Jansens Say Tot Ziens

There are many ways to say goodbye in Dutch . . . but none of them fitting the departure of Elder Peter and Sister Ina Jansen who have served faithfully in Suriname.

As this dynamic and hardworking senior couple look back over the past 18 months, they are in total agreement, the most enjoyable experience of their mission in Suriname was the several weeks their grandson Jeffrey, from The Netherlands, served with them as a mini-missionary in preparation for entering the MTC himself in June 2012. “It was so good for him – and for us – to attend the zone conference with the missionaries and the opportunity he had to roleplay with President Gamiette,” states an enthusiastic Grandma Jansen.

Perhaps their greatest mission challenge was organizing two Young Single Adult Centers in Suriname, another two in Guyana and one in St. Vincent. “We hope these 5 centers will continue to grow, helping young single adults strengthen their testimonies through Institute, socialize in the homelike atmosphere of the Centre, go on missions and introduce the gospel to their friends, between the ages of 18 and 30,” notes Elder Jansen.

Another amazing and memorable experiencefor the Jansen’s was having a Dutch Patriarch travel twice to Suriname where he gave blessings to 75 members, of which more than half were youth and YSA’s.

Seeing the growth of willing branch leaders through proper training has also been memorable. Attendance is up, the number of YSA’s active in the branch is up and this year 2-3 young people in the Uitkijk Branch are preparing to serve as fulltime missionaries. These YSA’s will, in the future, create righteous families in the church. “We cannot ask for a more beautiful gift,”states Sister Jansen.

And, what will this dynamic missionarycouple miss the most? “It hurts to go . . . to say goodbye to those we have come to love so very much. On the other side is our sweet family, but a mission is something we have planned for 42 years - since we were both baptized. We will miss our many friends, especially our YSA’s who have such a deep desire to know their Savior and His commandments.”

The Jansens advise others planning for a mission, “. . . to be spiritually and temporally prepared to consider those with whom you serve as your heavenly family.” They also feel the rules for senior couples are “too broad and too tempting. It is better, as far as possible, to observe the same rules (as the young missionaries)." The couple also suggests the need "to research thoroughly the exact costs of a couples mission” including house rent, car costs, internet, telephone and utilities.

The Jansen’s next great adventure is a week in May with all their grandchildren. Then they will travel with their daughter for 3-weeks in America, including time spent with 14 returned missionaries who served with them inSuriname. They also plan to attend a temple wedding of one of “our” missionaries and have a reunion with Rodger Roundy, the missionary who first introduced them to the church 42 years ago –an “intense relationship” they have maintained through the years. After that? “It is our intention, after one year, a second mission to fulfill! Our desire is strong enough.”

This wonderful strong couple will be greatly missed in Suriname and throughout the West Indies Mission where they have willingly shared their knowledge of and love for YSA Centers!