Mission Tour September 14-16

I have no pictures, but don't want to forget the sweet experience of being part of an "in-person" mission tour. (Due to Covid, our other mission tours have been done remotely.) Elder Evan Schmutz and his wife, Cindy, came and visited our mission and we had the chance to spend some time with them in meetings and as they walked around our zone

Wednesday, we met with our mission presidency and the other zone leaders in a special Mission Zone Leader Council with Elder and Sister Schmutz.  They took time to meet each one of us and shake hands with everyone.  Then they led a discussion about leading and having joy and so many other topics.  Then we gathered for dinner together in one of the event rooms in the Joseph Smith Memorial Building which was great as well (Jena got to join us for that meal which was great.)

Thursday they spent the day visiting the zones in the Family Search Library area.  Friday they spent the day visiting in the Church History Library and the three other zones in our part of the mission.  Our time was from 1-2:30.  They wanted to meet with us and learn about our zone, then meet with the assistant zone leaders as well.  Then they wanted to meet as many missionaries as were in the building on that Friday afternoon.  What a sweet thing it was to walk with them and our mission presidency and introduce them to our amazing missionaries.  At each person, they stopped to make a connection and to learn a bit about the missionary.  I loved watching it.  Not surprising, my job became "the train conductor"--I wanted to make sure they met everyone in our zone that was there that afternoon AND be done on time for their next visits.  President Holmes likes to visit as well so it was a bit tricky to keep things moving.

We were at the end of our time and I was trying to move people to the last few missionaries we had but it wasn't working.  Sister Schmutz came over to me and whispered, "I have learned that sometimes you can't worry about the schedule.  Sometimes Elder Schmutz needs to take time to do what is needed. I have learned to just wait."  I know that lesson---I have learned it myself over and over again.  But I was able to take a breath and just watch as Elder Schmutz ministered to one of our sweet missionaries in his unique way and in his responsibility as a GA Seventy on a mission tour.  It was a treasured moment and experience.  I wish that you could have all been there!

Then Friday evening, we all  gathered at the JSMB for a devotional.  Friday nights are not common nights for a devotional, but we were happy to be there to hear President and Sister Holmes and Elder and Sister Schmutz speak.  Seriously, I can't imagine being anywhere else doing anything else at this point in our lives.  What great blessings and what great people we are blessed to be around and to learn from!

Sister Holmes reminded us to not be weary in well doing.  The Lord is grateful for your actions.

Sister Schmutz talked about the story of the fishes and the loaves and compared it to our service as missionaries.  We are enough.  The Lord accepts our offerings as we serve.

President Holmes talked about how we are "Called To Serve Our King." He shared testimonies from the prophets about the reality of Jesus Christ. (I don't know if I have mentioned this or not, but President Holmes is a very knowledgeable about the gospel and the modern day prophets.  His breath of knowledge is amazing and he can use it easily in gospel conversations and can reference so many talks and presentations.)

Elder Schmutz shared the story of the Coleville branch who was together in Kirtland and then moved to MO and then to Nauvoo before ending up in Utah.  He talked about the importance of diligence and obedience as we strive to gain knowledge and to serve.  He closed with sharing verses from Section 76 including :50-62.  He assured us that we are on the path and the end result is sure!  Be faithful to His name until the end.

It was a wonderful few days.  Don't you want to be a missionary when you are old!!!