Sunday, January 27, 2013

4th Sunday - Ask the missionaries!!!

Sis. Murdock taught today's lesson from the conference talk - Ask the missionaries! They can help you! by Elder Russel M. Nelson

Elder Nelson said, "Two years ago and powerfully reaffirmed again this morning, President Monson declared “that every worthy, able young man should prepare to serve a mission. Missionary service is a priesthood duty—an obligation the Lord expects of us who have been given so very much.”1 Again he explained that for young sisters, a mission is a welcome option but not a responsibility. And again he invited many more mature couples to serve." 


What better education can a mother have than going on a mission. Sis. Murdock said, "It's going to be a missionary year."

You will not be magically transformed once you decide to go on a mission or be a missionary. It's a process that needs to be started long before we "decide". 

Sis. Murdock asked us, "Who knows the missionaries in our Stake?"
The conference talk says to get to know the missionaries and take care of them. 
She shared a book she is reading called, "The power of everyday missionaries." We are all missionaries. We know this. We need to magnify that "calling". She said she thinks most of us (including her) lack courage. 

Sister Jossilyn Webb was asked to bear her testimony about missionary work. She said she never really focused on "preparing" for a mission. She was just focused on living the gospel and preparing to go to the temple. She said, "while we are preparing to be missionaries, Heavenly Father is preparing people to be ready for the gospel." 


Sis. Murdock shared a story of courage that may help you. Elder Tom Perry tells a story of when he and his wife lived in Boston. One day at church a woman pulled up on a motorcycle wearing jeans and a tshirt. She sat in the back and after about 10 minutes Sis. Perry got up and went to sit by her. She just sat down and put her arm around. The woman teared up a few times during the service and when it was over said, "I think I will come back next week." She did come back and was greeted again by Sis. Perry who was wearing jeans and tshirt. 
I am sure that took courage for Sis. Perry to do and do this woman to come back. 

Although we may be told "NO" several times it is said that you need to ask 4 times before you get a "YES". No missionary experience is ever wasted. It's a seed that is planted. It's the feeling of the spirit and His influence being there that they will recognize again. And when their time is right - they will say YES. 

Sis. Murdock shared the saying, "Preach the gospel - use words if necessary." 
If you are looking for more knowledge about any of the following subjects - guess what?? The missionaries can HELP! 
Geneology
To live a longer healthier live
Wondering what is your purpose? 
you want to strengthen your Family
to Gain Knowledge
to Understand the scriptures better
Want to help people in need
Wondering about life after death

Thank you Sis. Murdock. Every member a missionary! And remember what the STake President said, "We need to be praying for opportunities".