We all cherished and contemplated the words of Elder Stanfil and Sister Stanfil today. We all benefited from their visit today. We didn't want to let them leave!
The Stanfil's shook each and every hand of our 104 missionaries!
We truly felt a beautiful spirit envelope the room as these missionaries sang
"I am Trying to Be Like Jesus"
Elder Stanfil had just returned from Salt Lake City, where he was able to attend General Conference.
Here are just a few of the excerpts from his talk.
Angels will be guiding you and directing you on your mission. Serving full-time is a wonderful opportunity. He didn't think he would have that chance again, but now he is once again, serving full-time in the church.
He talked about learning to fly a helicopter and how difficult it was and how he didn't think he could do it and wanted to quit. But gradually, through several lessons, he learned and then it became his favorite thing to do. Your mission will be the same way - you will become very comfortable sharing the Gospel and you will learn how to serve. The Lord will teach you very quickly. It's required here in Africa because there are so many people ready for the Gospel. You will take great joy in teaching the Gospel.
You are going to change the course of eternal history. You will find people, give them the Gospel, and they will NEVER be the same. Like his wife's primary friend who asked her to be her friend, which then started her on the road to her conversion, this friend changed the course of Sis Stanfill's eternal history. You will do the same. You will alter the course of eternal history.
In France, where he served, their average baptisms were1 per missionary per year. You may have the chance to baptize 100 or 150. Africa is ready for the Gospel.
He told the story of one 45 year old very backward man who they taught in France and who joined the church. His companion gave him a blessinig that he would find an eternal companion and be sealed in the temple. He said, "this was a stretch." But it happened - he met a very educated woman at a single adult's conference and they got married - she taught him to read, etc. He became a leader in the church. Who would have thought this could happen?
Leave everything behind - any problems, family difficulties, a hard life before you came, and serve. 1. You will be happier than you've ever been in your life.
2. You will learn things about yourself that you never knew - you will learn of your divine potential.
The general authorities love you and pray for you. God loves you so much. He doesn't change his position. He always loves you and is always there. We change our positions - sometimes we're closer and other times we get farther away, based on the things that we do.
The people you teach will know in their hearts that there is more to the Savior than they've been taught and more to His life. You can bring this knowledge to them.
He walked around and asked many missionaries where they had wanted to serve and where they were actually serving. One American elder said Germany and he's going to Liberia. Many Africans said they wanted to serve in different African countries than where they are now going. E. Stanfill said to them all, you are so blessed to serve here in Africa. THIS IS AFRICA'S TIME. He repeated that several times. He said Church headquarters are so interested in what's happening here. In the past, it was South America's time, or Europe's time, but now is Africa's time. The Church is very young here - only 30 or so years. Members are going to fill this land. You get to be a part of that. In Liberia, 60 elders baptize a ward a month. You will be happier than you've ever been in your life!
Elder Johnson told Elder Stanfil that he is so excited to be going to Liberia!
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