08-25-2019 - Zone Conferences in North Carolina, Charlotte

We had another wonderful, spiritual week. We attended zone conferences in the North Carolina Charlotte Mission (Christian's old proselyting area) with President and Sister Adler.  They are from Germany and I just loved their direct and to-the-point approach to missionary work. They were so warm and welcoming, and we could see that the missionaries love them dearly.

President and Sister Adler from Germany

President Alder taught with the spirit about commitment and testimony.  He said, "Action is one of the chief foundations of personal testimony."

Sister Adler spoke about the stumbling block of inadequacy. She surprised us all with a quote from Pres Brigham Young, "When the thought of inadequacy comes to you, send it to Hell.  That is where it came from."  The quote still makes me smile.

Again, we were so amazed at the elders and sisters wisdom beyond their years as they shared ideas, answered questions, and taught each other.  You can see their beautiful, shining countenances in these pictures!  We love being around these noble spirits!

Zone Conference in Pineville, North Carolina

Elder and Sister Shupe (Mission Nurse)
and Sister and Elder Merrell

Elder Merrell giving his presentation on "Managing Stress."

We witness the "diversity in administration" as we visit each mission.  President Adler presented a "sprint" letter to all the missionaries who have three months left to serve. The letter asked for their signed commitment to sprint to the end of the race, to give 100% to the end of their mission.  The elders and sisters received the letter with a smile and "I'm on-board" attitude.

Sister Adler had a wonderful idea to help welcome the new missionaries just coming into the field.  When it was time for our lunch break, she asked everyone to line up and share one piece of advice for these new missionaries. She stood in the hall with her iphone and recorded each missionary as they took turns stepping up and sharing their best advice. Sister Adler will show this video in the mission home the day of their arrival. This way the new missionaries can see and hear everyone in the mission as part of their orientation. Elder Merrell and I loved hearing their advice!

Zone Conference in Greensville, North Carolina

Zone Conference in Charlotte, North Carolina

At the end of every zone conference, the elders and sisters would stand, lock arms and sway while singing their mission song.  We asked Christian if he remembered singing a North Carolina mission song and he did. Elder Merrell and I were given a copy of the words, so I am posting them for Christian.

We Sure Love Ya North Carolina

We've been called to serve the Lord from every land.

We have left all behind to lend a helping hand.

The true gospel is the message that we bear.

Our Savior gave so much that we just want to share.

Chorus

WE SURE LOVE YA NORTH CAROLINA

And we pray you'll receive His word.

No place else we go could be finer.

For this is where we've come to serve the Lord.

The Lord's mission will excel in every way.

Each one of us has pledged to serve the Lord's way.

We love all our fellow men and those we teach.

The highest goals we set are now within our reach.

To us all the Lord has said, "Come thrust and teach."

And as his instruments for His elect we'll reach.

Those who sow and those who reap in gathering.

In Zion will rejoice together with our King.

We love being at zone conferences.  They are a spiritual treat and so very motivating.  We feel so blessed to be here serving in this part of the Lord's vineyard.

Back in Fayetteville this morning as we pulled into the church parking lot, a deer was there to greet us all. It made us smile!

Yes, our meeting house is surrounded by forest.
Trees grow thick as weeds.