Where The Action Is‏ (from the pres)

Dear Parents and Families,

Another week has flown by already. The beautiful autumn weather I was predicting hasn't come through. We have had a week of pretty heavy rain and cooler temperatures. I sometimes feel sorry for the missionaries who are out in the storms until I see one of them grinning from ear to ear. I have to remind myself that some people think it is fun to get wet.

For your information we are still trying to decided what to do about flu shots. It seems the vaccine isn't readily available so we are trying to figure it out. If you have specific concerns please feel free to let me know about them. We have had some sickness in the mission that lasts from two to five days. Right now most of them are getting better. We certainly appreciate your prayers in behalf of the health of the missionaries. We came up with a substitute for the handshake. We call it the "pound." We make a fist and quickly touch knuckles. Some of the wards have big bottles of hand sanitizers strategically placed so everyone can stay sanitized during meetings.

I would like to make a few comments about "where the action is." Actually, the action is wherever a missionary can be found, but I would like to describe district meetings. These meetings are held on Friday mornings, five out of the six weeks of transfers. They are under the direction of the district leader. He plans the theme and makes assignments to carry it out. Unless the district is especially large, each missionary gets to participate each week. That is what makes it "where the action is." The district leaders get the experience of conducting with dignity and being responsible to make sure it is a spiritual and uplifting experience for the other missionaries. Sometimes there is prelude music, if they are lucky enough to have a piano player. Sometimes the opening hymn has beautiful harmony. Sometimes it doesn't, but it is beautiful anyway because the song of the righteous is a prayer, even if it is slightly out of tune. Our mission theme is written on the board to encourage everyone. It says, "Courage brethren, (and sisters) and on, on to the victory!!!" Missionaries participate by giving "trainings" which is a fancy word for a talk, on some aspect of missionary work. They always have a practice on some skill, usually led by the district leader. He will explain the purpose and demonstrate with his companion how it should be done. If President Gee is there he delights in letting them practice on him. He can be scary but also fun. Usually everyone learns a lot. (President Gee and I try to visit a district meeting each Frday.) Everyone gets a chance to give feedback on what went well and suggestions for improvement. It is a little stressful and a step out of the comfort zone, but it is a good stretching experience. The meeting usually ends with a training on some doctrine. At the end they often make a list of their investigators who they can pray for. Then they kneel down and pray for each one of them.

This last Friday President Gee and I visited Midwest City District. They were practicing on testifying as they teach and as they resolve concerns. The practices are sometimes challenging because we are really pretending. However, on Friday as they were practicing testifying, suddenly there were tears in the eyes and that remarkable feeling in the room as the Spirit bore witness AGAIN that the teachings are true. It was a touching meeting.
When district meeting is over, the quiet reverence gives way for the business at hand. What is for lunch??? Sometimes they go to a restaurant to eat. Chinese buffets are very popular because they get all they can eat for not much money. If they are especially ambitious they have lunch together at the church. Last Friday the Elders had made Buffalo Wings and brownies. We were impressed.
These meetings build the missionaries line upon line as they prepare and participate over and over and over. I kind of liken district meetings to what happens in the church on a ward level. This is where everyone gets a chance to be on the front line. Zone meetings are more like what happens on a stake level. They are held less often with more missionaries. They are all good. The organization of the Lord's church, and the missionary force is a marvelous work and a wonder.

I hope this helps you to visualize what a district meeting is all about. Please continue to pray for the work. I often visualize hundreds of family members praying diligently for the work to progress and for the missionaries to feel joy. Who can describe how much good comes from prayers of faith. Have a good week. Greetings from President Gee. He is still smiling. We had another good week with the baptisms. Love, Sister Gee