Leadership Training

Pictured here are all the leaders of the Florida Jacksonville Mission. There are Zone Leaders, District Leaders and Sister Training Leaders. Aren't they an impressive group?  Three or four times a year President Barry will hold an all day Leadership Training Meeting. The purpose is to teach leadership skills. Doctrine is taught and then techniques are learned. Of course we always role play the techniques over and over to make sure they feel confident leading and in addressing problems in their stewardships.  Our leadership motto is, "Lead, Love, Lift"  D&C 121:41-42 is the goal.  They are learning to lead by persuasion, long-suffering, gentleness, meekness and love.  We are all working to attain these Christlike attributes.   

Of course, lunch is always anticipated.  Left:  Elder Clark, Elder Tuft, a member, President Anderson, Elder Bishop, Elder Webb, Elder Erickson, Elder Lang, Elder Craynor

Left: Elder Beazer, Elder Huckvale, Elder Vilorio, Elder Lee, Elder Hales

Left:  Elder McFarlane, Elder Meiling, Elder McCarthy, Elder Coleman, Elder Evans, Elder Medrano, Elder Phelps

 

Left:  Elder Erickson, Elder Beckstead, Elder Feliz, Elder Riggs, Elder Housel, Elder Coon

Left:  Elder M.Jensen, Elder Cervo, Elder Wise, Elder Baczuk, Elder Suttner, Elder C.R.Jensen, Elder Bennion

 

Left: Sister Richards, Sister Carrigan, Sister Heslington, Sister K.Jensen, Sister Barton, Sister Crowton, Sister Whiting

Thanks to the mission couples who cooked and prepared the food.  Left: Elder Farland, Sister Sparks, Sister Baker, Elder Baker, Sister Draper, Elder Sparks, Sister Priest and...

...Elder Draper.  He purposely left the picture but I found him.  Funny story:  Elder Draper is a Colonel in the Marines, Special Forces.  He can be an imposing figure.  As I quickly pulled up the camera to take a picture of him he firmly said, "Stand down, soldier!"  It was a little un-nerving - but not enough to stop me.  I'm glad he can't put me in the brig!   

The Culture of the Mission

It is said that the zone leaders create the culture of a mission. It all begins right here in this meeting - Zone Leader Council. It runs like any council in the church. Strengths of the mission are discussed;  weaknesses are identified and then plans devised to strengthen missionaries and course changes are made. Then these powerful men go out and see that it happens. I wish you could sit in on these meetings and see the wisdom and spiritual strength of these missionaries. Yet, they are also very humble. They don't see their power and potential. The future of the church will be in good hands. Guided by President Barry and the Assistants to the President they call themselves the "Warriors of Light". They set baptismal goals amongst themselves and then motivate each other throughout the month to reach their lofty goals. I am so proud of them.

Standing:  President Barry; Elder Riggs-JAX West Zone; Elder Tuft-Assistant; Elder Suttner-Gainesville Zone; Elder Bennion-Gainesville Zone; Elder Wise-JAX East Zone; Elder Evans-Savannah Zone; Elder Housel-Assistant; Elder Vilorio-Savannah Zone; Elder Erickson-Kingsland Zone
Kneeling:  Elder Feliz-Kingsland Zone; Elder Craynor-JAX West Zone; Elder Huckvale-JAX East Zone; Elder Lang-Lake City Zone; Elder McCarthy-JAX South Zone; Elder Coleman-JAX South Zone; Elder Bishop-Lake City Zone

We love our Senior Missionaries!

Meet Elder and Sister Rahm. They come to us from  Chesterfield, Missouri (St. Louis area).  They are serving a Leadership and Member Support Mission.  They will serve in the Branford Ward in Brandford, Florida.  What a blessing they will be to that small country area.  We are so grateful you are here!