The Book of Mormon and Missionary Work Zone Conferences April 15th, 16th, and 17th 2014

We held our second quarter Zone Conferences over three days in the third week of April.  Our theme was the role of the Book of Mormon in missionary work.  We spent the morning learning, studying, and role practicing how we can best use the Book of Mormon in our teaching.

In preparation for these conferences, we also began a power read of the Book of Mormon on March 11th.  Using a new Book of Mormon, our objective was to find Jesus Christ, His teachings and mission within its pages over the next 60 days.  During every day's assignment, we circle each reference to Jesus by whatever name He is called (Jesus, Lord, Emmanuel, Lamb of God, He, Him, I, or Lord of the Vineyard, etc).  At the bottom of each page we write the number of times Christ is mentioned.  Secondly, we highlight in one color all of the Savior's words when He speaks or when He is directly quoted.  And finally, we highlight in another color all the teachings and doctrines referring to Christ's mission, resurrection, birth, crucifixion, etc.  This has been an amazing experience for all of us and we took some time during the morning session of Zone Conference to share our discoveries.

After lunch, we celebrated January, February and March birthdays and then divided into small groups to play rousing games of Book of Mormon Family Feud.

Since this was the week before Easter, we centered the afternoon session on the last week of the Savior's life--His teachings, His sufferings and Atonement, and His Resurrection.  We gained a deeper understanding of His infinite love for us.  The sharing of testimonies ended our day.

What a glorious time to be a missionary and be able to share the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ!

Looking forward to the day...

The following pictures are from our conferences over the three days and include 
all 11 zones. 

Role Practice: using the Book
of Mormon in our teaching

"Please do not take the Book of Mormon for granted.  Pray for a vision of how the 

Book of Mormon can be used more effectively in your mission.  I promise that as you 

do so, your mind will be enlightened with the direction that you should take."

                                                                                               Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin

After a great morning session,

lunch is served to very grateful
missionaries...

 "All grain is good for the good of man; as also the fruit of the vine..."

Our mid-day activity:
Book of Mormon Family Feud

including the thrill of victory...

and the agony of defeat!

We're grateful for our
Senior Couples--the
energy behind the scenes 

Sister Honeycutt and her camera

capture the memories..

Our afternoon session focused on

the last week of our Savior's earthly

ministry, the Atonement and Resurrection.

"But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: 

the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed."

                                                                                                                            Isaiah 53:5

"And now, after the many testimonies which have been given of him, 

this is the testimony, last of all, which we give of him: 

That he lives!"

                                                                                                  Doctrine and Covenants 76:22

Zone Pictures

Tuesday:  Bambang, Santiago North and South, Solano

Bambang Zone

Santiago South Zone

Solano Zone

Santiago North Zone

Wednesday: Burgos, Roxas, Alicia and Cauayan

Cauayan Zone

Roxas Zone

Alicia Zone

Burgos Zone

Thursday:  Tuguegarao North and South, and Ilagan

Tuguegarao South Zone

Tuguegarao South Zone

Ilagan Zone

Going forth in faith at the end of a very good day!

"And ye shall go forth in the power of my Spirit, preaching my gospel, 

two by two, in my name, lifting up your voices as with the sound of a trump, 

declaring my word like unto angels of God."

                                                                                      Doctrine and Covenants 42:6

"What You Become" Departures and Arrivals, April 9, 2014

Departures April 9, 2014
About three years ago, Elder Bednar visited the Columbus Ohio Mission.  In my notes I have written these words of his:  "Preach My Gospel is not just what you do, but what you become."  
Our five departing missionaries have exemplified Preach My Gospel missionaries.  They have become genuine representatives of Jesus Christ.  They have studied and learned, taught and encouraged, understood and led and blessed many here in the Cauayan Mission.  It's so hard to see them go--but we're so glad they came!

Sister Flory getting instructions from Elder Campbell (that's his hand!) on luggage weights.

Elder Sarcauga and Elder Daluz sounding really fine! 

Our schedule for the day is fairly routine:  Weighing luggage, last interview with President Rahlf, a quick lunch, a group meeting with counsel for the future from President and Sister Rahlf, a departure fireside and opportunity to bear humble, but powerful testimonies.  And then it's dinner in the mission home and the Ceremony of the Scissors.  Or the Clipping of Ties and Handkerchiefs.  We haven't figured out an official name yet.  As long as we get the material, we're good!

Before

Elder Sarcauga

Sister Flory

Elder McLaughlin

Elder Mousley

And After!
Elder Sarcauga, Elder Daluz, Sister Flory, Elder Mousley 

We also prepare a Departure Book for each missionary.  It has the history of their companions and areas, a mission map, the mission song, and some special letters.  

The next morning, we load the truck and pose for a couple of last pictures.  It's hard to believe they are going out the gates of the mission complex for the last time.

The trip to the airport goes by way too fast and so does check-in. 

Ingat!

Elder Bednar also said, "Forget yourself.  Serve with all your heart, might, mind and strength."
And they did.

Elder McLaughlin, Elder Daluz, Sister Flory, Elder Sarcauga, and Elder Mousley


Thank you families and friends for sharing these truly dedicated missionaries.
We are so grateful for them and the goodness they left in the Philippines Cauayan Mission.

Arrivals, April 9, 2014  10:30 AM
And about two hours later, the plane finally touches down and we get to meet our newest Elders and Sisters--the next group of "becoming" Preach My Gospel missionaries.

A warm welcome for Sister Koncurat

 Elder Lee

 Elder Baclea-an

Elder Monilla

Elder Tadena

Sister Mu'amoholeva

and Sister Elivera

 We pack the truck and drive back to the mission home and office for another happy greeting from our senior couples. Then we take a group picture and individual pictures, and go inside for food!  After lunch, it's orientation:  general mission guidelines from Assistants Elder Pareja and Woodruff; a tour of the commissary and postal/pouch system with Elder and Sister Campbell; Housing and CLS (companion language study) with Elder and Sister Shorter; the all-important debit card and financial information with Elder Honeycutt; emails and office needs with Sister Honeycutt; staying healthy with Sister Rahlf; and a personal interview with President Rahlf.

Elder Lee, Elder Pareja (standing), Elder Tadena, Elder Monilla, Elder Baclea-an's legs, and Elder Woodruff

After the orientation, we go over to the chapel, where the new trainers and companions are anxiously waiting.  Within an hour, the companions have met and are now busy gathering luggage, pillows, commissary items etc. before traveling to their areas.  Finally, after months of waiting and preparation, they are really, truly in the field!

Sister Koncurat with her companion, Sister Lamac, already teaching at the end of the day.

Bringing the world His truth--
Back:  Elder Baclea-an, Elder Monilla, Elder Lee, President and Sister Rahlf
Sister Koncurat, Sister Mu'amoholeva, Sister Elivera and Elder Tadena

                 "And thus we see the great call of diligence of men (and women) to labor
                                                   in the vineyards of the Lord…"
                                                                                                                                      Alma 28:14