Multi-zone conferences, Golden Plunger Awards, Birthdays, and Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas from the California Riverside Mission

What an incredible week we had in meeting with all the missionaries in three multi-zone conferences and one zone conference (Hemet Zone)! We were inspired and enlightened by all of the trainings, the comments, the testimonies, the interactions, and the musical numbers! Plus, the food was delicious! Many thanks! I have summarized the various trainings we had.

Corona Zone

Jurupa Zone

“What the Book of Mormon clarifies and reveals”—At two of the zone conferences, President Norman led an enlightened and highly participatory discussion about what the Book of Mormon clarifies and reveals. Approximately 50 answers were shared, and we could have gone on for more. The Book of Mormon is definitely the word of God and contains the words of/for life.

Moreno Valley Zone

Mt. Rubidoux Zone

Hope and Joy”—My discussion focused on how hope and joy help define how we live and see life. Also, in essence: ““Happiness (joy) is the object and design of our existence [A condition of great happiness coming from righteous living]; and [it] will be the end thereof, if we pursue the path that leads to it; and this path is virtue, uprightness, faithfulness, holiness, and keeping all the commandments of God” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 262). President Ballard taught: “As we put our faith and trust to work, hope is born. Hope grows out of faith and gives meaning and purpose to all that we do. It can even give us the peaceful assurance we need to live happily in a world that is ripe with iniquity, calamity, and injustice” (Elder M. Russell Ballard, “The Joy of Hope Fulfilled,” October 1992).

Riverside Zone

Lake Elsinore Zone

“Chapter 8: Key Indicators, Planning, How to Set Goals, and Accountability”—The Assistants helped us understand the importance of setting goals and being accountability not only to ourselves but also to our districts and zones and mission. In speaking about the indicators, they said, “As you focus on these indicators, you will help people progress toward baptism, confirmation, continued activity in church, and lasting conversion” (Preach My Gospel, Chapter 8).

Menifee Zone

Gifts from the Moreno Valley Stake Relief Society

The Spiritual Aspect of Planning”—Several leaders spoke on this one. Sister Moffit asked us this question: “Does each task you do each day glorify Him? Is everything you do directed by the spirit?” Elder Beddes shared a quote from President Nelson that summarizes all of the discussions on this topic: “...in coming days, it will not be possible to [plan] spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost” (President Russell M. Nelson,” Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives,” April 2018).

Hemet Zone

“How to Boldly Extend Invitations to Church While Using the scriptures”—All of the presenters did a nice job of showing us how to use the scriptures in our invitations to Church. One quote from Preach My Gospel—"An effective missionary teaches, testifies, and invites others to do things that build faith in Jesus Christ” (Preach My Gospel, Chapter 11)—highlights boldly extending invitations.

Golden Plunger Award to Sisters Gaughan and Andersen

Happy birthday to Elder Schaeffer and Sisters Maxfield and Dorny

“The Spirit of Being a Consecrated Missionary”—Perhaps, the Prophet Joseph Smith’s famous quote embodies these sessions: “Joseph Smith said, “A religion that does not require the sacrifice of all things never has power sufficient to produce the faith necessary [to lead] unto life and salvation” (Lectures on Faith, p. 58). One of the quotes shared by most presenters was this one from Bishop Causeé: “Consecrated missionaries model themselves after the most humble of people, of whom it is said, ‘They did fast and pray oft, and did wax stronger and stronger in their humility, and firmer and firmer in the faith of Christ, . . . even to the purifying and the sanctification of their hearts, which sanctification cometh because of their yielding their hearts unto God’”(see Helaman 3:35. Bishop Gérald Caussé, “The Consecrated Missionary,” Mission Presidents’ Seminar, June 24, 2014). 

Happy birthday wishes to Hermana Peters, Elder Moloney and Rich!

Gold Plunger Award to Elders McConahay and Hull with Elder and Sister Powell

“Come Follow Me” Curriculum”—Really, the sole purpose behind the “Come Follow Me” curriculum hinges on these four principles: 1) “Deepening conversion to Heavenly Father and the Lord Jesus Christ and strengthening faith in Them; 2) strengthening individuals and families through home-centered, Church-supported curriculum that contributes to joyful gospel living; 3) honoring the Sabbath day, with a focus on the ordinance of the sacrament; and 4) helping all of Heavenly Father’s children on both sides of the veil through missionary work and receiving ordinances and covenants and the blessings of the temple.”

Decorations for lunch by the incredible Hemet Relief Society former Presidency

“Prime Finding and Seeking Time”—In essence, “’Nothing happens in missionary work until you find someone to teach’ (Preach My Gospel, p. 156). Helping missionaries focus on finding significantly more people to teach is key to increasing convert baptisms. We encourage missionaries to increase their faith and effort to find those prepared to receive the gospel through the day. However, prime finding time during the week is between the hours of 5:00 p.m. 8:00 p.m. when most people are home. We request that full-time missionaries dedicate this time each day to finding in addition to other finding efforts” (Letter sent to Stake Presidents, December 9, 2018).

  

Golden Plunger Award to Elders Rodriguez, Voellger, and Santos

“Miracle Sharing: White Christmas”—What wonderful miracles several missionaries shared with us at the zone conferences. Thank you for sharing.  

Happy birthdays to Sisters Whitaker and Davies; Elders Contreras, Nielsen, and Campbell

Book of Mormon conversations/testimonies—Sister Corder said, “I want the Book of Mormon to reflect my life.” Elder Rollins testified that “If we follow the spirit, we will see miracles.” Sister Tanner reflected: “I am now friends with Alma, Nephi, Moroni, and others as I have read and pondered the Book of Mormon.” Elder Nelson declared: “The Book of Mormon has changed me.” Sister Parker concluded: “I love reading the Book of Mormon!” The characters have come to life. The greatest thing I gained from reading the Book of Mormon was a deeper understanding and reality of Jesus Christ.” 

Golden Plunger Award to Hermanas Grant and Esplin with Sister Hammon

 “Come and Behold Him”— In the precious Christmas hymn Oh, Come, All Ye Faithful that we sing at least once or twice at Christmas come three wondrous strains: “Come, all ye faithful,” “Come, and behold Him,” and “Oh, come, let us adore Him.” Then, I went on to explain each of them. I may include a summary in a post-Christmas blog….and maybe not. 

Golden Plunger Award to Elder Staley and Elder Hite with Elder Troxel

Testimonies of incoming and outgoing—What great testimonies from everyone.