A Day At Zone Conference‏ (from the president)

Dear Parents,
Last week was probably the busiest week of the transfer for us. President Gee and I were traveling for interviews and zone conferences. That means we saw each and every missionary in the mission. Today I would like to tell you about what happens at zone conference.
One of the things I have learned while being on this mission is how closely the missionary work correlates with the organization of the church. There are five stakes in this mission and the five zones roughly have the same boundaries as the stakes. There are a few exceptions to make use of travel miles more efficient. We never put missionaries in a town unless there is a unit of the church established because the work can't be done unless there is support from the members to fellowship and help investigators. The five zones in this mission are Stillwater on the north, Oklahoma City and Oklahoma City South, Norman which is south of the metro area, and Lawton on the far south of the mission. Each zone has two Zone Leaders who work with us and the assistants to keep things organized. We meet with the zone leaders twice a transfer so we stay unified.The zone leaders take care of the details of setting up the building, contacting missionaries, teaching, etc.

On the day of zone conference all the missionaries meet at a central location. Some have to travel quite a distance to be there. Usually by the time President Gee and I arrive we find all the cars lined up in the parking lot. Elder and Sister Fowers are there, ready to give each car a very thorough inspection. You will be glad to know that air pressure in the tires is checked and everything else we can think of for their safety. There is a central department in Salt Lake City that watches over all the fleets in all the missions. They are very fussy about safety and taking good care of the cars which are bought with tithing money. It makes us smile to see all those cars lined up with the hoods raised, like a row of big toys. Elder and Sister Fowers have been outstanding missionaries. They completed their mission last week so Elder and Sister Hall will be taking over their position. You may end up speaking to them for some reason in the future.

The thing that would impress you is how reverent the missionaries are when we walk into the room. They come early and study while they are waiting for zone conference to begin. They stand while we shake hands with every missionary. One of the zone leaders conducts the meeting. They are learning about announcing who presides, and what will take place, and recognizing visitors. This is good training for the future. Here are some of the things that happen: an opening hymn, prayer, announcements from the other zone leader, a scripture recitation, a testimony or positive missionary experience from one of the missionaries, health training from me, discussion of a Christlike attribute, and practices of missionary skills which each missionary participates in, a lot of instruction from President Gee, safety training video, message from a visiting Stake President if he is there, and a discussion on the focus doctrine for the transfer. This goes from 9:30 a.m. to around 3:30 p.m. Of course there is a break for a lunch which is prepared by a local Relief Society, and some birthday treats for those who have a birthday that month. After zone conference President Gee interviews some of the missionaries. This is a time for a little visiting with one another. They love being together and catching up on the happenings in the mission. Sometimes they have to be invited to get back to work several times! They are, afterall, normal young people who happen to be dressed in Sunday clothes.

This time we had three practices. Elder Torres, an assitant, led a practice about how to ask good questions. The other assistant, Elder Healy led a practice on how to get the investigators to pray after a lesson, preferably the first lesson. Each set of zone leaders led a practice of their choice in the afternoon. One of our sons and his family visited us last year and attended a district meeting. Our oldest granddaughter, Kami, watched the missionaries practice. On the way home she commented, "This is the first time I realized that being a missionary is hard." You would probably agree if you could watch your son or daughter rise to the occasion of being on the hot seat and thinking on his feet. It is especially challenging because we all know we are going to be critiqued on how we do. Sometimes everyone in the zone watches, but this time it was a little more fun. The leaders demonstrated and then each companionship practiced by themselves. There is a very pleasant buzz in the room when they are all involved. It seems like no matter how good the missionaries get at teaching, there is still something to learn. If you want a challenge, try thinking of good questions. It stretches the brain!

Our focus doctrine this time was practical application of faith. Each missionary was invited to come prepared with a five-minute talk on faith. President Gee randomly called on a few to give the talk. He also asked all of them to share insights gained from their study. I wish I had the power to express in words the spirit that we feel when we meet together. President Gee is almost pleading with the missionaries to exercise increased faith as they do their work. He invites them to really pray about where to go and when to go there, and listen for an answer, expecting to receive guidance. Some of the missionaries have shared their little miracles of finding prepared people to teach. President Gee also constantly reminds them that there is a price to pay to get these answers, and it is strict obedience. He reminds them that the missionary rules are their commandments for this brief time in their lives. They have promised the Lord they would obey these rules. There are tremendous blessings of personal growth waiting to be given if they will obey. The interesting thing is that two of the Stake Presidents this past week testified of the same thing, even though they didn't hear what President Gee's message was. It is a witness that the Holy Ghost guides the thoughts of those participating. I feel the testimony that these men are truly messengers from God to teach and instruct these missionaries. Your sons and daughters, (and mothers) are doing a tremendous work and are experiencing great personal growth. Overall, there seems to be a renewed energy in the mission. They are picking up their pace and we are seeing improved results. We are grateful that they have "faith in every footstep" just like the pioneers did. Of course, there are ups and downs in every person's mission. Some get discouraged and need reinforcement that they are doing something of value. Your e-mails and letters are very important to them. It is still the Bible Belt, and many wonderful, already satisfied people live here. Please keep praying that hearts will be prepared and softened, and that we can find those people. We need your prayers and faith. We also pray for you constantly. I hope this gives you a better idea of what a zone conference is.
Greetings from President Gee! Love, Sister Gee