Coming Home July 2011

"TO EVERY THING THERE IS A SEASON AND A TIME UNDER THE HEAVEN." ECCLESIASTES 3:1

Working on new material for the blog!

It has taken me awhile to decide what to do with the blog. I felt lost not posting pictures of the missionaries and I've felt lost with not having my missionary routine. We are starting to settle into a different routine and I have decided to start blogging again. It will take me a little while to get things squared away but we are rolling into the next phase of our journey in life - recovery from the best experience of our lives ( the mission), knee surgery( Tim's), physical therapy for my back, and the economy with our business. We look forward to continuing our growth spiritually and preparing for what comes next!

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Wednesday, December 9, 2009

The Last Donetsk & Kharkov Zone Conference for 2009

Our Zone Conference this time was on making and keeping commitments. We recapped on last months of finding people. Here are some of our wonderful Missionaries from Sumy. Back Row: Elder Howard, Elder Mueller, Elder Valverde, Elder Rader. Front row: Sister Khilova, President Fry, Sister Fry, Sister Ziganshina.
Elder Beus and Elder Gardner. One of the other talks were given by Elder Whitehead. He talked about testimony, knowledge and belief and how studying the scriptures and feeling the spirit helps us gain these. When investigators feel our sincerety and the spirit - they become more ready to make commitments.
Elder Richardson. His work is never done. Elder Shumway also spoke and he touched on follow up and planning. Know the needs of your investigator so you could help them. Plan out every single contact you have with your investigator and have a commitment planned.
Sister Ward and Sister Burke and Elder Rice. We had yummy chicken and rice for lunch!
Elder Lott, Elder Allred and Elder Jones. Many comments were made by other missionaries. The participation was great!

Elder Williams and Elder Thompson. And time for picture taking!
Elder Demyonov, Sister Ziganshina and Sister Khilova. Writing our transfer goals is really important too!
Elder Rader, Elder Moon, Elder Hyer, and Elder Richardson. President Fry talked about how keeping commitments begin with us. You can't expect investigators to accept and keep commitments if we don't do like wise. The strength of your own moral character is felt by our investigators. Your own personal life does matter. By understanding the doctrine - helps us understand the "Why" of keeping commitments and covenants with God. It will also helps to strengthen us.
Elder Mueller and Elder Howard. Our "treats for the road" are greatly needed after a couple of hours of absorbing the knowledge and spirit.
Elder McArthur gave a talk on commitment. "Making commitments is a process of repentance. If your investigators aren't keeping commitments - look at your self first. What keeps us from making commitments - excuses. Act do not be acted upon. Persuade do not force - lovingly - kindness - help them to keep commitments.
Elder Beus and Elder Tillotson in the back and Elder Prince and Elder Steele in the front. Elder Steele gave a talk on "Boldness".( I don't have any quotes from him because I had to leave and take care of the food. Sorry)
Elder Allred, Elder Hess and Elder Prince.
Elder Ketchum and Elder Huckstep sporting their hats they bought to take home. They leave next week!!
The sisters separated to have our own discussion for about 20 minutes. It is so wonderful to get to know these sisters a little more. They are definitely the "HEART" of the mission!! Aren't they so pretty!! Sis. Ziganshina, Sis. Khilova, Sis. Reed, Sis. Fry, Sis. Burke and Sis. Ward.
Elder Demyonov, Elder Huckstep, Elder Rader and Elder Mueller. Elder Green spoke about purifying ourselves and to help investigators do the same. Success is measured by our commitment and they have their free agency to choose.
Sister Belkina taking a moment to write down her goals.
Our three Armanians! Elder Nersisyan, Elder Mikhaylov and Elder Tsaturyan. They are so awesome!!
Elder Thompson, Elder Dietrich, Elder Eckersley, Elder Kearsley and Sister Salomonson. Elder Taylor gave a talk about how commitment is the path to repentance and invites others to come unto Christ thru repentance. Giving commitments helps people to repent.
Elder Beck, Elder Tilgner and Elder Balser. Lunch is so good. We love the chicken and rice with the rich creamy gravy!! Elder Balser talked about David and Goliath and how David was bold. He knew the gospel and he did not shy away. If we will be bold with the gospel of Jesus Christ - we will help others come unto Christ.
Elder Valverde, Elder Hansen, and Elder Shipp. And here's to you! Zone conference has been great thus far. Elder Summerhays spoke on promising people blessings( with the right spirit of course) gives them a reason to want to change - it gives them motivation. Always bear testimony!
Elder Mead, Elder Belyeu, Elder Stirling and Elder Rosen.
Elder Cullen, Elder Bell and Elder Putnam.
Elder Balser, Elder Thompson, Elder Dietrich, Elder Eckersley, Elder Kearsley and Sister Salomonson. Elder Thompson talked about following up is an act of love. Tell them you will follow up on their commitments and will call and encourage them and then do it. Talk to them daily - help them.
Elder Putnam, Elder Eckersley, Elder Shipp and Elder Bell. Elder Eckersley talked about explaining to our investigators what happens at church with Scarament Meeting, Sunday School etc. Preparing them for the experience at church and come to church with a prayer asking for the Lord's help.
Elder Thompson, Elder Balser and Elder Duffy. Elder LaMarr talked about a "code for action". Be devasted when commitments are not kept. This is life eternal - the most important work and pick them up when they fall. When you assign a Chapter - next lesson should enclude that chapter. Tactfully ask why commitments weren't kept.
Elder Tsaturyan and Elder Nersisyan. Elder Tsaturyan talked about faith and hope are the building blocks of commitment. He quoted the Apostle Paul"Go Boldly - proclaim the gospel with the spirit."
Vlademir, Elder Thompson and Elder Eckersley. President Fry recapped the David and Goliath story. David picked up 5 stones but he knew he only needed one. He was prepared. We can take down the barriers that keep our investigators from making commitments with one stone at a time. If one stone doesn't help them make a commitment - you have 4 other ones to try with.
Our wonderful sisters in the Donetsk Area: Sister Vinicurava(serving until she can get her visa to go to the MTC) Sister Tsaprova( as mini missionary from Donetsk) Sister Krivulya and Sister Belkina. We talked about how important a Sister's touch can be to the mission. What wonderful examples they are and how proud and grateful we are to have them in the mission. We studied from the white handbook on how the Prophet has promised us safety both spiritually and physically as we follow it. Aren't they just beautiful!!
Elder Tilgner, Elder Thompson, Elder Balser, Elder Duffy, Elder Jahnert and Elder Smith. These are our Elders serving in Petrosky just next to Donetsk.

1 comment:

Hermana Whitehead said...

Sister Fry, we love the summaries of the talks and pictures of the missionaries you share so willingly. Thank you for taking the time to do so much for us and the missionaries. We love and appreciate you and President Fry.