SISTER TAGGART'S TRIBUTE TO SENIOR MISSIONARIES

Written by Claudia Taggart, Senior Missionary, Illinois Chicago Mission

Today I saw the Army of Helaman in a different light.

I watched the generals and leaders who took those boys to fight.

They looked ordinary --- from the world's point of view,

But a closer look would show you the scars, and not a few.

These old warriors have felt defeat, stress, and fatigue.

These warriors have scars from life's battles and intrigue.

They have raised their families, had careers and led the ranks.

In wards and stakes and branches before they joined these ranks.

They have seen the hand of God work wonders in their lives,

So joining once again seemed natural in these strifes.

The surge of missionaries is wondrous to behold.

Yet the surge of these veteran warriors needs mention though they're old.

Their hands are knarled, they walk with limps and some have problems of the heart,

Yet when the youth need help or more support, they are the first ones at the start.

With experience and memories they proceed to lead the youth.

From the ranks of the office where they hold to right and truth.

This army surging forward is handsome, young and strong,

But today I saw their support group who have battled for so long.

Their suits are cut much wider, their hair is filled with gray.

I'm grateful for this army I was allowed to glimpse today

ELDER & SISTER TAGGART & ELDER AND SISTER ABBOTT (see T shirt pix), and ELDER AND SISTER CROOKS (who we replaced) were in the mission at the beginning..  They were in the trenches.  Among a zillion other things, they welcomed over 400 missionaries and said goodbye to many.  They had to find apartments, over 100, for missionaries to live in.  They managed 70 to 80 cars, the finances for the missionaries, and were there when IPads were introduced and monitored them.  This is just the highlight.  These people are strong testimonies in action.  No mission would survive without them.