How to Know You are Prepared

Class today, like all days, was led by the spirit.  We may think the class should go in one direction, but the spirit sees further than we can.  We started class by discussing in preparation for tracting today, the important things to share when introducing the Book of Mormon to investigators. 

Before that Alex shared a scripture he wanted to get clarification on.  Its Helaman 11:19. He thought it seemed out of context, but after personal study and some class discussion our hearts were opened and we understood doctrine.  Thank you Alex for involving the class!

What the class came up with that would be important to share when talking about the Book Of Mormon:

Its another testament of Jesus Christ

It goes hand in hand with the Bible

Its true

What it is- a record of people in the Americas

How happy it can make your life/ personal experiences from reading it

Moroni's promise- pray to know its true. Moroni 10

Important part of the Restoration

Joseph Smith

Teaches important principles of the gospel- prayer(enos), Obedience (Nephi)

Keystone of our religion. 

We get closer to God by reading it

Most correct book on the earth

Share your testimony of it

Can receive answers to personal questions

Reading it makes you happy

Its a book God gave to us

You feel the spirit when you read it

It contains the fullness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ- Gods Plan

(this list was great to watch develop because each person added a very important thought--we needed to hear all of them, but it took some time to think...thats ok, thats how the spirit works :-))

Simon explained that as you introduce the Book of Mormon, there are 3 things investigators need to know.  1. Know what it is.  2. Why we have it and   3. How you can know for yourself if it is true.

And the spirit continued to guide the class by sending us two recently returned senior missionaries that shared and taught us the rest of the class!  

This is Bro. and Sister Hoffman.  Bro. Hoffman was our stake patriarch before they left. They just returned from serving a medical mission in South East Africa.  This is their second mission.  They covered 13 missions in africa which included 2,220 missionaries.  Half of them were native Africans.  We all gained a glimpse of the church in this part of the world and the dedication of the saints and missionaries serving there.  

This dear couple with tears in their eyes shared the love they immediately had for the people in Africa. They saw the love and commitment the people had to the gospel of Jesus Christ. They said it is easy to teach the gospel there. During a stake conference with 2400 members, 2700 showed up! Now that is the gospel in action.  We felt the spirit in the room as we gained a renewed awareness of the importance of missionary work and how much the world wants and needs the Saviors Church.

How to know you are prepared:

They said to remember that there are two things needed to convert people.  Love and a testimony of the gospel and the Savior.  With that the Book of Mormon is always involved. As you serve you will learn ways to better share but loving the people and having a testimony will invite the spirit to assist you.  He reminded us of Elder Holland's words that when you go forth to teach with your companion you will go three at a time- You, your companion and the Spirit.  

Bro. Hoffman spoke about getting ready to serve.  He said "shape up! there is nothing like a mission that will give you opportunities for growth like a mission.  Get out of yourself. If you have any concerns, get them settled before you go out.  It is very sad to see missionaries go home early.  Your chances of becoming inactive are much greater.  Pray for courage and faith.  If you are afraid to leave your family, work on that before you go so that when you go, you go. Work it out before.

As a patriarch, Bro. Hoffman reminded the class that you have been set apart in the pre-earth council with the responsibility to share the gospel and were given talents and abilities to accomplish this.  If you feel inadequate, remember the Lord will prepare the way. The spirit will make up the difference in what you lack.

Thank you Bro. and Sister Hoffman.  Your example and love and humility taught all of us today.

At 4:30 we met at the stake center and had a great group show up to tract.  We also had 2 new sisters join us for the first time and jumped in with both feet. They went with Sarah Holyoak as their senior companion

 :-)  Sarah has done this a lot and helped them not be as nervous!

The class had great experiences and were able to get into about 3 homes each.  Thank you to the 2nd ward for opening your homes and hearts to them!  Your participation will greatly assist them as they prepare to serve their full time missions very soon!

It was John Lee's last time with our mission prep class:( We have been so blessed to have him in our class.  He was brought the spirit so strong every time he shares.  He played the piano again as we sang Called to Serve this morning.  He played with such feeling and power that we will always think of this experience when ever we sing this song again.  We will miss you John!  Good luck and we look forward to staying in touch and hearing the news of your mission call!!!!