Tanner's Last Zone Conference

Things are well here in Faca. We had a good week four and are looking to have a good week five too.

A dog Tanner and his companion rescued.

So the conference with Elder Rasband was pretty cool. We had to wake up so early, 4AM, to get to a chapel in Bogota by 7:30. We arrived and it was already packed. The entire Bogota North and the entire Bogota South and the MTC Colombia were all in the same chapel. Almost 450 missionaries in total. The meeting started at 10. Both Elder and Hermana Uceda gave good talks. Hermana Uceda spoke on not "playing" with sacred responsibilities or callings. She used D&C 8:10 and D&C 6:12 to back up her points. It was well done and right on point for these two missions.



Elder Uceda talked about carrying out not only a change of heart in our investigators, but also a change in our own hearts. Although he did not cite the scripture, the classic Helaman 3:35 came to mind. I love the phrasing of "yielding their hearts unto god." The word yield, if you ask me, has a context of submission or giving in. We sometimes fight so hard to do what we want when we want with whom we want, yet if we just accept and submit to the wonderful gospel of Jesucristo, everything will improve. That is a promise in Mosiah 2:41. “And moreover, I would desire that ye should consider on the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God. For behold, they are blessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual; and if they hold out faithful to the end they are received into heaven, that thereby they may dwell with God in a state of never-ending happiness. O remember, remember that these things are true; for the Lord God hath spoken it.



All in all, I just love the use of the word "yeild." A change of heart is one of the many changes that I have experienced. My heart still has a lot of changing to do, but we are making progress.



Hermana Rasband spoke about the Statue of Liberty and related it to the missionary work. She said some cool stuff, but what I enjoyed most was how she said that the Book of Mormon should be used, cared for, and given with the most absolute care. I agree. There are many missionaries that try to convert people using only the Bible. The Bible is great, yet to really be converted to the restored gospel, you must have a testimony of the Book of Mormon as well. My style of teaching has changed dramatically during my mission and while I am still no expert teacher, I have become much more refined.