Philippines Cauayan Mission 2013-16: Forward, Pressing Forward Zone Conference February 16, 2016 Alicia, Santiago North, Santiago South Zones

Our first Zone Conferences of the year began with Alicia, Santiago North and Santiago South Zones in Santiago on February 16th. This is the time we introduce the new mission "Title of Liberty"-- our Vision, Standards of Excellence, and Missionary Commission that was developed and decided upon by our Mission Leadership Council (MLC). Over two MLC meetings, the missionary leadership discussed and determined the goals and vision for our mission. President Rahlf and I are not in the room when they have this discussion. We leave them to talk and share thoughts, and then join them later to hear their ideas and offer guidance and any minor adjustments. It is inspiring to watch these missionaries take ownership for our mission.

The theme for these Zone Conferences is "Onward, ever onward…Forward, pressing forward," from the hymn Called to Serve. As we were taught last year by Elder Bowen, counselor in our Area Presidency, "We are not here to maintain the Church. We are here to grow the Church." We are committed to being on the Lord's errand and building the kingdom of God in this beautiful part of that kingdom. How grateful we are for these missionaries!

Gathering before the meetings begin.

The morning is spent hearing from President and Sister Rahlf along with the introduction of the Title of Liberty from Sister Training Leaders and Zone Leaders. Then we break for two workshops taught by the Assistants and again, Sister Training Leaders and Zone Leaders.

At that point, we have worked up a good appetite, and we break for lunch,
picture taking, and an activity.

Our activity for these conferences was one for improved contacting using what we call CASH contacting. This is something we learned from Elder Schwitzer during his mission tour last November. He taught us how to approach others by Complimenting, Asking questions that will initiate curiosity, Smiling and Helping. This way of contacting will promote friendly conversations of a deeper quality.

So, we did "Speed Contacting" by sitting across from each other and having 90 seconds to initiate a conversation using CASH. One side of the line was the missionary, the other side represented the contact. After the 90 seconds and evaluation, one line would rotate so that a different person was sitting across and the roles would also switch. It was very energetic and a great way to practice.

Lined up and ready to go--

Our delightful Senior Couple missionaries acted out the person the missionaries would be contacting. For example, Elder Armstrong was a blind man and later on, Sister Armstrong was a doctor. (Pictures of the Joneses and the Leslies are in following posts).

We heard some great contacting--and no shortage of smiles--

In the afternoon session, President Rahlf taught "Bloom Where You're Planted" by teaching in depth about Joseph of Egypt and the many times he rose above adversity to be an instrument in the Lord's hands…from becoming the best slave to the best prisoner to second in command to Pharaoh and being in a position to save his entire family. No matter what his situation or environment, Joseph looked to the Lord and "bloomed where he was planted."

We closed the afternoon session with testimonies from some of our missionaries and then returned to our different areas and the Lord's work of salvation--energized, uplifted and pressing forward.