58: This is not a role-play

The church has recently emphasized privacy in the missionary program.  That includes being sensitive in what we send home in emails to family and friends as it relates to information about people.  Makes sense, privacy is important.

***

At zone conference, we have a segment for role-playing; one missionary pair is selected to teach a fake investigator in front of the whole zone, and then we can talk about what we can improve.  Elder Papenfuss and his greenie [a "greenie" is a new missionary] were selected, only this time, it wasn't a fake investigator.  You might remember Leo from some pictures during my time in Trenčín.  He's been an investigator for "quite some time,"  so he knew what questions would trip up the missionaries.  

The lesson started quite normally but soon became a conversation about deep doctrine.  Leo knew what he was doing.  President Pohořelický was sitting right behind me and was on the edge of his seat, almost as if we were at a football game.  All of the sudden, Leo asked a question that was sure to stump Elder Papenfuss and Anderson.  I had no idea what I would have said.  President was behind me, repeatedly whispering the word "repentance."  Elder Papenfuss replied: "There's something that comes before baptism, and that's repentance."  President probably wanted to jump out of his seat.  It was fun to watch him have a quiet but enthusiastic celebration.

***

There has recently been a number of old men telling me that the worst things come from America.  That's right after I tell them I'm from America.  Thanks.