Zone Conference V and C

It was such a beautiful day.  This is the Ventura Stake Center where we held zone conference for Ventura and Camarillo Zones.

This view is from in front of the church looking at the ocean.

Elder Iverson and Elder Stewart starting the inspection on the cars.  An award was given to the most clean and it went to Elders Herrera and Turley.  I talked to them after the conference and they were going for the award.  Elder Turley cleaned the apolstery with Resolve.

We followed the same format as yesterday.  President Felix gave opening remarks.  He encouraged the missionaries to meet one another as we have many new missionaries.  He talked about balance because there are many things we focus on in this mission, such as:  We need balance in working with members - 50 people to contact a week - Hallelujah initiative - we find, teach repentance and baptize converts - always ask so to find (such as:  "During this lesson we will be talking about a sacred message, names may come to you...") - follow up - when committments extended, follow up - both feet in - about others not oneself - we are missionaries in all places, in all things, at all times - we open our mouths D & C 100:5 - If you don't know what to say, testify of Jesus Christ - read from the Book of Mormon every day without missing a day - we desire the salvation of souls - we are consecrated servants of Jesus Christ - we strive to serve through our obedience - we are led by the Spirit as we find and teach.  How do we balance all of this?  God will work with you wherever we are.  President Dieter F. Uchtdorf said "Sometimes we feel discouraged because we are not 'more' of something -- more spiritual, respected, intelligent, healthy, rich, friendly or capable.  We don't need to be 'more' of anyting to start to become the person God intended us to become.  God will take you as you are at this very moment and begin to work with you."
We had five new missionaries introduce themselves and bear a short testimony.  

The responses from the missionaries to the discussion from the assistants regarding humility:  being teachable, being repentive - realizing we can change, submittinig own will to God's will, recognize blessings are from Heavenly Father, being a child of God.  Why would Jesus use a child to represent humility (Matt 18:2-4)?  They are teachable, small and totally dependent, more willing to learn.  How do we become humble?  Repenting and praying; remember we are nothing without God; give up our will; it doesn't just happen -- always strive for humility and what you learn.
Seventeen missionaries shared their testimonies regarding marking the Book of Mormon in reference to the Doctrine of Christ before the departing missionaries shared their thoughts - Elder DeCosta, Hermana Miller and Hermana Griffes, then the Stewarts.
The spirit was so strong.  It's amazing to be in the presence of such wonderful missionaries.

Lunch was turkey and swiss cheese sandwiches with chips, fruit and candy on the tables as centerpieces.

Happy birthday to:  Elders Lallatin, Mulford, Brown, Barrios-Vega, Hermana Pirir, Sisters Barnum, Jones

Camarillo Zone

Front row:  Hermana Pirir, Sister Greding, Hermana Wright, Elders Hales, King, Judkins, Brown, Strom, Oakey, Barrios-Veg

Back row:  Hermana Scott, Sister Barnum, Hermana Miller, Elders Bailey, DuPlessis, Hatman, Mulford, Lallatin, Gregory, Taufatofua, McLane

Ventura Zone

Front row:  Elders Turley, Boyce, Jo, Weiss, McCurdy, Sisters Hopkins, Coulon, Hermanas Johnson, Kneip

Back row:  Elders Herrera, Ruby, DeCosta, Summers, Hull, Sisters Jones, Deitos, Hermanas Griffes, Hemingway

Elder King presented goal setting.  We should constantly strive to achieve.  It's faith that God will help us.  Real intent -- act.  It's for a soul.  Set goals with the Spirit.  He shared that he and Elder DuPlessis prayed for a date for someone to be baptized.  They felt it should be March 26.  They now have a baptism scheduled for that date.  They were inspired as to the date and did everything they could to make it happen.
Elder DuPlessis talked about accountability.  He said he loves the topic!  His presentation covered much of what Elder Kuepper did yesterday.  They were companions last transfer.  I liked when he quoted from PMG "Accept full responsibility for your efforts -- never blame others."
We all sang Hymn 291 Turn Your Hearts.  It was perfect to lead into President and Sister Felix's presentation on
family history.