The Mesquite Nevada East Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints held their conference on Sunday, January 14, 2024 and a new Stake Presidency was selected to serve. Ryan W. Toone is the Stake President, with Travis L. Wakefield and Darrell L. Garlick as Counselors. Elder Ahmad S. Corbitt, a General Authority Seventy presided with Elder Emerson B. Carnavle, an Area Seventy accompanying him. The Mesquite Nevada Stake was formed on February 13, 1994. Subsequently on Sunday, January 15, 2023, the stake was divided into the East Stake and West Stake with David J. Anderson as president of the East Stake and Jared M. Hollingshead, president of the West Stake. There are 2,754 members of the East Stake in the Virgin Valley. The first church that was held in Virgin Valley was on January 7, 1877 on a hill overlooking the valley and the river with 23 in attendance. “These men were chosen by the law of common consent and not voted on. Raising the hand is a symbol from ancient times when Moses’ held up his arms,” Pres. Anderson stated. This is God’s church and not man’s. “We will be victorious as we hold up the hands of the Lord’s servants. If you want to see the church in the valley grow, be there for Pres. Toone and his counselors. Be united, listen, pay attention to their voices and admonitions and you will see members exalted and sealed as families in the Kingdom of God.” President Anderson spoke about his service over the past many years, being a seminary teacher, bishop, counselor in the stake presidency and then as stake president. He spoke about the joy of Jesus Christ quoting Luke 2:10, “Fear not I bring you tidings of great joy unto all people.” He said, “Seminary has made all the difference in my life as an adult teaching the youth in Virgin Valley. It was never in my plan to teach seminary; in fact, I threw the letter in the trash inviting me to apply. My wife retrieved it and said, ‘I always wanted to be the wife of a seminary teacher!’ After that my focus changed and my trajectory changed.” It was at his request that all the seminary youth 14 – 18 formed a choir to sing the hymn, ‘How Firm a Foundation.’ Filing the choir seats they sang with great enthusiasm the words, “The soul that on Jesus hath leaned for repose, I will not, I cannot, desert to his foes.” Anderson reminded the audience of his quote, “I give you permission to be good all the time!” He continued with the request,” Look for opportunities to strengthen, to edify and love one another. Be patient, kind and loving.” President Wakefield recalled the thirty-six months, of the picket line in front of the porn store – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Continuing the story, he said, “As a result of the picketing, our landscape is not one dotted with billboards as other towns. It was Pres. Anderson who wielded the sword of justice and as a direct result the store was closed. The seminary building across from the Virgin Valley High School also became a reality.” Pres. Garlick has served as a seminary teacher and bishop of the Littlefield Ward. He spoke of the perfect organization of the church and testified that Jesus Christ is at the head of the church. President Toone spoke of Father Lehi’s dream of the tree of life which invited us to go and receive and then invite others to come and receive the blessings of the temple. While serving a mission in Norway he was taught by Pres. Nelson about prayer – to pour out our hearts with the challenges we face. He said, “Prayer had made all the difference in my life and every day since we were married our family has knelt in prayer daily.” While at a judges’ conference many of the attendees were visiting and telling funny stories about their family and they asked him to tell a story of his family. His humble and unassuming reply was, “My family kneels in prayer every day and reads the scriptures - it has brought great blessings to our family because of it.” Pres. Toone spoke of Christ coming to the Nephites and He wanted them to see and feel the prints in his hands and feet. Christ wants each of us to have the same opportunity to know and see and feel him as we read and study and attend the temple. Keith Reber, President of the St. George Temple, spoke about his choice to go to a leadership conference instead of going on a skiing trip and how that benefited him the rest of his life. Others he met there expanded view of his community and civic responsibilities and had an impact on him. “The principal, David Anderson, looked at the potential benefits in my going to the conference. God see each of us and our potential.” Elder Corbitt spoke about looking forward and not backward as did Lot’s wife. “Looking backwards is the thief of joy,” he said. “Some are unduly depressed and have lost faith and hope. Look forward to the promises of the Lord.” He further asked, “If you are in a crisis of faith and doubt your faith, your leaders, - murmur not! Label these as deceptions and label them for future review, put these doubts on the shelf and let the Lord work it out in His own due time!” Elder Corbitt told the story of being a new convert and as such he had decided never to serve a mission. After he attended Ricks College and saw his friends going on missions, he decided he would go. He approached his bishop, a retired marine. The gruff retired marine asked him if he had saved the money to be able to go and when he said no, the bishop said, “get a job and save the money!” Elder Corbitt said, “that challenge made me set and achieve some goals which zi had never done before having grown up in a ghetto area in Philly. I could have been offended and said I am not going back! But I got a job and saved money for a year and half but still did not have enough. Who made up the rest? The abrasive had edged man, the marine, the bishop! He paid the rest and wrote me on my mission.” Elder Corbitt also spoke about the culture of today and how critical it is of others faults and imperfections. He admonished all to not condemn but to give thanks that we can learn to be more wise than others have been. “Condemn not others for their imperfections but learn from them,” he stated. He was able to see the painting of the founding fathers as they appeared to Wilford Woodruf in the St. George Temple. “Some would condemn them for the events in their past that we find unacceptable today.” He admonished us to, “remember Moroni’s words, give thanks unto God that he hath made manifest unto you our imperfections that ye may learn to be more wise.” Mormon 9:31 Travis L. Wakefield, 1st Counselor, President Ryan W. Toone, Darrell L. Garlick 2nd Counselor Elder Ahmad S. Corbitt, Travis Wakefield, President Ryan W. Toone, Darrell L. Garlick, Elder Emerson B. Carnavale

Elder Braden Scott Harris Is serving a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints He was called to the Colorado, Colorado Springs Mission. His mission started Dec 26th, 2023. Elder Braden Harris left  from the Summer Crest Ward. His parents are Shannon and Nathan Harris of the Summer Crest Ward, East Stake.

137 years ago in January 1887 You are invited to come and celebrate Saturday, January 20, 9:00 a.m. At the site of the first home on the hill on Riverside Rd. Stories, flag ceremony, music, refreshments The home site has been preserved by several Eagle Scout projects with stairs to the hill, a sign, flag pole and the foundation has been preserved with a rock fence. Edward Bunker Jr, Lemuel S. and Dudley Leavitt with 23 others came to Virgin Valley and on Sunday, January 7, Edward Bunker, Jr.,  holding a handful of wheat in one hand and  a handful of soil in the other,  dedicated the valley to be a home and refuge for settlement and for the growing of crops to sustain their families who would come later.  In the next few weeks they cleared 75 A. of land and built a 2 1/2 mile ditch to bring water to the cleared land to grow sugar cane, wheat, cotton, corn and vegetables. This narrow valley, 6 miles long and 3 miles wide, looked like a land of desolation to some. Sounds of the coyote and the Indians echoed off the mountains.  The summer heat would make" lizard scurry from one little bush to another and flip over and blow on their toes." The sand was infertile, the Mesquite brush covered the land, there were mosquitoes and the temperamental river to try to tame.  But there is a panorama with the mesa to the west with glorious sunsets, the Virgin Peak to the south rising 8,740' and Hancock Peak, 8,012' to the east.

From President Anderson: (Link included to view Stake Conference virtually) Dearest Brothers and Sisters, By now you might have heard that part of the business of our upcoming stake conference will be the calling of a new stake presidency. Because there is not enough time in the day and my love for you all and emotions will collide, I thought I might send this note to share some thoughts and feelings for you and also some ‘housekeeping’ business of the conference. MUSIC - During the general session on Sunday we are going to be blessed to have some special music from two nearly instant choirs: a primary choir and a young men/young women choir. In preparation for that experience I ask the following: All primary age children who desire to be part of this historic conference, be at the Stake Center by 9:30 am and find your way to the choir seats. The primary will sing the prelude music of well known primary songs for 15 minutes. After the welcome and prior to the to the opening prayer, the choir will sing as a special musical number - I’m Trying to Be Like Jesus. Following the prayer we ask that you quietly go and sit with your families. Young men and women - following the sustaining, as the new stake presidency makes their way to the pulpit, we ask that you all reverently make your way (with a hymn book) to the choir seats. You will be singing How Firm a Foundation (hymn #85) verses 1-4 and 7. This will be all on the melody only - no harmony parts to worry about. Following your hymn, we ask that you quietly go and sit with your families. If your schedule allows, we ask that you to come to the stake center for a short practice at 8:45 am Sunday morning. Now, concerning if you are going to be part of either choir, please consider this your invitation, if you have or have not been to any practice. Stake conference is particularly important for the instruction and edification of stake and ward leaders and all other members of the stake. I invite every member of our stake to prepare spiritually for the conference and to attend all appropriate sessions. To my beloved family, friends, teachers, stake and ward leaders, and associates: I feel intense gratitude and devotion beyond my power to express. I have had the blessing of watching behind the scenes all the work and selfless service that goes into the day-to-day operations of the stake. Elder Christofferson put it this way “We know that “when [we] are in the service of [our] fellow beings [we] are only in the service of [our] God.” And the Lord reminds us that such service is central to His life and character: “For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.” President Marion G. Romney wisely explained: “Service is not something we endure on this earth so we can earn the right to live in the celestial kingdom. Service is the very fiber of which an exalted life in the celestial kingdom is made.” This past year we have focused on preparing ourselves to be ready for the rededication and reopening of the St. George Temple. We have testified to one another of the miracles and spiritual growth that we have experienced as we progressed along the covenant path. I add my testimony to Elder Renlund when he said “As you walk the covenant path, from baptism to the temple and throughout life, I promise you power to go against the natural worldly flow. . . Going against the flow may be difficult. But when we yield “to the enticings of the Holy Spirit” and put off the selfish tendencies of the natural man or woman, we can receive the Savior’s transforming power in our lives, the power to do difficult things.” In his first message as President of the Church, President Nelson stated: “Your commitment to follow the Savior by making covenants with Him and then keeping these covenants will open the door to every spiritual blessing and privilege available to men, women, and children everywhere. “… The ordinances of the temple and the covenants you make there are key to strengthening your life, your marriage and family, and your ability to resist the attacks of the adversary. Your worship in the temple and your service there for your ancestors will bless you with increased personal revelation and peace and will fortify your commitment to stay on the covenant path.” I bear testimony of Jesus Christ, of His life, His message, His mercy and His atonement. I pray the Lord’s choicest blessings on you and your loved ones. I express special gratitude to the Lord Jesus Christ. I am thankful for His loving-kindness and for His open invitation to come unto Him. I look forward to seeing you this weekend. Your brother in the gospel. Our greatest desire is to worship with you face to face and feel of your spirit. If for some reason you are not able to attend in person please join us virtually at the following link. https://www.mesquitenevadastakes.org/mes-meetings Scroll to the bottom of the page and click on the Mesquite East Stake Zoom link. (Sunday general session only).

Elder Francis and Sister Elspeth Kuta are serving a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They will serve in Vancouver BC Canada Mission for 23 months. Elder and Sister Kuta left for the MTC on January 2 and will report January 12 to Canada.

Our beloved Mother, Sister, Aunt and friend, passed away peacefully on November 25 Th, 2023with her son, Frederick and nieces by her side. She lived in Mesquite, Nevada. She had recently been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and spent the past, nearly 3 months, at Highland Manor Nursing Home.Millie was 83 years old at the time of her passing. She was born in Richfield, Utah on April 14,1940 to her parents Ellis Maycock “Red” Wade and Bernice Washburn Wade, of Monroe Utah.She loved her parents very much. She was the middle child of three children. She lived in their family home, in Monroe, until she left to pursue her degree in Science and Physical Education,from Utah State University.Millie taught school for many years in Las Vegas, Nevada. She also was a beautiful seamstress and did all of the alterations at ZCMI for many years.Millie had a beautiful singing voice and performed in many musicals and talent shows.She would often sit at her piano and sing or invite others to sing along with her.One of her very favorite memories was meeting John Wayne, on set, in Southern Utah. She thought he was absolutely perfect. She dedicated an entire room, in her home, to John Wayne.She married Fred Olford and together they had one son, Frederick. They later divorced.Millie met and married John Paul in the SLC on March 12 Th , 1977. John adopted Frederick andhe was sealed to them to be an eternal family.Millie hated snow, but loved the hot heat in Nevada. She wanted to be where she didn’t have to worry about snow covered roads to drive and walk on.Millie had one son, Frederick Ellis Paul. When Frederick was 9 years old he had a devastating accident that resulted in a traumatic brain injury. Millie devoted everything she possibly could to raise Frederick and teach him everything that he had to relearn after his accident. She was truly a wonderful mother.She is preceded in death by her husband, her father and mother, her grandparents as well Asher brother in law. She was also preceded in death by John Wayne, her secret true love!She is survived by her son Frederick, Her sister Priscilla Haslam and brother, Richard “Dick”Wade. She is also survived by 3 nieces and 6 nephews.There will be a family Graveside service in Monroe, Utah in the spring.A special thanks to the staff at Highland Manor as well as the Hospice team that took such wonderful care of her. We will love and appreciate you forever. Millie, you will be missed, but never forgotten.

Raymond Lynn Peterson, age 82, passed away in the evening of December 27, 2023. His health declined unexpectedly during a brief stay that day at Mesa View Regional Hospital. Raymond was born in Redding, California on June 2, 1941. He was the first born to parents John Chester Peterson “tennis shoe Pete” and Elaine Ballard. Raymond’s family moved to Boulder City, Nevada when he was an infant. Their subsequent move to Henderson, Nevada resulted in his growing years in that city where he graduated from Basic High School in 1959. Raymond and Marilyn Watkins were married in Henderson, Nevada on August 14, 1962. After his marriage, he and Marilyn settled in Las Vegas where they worked and supported their family of five. Raymond was in the apprenticeship program with the Plumbers and Pipefitters, becoming a journeyman in Local 525 for 35 years. When he retired from that Union, he was working with Honeywell, Inc. Lastly, he was employed with Clark County School District where he retired in 2004. Raymond was a talented man and succeeded quite well in sports: Golf, Bowling, Remote Control Airplanes, Skiing, Drag Racing, and Motorcycle Racing. But, most of all, he loved camping. That’s where he enjoyed hunting and fishing with his children. In his more grownup years, after retiring to St. George, Utah, he could be seen on his Honda Goldwing 3-wheel trike driving the highways with Marilyn onboard. Raymond believed in the principles and standards of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He was a faithful saint and served his Heavenly Father as a Bishop and High Council member for many years in Las Vegas. Although he experienced health problems, he knew he was brought to this earthly existence to live the plan of salvation. He accepted these challenges and now is with his eternal ancestors. Raymond is survived by his wife of 62 years, Marilyn Watkins Peterson Sons: Ricky Peterson (Kimberly) of Cedar City, Utah Gregg Peterson (Michele Whittenburg) of Las Vegas, Nevada Daughters: Deborah Becker of Henderson, Nevada Leah Troike of Richfield, Utah Breanne Wiest (Charles Wiest) of Bigfork, Montana Grandchildren total 19 and Great Grandchildren total 16 Brothers: David Peterson (Judy McIntyre) of Lehi, Utah Marc Peterson (Vickie Hannig) of Reno, Nevada Friday, January 5, 2024 Star Mortuary Viewing 10:00 - 12:00 300 Riverside Rd, Mesquite, NV Hardy Way Cemetery Graveside Service 12:00 1362 Hardy Way, Mesquite, NV