I shared a scripture from the Book of Mormon (Alma 15:16-18 - link: https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/alma/15?lang=eng ) with Jed about when Alma and Amulek as missionaries had a (in my mind) zone conference. As missionaries each mission is divided up into 'zones' and within each 'zone' is a 'district'. Zone conference is a chance for all the missionaries scattered in various cities/areas to meet together and buoy each other up and 'strengthen [them] in the Lord'. Jed shared some of his zone conference experiences with me. He shares, "...We actually just had a zone conference last friday! Usually what happens is we get little training/lesson things from President and Sister Jordan, and the Zone leaders from each Zone, and the Sister Training leaders. We also have musical numbers, and talents. (For example: there's a missionary ... here, he's from Compton California, which is a dodgy place, but he got up and rapped about why mormons dig family history. It was great!) They're always good though, because I ALWAYS (I've only been to two) hear something that I need to hear. They're a great way to strengthen your testimony." I also asked him if he talks to people about family history, which is an important part of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Jed responded, "...We're actually using family history quite a bit here! There's even family history pass along cards that we can use, and those little my family booklets! Family history is great, especially here in England ...".
Jed shared a little from his week, "... this week has been a huge humbling experience for me. On so many levels. I learned that we can't get anything done if we aren't willing to accept that we need to change, and that there are better ideas out there than the ones that we have. Also, being humble doesn't mean that we let everyone walk all over us. Think of the perfect example of humility: Christ -- He performed the Atonement, which would take an enormous amount of humility -- but when the money changers infested the temple, he overturned chairs and tables, and kicked them all out! He didn't let people walk all over Him and what He knew to be right. Take Alma, Amulek, Elijah, Moroni. They all knew their strengths. But they ALSO knew their weaknesses, and were willing to be humble enough to take them to the Lord, and let Him turn them into their strengths. Being humble is a huge attribute that we can develop that will help us in every aspect of our lives. ...".
Elder Murri shared this about a recent Sunday church service, "...This week, we had two investigators show up at church. They both loved it. ... [one] told us that she wants to bring her children and her mother to church next week, and that made us both happy!...".
I remember when I was able to serve full-time as a missionary as a 19 year-old in Hawaii I was given a Hawaiian name, Keola Maole'hiva o'kalani (probably spelled that wrong) meaning something along the lines of 'gift of life'. Jed shared this, "...Also, I have an African name (I have a couple, but I've forgotten them all). [Someone we are teaching] gave me this one, and it means "my happiness has come and met me" or something along those lines. I'm called Ayomedi. Cool huh? :)..."
Great experiences for a great cause!
Jed shared a little from his week, "... this week has been a huge humbling experience for me. On so many levels. I learned that we can't get anything done if we aren't willing to accept that we need to change, and that there are better ideas out there than the ones that we have. Also, being humble doesn't mean that we let everyone walk all over us. Think of the perfect example of humility: Christ -- He performed the Atonement, which would take an enormous amount of humility -- but when the money changers infested the temple, he overturned chairs and tables, and kicked them all out! He didn't let people walk all over Him and what He knew to be right. Take Alma, Amulek, Elijah, Moroni. They all knew their strengths. But they ALSO knew their weaknesses, and were willing to be humble enough to take them to the Lord, and let Him turn them into their strengths. Being humble is a huge attribute that we can develop that will help us in every aspect of our lives. ...".
Elder Murri shared this about a recent Sunday church service, "...This week, we had two investigators show up at church. They both loved it. ... [one] told us that she wants to bring her children and her mother to church next week, and that made us both happy!...".
I remember when I was able to serve full-time as a missionary as a 19 year-old in Hawaii I was given a Hawaiian name, Keola Maole'hiva o'kalani (probably spelled that wrong) meaning something along the lines of 'gift of life'. Jed shared this, "...Also, I have an African name (I have a couple, but I've forgotten them all). [Someone we are teaching] gave me this one, and it means "my happiness has come and met me" or something along those lines. I'm called Ayomedi. Cool huh? :)..."
Great experiences for a great cause!