Visit from an Apostle

Elder Quentin L. and Sister Mary Cook visited the MTC.  

They were escorted by Elder Steven R. and Susan Bangerter.  

 We had such a delightful dinner with them before the devotional.  The conversation was pleasant and warm.  It was as if we were having dinner with old friends.  It is a gift for our leaders to be able to sit with anyone and have an engaging experience.  

 Although it is difficult to be seen in this picture, the Cook's loved looking at all of the luggage lined up ready for the missionaries to leave for their areas early the next morning.  They loved the beauty and peace that was felt in our courtyard area of the Missionary Training Center.

Our meeting began by singing, "Enter to Serve."  This song is sung to the tune of "Press Forward Saints."  The Bangerters and Cooks were given the words to the song.  You could tell that the missionaries felt the power behind the words the sang as they begin this wonderful journey.  The MTC Choir then sang, "Youth Battalion of the Lord: Hope of Israel."  Sister Stone serves in the Family History Center and allows us to utilize her musical talents as a piano player.  It is a powerful song, especially when performed with the vigor of new missionaries. 
We all loved the messages that were shared by Elder & Sister Cook. 
Highlights:
Sister Cook Highlights: 
A mission is an act of unconditional love of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.
Sister Cook loves music so she shared how we learn doctrine of the gospel through music. 
        I Am a Child of God
        My Heavenly Father Loves Me
        He Sent His Son
        Jesus Is Our Loving Friend
        I Will Follow Gods Plan for Me
        The Lord Needs Valiant Servants
        I Hope They Call Me On A Mission
        We'll Bring the World His Truth
Elder Cook Highlights:
We were told that he prepares what he will say while Sister Cook speaks.  Elder Cook changed what he originally planned and gave the following message. 
"I want you to go out and feel a real sense of Urgency."

He shared experiences he had with companions and the lessons he learned.  

1.  Elder Cook's first experience as a trainer was to a missionary who had grown up on a farm.  This companion's sister had a scholarship to go to school but she decided to work so that he could go on a mission.  He prayed often for the gratitude he had for his sister.  When Elder Cook's companion taught the 1st Vision, he taught with power.  We learned the most important thing you'll do at the beginning of your mission is to bear witness.  He felt an urgency to be a good missionary because of the sacrifice of others.  When the companion went home, he worked so his sister could go on a mission.  

2.  Elder Cook's first companion taught a lesson of listening to the promptings of the Spirit.  When opening up a new town, his companion had the impression to STOP and tract here.  Because of it, 3 families were baptized over time.  

D&C 31:7 - Listen to the prompting of the Spirit.  

Remember the 4 Loves:

1.  Love you companion - learn from each one.

2. Love the people - recognized everyone is a child of God. Don't make fun of people.  D&C 29:7

3. Love your Mission President and companion

4. Love the Savior - The Savior's Atonement overcomes everything!

Probably the most stirring part of Elder Cook's talk was his witness at the end.  He shared:

  "I know the Savior's voice and I know the Savior's face."  

Elder Cook's trip had been planned weeks before he came to the Philippines.  Three weeks before he came he wanted to see if he could visit with High Communicators Visits.  The day after he arrived, Taal Volcano erupted.  Because of that, Elder Cook wished to meet with President Duterte to deliver a donation from the Church for assistance of those who were affected by the volcano eruption. The meeting was quickly arranged and a Book of Mormon with President Duterte's name engraved was presented.  Also a healthy donation.  President Duterte noted our church is always there to help others during disasters.  They help but never ask for anything.  He said that he is busy but he would read the Book of Mormon before his term as President was over.