President Mark J. and Sister JoAnn J. Pendleton
Service 27 June 2008 – June 2011
President and Sister Pendleton are life long members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Our heritage goes back to the early days of the church. Our ancestors came across the plains as pioneers to settle in the Salt Lake Valley. We were both born in Washington State and raised in Bountiful Utah. We graduated from Bountiful High School and attended BYU. Even though we only lived one block away from each other growing up, we did not meet until President Pendleton returned from serving in the California Oakland Mission. We were married in the Salt Lake Temple on August 4, 1976. President Pendleton was called as a young Bishop in Woods Cross Utah and later served for 9 years as a Stake President in Draper Utah where we have lived for the past 23 years. Mark J. Pendleton Construction provided for a growing family of 5 wonderful children. Four of our children are married and our youngest daughter Sister Camilla Pendleton is currently serving in the New York Rochester History Sites Mission. Our children and six precious grandchildren are a tremendous support to us.
We are humbled and grateful to be called by President Henry B. Eyring and set apart by Elder L. Tom Perry to preside over the California Roseville Mission. We know the call is from the Lord. We love Heavenly Father and sincerely consider this to be a sacred privilege. We take this responsibility very seriously. We are missionaries through and through. We love this Gospel with every fiber of our beings. As Jeremiah said, so we say, The word of God was in our hearts as a burning fire shut up in our bones.
We know this is the Lord’s Kingdom and that this is His work. He is our Savior and Redeemer. Serving him could never be a sacrifice and at the same time we have learned through our own experiences as Elder Holland so eloquently expressed; “that Salvation is not a cheap experience”. We bear witness of the truth of the Book of Mormon. We know Joseph Smith is the Prophet of the Restoration and that Thomas S. Monson is the Prophet for our day. We love “Preach My Gospel.” We study it follow it and teach it. We believe and are working very diligently toward Elder Cook’s prophetic words when he said; “I believe that we are on the threshold of the most significant missionary success to date.” Sept. 2008 Ensign.
As missionaries we have the opportunity to fast from the things of the world. This gives us the blessing to be more like our Savior and more prepared to meet Him again. You are making history as you are affecting generations to come and they will be grateful for your faithfulness. Great promises are yours as you assist Heavenly Father in His glorious work to bring to pass the Immortality and Eternal life of man. Heavenly Father in His wisdom and love has placed each of us here and has great interest in this mission. “We give thanks to God always for you making mention of you in our prayers. Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.” Thessalonians 1:2-3
May you find happiness in your labors, and may God magnify and strengthen you in body and in spirit. May he bless your families and bring peace to your hearts. Heavenly Father loves you and we love you forever. We open our arms and hearts to you. How great is your calling!
With all our love and gratitude,
President and Sister Pendleton
Pendleton Family May 2008
