Zone Conferences Held Around WIM

Missionaries from throughout the West Indies Mission gathered in Trinidad / Tobago, St. Vincent, Barbados, Suriname, Guadeloupe and Guyana for Zone Conferences with President Gamiette. In these four daylong gatherings companionships, including couples, stood and repeated in unison “My Purpose” from “Preach My Gospel.” Many received certification stickers for their name badges (which means they had memorized 50 scriptures and can recite them by heart). Sister Gamiette presented each companionship with instructions on what to do in the event of a hurricane or civil disturbance and Sister Ellison gave missionaries good advice on staying healthy, including a list of items to have available in first aid kits in each missionary apartment.

President Gamiette – a remarkable teacher and leader – gave excellent counsel on how to get investigators to the point where they will ask “what shall I do?” in response to modern missionaries, like those investigators of old when Alma questioned their testimonies and willingness to repent. President Gamiette noted “when you exercise your faith and make your teaching personal for each of Heavenly Father’s children, He will always provide you with a ram” (Genesis 22:10-13). He also noted, “the most golden contact you will find each day is going to be behind the last door you knock on.”

AP’s Ipson and Hicken followed the same line of thinking by reminding the elders, “angels are guiding you to those who have been prepared to hear the gospel message (Alma 13:24). Your goals as missionaries must match your accomplishments.” Continuing with Alma 5 as his text, President Gamiette pointed out the teaching tools used by this ancient prophet. Getting them to “Search” is reminding investigators of the history of gospel doctrine among men. “Analyze” gets people to think about the doctrine for themselves; and, “apply” is getting them to visualize how specific gospel principles apply in their lives. He encouraged missionaries to “sharpen” their teaching skills; set and then work to reach daily goals, pray more mightily, and make it personal.

The 117 young missionaries and 18 couples, who participated in the Zone Conference, shared their knowledge and testimonies of the gospel studying together and working side-by-side to “bring souls unto Christ.”