Dear Sisters
and Elders –
Elder David A.
Bednar explained that, "Preach My Gospel missionaries understand
that they serve and represent Jesus Christ. ... We do not represent our
families, our friends, our branches or wards, or our communities or nation.
Rather, we represent Him" (Becoming a Preach My GospelMissionary,
Seminar for New Mission Presidents, 24 June, 2011).
Are we
effectively representing Christ? It would behoove each of us on occasion to ask
ourselves the following questions:
·
Do I
represent Christ effectively at church and when I interact with members in
their homes?
·
Do I
represent Christ well when performing community service? Are my appearance,
language, and behavior consistent with a true disciple of the Savior?
·
Do I
represent Christ effectively on preparation day? Do I wear proselyting clothes
when out in public? Do my appearance, language, and behavior let others know I
am a true follower of Jesus?
·
Do I
represent Christ in my relationship with my companion? Do I serve him and
desire his welfare? Am I forgiving and do I overlook insignificant differences
we may have?
·
Do I
represent Christ when interacting with other missionaries? Does my example lift
other missionaries to become more Christlike, or does it drag them down?
When we act
like the Savior and represent Him effectively, we provide an example that draws
others out of the world and closer to God. However, if our appearance and
behavior resemble the world, then we become an impediment to God's purposes for
saving His children.
Elder Bednar
provides the following invitation to each of us: "Please remember Him in
all that you think, in all that you do, and in all that you strive to become,
and represent Him appropriately to all of Heavenly Father's children with whom
you interact (Becoming a Preach My
Gospel Missionary).
Thank you for
your faithful and sincere efforts to represent, and even emulate, Jesus Christ
in your interactions with others.
Sure love you!
_______________________________________________
Dear Sisters
and Elders –
We have a need
to review the purpose and standards for preparation day. (See Missionary
Handbook, pp. 19-24.) Following these standards will increase our desire
and capacity to bring souls to Christ.
The
PURPOSE of p-day is "to prepare so that you can give full attention to
proselyting during the rest of the week" (MH, p. 19). It is not a
personal day, play day, or vacation day from missionary responsibilities.
Please strive to follow the standards below:
·
"Arise
at 6:30 AM, and follow the regular study schedule" (MH, p. 19).
·
"Use
preparation day to take care of personal needs, such as writing to your family,
washing clothes, getting a haircut, cleaning your apartment, shopping, and
washing your car" (MH p. 19). These activities should NOT be done
Tuesday through Sunday.
·
"On
preparation day, wear missionary clothes in public" (MH, p. 19).
·
"Use
only MyLDSMail.net... Do not use any other e-mail service or any other internet
service or site that has not been authorized" (MH, p. 20).
Accessing Facebook, YouTube, ESPN, or any other non-Church websites detracts
from the Spirit and goes against the Church's standards for full-time
missionaries.
·
"Stay
with your companion during all activities" (MH, p. 21).
·
"Stay
in your area unless you receive permission to leave it" (MH, p.
21). Do not travel outside of your zone. If you feel that you need an exception
(e.g., medical visit, auto servicing, etc.) please call me for permission.
·
"Preparation
day ends by 6:00 PM. Proselyte from 6:00 PM to the end of the evening" (MH,
p. 19). Remember that dinner should be completed before 6:00 PM, unless a
non-member or less active member is present.
I urge you to
follow these standards every preparation day. If you do, I promise that you
will feel a greater sense of purpose, a stronger Spirit, and more opportunities
to share the gospel. If we follow these standards collectively as a mission, we
will be able to hasten the work of the Lord more effectively.
Sure love you!