A SPIRITUAL FEAST...ANNUAL NEW MISSION PRESIDENTS' TRAINING

Posted on by Lola Cook

More for my remembrance than for anyone else, I have recorded a few spiritual notes and stirrings as Elder Cook and myself "sat at the feet of the prophets" for several of the Mission Presidents' meetings held from Sunday, June 22-Wednesday 25, 2008. As full-time missionaries in the International Office, we were asked and had the opportunity to assist in hosting and handing out interpreter machines and headphones and procuring interpreters for 33 couples who needed interpretation in their native tongue, e.g. Japanese, Russian, Spanish, Portuguese and French. Additionally, our 'normal' activities and responsibilities continued 'as usual' these four days for our young missionaries; however, the MTC was literally transformed into a sparkling showcase, 5 star Hilton hotel in honor of the Mission Presidents and wives training and future service.


Most of the MTC was cordoned off and the young missionaries were only allowed to enter one door for cafeteria access and exit and the second door which enters the washateria in the basement in IM, Wilford Woodruff Bldg. Security was intense because the Prophet, his counselors, all the Quorum of the Twelve and many of the First Quorum of the Seventy were present and continually walked the halls (death threats have been made on their lives, unfortunately); despite the 'best laid plans of 'mice and men,'" many missionaries, often by accident, had the opportunity to 'spy' several of the apostles which naturally was a thrill for each and every one. What a thrill for each of them!! Likewise, Elder Cook and myself had the opportunity, through assignment, to usher in several of cl0sed meetings.


Additionally, the Tuesday evening Devotional, June 24, was open to all missionaries. Elder Robert D. Hales was the speaker [Elders Perry, Holland, Scott; Elders Richard Hinckley, Gerald Lund, Tingey and Rasband of the First Council of the Seventy also sat on the stand]. Please find following some of the poignant, heartfelt remarks I humbly recorded at that meeting:


His subject was The Atonement-He counseled the missionaries to teach first of the Atonement.


  • He reminded us that He loved us enough to suffer for us; this message is central to all missionary teachings, the center of "your whole life" and to all missionary work.

  • Elder Hales promised that "If you are obedient and desire to have the Spirit bare witness to you of the Savior and His work and His Atonement, it will be given you. I don't know where or when, but it will be given to you at one time! After receiving this precious knowledge, you will live worthily and have the atonement with you!" WOW!

  • Remember: (1) The Savior is the Son of God; (2) Prepare investigators for baptism as this is the gate to knowledge of the Savior and His Atonement and to eternal life; (3) We have the ability to repent because of the atonement.

  • His espoused three purposes of his talk: (1) Why the Atonement was necessary; (2) Why Jesus Christ was the only mortal who could perform the Atonement; (3) Why it is important to understand the magnificent blessings of the Atonement

  • All answers to these three questions are found in the scriptures as cited, flashed on large screens and read by Elder Hales. They are as follows in sequential order answering the 3 above questions:

  • 3 Nephi 11:7; Mosiah 4:1-4; Abraham 3:28; John 10:15, 17-18; Phil 2:8; Moses 7:47, 55-56, 59; Moses 6:54; 2 Nephi 9:6-7; D&C 45:4; 3 Nephi 9:15-20; 3 Nephi 15:3-5,9; Luke 22:19-20; 3 Nephi 15:15:3-5,9; Luke 2:19-20; John 11:25-26; 9; John 6:51; John 14:6-7; 1 John 4:10; Mosiah 14:16; Romans 5:18, 10-11, 19; Matthew 8:17; Alma 42:23-26; Matthew 26:40; Matthew 26:39; D&C 19:18-19; John 17:4; Moses 6:52; 3 Nephi 11:32-33, 35-37, 39-41

  • He admonished us to express our love and appreciation for the Savior' Atonement. "If you love me, keep my commandments."

  • Finally, the reminded us that we "show our love by repenting and forgiveness of ourselves and others."

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