Oh Happy Day!

   Six months ago we expressed the desire to have internet in the chapel annex where we hold our Sunday meetings.  We were told that it would be possible and certainly would be working before General Conference rolled around again in October. For six months we've hoped and prayed and requested that internet hook-up.  In September a big screen TV was installed, but no internet.  This week we were wondering if it would ever happen, especially when the chaplain said that he has been requesting internet in the building for years and didn't expect it to happen while he is here.
   Sometimes the Lord puts special people in our lives to help move his work along. We have a chaplain assistant who has been extremely helpful to our cause.  He pushed the right people and pulled the right strings and was successful in getting the internet hooked up on Thursday. We will be forever grateful for his determination.  Because of the internet connection we were able to provide live general conference for our soldiers on base for the first time. 

   In the past, the only way to allow the soldiers to watch conference was to arrange for an Army van and an Army driver (preferably LDS) and take some of the soldiers off base to the stake center.  The driver who has served faithfully in that capacity was transferred out of the area in July.  Only a few soldiers could get the pass necessary to make the trip on Saturday and/or Sunday and be away from the base for such a long time.  Also, a meal would have to be served to them in between sessions. Last conference we had 5 soldiers on Saturday and the same 5 on Sunday.

Elder Elkins had to constantly monitor the internet connection.  It wasn't always a smooth stream but if he kept his finger on the mouse and moved it a little every few seconds, we didn't get too many glitches. 

   We did arrange for a driver and a van just in case the internet connection didn't happen in time.  However, he called on Friday saying that he would be unable to drive this week after all because of military obligations out of town!
   We didn't know if we'd get much participation on a Saturday for our own little conference broadcast, but 14 soldiers attended the first session and 8 attended the second. We were thrilled!  They were able to return to their barracks or check in with their company or just stretch out and take a nap on the benches between sessions.  We provided sandwich fixings, cookies, and snacks which were gratefully consumed as only soldiers can.

   For the Priesthood session, we were sad to tell the soldiers that our van driver had cancelled and it was too late to locate and get another driver approved.  Five of the soldiers were able to get the proper passes and jointly hired a taxi to get them to the stake center.  (Army regulations will not allow us to transport the soldiers in our car for this type of thing.)  So a few of them got there anyway.
   On Sunday 19 soldiers attended the first session and 14 returned for the second session.  What a blessing to have the internet available for these soldiers! And what a great conference.  We had one non-member who attended a session on Saturday and another who attended both sessions on Sunday.
   Between sessions Elder Elkins conducted a little official business.  As authorized by the Stake President, and Bishop, we sustained two assistants to the Group Leader (Elder Elkins) of the Fort Eustis Servicemen's Group.  Then Soldier T and Soldier X were set apart.  Our new bishopric requested that we use soldiers for assistants now instead of retired military people like we've had in the past.  The reason is to train these men to be leaders and give them experience in leadership.  It will be a great program, challenging because of the constant turn-over, but still great. (Our AIT soldiers are here for 8 weeks to 6 months)

   Then the newly sustained assistants and Elder Elkins ordained Soldier P to the Aaronic Priesthood.  He was baptized in January just before joining the Army, but when he came to us had not received the Priesthood.  We were able to arrange for his interview and get authorization for the ordination.  He loves the gospel and is planning to be married in the temple in the Spring.  He will prepare to receive the Melchizedek Priesthood at his next duty station.

   Two blessings were given to soldiers this week-end also.  Soldier K for help with his final testing this week and help getting medical and dental requirements taken care of so that he can submit mission papers.  Soldier Z needed help dealing with a tragedy in his wife's family. We arranged for Soldier N to be interviewed to prepare for his Patriarchal Blessing. He has been inactive for years and now that he is getting back into activity, greatly desires that blessing. 

   What a great week it has been!