We talk Church to everybody & hand out our "business cards, cuz we mean business. Even to a group of Ladies in the entrance hall of our apartment tower. The result often is a request for a picture or "selfie". 

We had an awesome Zone Conference this past weekend. Starting on Friday 3 December with an 'action-packed', long day of Missionary Training. The day was Presided over by a General Authority.  Elder Funk, a Seventy and the Asia Area President. His wife, Sister Funk taught & captivated all from the moment she took the stage. The ever-energetic Mission President  Rowley, who we know is so incredibly passionate about Missionary work, made another strong impact on the all Missionaries as well. Emphasis on Work & Passion. Sister Rowley presented us with another variety of encouraging messages as well we know from her every time she shows up.

Elder Funk & Sister Funk took time to talk with both of us personally for quite a while during lunch. Listening to them was an awesome experience.

Elder Funk, a General Authority & Asia Area President, took some time during District Conference to chat with Mom & me personally. 

*** Here is a lesson on truth both Mom and I learned. We both invite ALL of you who read this to share, like we will from now on, with anyone & everyone you talk to:

At one point Sister Funk conveyed to us that: 

"The Vision was an Answer to a prayer of Joseph Smith".  Eureka !!!

That line stood out to me. It hit me like a ton of bricks. As well as it left a profound impression on me. I never realized before in my life how important that fact is. Neither did I realize the enormous & important impact on the world, from that moment on, of that Historic fact. Here is the reason for my elation:

Joseph Smith personally "Initiated" that contact with The Lord. That started the subsequent Historic Restoration.

Here's my point: I have, for most of my life, knowing that in order to start a Conversation one first needs to open up a line of Communication. The Lord did not initiate or start this communication. For Obvious reasons!  We elected to come to earth, have a body and be apart from God on our own during a probationary time with an agency to choose right or wrong & be accountable for our choices & actions. Finally, the dots are connected in my mind and understanding.

Because: During that time of separation The Lord's line of Communication Always remains open. I, on this side of the line, am not always keeping that line operational. He, The Lord is always ready to accept calls. In order to have a conversation with Him, I have to initiate contacting Him by calling on Him via The Lord Jesus Christ in prayer like Joseph Smith did on that one Historic day. However, I for one, am often distracted by the, it seems, ever and rapidly increasing distractions in life that are readily available to me. Even promoted, amplified and advertised to such an extent and level, it is astonishing. The electronic age is so powerful, colorful, well funded and overwhelming that you can't cross the road, watch TV, listen to the radio, read the printed press, go Online and such, and miss the intent of the destroyer to make men miserable as he is. Often, one is unwillingly and unintentionally exposed to those "distractions", to use a rather mellow term to describe them. President Rowley suggested setting aside one day a week as a "Screen Free Day".

Than Elder Funk gave us the other powerful counsel in "tandem/concert" with sister Funk: "Start Introducing the Restoration early on when teaching investigators". Brilliant ! Since all members are Missionaries, that means that when we have a Conversation with others about the Church or initiate one, that we also, introduce the Restoration early on in the conversation. The Restoration, among others, sets us apart from other denominations and Christian churches. Including that we know that God The Father and Jesus Christ are two distinct persons who are One on Purpose. That we enjoy modern-day Revelation. A living Prophet and more. 

*** Again folks, we invite and urge you to Share ( Bagikan) the above truths. The Vision was an answer to a prayer by, the then young man, Joseph Smith.  Start introducing the Restoration early on in teaching & conversations about The Church.

Elder and Sister Schmid

2 busloads from Malang attending District Conference. ( Stake Conference). Total attendantds this time 280 members & investigators

And..... folks she decided not to wear the "required" uniform. Our Branch Youth Choir. The little Lady in red. Sings loud & clear and knows all the hymns off heart. Precious.

Oma waiting....a bit bored....