Zone Conferences

Zone Conferences were held this week (Tuesday - Thursday) throughout the mission.  We reviewed gospel concepts relating to the Atonement and God's love for all of His children.  In addition, we held workshops on finding people to teach, building trust with members, and working effectively with ward councils.  In the afternoons, office staff presentations were held on car and apartment stewardship, hurricane preparedness, as well as other temporal affairs.  Each day, a few missionaries shared talks on "Becoming a Christ-like Companion" and those who will be returning home in the next two transfers shared their testimonies.  Various missionaries also provided musical numbers and local relief societies prepared delicious lunches.  Below, please find pictures taken during lunch, at one workshop, in the hallways and parking lots (a few of the photos wouldn't load).  We hope you can find one or two of your missionary!

Week at a Glance

Missions are filled with various activities, including proselyting, training, working with members, preparation day, etc.  Please find below a smattering of such activities from the week.

 

College Station District Meeting

Hermana Hale

Elders Schmidt and Price

Prior to a baptism

Pingree family with cousin, Jonah (left)

Basketball at the Hafer building

Sister Sapp

Elders Myers and Lewis

Houston 5th Ward sisters with members

Katy District Meeting

Westgreen Spanish District Ward Correlation Meeting

 

Spring District service activity at Hand Me Up, an Interfaith
Ministries thrift store (next several pictures)

 

Companionship Unity

Dear Sisters and Elders –

 

With the recent transfer this week, I would like to address the topic of companionship unity.  In the Missionary Handbook we are encouraged to “love and respect [our] companion[s]” and to “work together in a spirit of unity” (p. 30).  Certainly, unity in our companionships is required for us to have the Spirit and to represent Christ effectively.

 

Please find below several suggestions from Preach My Gospel and the Missionary Handbook on ways to build companionship unity:

 

“Pray for your companion…” (PMG, 94).

 

“Find ways to serve each other” (MH, 30).

 

“Plan and study each day with your companion to be united…” (PMG, 192).

 

“Look for good in each companion” (MH, 30) and “sincerely and frequently compliment your companion…” (PMG, 131).

 

“Talk with each other openly and frequently” (MH, 30).

 

“[Exercise] patience in your everyday…relationships, especially with your companion” (PMG, 120).

 

“Seek the help of your companion…” (PMG, 128).

 

“Help your companions experience success and gain confidence…” (PMG, 131).

 

“Stay with your companion” (PMG, 160).

 

“When you are not speaking [during a lesson], pray for your companion…” (PMG, 179).

 

"Bear testimony that what your companion has taught is from God” (PMG, 199).

 

“Conduct companionship inventory…Discuss the strength of your relationship with your companion. Discuss any challenges that may be keeping your companionship from working in unity or from being obedient. Resolve conflicts. Share with your companion what you think his or her strengths are. Ask for suggestions on how you can improve. If needed, set goals that will improve your relationship. Conclude with prayer” (PMG, 150).

 

One of the greatest blessings of a mission is to learn to love and serve others, even if they are different from us.  Like Christ, we need to learn to care for others more than we care for ourselves.  This is a skill that you will need throughout your life and especially in your future marriage and family.   As you seek to apply the principles above, I promise that you will see increased unity in your companionship and feel a greater sense of joy in the work.

 

With much love and respect,

 

President Pingree