Mission Blog: Bari Zone Conference

February 5, 2015

Bari Zone - February 2015

President taught about faith and used an example of Zacchaeus who was a publican (tax collector) by profession and was despised by the people. He was short and was afraid he wouldn't be able to see Jesus because there were so many people who were taller than him. He climbed up into a sycomore tree so he would be able to see. Even though he would have been above where Jesus would normally have looked, Jesus was still observant and called to Zacchaus and told him to come down from the tree quickly because he, Jesus, was going to his house for the evening. Zacchaeus hastened to obey. The people were critical because they considered Zacchaeus a sinner, but Jesus saw the good in him and rewarded him for his goodness and faith.

Luke 19:1-10

And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho.

And, behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus, which was the chief

among the publicans, and he was rich.

And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press,

because he was little of stature.

And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycomore tree to see him:

for he was to pass that way.

And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up,

and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste,

and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house.

And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully.

And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying,

That he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner.

And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord,

the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken

any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold.

And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house,

forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham.

For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.

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The bible dictionary says "Where there is true faith there are miracles . . . ." The sister training leader encouraged all the missionaries to "Expect a Miracle" and to not let discouragement weaken their faith.

The pessimist says "I'll believe it when I see it." But the optimist says "I'll see it when I believe it."

Luke 6:38

Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down,

and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom.

For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be

measured to you again.

Ether 12:6

And now, I, Moroni, would speak somewhat concerning these things;

I would show unto the world that faith is things which are hoped for and not seen;

wherefore, dispute not because ye see not, for ye receive no witness until

after the trial of your faith.

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The zone leaders talked about the importantance of working with the members of the church to find people to teach. Sixty percent of all investigators come from either active or inactive member referrals.

"Work smarter, not harder."

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