Mission President Seminar

   June 23-28th was one of the best experiences of our lifetimes.  We were edified and trained at the seminar for new mission presidents at the Missionary Training Center in Provo.  Steve often commented that he felt like we were being fed through a fire hose.  There is so much to learn- and we realize that most of our learning will come through our own experiences in Texas. We also recognize that we will only be able to accomplish this
huge responsibility with the Lord's help.
   The theme of the seminar was "United in Purpose." We were taught by apostles, members of the Seventy and others from the church's missionary department.  We came away with numerous notes, ideas, and new lesson plans that we hope we can effectively teach to our missionaries.
   Friday night, we were able to meet with thirteen missionaries currently in the MTC that will soon be arriving in McAllen, Texas.  What fun it was! We all felt the excitement of our mission calls and we already have a great love for this first group of missionaries we were able to meet.  The Lord will bless them.
   We also were priviledged to be at the MTC at the same time as our son, Zach.   He was able to join our daughter Rachel and other family members at our setting apart on Saturday by Elder Neil Anderson and Elder Claudio Costa.  On Sunday, he and his companion were among the young Elders that passed the sacrament at our special Sacrament meeting.  Although we rejoiced in seeing each other, the time eventually came when we had to say our final good-byes.  I am a missionary's mother and I will miss him.
   Another benefit of the seminar was that we were able to associate with so many wonderful people.  There were 114 couples at the seminar representing fourteen different countries.  We were able to visit, talk with, and learn from presidents from Denmark to Africa. What a worldwide church we have.
   By the end of the day Saturday, I realized that I had shaken the hands of six of the twelve apostles.  What a blessing this entire experience has been!

TEXAS HERE WE COME!

THE MISSIONARY'S PURPOSE:

"Invite others to come unto Christ by helping them receive the restored gospel through faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement, repentance, baptism, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end."