Visit from Elder Bednar

Today we were privileged to receive a visit from Elder Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve. Every missionary in the Germany Frankfurt Mission was in attendance. Many missionaries woke up at early hours to arrive on time at the meeting which started at 10.00 am in the Frankfurt stake center. Missionaries were excited to hear from Elder Bednar, and many of them probably expected to hear quite a bit about the introduction of iPads into our mission. Though iPads were discussed, the main focus of the meeting highlighted the missionary purpose as stated in Preach My Gospel, which will not change with the introduction of iPads in our mission.

President Stoddard summarized the meeting with Elder Bednar as follows:

"As Elder Bednar met with us on Friday and talked plainly about Objects and Agents we realized that it really is not about iPads, or Filmstrips, or Word strips, or pens. It is about the Gospel of Jesus Christ and our charge to invite and help others accept this great message. What an amazing trust the First Presidency, the Quorum of the Twelve, and the Lord have in us to responsibly use digital technology. Two scriptures come to our minds when we think about this. First is Alma 34:32: 'For behold, this life is the time for men to prepare to meet God…..' The habits we establish on our missions with the use of digital technology really will prepare us to meet God. The second is Alma 13:28: 'But that ye would humble yourselves before the Lord, and call on his holy name, and watch and pray continually, that ye may not be tempted above that which ye can bear…...' The two biggest fears of church leaders are that iPads will cause us to forget our purpose and that they will cause us to become distracted.

"Not only did we feast upon the words of an apostle, but we were taught how we can improve our teaching. He taught us beautifully about preparing to learn, interacting to edify, and inviting to act."

Elder Bednar was accompanied by his wife, Sister Bednar. Brother Allen, the executive director of the missionary department was also in attendance, accompanied by his wife, Sister Allen. Elder Teixeira, accompanied by his wife Sister Teixeira, and Elder Dyches of the Europe Area Presidency were in attendance, as well as Elder Leimer and Elder Fingerle, Area Authority Seventies. Elder Fingerle will begin service this summer as president of the Germany Berlin Mission. The Frankfurt Germany Stake President, President Cziesla, also attended the meeting.