August Zone Conference

The Laytons have been here almost a month now and have visited all of the missionary zones; President Layton has also gone on splits with several of the Elders, even on the other islands in our mission. They have been busy. Now, we start the regular Zone Conference schedule; he has about six different zones to cover. This is the zone we serve with:

As we entered the Mission Home, we couldn't help but take some pictures of the grounds outside.





And the front doorway when a zone conference is going on-----



Activities of getting ready were already in process when we arrived --note the flower in Sister Pyne's hair (from outside...lol) Sister Limburg (our mission nurse) seemed to be in charge and helping missionaries with their preparations.









Sister Eneri and Sister Bauro are companions now; both from Kiribati...



Sister Layton and Sister Terry were busy in the kitchen also. The Deckers ready to listen. Missionaries settling in.





Elder Olsen (Assistant to the President) opening the meeting. Sister Wright from California--couldn't resist this cute face!



Introductions of newest missionaries; both of whom are new to our Suva 3rd Ward. Sisters Pyne and Lavava. Elders Perry and Sterr.



SISTER LAYTON was the first speaker of the day: "their hearts must not have been converted".

--Conversion denotes changing one's views-- Luke 22:32 --Be truly converted yourself first--conversion is a process not an event!

Conversion equals retention. Convert people so that they are "in far enough".

Mosiah 5:2, Alma 13:12, Alma 23:7, Enos 1:26, Mosiah 18:1, Mosiah 27:32-37, Alma 15:12, 4 Nephi 1:2,4, 4 Nephi 1 15,16, 3 Nephi 18, 32. These scripture give us four ways that show conversion: 1)Do good continually and have a desire to do good; 2) Do not rebel against the Lord; 3)Share the gospel; 4) They are filled with love.

PRESIDENT LAYTON--what an excellent teacher also!

Moses 1:39 Work and Glory of the Godhead. Immortality (quantity of life, unconditional) and Eternal Life (quality of life and a conditional gift from Jesus).

There are five saving ordinances that take us to Eternal Life: .Baptism .Confirmation .Melchizedek Priesthood for Brethren .Temple Endowment .Temple Sealing

Missionaries are to include all five saving ordinances. They are to concentrate, not only on baptisms, but also on the less active members. The new Key Indicators for the returning members are: 1) inactive three months, 18 yrs. of age, and not your convert. 2) Qualifications include--sacrament attendance within a 2-month period, receive all missionary lessons, meet with the bishop/branch president (pay tithing, receive priesthood, receive a responsibility or calling),"My Family Booklet".

Teach the first five lessons out of Preach My Gospel.





Then the MISSIONARIES ROLE-PLAYED meeting with their Bishop/Branch President to present this new plan of Baptizing and Re-activating--Becoming Saints!



LUNCH TIME!! Hogie Sandwiches, cabbage slaw, cheese-its and pies made by Sister Watling.





After lunch instructions/training were given to the missionaries by Sister Limburg (nurse) and Elder Terry (missionary maintenance).



Then some instructions on using local food in meal planning by the Elders; even coconut water and shredding! Making roti! Good stuff!













Leaving the conference--this is what we see! Keeps us in tune :)