Living in Revelation - Mission Leader Seminar

Artwork of the Good Shepherd 

The semi-annual mission leader seminar held this past week at the Laguna Cliffs Marriot in Dana Point California was a big success. We were fed well, taught well, and are now on a flight headed back to Santa Rosa full of excitement and ideas to share with our missionaries. Our focus for the seminar was on the Savior - the Good Shepherd.

North America West area presidency. President Mark Bragg (center) President Takashi Wada (left) President Peter Johnson (right) 

The seminar began at the New Port Beach Latter-day Saint temple on Wednesday afternoon where all 30 of the mission leader couples in the North American West Area were able to attend an endowment session with our area presidency and their wives, President Bragg and his two counselors Presidents Wada and Johnson.

President and Sister Botchway with President and Sister Quinn 

We were able to sit outside on the lawn for meals, enjoying not only the beautiful setting but also delicious buffets. We would linger after dinner visiting with other mission leaders and exchanging ideas as we learned from each other. It was fun talking to the Botchways, mission leaders serving in Portland, Oregon, as they recently received a missionary, Gavin Ryan, from our home ward in Naperville Illinois.

The view at Laguna Cliffs Marriott

We got up early one morning and enjoyed playing pickleball. One afternoon we walked along the harbor. We spent most of our time in the conference room, and we were happy to do so, as we received inspired, thoughtful, and practical instruction from the area presidency.

Sister and Elder Bednar

We also had the privilege of being taught by Elder David A Bednar and his wife Susan  over zoom. Elder Bednar reminded us to have the confidence that we “live in revelation.” He said, “If we are obedient, we can be sure that we have the influence of the Savior with us at all times.” This is a promise to all of us as we partake of the sacrament each week. In D&C 20:77 we can read the sacramental prayers where we find these words, “…that they may always have His spirit to be with them.” What a wonderful assurance for a mission leader. I feel gratitude to the Lord, knowing He is leading President Quinn and me by revelation as we lead His missionaries.

Mission Leader Conference 

The seminar was a nice break for us to recharge and become motivated. It is always good to get new ideas. The assistants met us at the airport to drive us home.  We will get home just in time to unpack and repack as we head to Eureka tomorrow, Sunday, to begin our week on Monday for zone conferences across our mission for the following week. This is one of our favorite weeks as we get to see all of our missionaries over a 5 day period.

Earlier today we were able to FaceTime with our Grandson Mark Anderson, to hear his good news about making the high school basketball team! So proud of him! We were able to say “hi” to Lily and Grace, too.

FaceTime screen shot

Late this evening four of our former missionaries stopped by to say “hi.” They were in town visiting some new converts from the mission. It was wonderful to see them and great to catch up on their lives!

Johnathan Murphy, Kaden Wiley, Sawyer Garside and Matthew Hong!  Except I still call them Elder!

President and Sister Quinn with four former missionaries 

 Here below are a few more photos from the week:

Table with microphone that we sat at in the conference room 

Sister Quinn with Angie Walker  - Senior Executive Assistant to President Bragg

Santa Rosa flight on time

Enjoying the sunset from the plane window