We arose at 5:45 and got back to our room at 7:00 p.m. but the day seemed to fly by! First on the docket this morning was an address from our prophet, President Monson. What a thrill as he spoke largely from his experience as a Mission President all those many years ago on how to motivate missionaries. His very practical suggestions ranged from personal interviews to transfers to weekly reports to preparation day to letters home to missionary meetings to building Mission Spirit to building strong relationships with local priesthood leaders. One quote that rang true to me was that the greatest single thing we can do is to ensure that relationships with local ecclesiastical leaders are properly maintained. I can say from personal experience that that is truly the case. As you might expect, when the prophet comes to a meeting, there are many of the Church leaders there. In attendance this morning and for much of the day were the entire First Presidency, nine members of the Quorum of the 12 (only Elders Packer, Perry, and Hales were not there), most of the auxiliary general presidencies, all the presidency of the Seventy, lots of members of the 1st Quorum of the 70. Those who we met were so kind and appreciative and gracious. When I shook hands with Sister Beck (RS Genl Pres) and she learned that we were going to Sendai, she talked about the great experiences she has had in Sendai with the Saints there and how much she loves them. Then she looked me in the eye and said, "Tell the saints in Sendai that I am praying for them." At lunch we sat with Elder Craig Christensen and his wife--he is the Executive Director of the Priesthood Department. At dinner with we dined with Elder and Sister Ringwood (he set Pam apart last Friday and will be in the Asia North Area Presidency) and Elder and Sister Richards (he will be in the Chile Area Presidency). There were many more with whom we spoke and shook hands, and I don't want to make it sound like we are boasting, but the leaders of the Church are really supportive of and loving toward the mission presidents. They are interested in our circumstances and particularly eager that we do well and are supported.
We had three or four sessions this morning and this afternoon that were under the direction of various General Authorities on topics relating to our responsibilities. First, Elder Richard Hinckley who will be emeritus in August and who has been the Executive Director of the Missionary Department for the past several years, led a discussion on the Doctrine of Christ and our Purpose as Missionaries. The Book of Mormon clearly describes the doctrine or gospel of Christ as faith in Jesus Christ and His atonement, repentance, baptism, the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end (2 Nephi 31, 3 Nephi 11, 3 Nephi 27). When we consider that our purpose is to invite others to come unto Christ through these steps, the importance of baptism becomes very clear. It's not just to convert large numbers of people, it's to make His gospel available to every individual who will accept that invitation.
There is a major change in the role of Mission Presidents. We are to be the lead trainer in the mission, even more so than the Assistants, Zone Leaders, or District Leaders. Great push to keep us out of the office and away from administrative activities and to be in front of the missionaries doing all sorts of training in every possible venue. I am happy to have Pam at my side to assist in this aspect of my assignment.
We have made some good friends in the Zinke's who are going to the Kobe Japan Mission. She and Pam are very much alike--not strong Japanese language background, made a quilt for missionaries to sign, lots of discussions about what food to serve the missionaries, a very happy and nice person, etc. I can see in Pam a greater ease and confidence about this assignment just by interacting with Sister Zinke. I am sure they will e-mail ideas back and forth their entire mission. Plus once a year we have an Area Mission Presidents Seminar where we meet together with other mission presidents and their wives along with the Area Presidency and their wives. This November we will be going to Korea. Maybe one year we will be able to host it--who knows?
So much more to say, but it's 9:30 and time to hit the sack. Another full day tomorrow. Thanks for your love and support. We truly feel it. Please know that you are also in our prayers and thoughts. We are eager to hear the news about the birth of (Matt & Amy's) Sydnie next week.
Love to all,
Gary & Pam Rasmussen
No comments:
Post a Comment