News Release

Welcome to Guam Elder & Sister Phillips

Micronesia Guam Mission’s new Military Relations senior couple missionaries

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Senior missionary couples have come and gone in the last year, but with the North Asian borders opening, many have moved on from their temporary stay in Guam. Called as Military Relations missionaries in Guam, the mission welcomes Elder and Sister Phillips.

Both Idaho natives, a rare thing, the Phillips were married in the Idaho Falls temple. They have five children and sixteen grandchildren.

Elder Phillips has previously served in Bishoprics, Elder's Quorums, and High Priest Quorums. He served in the Air Reserves and the Air National Guard for 30 years as a chaplain, has worked on an Indian reservation as an EAP counselor, and for the State of Idaho in the Transportation Department.

Sister Phillips has served in Relief Society, Young Women, and Primary presidencies as well as teaching positions. She was certified as a Strong Bonds instructor (marriage retreats) for the military and operated her own business as a life coach. She also home schooled for 20 years.

Elder Phillips explains that they only thought of a military relations mission while researching opportunities more than a year before they were called to serve. He said, “Being retired military, it only made sense in our minds to serve where many would not be able to.”

A former chaplain, Elder Phillips tells, “I had a soft spot in my heart for the men and women who put on their nation’s uniform and voluntarily put themselves in harm’s way for the great benefit of society.”

Arriving in Guam the end of July, Elder and Sister Phillips have had some time to adjust.  They expressed how they’ve experienced several challenges. Jet lag is not completely behind them but better than when they first arrived. Although Sister Phillips is enjoying the ubiquitous heat and humidity, Elder Phillips finds it somewhat less than wonderful. They find navigating the island is coming along slowly but continues to improve. They are finding they each do things a bit differently, and that this is a bigger adjustment than either of them expected.

Making progress on the base has been slow as the chaplains in both locations have been on leave. Elder Phillips states, “We've had luck with the USO and completing the online registration for becoming volunteers. We've had a warm reception at each location thanks to the good work the previous military relations missionaries did.”

Things take more time and effort than we were expecting, but we are excited about our call and are looking forward to increased productivity and opportunities to serve.

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