Chapter 83: Servants

"But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many."

Matthew 20:26-28

What an incredible week; the first of the transfer is always busy! I find it hard to believe that this is already my fourth transfer here in Edinburgh—much of these routines seem to have become so commonplace and yet I still find so much joy and feel such gratitude for the opportunities I'm blessed with here with my companions.

The highlight of this week definitely would have to be preparing for and hosting Mission Leadership Council here in Edinburgh for the Zone Leadership of the mission—consisting of eight companionships of Zone Leaders and four companionships of Sister Training Leaders. There were quite a few adjustments in these assignments across the mission so naturally it was exciting to have some new yet familiar faces in the council this transfer. I have a sure testimony of the role that revelation plays in Christ's Kingdom and am ever in awe when I take moments to ponder on how God orchestrates the eternities in such a way as to provide each of us crucial roles as revealed through revelation. The power and spirit that can be felt in a room full of young adults counseling over the needs of the mission and teaching one another the doctrines of eternity is inspiring and humbling.

Since there were going to be so many new people at the meeting, we planned to hold a barbeque for lunch and in the days before hand spent hours purchasing supplies and preparing food. We prepared bratwursts, hand-made beef patties, chicken breasts, and much more to ensure that a good meal would be provided. On the day of the council, we started the grill and spent the better part of two hours grilling food together as companions and enjoying the company of missionaries and President McCrudden. It was so neat to see everyone getting to know each other and watch the seeds of Zion sprouting amid the Zone Leadership.

In our instruction portion we discussed what it meant to be a leader, contemplating on the account recorded in the New Testament of Jesus Christ washing the feet of The Twelve. How humble, gentle and meek was that act of service, deeply touching the hearts of all present. We studied the life of King Benjamin and his son-successor, King Mosiah from the Book of Mormon and put together the principle that the greatest leaders are the ones who think of themselves only in the service of others. Although it may be said that, "leaders lead," I would propose the following adjustment: "leaders serve."

On the mission, this is something I have learned, yes from studying the life of the Saviour, but more so from visible observation and reception of such service from President McCrudden. True and pure service, and therefore by extension true and pure leadership, must stem from charity (2 Nephi 26:29-30), and President McCrudden has helped me understand more clearly what that practically looks like. He serves with his heart, and his service to me has touched my heart in many ways. He helps me to feel Zion, and I am trying to do the same to those I meet and have stewardship over at the moment.

Service creates Zion; be a servant and see it for yourself.

Life is good.

God is wise.

Don't give up.

Elder Childers

The new quad: Elder Kulmayer, me, Elder Lambert, and Elder Yorgason

Us with the new missionaries

Me and Elder Fromgren the legend

Elder Kulmayer on Pratt's Hill

Prepping the chicken for one of our massive barbecues

Pizza night for the office and new missionaries

The original Moncrieff Terrace quarantine group: Elder Draney, Elder Tolman, and myself

Loop and Scoop in Glasgow for Pday!