We had a great mission leadership council July 1st through 3rd. We have wonderful leadership here in the Great Zambia Lusaka Mission. One of the major themes that came out the meeting was the importance for us as missionaries to be constantly improving and changing, developing the skills necessary to become better instruments in the Lords hands. The Lord is hastening His work and though there may be opposition we must continue to move forward with faith and hope.
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This set of Zone Conferences, we focused much on the doctrine of 'will' and 'agency' in regards to helping investigators make and KEEP their commitments. Why do we as missionaries ask, and expect people to make and keep commitments we leave with them? We learn from Preach My Gospel that "people become converted as they live the principles they learn (see John 7:17) and feel the Spirit confirm that what they are doing is pleasing to their Father in Heaven; Repentance and change will help people conquer challenges, rid themselves of shame and guilt, and experience the peace and joy of God's forgiveness and that Keeping commitments prepares people to make and keep sacred covenants (PMG p. 196). We are disciples of Christ, and the extended the commitment process begins from the moment you say 'hello'. Keeping commitments such as reading the Book of Mormon, coming to church, and being baptized becomes a 'natural consequence' when you go in with the right attitude of 'I'm a disciple of Christ, and He has sent me here to your home', are humble, with a prayer in your heart, seeking earnestly to bless these peoples lives.
Missionaries and Members Preparing the Lunch
Elder Ezra Taft Benson said, "Wholesome recreation is part of our religion, and a change of pace is necessary, and even its anticipation can lift the spirit.” On 6th July, 2013, an activity called, 'Family Fun Day' was held in Lusaka. During this activity, all families of the church and their friends within Lusaka came to be together, play sports, enjoy lunch, and build stronger family and community relationships. The Lord has taught that families are the most important unit of society. These types of activities allow an opportunity for families to build strong bonds, especially when their play is uplifting and wholesome. "Music, literature, art, dance, drama, athletics—all can provide entertainment to enrich one’s life and further consecrate it. At the same time, it hardly needs to be said that much of what passes for entertainment today is coarse, degrading, violent, mind-numbing, and time wasting. Ironically, it sometimes takes hard work to find wholesome leisure. When entertainment turns from virtue to vice, it becomes a destroyer of the consecrated life". Have you ever had a day when you have to say farewell and hello at the same time? If not...it is great!!! This photo was taken on one of those days, when we had to say bye to President and Sister Padovich and welcome President and Sister Erickson. The good thing is Brother and Sister Padovich were there to welcome the new Mission President together with us. We're so happy to have the Ericksons here and we will always remember the trees we cut down with President Padovich now is the time to pave the roads. Leif j Erickson,53 and Linda Nebeker Erickson,four children,Eagle Crest ward,Alpine Utah north stake;THE ZAMBIA LUSAKA MISSION.President Erickson is a Gospel doctrine teacher and is a former stake President,Bishop,stake mission President high counselor,ward missionary leader and a missionary in the Australia Mission.Born in Salt lake city,to Wilford Byron and Beryl Nelson Erickson. Sister Erickson is a former ward relief society President and is a former relief society President,counselor in ward and Stake Young women presidencies,Ward missionary,seminary teacher,stake employment specialist and counselor in a ward Primary presidency.Born in salt Lake City,Utah,to Richard Hulme and Alice Nebeker. They are so happy to be here and we are all happy to have them. The couples from all around the Mission shared their last goodbyes with president and Sister Padovich,as they will be going home,it wasn't really a goodbye but a see you later,,And now our hands are all wide open to receive the new mission President (President & sister Ericson),we're sad to see president And Sister Padovich go,but on the other hand we're so happy to see him continue with service in the church and among his children and Grand children. A couple of weeks ago we were privileged to receive a visit from Elder and Sister Hoffman.Medical doctor for South East Area.They inspected a couple of hospitals and they were very pleased with the good health care that we have here in the Zambia Lusaka mission.Elder Hoffman also after being approved by the Area Presidency gave Patriarchal blessings to some of the members in Zambia.
Elder and Sister Skidmore
Here in the Zambia Lusaka Mission we have been very blessed with so many wonderful couple Missionaries and we have a testimony of how much of a blessing they are to us as young missionaries and the branches .This week we have been blessed with Elder and Sister Skidmore and we're very grateful for their testimony and strength that they are to this mission.They will be taking care of all the work in the office so that all our missionaries can work effectively in their areas. Dear Elders and Sisters, I was thinking this morning while doing personal study what I might say to all of you in my final newsletter. These were some of my thoughts. What a wonderful opportunity it has been to be assigned to labour here with you. We have witnessed many “tender mercies” together as we have taught our investigators. To watch as they have grown in the gospel and to watch them take hold of the iron rod and progress toward the temple, has been a great blessing. Watching the ZLM grow from a “baby shark” into a “mighty great white shark” has been marvellous to watch. The care and hard work and effort from all of you have made it possible. When we arrived here our assignment was to “cut down” some of the trees. We have made this our goal from day one. As a mission we were asked to see the “vision” and work toward a “goal” by following the “plan”. We have been blessed as we have all worked together. The last part of the assignment is to “account” for our time and effort. We have worked hard. We know that as we leave here, we want all to know that we have been true and faithful to our call. We have grown together as missionaries. We have grown in our love for the Savior; our testimonies of how we must endure to the end have become more a part of our daily life. We pray that we will be worthy of anything the Lord would ask us to do. One of the reasons we can say this is because of the lessons we have learned from you. We have worked together to bring others to Christ. This is our purpose as missionaries. As we are obedient we cannot fail. In closing, I would like to share with you some of the things we expect of you after we leave. I expect you to be the best missionary you can be. I expect you to be obedient. I expect you to love one another. I expect you to see your vision, and reach for it. I have told you many times how much I love you. Remember those times. Remember who you are, and what you represent. Remember how many times I asked you, “How are you doing?” Only you can answer that question. I depend on you to continue on in this great work. Be valiant, be strong, and work hard. When we were together in those grand councils before we came to earth we sat and listened and we received instructions as to our assignment here as missionaries. There we were given our callings to teach out brothers and sisters in this part of the vineyard, the gospel of Jesus Christ. Soon this assignment here will end. We won’t say goodbye, we will just say, see you at the next meeting, please save us a spot. I have a testimony of Jesus Christ. I know that he lives. I know that this Church is true. I know that we have a Prophet on the earth today who leads and guides us. I testify of the reality of the Restoration in these latter days. Now is the time for us to make a difference. Now it is Africa’s time to engage in its effort to become a mighty nation unto the Lord. Remember, Faith is the power. Obedience is the price. Love is the motive. The Spirit is the Key. Christ is the reason. We will miss you all, until we meet again, it will be my prayer that He whom we all serve will bless and keep you. -President Padovich Sister P’s Final Words Things I would like to leave with you. Remember that cleanliness is next to Godliness and helps keep you well and strong. I want you to remember that you are here to serve our Heavenly Father and prepare yourselves for your future as leaders in the Church and your home. The most important thing I want you to remember is that you are a successful missionary and one of the Lord's obedient servants. The most important thing I want you to know is that we love you and pray for you always no matter where we all are going to live. -Sister Padovich |
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October 2016
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