Elder Hallstrom Fireside

February 10, 2015

Elder Donald L. Hallstrom was sustained as a General Authority Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on April 1, 2000. At the time of his call, he was serving as a member of the Fifth Quorum of the Seventy in the North America West Area. He was named a member of the Presidency of the Seventy on April 4, 2009.

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Elder Patrick Kearon was sustained a member of the First Quorum of the Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on April 3, 2010, at the age of 48. At the time of his call, he had been serving as a member of the Third Quorum of the Seventy in the Europe Area. He is currently serving as President of the Europe Area Presidency.

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Elder Hallstrom, accompanied by Elder Kearon, presented a fireside to the missionaries currently serving in the vicinity of Rome.  It is always an honor to have a visiting authority shake their hands and speak to the missionaries.  It's an experience they remember forever.

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(Awesome story:  As Elder Hallstrom was speaking to the missionaries, he asked if anyone knew the first word in the Doctrine and Covenants.  It was very quiet and no one raised a hand until one shy missionary hesitantly raised his hand and said "Hearken".  He was right.  No one else knew the answer, but he did.  When I spoke to him after the conference, he said he had a seminary teacher who spent a whole class period just talking about the first word in the Doctrine and Covenants.  He has lots of notes written on that page in his scriptures.  Kudos to that seminary teacher who will probably never know the impact he had on this young man's life.)

World Wide Missionary Fireside

January 19, 2016

The missionaries attended a world wide fireside put on by the Missionary Department.  They were all able to watch it in the church where they were serving.  We attended with some of the missionaries in Rome.  I fixed carmel popcorn as a treat to eat afterwards.  (Where ever 3 or more are gathered, there must be refreshments.)

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The theme of the fireside was Teach Repentance and Baptize Converts. 

The first speaker was Elder Anderson.  He taught it is important for missionaries to understand the role that repentance plays in the conversion process.  Repentance means a change of attitude.  Many people don't understand the importance of repentance and the missionaries must guide them and help them understand.  Potential members of the Church need to understand the significance of real intent.  When praying with real intent, a person doesn't pray and ask for a testimony out of curiosity, but because they have a sincere desire to know the truth.  Missionaries should teach about repentance and then teach about baptism. 

Elder Bednar spoke about the Role of the Holy Ghost in Conversion.   Missionaries who are obedient and have the spirit of the Holy Ghost with them can bring the Holy Ghost unto the investigator's heart.  It is up to the investigator to invite the Holy Ghost inside their heart.

Bishop Waddell taught that Investigators Must Act.  We invite.  They commit.  We follow up.

Sister Oscarson  taught the principle that we Teach People, Not Lessons. 

Elder Clayton spoke on  Find When We Teach.  The best finding is done when we work with members.  Members are the key to missionary success.

Elder Nelson keyed in on working with inactive members.  Each inactive member stood in white in a church and got baptized at one time.  We need to rekindle that fire. 

Elder Oaks taught about the importance of the Doctrine of Christ.  Missionaries are called to teach the Doctrine of Christ.  Missionaries are sons and daughter of God.  They are royalty.  The Savior didn't come to redeem men in their sins, but to redeem people from their sins.  To be able to enter into God's presence, we must be changed from someone who has been baptized into someone who has repented of our sins.  Our divine calling is to preach that men and women can only be saved in the highest kingdom  through baptism, temple marriage, and enduring to the end.  Missionaries are called to ESTABLISH the Kingdom, not just to Preach the Gospel.  He finished by invoking an Apostolic blessing upon all missionaries.

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Fireside with Elder Dallin H. Oaks

December 27, 2015

Fireside with Elder and Sister Oaks

It's always a wonderful experience to have a visiting General Authority speak to the missionaries, but  it's a real treat to have an Apostle visit.  We were thrilled to have Elder and Sister Oaks join us in Rome for a Sunday evening Fireside.  We were unable to bring all the missionaries into Rome so only those who are currently serving within an hour's travel time were invited to attend in person.  All the other missionaries were given the option to listen via the internet.

Elder and Sister Oaks attended church with the Rome 2 and Rome 6 wards and then went to the Rome Temple Site for a tour.  We had lunch at the Mission Home and two of our senior missionary couples assisted with the preparation and serving.  It was a special occasion for them and a blessing for us.

Fireside with Elder Cook

July 5, 2015


We are grateful any time we have one of the Lord's chosen servants visit the Italy Rome Mission.  They bring such a spiritual boost with them.  Being able to hear them speak and shake their hand is a treasured memory for each missionary. 

Elder Quentin L. Cook

Elder and Sister Cook with Presidente and Sorella Waddoups