Zone Conference, January 25, 26 & 27...

At the Zone Conferences, President Vest asked 

us to introduce ourselves and give a thought.  

After saying a little about ourselves and the 

family we left behind while we serve, I talked 

about how humbled we felt about some of our 

responsibilities.  I was reminded that even Enoch 

and Moses felt inadequate, but as they called 

upon the Lord, they accomplished great things.  

Humility is what allows the Lord to work through 

us. As He said, "The weak things of the world 

shall come forth and break down the mighty and 

strong ones, that man should not...trust in the 

arm of flesh." I continued...Let us, "Be not weary 

in well-doing, for [we] are laying a foundation 

for a great work, [here in Independence Missouri]. 

And out of small things proceedeth that which is 

great." George then bore a powerful testimony 

about the sacredness of these sites here in 

Independence and Liberty and they are for the sole 

purpose of having those who enter have an 

experience of feeling the spirit there and as a result 

have a desire to change and aline themselves 

with Christ.
President Vest then showed the Car Safety
video and showed a great deal of love as he 

counseled the missionaries about it.  He had his 

counselors talk...one on Repentance and the other, 

The Doctrine of Christ. We were, then able to view  

a Worldwide Missionary Training from SLC where

missionaries around the world were taught by the

the Missionary Executive Council.  That included

Dallin H. Oaks, David A. Bednar and Neil L. 

Andersen...all from the Quorum of the Twelve 

Apostles.  The Council also included Brent 

Nielson of the Seventy, Bonnie L. Oscarson, 

General Young Women's President, W.
Christopher Waddell of the Presiding Bishopric
and Brother Steve Allen of the Missionary
Department. They did a recap on some of the
things taught in the Broadcast from last year with
the theme being, "Teach Repentance and Baptize
Converts."They reviewed Elder Andersen's talk
on The Doctrine of Christ, Elder Bednar's on the
Holy Ghost and Elder Oaks on Repentance and 

Baptism.  Elder Brent Nielson of the Seventy led

a discussion with the Council and asked inspired

questions that were discussed and answered for

the missionaries.  We were inspired to recommit 

ourselves to do better to learn and teach these 

principles with greater understanding and with
the Spirit. Next, the Council introduced the new 

daily schedules that will give them more 

flexibility and teach them how to be "agents unto

themselves. :-) I think most all of the missionaries 

were excited about this, but a little unsure as to 

how to do it.  I know the Lord was the inspiration 

to this change.  Here is an example they shared...