The Power of Returned Missionaries and Real Life Experiences.

Today we had the privilege of hearing from the most recently returned missionaries in our stake.  The testimonies they shared changed our class for the better and we are very grateful for the lessons they taught us.

This is Bro. Riley Moore. He has been home for 3 days! He served in the Colorado Springs, Colorado Mission. He bore a great witness of the power of Preach My Gospel, combined with the scriptures.  He encouraged us to study it as much as possible.  We may have been taught the gospel our whole life, but on a mission we need to learn to share it very simply.  Preach My Gospel will help you do that.  Read all the scripture references- They will become your best friend, because they will bring the spirit to those you teach.  The scriptures also help investigators see they can look for answers on their own.

He reminded us that every member needs a friend, a calling, and nourishing by the good word of God.  Help them feel needed and comforted.  This is great wisdom from a great missionary.

He also suggested we study chapter 13 about working with ward and stake leaders.  Respect them and learn etiquette in talking with them about their members.  They most likely know more than you and have been there longer, so respect their ideas.

Thank you Elder and we wish you continued success in the next phase of your life!

This is Sister Wright.  She returned this week from the New Jersey, Morristown Mission.  What a sweetheart!  She got to help with the clean up efforts of Hurricane Sandy and loved every minute of it.  We also felt your powerful spirit of missionary work and wanted to run out and go find people to teach!  She gained an appreciation of the concept of enduring to the end on her mission.  It is more meaningful to her now.  She loved her mission because each day is filled with so much purpose.  And NOTHING IS ABOUT YOU!  Its all about Jesus Christ.  If you let Him, He will guide you in everything you do and everywhere you go.  Be unselfish and be yourself.  Don't compare yourself to other missionaries.  You are needed where the Lord sends you because of who you are.  Don't change that by trying to become someone else.

Her biggest growth was when she had the most challenges. 

Thank you Lindsey!  We can tell the people of New Jersey will miss you.

After our guests left, we all discussed what we heard and what we connected with.  Brady shared that he enjoyed hearing that we need to be ourselves.  That was reassuring to know that someone out there needs to hear from YOU! And that we need to do a better job studying Preach My Gospel.  

And class time flew by, but not without Ethan Reynolds amazing discovery!  His hobby is hunting antlers that have been shed by deer and elk.  A family tradition for generations.  He found this incredible pair only yesterday.  A very rare find and they are huge!  He related this experience to the gospel.....(this is what these young men and women can do so naturally if they are given the chance).  He explained that these antlers are very hard to find.  If someone that knows where to look for them tells you where to look, the chances go way up that you can find some.  As a missionary we have learned where to find answers and how to receive blessings.  We can now help others do the same.  He also compared the heavy underbrush to Satan trying to make it hard to find the answers or make the changes we need to be happy.  But if we don't give up and put in the extra work, it will pay off and we will find what we are looking for- a great treasure...eternal life!  

Some other fun trivia about antlers we learned is that they are shed once a year between March and May.  Each year they grow back bigger.  This could be compared to repentance.  Sometimes we have to start over, but if we repent and come unto Christ, our testimonies grow larger.

Thank you Ethan!!! We loved the connections you have made by tying the gospel to the things you love to do.  All things bear witness of Christ....even shed antlers!!  Great Job.  You are a natural teacher and have a pure heart and testimony.  

NEXT WEEK:  NO CLASS-  

We have Stake Conference!  

Please study Preach My Gospel Pg 47-59 about the plan of salvation and write down the scriptures and questions that will help you teach this. We will see you the following week on May 5th!