Teachings and gifts

Our first week in the MTC was described as "Preach My Gospel Training." As humanitarian service missionaries we will not be doing any direct proselyting, but all senior missionaries are asked to go through this review and training in order to take advantage of opportunities that might arise, and to be able to support the "junior missionaries" as appropriate. It was quite worthwhile, especially to be able to do together as a couple.

It's interesting to have all these "elderly" seasoned mature senior couples, with vast and varied Church experience, taught by fresh recently returned youth missionaries. The teachers do a fantastic job! The curriculum at the MTC has been developed over many years to be powerful and effective, and focuses on both critical doctrines as well as effective presentation.

Among the focuses of the week was a review of "the doctrine of Christ" as one of the critical concepts for missionaries to understand and share. We talked about the process, both for those new to the Gospel, on their first time through the cycle (starting by developing and exercising faith and understanding the Atonement of Christ), as well as the ongoing process that every disciple of Christ follows throughout life as we repeatedly follow the cycle.

A wonderful conclusion to the week came on Saturday. We were thrilled that our oldest granddaughter, Madison Wright, who reached the age of 8 a few weeks ago, was able to be baptized on this date! She was a little nervous but was glowing and excited. Sister Kenison was asked to give instruction during the program; after Madison's Daddy performed the baptism, Elder Kenison was greatly honored to confirm her a member of the Church.

So happy to celebrate with Madison and participate in her baptism day!

It seemed especially appropriate to me, that after a week of learning about the influence of the Holy Ghost in our lives and our labors, I would have the privilege to share the gift of that influence with sweet Madison.

Beautiful cake courtesy of Alessandra Cruz