Elder L. Tom Perry

When Elder Perry was here on Saturday, February 1st, 2014 he gave us training on how to have  a successful Ward Council. In attendance were also Elder Ronald Rasband (Senior President of the Presidency of the Seventy), Elder W. Craig Zwick (member of the First Quorum of the Seventy), and Elder Erich W. Kopischke (member of the First Quorum of the Seventy).

We had a wonderful meeting.  They spoke to us about the hastening of the work D&C 88:73 and that we must "put our trust in the Lord"-Elder Ballard.

In Alma 17:11 It says-"And the Lord said unto them also: Go forth among the Lamanites, thy brethren, and establish my word; yet ye shall be patient in long-suffering and afflictions, that ye may show forth good examples unto them in me, and I will make an instrument of thee in my hands unto the salvation of many souls."

This scriptures tells us the importance of personal example. Our first role is to be a missionary ourselves. D&C section 44 is about missionary work, about preaching repentance unto the people and converting them.  Elder Perry said that this section even though it was given in 1831 it applies today, our time.  He stressed the importance of Ward council.  That those who participate in Ward councils need to come prepared. He stressed the importance of reaching out to the less actives.  He said this is the most important era because we are now recognized all around the world.

Elder Kopischke said that when we are helping and rescuing those less actives we need to be focusing on "What is their next saving ordinance?".

We were told that the MTC is our home.

We also were told that "we have the power to receive inspiration from the Lord in the calling that you have".  Preparation is key, we must prepare ourselves to receive revelation, by keeping the commandments, reading our scriptures and praying.