25 Nov 2011 Missionary Zone Conference

Wow we have really been busy. Everyday is something to prepare for. This morning we had to be at the Frankfurt Stake Center for our Quarterly Zone Conference. We had it in conjunction with the young missionaries. I liked being there with them They have such a spirit of missionary work. The conference was under the direction of one of our Area 70's, Elder Kopischke. His opening remarks were that WE CAN NOT LEARN THAT WHICH WE ARE NOT WILLING TO RECEIVE. I knew this was going to be something I needed to hear.

He asked us to write down a question we wanted to have an answer to during the conference. In this way the Lord can direct the speaker through inspiration to answer your question. Your part is to listen intently for the answer. We have the right to receive personal revelation for ourselves but the Lord wont give it to us unless we ask him specifically. Just as Joseph Smith had to do when he was translating. (In my mind I asked the following question) Why have I not been able to find Elder Walters' Grandfather here in Germany? Should I be looking for my own relatives and stop looking for his? Keep that in your mind because I will tell you the answer I received during the conference.

Brother Kopischke did a role play and asked if the Young lady would like to come to church on Sunday and have three hours of ADVENTURE? He also asked her to have a question in her mind that she wanted to have answered during that time. The reason we go to church should be to receive revelation. As we listen to the spirit we will get personal revelation. He said he asked a 10 year old girl that question and she answered, yes all 29 of them. In England a Priesthood leader over Missionary work got in his car and the spirit told him the answer to his question that he had been asking for 20 years.
Read D & C 88: 67-68
" And if your eye be single to my glory, your whole bodies shall be filled with light, and there shall be no darkness in you and that body which is filled with light comprehendeth all things.

Therefore, sanctify yourselves that your minds become single to God, and the days will come that you shall see him, for he will unveil his face unto you, and it shall be in his own time, and in his own way, and according to his own will."

Brother McBride our Zone leader said, "How we receive this revelation is up to us. When we receive revelation we are receiving light. President Schwarz said that President Kimball received revelation pertaining to Germany when he said that this land would be covered with hundreds of Stakes and many temples. Bro Holland said in order for the church to grow in Germany, will all depend on the German people. In the early days of the church many converts left for America to be with the main body of the Church. Without them the church would have had a harder time to grow. It was their testimonies that helped the saints. The ones here in Germany today were the Saints that were left behind. Their testimonies are now needed here. The German people are of the house of Israel and we must find them. Membership will double in the next 2 years. The Mission had 1,000 baptisms last year and they know it will be more this year.

President Schwartz, the Mission President here said when he was 17 years old, he had no father and was not too close to his mother. One day he was contemplating about his life and the door bell rang. Two missionaries were there and they told him that he needed a blessing. He loves the missionaries. All of us need to lighten the burdens of the German people by sharing the gospel. Help the people learn to use the Internet and get on the many sites that the church has for them. Make sure you always have a good supply of passalong cards with your name on them. The Internet is a very useful tool. Did you hear about the 16 year old girl (not a member of the church) who invited everyone to her birthday party and she had 1,200 people show up. That is amazing but just think maybe that would have the same results in inviting people to church. On December 3 in Duisberg the Young adults will be in the Mall and will be caroling at different places. This is what they use to do in the first days of the church. Music always draws a big crowd.

Sister Schwartz said every time you bare your testimony someone is listening and someone will be blessed whether it be mortals or immortals. That testimony is recorded in heaven and your sins are forgiven. She gave the thought that we should bear testimony to each other often especially between husband and wife. (The spirit bore witness to me that it would make our relationships closer to each other as a family if we do this.)

We heard from Sister Kopischke who said that friends need to feel the spirit before anything else can happen. We must be humble in order to get the spirit. Bear testimony of the gospel and the Restoration of it. When you open your mouth have no fear.

Elder Kopischke then spoke again. The spirit will confirm your testimony. We are more powerful when we are positive. We all have Guardian angels, supporting us from the other side. We are not preparing people to be our investigators, the Lord is doing that before you even meet them. He knows who his sheep are, we are to gather his sheep. In 2003 he was released as the Stake president and was then called to be the President of the Berlin Mission. When he arrived, there was a feeling of hopelessness. He had interviews with all the missionaries and they all said they believed that the Prophecy about Germany would come about during their mission and it never did, so they were discouraged. They expected the Lord to do something. They didn't realize that it would have to come about from within. In the Gorlitz area he had one missionary that had 0 investigators. I helped them increase there faith first then they had to be taught to talk to the people. They were asked to , find and teach by the Spirit. I received a message from that missionary that he and his companion had given 17 lessons that month and one was going to be baptized. Missionaries should not get discouraged they can get at least one conversion while they are on their mission and that conversion is themselves.

He then talked about having dreams. Never bury your dreams, believe in them. Find what will make you happy. You have to have faith that those dreams will come true. Strong faith makes for happiness. GOALS REFLECT THE DESIRES OF OUR HEARTS AND OUR VISION OF WHAT WE CAN ACCOMPLISH. We will be judged by our works and the desires of our hearts whether they be good or bad. Before you get out of bed each morning, before your morning prayer, close your eyes and imagine yourself all dressed in white standing next to a baptismal font. You ask your Heavenly Father if he will help you find someone to teach today. THROUGH GOALS AND PLANS OUR HOPES ARE TRANSPOSED INTO ACTION.

2 years ago I was in a 1st Presidency Meeting and we set our goals. Retain our converts, keep our youth active and reactive the inactives. We can double the number of youth in the church. In the last 10 yrs. those numbers had been flat in Europe. They were all concerned. They went to the temple as a presidency and prayed about those goals. They went to their hotel and knelt and prayed again about those goals. We all felt good about the goals we had made. Elder Tom Perry testified that our vision was of God. The following things were considered:
1. How will we go about it?
2. Don't wait to start action. If you want to move mountains do not depend on the Lord to do his part until after you have done your part. If the Lord desires to assist us then fine , if not, continue to work at your goal. He told about the man who wondered why his faith was not strong enough to move a mountain but he attained that goal but taking a pick and shovel and removed that mountain little by little. Have the courage to make your goals happen.

In 2005 President Monson said that missionary work will only take off in Germany when the members learn to give out referrals . Find those that are unhappy, having problems in their lives and need answers, those who have a sick child or a rebellious one. Find out who just got married or if someone died in their lives. These are all reasons to want to hear the gospel. It gives answers to people. President Hinkley said in 1999 to the missionaries "As long as the members do not give referrals then you have to find them yourselves. He closed with the following scripture.

II Nephi 32:3-4 "Angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore, they speak the words of Christ. Wherefore, I said unto you, fest upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do. Wherefore, now after I have spoken these words, if ye cannot understand them it will be because ye ask not, neither do ye knock; wherefore, ye are not brought into the light, but must perish in the dark."

Remember I told you I wrote down a question at the beginning of the conference that I wanted answered? Well at the end of the conference Pres. Kopischke asked if we had any questions but first he asked what I did in the Mission field and how long I have been here. I told him almost 2 years and working in the Family History Department. I said we had relatives in Germany but was wanting to find where they came from. He asked me to do him a favor. I said yes. His request, if you can find one person that is living that want to hear the gospel your question will be answered. I was amazed. I felt the Spirit bear witness to me. Great Conference.

24 Nov 2011 Thanksgiving Day

This was a day of rest and having fun for us. We got together as couples missionaries. It was really a taste of home. Everyone commented on how good the food was. We had lots of turkey, enough to take home a portion for the next day. We had great mashed potatoes. Someone made them with the skins on with garlic in them. Never had them that way, but they are my favorite now. Elder Walters said the dressing was spectacular. I agree with that. Then we had three kinds of candied yam. All were good. Of course I brought my candied yams, thank you Dawn for your recipe. Another one had some sort of crust made out of pecans and butter and brown sugar. That was yummy and another one made with pineapple which I did not get a chance to taste. You know a plate can only hold so much and everyones plate was filled to overflowing. We also had fresh cut up veggies and different kinds of jello. Of course we had the usual cranberries that bring it all together. If we were not full enough, we had various kinds of desserts, pumpkin, apple, chocolate, banana and pecan pie as well as pumpkin cake and bread pudding with some good sauce. I had a little of everything. Just couldn't decide.

After the dinner we heard testimonies from the new couples who just came in and one couple was are leaving for home. That will be us in a couple of months. There were lots of tears, I am already starting to tear up thinking about it. This has been our home for two years. I love Germany and the People. We were given really good popcorn balls to take home and a few thoughts on Thanksgiving which I will now share with you. Enjoy.

"It was very cold for the Pilgrims that first winter. Food was in short supply. Some days they had only five kernels of corn. When spring came, the Pilgrims planted the remaining corn. The sun and rain helped the seeds to grow and much of the food was harvested in the fall. Every thanksgiving thereafter, the Pilgirms place five kernels of corn beside each plate to remind them of their blessings.

The first kernel reminded them of the Autumn beauty, the second kernel reminded them of their love for each other. The third kernel reminded them of their family's love. The fourth kernel reminded them of their friends...especially their Indian brothers. The fifth kernel reminded them of their freedom. This Thanksgiving, let us all remember the blessing of our lives. Count the kernels, count your blessings. At the end of the handout were pasted on the bottom 5 kernels of corn. Thought it would be great to repeat it every thanksgiving.

Hope my family and all our friends back in Vista had a great Holiday. Now you can wait for Black Friday. Let the games begin.

19 Nov 2011 David Bednar Fireside

Elder Bednar was in Kaiserslautern for a fireside with families. It wasn't your usual fireside where you get a talk, he was actually there to answer everyones questions from young and old alike. He is a very personable person and was well received by the Youth there. As the Missionaries were not invited because of space, I was given notes that were taken by a German member. Hope you enjoy the fireside. As I read through the transcript I really felt the spirit so I hope you will too.

#1 (asked by a 7 year old boy) "What can I do to prepare for my baptism"?

Elder Bednar: When I was a Bishop, I invited all the parents of the 7 yr olds to my office and asked them how they could help me prepare their children for Baptism? One of the mother's who was very outspoken in the Community said, "We still have a year before he is baptized but we have already prepared him". She is right, It is the responsibility of the parents to teach their children to understand the Plan of Salvation and the role that Baptism has in that plan. This is only possible through the power of the Holy Ghost. If the home is a place where the Holy Ghost can stay, the children will be receptive and learn.

#2 (asked by an adult male) When I was a missionary you spoke to us and asked us how we could be better missionaries? Because of that I now know how to be a better husband and father.

Elder Benar said: The relationship with the spouse comes first, without being a good husband you can not be a good father. You have to have another person in your relationship with you and your wife and that is Christ at the head. Anyone can work on his own salvation, but together the husband and wife come near to Christ. Approach each problem as a challenge and with the Lord's help you will solve it. Use your Priesthood to bless others and learn to be selfless. The Priesthood is leadership, full of good and love unfeigned. To answer the question " how do you make a good husband?" I am going to ask my wife to take the microphone.

Sister Bednar: A good husband uses his Priesthood spontaneously, even when it is on his birthday. He needs to help the family during Family Home Evening and during Family Prayer. If I respect the Priesthood that he holds, he will respect me as a woman. We also have a lot more joy in our family. Always have an atmosphere where you can and bless your wife and children.

#3 (Question from a 12 year old boy) What was your best missionary experience and how can I best prepare for my mission?

Elder Benar: Right now you are a missionary. You have 6 more years of experience before you become the best missionary. The most important preparation is to live now as a missionary. You can pray and study the scriptures everyday. The Holy Ghost will give you support and guide you when you think of him always. For me, the most important experience happened yesterday in a meeting. I could tell you how I talked about the Restoration of the Gospel and Testify to you, but being with the missionaries is the best, because it reminds me that being an Apostle means being a Missionary. Missionary work is a bond between missionaries. I could feel that bond.

#4 (Question from a mother of a 5 yr old daughter) How can I protect my daughter from the negative influences of the world?

Elder Bednar asked Sister Weidmann to answer this question: I have 4 grown daughters. The gospel is a very big help in every situation. For me it is important to share the Gospel with my daughters. One of our daughters said to us in the Temple before going on her mission. "I have been here for so many years and I am going to miss everyone but because of your love for me I would not ever want to dissappoint you. Now I am on a mission to gain the opportunity to witness on my own.? You should love your children, even if they do not make right decisions. One Sunday our family had a very bad dispute. One of my daughters ran into her room and slammed the door. We were just getting ready to leave for church and I felt very strongly that I should stay home. , so my husband went to church with the other girls. I went into my bedroom, got on my knees and began to pray. My daughter came into my room and asked me why I was not at church? I told her because I loved her and I thought it would be better to stay with her. This was followed by two very spiritual hours for the both of us. We have the right to be led by the Holy Ghost. Do you have time for your children? Take time for them. Pray with them, listen to them and you will be guided by the spirit.

Sister Bednar: We always had a lot of guests in our home. I asked everyone that came to visit this question, "How can I better prepare our sons for their lives". One of the 12 Apostles was with us and I asked him that question. The reply was that it is important to find out who they really are. You should keep the song, "I am A Child Of God" forever in your heart. You must learn to understand the scriptures through the Holy Ghost.

Elder Bednar: Sometimes we talk too much to our children instead of teaching more by example. If you are doing Heavenly Fathers will, you will know that it is the Doctrine of God. Invite your children to learn. Ask them questions, don't be afraid to answer them. Look up answers in the scriptures. Invite them to act on them. He read Matt 21:16 where Jesus said have you not heard what these children say? "Out of the mouth of children and infants will come perfect praise of him." If you live the gospel you will know it is from God. If this teaching of Christ gets into your children's hearts, they will be protected.

#5 (question from a young girl) Did you come here with your family?


Elder Bednar: When I am traveling I often visit members of the church who have long stopped going to church. I tell them that we love them, that we need them and they need the Gospel in their lives.

#6 (Question from a young boy) Do you love American or German Football (Soccer for the Germans)better? and how important is the Scouting Program?

Elder Bednar: I always love the game of football whatever country I am in. The Scouting Program is an opportunity for young people to get together and learn how to be a servant of God.

#7 (question from an adult) What is the most important lesson you have learned as an Apostle?

Elder Bednar: A week before my appointment as an Apostle I received a call from President Packer who asked me to go to my next Stake Conference. I called my Stake President and asked if he knew why I was being asked to be at the Conference and he said that "The Lord only gives his keys to his Apostles, but he did not know the answer to my question. The next day the Stake President told about his brother who had been a member for 5 years but had a problem with the word of wisdom. I invited his brother to the Conference and laid my hand on his shoulder and said, " The Savior has sent me to you to tell you that you should be aware that you can obey the Word of Wisdom, I promise you that the Lord will be with you" Then he told this man that he wanted him to keep him up on his progress by writing him letters about how he is doing and that he would see him at the next conference. As one of the 12 Apostles I have come here to serve you. Everywhere I go, I look out for that one person who needs help. Perhaps me asking you to give questions to answer will help someone out there. The most important thing to remember is that the Lord knows every detail of a person's life. Sometimes the Lord sends one of his 12 Apostles to save only him or her. Remember, when Christ appeared on the American continent after his resurrection, he asked each person to come and feel the nail prints in his hands and feet. This story teaches us that he reaches out to each of us individually.

#8 (question by an 11 year old boy) I will be getting the Aaronic Priesthood in Feb., how can I prepare for that?

Elder Weidmann: What is the Priesthood? It is the responsibility to act in the name of Jesus Christ. Learn more about him through scripture study. The Book of Mormon is another Testament of Jesus Christ. Pray about what you read, ask if it is true? When you become a member of a quorum, be obedient.

Elder Bednar: The Priesthood will help you become something. You don't have to do it on your own. When you pass the sacrament it is important that you feel the spirit when you hand it to the members. Try hard to do this, make sure you dress so as not to draw attention to yourself. Don't do anything that will keep you from feeling the spirit. If you try you will serve more like Jesus serves. Think prayerfully and write down your goals in life. He will inspire you and tell you what you should do. No one has actually said what you must do. The answer is that you must follow the Doctrines and principles. There is no particular steps to follow, they are individual to you. Joseph Smith has said, "I teach correct principles and they govern themselves." The most important thing is to know who you are and that you are a child of God. The Nations of tomorrow may be different from family to family but if you understand the principles, your deeds will follow. Ask yourself the question. "What lesson and principle do I want to understand in order for me to figure out a particular problem. Then insert the appropriate question. For example.... How can I deal with having time for my children and still search the scriptures?" We have taught you the principles and teachings here tonight so you should be able to govern yourselves. You have the gift of the Holy Ghost, you have the promises of the Lord.

It is my hearts desire to spend more time with you. I love you and am so thankful for your service. I am thankful for the all the questions you have provided. My Apostolic testimony is to bear witness and give you a blessing. If you are honestly seeking to believe, "Knock and ask and you will always find the answer in the teachings of the Gospel" The Lord will give you light and direction in the world that is dark and confusing. I ask this blessing upon you in the Holy name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

A I was reading over all that he said I wish I could go back and redo the way I taught my children the gospel. I wish I had been more of an example to them. I must admit however that all of my children have become wonderful, sensitive adults, very loving and forgiving.

10 Nov 2011 Rheinpfalz- Maulbroon -Baden Baden

MEDIEVAL MAULBRONN































































































BADEN BADEN



























This morning we were given the assignment to deliver a computer to the Rheinpfalz FHC. They were very glad to get it. When we got there it was already full of patrons. I'm sure the new computer will be greatly appreciated. It only took a short time to take the computer out and set it up, so we decided to travel a little further south east to Maulbroon, a Kloster (Monastery) which is one of Europe's completely preserved medieval monasteries. The building was constructed in 1147 in the Gothic architecture. This monastery with its many buildings are completely inclosed by medieval walls and towers.

After the Reformation, the Duke of Wurtenberg converted the complex into a Protestant boarding school, which is still working today. It was a school day when we arrived there and all the students were having a break. The town is beautiful and all the buildings are old, 800 years old. Some of its early prominent men who attended were Johann Kepler, Frederick Holdertin and Hermann Hesse. There were lots of great opportunities for photos from every angle. You are able to discover new and interesting things to capture.

Since the day was still young, we had to go to Baden Baden, my favorite place in Germany during Autumn time. It is in the middle of the Black Forest so you will see beautiful colors all around you. I took photos of some of the old houses further up in the forest. As I told you before, Baden Baden has the most millionaires. All the shops are high quality and a lot of the people speak French. We traveled more in the countryside, rather than the town this time and we loved this part of Baden Baden. I can not tell you how clean and neat each farm is. I especially like to see their stacked wood. When the Prophet said for everyone to clean up their properties and farms, he did not have to tell the Germans that, because they have always done it. I took a picture of a stack for you to see. It is thrilling to imagine Gene's family living in this beautiful place. We recently found that his progenitors are from this area. We had a very leisure day and enjoyed it.