WASHINGTON D.C. SOUTH MISSION: MT VERNON STAKE CHRISTMAS MUSICAL

Monday, December 21, 2009

MT VERNON STAKE CHRISTMAS MUSICAL

We attended the Christmas Musical program for the Mt. Vernon Stake. It was just fantastic. It was advertised as "an Evening of Fine Musical Performances as we Honor and Celebrate the Birth of Jesus Christ through the gift of Music." And it was completely professional. There is a Hand Bell Choir in the stake that plays all over the area and they were exceptional. There were trumpets that sounded like they were announcing the events. A french horn and flutes played Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy and the Reed Flutes from the Nutcracker. Amazing. There were violins and great pianists. And lots of incredible vocalists. There were probably 1000 people in attendance. We had a wonderful time. There is an incredible amount of musical talent in this area. Culture and the arts are encouraged and most people put emphasis on learning musical instruments. The primary children's programs that we saw were also filled with talent. In one ward about 6 different children accompanied the songs. Music is such a powerful tool for creating a spiritual experience and it just makes the holidays feel right.

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Stephanie Smith Fireside

Last Sunday evening we were privileged to attend a fireside in the mission. It was held at a beautiful old chapel in McLean. One of the pictures shows the inside of the chapel and the wood beams on the very steep-pitched ceiling of the room. The gym is under the chapel in the basement. I have never seen a floorplan like this one. Very unique. This fireside hosted Sister Stephanie Smith. Her story was in the Ensign sometime in the last year. She has a remarkable conversion story. She has held very high government positions and at one time was 5th in command at the CIA. She said something at the first of her talk that I wrote down: she said, "I've been on some remarkable adventures. But no adventure in my lifetime has been as extraordinary and life-changing as my path to conversion and baptism in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints. She then told about her introduction to the church. She was at a time in her life with tremendous worldly success achieved after clawing her way to the top without any regard for others, and she felt her life was shattering into a million pieces. At this time she turned to a colleague she admired who was a member of the church. He told her two things. That her Heavenly Father knew her by name and loved her and that Heavenly Father had a plan for her success. The next day he sent her a map to the temple visitor center. She told how when the missionary sisters came to her door, she didn't think she could relate to these young women. The first thing they did was ask if they could sing to her. They sang,"I am a Child of God." That was the beginning of her conversion, a long a beautiful story. You can read it on the web at Meridian Magazine. Her testimony was a real inspiration to me. There were over 350 people there and she does a great missionary work speaking to investigators. What a blessing to have heard her and felt her spirit.

Chelsea Our recent Convert

We have met the sweetest young sister. Chelsea is amazing. She joined the church during the last year and has an incredible testimony also. She never misses any missionary function and we were able to take her with us to the Stephanie Smith Fireside. She also came to the mission home a few weeks ago and we had family night. She gave the lesson and is was unbelievable. She is hoping to go on a mission next year. What a great young woman. This is a picture of her with Elders Ganaway and Gifford.