INTERVIEWS
One of the unique parts of my calling is the opportunity to chat with each missionary before he has an interview with my husband - once every six weeks. I usually sit in another classroom at the church building and talk with one missionary, while his/her companion is in with my husband. It has been delightful and inspirational to get to know each of these remarkable young people!
I am so impressed with the strength of character, spiritual sensitivity, faith in Jesus Christ and courage of each of these missionaries! Many are pioneers - first member of the Church- first missionary in their families. Perhaps I can share one example...
We have an elder from South America who is the youngest of three boys in his family. Their family began listening to the missionaries message and he, at age 16, was the first to be baptized in his family. His mother and step-father were baptized sometime later. He is from a tiny branch with perhaps only 20 people who attend. He is the fist missionary every to serve from his branch. Apparently there are 6-7 young people in his branch back home who are looking to him as a "pioneer" in serving a mission.
Since he has been on his mission for one year now, his older brother has now begun listening to the missionaries, and he feels this brother will be baptized. When asked about his one remaining brother, this elder stated emphatically that once he gets home from his mission (motioning with his hands in a determined style) he will work with his brother personally and feels he will too join the church as well.
At age 19, this elder has now served faithfully for a year here in our mission. He indicated in our conversation how much he loves and enjoys missionary work. He also told me that to this day he maintains contact with the missionaries that baptized him just three years ago.
This elder is only one of many examples, of elders and sisters who serve with great faith and diligence in their missions.
May I also share an example of one of the many stories I have heard or how families are blessed when a son/daughter serves as a full-time missionary?
We have an elder serving whose family joined the church many years ago. His mother and siblings have always been active. However, his father was only active for about a year after his baptism. Since coming on the mission, this elder's father has returned to activity and he and his mother are preparing to attend the temple! What blessings! What love! What joy!
Heavenly Father's plan truly is a Plan of Happiness! Commandments are a Blessing! We should be so very thankful to have commandments in our lives to live with Joy, now and in the eternities!
I am so impressed with the strength of character, spiritual sensitivity, faith in Jesus Christ and courage of each of these missionaries! Many are pioneers - first member of the Church- first missionary in their families. Perhaps I can share one example...
We have an elder from South America who is the youngest of three boys in his family. Their family began listening to the missionaries message and he, at age 16, was the first to be baptized in his family. His mother and step-father were baptized sometime later. He is from a tiny branch with perhaps only 20 people who attend. He is the fist missionary every to serve from his branch. Apparently there are 6-7 young people in his branch back home who are looking to him as a "pioneer" in serving a mission.
Since he has been on his mission for one year now, his older brother has now begun listening to the missionaries, and he feels this brother will be baptized. When asked about his one remaining brother, this elder stated emphatically that once he gets home from his mission (motioning with his hands in a determined style) he will work with his brother personally and feels he will too join the church as well.
At age 19, this elder has now served faithfully for a year here in our mission. He indicated in our conversation how much he loves and enjoys missionary work. He also told me that to this day he maintains contact with the missionaries that baptized him just three years ago.
This elder is only one of many examples, of elders and sisters who serve with great faith and diligence in their missions.
May I also share an example of one of the many stories I have heard or how families are blessed when a son/daughter serves as a full-time missionary?
We have an elder serving whose family joined the church many years ago. His mother and siblings have always been active. However, his father was only active for about a year after his baptism. Since coming on the mission, this elder's father has returned to activity and he and his mother are preparing to attend the temple! What blessings! What love! What joy!
Heavenly Father's plan truly is a Plan of Happiness! Commandments are a Blessing! We should be so very thankful to have commandments in our lives to live with Joy, now and in the eternities!
So great!!!
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