October is here with shorter days and the promise of cooler
temperatures. I am truly amazed at how quickly this year has flown by and to
think that this is my second October as a mission president. I am grateful for
all that I have learned and yet humbled as I realize that there is still much I
would like to change and improve. Perhaps you can relate to some of these
feelings.
At this time last year, we had just established our mission
standards. I am grateful that so many of you have exercised your faith, worked
diligently and raised your expectations as you have striven to hit the mission
standards. One of the important things that I have learned is the true value
and purpose of our mission standards. They are a guide, a reference, a target,
and should be a source of inspiration. They must never be a substitute for our
purpose, which is to bring souls unto Christ. If we think correctly about
mission standards, and use them properly, they will help us to be balanced in
our work.
Last October, I also asked our missionaries to teach
complete lessons and suggested that this should be our standard. With this past
year’s experience, I have learned that teaching full lessons is difficult and
probably not appropriate with most of our investigators. For a 45-minute
lesson, we should take about 15 minutes to establish expectations and to
understand the needs of investigators. We should take another 15 minutes to
teach doctrinally correct principles that are clear and simple, and based on the
needs of our investigators. We should then use about 15 minutes to extend an
invitation that is given in a spirit of kindness and love and designed to help
others come unto Christ. Invitations
are probably the most important part of the lesson because faith is established
as people act and have experiences, not by simply hearing and understanding.
Probably the most important principle that I have learned in
the last year is the importance of companionships. I am so grateful that the
Lord, in His wisdom, sends us out two by two. This work was not meant to be
done by individuals working as individuals. The work of teaching and testifying
must be done “two by two” (Luke 6:7; D&C 42:6). The Savior himself
established this pattern with his apostles. As we learn to love one another and
truly care for our companion, we will better understand how to love and serve
those we meet on the street. As we lift, inspire and help each other come unto
Christ, we will better understand how to accomplish our missionary purpose and
help others walk along that same path.
Sister Blickenstaff and I have learned much as we have
served alongside you in this great work. We are ever thankful for your devotion
and sacrifice in this cause. We pray daily for your success and happiness. Let
us all press on!
President and Sister Blickenstaff
Mentors of Champions
No comments:
Post a Comment