ZONE CONFERENCE CENTREVILLE Jan 8, 2010

The Centreville Zone Conference was held on Fri, the 8th. The Zone Leaders are Elder Holmstead and Elder Metcalf. We followed the same outline as the other conferences. One thing I have not mentioned is we always have a section where I get to give some kind of instruction about health or behavior, etc. This time we had a discussion on 'Etiquette' . It was fun. I read to them some of the "Rules of Civility" outlined in Pres. George Washington's personal manual on how to behave. They had really strict and specific rules in his day. For example: "When you sit down, keep your feet firm on the ground and even, without putting on foot on the other or crossing them" or "Shift not yourself in the sight of others, nor gnaw your nails." and "Shake not the head, feet, or legs. Roll not the eyes, lift not one eyebrow higher than the other. Wry not the mouth, and bedew no man's face with your spittle by approaching too near when you speak." I assured the missionaries that we have much easier etiquette rules, like; "Put your napkin in your lap first thing". They asked some very good questions, like "What if someone asks you a question and your mouth is full? We went over the rules of how to hold silverware properly and how to use it when cutting food. We have witnessed a number of missionaries using the "shovel" method and reminded them we are in very dignified area of the country. It was a fun presentation.

The Zone leaders used Jerimiah as their basis for their thoughts. They talked about fishing: using the right bait, reeling in correctly, having patience. They asked What does it mean to "keep your line in the water" --being a missionary at all times, not just when scheduled. They reminded us that the mission call letter states that they "will donate all their time".That means even when tired, cold, and depressed. They reminded their zone to be hunters and fishers and look for the one everywhere. They gave a great presentation.

During President's scripture discussion, he talked about all the prophecies of Christ that are found in Psalm. It is hard to believe that the Jewish faith doesn't realize that these prophecies are fulfilled. I love the Presentation on Christ and His Life and Atonement. It brings a wonderful spirit before the testimony meeting. During the testimony meeting at this zone their were such beautiful testimonies shared. One elder said "Don't be afraid to fail--the Lord has to break you to mold you". Another said "A mission changes us--let it change you. I have become thirsty for mission work". A Sister said "We as missionaries are angels sent into peoples Gethsemanes with a message that changes their lives". Another said, when talking of the atonement , "Christ said, " I have engraven you on the palms of my hands" These marks remind him of us. The atonement is true even for those who don't know of it". What powerful testimonies these missionaries share with the world.
The Zone includes: kneeling: Sister Lau, LeSueur, Reid and Ferry, Elders Johnson, Brown, Holmstead, and Bluemel,and standing: Elder Scoble, Pres and Sis Albright, Elders Bell, Espinoza, Robbins, Wallace, Metcalf, Ross, Franzwa, Ford, Elder and Sister Maldonado, Elders Caresia, Ika, Markestein, Shupe, and Searcy.
Goofy
Learning the pose for the pictures
Elders Markestein, Brown, Bluemel, Ika, Caresia, Johnson, and Scoble
Elders Metcalf, Holmstead, Bell, Searcy, Shupe and Elder Maldanado
The luncheon had a snowman theme. Cute!
Sisters Reid, Ferry, LeSueur, and Lau
Sisters LeSueur and Lau
Sisters Reid and Ferry
Elders Searcy and Shupe
Elders Walace, Espinoza, Franzwa, Ford, Robbins, and Ross
Elders Espinoza, Franzwa and Ford (three of our new missionaries)
Elder Markestein is doing a great job!
Relief Society Sisters take the stage
Singing for our supper.