WASHINGTON D.C. SOUTH MISSION: ZONE CONFERENCE MT. VERNON Jan 5, 2010

Sunday, January 24, 2010

ZONE CONFERENCE MT. VERNON Jan 5, 2010

I am really excited to start Zone Conferences again. With the visit from Elder Walker and Christmas Conference we have not had a "regular" set of conferences for a few months. It will be fun to visit with everyone and interview each of them. Our first conference was the Mt. Vernon Zone. The zone leaders are Elders Newton and Sackett. The conference was really great with themes on Breaking Barriers and Finding the One. The assistants did a super job of setting a new goal of 500 for next year with a motivating presentation about Roger Banister who broke the 4 min. mile. And then comparing his belief in his ability to break that barrier to the missionaries. Then the Zone leaders talked about Finding the one and having the courage to set a date. They said "No more hanging out, get dates." (This was referring to the advice given at BYU to not just "hang out" but to go on dates.)Pres. Albright and I gave a 45 min power point presentation on Christ and the Atonement. We wanted to start the year by sharing our love for the Savior and a reminder that our purpose is to bring others to Christ. Pres Albright also talked about the scriptures and told great stories. He used Joshua as an example referring to Joshua being told to "be strong and of good courage" and to "not be afraid". He encouraged our missionaries to be the same. I really think the missionaries love him. He has a wonderful way of making them relaxed and comfortable with him. And I know that he really does love each one of them. We ended with a testimony which is always the highlight of the day.

The members of this zone are: Elder and Sis. Peacock,Sisters Malmberg, Arnett, Bagley,and Kim,Elder Barrett, Grundvig,Newton, Mechling, Geary, Karren, Bell, Pres. & Sis Albright,Doman, Reeves, Sackett,Stuart, Gillihan, Houggard, Bird and Ross.

Birthdays are celebrated: Sis Kim Elders Geary, Scoble and Elder Peacock

Zone leaders Sackett and Newton

Elders Sackett and Newton thank the RS sisters

We stand on the line and sing "Called to Serve' to the sisters who fix lunch for us.

Elder Johnson thumbs up

Elder Mechling standing with Elder Gillihan

Sisters Arnett, Malmberg and Peacocks, Kim, and Bagley

Elders Houggard, Bird, Johnson, Scoble, and Mechling

Elders Grundvig, Geary, Gillihan, and Ross

Elders Bell, Sackett, Barrett, and Reeves

Pres Albright, Elders Doman, Stuart, Newton and Fukui

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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.