Twice each year Sister Ostler and I are blessed to meet with the 20 other Philippines mission presidents and their wives to receive training from our leaders. This past week we had the huge privilege of being trained and uplifted by Elders Neal A. Anderson and Dale G. Renlund of the Twelve Apostles, as well as Elder Richard Maynes, Ian S. Ardern, Shayne M. Bowen and Allen D. Haynie of the Seventy. All of their wives also participated in the training.
It is impossible to share complete notes from three days of training, as well as the wonderful insights we received from personal conversations with our leaders. But I love you and want to share what I can. So here are a few of my notes:
First, as each of the Brethren were teaching, I took a few minutes to put down my pen and paper and listen with my heart. While listening to Elder Renlund and Elder Anderson, I felt a strong, peaceful confirmation that "Yes. This is an Apostle of God." I know that these men were called of God and ordained to be prophets, seers and revelators. I know this. As the members of the Seventy were teaching and testifying, I likewise felt the peace and assurance that these are holy men, called of God.
Elder Neal A. Anderson:
The Philippines is the best situated country in the world for missionary work. We need to reap the harvest now.
The Philippines has a big role to play in preparation for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ--not just in the Philippines, but throughout this part of the world.
This is the work of the Lord and it is a work of miracles.
Take the time to see yourself returning to Heavenly Father after this life, not as a prodigal, but as a faithful son or daughter. (Imagine His joy. Imagine your joy.)
Don't confuse outward success with spirituality.
Describing the day that Elder Renlund was ordained an apostle: "It was a day when heaven comes to earth with a power that is unforgettable."
Elder Dale G. Renlund:
Missionaries should prepare personally for the sacrament, even before Sunday. On Sunday, when the sacrament ordinance starts, they should stop worrying about investigators and should put their full personal focus on the ordinance, on the Savior and their closeness to Him.
If we do our level best, we have the right to be pleased. But we don't have the right to be satisfied "until the great work of the Lord is done."
Focus on the Atonement of Jesus Christ. This will give great power to our teaching.
Elder Ian S. Ardern:
To be a Master Gospel Teach is to "get out of the way." It is not enough to teach with Clarity. We need to teach so that the Holy Ghost can testify.
It is not the CONVINCING power of the Holy Ghost we want. It is the CONVERTING power of the Holy Ghost we want.
We are not after baptisms alone--we are after long term, multi-generational conversion.
If there are no goals in the church, we make no progress.
Teach the missionaries that they must pay a price for their testimonies.
Make sure that the missionaries know that they know more about our Savior Jesus Christ than ANYONE they will teach. Say "I am happy that you believe in Christ. Let me help you know more about the Atonement, resurrection and doctrine of Christ."
Elder Richard Maynes:
Find SEEKERS. Find the people who want to know the truth and are willing to make changes. Do not waste time with people who are happy to talk with you but do not want to change their lives. Their time may come later.
A ward mission plan without a baptism goal is not a plan.
Make time to find new investigators every single day.
Do what it takes to be able to write in your journal "THIS AREA IS ON FIRE!"
If you are looking for extraordinary results, begin with extraordinary faith and extraordinary prayers.
---
I could go on and on with more notes from these Brethren as well as the others. They taught many more things that we will be using in zone conferences and in our training plans.
May the Lord bless and strengthen you.
Mahal ko po kayo,
President Creg Ostler
Missionaries...
Elder Maynes, Elder Renlund, Elder Anderson, Elder Bowen, Elder Haynie
They are some of the most dedicated and faithful people we have ever met!
Sister Langkilde is finishing her mission too. It's such a blessing to know these precious missionaries. Only Heavenly Father knows all they've sacrificed to be on a mission. Only He knows how hard they have loved, worked and served his children.
Oh, how we love them each for it!