Zone Leader

 (Elder Cummings)

Dear Elder Clayton Matthew Cummings:

Thank you for accepting the assignment to serve as a Zone Leader in the Louisiana Baton Rouge Mission. This is a position of great trust, responsibility, and influence.

As part of your assignment, you will have a sacred stewardship to:

1. Set an example for each missionary in your zone by planning for and achieving your weekly Key Indicator goals, having effective study of the scriptures and the gospel, being obedient, working hard, always improving your proselyting skills, and in all other aspects of missionary work.

2. Carry a full proselyting load in your area and work with faith and diligence to accomplish your purpose as a missionary (see Preach My Gospel, chapter 1).

3. Participate in the mission leadership council and assist the mission president in training meetings and zone conferences.

4. Lead, train and conduct companionship exchanges with district leaders and other elders in your zone (see Missionary Standards for Disciples of Jesus Christ, 2.3.1, 7.1). These exchanges are typically 24 hours in your proselyting area or the area of the elders in your zone. Throughout the 24 hours, you should be a diligent example of sacred planning, exercise, personal and companionship study, and effective missionary work.

5. Interview baptismal candidates within your zone, including candidates who have been taught by district leaders (see Missionary Standards for Disciples of Jesus Christ, 2.3.6, 7.1).

6. Look after the training and well-being of missionaries in your zone, especially the sisters, and ensure that you and all missionaries live in strict compliance with the standards regarding conduct with members of the opposite sex (see Missionary Standards for Disciples of Jesus Christ).

7. Ensure that all missionaries in your zone abide by the standards regarding their proselyting areas, service projects and other standards set forth in Missionary Standards for Disciples of Jesus Christ.

8. Appropriately follow up with missionaries on referrals.

9. Work with local Stake/Ward leaders and members to coordinate missionary efforts.

Please report any concerns you have to the assistants to the president. If these concerns are confidential or urgent, please report them directly to me.

The assistants and I will help train you about your duties. However, please recognize that you also have a responsibility to learn your duty and magnify your assignment (see Doctrine and Covenants 107:99-100; 88:80; 58:26). Answers to most of your questions will be found in the scriptures, Preach My Gospel, and the Missionary Standards for Disciples of Jesus Christ.

You are a standard bearer and a servant to the missionaries of your zone. You represent the Savior and the mission president. This is a great trust.

As you know, assignments in the Church come and go. There will be a time when your assignment will be changed. Please magnify this stewardship while it is in your charge.

I am grateful for your help in loving, serving, and watching over our missionaries. Sister Amos and I love and support you.

With much love

President John D. Amos