Stake conference / Missionary Open House

Special Meeting for Investigators and New Members

At our Stake Conference last weekend, we had a special meeting for new members and investigators before the Sunday morning session.  It was a surprise to see the parking lot full when we arrived at 8:15 as people have to travel from some distance.

Elder Burns, our Area Seventy was in charge.  It was such an amazing experience to feel the Spirit so strongly and to watch him following his promptings to know how to proceed.  He first had everyone introduce themselves - just their name and whether they were a member or an investigator; then spoke a moment about how we all come from different places and circumstances, but in the Gospel, we join together as one.

He began calling on people to share their conversion story or their testimony.  He called on two young missionaries who were converts of just two years themselves. He had a young family speak who had been inactive for many years - the Mom, the only baptized member being the chief hold-back.  He called on a young black young adult who was just coming to a testimony of the Gospel, and a grandmother who was baptized with her three grandchildren only last week.

It was such a privilege to be part of such a meeting; to see how the Holy Ghost can change the hearts and lives of people, and to feel the strength of the Spirit guiding Elder Burns to call on certain individuals, who in turn gave encouragement and hope to us all.

Open House in Cochran

Sister Lanier (Las Vegas) and Sister Clev (Utah Valley)

These are our two sister missionaries in Cochran.  They are amazing missionaries and make our District look good.  They have taught six people since Christmas who have been baptized. They leave this next week, finishing their missions together.  We will really miss them - especially Sister Lanier.  She seems like our trainer too, as she was here when we came six months ago.  We have learned so much from her dedication.

They wanted to leave lots of contacts for the new Sisters taking their place, so they devised a Missionary Open house.  They worked so diligently - handouts, newspaper article,  display tables by each auxiliary, scouts etc.  They arranged for pamphlets, light lunch (Relief Society).




They invited the Stake President, who came; the mission President, who sent his two assistants, all of our District Missionaries to teach a short segment or answer questions.  They had tour guides arranged including asking a young black return missionary, in case any black families came.

One man had a collection of Book of Mormons dating back to the early editions.  It took up two long tables and was very interesting.

The sad part of all this, is that in spite of the thorough efforts that had been expended, only one family came in the whole three hour open house.

The sisters were very up-beat about it all.  They said it was all worth it even for this one family.

I'm sure everyone will be blessed for their efforts, and we will see results further down the road.

Perry Elders:  Elder Jensen, Alpine, Utah
 Elder Schenk, his trainer,  San Diego, California
He is one of the Elders that is a two year convert to the church. 

This is our Mission tapestry.  The Assistants brought  it with them
to add to the spirit of the occasion.