

Truly I am reminded of the widow’s mite and how many gave, even at a very great sacrifice. I am reminded of the Savior’s blessing, “And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me”(Matthew 25:40). 

I think of the hands that reached out and took new garments off the store rack; I think of the hands that reach for the wallet; I think of the budgets that were affected by the purchase; I think of loving hearts and the loyalty that members demonstrated to the Savior, as they blessed the lives of His children in need. I consider how warm and pleased our Father in Heaven and the Savior Jesus Christ are, as They see Their children work and sacrifice to bless others. 

Truly I saw the hands of the Savior as they filled the bins and delivered the clothes and as the clothes were received. Although the faces of those who will eventually receive these garments will never be seen, the hearts of those who gave and received will be comforted. For the hands of the giver and the receiverthat have hung low will now be lifted up.

Thanks to stake JustServe Specialist Marci McPhee, who organized and coordinated this effort. Stake Media Specialist Timothy Mihalski created the eye-catching flyer and Facebook announcement and that helped spread the news. Special thanks to: Buena Vista – Esmerelda Guzman, Converse – Tessa Allred, Desirae Cobb, Eden – Kathryn Abercrombie, High Country – Sharon Larson, Mission Creek – Lucy Hardy, Pleasanton – Elise Brown, Randolph – Pam Smith, SA 1 Ward – Rachel Vandenberg, SA 10 Ward – Maggie Guerra, Selma – Sarah Moeck, Universal City – Lauren Cunico, Windcrest – Stephanie Klein, Woodlake – Diana Chavez, Valencia – Branch Pres. William Wise

by Leisa Parsons, Area Communications Specialist

It is a stunning transformation worthy of the best home improvement show. Travis Park Church, a staple in downtown San Antonio since 1846, is one of the primary resources for the city’s homeless and refugees. They feed over 700 people a week and provide shelter for hundreds each evening. 

Travis Park’s shower facilities for refugees and the homeless had been out of commission for several months due to safety concerns. The showers had fallen into such disrepair following years of heavy usage and flooding due to a roof collapse late last year.

Before the COVID shutdown, members from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the missionaries in the Texas San Antonio Mission served on a regular basis helping with Travis Park’s refugee efforts.

During a visit prior to the quarantine, Mission President, Jason Tveten, and President Dan Packard, counselor in the Hill Country Stake Presidency were visiting with the Pastor of Travis Park, Eric Vogt. As is often the case, President Packard asked if there was anything else the Church could do to help. Pastor Vogt said “Yes!” and took President Packard to view their rundown shower facilities.

He explained that their facilities were being used on alternate days to augment the City’s mobile showers, but that they were going to have to shut down the facilities over their safety concerns. President Packard responded: “I told him that I could not make any promises, but that we had people of good will in our congregation, and some of them are professional contractors.” 

President Packard contacted Deron Stadler, of Stadler Custom Homes, for help. By mid May of this year, Stadler had a team assembled to begin the work. Along with donating his time, Stadler had asked his suppliers to donate supplies for the project. The bid to fix the shower facility was a fraction of the cost that it would have been. A request was sent to Salt Lake for the funds to complete the project. The Church quickly responded with a yes, and the work was able to begin.  

Travis Park’s Associate Pastor, Gavin Rogers, is thrilled with the results of the new showers which are already serving up to 100 people a week. He hopes to do a formal “unveiling” after concerns over COVID lift. 

By Marci McPhee, JustServe Specialist, San Antonio East Stake ​

Feeling the urgency to help with recent storm damage, the San Antonio East Stake sprang into action. Hurricane Hanna hit the Rio Grande Valley and Corpus Christi on Saturday, July 25th with 90 mph winds and up to 18 inches of rain, knocking down trees and tearing off roofs, with more rain coming. Tarps needed to be installed to try to salvage homes from further damage. Plenty of cleanup help would be needed in the months to come, but the tarps were urgent. Service teams were ready to go in the area, prepared to assist those in need – but first they needed help identifying and prioritizing the survivors. This is where Crisis Cleanup comes into play. They match the need for clean up with work crews when the time is right. For example, one caller into Crisis Cleanup said: “Relief workers can take their time. There is still 11 inches of water in the house. Nothing can be done until the water goes down.”

On Tuesday morning, July 28, Crisis Cleanup executive director Aaron Titus asked the San Antonio East Stake President, James Mears, to recruit volunteers to staff the hotline. President Mears sent out the call for volunteers. Early volunteers jumped in, watched training videos, and cleared their schedules to help. On Wednesday morning, the hotline opened –- less than 24 hours from the time that the request came into the stake. A volunteer staffing the hotline said: “One guy lost his entire house except for one room, and they are all in that room. My heart goes out to them. It could be me making that call for help.”

Continue reading “Crisis Cleanup Helping Storm Survivors Across the Country”

By Ken Jarvis and Leisa Parsons, Area Media Specialists

Approximately every other week a San Antonio Area stake goes to the Latter-day Saint peanut farm, near Pearsall, to pull weeds.  Last weekend Brother and Sister Daniel Hatcher and their family went to work at the farm.  They just moved into the San Antonio 6th Ward less than two months ago.  Even as new ward members the entire family responded to the call to go to the Church farm last month.  

They enjoyed the work so much they came back on their own.  Brother Hatcher said, “When we proposed to the kids the idea of returning, they all agreed they wanted to come back. As parents we feel this teaches them to buckle down and work hard.” He added that they like the idea of service. “We’re helping produce peanuts to make peanut butter.”

That was very much the theme that Brother Dan Roberts, Farm Manager, stresses when he welcomes the volunteers to the farm.  He talks about the importance of growing peanuts.  “There is a great need in the world today,” he said.  “Just turn on the television and you’ll see that the problem of enough food is very close to home. What we’re doing here can help with that problem. This farm is more than just peanuts. Its feeding people and helping people to feel better.”

Today, over 45,000 pounds of peanut butter, from peanuts grown at the Church farm near Pearsall, arrived at the San Antonio Food Bank to be distributed to families across San Antonio.

Two trucks from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints pulled in this morning to the San Antonio Food Bank. One truck held the peanut butter and another truck brought 39,300 pounds of other food items to be distributed to local food pantries. For reference, approximately 10 pounds of food provides seven meals. Continue reading “From Farm to Table – Serving Others”

By Leisa Parsons, Area Media Specialist

“The ultimate missionary training center is in our homes….” taught Elder David A. Bednar of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in April of 2019. He continued: “Vital temple preparation classes occur in our homes…. Making our homes sanctuaries wherein we can ‘stand in holy places’ is essential in these latter days…. it will be even more vital in the future.” Elder Bednar’s prophetic words are being realized in many homes in our area through the Virtual MTC.

“I wouldn’t change this home MTC experience for the world.  Our family loves it, and we feel so blessed to be a part of this special time.” said Kacee Carlson, of the Stone Oak Ward, whose son Tyler is in the MTC, adding: “Our home is usually a happy place, but just like any home and family we have our moments!  Since Tyler started his Home MTC, however, it is like a dream at home.  The kids are happy, we are all productive, and we feel like we are all working together toward a common goal.”

Camilla Montoya, from the Balconies Heights Ward has also loved having the MTC at home, but initially recognized the disappointment it would be to her son Lucas not to go to the Provo MTC. She said: “About a month before his official start date, he asked us if we thought there was any chance of the MTC reopening in July. We told him probably not, that we understood this is not what he had planned for his entire life, and although it didn’t seem fair, it was important for him to always take the best from whatever situation is handed to him in life. I think it was important to acknowledge his feelings of disruption, but at the same time encourage him to understand the blessings of the alternative situation in his life. He never complained about it.”

Continue reading “Missionary Training Centers at Home”