Thank you letters!!

Rick wrote this letter to both Jared's mission presidents (President Bingham and President Shumway)

Dear President and Sister Shumway,
Elder Jared D. Jensen returned home to us yesterday full of energy, enthusiasm and love.  As I spoke with him, he spoke so highly of you both and of the love that you so freely gave to him and to the other missionaries.  I just had to write a short note to say “THANK YOU!” 

• Thank you for taking the time to teach my son things that he could have learned in no other place, except in the service of the Lord.

• Thank you for opening your home and your heart to him while he was in a strange land experiencing new (and maybe even strange) experiences.

• Thank you for helping him to learn leadership skills that will benefit him as he becomes a future leader of his own family.

• Thank you for teaching him the word of God with deep doctrine, topped off with your own pure testimony as proof that the doctrine is true.

• Thank you for being a wonderful example to him as a couple who loves each other and can show that love, respect, and affection to each other in a world where marriage values seem to be crumbling.

Like many missionaries who come home, Jared had so much to share from his experiences in the Illinois, Chicago mission – and we were all ears.  I’m sure we will be for the next few weeks as he continues to elaborate on memories that will impact his life for many years.
We love you for your willingness to serve and your willingness to work with these wonderful missionaries who bless the lives of so many others.  We pray for your continued success as you impact the lives of so many who call you President.

Sincerely,

Rick and Wendy Jensen

Rick received these nice letters from Jared's mission presidents in response to his letter:

Brother Jensen thank you for the kind email. It was our pleasure to work with your son. He was one of our very best. Our only real regret is that we didn’t get to have him for the full time. He’s a great young man with a brilliant future. Give him a hug from us. (Covid or no covid!). Thanks for sharing your son with us.  President Bingham

Brother Jensen:

Thank you for your kind email to me and Heidi.  We loved hearing from you in part because it connects us closer with you and your family - who we already love because of Elder Jensen.   

He is a light - an absolutely bright light to everyone he meets.  He knows just how to shine that light to bless the lives of others. He has more energy and enthusiasm for life than anyone I know!  Elder Jensen is highly respected by the other missionaries and by me! 

So your email is a bit ironic, because it is me that should be thanking you!  I owe you a huge debt of gratitude for raising such a remarkable son and for encouraging his development and service as a missionary.  I am sure you will say that "he just came to you that way" but I have found that the guiding hand and loving encouragement of a righteous mother and father has a tremendous impact on the character and goodness of their children.  Because of the way Jared speaks about you, I am absolutely certain you are a remarkable person and father.  He has the highest regard for you.

We miss Elder Jensen in our home and in the mission.  But we are excited for what he is doing now and for what he will yet do.  You have felt what I have felt many times and that is that the Lord has a significant work for him to do! 

Well -- we can't wait to meet you!  That is going to be a great day.

Best of blessings!

Steven and Heidi Shumway