The Power of Youth Teaching

We had a wonderful class today.  Our discussion about the Atonement was lead by Adam Packer.  He was very well prepared and even brought an awesome experience for the class to witness.

Here he explained that he bought Krispy Kreme donuts for the class, but they could not have them for free. A price had to be paid.  Brady Anderson volunteered to "Pay" for a donut for each person by doing 10 push-ups for each person.  Adam would accept that as payment for a donut.

At first he was able to do them quickly and quite easily ;-)

....but after a while his arms were getting tired, but he didn't quit. He kept doing 10 push-ups for each person in the room, even if they didn't want a donut! 

By the end, he had done 150 push-ups!

Then Adam led our discussion about what we learned from this experience.  It was very powerful even though some have heard of this before, to see and experience it was very touching!

Comments and insights included:

Even though we all were given a donut, not everyone ate it.  Sometimes we have been baptised and are given the gift of the atonement, but do we ever use it.  It is there to use, not just look at or talk about.

We often feel guilty that a price had to be paid for us, and we don't feel worthy or that we don't deserve it, so we don't take advantage of this infinite gift that brings such sweetness into our lives.

Many people are searching, but don't even know it.  When we share with them what the Savior has done for them, they start to see that they need the Savior and He provides direction in their lives.  They are not just being tossed about adrift in the ocean.  We can invite others to act and choose to follow the Savior.  Their testimony will start to grow as they do.

1 Nephi 10:21  No unclean thing can dwell with God.  That is why we must use the gift of the Atonement and repent. And...

Mormon 9: 1-6  If we choose to not believe in God and follow him, we will not even want to dwell with God because of our wrong choices.

What does it really mean to repent?  It means to change.  Change, by coming unto Christ.  Really wanting with your whole being to change.  We can't abandon sin without first seeking the Savior.

We often learn about the price that was paid for our sins. We need to focus on the blessings of the Atonement.  It is a happy thing and helps us become perfected.  The Atonement is a message of Hope, Peace and Happiness!

Dear Class, We have all been edified by your spirit and comments.  Keep it up!  

Thats the pattern.  Learn, Act, Share. 

Thank you!!!!!!!!!!

This is soon to be Elder Jacob Shumway.  He will be serving in the Tokyo Japan Mission.  He leaves for the MTC in two weeks.  Jacob will teach with power and testimony and we wish him an added measure of the spirit as he is enlisted now to serve!

Next week:  NO CLASS- its fast sunday.

Class on May 9th:  Please continue your study of the Plan of Salvation.

Study pg 52-54 ( The Spirit World, The resurrection, Judgement and Immortality, and the Kingdoms of Glory)

Ensign Talk by Elder Neil L. Anderson pg 77 "It's A Miracle"

Personal Discoveries about the Creation

We first all shared what we thought were the

elements of a good discussion.

The kids came up with these ideas:

-Invite others to participate

-Assess where people are, like on a map, its hard to figure out how to get somewhere before finding where they are first.

-Teach with the Spirit- Even if you don't know all the answers, If you have the Spirit with you it will fill in the gaps.

- Be excited yourself. Show enthusiasm for the topic.

-Have them talk more than you do.

-Acknowledge that everyone has an opinion and can share it.

- Discussion allows us to understand something in greater depth and to make sure each person really does understand what is being taught.

-If you are leading the discussion, actively listen to what is being said.

-Dont talk at the person, include them.

This is a chinese proverb that we discussed.  Then we talked about how this applies to teaching investigators.      The more involved they are the more they will come to understand for themselves.  

The word Liken is used alot in the scriptures.  Kameron mentioned Moses 6:63 when studying about the creation.  It explains that all things were created and made to bear record of Jesus Christ. We can help others see how God is teaching us about him in all his creations.

Other scriptures mentioned were Alma 30:44.  Ryan shared that its easier to have faith when you can look around you and see the Creator in everything.  Another Scripture:  2 Cor 5:6-7 shared by Trevor.

Here is the class today as they discussed what they learned about the creation on their own. We also discussed the Conference Talk assigned last week.

This is an amazing group of valiant youth that know how to find the doctrines and truth and share that knowledge with the group...that all may be edified of all. (D&C88:122)

We all came away with new insights and understanding.  Thank you all for your contributions today.  Keep it up!!!

 We have two new sisters that came today.  Cecelia Wilkes- who has her mission call to New York, New York North Mission!! and Nikylie Eagar who will be putting in her papers soon.  They are sitting in the middle in the back of this photo.  We are so excited to have more sisters join us. Welcome to class. We put them right to work.  Cecelia and Nikylie demonstrated how easy it is for you to get pushed over if you are only standing on one foot.  But with both feet on the ground, you have a strong foundation you can build on.  They "likened" this to the creation.  If you understand you were created for a purpose, it gives you faith to know there is a reason why we choose to follow our Creator.   Thanks girls!

Here is an envelope we passed out to each person.  We asked them to reach in without looking and try to pick out the number 1.  What are the odds of doing that.  1:10.  Anyone that did it got a big candybar.

                                                                             Derek was the only lucky one!  

Then we asked them to see if they could pull out a 1, and then a 2.  What are the odds of that happening?  1:100.  As you can guess, no winners.  What would be the odds of pulling out a 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10 in that order?   1:10 billion!

Then we discussed how this could relate to the creation.  Lots of great reflections about how we are not here by chance or random luck.  For the planets to form and align they way they do was by design, not chance.  We are also created for a purpose. 

This is Sister Kaylee Kofford.  This is her last week with us before she heads to the MTC this week.  She will be serving in Baltimore, Maryland!  She has a testimony that that is where the Lord wants her to serve and she already loves the people there even though she has never even been to the east coast.  We will miss you Kaylee, but know you are needed there and will do great things as you serve, love and teach many people about your Savior, Jesus Christ and the happiness that knowledge brings!

Thank you to all of you for sharing your great personal discoveries about the creation.

Next week:   We will discuss what you learned about the Atonement.  Page 51-52 of Preach My Gospel.
And the Conference Talk by Elder M Russell Ballard, "This Is My Work and Glory", pg 18.
We would love to also hear any personal stories you would like to share!

How to Study Preach My Gospel

Today we were taught how to get the most out of Preach My Gospel by Quincy Breur.  

This is a drawing he started, to show that everything we do and teach is centered on Christ.  "BOM" stands for Book of Mormon :-)  

Then he explained why its so important for us to do our "Homework" and study on our own and come prepared to share what we have learned and discovered in class so we can learn from each other.  This is the pattern you will continue in the MTC and throughout your mission.  So we started with the first section in lesson 2: The Plan of Salvation, pg 48 :  Pre-Earth Life: God's Purpose and Plan for Us.

To increase the effectiveness of learning its important to start with a question!

What do you want to learn about?

Write down your question. For example: Where did we come from?  We may know the answer to that question, but where can we find the answer in the scriptures to help an investigator discover the answer for themselves?  Thats why we need to do our homework :-)

  We passed out small notebooks to record your question that you are looking for an answer to.  As you discover the answer and find scriptures that teach that, write them down. Also write down any personal feelings or experiences you have had to help teach that doctrine.

We divided up into groups of  3 and started to teach each other what we already knew and then read the section and looked at the scriptures that went along with that section. 

Here is Bro. Cox, Berkely Stulce, and Brandon Chidister finding great things and teaching each other. Brandon also announced that he got his call to the Paraguay, Asuncion mission and will leave in August!  So exciting!

This is Nathan Eddington, Kamron Eslinger and Quincy Breur working together and sharing what they found.

And our sweet Sisters, Linsdey Nicholes and Kaylee Kofford- who only has one more week with us before she leaves!  These sisters discovered some great scriptures that answered their questions and realized how interconnected all of the parts of the Plan of Salvation are to each other and to Christ.  Way to go!

Here is Brady Anderson, and an newcomer!!! Ryan Jensen who just turned 17- the age you can start coming to our mission prep class.  Yeah- he is getting a head start and we are excited to have him in class.  

And next to Ryan is Ethan Reynolds.  Great young men that are committed to learning and being prepared.

We passed out the new Conference Ensigns and gave assignments for next week:

Study on page 49 of Preach My Gospel- "The Creation" and come prepared to share what you learned. Remember to write down your questions and scriptures you found.  We would love to hear the questions you had and the answers you found!

Also, please read the talk by Elder Uchtdorf given to the Young Women called "Your Wonderful Journey Home"  It is awesome and teaches the Plan of Salvation with great examples and stories!  Think about how you can use these stories to help you teach the plan of salvation.

We testify as you take time to learn on your own and ask questions about what you are learning, you are allowing the Spirit to teach you and He will confirm in your mind the truthfulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Your retention will increase if you follow this pattern.  To Quote from a fabulous book we talked about in class and highly recommend you get and read before your mission ( "when you ask a question, its like putting a piece of velcro in your brain and then when the answer comes, it sticks there")
                   This book is called  "The Power of Every Day Missionaries", by Clayton Christensen.  

                                    

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!

Teach To Peoples Needs From the Heart

According to Bro. Hooker, class was a "10" today.  Why?  because you participated in a meaningful discussion about the plan of salvation and how it speaks to you personally.  

We started out learning about the second pamphlet "The Plan of Salvation" by asking each person to look at the pictures and pick one they connect with and share why.  Through this we learned and were taught the doctrines of the atonement and Gods Plan for all of his children and how they apply to us.

From this picture Trevor noticed that the parents looked happy even though the child looked sad.  Our Heavenly parents know that we will struggle in life but know it will help us grow and teach us what we need to know and do in order to reach our full potential and ultimately live with Him again. Also that the parents (Heavenly Parents) are close...right there...so don't be afraid.  They are there to help you.

Ethan thought the child looked determined, not sad. On the page facing this in bold black letters it says. We have much to learn and experience during this life.  We will need help at times, but it is also our test to see if we want to learn what He would like to teach us.

Talon and Matt shared personal experiences about a time when their faith was shrinking and prayed for more faith.  They asked to know if "I have a place in this church?"  The Atonement allows us to repent and feel clean and start fresh.  The spirit witnessed to all of us that we indeed ALL HAVE A PLACE in His Church.  

Another comment- no one wants to be the last one picked on a team.  We are always on the Lords team!!!

And another reference to the puzzle pieces from last week...everyone wants to be a piece of the puzzle, but wonder where do I fit in?  

Our charge as representatives of Jesus Christ are to invite everyone we meet to come unto Christ so that you can feel His love.  Which love is the greatest gift of all.

Makelle was intrigued by the color of Mary's dress and sash.  Another person shared that he saw in this picture that the Savior is Living.  He is talking to Mary one on one.  Jesus cares about us individually.

I apologize for not writing down more of the comments that were shared about these pictures or not writing them better.  I was so engaged in what was being said that I forgot to record all of them.  

The power of class came from your speaking from the heart and talking about real needs.  

That is how we share the gospel.  Its that simple!

Next week:  We will have class

Yes it is fast Sunday, but Stake Conference is the week after that so we got special permission to have class next week even though it is fast Sunday!!  We will not have class on stake conference.

Please continue to study this pamphlet and share its message with your family.  

Also review page 175-177 in Preach My Gospel about "How can I improve my teaching skills" All the important keys are in this powerful book!  

We encourage you to follow the pattern suggested on pg 17 of Preach My Gospel:  "Effective daily study must always begin with prayer.  Study is an act of faith requiring the use of personal agency.  Many missionaries struggle to know how to study effectively. Some rely heavily on others or on structured programs to tell them what and how to study.  While learning from a good teacher is very important, it is more important for you to have meaningful learning experiences on your own.  Getting good results from your study depends on having a strong desire to learn, studying with real intent (Moroni 10:4), hunger[ing] and thirst[ing] after righteousness (Matt 5:6) and searching for answers to your investigators questions and concerns".

Discussion = Ask questions..then LISTEN MORE, TALK LESS

Thank you for your insights that you shared from Conference.  Some of them were: Pres. Uchtdorf- Individuality is important in the church.  Elder Holland- God puts up with us when we are imperfect.  We should do the same with others. Use Social Media as a missionary tool to reach out to friends and create a mormon.org profile.  Elder Cook- The doctrine of peace- Only found in Christ. This message of Peace is the greatest thing we  have to offer as missionaries. Elder Ballard- The potential of tomato seeds planted and then the plant almost died.  Don't get discouraged- keep watering the plant and give it sunshine and it will revive!

Today we learned how to have a discussion with a family about the Restoration.

This is a puzzle turned upside down to generate interest in the topic.  Explain to a member family you are teaching that you want to have a discussion about the restoration.  You would like them to share an important truth about the restoration, or a significant event that happened because of it. Such as- God the Father and Jesus Christ appeared to Joseph Smith.  They have a body of flesh and bone.  God answers our prayers.  The priesthood power was restored to the earth, etc.  As each person comments, have them turn over a piece of the puzzle.  Great thoughts were shared by these amazing prospective missionaries like:  Churches had pieces of truth, but were missing the fullness of the gospel.  If a piece was missing from their church and they didn't know the answer, they just painted in what they wanted to fill that spot.  By small and simple things are great things come to pass.  Investigators don't understand the gospel- its our job to help them flip over the pieces so they can see what it is. Turning over a piece of the puzzle is like asking a question.  When we ask a question, we allow God to give us the answer.

                                               
                         After the pieces are all turned over- the class worked to put them all together.

And this is the completed puzzle.  This is a copy of an original watercolor painting we were given for a wedding gift 30 years ago!! A priceless treasure.  Next we had a discussion about what the restoration meant to each of us personally.  How has knowing that the Gospel of Jesus Christ has been restored to earth affected your life?  

Now your invitation for this week:

You were given a small version of this puzzle.  Have a similar discussion about the restoration with your family and 2 other families. Leave them a copy of the Restoration pamphlet and invite them to use it with their family to learn more about the critical pieces of the Restoration.  This might also include the families you home teach. Come back and share your experience.

We also passed out the next pamphlet.  This and all the pamphlets can also be viewed online here.  

Read through this and we will be discussing this next week and work together to find the doctrines you will be teaching with it. 

One of those doctrines is the Atonement.  We gave you a rubberband to put on the backside of your hand around your pinkie and thumb below the knuckles.  They tried to get it off by just using that hand.  Compare this experience to the Atonement and invite your family to participate in this experience and share their thoughts about how this could teach about the atonement.  You will be amazed what the spirit will teach you if you ask the question!

Finally, here is what all our learning is all about....going and serving and teaching the world!  This is Sister Caroline Stewart.  This was her last week with us in class.  She has been a great blessing to us and has shared her testimony of the gospel in profound but simple ways.  We will miss her.  She will be serving in Melbourne Australia!  She is a prepared missionary and will teach with the spirit.

Receiving Revelation Through The Book Of Mormon

First of all a reminder that we will not have class for the next two weeks.  We hope you enjoy a wonderful Easter with your families and encourage you to have a gospel discussion about the Atonement and what it means to you.  And the following week is General Conference. So your invitation this week and next is to read 3 Nephi 11 as you prepare to watch all the sessions :-), and to write down your impressions or revelations for you personally as you listen to our modern day Prophet and Apostles.  Also, pay attention to the stories you hear that you can use as a missionary to teach the Gospel.

 Today we discussed how to introduce the Book Of Mormon to an Investigator.

We were taught by this powerful teacher, Zach Breur, a returned Missionary that served in New Jersey.  He has been home about a year now and he taught as though he just returned.  Some key things he taught are 1. Get to know them first.  Ask what is important to them in their life? What are you looking for in your life? 2. As you have them read the introduction- first paragraph, explain to them that this is what the book is about and what is in it and what it will teach you.  Always ask lots of questions about what they are reading to help them understand.  3.  Have them read third paragraph- Explain that this is a preview to your new favorite book, similar to a movie preview.  After they read it, ask what are the highlights we are going to see in this book? 4. Have them read last two paragraphs.  Ask, in that first sentence, what are the three verbs or action words. Read, Ponder, Pray.  These require action.  Then you can explain why this is so important to do.  Then as you gain your own testimony, we invite you to make sacred covenants.  5.  You can also prayerfully pick a chapter that pertains to their life and share it with them.  He shared one of the war chapters with a young man worried about being deployed to Iraq that touched him and brought him peace.  He kept a small military copy of the Book of Mormon with him as he served.

These pictures represent revelation.  Light is a powerful example of revelation.  As discussed in class revelation brings warmth and peace and understanding. As we invite others to read the Book Of Mormon, help them understand what revelation is and that they can receive their own light and knowledge that will come from God as they read it.

On to Practicing what we learned!

They all did a great job and some Ah ha moments were discovered.

Thank you to all our "Investigators"  You bring a powerful spirit with you and give us great insight about how to be better teachers!

Here is soon to be Elder Quincy Breur. This was his last week in class. He will be leaving on April 3rd to the MTC and will be serving in the France, Lyon Mission.  The people of France will love this Elder and he will bless many many people as he serves!  Good luck Q