We know that in the mission we are going to have many wonderful spiritual experiences as we go about the work of bringing souls unto Christ. We are also going to pass through some very challenging times. As we reflect upon the words of Elder Amado that with every change we will experience a particular challenge in one form or another to increase our faith.
We learned this past week in our zone conferences about the life of Nephi and how he was at his very best in terms of faithfulness to the Lord, obedience with exactness, and diligence in the most difficult and challenging of times. How was he able to do it?
In his talk entitled, “The Transforming Power of Faith and Character” Elder Richard G. Scott teaches a very powerful principle in regards to developing strength of character to continue to be faithful, obedient and diligent in challenging times.
“Faith and character are intimately related. Faith in the power of obedience to the commandments of God will forge strength of character available to you in times of urgent need. Such character is not developed in moments of great challenge or temptation. That is when it is intended to be used. Your exercise of faith in true principles builds character; fortified character expands your capacity to exercise more faith. As a result, your capacity and confidence to conquer the trials of life is enhanced. The more your character is fortified, the more enabled you are to benefit from exercising the power of faith. You will discover how faith and character interact to strengthen one another. Character is woven patiently from threads of applied principle, doctrine, and obedience.”
In the past I have used the example of bank account when describing the relationship that exists between to missionaries in a companionship. When they love and serve each other and work together in unity and harmony, they make deposits in the account. When the account has plenty of deposits in it, the relationship can withstand any great challenge or trial.
Elder Scott teaches us that when we exercise faith unto obedience with exactness consistently on a daily basis, we will develop the strength of character that we can draw from in times of great challenge and temptation. Our own personal account of faith and character will be sufficeintly full to see us through any trial or challenge. The same faith we exercise in being obedient to the little things in the mission will grow to be a powerful source of strength in times when our faith may be tested in the form of a progressing investigator no longer wanting to be taught, not finding any new people teach, or not having any baptisms for extended period of time. These are the moments where consistently being obedient with exactness to the commandments and the mission rules will give us the power to press forward with a steadfastness in Christ… (2 Nephi 31:20) to accomplish what the Lord wants us to accomplish.
It is my prayer that we will exercise great faith in Jesus Christ that will provide us the power “to do miracles according to God´s will. Faith is a principle of power. God works by power, but His power is usually excercised in response to faith (see Moroni 10:7) (Preach My Gospel pg.116).
We love you and pray for your success,
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Showing posts with label Zone Conference. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Zone Conference. Show all posts
Monday, February 14, 2011
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Why was Nephi highly Favored of God?
Presidente May wrote to the mission this week, helping them prepare for the upcoming zone conferences we will have next week. He asked them to read the General conference talk by Elder Richard G. Scott, "The transforming power of Faith and Character," which he sent attached each of them, in Spanish and English. He invited our missionaries to study and meditate on the the questions, "What does highly favored of God mean?" and also, "Why was Nephi highly favored of God?" -
En preparacion para las conferencias de zona que se efectuaran el 8,9 y 10 de Febrero, con el tema “Ser Altamente Favorecido del Señor”, quiero invitarles a estudiar el discurso “El Poder Transformador de la Fe y el Carácter” por Elder Richard G. Scott dado en la Conferencia General de Octubre 2010 (Adjuntos)
Tambien, quiero invitarles a pensar y meditar en las siguientes dos preguntas:
1. ¿Qué significa “ser altamente favorecido del Señor”?
2. ¿Por qué Nefi fue altamente favorecido del Señor?
Quiero invitarles a buscar referencias de la escrituras en el Primer y Segundo Nefi como evidencias de porque Nefi fue altamente favorecido del Señor y traerlas a la conferencia listo para compartir.
¡Que El Señor les bendiga en esta obra tan maravillosa de traer almas a El por medio de la fe en El, arrepentimiento, bautismo, la recepcion del don del Espiritu Santo y perseverar hasta el fin!
Les amamos,
Presidente May
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En preparacion para las conferencias de zona que se efectuaran el 8,9 y 10 de Febrero, con el tema “Ser Altamente Favorecido del Señor”, quiero invitarles a estudiar el discurso “El Poder Transformador de la Fe y el Carácter” por Elder Richard G. Scott dado en la Conferencia General de Octubre 2010 (Adjuntos)
Tambien, quiero invitarles a pensar y meditar en las siguientes dos preguntas:
1. ¿Qué significa “ser altamente favorecido del Señor”?
2. ¿Por qué Nefi fue altamente favorecido del Señor?
Quiero invitarles a buscar referencias de la escrituras en el Primer y Segundo Nefi como evidencias de porque Nefi fue altamente favorecido del Señor y traerlas a la conferencia listo para compartir.
¡Que El Señor les bendiga en esta obra tan maravillosa de traer almas a El por medio de la fe en El, arrepentimiento, bautismo, la recepcion del don del Espiritu Santo y perseverar hasta el fin!
Les amamos,
Presidente May
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Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Savory Spiritual Feast even before Thanksgiving
As we are preparing here at the Mission Home to welcome in the Holidays, which means not only getting the turkey, papas y gravy ready, but also the Christmas trees and garland out, we are reminded of the more important part of these Celebrations. Of course in November our hearts are thankfully turned to our many blessings, which we could undoubted list for hours and take too much room here on paper. Not only for the material, monetary and comfort blessings, but more importantly, the eternal blessings, in the spiritual aspects of our lives, such as families, friends, relationships and gospel testimonies. We as members of the church have the most to be grateful for, in the fullness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The Atonement of Jesus Christ changes our lives and gives our very lives eternal meaning. What are each of us going to feast on this Holiday Season that will truly "nourish us?"
In anticipation for the celebration of Thanksgiving; whether sharing it with family, loved ones, acquaintances or even alone, it usually focuses on the main attraction; “THE FEAST.” But we are reminded that there is more than just Turkey and pumpkin pie in a true feast. Recently we have been spiritually fed by listening to our Church leaders in October, when our Prophet, Thomas S. Monson and the Lord’s 12 Apostles, and other anointed also taught, inspired and reminded us of eternal truths that are ours for the ‘consuming.’ Just a reminder; “Because of your faith,” “Reflections on a Consecrated Life,” “Of things that matter most,” ”Cleansing the Inner Vessel,” “Avoiding the Trap of Sin,” “Faith—The choice is yours,” “Never Leave Him,” “Be Thou an example of the Believers,” He teaches us to Put off the Natural Man.”
This was not just given to us as appetizers, but as the meat that the Lord wants us to know, as we were fed Doctrine to help us change our lives. We were nourished by the good word, felt the love from our Heavenly Father again, as we recognize that He sends prophets to the earth to bless and guide us. (PMG)
After the General Conference, we had a Mission Presidents’ Conference here in Chile. We were taught again, by our Area Presidency; Elder Carlos Amado, Elder Lawrence Corbridge, and Elder Jorge Zeballos, and their wives, along with another visiting member of the 1st Quorum of the Seventy, Elder Lynn Robbins and his wife, Jan. We were invited to learn by faith, as they taught us about the Plan of Salvation, The Atonement, The Restoration, Jesus Christ, Joseph Smith, The Book of Mormon, The Blessing of Interviews, Uniformity Vs. Flexibility, Stewardship and Support, Motivation, Judging, the difference of numbering and counting, asking “heaven inspired questions,” setting goals, doctrine of love, Velocity vs Perspective, etc…..we could go on and on. We know that these messages were not just for the Mission Presidents and wives, but these teachings will go forward to our missionaries, throughout all of the 9 missions in Chile. How blessed we are to receive instruction now, pertinent to our missionary work here in the Vina where we are called to serve.
Lastly, our whole Chile Santiago North Mission was able to feast early in November with our Mission Tour/Zone Conference with Elder Lawrence Corbridge and his wife Jacque visiting authorities. We again were fed, as he personally described the Savior’s nourishment, “mantequilla y miel” which means butter and honey. He described how Jesus Christ only partook of good, spiritual, sweet things, and didn’t digest other disagreeable items, such as sin gives to us, to pollute our spirits and not fill us with the nourishment that the Holy Ghost gives us. We learned details about the Holy Ghost, deciding to decide, and helping us to be worthy for the Lord to help us do His work. All of these messages and lessons were so valuable and meaningful for us, as they were sweet to our spirits, we have no need for Dessert!
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In anticipation for the celebration of Thanksgiving; whether sharing it with family, loved ones, acquaintances or even alone, it usually focuses on the main attraction; “THE FEAST.” But we are reminded that there is more than just Turkey and pumpkin pie in a true feast. Recently we have been spiritually fed by listening to our Church leaders in October, when our Prophet, Thomas S. Monson and the Lord’s 12 Apostles, and other anointed also taught, inspired and reminded us of eternal truths that are ours for the ‘consuming.’ Just a reminder; “Because of your faith,” “Reflections on a Consecrated Life,” “Of things that matter most,” ”Cleansing the Inner Vessel,” “Avoiding the Trap of Sin,” “Faith—The choice is yours,” “Never Leave Him,” “Be Thou an example of the Believers,” He teaches us to Put off the Natural Man.”
This was not just given to us as appetizers, but as the meat that the Lord wants us to know, as we were fed Doctrine to help us change our lives. We were nourished by the good word, felt the love from our Heavenly Father again, as we recognize that He sends prophets to the earth to bless and guide us. (PMG)
After the General Conference, we had a Mission Presidents’ Conference here in Chile. We were taught again, by our Area Presidency; Elder Carlos Amado, Elder Lawrence Corbridge, and Elder Jorge Zeballos, and their wives, along with another visiting member of the 1st Quorum of the Seventy, Elder Lynn Robbins and his wife, Jan. We were invited to learn by faith, as they taught us about the Plan of Salvation, The Atonement, The Restoration, Jesus Christ, Joseph Smith, The Book of Mormon, The Blessing of Interviews, Uniformity Vs. Flexibility, Stewardship and Support, Motivation, Judging, the difference of numbering and counting, asking “heaven inspired questions,” setting goals, doctrine of love, Velocity vs Perspective, etc…..we could go on and on. We know that these messages were not just for the Mission Presidents and wives, but these teachings will go forward to our missionaries, throughout all of the 9 missions in Chile. How blessed we are to receive instruction now, pertinent to our missionary work here in the Vina where we are called to serve.
Lastly, our whole Chile Santiago North Mission was able to feast early in November with our Mission Tour/Zone Conference with Elder Lawrence Corbridge and his wife Jacque visiting authorities. We again were fed, as he personally described the Savior’s nourishment, “mantequilla y miel” which means butter and honey. He described how Jesus Christ only partook of good, spiritual, sweet things, and didn’t digest other disagreeable items, such as sin gives to us, to pollute our spirits and not fill us with the nourishment that the Holy Ghost gives us. We learned details about the Holy Ghost, deciding to decide, and helping us to be worthy for the Lord to help us do His work. All of these messages and lessons were so valuable and meaningful for us, as they were sweet to our spirits, we have no need for Dessert!
Read more!
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Faithful, obedient Missionaries
Just to report to all the families and loved-ones of your great missionaries serving here in the Chile Santiago North Mission. They are amazing in their obedience and desire to serve the Lord. The Missionary Dept in SLC has sent all Presidents of missions all over the world a new, simplified curriculum to help us become better teachers of Preach My Gospel, including doctrine, principles, and application. The following are the 8 lessons we have been instructed to teach. We started out exactly as the brethren requested, first teaching our leaders (Assistants, zone leaders, district leaders and trainers)Now we have set the course and announced the exact dates for the month of August to continue to teach ALL of our anxious missionaries who want to learn how to be better. Here are the 8 lessons:
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1. Doctrine of Christ-your missionary purpose
2. The role of the Holy Ghost in Conversion
3. Revelation through Prayer
4. Revelation through the Book of Mormon
5. Revelation through church attendance.
6. Teach people, not lessons.
7. We invite, they commit, we follow up.
8. How to begin teaching.
These changes will also include interviews now happening trimestral and zone conferencias the same. The missionaries are eager and willing to adapt, change and become better. We love these great Elders and Hermanas
Read more!
-----------------
1. Doctrine of Christ-your missionary purpose
2. The role of the Holy Ghost in Conversion
3. Revelation through Prayer
4. Revelation through the Book of Mormon
5. Revelation through church attendance.
6. Teach people, not lessons.
7. We invite, they commit, we follow up.
8. How to begin teaching.
These changes will also include interviews now happening trimestral and zone conferencias the same. The missionaries are eager and willing to adapt, change and become better. We love these great Elders and Hermanas
Read more!
Friday, December 18, 2009
Mission Tour with Elder Carlos Amado
Our Mision Chile Santiago Norte was priviledged to have a member of the 1st Quorum of 70, Elder Carlos Amado, our Area President preside and instruct us during our
3 day mission tour. We held them Dec 15, 16, and 18th. This was a sweet introduction
to welcome in the Christmas season, as we learned more about Faith in Jesus Christ.
Elder Amado spoke to us in three sessions, dividing the mission into 3 groups of about 65 missionaries each over the course of 3 days. We felt his love for the Savior profoundly, as he powerfully shared his testimony of Jesus Christ, describing and teaching about His birth, the Atonement, the Crucifixion, and details of His life. He talked about Him as the Good Shepherd, sharing details about the job of a shepherd, and what is expected of a loving shepherd.
Other topics he discussed:
-Lehi's trip with Nephi.
-Having an eternal perspective, vision in this life.
-Love yourself to then love your neighbor.
-How can we find and grow our faith in Jesus Christ
--Leer, Orar, Meditar, Assistir (reading, praying, meditating and attending church)
-Not lying (mentiras)
-Why people don't obey: (Carnal, sensual, devilish)
-Alma 18--story of Ammon, Church is the Kingdom of God on the earth!
-Teaching doctrine, principles and applications
-When we testify, we teach, and when we teach we should testify.
-One specific day, he spoke about the Law of Chastity.(find ways to get rid of temptations in our lives.
-Power of the Book of Mormon....and much more.
What a gift we truly rec'd these three days, to be taught by a servant of the Lord and have our spirits thrilled and touched to change by the Holy Ghost. We are grateful for the sweet spirit that we had to start the Christmas season in learning
and loving the Savior, Jesus Christ more.
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3 day mission tour. We held them Dec 15, 16, and 18th. This was a sweet introduction
to welcome in the Christmas season, as we learned more about Faith in Jesus Christ.
Elder Amado spoke to us in three sessions, dividing the mission into 3 groups of about 65 missionaries each over the course of 3 days. We felt his love for the Savior profoundly, as he powerfully shared his testimony of Jesus Christ, describing and teaching about His birth, the Atonement, the Crucifixion, and details of His life. He talked about Him as the Good Shepherd, sharing details about the job of a shepherd, and what is expected of a loving shepherd.
Other topics he discussed:
-Lehi's trip with Nephi.
-Having an eternal perspective, vision in this life.
-Love yourself to then love your neighbor.
-How can we find and grow our faith in Jesus Christ
--Leer, Orar, Meditar, Assistir (reading, praying, meditating and attending church)
-Not lying (mentiras)
-Why people don't obey: (Carnal, sensual, devilish)
-Alma 18--story of Ammon, Church is the Kingdom of God on the earth!
-Teaching doctrine, principles and applications
-When we testify, we teach, and when we teach we should testify.
-One specific day, he spoke about the Law of Chastity.(find ways to get rid of temptations in our lives.
-Power of the Book of Mormon....and much more.
What a gift we truly rec'd these three days, to be taught by a servant of the Lord and have our spirits thrilled and touched to change by the Holy Ghost. We are grateful for the sweet spirit that we had to start the Christmas season in learning
and loving the Savior, Jesus Christ more.
Read more!
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Message from Angels
Zone Conference this change was on Aug 27th & 28th, in Alberdi/Huelen and then in Colina. The theme that Presidente May wanted to emphasize was the plan and purpose of the Chile Area Presidency's invitation, "PERMANECED" meaning Abide or Stay. It is inspired to help us find, teach, baptize while we are helping to invite back to the fold, some of the Lord's lost sheep who have not been on the path recently. Hermana May also spoke about Opposition, and then we had workshops throughout the morning and early afternoon where the missionaries were able to have hands-on practice with ideas for using and implementing Permanaced, as being directed throughout all of Chile.
Another highlight today was our music....Those parents of our musical missionaries would have been in tears to hear your sweet sons/daughters singing today.....
The first day we had Elders Stout, Ashby, Quintero and Simmons joined by Hermanas Ccanto, Spielman, Bowen and Padilla. They were truly singing like angels and we felt the Spirit in our meeting so strongly as they sang a beautiful, familiar medley of "As Sisters in Zion," and "Army of Helaman." The words are wonderful in Spanish, and the harmony and combination was perfect for the day. On Friday we had another sweet duet by Hermanas Mayhugh and Bair, who sang, "I'll go where you want me to go,"
which also brought tears. They originally had asked for accompaniment, but as they stood to the pulpit, with the microphone, they decided to do it simply, acapella with just their clear, sweet voices. It was very impactful, changing parts, harmony, counterpoint, beautifully blending and humbly singing to remind us all about our desires and reason to serve whereever we are called. We just know we are blessed to be in the best mission in the world; Chile Santiago North Mission! We have one Elder who is going home soon, and he had recently been serving on our Juan Fernandez Island, and as they sang, "I'll go where you want me to go dear Lord, over mountain or sea...."islas del mar"....this great Elder also had tears in his eyes.Thank you, thank you to these great missionaries for sharing their talents and developing them in the mission, where the Lord can make them much more. We love you!
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Another highlight today was our music....Those parents of our musical missionaries would have been in tears to hear your sweet sons/daughters singing today.....
The first day we had Elders Stout, Ashby, Quintero and Simmons joined by Hermanas Ccanto, Spielman, Bowen and Padilla. They were truly singing like angels and we felt the Spirit in our meeting so strongly as they sang a beautiful, familiar medley of "As Sisters in Zion," and "Army of Helaman." The words are wonderful in Spanish, and the harmony and combination was perfect for the day. On Friday we had another sweet duet by Hermanas Mayhugh and Bair, who sang, "I'll go where you want me to go,"
which also brought tears. They originally had asked for accompaniment, but as they stood to the pulpit, with the microphone, they decided to do it simply, acapella with just their clear, sweet voices. It was very impactful, changing parts, harmony, counterpoint, beautifully blending and humbly singing to remind us all about our desires and reason to serve whereever we are called. We just know we are blessed to be in the best mission in the world; Chile Santiago North Mission! We have one Elder who is going home soon, and he had recently been serving on our Juan Fernandez Island, and as they sang, "I'll go where you want me to go dear Lord, over mountain or sea...."islas del mar"....this great Elder also had tears in his eyes.Thank you, thank you to these great missionaries for sharing their talents and developing them in the mission, where the Lord can make them much more. We love you!
Read more!
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Recent Zone Conferences May 28 & 29th, 2009
All of our missionaries know that during each change cycle we have a theme of study, usually Characteristicas de Cristo, from Chpt 6 of PMG, or other type of Doctrine. This change we were studying Knowledge/Conocimiento. It was a wonderful to hear these fine missionaries in their preparation. Each know that anytime within the change, they may be called on to share a 3-5 minute talk that they have individually prepared themselves, in their personal study of the subject. They can be called upon to share at zone classes, zone training, and especially zone conferences, when we hear from 3-4 each day. This is some of what they shared....
We had a spiritual message from E. Baum, using DYC 28:21, reminding of Unity. Then Elder Bolentini, originally from Argentina, volunteered with permission from Presidente May, to give his talk in English. What a great example to all! He had put together his thoughts well, told of his personal impressions with Knowledge and learning about it, then share and read scriptures and spoke with power and authority, even in English. The spirit was their we were all touched with his humble and effective testimony.
We also heard from Hrma Marinos, which also was sweet to hear. The next day, E. Pollard shared a spiritual message to start, which is good for our new missionaries to hear from a great, seasoned missionary, speaking powerfully and with conviction. Then we heard from E. Melancon and H. Sears, but really touching again, was Hrma Mendoza, who is actually from Argentina, and as she ended her talk on Conocimiento, she began sharing her testimony in English too! Slowly, deliberately pronouncing each word as she had practiced, so that she could saw what was really in her heart. It is amazing how the spirit has touched her, helped her blossom and given her courage. Months ago she would not have ever wanted to talk in English, and now here she is doing it with the spirit. The Lord works miracles in the lives of these great missionaries, and they are all being converted to Him.
Read more!
We had a spiritual message from E. Baum, using DYC 28:21, reminding of Unity. Then Elder Bolentini, originally from Argentina, volunteered with permission from Presidente May, to give his talk in English. What a great example to all! He had put together his thoughts well, told of his personal impressions with Knowledge and learning about it, then share and read scriptures and spoke with power and authority, even in English. The spirit was their we were all touched with his humble and effective testimony.
We also heard from Hrma Marinos, which also was sweet to hear. The next day, E. Pollard shared a spiritual message to start, which is good for our new missionaries to hear from a great, seasoned missionary, speaking powerfully and with conviction. Then we heard from E. Melancon and H. Sears, but really touching again, was Hrma Mendoza, who is actually from Argentina, and as she ended her talk on Conocimiento, she began sharing her testimony in English too! Slowly, deliberately pronouncing each word as she had practiced, so that she could saw what was really in her heart. It is amazing how the spirit has touched her, helped her blossom and given her courage. Months ago she would not have ever wanted to talk in English, and now here she is doing it with the spirit. The Lord works miracles in the lives of these great missionaries, and they are all being converted to Him.
Read more!
Thursday, March 12, 2009
March's Theme (for the 6 week change cycle) Christ-like Attribute: DILIGENCIA/ Diligence
Study in Chapter 6 of PMG, about "Diligence," one of Christ's attributes that we would like to develop as a mission. Missionaries prepare a 3-5 minute talk on the subject, in Spanish, of course, to be called upon at ANYTIME, to share in any setting with a group. This helps all of us learn more about being Diligent, hard working and following the Savior's example. Study: Moroni 9:6, DyC 10:4, DyC 107:99-100,DyC 75:2-5, Mosiah 4:26-27, DyC 58:26-29.
Our Latin missionaries also have an "ENGLISH" challenge each month, from being able to give a Prayer, share their testimony, talk about their family, etc, all in English when they have their interviews with Presidente May. This has been super motivating and our missionaries are working together to help each other succeed. This change they need to describe their purpose as a missionary, as taught in PMG, in English.
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Our Latin missionaries also have an "ENGLISH" challenge each month, from being able to give a Prayer, share their testimony, talk about their family, etc, all in English when they have their interviews with Presidente May. This has been super motivating and our missionaries are working together to help each other succeed. This change they need to describe their purpose as a missionary, as taught in PMG, in English.
Read more!
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Elder Steven May, returns from Brazil Rio de Janeiro Mission
President and Hermana May's 3rd missionary son has now returned from his 2 yr mission to Brazil Rio de Janeiro Mission. He arrived in the Chile Santiago North Mission, Oct 23, 2008 and stayed for exactly 3 weeks. He spoke at both of our two zone conferences, in Portugease and all were edified. Many told us they totally understood all that he said, and whether it was by the gift of tongues or the similarity that this language has with Spanish, it didn't matter, because we all loved to hear his wonderful testimony, along with the wisdom and knowledge of the scriptures and doctrine that he shared with us.
I will just try to list some of it, but we recorded the whole talk and sent the copy of it to our 4th missionary son, Gregory, who is also serving presently, but in Chile Concepcion. He spoke about unity in Companionships. Alma 48:11,12,17, recognizing the wonderful Christlike attributes that Moroni had, and that we need to develop individually. Also D&C 38:27, that if we are not one, we are not His. Also, Alma 53:2, that Lehi was a companion to Moroni, and was similar in character, and shared the same love and dedication to the work as did Moroni. How wonderful to hear him speak with power and conviction! He was a fabulous missionary.
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I will just try to list some of it, but we recorded the whole talk and sent the copy of it to our 4th missionary son, Gregory, who is also serving presently, but in Chile Concepcion. He spoke about unity in Companionships. Alma 48:11,12,17, recognizing the wonderful Christlike attributes that Moroni had, and that we need to develop individually. Also D&C 38:27, that if we are not one, we are not His. Also, Alma 53:2, that Lehi was a companion to Moroni, and was similar in character, and shared the same love and dedication to the work as did Moroni. How wonderful to hear him speak with power and conviction! He was a fabulous missionary.
Read more!
Saturday, October 4, 2008
President Zenteno's Talk about Obedience
Zone Conferences
We met in 2 groups for zone conferences this month. Presidente Zenteno from the Zapadores Stake spoke our 2nd day, and his thoughts were excellente. He spoke about Obediencia. He is a young counselor in the Stake Presidency, with a wife and 3 small children and only home from his mission 10 years, probably about 31 yrs old. He married his wife about 4 mos after he was home, and loved his mission. He shared this with our missionaries…..
He mentioned that President Hinckley said the following:
“Faith is the Power/ La Fe es el Poder
Obedience is the Price/ La Obediencia es el Precio
Love is the Motive/ El Amor es el Motivo
The Spirit is the Key/ El Espiritu es la Clave
Christ is the Reason/ Cristo es la Razon.”
• We should obey God of our own free Hill. D&C 58:26-29
• We should obey even when we don’t understand. Moses 5:5-6 Adam offered sacrifices, not knowing why, only that God had commanded it.
• God will prepare a way. 1 Ne 3:7, I will go and do what the Lord commands because I know that he will never give a command to the sons of hombres without preparing a way for them to accomplish it that He has commanded.
• No commandment is too big or too small for us too obey. Remember story of Naaman…
• Jesus Christ obeyed His Father.
o Juan 6:38, Matthew 26:39 Thankfully Jesucristo obeyed the will of the Father en all things and made possible the salvation for everyone.
• There are concequencias of obedience and disobedience. DyC 130:21, DyC 132:5
• Obedience will bring about Eternal Life. DyC 14:7, and DyC 76:6-10
Read more!
We met in 2 groups for zone conferences this month. Presidente Zenteno from the Zapadores Stake spoke our 2nd day, and his thoughts were excellente. He spoke about Obediencia. He is a young counselor in the Stake Presidency, with a wife and 3 small children and only home from his mission 10 years, probably about 31 yrs old. He married his wife about 4 mos after he was home, and loved his mission. He shared this with our missionaries…..
He mentioned that President Hinckley said the following:
“Faith is the Power/ La Fe es el Poder
Obedience is the Price/ La Obediencia es el Precio
Love is the Motive/ El Amor es el Motivo
The Spirit is the Key/ El Espiritu es la Clave
Christ is the Reason/ Cristo es la Razon.”
• We should obey God of our own free Hill. D&C 58:26-29
• We should obey even when we don’t understand. Moses 5:5-6 Adam offered sacrifices, not knowing why, only that God had commanded it.
• God will prepare a way. 1 Ne 3:7, I will go and do what the Lord commands because I know that he will never give a command to the sons of hombres without preparing a way for them to accomplish it that He has commanded.
• No commandment is too big or too small for us too obey. Remember story of Naaman…
• Jesus Christ obeyed His Father.
o Juan 6:38, Matthew 26:39 Thankfully Jesucristo obeyed the will of the Father en all things and made possible the salvation for everyone.
• There are concequencias of obedience and disobedience. DyC 130:21, DyC 132:5
• Obedience will bring about Eternal Life. DyC 14:7, and DyC 76:6-10
Read more!
Elder Leatham’s Talk about Faith
Elder Dan Leatham and his wife Kim, a couple from Pleasant Grove, Utah are both serving so faithfully in our mission. They are living in a small pueblito called Batuco, out in the campo. Together between them, they have years of experience serving in leadership callings in the church and are such a steady and loving influence with our missionaries...
They are great to uplift and cheer on our missionaries, as well as demonstrating such innovative and unique ways to connect with investigators. They have shared some incredible stories with us about who they meet, what they do to keep connected and how to break the ice. He even takes fotos of ugly dogs fro a funny hobby!
Pdte asked him to speak at our 2nd zone conference. Elder Leatham served Spanish speaking mission when he was younger, so he did very well as he read his talk to us and passed on his notes to generously afterwards, so they could be detailed here for the mission.
He spoke of having the job as a young boy, to warm the family home with a coal fire. He had to also keep fire hot enough to last through the night and then start it again in the morning. He talked about it almost going out every night, but found a small ember in the morning, blew on it softly, to help with the start again. Elements of building a fire are heat and fuel. If we add these elements it grows or lack of them, it will go out.
He compared building a fire like also a model for building our Faith. Alma 32:27, compared to the seen analogy, the fire is similar. It grows if we take care of it. If we add more, it will grow, just like the seed will increase if we nourish it. How do we nourish our small fire of Faith? Pres. Hinckley says we need three things: A friend, a responsibility/calling, and to be nourished with the Good word of God. Moroni 6:4. We have to show diligence, paciencia, prayer and fasting. Then our faith will grow. Also, we need oxygen for the fire to keep going, which is like our good attitude to do the will of the Lord. We will do anything He asks without wanting anything else. We will do what He asks because of our love for Him. Alma 33:23, God will help our faith grow.
Read more!
They are great to uplift and cheer on our missionaries, as well as demonstrating such innovative and unique ways to connect with investigators. They have shared some incredible stories with us about who they meet, what they do to keep connected and how to break the ice. He even takes fotos of ugly dogs fro a funny hobby!
Pdte asked him to speak at our 2nd zone conference. Elder Leatham served Spanish speaking mission when he was younger, so he did very well as he read his talk to us and passed on his notes to generously afterwards, so they could be detailed here for the mission.
He spoke of having the job as a young boy, to warm the family home with a coal fire. He had to also keep fire hot enough to last through the night and then start it again in the morning. He talked about it almost going out every night, but found a small ember in the morning, blew on it softly, to help with the start again. Elements of building a fire are heat and fuel. If we add these elements it grows or lack of them, it will go out.
He compared building a fire like also a model for building our Faith. Alma 32:27, compared to the seen analogy, the fire is similar. It grows if we take care of it. If we add more, it will grow, just like the seed will increase if we nourish it. How do we nourish our small fire of Faith? Pres. Hinckley says we need three things: A friend, a responsibility/calling, and to be nourished with the Good word of God. Moroni 6:4. We have to show diligence, paciencia, prayer and fasting. Then our faith will grow. Also, we need oxygen for the fire to keep going, which is like our good attitude to do the will of the Lord. We will do anything He asks without wanting anything else. We will do what He asks because of our love for Him. Alma 33:23, God will help our faith grow.
Read more!
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Zone Conference Themes
Every six weeks the mission holds a Zone Conference. The first one we had was held on 2 different days, so we had smaller groups so we could get to know the missionaries a bit easier with less crowds. We had the first one with about 80 missionaries, and the next day we had the 2nd one with about 75 missionaries. Then the following month, last change we met as a whole mission, which was wonderful for all of us to be together. Of course the whole meeting is done completely in Spanish. Here is an explanation of what the themes are about:
The assistants to the Presidente conduct the meetings, and we have a song, prayer and any business announcements. Presidente May gave the missionaries the assignment to study and prepare a 3-5 minute talk each on the theme of the Pure love of Christ; Charity/Caridad. Each missionary was to study and research in their scriptures, PMG, etc on the subject and be prepared to share their talks if called upon. Then during the conference, the President asked 4-5 different missionaries to come and teach from the pulpit and express the things that they have learned. These missionaries are fabulous, and we are so grateful for their obedience and preparation. Then last change we also did another theme, which was Faith/Fe. This was delightful to hear these fine missionaries compartir their thoughts and testimonies, especially those who taught how they have learned about faith in their missions. Each month we have another theme as they prepare.
Read more!
The assistants to the Presidente conduct the meetings, and we have a song, prayer and any business announcements. Presidente May gave the missionaries the assignment to study and prepare a 3-5 minute talk each on the theme of the Pure love of Christ; Charity/Caridad. Each missionary was to study and research in their scriptures, PMG, etc on the subject and be prepared to share their talks if called upon. Then during the conference, the President asked 4-5 different missionaries to come and teach from the pulpit and express the things that they have learned. These missionaries are fabulous, and we are so grateful for their obedience and preparation. Then last change we also did another theme, which was Faith/Fe. This was delightful to hear these fine missionaries compartir their thoughts and testimonies, especially those who taught how they have learned about faith in their missions. Each month we have another theme as they prepare.
Read more!
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Being Fed Spiritually
Notes from Zone Conference with Entire Mission Chile Santiago North
8 August, 2008 (Given in Spanish, of course, but written in English)
Everyone saw the cute foto of our nieto/grandson, Benson, on the overhead on the President’s Power Point.
One of the most important basic need of a baby is FOOD. To eat and be fed.
--show bib, babero? We know what this is used for and it can be symbolic of our need for food.
All of us need to be fed, but not just for our physical bodies, but also our spirits.3 Ne18:4,9 Being spiritually fed and filled...
--Story of NEFI 16:18 broke his bow, brothers angry, not just because of the broken bow but because they would now have no food. Others started to complain so he made another bow, but out of wood this time, not a nice, fine steel one like he had. Also he made one arrow. Lots of faith, thinking one arrow would be enough. (I'd obviously need 100's to go hunt/cazar!)
He needed food, like his brothers, but inquired with more faith, like we should of our Heavenly Father, when he went to Lehi and asked, “Whither shall I go to obtain food?” Let us be like Nephi, asking our Father in Heaven where we should go to be spiritually fed.
We had wonderful, nice meal here, offered by these sweet sisters and the scriptures often talk about food in our lives, because all people eat, regardless of the language, country, flavor, or types of meals, and we all can relate and apply it to our lives. REMEMBER:--Savior fed the 5,000 with fishes and bread, but also helped them strengthen their spirits and souls.
*John 6:35, Christ said, “I am the Bread of life.” And this just didn’t refer to the temporal bread we can buy or eat, but the sustenance we need for our eternal lives.
*Alma 5:34, Come unto me and ye shall partake of the fruit of the tree of life; yea ye shall eat and drink of the bread and the waters of life freely;” (this doesn’t cost money like buying in a supermercado.)
*2Ne 9:51,”Come my brethren, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters; and he that hath no money, come buy and eat; year come buy wine and milk without money and without price.” He offers this spiritual salvation, food for our spirits to all men, equally and without status, reputation, job, etc.
Savior looks at our needs and wants differently. D&C 29:34, “all things unto me are spiritual..”
Speaking of bread, let me tell you a story of looking for bread and finding something else instead…President May and I went for a walk Saturday, on our Pday. We were going to a small bakery, Castaño, you’ve all seen them before, and we had a simple bit of something while there. Then on the way home, we pasted some high-altitude workers, washing the windows up on these huge high-rise, skyscrapers/ rascacielos. I just happened to have my camera for just such an opportunity, and started taking fotos. Presidente saw a man standing down below who seemed to be supervising the whole operation, and was near a sign, instructing the public to be careful with the workers above. He began to ask the man questions about his company, how old are the workers, where do they train, how much time do they take to practice, where else do you work, etc and started listening to this man, who had some strong thoughts about how life is now, and how it has changed since he was younger and growing up. He wanted to have more family events, be closer to his family and wished that everyone had a close family like it used to be. President May and I both began to discuss about the church and its focus on the family, how it can be eternal, that it takes an important role and needs to have a high priority in our lives. We asked him if he’d like to come to church, and would share more about the gospel teachings of Jesus Christ with him. He ran to his truck to get us a card, Maximillian Gonzalez is his name, and he seems like someone that the Lord has been preparing to hear about the gospel NOW, to help him in his life. We went out looking for ‘bread,’ and were helped to see the real spiritual bread that the Lord has given us, that we are happy to share and give to others to nourish their souls.
Read more!
8 August, 2008 (Given in Spanish, of course, but written in English)
Everyone saw the cute foto of our nieto/grandson, Benson, on the overhead on the President’s Power Point.
One of the most important basic need of a baby is FOOD. To eat and be fed.
--show bib, babero? We know what this is used for and it can be symbolic of our need for food.
All of us need to be fed, but not just for our physical bodies, but also our spirits.3 Ne18:4,9 Being spiritually fed and filled...
--Story of NEFI 16:18 broke his bow, brothers angry, not just because of the broken bow but because they would now have no food. Others started to complain so he made another bow, but out of wood this time, not a nice, fine steel one like he had. Also he made one arrow. Lots of faith, thinking one arrow would be enough. (I'd obviously need 100's to go hunt/cazar!)
He needed food, like his brothers, but inquired with more faith, like we should of our Heavenly Father, when he went to Lehi and asked, “Whither shall I go to obtain food?” Let us be like Nephi, asking our Father in Heaven where we should go to be spiritually fed.
We had wonderful, nice meal here, offered by these sweet sisters and the scriptures often talk about food in our lives, because all people eat, regardless of the language, country, flavor, or types of meals, and we all can relate and apply it to our lives. REMEMBER:--Savior fed the 5,000 with fishes and bread, but also helped them strengthen their spirits and souls.
*John 6:35, Christ said, “I am the Bread of life.” And this just didn’t refer to the temporal bread we can buy or eat, but the sustenance we need for our eternal lives.
*Alma 5:34, Come unto me and ye shall partake of the fruit of the tree of life; yea ye shall eat and drink of the bread and the waters of life freely;” (this doesn’t cost money like buying in a supermercado.)
*2Ne 9:51,”Come my brethren, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters; and he that hath no money, come buy and eat; year come buy wine and milk without money and without price.” He offers this spiritual salvation, food for our spirits to all men, equally and without status, reputation, job, etc.
Savior looks at our needs and wants differently. D&C 29:34, “all things unto me are spiritual..”
Speaking of bread, let me tell you a story of looking for bread and finding something else instead…President May and I went for a walk Saturday, on our Pday. We were going to a small bakery, Castaño, you’ve all seen them before, and we had a simple bit of something while there. Then on the way home, we pasted some high-altitude workers, washing the windows up on these huge high-rise, skyscrapers/ rascacielos. I just happened to have my camera for just such an opportunity, and started taking fotos. Presidente saw a man standing down below who seemed to be supervising the whole operation, and was near a sign, instructing the public to be careful with the workers above. He began to ask the man questions about his company, how old are the workers, where do they train, how much time do they take to practice, where else do you work, etc and started listening to this man, who had some strong thoughts about how life is now, and how it has changed since he was younger and growing up. He wanted to have more family events, be closer to his family and wished that everyone had a close family like it used to be. President May and I both began to discuss about the church and its focus on the family, how it can be eternal, that it takes an important role and needs to have a high priority in our lives. We asked him if he’d like to come to church, and would share more about the gospel teachings of Jesus Christ with him. He ran to his truck to get us a card, Maximillian Gonzalez is his name, and he seems like someone that the Lord has been preparing to hear about the gospel NOW, to help him in his life. We went out looking for ‘bread,’ and were helped to see the real spiritual bread that the Lord has given us, that we are happy to share and give to others to nourish their souls.
Read more!
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