1-26-2020 Raleigh and Atlanta Zone Conferences

This week was another spiritual feast. Elder Montoya, a member of the Area Presidency and the Seventy, was the guest at our Atlanta Zone Conferences. He taught us many, many sweet truths and principles of the gospel; such as, the best way to love someone is to know them. Ask inspired questions. Ask, "What is you greatest concern?" Know their needs. Be aware of their environment. Eye contact. Listen carefully in spite of distractions. Reach out to them on their level, both mentally and physically. He also counseled us to pray for our Mission Leaders and our love for them will increase exponentially.

I was especially touched when he invited two sister missionaries to do a role play with him.  He played the part of the investigator and they were to teach him the law of tithing. As they were teaching, he told them several times that his son was sick and he was concerned about paying for his medical care. The sisters taught the law of tithing beautifully, but did not address his biggest concern, his son. After the role play was over, Elder Montoya empowered us all by teaching that missionaries have the authority to promise blessings in the name of the Lord, and encouraged all of us to use this power. 

Atlanta Zone Conference in Conyers, GA
Front Row: Sisters & Elders Potts, Read, Kone, Sister & President Clayton, Elder Montoya,
Hammonds, Merrells, and Reads

Atlanta Zone Conference in Atlanta, GA
Front Row: Sisters Hyland Beardall, Fotheringham, Elders & Sisters Meadows, Merrells, Michaels,
Elder Montoya, President & Sister Clayton, Reids, Reads, and sisters

Elder Merrell and I attended zone conference in Conyers, GA on Monday.  We drove six hours to Fayetteville, North Carolina that same day so Elder Merrell could give his "Managing Stress" presentation at their zone conference on Tuesday. Then we drove back to Atlanta to attend zone conference on Wednesday.  It was a busy and spiritual week.

On our way to the temple Saturday, we listened to Elder Uchtdorf's conference talk and were reminded to invite others to enjoy the blessings of the gospel and to continue to love them if they chose to not accept the invitation. He also said that it was okay to invite them again.

We felt prompted to invite our friend Chris to dinner and not wait for him to contact us. He accepted and added that he wanted to do more "bible study."  When the dinner time came, he didn't show up. Elder Merrell texted him, "Dinner's ready." He responded that he was sick and, if we would, to please bring a plate to him. Rod did so, and will soon be giving him a priesthood blessing when the elders arrive. I am so glad we had this dinner appointment. We would never have known that Chris needed help. He also texted, "Thanks for not giving up on me."

This is our new Fayetteville District
Back Row: Elders Todd & Bailey, Sisters Cheney, Beardall, McKee, Ray,
Front Row: Sisters Overmeyer, Fotheringham, Hyland, and Osterhoust
They are amazing missionaries!  I love them!