The Italy Milan Mission held a special mission conference on July 1, 2024. Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and his wife Kathy visited the mission. All of the missionaries (approximately 200) from across the mission gathered in Milan at the Lampugnano Chapel for the conference. It was a special day for the mission: normally the missionaries meet together at zone conferences but rarely are all the missionaries in the same place; and we were taught by an apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Missionaries gathered for the conference
(This is your Where is Waldo moment, can you see us in the picture?)
At the beginning of the meeting along with President Ritch Wood and Elder Paul Picard,
Elder Andersen personally greets and shakes hands with every missionary.
Elder Andersen shared right off that his purpose for visiting the mission was to build faith in Jesus Christ, to lift, to inspire and to give hope in more miracles. Quoting Elder Oaks, he encouraged the missionaries to "be clean, be obedient and be busy". In his words, be righteous, obedient and work hard.
After reviewing some of the missionaries favorite scriptures about faith, Elder Andersen invited us to each find 5 scriptures in the New Testament and 5 scriptures in the Book of Mormon that we really believe, that resonate in our hearts and minds, memorize them, and put them deep into our souls. During hard and difficult times these scriptures can then be an individual and personalized source of strength and peace. Elder Andersen then reminded us that faith does not plateau, it will always grow if you will allow it to. Faith comes from Hope. Faith becomes real from first believing and setting your intentions.
Two scriptures that he shared as examples about testifying of Christ were both from the New Testament:
- Matthew 10:32 Whosoever therefore shall confess me before me, him will confess also before my Father which is in heaven.
- John 11:25-26 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?
He concluded his remarks by sharing a sure and certain witness of Jesus Christ. Testifying that Jesus Christ is not far from the Prophet and the Twelve, and that Jesus Christ directs this church and his kingdom.
This was a special and unforgettable day. We invite you to join us as we accept the challenge from one of the Lords Apostles to select 10 scriptures that you really believe that will strengthen your faith in Jesus Christ and buoy you up during difficult times.
