September Transfers and Mega-Zones

Mega-Zones

Is mega-zone even a word outside of mission lingo? Probably not. In a continuing effort to more fully integrate the former North and South missions and move toward aligning the zones with stake boundaries, we’ve made several adjustments to the existing zones including the creation of a Chinese Zone. We were able to arrange things so that we had 4 mega-zone conferences with 60+ missionaries at each one.

In addition to all the training and sharing, our mission nurse, Sister Postma arranged for all the missionaries to get a flu shot if they wanted to. That was fun!

President Teuscher taught about the importance of following up and helping the people we are teaching to keep their commitments. We had several missionaries give short presentations and share what works well for them in following up with various aspects of missionary work. We had a really insightful and helpful workshop from Elder Rich on giving effective chapel tours. He works in the Chinese program and has been using them as a tool to help people understand the importance of the Jesus Christ, his restored gospel and the necessity of ordinances like baptism and the sacrament.

I taught about Love: understanding, recognizing and receiving God’s love, and learning to develop and share that kind of love with others. The missionaries are volunteering their time and giving of themselves in order to help others recognize and receive God’s love, and all of the blessings that come with it, in their own lives. They do it out of love. I learn so much from them as they share their thoughts, insights, and experiences.

My brothers and sisters, the first great commandment of all eternity is to love God with all of our heart, might, mind, and strength—that’s the first great commandment. But the first great truth of all eternity is that God loves us with all of His heart, might, mind, and strength. That love is the foundation stone of eternity, and it should be the foundation stone of our daily life. Indeed it is only with that reassurance burning in our soul that we can have the confidence to keep trying to improve, keep seeking forgiveness for our sins, and keep extending that grace to our neighbor.” —Jeffery R. Holland

Westchester, Yorktown and Bronx Zones

We love Elder and Sister Carter and are so grateful for them, and for all the senior couples and their willingness to feed these hungry missionaries. It isn’t easy preparing a meal for nearly 70 people!

These elders are such gentlemen, letting the sisters eat lunch first while they lined up in the hallway to get their flu shots. Look at Elder Rogers and Elder Allred jumping for joy! ha ha!

Brooklyn and Woodside Zones

Manhattan and Chinese Zones

Lynbrook and Plainview Zones

They are making mini Korean hearts with their hands (just in case you were wondering)

Suster Dunne had the best expression/reaction to the flu shot, is she laughing or crying?

Transfer Day

We have been getting a lot of rainy days in New York recently and transfer day was one of them! Good thing these missionaries know that rain makes things grow and they just smile and make the best of it.