Couples Conference in Trinidad

Eighteen couple missionaries and two senior sister missionaries gathered at the Trinidad home of President and Sister Gamiette on Tuesday, February 7 for a 2-day Couples Conference. During this get-together, friendships were renewed with couples serving on one of the mission’s nine Caribbean islands or three South American countries and acquaintances were made with those who are new to service in the West Indies Mission. More importantly, during this annual event information was shared, rules clarified and spirits nurtured with the good word of God.

Topics discussed included such housekeeping issues as care of apartments, vehicles; missionary health, fitness and safety; travel and immigration procedures, finance and reporting. But couples in service to the Lord and his children also heard about patriarchal blessings, how to help a missionary complete an online application, humanitarian and employment services, the Perpetual Education Fund program, YSA Centers and Seminary and Institute.

The couples also had the opportunity to enjoy inspiring music from Elder and Sister Bush and an impromptu men’s choir; lots of delicious food created by a committee chaired by Sister Gamiette; and, a relaxing boat ride through the Caroni Swamp Bird Sanctuary, a maze of waterways in a mangrove swamp which held the promise of sightings of mammals, reptiles, crustacean life, and more than 186 species of bird wildlife.

President Gamiette shared his love and spiritual knowledge of the gospel of Jesus Christ noting his struggle to teach the missionaries the importance of finding the balance between baptism and retaining members. According to President Gamiette, the mission goal for Sacrament Meeting attendance is 4000 but the actual attendance at this time is just 2800. The mission goal for Melchizedek priesthood holders 1000. Currently there are only 370. One thousand is also the goal for endowed members. At this time there are 500 who have been to the temple.

He also reminded missionary couples of the importance of members strengthening themselves – their commitment to service in the Church, their knowledge and love of the gospel and of the Savior – noting, “we can’t do for them what they can and should do for themselves but if we are frustrated about their behavior we will never be able to help them change! Each branch should have a temple recommend class and should be doing effective home teaching, primarily to recent converts, receptive less actives and families with special needs.” Borrowing from a presentation from another couple, President Gamiette encouraged senior missionaries to “build . . . not tear down. Praise . . . not criticize. Teach . . . not dictate. Train . . . not do!”