Called Out in the First Five Minutes!

Hello all!

Wow! What a week! It was spiritually powerful, and, even as an old missionary, I had a new first!

Okay, let's jump in!

Zone Conference #17: Well, #17 came and went so quickly! I never thought that I would have reached my final zone conference, and it's crazy that it's already gone. To add to the strangeness, I was the only missionary there in his or her final transfer. (Keep that in mind for later on)

It was an amazing conference, with a large focus on faith, miracles, and personal revelation. In addition to that, the new #lighttheworld campaign was introduced! I am so pumped.

Now, I mentioned being called out in the first five minutes.... here's the story. While President McReynolds was welcoming us to the conference, he said, "There is no better time to be a missionary than at Christmas... who was here for last Christmas?" About half of the group rose their hand. Then he added, "how many people will be here this Christmas?" Everyone, except me, rose their hand. President McReynolds then turned, looked straight at me and said, "Sorry, Elder Burns." 

We got a good laugh!

Later on in the day, I was able to play the piano for a musical number with Sister Hawkins. It was the song Thy Will Be Done. It was beatuiful and really brought in the spirit. It was palpably strong during and following the musical item.

Now, immediately following this musical item, and, as per tradition, when a missionary reaches their final zone conference, they are asked to bare their "departing testimony". The Spirit was intense and strong. I can't really put into words how I felt. The words of the Hymn "Jerusalem (And Did Those Feet in Ancient Times)" came to my mind.

The words are:

And did those feet, in ancient times, walk upon England's mountains green?

And was the Holy Lamb of God, on England's pleasant pastures seen?

I had impressed upon me, especially when looking at that amazing congregation of missionaries, that we truly represent Jesus Christ. That as we do and say what He would do and say, He does walk this land through us. And what a great day it will be when He comes and reigns personally upon the Earth!

Following my testimony, President McReynolds shared some closing remarks. Then, we were able to sing Jerusalem, our mission song. I played the piano for this as well. It was very powerful. I'm not sure if everyone else felt it the same way that I did, but it was the perfect way to end my final Zone Conference.

Something new: Immediately following the Zone Conference, I was able to interview a great man for baptism. It was an amazing experience! He had been prepared for baptism for quite some time, and while we shared testimony with each other, the Spirit witnessed to me that he was ready to be baptised! It was thrilling to be with him and so much joy filled that room!

Conclusion: I've got a lot more that I could say, but to spare you from a journal reading, I will bring my comments to an end.

I love being able to serve a mission! It is literally the best! My mission hasn't always been easy, but as I look back on it, I see that joy has always prevailed over the hard times. And after all, we are to have joy!

If you made it to this point, I congratulate you! Haha

Love you all!

See miracles. Be miracles. 

Elder Burns