Zone Conference.

Since our Marion Zone South covers too large of an area to drive to (it would be a swim for Kangaroo island Elders :-) we had zone conference via phone from Mt. Barker yesterday. The other 4 Mount Gambier missionaries came to listen at our flat since we have padded chairs around our dining table and I promised chili dogs and chocolate cake for lunch.

We listened to President Carter teach about MMLs (member missionary lessons) and then did role playing in our small groups for 45 minutes before lunch. He is an extremely gifted speaker, one who encourages, uplifts, and motivates. I noticed he laughs often, even when we couldn't quite hear what they were laughing about. By the end of the meeting at 4:00, I found my neck and shoulders were stiff and sore from the very concentrated effort to listen carefully.

HIGHLIGHTS:

-Utilize the Atonement and the sacrament every week. Pres Carter uses the bread and prayer for accountability...how am I doing, where can I improve....He uses the water and prayer for gratitude.

-The biggest threat to Zion is CONTENTION, whether in the home, the ward, the mission, the companionship, etc. Internal apostasy destroyed the church along with the death of the Apostles. The greatest threat to the Nephites were the Nephites, not the Laminates as illustrated in Mosiah 27:13.

-See Alma 13:24..... We may be 'Angels' to someone.

-How do we CHANGE learning/knowing TO doing /becoming? 

Wisdom is taking knowledge and applying it.

-The 'Hastening' is not only increasing the number of missionaries sharing the GOOD NEWS but is also Heavenly Father preparing hearts to receive it!

-Teach members to pray everyday for missionary moments.

The afternoon session focused on working with ward councils, with a ward mission leader from Mt. Barker as the guest speaker. He is a Nethercott related to Nethercotts in Mt. Gambier....maybe one of our Bishop's sons?

It was a good, long day, with teachings to ponder and apply as we go about our work. We feel blessed!