What a thrill to hear 3,000 missionaries sing at the top of their lungs "Praise to the Man (...who communed with Jehovah)," witnessing with every fervor of their beings the validity of the Prophet Joseph Smith. There wasn't a dry eye to be found. These Sunday evening firesides are a second large group meeting where all 3000+ missionaries are gathered in one large multi-purpose room to sing, learn, ponder and feel the Spirit by specially preassigned speakers. A special tradition is that all gathered sing the hymns of the Restoration as prelude beginning 15 minutes before the meeting begins. Our responsibility is to procure interpreters for as many as 17 different languages for 14-17 meetings a week for our international missionaries. Additionally, we are responsible to distribute translators to the appropriate international missionaries, collect them afterwards, insure that all translators are in their correctly assigned rooms to translate (all are volunteers-primarily BYU returned missionaries), and all the challenges associated therewith.

Sister Madsen, the First Counselor's wife in the MTC spoke for 20 minutes, during which she presented her favorite scripture, eg. "tender mercies of the Lord" found in 1 Nephi and then invited missionaries to share with the audience their favorite scriptures. Of course, there were 100 missionaries who lined up behind 2 microphones who wished to share but time ran out for most. What a powerful experience to hear missionary after missionary bare his/her testimony concerning a scripture that meant much and why. Many expressed the many trials they have experienced to come on their missions, the discouragement they feel (especially attempting to learn the language), the alienation of loved ones so far away, etc. Yet, most expressed the commitment to remain and to fulfill a powerful mission. My heart almost burst with gratitude for being a member of this true church in these last days and the overwhelming power of the Spirit to testify.

After the one hour fireside, there are a variety of four films shown, e. Mountain of the Lord, Joseph Smith: Prophet of the Restoration, Talk by Dallin Oaks, or a talk by Gerald Lund. in four different locations for all missionaries to watch, if desired. Others will gather in study groups and practice their individual languages, go back to their rooms to sleep, etc. We know how they feel--we fell into bed immediately and had no trouble sleeping after another big day at the MTC.