Nancy Taylor: Greene Publishing, Inc.
Madison has recently welcomed five missionaries from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mormons) to Madison.
Two members of the group are here for just six months. They are husband and wife, Elder Sam B. Sherwood and Sister Vicki Sherwood. They are serving as senior missionaries for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
This is Sister Sherwood’s first mission, and “the desire to serve others, and to serve with her husband” is the reason she gave for her decision to serve. Sister Sherwood is motivated by a desire to see others progress.
The Mormon missionaries serving in Madison, from left to right, are: Sister Jarvis, Sister Hulstine, Sister Jackson, and Sr. couple – Sister Sherwood and Elder Sherwood.
After she completes her time on this mission, Sister Sherwood plans to enjoy retirement with her husband and spend time with their family.
“Do everything with a good heart and expect nothing in return, and you will never be disappointed,” was Sister Sherwood’s advice.
Elder Sam Sherwood is serving alongside his wife on this mission. He served as a bishop in Arizona for five years before coming to Florida on this mission trip. Sherwood says he has always wanted to serve as a Senior Mission ever since his youth mission to New York City in 1974 – 76. “To share and help others in some way as I have been blessed so much, is my reason for serving,” said Sherman. Sherman’s favorite scripture is Luke 1:37 – “Nothing is impossible with the Lord!”
Elder and Sister Sherwood have been married for almost 40 years and have five children and 14 grandchildren – all of whom live in Arizona.
The Sherwoods serve alongside three other missionaries.
Sister Hulstine is 27 years old and originally from California. She is the middle of five children, and she attended Brigham Young University (BYU) in Idaho for two years before her mission. Prior to coming to Madison, Hulstine served in Niceville, Fl. She began serving on Nov. 16, 2016, and will end her mission time in 2018.
In order to prepare for her mission, she studied the Book of Mormon, the Bible and the teachings of modern prophets.
When she finishes her time as a missionary, Hulstine plans to return to BYU – Idaho and finish her art degree and start a family. Hulstine’s favorite scriptures are John 14:27 in the New Testament and Moroni 7:45 in the Book of Mormon. Hulstine wants people to know God is our loving, heavenly Father, and He loves us and wants to hear from us. “He wants to bless us all with eternal happiness and peace that all comes only through Jesus Christ,” Hulstine said.
Sister Eliza Jackson has completed service times in Fairville, Al. and Niceville, Fl. prior to her arrival in Madison.
Jackson says she chose this path because “I found this to be truth. It has blessed my life beyond measure. I know it’s something that will bring purpose and joy to anyone.” Jackson is inspired by Jesus Christ and His love and dedication. “I know He is proud of me,” Jackson stated.
Sister Jackson is originally from Utah, and she has three older sisters. She prepared for this mission time through prayer and scripture study.
When she completes her mission time, Jackson plans to return to Utah to continue her studies BYU – Provo, to pursue a masters degree in social work.
Jackson’s advice to others is, “seek God for truth. He loves you and sent His son, Jesus Christ. His gospel is here today. We all have a purpose here in this life, and the more we come to understand it, we are filled with confidence and joy.”
Sister Kassa Dee Jarvis is the youngest of this group of missionaries, but she is the oldest of six children. Jarvis graduated from high school in 2016, and will start college when her missionary service is complete, and pursue an accounting degree.
Jarvis wants people to “find the Lord in your life for He is there in all things, and He loves you for you are His children.”
For more information about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, these missionaries recommend visiting LDS.org.