Week 39 - The Big Conference

It's been a big week in the Australia Sydney North Mission. On Wednesday, we had a big conference with both the North and South Missions. In attendance were over 400 missionaries, Elder O'Riordan, the area seventy, Elder Hamula, the Pacific Area President, and Elder Russell M Nelson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, with their wives. It was such an amazing conference. The instruction and advice given have been and I'm sure will be, extremely valuable as a missionary and beyond.

Last week, we had a trade off with Elder Kato and Elder Yoshizawa, two elders who are traveling around visiting a few of the missionaries. On Friday, we were out visiting a few potential investigators. When we got to one of the houses, the potential investigator wasn't home, but we heard a voice from behind the door asking for help. It turns out that the woman behind the door had fallen and wasn't able to get up. After we had called for help, our potential investigator, the woman's son-in-law, arrived at the home and was able to take control of the situation from there. We weren't able to talk too much about the gospel with him at that time, but I think that he appreciated the help we were able to provide then.

We also had a miracle of a member who has been returning to activity bring his wife to church. She's not a member of the church, but she thought that the things that were talked about in sacrament meeting were absolutely perfect for her and her husband. She is really receptive to the feelings she has from the Holy Ghost, and she wants to meet with us later on in the week. I think that this goes back to the principle of working with members, less-active members, prospective elders, etc... that have been talked about recently. It's amazing to see that principle in action.

This week, I was able to conduct a baptismal interview for a man who was baptized last Saturday. It was such an amazing experience to see this man bear his testimony of the truthfulness of this message and his desire to be united to it. I felt inspired to ask him a few questions and felt the strength of his testimony as a result. It's amazing to see how much the gospel can and does bless the lives of the people who learn about it.

I've been trying to ask myself what the Holy Ghost would have me do differently lately. The conference on Wednesday made a lot of good points regarding that question. It makes me want to use each day to it's fullest and make the most of every minute.

Last week, we read Mosiah 16-20. As a result of Abinadi's teaching, Alma started to preach the gospel. This moment has an effect on the entire rest of the Book of Mormon. It's amazing to see how something so small can cause affect something so big.

Next week, We'll read Mosiah 21-25. These chapters will tie the stories of Limhi, Alma, and the kingdom of Mosiah back together. Have a great week!

Love,

Elder Clark

Elder Ezra, Elder Kato., Elder Clark, Elder Yoshikawa