Mission Blog: European Mission President Seminar in Versailles, France

September 10-13, 2013

The European Mission Presidents gathered together in Versailles, France for a three day seminar to be instructed by the European Area Presidency. We were also privileged to have two apostles and a member of the presiding bishopric with us. It was a spiritually charged event.

The main concept taught was that "Nothing is too hard for the Lord". Some of the highlights of the seminar that I jotted notes about were the following:

Elder Ballard told about President Kimball who taught we should Lengthen our Stride and at the following conference said we should Quicken our Pace.

There is no work that is too difficult for the Lord.

President Monson handles things on earth, but the Lord oversees everything.

Alma taught the poor people because they were the ones who would listen to him and they rose up to be the leaders. (Very appropriate because financially Italy is in terrible shape. There is lots of unemployment and people are struggling.)

The early saints who crossed over in boats and then across the plains did so because missionaries had taught them the gospel.

We can't slow down the tsunami. (The Hastening)

Elder Ballard said when he was mission president he had no time to sleep. (Something we totally understand.) He told the Lord if there was anything else he needed to know he would have to teach him while he was asleep because he didn't have anymore time.

Most important thing we are doing as mission presidents is preparing future leaders of the church--maybe even a new general authority.

Many people join church because somebody had put them in the area book prior to that time. The Area book becomes controlling source to know that the Lord's vineyard is being watched over. How would you feel if the Savior asked to see how you are overseeing his vineyard?

When you get to be 80 and you don't have a planner, you'll be toast. Missionaries have to have a plan if they are going to get where they are going.

Mosiah 18:21 taught there should be no contention one with another.

3 Nephi 27:13 says even as ye have seen me do, that, too, shall you do.

Concentrate missionary work on those who are under 40 years old. That is the age group that asks Who am I? Where am I going? Why am I here? Young families bring children up in the church. Don't ignore others, but concentrate on younger ones.

Elder Teixiera, the Area President, taught the importance of goal setting. There is something about believing that we can do it. Don't let previous traditions affect your work.

The theme of Elder Maynes talk was we should Find, Teach, and Baptize.

Referring to the missionary purpose, Elder Mayne said: "If you know a principle, you should live it. There is a difference between stating the missionary purpose and actually doing what it says."

Everything a missionary does all day long should be connected to the purpose.

You can't baptize unless you teach and you can't teach unless you find.

Get out and teach with your missionaries.

Preparation Day is not a play day. Are missionaries preparing or are they so exhausted they can't work the next day.

Zone leaders are like the tide. When they rise up they bring all the boats with them.

Get missionaries out of cars.

Missionaries need to become as Nephi as old. They need to have FAITH.

You must shoot beyond your goal. Goal is not baptism, but temple.

President Dyches referred to D&C 6:33-39 and said to Fear not, Doubt not.

Mission Presidents and Stake Presidents need to work in harmony.

Missionary work is like a zipper. There are two sides, missionaries and stake and ward leaders, and the Holy Ghost binds us together. There is power on both sides, but unless there is something to combine them something is lost. The keys on both sides need to align.

Prior to baptism, ask the investigator who he/she would like to come to their baptism so the missionaries can go and teach them about what they are doing and why.

Elder Oaks said to teach the missionaries it's not their mission but the Lord's mission. You are giving time back to the Lord because it really is His mission. You will never have this opportunity again.

When missionaries rise to a higher level, they feel worthy to ask the Lord to bless them with miracles.

Important to pray for the Lord's will to be done instead of ordering Him around and telling him what we want done.

Sometimes we convert people to the church, but not to the gospel. Our main purpose is to invite others to come unto Christ.

Difference between those who baptize and those who don't is commitment. Moroni 10:4 is a call for commitment.

Bishop Davies taught the words of Christ will show unto you all that what ye should do.

D&C 100 tells us doors will be opened.

Pres. Kearon said missionaries need to be a physical presence in the wards on Sunday.

SEMINAR