MTC Week 1
Our Senior Missionary Group
9 Oct 2021
As we begin our missionary experience, we are grateful for the opportunity to serve the Lord and to serve the people of Tempe, AZ and Belgium/Netherlands. The training at the MTC has been amazing and really inspiring. We arrived on Monday, settled into our room (looks like a small hotel room), lunch at the MTC cafeteria which is HUGE! We met the MTC Presidency in the afternoon along with training in our large group and then in our District groups. There are about 60 other Senior Missionaries going to various parts of the world and serving as office help, nurses, medical advisor, and lots of MLS (Member/Leader Support). After dinner we met with our Branch Presidency.
Throughout the week we have been trained on the use of technology such as FaceBook and Zoom, goal setting, planning, using the principles found in Preach My Gospel, practicing with another couple the skills we are learning, and safety and security.
In addition, each evening were different activities. Tuesday was the MTC Devotional with Sister Michelle Craig, 1st Counselor in the General YW Presidency. She likened our experience of bringing our "ordinary, meager offering" to the Lord with the story of the Brother of Jared bringing the sixteen small stones. Just as he asked for a miracle, we can bring what we have, our own ordinary offering, to the Lord and ask for miracles. Jesus Christ accepts our meager offerings and magnifies them. Repentance means to turn toward God. We have all been called to shine in a dark world.
Wednesday evening was the Character of Christ Experience. President Porter, the MTC President spoke about how in all situations, Christ turns outward in love, compassion and service for others. The natural man turns inward (selfish, self-centered, self-absorbed). He asked the question "What do I need to do as a missionary to exemplify the character of Christ?" Whatever attributes we decide to improve we need to remember the it is not accomplished by our own will-power or determination, it is accomplished through the atonement of Jesus Christ.
Thursday we were able to go to the Provo Temple with other Senior Missionaries. As we were walking out, I saw my new friend, Sister Pond, waiting for her husband. I sat down to chat with her and asked how she was doing. She admitted she was scared and nervous and afraid she would not be able to do all we were being asked to do. Especially if they were assigned the Spanish Branch. She knows a little Spanish from living in Mexico for a time 30 years ago. She was feeling overwhelmed. We talked and hugged. As they started their car, in the light of the headlights, they saw two young people trying to change a tire. Bro. Pond got out to help and Sis. Pond held the light (the headlights of the car 😉). We noticed that they lived the principle we had been taught the night before. Even though she was worried for her own situation, they noticed and looked outward when someone was in need. And it happened immediately! We can usually find someone who needs our help if we just look!
Our teachers have been wonderful! Sister Olsen in the afternoons and Sister Harper on Tuesday morning. She was ill the rest of the week and we joined with another District and were taught by Sisters Madsen and Walker. They all have testimonies of the Savior and missionary work. They are full of energy, enthusiasm and Spirit.
So many things learned in such a short time! Love to hear about your experiences. So how's the cafeteria food? :D
ReplyDeleteFOOD IS ALWAYS GOOD! ANY FOOD!
ReplyDeleteAs long as there's extra salt to add...
DeleteHehe!
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