This Church Don't Play

Malo Soifua!!!

Today on the Elder Hill Show:

• It took half a sister's mission, but ladies and gentlemen, we got 'im
• We also had another round of in-person Zone Conference, which was super fun
• A lot of stuff changed this week, restrictions wise, and it's sooo nice haha
• Also yeah, TONY GOT BAPTIZED WOOO HOOOO (he's an absolute legend)

I'll break my usual pattern and talk about the baptism first because it was absolutely incredible. Tony's family was able to come (they had said previously that they couldn't), and it was an amazing meeting. He was baptized by McAllister Whiting, a priest in the ward, and a fellowshipper/friend to Tony. Two other friends, Ladd Cropper (another YM) and his mom, were the witnesses. Finally, Bro Morgan, Tony's YM advisor, did the confirmation. Standing in the circle were Bro Morgan, Bro Poon (bishopric), Pres Cropper and Pres Whiting (Ladd's dad and stake president, and McAllister's dad and counselor in the stake presidency respectively), Elder Wall and myself. I've never got to be a part of a confirmation as a Melchizedek Priesthood holder, and it was a really cool experience. Tony loved the ordinance, and he's super excited to continue on this path. He also got ordained as a teacher in the Aaronic Priesthood yesterday after church, and he's asked about what's it like serving a full-time mission too. I'm so proud of this kid, and I'm so excited to see where he goes in life.

In other news, we had another fantastic in-person Zone Conference this week at the temple meetinghouse. Pres Teuscher talked about love, specifically the first great commandment to love the Lord first. I'll share more of my thoughts below i le mafaufauga faaleagaga. After Zone Conference, they gave us all some presents: a piece of Teuscher chocolate (expensive and mega delicious) (the name is just a coincidence, as it's not a Teuscher family business), a small copy of a painting by Eva Timothy (a famous painter and NYC mission alum), another small version of a really cool painting of Christ looking at Manhattan (made by another NYC mission alum. The original hangs in the mission home), a NYNYC Mission sticker, and a temple recommend with the Manhattan temple and the NYNYC Mission sticker on it. It was super special, and also pretty emotional, this being the Teuschers' last Zone conference. After all was said and done, we each got to take one last picture with them.

Finally, Covid restrictions changed dramatically here this past weekend. First, in a Friday night PSA meeting, Pres and Sis Teuscher told us that if we're fully vaccinated, we no longer have to wear masks in public or when gathering as missionaries. The only exceptions are in places or meetings where masks are explicitly required (i.e., on the metro). Also, in the family ward, they stopped spacing out cups in the sacrament trays as much (both for simplicity but also to better handle to growing attendance). In the MSA ward, Bishop Dijkwel announced that the Zoom broadcast is discontinued, effectively immediately (we also had the sacrament at its normal spot in the middle of the program, and it felt so weird). He also said that if you're vaccinated, you don't have to wear a mask while seated. So yeah, crazy times are a-comin'. My biggest hope is that this means that I'm closer to going to Samoa, but still no word on that yet (the "yet" is important lol).

Mafaufauga faaleagaga: In Pres Teuscher's talk in Zone Conference, he said something I absolutely loved. He said: "many of you probably think that your mission is a gift to God, or that it's "tithing" on your life. But remember, the covenant you made in the temple isn't tithing. It's consecration. When you go home, take off the name tag, and change out of your uniform, you are still every bit as much the Lord's as you are right now." That hit me hard, and it really made me think. I've heard a lot the idea of leaving everything behind for the mission, but Pres Teuscher made it clear that you can't really just go back to the things you left behind. Some things will still be there afterwards, but like Peter and his fishing nets, we have to drop them and walk away in order to follow Christ. As always, think on that as you will.

God is sooooo good, guys. The weather this week has been cooler than last weekend, and I thank God everyday for a break from the sweltering heat. Look for God in the details, and you will find Him there.

Alofa tele lava atu ia outou,

Elder Hill

Ata:

• The parents of one of Elder Wall's were in town, and they took us to the oldest pizzeria in the US (I think?)
• Pic w/ Elder Vegi (Vernon), who is also headed to Samoa someday
• Pic w/ Pres & Sis Teuscher
• Teuscher chocolate is mega good
• Cool leafy wall on the walk to the church
• Cool street
• Empire State Building shrouded in clouds or whatever that is
• TONY'S BAPTISM WOOOO (ft. McAllister, the great legend of a fellowshipper)
• Also the YM gang (L to R: Bro Morgan, Ladd Cropper, McAllister, Tony, me, Elder Wall, Bro Poon)