Get Your Head In The Game :-)

Today we had the privilege of hearing from 4 recently returned missionaries.  I will introduce them to you later.  All of them exemplified the statements listed above that are taken from Preach My Gospel.

Before they reported to us we had a chance to hear Makelle's insights from the previous assignment.  She thought of a question and scripture to go along with the pictures in the Restoration Pamphlet.  Unfortunately we will have to wait until next week to pass on what she and others in the class discovered.  Thank you so much for coming prepared.  But, this class is guided by the spirit and sometimes it takes a different course. We ended up spending the rest of class listening and discussing missionary work with 4 amazing Returned Missionaries.

This is Jason Meades.  He served in Columbia South Carolina.  He learned on his mission to open his mouth every day and say "I know Its True".  Doing this over and over strengthened his own testimony.  He also learned that the best way to get along with anyone is to just love them like the Savior would.  Compliment your companions and study the Atonement.

You must give 100%.  In order to do that you must believe in what you are doing.

On the right is Parker Harmon.  He served in Sao Paulo Brazil.  He enjoyed every minute of it.  He loved inviting people to be baptized.  

He shared that you need to "Get your head in the game"- stay focused on why you are here. 

Tyler Hunt asked what do you do if you have gaps in your planner with nothing to do?  Great question.  Parker said his mission president told them (metaphorically) that they should write "Satan" in the empty spaces of their planner, because if you don't have a plan, he can take over. There is always someone you can visit and fill every minute of your day. 

He came to see the value of members in teaching the gospel.  In addition to asking members for referrals, you can ask specific questions like, Do you know anyone that has recently moved into your area? Do you know anyone who has had a death in the family? Do you know anyone who is having problems with addictions? Do you know anyone you recently had a baby? The Gospel Of Jesus Christ can help with all of our trials.

  

Here is Caleb Carpenter.  He is in the middle.  He just returned from the West Indies Mission. Caleb shared his testimony of the Book of Mormon and its power to change peoples lives.  He knows that baptism by the proper authority is the only way we can truly change and repent and be forgiven.

Caleb explained that we are URGED to study Preach My Gospel from the Prophet.  He said that really means Commanded. It is a critical part of learning how to be an effective missionary and gaining a stronger testimony.  He talked about role playing that you will do every day with your companion to practice teaching.  His mission president liked to call it "having a spiritual experience" with your companion.  Because as you teach each other the spirit bears witness that what you are saying is true. 

This is Austin Reece.  A fun thing to know about these two pictured here is that they are cousins!  What a great thing to be able to leave and return with your Cousin :)

Austin served in Salta Argentina.  We love Salta because that is where our daughter is serving.

Austin shared that when you are on your mission you are set apart.  You are literally set apart to stand out from the world in every way.  When you serve, help those you teach feel that spirit that you bring.  He explained how important it is to study every day and do everything you can to prepare yourself to be ready to teach the gospel.  If you do you will have power when you teach.  Power just like Ammon, Alma and Aaron.  He said that missions are exhausting physically, emotionally, mentally, economically....and there is no way you can make it on your own.  So you must learn to draw your strength from the Lord and turn everything over to Him.

Hayden Cannon asked these 4 returned missionaries about the scripture 1 Nephi 3:7 and how it applied to teaching investigators.

He got some great responses.

All investigators will have doubts about whether they really can make the changes they need to.  This scripture teaches us that God will prepare the way if we will try.

These missionaries final advice...if you are thinking about serving a mission, stop.  JUST GO!

We really appreciate the amazing spirit we felt in class today.  This is Gods work and we are so grateful to be a part of it.

Next week:  

We will continue with your questions and scriptures from the pictures in the Restoration Pamphlet.  We will also be role playing...or "having a spiritual experience" :-) teaching the Restoration from the pamphlet.