May 21, 2007

  • Letter from May 14

    Dear Xangans,

    I forgot to tell you all something last week. A short while ago, all the District Leaders were invited to Zone Leader Counsel. We all went to the Arcadia Stake Center in our suits, and met as a council with our Mission President, his wife, and his assistants. During the meeting, we reviewed the progress of each of the zones and discussed the state of the mission. We all contributed to making plans and goals. We discussed problems and created solutions. We set the ball rolling in several instances. It was very professional. At the end, I realized that we had just participated in the aministration of an effective organization. President Owen told us that his peers could only dream that their 20 year old children could participate in such an experience. Most men his age would die to have their kids learning how to lead a part of an organization and be a part of a team in the professional world. It's true, I think of other college students drinking and eating three day old pizza while skating through classes. What an experience this is.

    As I reflect on the experience I learned as the Vehicle Coordinator of a large fleet, as a Missionary who plans out his own day and is accountable for his successes, as a disciplined representative of the church - an ambassador really, and now as a District Leader, I realize that this mission really has been invaluable if for nothing else than the skills I developed. Then add the realization that in the process lives have been saved- people have turned to Christ because of my efforts. I am forever grateful for the Church for extending to me these blessings. What a magnificent Church. There is nothing that compares.

    I miss you all and love you all,

    Elder Embree