Subject: The things a missionary SHOULDN’T do…
Dear family and friends,
I love you all. 🙂
The theme of this letter is. . . The Things You Proably Shouldn’t Do on a Mission. . . So pay attention future missionaries.
Tip #1:
So, Sister Hood and I went to visit a less active family a couple weeks ago. I was still getting used to talking to people (a skill I thought I had before I came out here…) so I was pretty nervous because it was my turn to talk at this door. The 20 year old daughter answered the door without and giving it a second thought, I started, “Hi, I’m Sarah, what’s your name?” Not realizing my mistake, I continued, But we had a good laugh later…
Nevertheless, tip number one: Remember that you go by your last name. Not your first. 🙂
Tip #2:
At church this Sunday Sister Hood and I were greeting the members as they walked into the chapel. When in walked a woman we had met earlier in the week. She was married to a non member and he had just accepted the invitation to take the lessons. Which is really exciting. He has anxiety and really struggles in crowds, so we knew that we’d struggle getting him to come to church. To our surprise, in walked this woman AND HER HUSBAND. This was a big deal. He is my first investigator. We didn’t even invite him to church. As she walked into the chapel- she pointed at her husband and said, “this is a miracle.”
I was seriously grinning from ear to ear. Probably past each ear actually. . . Let’s be real. Anyway, I was so excited and I looked to Sister Hood with my eyes wide open, shook this mans hand, and then began to look around the chapel, thinking that these people had no idea what a big deal this was. The bishop then walked over to me and kindly said, “Don’t look so shocked, Sister Meservy.” . . . Yes, that’s embarrasssing.
So Tip Number Two: Don’t Look Completely and Utterly Shocked when a New Investigator Walks into Church (even if you are shocked out of our stockings. Which I was. Almost).
Tip #3:
Heavenly Father loves us, and wants us to be happy. How are we happy? I asked myself the same thing. Then Mr. Investigator came to church. Was I happy then? You bet. The way to find joy, as a fully time missionary, and as anything else- is to BRING PEOPLE CLOSER TO CHRIST. My companion is having a hard time because she is used to having people to teach. We haven’t really had anyone to teach for the last three weeks. For me, well, I’ve never seen how joyous it is to teach people so I have nothing to compare this to. I’m doing good. But it’s hard for her because she has seen how much joy it brings her to have people to teach. The philosophy I’ve come to is that I CAN BRING PEOPLE CLOSER TO CHRIST IN MORE WAYS THAN BY TEACHING LESSONS. If I’m doing that, then I’ll be happy, yeah? So, It’s not just about teaching lessons to investigators, but bringing members, less actives, and random people we meet, closer to Christ. True, I can’t see if this is really happening, BUT, I’m doing my best. 🙂 So… am I filled with joy? I’m sure trying to be. 🙂 Because I’m doing all I can to bring souls unto christ! 🙂 (D&C 18:15-16) I also love verse 19 of D&C 18. We must push forward with Faith and Hope! 🙂 God has promised that as we keep his commandments, he will “lead us to a better land.” 🙂 I trust him. 🙂
So Tip Number Three: Trust God and Do Your Best. DON’T GET DISCOURAGED!
Tip #4:
Everyone, pay attention to this. It’s kind of heart breaking. . . I was reading in Moses 7. God is crying over the wickedness of the people, and Enoch asks twice, “How is it thou canst weep?” The response is what breaks my heart, “The Lord said unto Enoch: Behold these they brethren; they are the workmanship of mine own hands, and I gave unto them their knowledge, in the day I created them; and in the Garden of Eden, gave I unto man his agency; And unto thy brethren have I said, and also given commandment, that they should love one another, and that they should choose me, their Father; but behold, they are without affection, and they hate their own blood;”
It is so important to God that we love each other. He has given us everything that we have. our knowledge. our bodies. our talents. EVERYTHING. he has even given us agency so that we can decide what we will do with all he has given us. It must be so hard for him to see us use this wonderful gift to act selfishly. Remember to love all of God’s children. We are each the workmanship of his wonderful hands.
Tip Number Four: Remember the Great Commandment to Love.
Alright, that’s all folks. 🙂 Washington is as beautiful as ever. 🙂 My companion is still wonderful. My Savior is my best friend. My Faith is increasing.
I am giving my heart, though at times it will hurt,
I am giving my hands, to fulfill Thy great work.
I am giving my feet, guide them where they must go,
I am giving my mind, and sharing all that I know.
I am giving my eyes, for compassion and tears,
And I’m using my faith to trample my fears.
Yeah.
The Church is True.
I love you all, thanks again for the letters. 🙂
Congrats on the engagements Seth and Lyss! Love you both!
Love,
Sister Meservy. Your favorite missionary. The one that you want to send packages of LOVE. and Letters. And love. and Letters… 😉 Not that I’m begging. Yet.