Global Vision of Faith and Service

In February, Loretta and I returned to Los Angeles to attend the annual Mission Doctors Auxiliary Benefit. The main reason for attending (besides being able to socialize with so many friends in L.A.) was to present the Msgr. Brouwers award to Dr. and Mrs. Edward Malphus. It was an honor for me to be able to present this award to such a deserving couple. Mary Lou has served as president of the Auxiliary, as well as co-chair of the Benefit many times. Ed has been president of MDA for the past ten years, and has led the organization through some very difficult times, and now has them on a very good financial path assuring financial security for many years to come. They have both been selfless in donating their time and talents (and many times their funds) in helping and leading MDA.

I made the comment that: Those of us who have made a commitment to serving in the missions have the easy job! It is easy because, it is a "one time decision". True, it is a big decision, but once that is made and we are in the missions, then we are "just doing our job." People that live and work in the US and are still so involved in all kinds of volunteer (missionary) work are the ones who have to make those decisions every week and every month. The decision to take time out of their busy schedules to go to meetings; to read background material; to visit with prospective missionaries, etc., takes an on-going commitment. For these reasons, it is indeed a pleasure to present the Msgr. Brouwers award, “Presented in Recognition of the embodiment of Msgr. Brouwers global vision of Faith and Service.” Congratulations Ed and Mary Lou and thank you for your dedicated service.