Our first zone conferences of 2013 were held the last few days of January. We split the mission into thirds and held it on three consecutive days. Our theme was "Lord, I Would Follow Thee." President taught and focused on The Doctrine of Christ. I trained on the element of love. We cannot teach the Doctrine of Christ and penetrate the hearts of our investigators without loving them. We looked to Christ's example of truly loving those he taught. The assistants trained on extending baptismal invitations and concluded with some really great role plays.
President teaches our missionaries that these gatherings are revelatory--and if they come prepared they will receive personal revelation as they listen to the training. Many times what is revealed to them is not what any of us are saying but what the Holy Ghost tells them in the form of thoughts or feelings.
Day One--Tuguegarao for Tuguegarao and Ilagan Zones
Missionaries enjoy seeing friends from other zones
Visiting before the meeting began
Our missionaries know to come with the tools or their trade: scriptures, Preach My Gospel and their study journals.
There is so much musical talent in our north end of the mission. This great quartet sang beautifully and invited the spirit into our meeting.
Each district meeting missionaries share their success and concerns about their investigators with the other missionaries in their districts. We all know our investigators are precious and we come to love them all. This was an activity that showed our precious and delicate our investigators are and how districts working together can strengthen them and protect them. The investigator in this case was a water balloon that had to be thrown and caught up and back a long course. The team that got theirs through the district first won a prize--yummy chocolate bars!
Nice catch
Once you tossed your balloon you had to run take your towel to another set of missionaries
The Ilagan zone provided this amazing trio to enhance our training
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Missionaries are busy role playing  | | | | | |
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These wonderful sisters helped prepared the delicious luncheon under the direction of Brother Pete.
The famous Brother Pete. He always spoils the missionaries with wonderful food. This time he made three entrees, mashed potatoes and gravy and of course lots of rice!
The Mills came to Tuguegarao and helped with all aspects of the conference.
The Mills helped to set and decorate the tables
Our centerpieces reflected our theme. And each missionary received a new pair of socks to remember our goal of following the Savior in all that we do.
The sisters enjoyed eating together.
We celebrated our Jan, Feb and March birthdays and thanked our kitchen help by giving them each an apron that says "The Cook of Mormon." I'm hoping our elders and sisters will wear it in their kitchen while they are cooking to protect their clothes.
Getting mail!
Elder De Guzman and Elder Linnell
Elder Pareja and Elder James with Elder Wightman in the background
Day 2--Cauayan for Alicia, Burgos, Cauayan and Roxas Zones
These missionaries were raring to go.
I love how they listen so attentively when President is teaching.
Be careful with our precious investigators
It's time for the assistants training
Waiting for final instructions on the role plays
Role Plays are underway
The room was buzzing with conversation as the missionaries spread out to do their role plays
Sister Uy catered the luncheon and all the missionaries enjoyed her delicious food. Today the Gottfredsons were in charge of the set-up and clean-up. Its a huge job. The Shaners helped out with the serving.
Sister Uy served pancit, chop suey and pork strips in gravy with RICE! I made my mother's Applesauce Chocolate Chip cake for dessert.
Elder Obiacoro, Tweitebwebwe, Sister Morales, Elder Daluz, Oyardo and Averion celebrate their birthdays and model their new aprons.
Lunch is a fun time to visit and catch up with each other.
Day 3--Santiago for Bambang, Solano and both Santiago Zones
Sister T and Sister Paloma from Rizal
Elder Dela Cruz and Elder Workman who are serving high up in Lagawe
Sister Vea and Sister Saez also serving in Rizal
Solano Zone Leaders Elder Valdez and Elder Lundy
Santiago South Zone Leaders Elder Abitona and Elder Williamson
Elder Gloria and his anak Elder Roy
Elder Badol and his anak Elder Sogare
Elder Magalong knows the air con will be on and he's come prepared!
Santiago North Zone Leaders Elder Proctor and Elder Amoreda
Elder Laurente and his part-timer
Elder Coronel is waiting for the meeting to begin
Elder Fry and Elder Hawlader are serving together in Cordon
Solano elders: Elder Llorin and Elder Woodruff
There's a little time to read mail before the meeting starts
Almaguer sisters: Sister Barcela and Sister Rafique
Sister Klein and her anak Sister Diola
Elder Rostedt and his compan Elder Aguila
Santiago North provided a musical number
Elder Rostedt lead his zone in their musical number
Be careful with your investigators!
Getting ready for the activity
Lining up for lunch
The Shaners provided the help for today--we couldn't ever make it without our senior couples great help!
Birthdays!
Nanay provided the great food. She is a dear and so are her helpers! We really appreciated their good help.
We love zone conferences! They are a time to recharge our batteries so that we can head right back to work with renewed energy and sense of purpose.
