On the 27th February 2010, 20 Young Single Adu
lts meet together for a full day Mission Convention at the Mortdale Chapel. The day began with personal scripture study at 7AM followed by breakfast kindly prepared by the Hyde Park Stake Relief Society sisters. The YSA were then joined by the full-time missionaries serving in the Sydney South Mission for companionship study. A mini Zone Conference under the direction of President Simmons, the Sydney South Mission President gave the YSA a taste for the training full-time missionaries receive throughout their missions.
The YSA and missionaries headed off for 2.5 hours of missionary work. Some went door knocking, street contacting and others attended lessons with people who were investigating the Church. Many YSA had the opportunity to put to practise the things they've learnt in the weekly mission preparation classes (held at Mortdale Chapel every Sunday from 5-6PM).
After 2.5 hours of intense work in the sun, the YSA and missionaries returned to the chapel where the missionaries had to sadly leave and return to their daily duties, while the YSA continued at the convention for a "Missions Around the World" experience conducted by the teachers (Aokuso Aokuso & Susie Croker) and advisor (Nathan Biddle). The YSA got to hear stories from the mission field, try authentic foods and learn about different cultures.
The convention was concluded with a testimony meeting presided by Elder Terry M. Vinson, of the Seventy, and the Stake Presidents from the Hyde Park (President Trevor Jones) and Mortdale (President Atili To'o) stakes were in attendance. This meeting gave the YSA an opportunity to share testimony and reflect upon experiences they had throughout the convention. Some shared experiences of going door knocking, whilst others shared their experience in teaching a lesson to investigators. All in all the YSA got a taste for a day in the life of full-time missionaries of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Some of their comments of the day include:
"...my "eyes" have changed and I have opened them even more, even to the little things that I may take for granted.
For all i know, the gospel is a blessing to all, and I just want to share it with those who need it or are in search of it. " - Herman Sasulu
"I know that even though it was only a small part of what missionaries go through it gave me a thirst to want to do more. To be not afraid as the scripture says "Be not ashamed of the gospel of Christ". Although I may have hesitated at times I know that it was in preparation for when it really happens... Doing this gave me a new sense of courage. I will never forget this day and the many feelings and impressions I received throughout it. I hope there are more of these for future missionaries or anyone wanting to feel confident in sharing the Lord's Gospel. May I continue to listen to the Spirit and be guided by him at all times and also be worthy of the companionship. I know this Church is true, I know this Gospel is true, I know we have a living prophet on this earth today and that he receives modern day revelation. I know that prayer is real and that God answers them. I'm so grateful for everything the Lord has blessed me with. Each day is a blessing and may I continue to try and be a disciple of thee and I leave you with my testimony in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen." - Darlene Seymour
Sister Foga'a Masoe from the Bankstown 2nd Ward, Mortdale Stake has embarked on her 18 month mission in the Auckland New Zealand Mission on the 25th February 2010. Sister Masoe is a bubbly, dedicated sister to the gospel of Jesus Christ. She is a great example to those around her and will be greatly missed in our weekly mission preparation classes. We wish her all the best on her mission!
On the 27th February 2010, 20 Young Single Adults meet together for a full day Mission Convention at the Mortdale Chapel. The day began with personal scripture study at 7AM followed by breakfast kindly prepared by the Hyde Park Stake Relief Society sisters. The YSA were then joined by the full-time missionaries serving in the Sydney South Mission for companionship study. A mini Zone Conference under the direction of President Simmons, the Sydney South Mission President gave the YSA a taste for the training full-time missionaries receive throughout their missions.
