MTC Day 4

Today began with President Boyd K. Packer speaking to us. You may have heard that he passed out in a church meeting last week in Boston. He was a bit frail in body, but was strong in spirit and resolute in his voice as he talked to us about "The Voice That Can Be Felt Rather Than Heard." All of the members of the Twelve were there except Elder Hales and Elder Christofferson. It was sweet to see how these great men interact with one another. There is clearly great love and affection among them, and particularly for President Packer who is the President of their Quorum. While he was speaking to us, he told us several times to read again the Book of Mormon and particularly to look for key words, phrases, and verses that talk about the Spirit. He also gave us an assignment to quit being fearful about our callings, that fear cannot coexist where the Spirit of the Lord is. Finally, as has been so many times this week, he gave us an apostolic blessing. He stated that through our faithful service, our family would be redeemed. Then he blessed us first as fathers and mothers, as grandparents; then as mission presidents. Finally, he bore his testimony which included these words: " I know that Jesus lives. I know Jesus." I should mention that President Packer's talk was preceded by a special missionary choir consisting of about 20 elders and 20sisters. They sang, "I'm Trying to be Like Jesus". It was very touching, and at its conclusion as I was wiping the tears from my eyes, I turned to Sister Susan Tanner who sitting next to me (she and her husband are going to Brazil) and said to her, "Those are your Young Women!"

After President Packer departed, Bishop Richard Edgley of the Presiding Bishopric spoke to us about the Book of Mormon. (Bishop Edgley is the next door neighbor to my first cousin, Sandy Jones, and her husband Jerry is their home teacher. Bishop Edgley mentioned that to us yesterday when we saw him in the dining room.) He spoke of the summer he was 15 and was working on the farm in Bancroft, Idaho (about 15 miles from Soda Springs) when there was nothing to do at night but read the Book of Mormon. He said that after a few days, the spirit of the book sunk into his heart and then he could hardly wait for the work day to end so he could get back to his room and read more from the Book of Mormon. He reminded us that our job is not to prove to others that the Book of Mormon is true, but rather to teach and testify of its truthfulness and allow the reader to prove to themselves whether or not it's true. The Holy Ghost will do its work.

Our first break-out session of the day was from Preach My Gospel, Chapter 9, about Finding people to teach. Successful missionaries talk to everyone all the time about the Church ("find when you teach and teach when you find"). Elder Ringwood (who set Pam apart) recounted a story that happened when he was a Mission President in Korea. Two elders boarded a bus and immediately began talking to people as they worked their way back in the bus. When someone rejected their invitation to learn more, them moved further back in the bus. This pattern continued until their stop came and they disembarked. Unbeknownst to them, there was a man in the back of the bus who was watching with interest what they were doing and was desirous of talking to them. They got off the bus before they got to him, but he did hear the name of the church as they spoke. When he got home, he contacted the church, met with missionaries, and was baptized. The missionaries on the bus never knew that their actions had led to his baptism.

During this session, we were also encouraged to become very familiar with mormon.org and to have our missionaries do the same. I suppose that counsel would apply to future missionaries and their families, as well. There is nothing better for a FHE than watching one or two "And I'm A Mormon" vignettes at that website.

Oh, I just remembered something that happened yesterday. At the end of one of the general meetings, a sister in front of us turned around and told Pam in halting English with a strong German accent how much she enjoyed listening to her sing. That compliment pleased Pam.

Tonight we had a special dinner hosted by members of the Quorum of the Twelve. Each of them had a room in which were five tables. At each table was a general authority and his wife along with two mission presidents and their wives. Elder Dallin H. Oaks was our group host, and we sat at a table with Elder David F. Evans and his wife, Mary. It was a very nice evening of visiting and winding down as we are coming to the conclusion of our MTC experience. Elder Oaks shared with the group a cute personal experience. Sister Oaks is Elder Oaks second wife. After he had gotten to know her well enough that he was ready to propose to her, having received approval from her parents (she was in her mid-50's), he took her for a walk in a park, sat down on a bench in a private place, and asked her to marry him. She paused for several seconds, then said that he would have to get down on his knees and ask her again! We all laughed at that story that he shared as a glimpse into his personal life.

Today was our last full day at the MTC. Tomorrow morning we hear from Elder Holland. Then in sacrament meeting, President Eyring will speak to us. So it will be another special Spirit-filled day! Tomorrow at 5:00 p.m. the first of the international mission presidents depart from SLC airport. The next group leave Monday morning around 9:00 a.m., and our group leaves at 1:50 p.m. These four days have flown by. In many respects, we are not ready to accept the reins of this new assignment, but we feel in our hearts that the Lord will make up the difference between our abilities and what needs to be done in every aspect of the work. We will continue to take it one day at a time and witness His hand in our lives, the lives of our missionaries and their investigators, and the lives of the members. Thank you for your prayers and support. We feel that influence and strength. Please know what we pray for you, too. We love you.

Gary & Pam