Elder Hamula's Visit.

Mondays are preparation day for the missionaries and the office is much busier than other weekdays. We LOVE visiting with these young, dynamic, knowledgeable, sacrificing people called missionaries. They are inspiring and dedicated to sharing the good news with all who will listen.

As mentioned last week, Elder Hamula of the Area Presidency (and first Quorum of the Seventy) came to reorganize one of the three stakes in Adelaide. During the 4 day visit, meetings were held with the Temple Presidency, the Mission Presidency, the Young single adults in a Sunday night fireside, and early Monday morning with our missionaries, in addition to the regular Saturday and Sunday semi annual Stake Conference meetings.

 Kangaroo Island and Mount Gambier missionaries were able to stay after transfers Tuesday for their stake meetings on the weekend and to hear Elder Hamula, plus all 'near' missionaries were invited. Darwin, approx. 3000 miles away, Alice Springs approx half that distance, and Mildura, which is a 5 hour drive from Adelaide are all considered ' far.' I've been told that if a missionary gets transferred from Mt Gambier, the southern most assignment in this mission, to Darwin, the northern most assignment, it is the longest transfer in any church mission, distance wise. That's pretty amazing!

 We left the flat by 6:40 am Monday morning to be to the Marion Building in time to be lined up, seated, and spaced for a group picture. After finding our places we sang hymns until the Carter's arrival. Sister Salazar and I took turns taking photos with camera and iPads and the final picture will be included in the Christmas CD.

 

 

In his remarks, Elder Hamula complimented the missionaries and their good manners and also their singing of the mission anthem ( Beautiful Zion hymn #44) as he entered the church building. He expressed appreciation for assembling quickly and orderly to take the large group photo and then moving reverently to the chapel for instruction. He praised the service of the seniors from the office and mentioned that THE CHURCH NEEDS MORE SENIOR MISSIONARIES!

Elder Hamula said that the Mission President and his wife make the mission! The measure of a mission president is not how many baptisms are recorded, but how many of his missionaries are active in the church, serving, and saved! He said more than once to the missionaries, "His (the President's) mission is to save YOU!"

Here are some observations and highlights of Elder Hamula's 1 1/2 hour message:

In looks, he reminded me of my my grandfather, Bill Christman, who was very tall and slim, and had a similar hair style.

Elder Hamula quoted this poem and it is wise counsel not only to missionaries, but to anyone facing difficulties.

Put your face to the wind

No matter what happens

Every storm ends

Stand firm

Look heavenward

Don't give up or bend

Scriptures were used often and you could tell Elder Hamula was very acquainted with them, no matter the topic. He promised to take questions after qualifying the promise with the following:

1. The questions should be within his realm of expertise and knowledge, ie he doesn't know anything about being a doctor, chef, or car mechanic, but has a background in law, and serving as a missionary, a mission president , Bishop, General Church Authority, etc.

2. Don't ask questions if u have no intention of 'acting' upon the answers or changing.

Having sincere, REAL intent, Full Purpose of Heart means wanting to change/act.

Elder Hamula shared scriptures referencing how we receive revelation.

1. Through his servants, such as the Prophet or other leaders

2. By written word such as the Scriptures, The Ensign 

3. To our heart- through prayer and in other ways- we must be still and listen

He invited us to be happy and smile but warns us to be sober and serious minded about serious things so we can hear/feel the Spirit and be observant (quick to act).

We should be light hearted, not light minded.

Our young missionaries asked wonderful questions of Elder Hamula, and his answers were powerful. Following are very brief portions of his answers....what I can recall and from my hastily written notes.

How can we as missionaries better understand the Atonement and utilize it to better teach?

Learn to repent and turn yourself around. Once you repent and are forgiven you can then be genuinely concerned for the welfare of others. (see Enos). We REMEMBER past sin for PROTECTION. Repentance can relieve guilt, but we remember so as not to repeat past mistakes. When you are truly concerned for others, you love them, they will feel it and be receptive to what you teach. Repentance allows you to focus on other than you!

How do we know if it is personal revelation or just my mind?

Don't try to distinguish YOU from the Spirit. The Spirit will work through you!  Trust your thoughts and feelings and act. Stop if it doesn't feel right.

 How do we fight the Natural Man in us, the not wanting to act when we know we should?

Choice has been preserved since the beginning and will always be challenged by physical bodies. The ongoing condition of mortality is spiritual versus physical. Learn to manage the best we can. Strengthen your spirit by living what you are taught. We can only do the best we can do and then rely on the grace of Christ for the rest. Be wise and avoid evil.

How do we fight discouragement?

Discouragement suggests a weariness of mind and spirit. To avoid discouragement, keep your eye on Jesus and you will get what you need to carry on. HE will show, comfort, sustain and support! His hand is always extended!

Suggested reading referred to by Elder Hamula: THE POWERS OF HEAVEN by David A. Bednar, April 2012 Ensign.

We are grateful we attended this meeting. We felt uplifted, inspired, and encouraged on the mission and for life in general. We marvel that we are really here in Australia, two small-town senior ish types, who GET to have these heart expanding, testimony strengthening, powerful experiences! We are blessed!