Week 98: Now is the Time...‏

President Monson in the October 2013 General Conference said, "The holy scriptures contain no proclamation more relevant, no responsibility more binding, no instruction more direct than the injunction given by the resurrected Lord as He appeared in Galilee to the eleven disciples. Said He, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.” The Prophet Joseph Smith declared, “After all that has been said, the greatest and most important duty is to preach the Gospel.”3 Some of you here today will yet remember the words of President David O. McKay, who phrased the familiar “Every member a missionary!”

To their words I add my own. Now is the time for members and missionaries to come together, to work together, to labor in the Lord’s vineyard to bring souls unto Him. He has prepared the means for us to share the gospel in a multitude of ways, and He will assist us in our labors if we will act in faith to fulfill His work."

That was back in the beginning of my mission when that was said, during my first transfer with Elder Hernandez, my trainer....and what I have found is that in good times and bad times, the instructions of the Prophet have never been more relevant.

These past few weeks I have felt stressed over the progress of my investigators...seeing many people who I have grown to love literally freeze in the face of temptation and persecution. What could have possibly been the answer to such a riddle?

Actually it was right in front of my face...we were working HARD (literally, harder than I ever have in my whole mission) but we weren't working very SMART.

The secret lies in overcoming self and working with the ever-available cavalry of members.

Member Missionary work was captured well by Elder Quinten L. Cook:

"I believe with all of my heart that we are on the threshold of the most significant missionary success to date.

Our challenge is to share the joyous, eternally significant gospel with our brothers and sisters so they can find peace and happiness and exaltation.

With this in mind, how can we be effective missionaries?

First: Be a missionary all your life. President David O. McKay (1873–1970) taught that every member is a missionary, and it is as true today as when it was first declared.

Second: Overcome feelings of hesitancy or inadequacy.

Third: Do not be discouraged because missionary work is hard.

Fourth: Be a good example and take every opportunity to share the gospel (see 1 Timothy 4:12)."

(Elder Quinten L. Cook, "How to Be a Member Missionary" New Era Feb. 2015)

This week we focused a lot more on working with the members and it worked beautifully. We were able to help Jorge and Evelyn and others (Marlon, Andrea, Rolando, Felicia) in a way that we never really were able to do before.

Case closed: Member Missionary Work is inspired by the Lord.

It may not be news to anyone but a larger focus on the work of salvation through Ward Leaders brings the greatest blessings from heaven.

Life's good.

Have a great week!