Mission experiences: September 12, 2009

On Thursday, September 10th we experienced our first Zone Conference for missionaries in Rome, L’Aquila, Pescara and Terni. We met in the Rome 2nd ward building (where we attend church and where the mission offices are located). We were taught, inspired and edified by the Assistants and Zone Leaders and by President and Sister Acerson.

Here are a few of my notes: • Diligence is an expression of your love for the Lord and His work. • Everything we say and do or do not say and do will be the only thing the Italian people will know about the gospel. We must live as a missionary 24/7. • We must be a light that burns bright, brilliant and consistent. • Are you really His servant? Just give Him today. • Let this verse in Alma 32:27 live in you each day of the mission – “Awake and arouse your faculties and exercise…” so your spirit can then take charge of your body. • Italy is a beloved part of the Lord’s vineyard. We are living in a time of historic significance in Italy and we are an integral part of it.

New missionaries and departing missionaries were invited to share their testimonies. Two of the assistants to the President and one zone leader bore their testimonies (they go home in the next transfer). Their love for the Lord, the Italian people and their mission were evident as they bore testimony with power and wept wishing the day would never come when they would have to remove their name tag. We feel so blessed to be a part of all of this.

I captured the missionaries singing the 2nd verse of Called to Serve.