Companions’ Comments

Elder Lauren Davison.  

Aah! My dear son. Gather round and harken to a father’s parting words: As you have bejun to grow in this new and exciting world, I have done my best to teach the things I have come to know. Now it is up to you, my son, to decide which you will keep close to your heart and which you will place to the side. All in all, if you will, remember one thing: I did not raise you to be like me, but to be better still. I do not claim to be perfect, nor even hardly close, but I guess there was something that I had for you, and that was why it was me He chose. Some things I may have done that did no, to you, seem entirely right. But remember, all once or twice do fall. As this happens we also learn to crawl. As we look up to see where we are going, our perspective changes and we see a loving God with open arms to help us learn to walk again. Things may happen to cause you to be discouraged and you may become frustrated with yourself. But think of whose child you are and how he feels. You have the vitality of youth in the flush of your face, the twinkle of eternity in your eye. Last of all, my son, do it! and do it well! — Love Loz.

Weekly trainer evaluation categories:  


   1=Obedience to Mission Rules
   2=Personal discipline and Growth
   3=Knowledge of Discussions (effective presentation)
   4=Gospel Study
   5=Attitude Toward Missionary Service
   6=Proselyting Abilities
   7=Other comments

28 Nov
1988		1. He has a good understanding of the rules and sticks to them. He knows what he should be doing as a missionary and is actively engaged in trying to do just that.
2. He is learning a lot. Very adaptable and fitting in well. He recognizes his fears and is making resolves to overcome them.
3. Second
4. Very interested in learning. Not adverse to starting ½hr early for companion study. Very excited and wants to learn as much as possible. Studies standing during personal study so as not to fall asleep (still jet-lagged).
5. Great. Made a superb impression on Elders Quorum by his enthusiastic introduction. Ready to get out and go.
6. Very good. Learns quickly and is able to hold conversations well. Feels for them and has a good understanding of the people and is sensitive to their concerns, etc.
7. Learning very quickly. He is fitting in remarkably well.
5 Dec
1988		1. Good. Gets a little upset when other missionaries do not obey the rules. Understands the importance of keeping the rules even though they may seem trivial and silly at times.
2. He keeps himself well under control. Obeys all rules — doesn’t lose temper, etc. (even when there are kids jumping all over him). Holds himself well in conversations.
3. Second
4. Knowledge of gospel principles is sound and accurate. Always looks for correction and reproof (not a “know-it-all”) Loves to learn and study.
5. Gung-ho. Well directed and enthusiastic. Wants to learn how it’s done as soon as possible so that he can concentrate on the work at hand.
6. Good. Learning the “language” well. Able to identify concerns and pick up on opportunities to share the message. Gets a little excited when the opportunity does present itself and tends to be a little long-winded in explanation, but nothing detrimental to teaching. Practice makes perfect.
7. If I can train him right and with his desire, you could have yourself a good missionary.
12 Dec
1988		1. Good. Not much to say. He does what he knows to be right
2. Excellent. Always wanting to do what is required of him. Likes to try hard and do what needs to be done.
3. Second
4. Interested in all aspects of gospel. Very perceptive. Very eager to apply all principles learned to personal life.
5. Wants to go go go! It’s hard to keep up with him. He is slightly re-directing his efforts as he comes to learn the most effective areas to work at.
6. Great. He wants to learn to rely on the Spirit and do it the way the Lord wants it. Relates to people well and is excited in his work.
7. Seems to have trouble in personally identifying the influence of the Spirit in others and self. Practice and many opportunities to feel Spirit will enable him to learn this.
19 Dec
1988		1. Good. Nothing to really say. He knows what the rules are and he keeps them.
2. Great. The has had a number of experiences where he has felt the guidance of the Spirit.
3. Second
4. Loves to study. Always asking questions on gospel topics. Very willing to learn as much as he can.
5. Wants ot work hard and do what is required.
6. Becoming very confident and loves speaking to people. Sensitive to concerns that others may have.
7.
26 Dec
1988		1. Very obedient; still understands them [rules].
2. Good
3. Third
4. Loves to study; not enough time.
5. Great. Always trying new methods and ideas.
6. Getting better all the time.
7.
2 Jan
1989		1. Good.
2. Still surging ahead.
3. Third. Lacks a little confidence, but has adequate mastery of content.
4. Learning all the time. Loves to understand the gospel in detail.
5. Great. Loves to work and wants to do as much as possible.
6. Good again. He’s getting better all the time.
7.
9 Jan
1989		1. Fine. Knows what they are and tries to keep them all. Understands the role they play.
2. Growing a lot. Has himself under control in all situations.
3. Fourth. With the Spirit is a good teacher.
4. Likes to study and is always trying to increase knowledge and understanding.
5. Good attitude.
6. Better all the time. Will all fall into place as confidence increases.
7.
16 Jan
1989		1. Great. Loves ’em.
2. Good.
3. Fifth.
4. Loves to study still.
5. Great. Loves the work.
6. Getting better all the time.
7.
23 Jan
1989		1. Elder Despain has come to know and understand all of the mission rules as they apply in this mission. He realizes and appreciates the importance of these guidelines as a guide to mission success.
2. In the past eight weeks Elder Despain has grown in too may ways to list. He has realized his importance as an individual in this mission at this time and the import that will have.
3. Fourth.
4. He has been daunted by the immense amount of knowledge and wisdom that can be gained, yet at the same time is excited by the prospect of learning the gospel of Jesus Christ.
5. Good. Often wonders why all missionaries do not reach home-taught standards. He loves to work and enjoys the chance to serve.
6. Has become quite proficient in all aspects of proselyting. Is able to relate to the people and adapt the presentation to the benefit and understanding of the individuals.
7.

Elder Gary Gillespie.  

Mate! It’s been great! Well, bud, our companionship comes to a close and we sure have had our ups and downs. I hope I was able to teach you something new in the time we spent together. I thank you for the things you taught me about life and about people, one of which was patiences. I know I haven’t mastered it yet, but I’ll keep trying through my mission. I know we were put together for a reason and I thank you for your patience. I do have problems sometimes dealing with others and I know I must show forth more love to others before I can reach my potential Thanks again for your love and spirit. Don’t forget we need to do some camping together when we get home, so give me a call when you get back. Be good and “Never put passion in front of principle, even when you win, you lose.” Love ya bud. — the duck man Elder Gary D Gillespie.

Elder Leroy J. Niania.  

I can’t really put on paper the words I feel for the appreciation I have for you. Continue to strive for the best you can do it…Never give up! You’ve given me so much confidence and you’ve brought a lot of good out of myself. I’m not one for the words, but here’s the word that describes everything: “Aroha.” Kia kaha ite rungopai (be strong in the gospel) — Elder Leroy J. Niania

Elder Bradley Albrechtsen.  

Well, here it is Sunday night about 1:00 a.m. I’m just thinking of going to bed for a bit. We just found out tonight that Elder Despain is being transferred. Well, Elder Despain, as you know, you are my first companion, and my trainer, and I would like you to know that you have been a great influence in my life. You have shown me the ropes of missionary work. You have helped me learn many important lessons and I have had a great time serving here in Bridgetown with you. I appreciate all that you have put up with and hope that I haven’t held you back in any way. Elder Despain, you are a great person, friend, and missionary, and I love you. Keep up the good work that you are doing. Good luck in your new area, Elder Despain. Once again, I love you, and am so grateful for all you have done for me. Keep in touch. Love, — Elder Albrechtsen.

Works of Wonder | Directory of Biographical Sketches