By: Norberto Betita
We were informed that they will be coming, but were to be a bit delayed for health requirements. Come they did on March 2013 and made the history of being the first couple missionary to have served in the Philippines Butuan Mission. In their missionary bags the carried this beautiful promise declared by Elder Robert D. Hales: “If you are or will soon be the age of a senior missionary, I come to you … to witness of the blessings that can change your life forever. Your Heavenly Father needs you. His work, under the direction of our Savior Jesus Christ, needs what you are uniquely prepared to give. Every missionary experience requires faith, sacrifice, and service, and these are always followed by an outpouring of blessings.”
Elder and sister Torio willingly responded to the prophetic call for couples to serve and left the comfortable confines of home and family. For eighteen months they missed the joy of being with their grandchildren---the little messy kids that added the adjective ‘GRAND’ meaning outstanding, impressive, influential, splendid, magnificent, wonderful, fantastic, to the word parent, giving them the most respectable title of grandparents. They missed the hugs and kisses from children and grandchildren; the company of friends and neighbors; the joyous outings and vacations; the solemnity and tranquility of the home atmosphere. These and all others they willingly sacrificed for such a very important priority which in the end will even increase such missed times with family and friends.
They sat in a comfortable desk at the mission office. Missed are the casual shirts and dresses that they have to regularly wear each day, changed into the missionary attire of white shirts and formal Sunday’s best dresses. In the seemingly comfortable environment of the mission office and out are regular daily loads of responsibilities to undertake---reports, calls, follow-ups, apartment inspections, driving for General Authorities, family visits and rescue, long hours of travel, speaking in conferences at short notices, and they have all. Yet doing such were never a burden to them. They performed their duties with satisfaction and commitment. They are in the service of God and His children, “… and if they will do this in all lowliness of heart, in meekness and humility, and long-suffering, I, the Lord, give unto them a promise that I will provide for their families; and an effectual door shall be opened for them, from henceforth. (D & C 118:3).
From the Area Office are calls received and demands of reports are passed on to local leaders who themselves are busy with their paternal responsibilities. Then the reply, “Elder we will do it soon.” Never could he pass this same reply to the Area Office but wait. In a week or two or at times even after a month follow-ups are made; the answer improved, “Elder we have the report already submitted to the District President.” But where, and the only thing he can do is smile.
From the Area Office are calls received and demands of reports are passed on to local leaders who themselves are busy with their paternal responsibilities. Then the reply, “Elder we will do it soon.” Never could he pass this same reply to the Area Office but wait. In a week or two or at times even after a month follow-ups are made; the answer improved, “Elder we have the report already submitted to the District President.” But where, and the only thing he can do is smile.
They travel long hours and mileage for apartment inspections and checks. Young missionaries are caught in surprise and try to hide the messes and clutters, but could find no time to conceal the dirty rest rooms. They would promise to do better and improve their abodes. Words of reproof are expressed “by persuasion, by long suffering, by gentleness and meekness and by love unfeigned.” Then realizing that these young missionaries were victims of their prior circumstances they “show an increase of love toward whom they have reproved.” (see D&C 121:41-43). And, at the end of a day’s travel they hope and pray that these young missionaries will learn even the simple rule of housekeeping.
At times during District Conferences they are called upon to drive for a General Authority who is to preside, when the Mission President have a different assignment. In the course of the conference, they are given short notice to speak and give a brief message. It is one hard thing to do when you are in front of an overflowing congregation and you wanted to share a message that will inspire and edify in so short a time. Sometimes being caught unaware they became dependent from inspiration and so gave the Holy Ghost more work to do. And they were never forsaken.
At times during District Conferences they are called upon to drive for a General Authority who is to preside, when the Mission President have a different assignment. In the course of the conference, they are given short notice to speak and give a brief message. It is one hard thing to do when you are in front of an overflowing congregation and you wanted to share a message that will inspire and edify in so short a time. Sometimes being caught unaware they became dependent from inspiration and so gave the Holy Ghost more work to do. And they were never forsaken.
At the ward where they are attending they are assigned families to visit and rescue. “Faith, hope, charity and love with an eye single to the glory of God (D&C 4:5)” became their guiding light and shining example as they tried to help reclaim the once burning testimony from the hearts of every hopeful family. Their missionary spirit radiates the home with the joy that the gospel brings. Testimonies were renewed and souls are conveyed back to the ever open fold of God. There is no greater joy and satiating contentment than seeing families come back unto Christ and again partake of the blessed hope for eternal life.
In time they were assigned to stay in the District groomed to become a Stake of Zion. They willingly shared their experiences. They served, they loved, they inspired, they trained, and they did as they are told. They may never be able to witness the dawning of the newborn Stake of Zion in their mission life, yet they are ever filled with the joyful anticipation to see the seeds they have planted to germinate and sprout towards spiritual growth and progress.
In time they were assigned to stay in the District groomed to become a Stake of Zion. They willingly shared their experiences. They served, they loved, they inspired, they trained, and they did as they are told. They may never be able to witness the dawning of the newborn Stake of Zion in their mission life, yet they are ever filled with the joyful anticipation to see the seeds they have planted to germinate and sprout towards spiritual growth and progress.
Time zooms like a supersonic jet above the sky. As in a trip towards a desired destination, their mission ends and soon they will be honorably released. They eventually will leave the thresholds of the Philippines Butuan Mission back to the ever exciting life with children and grandchildren, and friends. Surely they will miss the thrills and joys of mission life. They will set loose the firm handshakes of people they have worked with in the mission field. Yet they will have their missionary bags overflowing with treasured memories which will last forever. In James Barrie’s words, “God gave us memories, that we may have June roses in the December of our lives.”
Our hearts overspills with overwhelming gratitude as we bid them farewell. We will yearn and hunger for the time and wonderful camaraderie that they have shared with us. But off they have to go. As we wave our hands for goodbyes we need only say, THANK YOU VERY MUCH ELDER AND SISTER TORIO; “GOD BE WITH YOU TILL WE MEET AGAIN.”
Our hearts overspills with overwhelming gratitude as we bid them farewell. We will yearn and hunger for the time and wonderful camaraderie that they have shared with us. But off they have to go. As we wave our hands for goodbyes we need only say, THANK YOU VERY MUCH ELDER AND SISTER TORIO; “GOD BE WITH YOU TILL WE MEET AGAIN.”
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