LDS GENERAL CONFERENCE

DEPARTURES - MARCH 21, 2012

For the last couple of years these missionaries have been known to everyone as Elders! The things they have done have left a mark on the FOM. Everything they have done has defined and shaped them. People have looked to them as an example! They have shared a message about Jesus Christ, a message of love and hope and joy.

PROJECT HOMELESS CONNECT 3/23/12

Project Homeless Connect event Friday, March 23rd, 2012 - give every homeless guest the opportunity for a personal one-on-one volunteer experience.

Project Homeless Connect is the Homeless Services Network’s outreach to the homeless in Seminole, Orange, and Osceola Counties. It is a one day event offering more than 50 services that are critically needed by homeless people in one convenient location.

Services offered included emergency shelter and transitional housing, mental health and substance abuse services, employment resources, food stamp assistance, Florida ID cards and birth certificates, legal services, medical care, showers, haircuts, food, clothing and much more.

The 6th annual Project Homeless Connect was located in Downtown Orlando on Friday, March 23, 2012. The location was at the First Baptist Church of Orlando. Transportation was provided to and from the event. In 2010, Project Homeless Connect served over 1,000 clients. They expect to serve the same this year.

The missionaries were part of the Project Homeless Connect and provided volunteer service for this event. We had about 50 missionaries participate for 7 hours.

THE FOM SENIOR COUPLES

We are so glad to have so many new senior couples. We have two couples serving in the office, an area medical advisor (not pictured), a couple serving in the LDS Church Employment Office, and three couples proselyting. We appreciate all they do for the FOM. It takes a lot of hands to run a mission.

DESERET RANCH RODEO MARCH 16, 2012

Every March the Deseret Ranch holds its annual rodeo. The money goes toward the boy scouts. They had saddle bronc riding, mutton bustin, junior barrels, wild cow milking, and a pig scramble (ages 8 and under). It is always a huge success. We had several missionaries helping,

SISTER'S TRAINING,

Along with Sister Dalton, we encouraged the sisters to remember that they are children of a Heavenly King, and that He didn't send them here to wear rags. All girls are princesses. Our Father in Heaven has told us, clearly, what treasures we are. Remember who you are! You are elect. You are daughters of God!
All the sisters in the Florida Orlando Mission, 20 sisters. March 15, 2012.

HOLD ON!

President Boyd K. Packer talks about Lehi's dream found in the Book of Mormon, 1 Nephi Chapter 8. He said, "You may think that Lehi's dream or vision has no special meaning for you, but it does. You are in it; all of us are in it. If you hold to the rod, you can feel your way forward with the gift of the Holy Ghost. Grasp the iron rod, and do not let go". I don't know about you, but I'm going to hold on with both hands and also wrap my legs around it as tight as I can. I have often thought why iron? why not a rod of wood? But as I thought about this, it is so simple - Iron is strong, doesn't bend and is very durable. It can withstand the forces. It can hold us when we cling to it with everything we have. It doesn't bend because the word of God does not change to "fit our needs". It is smooth and at times easy to grasp but we can slip and not feel our way forward if we aren't mindful of the gift of the Holy Ghost. I know that the scriptures are for a specific reason. I know that the gospel doesn't change and it doesn't bend. The iron rod represents the word of God and it is strong, it can withstand time and trials. Cling continually to the rod and you will be happy! An unseen power will hold our hands as we hold to the iron rod. But I believe we will be safe if we look and groom and act like Latter-Day Saints: we need to dress modestly, attend all our meetings, follow our leaders, read the scriptures, and the Book of Mormon, and pray. I am so grateful for the Book of Mormon and the many messages that we can learn from it. The Book of Mormon can also be our iron rod.

NEW MISSIONARIES

A new arrival on March 12 -- a Haitian Elder.
A new arrival on March 5 -- a Portuguese Elder.

LEADERSHIP TRAINING

We had a wonderful Leadership Training last week. Our focus was on how to strengthen the mission. The objective was to establish the instruction for District Meetings that would bless and strengthen missionaries. We left the Leadership Training with the emphasis of the Training Plan for District Meetings for the next year.

REMINDER FROM ZONE CONFERENCE

In this last Zone Conference, the President asked the mission to do five things to qualify for the assistance from the Lord.
1. Pray for miracles -- pray for specifics
2. Be exactly obedient -- obedience creates faith, faith is required for miracles
3. Plan to expect miracles -- wrestle with questions that lead to spiritual guidance
4. Work to achieve your plan -- plan your work, work your plan
5. Follow the spirit -- the spirit will put the details into your plans