November 14, 2013

 

 

 We have had the most amazing 2 weeks.  I am not sure if busy is even the right word.  Last week we had both the New Missionary training meeting and Missionary Leadership training which is a lot of work for us in getting the lunches and everything ready for President and Sister Stoker.  They went very well and were super successful.
Then Sunday night we drove up to Augusta Maine to be ready to start Zone Conference there Monday morning at 8:30am.  Elder and Sister Nielsen of the Seventy were the visiting authority and they were wonderful.  They taught with such power and authority.  President and Sister Stoker taught us as well and did a marvelous job.  The upper picture is a group picture of 4 zones.  It was so cold but we had to do it outside as it was the only place we could fit everyone.  We took similar pictures Tuesday and Wednesday also.
Tuesday we traveled to Concord NH for zone conference with 3 more zones.  Then we went up to the Joseph Smith Memorial where we held another Zone conference and had a wonderful Italian Dinner with all the Senior Missionaries with Elder and Sister Nielsen.  We love them and the lower picture is us with them.  So when we got home Wednesday night needless to say we all were exhausted.  But we were back at the office this morning and our work was still waiting for us. 
Sister Stoker taught us some great principals of doing missionary work.  President Stoker taught us great insight on the power of prayer.  Sister Nielsen taught us the importance of celebrating our differences and focused on connecting with the people of our mission.  Elder Nielsen taught us the significance of what is going on right now should be compared to the coming forth of the Book of Mormon and the restoration.  There are now over 82,000 missionaries in the field and more in the Que.  These missionaries were prepared before the foundation of the earth to be here at this time. 
He related his association experiences with the Prophet Thomas S. Monson as well at the Twelve Apostles.  The stories were great.
He also taught us the Bretherns definition of Real Growth. I'll show a outline of it:
Saving Ordinance                                    Gift
1. Baptism                                              Power to remit sin
2. Confirmation                                      Power to receive revelation through the HG
3. Priesthood                                          Power to act in the name of God
4. Endowment                                        Power to become like God
5. Sealing                                               Power to be a God

The spirit was so strong and we all loved it.  It definitely strengthens my testimony.  I love the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the hope it gives us all.  I love the Lord Jesus Christ and His Atoning sacrifice.  I know the Book of Mormon is true.  Sister Skidmore and I read it every morning and there is no better way to start the day.  I know and love President Monson.  I have been in his presence and know he receives direct revelation to lead and guide the Lords work here on earth.  I love Miriam and our children and grandchildren and pray they will all gain their own testimonies of this truthfulness.