Letter to the Missionaries 9-30-13

 

Mission Letter 9-29-13

Our purpose in Finding

In Preach My Gospel, chapter 9 we learn the following:

While the Prophet Joseph Smith was
traveling with a group of missionaries on the
Missouri River, the Lord revealed, “It is not
needful for . . . mine elders to be moving
swiftly . . . whilst the inhabitants on either
side are perishing in unbelief” (D&C 61:3). As
you move swiftly to planned activities, pray
for the ability to see unplanned opportunities
to serve and teach those who may be
“perishing in unbelief.” Pray for the spiritual
sensitivity to recognize opportunities. You
will find that God will place in your path His
children who are being prepared to receive the restored gospel.

Nothing happens in missionary work until you find someone to teach. Talk with as many people as you can each day. It is natural to be somewhat apprehensive about talking to people, but you can pray for the faith and strength to be more bold in opening your mouth to proclaim the restored gospel. Try applying the following ideas as you seek to talk with everyone you meet:

•     Talk to people about their families. Help them see how the restored gospel can be a blessing to their families.

•     Look for clues—such as items in homes or yards, lettering on clothing, or indications of children—to help you know how to begin talking with people.

•     Listen sincerely to what people say to you.

•     Be warm, friendly, and cheerful. Offer to help.

•     Trust the Spirit to put into your heart and mind what to teach.

•     Invite everyone to learn about the restored gospel.

•     Offer pass-along cards.

•     Ask for the names of people’s acquaintances who might be interested in your message.

Finding and teaching are related, connected activities. When you meet people, be prepared to teach brief summaries of restored truth so that the Holy Ghost can bear witness that you are the servants of the Lord. In many situations, you will need to be able to present a message in a minute or less. People are accustomed to short, powerful statements. For example, you may testify of the message of the Restoration in just two or three sentences:


After centuries of being lost, original truths of God (the gospel of Jesus Christ) have been restored by a loving God through a living prophet. We have evidence of this that you can hold in your hands, read, ponder in your heart, and pray about to learn its truth for yourself. Will you allow us to . . .

We can also teach one of the most important principles we teach and that is that Heavenly Father is a loving Heavenly Father.  You may want to simply teach:

Throughout time, our Heavenly Father has been interested in the lives of His children.  We are all His children and as such, His desires are that we might return to Him and that we might be obedient to His commandments.  He has shown us a way that we can return to Him and when we choose to obey and follow Him, we show him our love and dedication.  Will you allow us to . . .

We were challenged by Elder Aidukaitis to have each missionary contact 10 people every and we accepted his challenge.  He reminded us of the promise made by Elder Ballard.  Are we willing to accept his blessing by doing what he has asked us to do?  I do believe that we are all up to the task and are willing to do it.

 

I ask that we refocus on our purpose (see Preach My Gospel, p1) and that we continue to do all that we can to find the elect and bring them to Christ.  I promise that as we do these things and as we contact 10 additional people per missionary each day, that we will be blessed.  We may not find the investigators from our 10 daily contacts but by doing this, we show the Lord that we are obedient to an invitation of one of His chosen servants and thus we qualify for additional help from Him and His angels who have been sent to prepare those who would accept our message.

 

Can we have more faith and believe what we have been asked to do?  Is it that difficult to do?  Try the Lord and see what happens!  We must, however do it every single day and we will find the elect – whether by our contacting or other means, He will deliver His promise to us for He is a God of promises and He will deliver when we do our part.  Are you willing to do your part to qualify for those promised blessings? 

 

I bless each of you to be faithful and to do as we are asked and try the Lord.  He will deliver!  He always has and He always will!

 

We must find, find, find.  They are there waiting for us to find them.  I know this to be true.  I have seen it!

 

Love,

President Alba