Mikes Farewell Talk

Mike's experience. First off he invited as many non members as he could think of.  With family and friends the chapel was filled to the back and chairs from classrooms had to be brought in.  Five minutes into his talk by starting out of Christs light the rumblings up on the stand were evident as stake pres. and bishop left then came back which then our councilor stood up and announced we would evacuate the building due to fire.  We stood out in the snow to find out shortly after church was called off.  Arriving home I literally shuffled through the crowd of kids.  We had about 130 people of his friends, and family on the main floor.  Mike and his three friends sang a song and the Spirit was so thick.  Turns out the church didn't burn down...it was just a belt in the furnace causing smoke- needed replaced or something. All is good and the Lord works in mysterious ways....the Spirit of God "like a fire is burning!!!" Ha HA  Coach Buhrley (SHS running coach) wrote in the weekly e-mail...

Titan Indoor Track Bulletin - Jan 27, 2013

BREAKING NEWS

Coach Buhrley goes to church, church catches fire. I’m not saying there’s a connection, but... . As a result of the fire, Mike Russell set a Titan Farewell record with a 2:55.52 split for his talk. Congrats, Mike!!

(He times all the talks- Mike wins!)

So... he leaves in two weeks.  Next Sunday the Stake Pres. wants him to share his thoughts in our fast and testimony meeting and then the following Sunday is Stake Conference. Mike has  his talk available for fb or can email to anyone who wants to read it.  

 Jarom Hansen, Mike, Tom Hill, and Brad Allen sang Brightly Beams Our Fathers Mercy. It was absolutely beautiful.

A very special thanks to all who came, many who traveled, and especially all who have touched Mike's heart and taught him things, helped him grow, and loved him.  My heart is full of so much gratitude, and I know his is too.  Thank You.

Anxiously Waiting....

All the shopping is all wrapped up.  So many loving family members want to support Mike and help get him ready to go.  Heavenly Father has blessed him so much!  We got his shirts, pants, rain coat, shoes, suit, and temple clothing.  Then his dad got him another suit, shoes, beautiful ties, and shirts. Grandma's and Grandpa's are sending money for a bike, and helping with his mission costs. What a blessing to have so many loved ones.  Mike is very conservative and has been very easy to get ready to send off.  He wants to just take the sheets and bed cover he already has. He's been working long hours filling his account with money before he goes.  Hopefully he won't need much of it on his mission, so when he returns he won't be broke!  Well, anyway...it's been a lot of fun.  He's so ready! It's exciting!

Bountiful Temple Endowments Jan. 19, 2013

The endowment session was a beautiful event.  Many people came to support him.  He was very prepared, and even explained some things to me after!  This doesn't surprise me much.  He's studied the gospel and knows a lot.  His mission will bless him even more as he serves the Lord.  He will be a great missionary.  After, we all went to the Mandarin for Chinese food.  It was a great time!

Sunday Jan. 27th @ 1:00 Please Come

Farewell Talk

• 2800 W 300 N West Point, UT 84015 (Church behind West Point Jr. high, on 300 N)

• Hey everyone--as you probably know--I have been called to the Houston, Texas mission! Come enjoy (or just listen to) my Farewell talk before I leave! I expect EVERYONE to be there:) There will be food at my house after; my address is: 523 N 2550 W, West Point 84015 Call or text me if you have any questions (801) 663-8251 p.s. Bring everyone you know! If you don't know me very well or aren't exactly LDS Please still come, or at least get some food after!

So cool!  YES...HOUSTON, TEXAS

 Grandma and Grandpa Belnap were their to celebrate, Grandpa and Grandma Hicks on skype in Ireland, and Grandma and Grandpa Russell and Palmer on telephone and text!

 Lot's of joy and excitement filled the air December 27th!  Family and friends gathered to celebrate!

OK, so the video didn't upload.  I'll figure that out later. For now...let it be known- Mike we're so excited and proud of you.  It's awesome that you have such a strong testimony and desire to serve the Lord.  What a  blessing you are to so many!  We love you.

Getting the call

On December 27th the call from the Prophet came!  At 6:00 sharp Mike would open his call to see where he'd be serving the Lord for two years.  Many made guesses both stateside and foreign.  Mom and Dad both guessed Texas!  Watch the movie to see....