First Get To Know Your Investigators

LATE POST FROM FEB 16.

Here are some of the classes comments at the beginning of class:

Will was given the advice to treat our lives like we are on a mission now as we get ready for our mission.  Start living the missionary schedule now.  Wake up at 6:30. Go to bed at 10:30.  (Love it!)

Hunter shared the Plan of Salvation Pamphlet with his younger brother. His brother then taught FHE with it.  He shared this scripture Deuteronomy 4:29 But if from thence thou shalt ^aseek the Lord thy God, thou shalt ^bfind him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul.

Tyler's family had the full time Elders over for dinner.  The elders taught a message to his family and gave them a challenge.  He saw them use the bullet points from "How to begin teaching" pg 176.  After this experience, they are now praying as a family for missionary experiences.

As follow up to what was shared, Sister Bascom who was a guest today explained to the class that when this class sent prospective missionaries into her home several months ago, she was very grateful because it helped remind her of the spirit she wants in her home.  She was very grateful that you came and shared your spirit with her family.

Jared pointed out that you should not be afraid of the last bullet point on page 177.  "As you accept our message, you will learn how to make covenants, or promises, with God.  You will learn how to make changes to bring your lives in closer harmony with His teachings.  You will want to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ and be baptized by proper authority. (John 3:5) 

He also explained that you can increase the odds of them doing the assignments if you explain that you would like to discuss this with them the next time you meet with them.  Help them realize how it pertains to them.  Why do we do this? So they can feel the spirit. 

This is Sister Bascom.  She is a convert.  She joined the church when she was almost 16 in England.  She has a beautiful english accent and we loved listening to her.  She gave us wonderful counsel. She is also a returned missionary.  The key to missionary work is building relationships.  People will keep commitments because you love them.  She first had us ask her questions about her to get to know her better.  Like, "by looking at my scriptures where do you think I served my mission"?  (Scotland)  As you get to know people it is much less intimidating to share your message.  Also until you as an investigator feel like someone knows you, you are not going to share personal things with a stranger.  She shared how the missionaries knocked on her door.  They were the last house on the street.  They taught her how to pray.  She had never prayed before ever.  She encouraged you to serve a mission because without you- if you're not there- how will they feel the spirit?

The blessings she has received from joining the church are an eternal family.  She has been sealed in the temple.  Temple blessings are the ultimate goal as we bring others to Christ.  

She said to get comfortable talking about things you're not comfortable talking about.  

We all have weaknesses.  God will use them to your advantage.  She is dyslexic.  She has a very hard time reading.  She even took the childrens scripture readers on her mission so she could visualize the stories she would teach.  Also because she had a hard time reading, she would always ask her investigators to read for her and help her.  Which helped the investigators grow and feel needed.

Thank you Sister Bascom for sharing your love of missionary work with us and how the gospel has blessed your life!

Here are pictures of the class teaching the restoration lesson to each other using the pamphlet.  We can tell they are getting more comfortable doing this!!!  They are speaking with more confidence. But practice makes perfect.  So we will keep practicing :)

After we talked about how it went. What did you learn?

- that we use lots of mormon words.  We need to explain them or use different words.

- We need to first seek to obtain the word before we can declare it. (spend more time learning it first on our own before we try and teach it to someone else)

-Its easy to get frustrated when you don't know what you are doing.  Practice will help you.  

- Your personal testimony is your strongest witness.

-We cant do well now if we are focused on what we are doing next.

Here is Nathan Eddington.  He enters the MTC this week to serve in the Dallas Texas Mission. YEAH NATHAN!  He shared his testimony with us. He has been a great example of faith. A mission is going to challenge every one of you, but if we trust in God, all things are possible!  We will pray for you Nathan and know you will bless your brothers and sisters in Texas with your testimony and strong spirit!

NEXT WEEKS ASSIGNMENT:

1.Study the Restoration Lesson.

2.Memorize the first vision. Page 37 PMG.

"I saw a pillar of light exactly over my head, above the brightness of the sun, which descended gradually until it fell upon me...When the light rested upon me I saw two Personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description, standing above me in the air.  One of them spake unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other-This is My Beloved Son. Hear HIm!" (Joseph Smith-History 1:16-17)