Laanjak: Uniforms and medals, the ferry and Mission Tour

The end of April was full of interesting and uplifting activities. After church and lunch on the 27th, we headed out to Wangen for visits. We had two appointments, but one cancelled on the way and the other was not home. That kind of experience is not unusual for missionary work. Rather than head home, we drove the opposite direction (actually passing home - do not collect 100€), and went to Deggenhausertal to visit with the Kiefers. He has a fabulous collection of uniforms, medals, etc. from the war and other service organizations. I took a few pictures. While we (the elders and I ) were visiting with him, Sister B had a long visit with Sister Kiefer and felt that it was where she really was meant to be for the evening.

On Tuesday, we had "Mission Tour." This is sort of a mission conference. Since the mission is so large, in area and number, they cannot have a single mission-wide conference. We met together the the other zones that are in Switzerland or contain some part of Switzerland, 4 zones all together, in Zurich, Switzerland. We me with Elder and Sister Dyches, he being a member of the Seventy and the area presidency here. He gave us some wonderful counsel and it was a very enjoyable day.

First, President Miles spoke and talked about a new teaching program that has been introduced - not a missionary program, but a church program, called "Come Follow Me." we are to teach the way the Savior taught and he listed 10 points to follow (things the Savior did):
1. Love the people.
2. He knew who they were and what they needed.
3. He prepared himself.
4. He used the scriptures.
5. He shared stories and examples.
6. He asked questions.
7. He invited them to testify.
8. He trusted them.
9. He invited them to act in faith.
10. He was their example and mentor.
President Miles said that the Area presidency had set a goal of having 100,000 saints in regular attendance in Sacrament meetings in Europe by the end of 2013 and that goal was reached.

Elder Dyches talked about "Doing the Hard thing," and spoke of Justification, Sanctification and Consecration. Justification is being clean (he referenced King Benjamin's speech where the people exclaimed that they had no desire to do evil). Sanctification is to do good continually and Consecration is to do it because we really can - giving back. His emphasis is to work with the members, both in activation of less-active members and in new conversions. The work is hastening.

- - - - -
Here are some pictures.