Cebu

Cebu is a remarkably beautiful island in the south-central part of the Philippines.  We were privileged to visit Cebu for our Mission Leadership Seminar.  Twice a year, the Area Presidency gathers all the Mission Leaders from the 23 missions in the Philippines Area for three or four days of training.  We gathered to Lapu-Lapu City and sat at the feet of four especial witnesses of the gospel of Jesus Christ.  One of the greatest things about being a member of the Church is the opportunity meet some of the most amazing people who teach, train and love you because of your shared brotherhood in the Church. Where else will the CEO of a major corporation or a surgeon choose to spend an hour answering questions of a 20-year-old student, just to help and guide him?  I felt like an old mule at the Kentucky Derby: I felt I did not really belong there with these great leaders, but it sure was fun to be there.  It was not just being with four General Authorities and their wives, but also with twenty two other Mission Presidents and their wives. We learned from each other and shared solutions to common problems.

Joining our Area Presidency for the seminar was Elder Marcus B. Nash, the Executive Director of the Missionary Department of the Church.  Donna and I arrived at the hotel about 1:30 in the afternoon. Having not eaten, we dropped our bags in the room and immediately walked to a little bistro on the beach to get a sandwich.  While we sat there we noticed an American approaching.  We did not recognize him until he got closer and then realized that it was Elder Nash.  He kindly came up to our table, introduced himself and his wife and asked to join us (well….OF COURSE!).  We spent the time together talking about our work in Cauayan and learned from them.  As a General Authority and companion they have served in the eastern USA, South America and Africa, and have travelled all over the world on assignments.  We were so impressed with their remarkable knowledge and experiences.  It was great to be with them.

The following are a few thoughts that were shared at the seminar:

-Elder Bangerter shared one of most important lessons he learned from his father.  He was 13 years old and was mowing the lawn of the family home.  His father called him over for a one-on-one visit; which was not unusual.  His father told him, “Protect the private times of your life”.  His father expressed his desire that this simple message would be written upon his heart forever. 

-Elder Nash asked the question; “If you were alone in a room with the Saviour and He smiled at you and then waited for you to speak, what would you say to Him?”

-Elder Wakolo begins each talk I have ever heard him give with: “I rejoice with you in the Gospel of Christ and the Doctrine of Christ”.  It is so simple yet so profound.  It is always said with emotion.  It touches my soul.

-Elder Choi taught simply but powerfully that you must meet missionaries (and all people) where they are. One may come ready to work with drive and commitment.  These you work with to help them grow to be strong and great missionaries.  Others may come needing time to find or strengthen their faith and commitment.  These you work with to help them find their way.  They also have important things to offer, but you must first meet them where they are.

-Elder Nash brought us to the scripture that the morning stars (us) sang together and all the sons of God (us) shouted for joy when, before the world was organized, we learned of the Father’s plan of happiness for us (Job 38:7).  He added that Christ is the reason we shouted for joy.  We knew that he could do His foreordained work and redeem us.  We felt great confidence in His abilities and power.

One of the great moments of the week was attending the beautiful and serine Cebu Temple.  How we miss attending the Temple regularly.  Twenty-three Mission Presidents and companions, Senior couples serving the Area,  together with four General Authorities and their great wives, in that sacred setting was a wonderful, even joyful, experience.

On the last day of the seminar the nine companionships of Mission Leaders that will return home in July were invited to express their beliefs in Jesus Christ and his great work.  It was a solemn occasion where emotions were close to the surface.  We have grown very close to these great men and women with whom we have shared this experience.  

Elder Nash told of how his father, while serving as a Mission President, attended a meeting with Gordon B Hinckley.  He thanked him for his service which has blessed the lives of millions of people.  President Hinckley’s humble response was that he was simply adding his brick to the wall.  We like to think our service here is also just adding our small brick to the great wall of the Kingdom of God.  We are honoured to do so.

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