Christensens Called to South Africa MTC

Dean and Elaine Christensen have been called to oversee the 3-year-old Missionary Training Center in Johannesburg, South Africa, one of the church’s 16 international training centers worldwide. Dean will serve as President of the MTC and Elaine will assist and also serve as Relief Society President. In this 2-year calling, which begins in January 2010, the Christensen’s will be responsible for training young missionaries from all over the world who have been called to serve in the Africa Southeast Area including the South Africa Johannesburg; Zimbabwe Harare; South Africa Durban; Mozambique Maputo; South Africa Cape Town and Kenya Nairobi missions.

With a capacity of up to 50 at any one time, the facility has approximately 35 missionaries arriving every three-weeks, all who live in dormitories on-site with meals provided by a contracted caterer. In their service to the Lord and His children, the Christensen’s will be assisted by four part time classroom instructors - all returned missionaries - and, a capable fulltime employee who serves as the MTC’s Manager of Training and Services.

Dean notes, "Obviously, we were shocked at this assignment, but honored to be counted worthy to serve in such a capacity. We will do our best not to embarrass the ward!"

Elaine says, "Wow! I don't think it has actually ‘sunk in’ yet! Clear across the world for two years! My first thoughts were how much this past mission has helped us see things from the missionaries perspective because we have now been in their shoes and know what they face each day. I have wonderful memories of serving in Los Angeles and also in the Jacksonville Mission and know this will be no different. It will be an amazing experience! Our kids have mixed emotions I'm sure, but are excited and thrilled for us to have this opportunity and blessing."

The Christensen’s were serving in the Jacksonville, Florida Mission when this call was extended and were released early to come home and prepare, surprising members of the Bloomington 7th Ward by simply showing up one Sunday in July. Follow their South African adventures on Elaine's blog at http://christensenmission.blogspot.com.