Regional Coordinating Council Welfare Specialist

After serving for almost 2 years as the Regional Institute Director, Frank was released in December.   He was then called to serve on the High Council.   This calling only lasted about 3 weeks.   I was sitting at home one night when the phone rang and it was our Area 70,  Elder Arnulfo Valenzuela, calling from Mexico City.  He wanted to talk to Frank.   Frank was off at a basketball practice (coaching) so I asked Elder Valenzuela to call back.  When Elder Valenzuela talked with Frank he called him to serve as the "Welfare Specialist" on the Regional (State of Chihuahua) Coordinating Council.   Of course, Frank accepted but thought this was odd since he had barely been set apart for his High Council calling.   When we talked to Pres. Jones on Sunday, he explained that Elder Valenzuela said he had felt inspired to call him. (President Jones)    Elder Valenzuela said that he had been trying unsuccessfully to find someone to serve in this position.   He said he had the names of several people but they had either not been approved by the Area Presidency or else they had not accepted the calling.   He then asked President Jones if he could recommend someone for this calling.   President Jones said he knew who Elder Valenzuela wanted and then recommended Frank.  President Jones said he knew they were trying to fill this calling and had not wanted to recommend Frank because he wanted him for the High Council.... but reluctantly told Elder Valenzuela that Frank was the person the Lord wanted.   Frank was set apart last night.  Elder Valenzuela wanted Frank to travel to Mexico City for training but we have a cruise planned that same week so that will have to be rescheduled.   We will learn more about this calling as it unfolds but as far as we can have been told, it will involve quite a bit of traveling as he will be working with the Welfare Specialist throughout the State of Chihuahua with issues concerning welfare, which include Employment, the Perpetual Education Fund, Education, Home Storage, Physical, Mental and Spiritual Health.   I know right now Frank feels a little overwhelmed but I'm sure he will do a great job!   He always puts his heart and soul into his church callings!   I'm proud of him.

Just as a side note for journal keeping, I was called and set apart as the "Stake Indexing Director" in August.   When I was set apart President Jones blessed me "with a passion for this work!"  I have to say, I think this has been my "all time favorite calling" so far!  I absolutely LOVE it!

In the picture... from left to right: President Kelly Jones, Frank and our Bishop, Russell Robinson.