Two Missions Conference with General Authority = AMAZING!

What a special day this was.  As I have mentioned the Australia Sydney North and South are combining July 1 2018.  Today we had a special Conference with several General Authorities, Elder and Sister Whitney Clayton, Elder and Sister Ian Ardern of the Area Presidency, President and Sister Checketts North Mission and President and Sister Leota South Mission.  Let me first tell you a little bit about the music.

When we were directed what our hymn would be they announced Elder Tseng serving ASNM from  Taiwan would conduct the music.  I had met Elder Tseng when we first arrived to the mission, he had been out about 6 months.  He was shy and very quiet.  Confidence was not visible and he didn't

Kookabura sitting on a fence post. BIG

interact much.  How things have changed in 1 year.  Elder Tseng walked confidently up to the stand.  He took out a bright orange pen and held it in his right hand, his left hand was raised ready to bring the congregation in on cue.  The music begun, and on beat Elder Tseng began leading the music, with just the right amount of enthusiasm for the music, a little emphasis on the down beat, occasionally lifting his left hand to indicate more volume or enthusiasm.   Of course having close to 400 missionaries singing is powerful on it's own, but with Elder Tseng leading he added extra strength to the voices.  Everyone was singing their hearts out.  You can guess what happened during the song?  Yes and on cue my tears began to well up...as did others I might add.  It was, words can't describe, powerful.  We all felt the spirit.

We then heard from all of our guest speakers.  I will share a few of  the highlights.

Sister Ardern shared a story about her brother who lives in London.  He has been less active for many years.  He lives in the center of London and would invest in Real Estate when opportunities arose.  One day a unit 2 floors up from his became available.  It was the day of the open house, he went to check out the apartment.  No one was greeting clients, the door was open so he went in.  As he went from room to room he saw impressions of furniture in the carpet that had been removed with the passing of the last tenant.  He found himself wondering who had lived there in the past?  How many people had occupied this apartment?  He observed shadows left from hanging pictures or mirrors on the walls.  The rooms were all empty, no one was there viewing this property.  All of a sudden a door blew shut.  It was strange because no windows were open, no wind was blowing through the flat, but one of the bedroom doors had blown shut.  As he went to the bedroom and opened the door he looked on the backside of the door and found an old, yellowing piece of paper taped to the back of the door.  It was torn in places but it still hung to the door.  How long had that piece of paper been on that door.  Sister Ardern's brother started reading what was on the back of the door on the old piece of paper.  It said:

 "I am called of God.  My authority is above that of the kings of the earth. By revelation I have been selected as a personal representative of the Lord, Jesus Christ.  He is my Master and He has chosen me to represent Him.  To stand in His Place, to say and do if He personally were ministering to the very people to whom He has sent me:  My purpose is to evermore effectively invite others to come unto Christ by helping them receive the restore gospel through faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement, repentance, baptism, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end."

This quote made a strong impression on Sister Arden's brother.  He took down the piece of paper and now has it hanging on his door in his apartment.

Elder Ardern said Heavenly Father knew your weaknesses before you were called, more importantly he knew your strengths. You are part of this great work.  The Restoration continues, it is not finished yet.  Elder Ardern announced  the new Mission President for the newly combined Australia Sydney Mission, it is Scott Ruina from Provo Utah. (Does anyone recognize this name?)  There is a big job awaiting the new President.

Elder Clayton had so many important messages.  These are just a few.  Because our missionaries are so excited to see each other when the rare occasion of getting together in one of these massive Conferences, their enthusiasm and excitement is at full volume level.  Twice before the meeting started the Chapel and Cultural Hall missionaries were asked to turn the volume down.  The first thing Elder Clayton said was; "Reverence invites Revelation".

Elder Clayton went on to relate the following story.  True story told by a Branch President in Belfast Ireland.  This Branch President was a convert.  When he was attending University in Ireland as a young student he decided he need to have religion in his life.  Therefore he needed to read the Bible, but he didn't own a Bible and no one he knew had a copy of the Bible.

One cold rainy day looking out his window he saw 2 Elders standing at a bus stop.  He knew they were missionaries for some unknown church.  He knew they would have a copy of the Bible that he could buy from them.  He hurried down and stood at the bus stop hoping that one of them would start talking to him.  In just a few minutes the bus the 2 Elders were waiting for came flying by and it did NOT stop because it was full of passengers.  The 3 of them continued to stand in silence at the bus stop, no one speaking to each other.  A 2nd bus came buy a little slower but it did NOT stop.  The Elders stared in disbelief.   This same situation played out 2 more times.  Finally when the 4th bus did NOT stop one of the Elders said out loud, "Now that is so strange!"  Elder Clayton said this was the best missionary opener he had ever heard.  Well, it was enough to open up dialogue between the 3 of them.  When asked if he could buy a Bible from them, he was told they would give him a free Book of Mormon.  The point to missionaries is "OPEN YOUR MOUTHS"  Speak to people do not be timid or shy, talk to everyone.

Sister Clayton referred to the mission experience as the sweetest of times.  We all are making great memories.  There are miracles in this work and WE are some of those miracles.

One of the General Authorities pointed out how obedient and willing President & Sister Leota are.  They were asked to lunch by a General Authority on February 19, on February 22 they were on their way to Australia Sydney South Mission to become the temporary Mission President until the new President arrives 1 July.  Only a 3 day notice.

Here is the rest of the story about Elder Tseng.  After the meeting I ran into Elder Tseng and complimented him on his great gift as a conductor.  I asked what his musical background was.  He said he didn't have any?????  I asked how he knew how to lead such a large congregation and do it with such confidence and enthusiasm?  He said "I watch General Conference".

I am telling you this young man has a natural gift for music and conducting.  But if watching General Conference can do this for someone  watching how to lead music, imagine what General Conference can do for your Spirit?!