But charity
is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth
forever; and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well
with him.
Moroni 7:48
Wherefore, my
beloved [sisters], pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that ye may be
filled with this love, which he hath bestowed upon all who are true followers
of his Son, Jesus Christ;that ye may
become the [daughters] of God; that when he shall appear we shall be like him, for we shall
see him as he is; that we may have this hope; that we may be purified even as
he is pure. Amen.
Are there certain things that missionaries need a testimony of? Of course. They are the same things we all need a testimony of: God is our loving Father in Heaven, Jesus Christ is our Savior and Redeemer, Joseph Smith is a prophet, the Book of Mormon is true and the Church of Jesus Christ has been restored. Do you need to know everything? Or just enough?
Testimony of Priesthood Authority
____________________________
Priesthood Authority inMissionary Work
It's pretty easy to have a testimony of Priesthood Authority when you think of Priesthood Authority as your childhood Bishop. It is a little more challenging when the Priesthood Authority comes in the form of an 18 year-old District Leader. Let's just say it can be a learning curve for all parties involved.
One key aspect of priesthood is that is to bless the lives of others.
Sisters and Missionary Work
If missionary work is a priesthood responisbility, then what are we doing here?
Much
of the major growth that is
coming to the Church in the last days will come …[because] the women
of the Church reflect righteousness and articulateness in their lives and …
are seen as distinct and different—in happy
ways—from the
women of the world.
Thus it will be that female
exemplars of the Church will be a significant force in both the numerical and
spiritual growth of the Church in the last days.
This one I repurposed specifically for missionary work. But it applies generally to everyone, but you'll see that the example may not translate so well in, say, Deacons Quorum
Beareth all things sounds as much fun as suffereth long. And truly only the Savior had to bear All things. However, we must be willing to bear whatever is asked of us. In the case of missionaries, that includes mission schedule and mission rules (gotta love the Missionary Handbook ).
Our sisters have been really good about dress standards. We had a few little course corrections to make (leggings, giant earrings, etc) and had quite the discussion on fingernail polish. I will say that it is very hard for sisters to find clothes--even Sister Missionary Mall has very few choices--right now the only skirts they offer are pencil skirts! Really? You ever ride a bike in a pencil skirt?
We logged on and went through every page of the dress standards so they could see/review and ask questions.
Willing
True love—Lock Your Heart
LOCK YOUR HEARTS and leave the
key at home.
Spencer
W Kimball
This is a problem for Elders and Sisters. Nothing can grind the work to a halt like boyfriend/girlfriend trouble. You don't even have to "Dear John/Jane" to have an impact--a harmless remark will be agonized over for weeks. If you are writing to "your missionary" then center it on the gospel, ask about the work, the investigators, tell of your own spiritual experiences and insights. Do not focus on post-mission life. Focus on your missionaries purpose, which for now, is an exclusive focus on bringing souls to Christ. (Also do not practice your flirting skills on missionaries. It is inappropriate.)
______________________________
When you have faith in Jesus
Christ, you trust the Lord enough to follow His commandments—even if you
donot completely understand the reasons
for them. You accomplish what the Lord wants you to accomplish. …You are able
to do miracles…
This is another topic that I focused more on companionship relationships than what would more traditionally be discussed in Sunday School. Still, it's all about Rejoicing in the Truth, in this case rejoicing in Honesty
Honesty
ASK for what you want and need
This one is something that flummoxes a lot of people, especially women. Sisters, no one can read your mind. You can't keep dropping hints and sighing. You need to be honest with your companion and come right out and say what you need. "Sister X, I would really apprecicate it if you did not sing showtunes while I am praying" or whatever. It is one of the worst stereotypes of women to stomp off in tears because "if you loved me you'd know why I was upset!" Be honest with each other. No mind reading. Ever. Rejoice in the Truth not Rejoice in the Hints
Of course it can't ignore the other aspects of Charity. So before your honest statements, ask yourself
Is it True?
Is it Kind?
Is it Helpful?
It needs to meet all three. It may be true (you have a really weird nose) but it also has to be kind (fail) and helpful (double fail). How about "you drive me crazy!" (true fail--see Elder Bednar) "I would appreciate it if you didn't ..." (true, said kindly, helpful to know)
___________________________
How would the Savior communicate with your companion about_______?
Ask the Lord in prayer how He would want you to act. Same three rules apply for Companionship Inventory--follow Preach My Gospel for companionship inventory. It is never a time for a "throw-down" or any unkindness. You are to be focusing on strengths of the companionship and goals for yourself. You don't get to set your companions goals to improve!
___________________
Companionship Inventory
True
Kind
Helpful
______________
Companionship Inventory
Clarify
in your mind before asking
Body
language counts
Respect
your companion if she needs process time It
doesn’t matter what the issue is if the way you communicate is destructive or
negative.
For those of you who have not memorized Preach My Gospel, here is what it says about Companionship Inventory. Notice that the word 'weaknesses' is no where to be found. (page 150, number 13):
Conduct companionship inventory. At the end of your weekly planning session, share with your companion appropriate goals, and ask for his or her help to accomplish them. Discuss the strength of your relationship with your companion. Discuss any challenges that may be keeping your companionship from working in unity or from being obedient. Resolve conflicts. Share with your companion what you think his or her strengths are. Ask for suggestions on how you can improve. If needed, set goals that will improve your relationship. Conclude with prayer.
