Weekly Update - Sep. 17, 2007
Sep. 17th, 2007
It is my Brother's Birthday today! Happy Birthday dear Brother!!!
Okay, as promised, I will do my best to sum up last week's events here. So, here I go.
Mon-Tue
We had a Leadership council in the Mission Home. It was the first time I'd been there since the very first night I had in the mission field out here in Missouri and Kansas. There were 55 missionaries present and we were all being instructed by Bro. Steve Allen, Bro. Tracy Watson and Pres. Hacking. They taught very well together. I was watching them very closely and I learned a lot from their example. They are living, breathing examples of Preach My Gospel teachers.
As we sat in a fairly small room and counseled together, we learned much. They asked questions and we would answer. We would ask questions and they would answer. As we did all in our power to participate, understand and learn, the Spirit took over and we were able to accomplish much! We talked about many things, but one of the things we focused on was Phase II of the Truth Restored Campaign. If you don't know what I'm talking about then here's a quick overview of what the Truth Restored Campaign is: (if you already know then, skip this section)
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Overview of Truth Restored Campaign
Truth Restored is the theme for a media thrust that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is testing in three areas of the United States. Las Vegas, New York and Here (Wichita and Kansas City Area – The Missouri Independence Mission[M.I.M.]). Its purpose is to make others more aware of what "Mormons" believe and to get people thinking about what their soul's questions are. Questions like:
1. Where did I come from?
2. What will happen to my family after we die?
3. Does my marriage have to end at death?
4. Why does God allow so much pain and suffering in the World? (Why do bad things happen to good people?)
5. Does God really care about me?
6. What's God like?
7. Does God have one, absolute truth?
8. Why are there so many churches?
These are all questions that many people have and just don't think about or ignore because they haven't found answers that satisfy their soul. Our church boldly declares to the World that we are all the children of God and because God loves us, He's given us answers to these questions of the Soul. These questions about life, death, God, Families, Church, etc. don't go unanswered. The Book of Mormon, along with God's Words today, provide the answers to these questions of the soul. Many of those answers are found on the website: www.mormon.org
The Media Campaign includes magazine ads, Billboards, Radio and Television commercials and internet banner ads. All of them direct all who see, hear or read them to go to www.mormon.org to learn more.
There were two Phases to the six month campaign. The second of which began a few weeks ago.
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We saw the new, Phase II ads and then we practiced using them to find those who are looking for answers to their Questions of the Soul. It was such a good experience! And if any of you haven't been to www.mormon.org in the past few weeks, I highly recommend giving it some of your time. It's very well done!
At the end of the meeting, on Monday night, we were told to go home and ponder (think deeply) about the things that we'd learned so far, determine how we (as the leaders of the mission) could apply and teach them to the other missionaries and prepare to learn more the next day (Tuesday). We did so, and I was greatly blessed as I considered all that I'd just learned and felt.
In a 36 hour period of time, I developed a great love and respect for both Bro. Allen and Bro. Watson and felt that I very much wanted to become acquainted with them. I therefore, found multiple opportunities to speak with them. And each time, I found myself listening, learning and growing as a result. I feel truly blessed to have been in council with and learn from them and Pres. Hacking.
Wed
On Wednesday, we held Zone Conference (A general gathering of about 1/3 of the missionaries in the M.I.M.) at the Stake Center in Independence, MO. We were late because we got our directions messed up. But we didn't miss any of the meeting (thank goodness!), just the little breakfast beforehand. Again, this time as a large mission body, we were learning at the feet of our beloved Mission President (Pres. Hacking) and Bro. Allen and Bro. Watson.
We discussed and role-played many of the same things we did in the Leadership Council we'd had the previous two days. But we did so with less detail. Teaching those details is part of my responsibilities as a "District Leader."
At first, the Spirit was not present in abundance the way it had been during the Leadership Council and it was due to lack of participation. I was devastated at first because it was nothing like it had been and the other missionaries wouldn't learn as much if the Spirit wasn't there. But Pres. Hacking called us on it, we repented and as we participated and did our best, the Spirit came and taught us.
The experiences I had at Zone Conference sealed all that I had learned on Monday and Tuesday. I realized that now, I understood how to do missionary work effectively… the Lord's way. I understood before, but now I "got it!" It is now a part of me! As I thought of just how little time I had left, I sorrowed and desired to have it last a little longer now that I "got it."
After Zone Conference, I thanked Bro. Allen and Bro. Watson for the instruction and the Spirit they'd brought with them and told them that because of them, I now "got" Missionary Work. They were open with their comments and spoke very kindly to me and made me feel special just like President Hacking. I know that this will not be the last time I see them. Also, after the Conference, I asked Pres. Hacking if I could extend my mission just a little longer. Don't worry mom. He said: "No. The Prophet has asked you to serve for two years and that's it. So, that's what you'll serve." I agreed with him and told him I'd do my best to take my understanding (my "got it!") and implant that into the missionaries in my District. He expressed his confidence in me and thanked me.
I returned to Higginsville, MO on Wednesday night a different missionary. And it has had a profound effect on me, how I do missionary work and the progress of those we've been teaching here. We now have three people set for baptism (different from the last three I reported; only one of which has been baptized so far), four people came to church my companion and I are more powerful, spiritual teachers and more people are responding to our message as we use Questions of the Soul along with the Truth Restored Campaign.
How I love being a missionary!!! With all the ups and downs you experience as a missionary, it all pans out for the good in the end. And if no one else, I am a beneficiary! These last few weeks are going to be my BEST!
My companion and I are getting along much better now. I'll tell you what, communication is the key!!!
I love the Lord. I love Jesus Christ! I KNOW he is my Savior and Redeemer. I know that Joseph Smith was a Prophet of God and that the Book of Mormon is true Scripture just like the Bible.
I love each of you and keep you in my prayers.
Your Son, Brother and Friend:
~Elder Garn Mosiah Penrod
P.S. If you want to review past weekly updates, you can go to where all of them have been posted for the past two years. http://letstalkme.blogspot.com/
Please note that I have not done anything but email posts to this site. I have no idea what it looks like right now.
posted by Mr. G @ 2:09 PM
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