Packers France Paris Mission Blog 46

Packers in Paris Blog 46 – January 21^st – January 27^th, 2019

PREPARATION FOR OUR MISSION WIDE CONFERENCE ON TUESDAY

Last Monday we spent time at the center and yet had much to get ready for our special day on Tuesday at our mission wide conference with Elder Neil L. Andersen. I had been asked to direct the choir for the conference and had much to do to finish those preparations as well.

MISSION WIDE CONFERENCE WITH NEIL L. ANDERSEN

Each of us have anticipated this mission wide conference ever since we first heard about it at the end of December, that Elder Neil L. Andersen, an apostle of the Lord would be coming.

When you think about gathering 180 missionaries to bring them to one spot in their mission, this is no small feat as it includes Belgium, Luxembourg, and dozens of cities in France! Below is a map that shows our mission boundaries. Some of the missionaries traveled the night before to be able make it there on time. This was all for a 2-hour conference, but was it was well worth the efforts to have all of us there to be at the feet of an apostle, a remarkable apostle!

France Paris Mission includes - part of France, Belgium and Luxembourg 

Between getting ourselves there quite early to help get things ready for the mission wide photo of over 190 people, and then to have the one and only choir rehearsal I had been asked to direct, we were anxious for this meeting to begin. 

France Paris Mission Photo from 1-22-2019 - Photo credit: Maja Busche

CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS!

To summarize two hours of such a remarkable meeting will never give it justice, but we are so grateful for this time to have been taught by our Mission President, Sister Sorensen, Elder Bennesar, Sister Andersen and Elder Andersen. Just as we do with General Conference, we can only share view glimpses!

     Lessons from an Apostle and others

-        Sister Sorensen quoted Elder Andersen from an earlier missionary broadcast, “Whenever you aren’t sure what to speak about, speak about the Lord, Jesus Christ.” And then she stated, “We can never speak of Him too much, and our adoration is just beginning.”

-        President Sorensen stated that we are witnesses of God. He also shared a quote from Elder Andersen from a previous conference, “Much of the important work of God is unseen in the eyes of the world.” President Sorensen talked about an experience he had while attending the dedication of the Las Vegas Temple. As he listened to the choir sing, he thought for sure that he could hear angels singing and tender emotions filled his eyes and he knew that this was a special event. He will never forget the impressions of the spirit that was present at that time in his life as a young man of 17. 

-        Elder Andersen stated that we have been called for a reason, even if it isn’t easy. The Lord called us here and will give us the strength to do what is needed. He then gave each of us a perspective that he said would change our lives forever and help us the rest of our mission. He began to talk about how the work throughout the world is so different and not to compare our mission to those countries where hundreds are being converted, while in other areas it may be slower. He said to not be afraid of strengthening the church. We are called here for a reason and it may not easy. He said, “The Lord called us here and He will give us the strength to do what is needed.” 

-        Elder Bennesar (Area Seventy) He quoted from a statement that Elder Andersen made during the time of the Temple Dedication, which occurred in May of 2018. Elder Andersen posted this on his Facebook page. He said, “…Its beauty is breathtaking. But what has impressed me most in my week here goes beyond the beauty of this stunning building. As I have visited with others and walked the halls of the temple, I have had the distinct impression that the Lord is preparing something very important in this part of the world. It is easy to see the temple’s role in the Lord’s plans...” Elder Bennesar spoke of what it took for him to step it up while he served his mission in England. He finally bore testimony that Neil L Andersen is one of the Lord’s special witnesses. This is the work of the Lord! We are just instruments. 

-        Sister Andersen This woman was amazing! Her petite frame does not match her giant spirit and wisdom. She was powerful and warned us that there are things that Elder Andersen has and will be sharing with us that are of great worth! She told us to take his words to heart and do it! She spoke of the importance of exact obedience by sharing the story of Moses and the fiery flying serpent. All they had to do was look up! 

-        Elder Andersen spoke again. He stated that the first stake in Paris was in organized in 1975. The church has grown much since then. He shared that our faith in Christ comes from our knowledge of the Book of Mormon. He then called for volunteers to raise their hand and share what chapters in the Book of Mormon had a powerful testimony of Christ. There are many, but these are some that they shared; Mosiah 4, Alma 7, 2^nd Nephi 9, Alma 34, Moroni 7 & 10, Ether 12, Mosiah 15. He then had missionaries stand up and share a favorite scripture and advised us all to choose scriptures that we really know and believe, and then to memorize them from the standard works. Several stood and shared scriptures that they had memorized in French. It was powerful! These are some of the ones shared: Alma 11:40, Ether 12:4, Alma 37:37, John 3:16-17, James 1:5. He shared that as we have faith in Him, our faith will grow. 

This long but brief summary was beautiful, inspiring and enlightening to each of us in attendance, and hopefully it has some relevance to you as well. 

Sister & President Sorensen - Mission President and his wife

Elder Neil L and Kathy Andersen

Elder Andersen speaks with the Serrano family who are in the large photo

Elder Andersen shakes hands with every single missionary!

MY SET BACK, STEVE’S FALL AND HOW HE SO WILLINGLY STEPED UP

Sometimes when you over do, it comes back to bite you. Somehow Tuesday’s events did something to my rib injury and set me way back. I ended up not going to the center for the rest of the week. We were grateful for all the help that missionaries gave to help out while I was resting, which has definitely helped. 

     Steve’s fall

On his way to the center this last Wednesday, Steve had his own experience falling. He was running on his way to catch a bus and fell hard on his right knee. Those on the bus noticed and were worried as he stepped in. Though he was in a lot of pain, he was grateful that he did not ruin the knee part or any other area of his suit. His right knee has been slowly healing each day. We are quite the pair to look at, as we grimace a little as we get up and down. He’s a tough man and keeps going. I think our running days in Paris are finished! Lesson learned! I was so grateful for his ability to continue to work in the center during the week!

OFII APOINTMENT (20 MISSIONARIES)

Steve was such a trooper to take 20 missionaries to their first legality appointment. This was no small task to herd 20 young missionaries through all the metros to get them in and out without any mishap. All went well and he even remembered to get a picture at the end again, as he has the two times before. I’m training him well! 😉

Steve with his 20 missionaries at OFII

BECCA’S BIRTHDAY

Our youngest child, Rebecca Michelle Packer, turned 26 years old on January 26^th, which is her Golden birthday. Here below is what I spoke of her on Facebook and then her boyfriend and family threw her a surprise birthday party. It touched our hearts, with all the kindness, love and thought that went into caring for her. Her sister, Janine, took her to the Temple and brunch on her birthday and her boyfriend, Taylor also took her out that night for a fun-filled evening. Sunday night is when everyone gathered together at our oldest son’s home for a fun surprise. 

Birthday girl Becca Packer - # 8 

     FACEBOOL POST:

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to our amazing Becca! She's turning 26 on the 26th today!

Who doesn't just love this spunky girl, adorable, filled with so much love for others, always thinking how she can help and lift!

On this day, being so far away from you, your dad and I wish to congratulate you on the beautiful and dear woman you are! You have found your true passions and gifts in life and continue to find more! And, what you do with them is what is so special about you! You never draw attention to yourself but only want to bless others! You don't seek for glory but to glorify! You don't minimize others, to lift yourself, but only to keep your integrity of who you truly are! These are only a few of the many qualities you possess, but even these few are some of the reasons you are loved by so many! Your love of God is evident in your countenance and actions and we couldn't be more proud of you for the woman you are and the woman that you are continually becoming! Have a blessed day - life! We love and miss you dearly!

Taylor & Becca

Party time at Nathan Packer's home

Janine and Becca for a breakfast Brunch at Waffle Love, following their Temple trip

The Temple makes everything better, especially a birthday! 

GEORGETTE’S FAMILY/SHARON’S CAMERA GIFT AND BLESSINGS

It’s such an amazing thing how the Lord plants people in certain places to have them connect for reasons we may not always know. I really won’t take the time to explain the vast scope of this story but our friends, Phillipe and Georgette Lalaus, needed a camera that their son, Alexi, could use for humanitarian needs. He was doing all he could to earn money for this camera, but it would be a long road. Our dear friend, Sharon, donated one of her other cameras to him and had it sent via a new friend she had made last week who was coming to Europe. In a most miraculous way, they connected in Rome and the exchange was made in the visitor center of the Rome Temple Visitor Center. Thanks to Sharon Olson, James Rupprecht and Julie Paccini and many others behind the scene (like our dear Father in Heaven). Sweet Alexis is the dearest boy and was so grateful and excited!

This photo was taken this Sunday night by Georgette Lalaus! Incredible!

Alexi with his new camera from Sharon Olsen

JANINE GREEN’S SURPRISE VISIT TO BURLEY, IDAHO FROM CHINA

My sister, Janine Green had traveled from China to spend a month of her off time to be with family and her daughter who had just delivered a baby a couple of weeks previous. During this time, she made the effort with her daughter, Ashley, to visit our parents in Burley, Idaho. Our mother was very aware of this visit, but it was quite a surprise for our father. I was so thrilled that she was able to visit them and though I long to be there, I know that her visit was just what they needed. It was a joyous time for my sister, Ann, and brother, Alan, who was there as well.

Elden Wood (our father) with Janine his 3rd child

Picola Wood - our mother with Janine

Avec des sentiments d’amour reconnaissants (With grateful feelings of love,),

Elder et Soeur Packer                                                                                                  

Grandpère et Mémé Packer (Please be sure and use the last name on any mail, or it will get returned)

Our Address:

4 quai du Marché Neuf
75004 PARIS 
FRANCE
Email address:                                                                                                                              Renée: srpacker10@gmail.com    
Steve: wf-packer@hotmail.com                                                                                                 
You may still text or FaceTime Renée at 801-564-1332
We are 8 hours ahead of Mountain Standard Time