Missionaries serving in Armenia and Georgia gathered in Gyumri in June for a special mission conference—one filled with training, inspiration, and heartfelt goodbyes. The event marked the final conference attended by President David Stirling and Sister Laurea Stirling and President Ken Thompson and Sister Carol Thompson before completing their service.

Held in the quiet northern city of Gyumri, the conference brought together missionaries from across the region for a full day of learning, connection, and reflection.

A Time to Learn and Grow

Mission conferences are a regular part of missionary life, designed to strengthen and inspire those serving. The June conference included instruction from mission leaders, testimonies from departing missionaries, and opportunities for group discussions and individual interviews.

“We always look forward to mission conferences,” said one elder. “It’s a time to be re-centered, learn from each other, and feel the Spirit. This one felt especially meaningful.”

President Stirling spoke about teaching with love, listening to the Spirit, and trusting the Lord’s timing. Sister Stirling shared insights about maintaining personal spiritual strength and caring for one another in companionships.

A Fond Farewell

As part of the conference, missionaries honored President and Sister Stirling for their years of devoted service. The couple has led the Armenia/Georgia Mission with faith, love, and an unmistakable sense of purpose.

“They know us individually,” said one sister missionary. “You can feel how much they care—and how much they love the people here.”

Many missionaries shared memories and expressed their gratitude, often with tears. The Stirlings, in turn, testified of the Savior and encouraged missionaries to continue pressing forward with faith.

“It’s not our mission—it’s the Lord’s,” President Stirling said. “And it has been our privilege to serve alongside you in it.”

Connection and Joy

In addition to the spiritual instruction, the conference included time for meals, laughter, and connection—something especially treasured in a mission spread across two countries and multiple languages.

“There’s just something about being all together,” said one elder. “It lifts you.”

The conference ended with a group hymn and closing testimonies. As missionaries boarded buses to return to their areas, the feeling was clear: strengthened, united, and full of purpose.