As we discussed at our recent training, the Spirit has indicated to me that we as a mission need to be more diligent with the morning schedule. The Lord wants us to arise by 6:30 AM, exercise, and prepare for the day. At 8:00 AM, He wants us to have personal study and then at 9:00 AM to study and role play as a companionship. Elder Jeffrey R. Holland stated: “I have said to missionaries all over this planet that they make or break their mission from 6:30 to 10:00 in the morning” (“The Atonement,” Seminar for New Mission Presidents, June 2007).
Why is the morning schedule so important?
Elder Holland explained: “There are lots of reasons…but one of the great reasons is that this is when [missionaries] get to study the gospel and nothing will so touch their heart and stir their souls like the truths of [the doctrine]. In their companion study and individual study they become ‘God’s investigators.’ In those morning hours it is the studious, prayerful missionary who receives the Father’s record of the Son, born with fire and the Holy Ghost to the heart of the missionary later in the day, then it can be to the heart of the investigator. That is why we want them up on time. It is not more complicated or mysterious than that—we want them to be able to prepare, to receive the Spirit of the Lord, to receive anew their witness of the work of salvation in which they are engaged…” (Seminar for New Mission Presidents, June 2007).
Sisters and Elders, PLEASE give your very best effort to follow the morning schedule with exactness. If we do, we will feel the Spirit more strongly, receive more revelation for our investigators, experience greater unity in our companionship, and find greater joy in our missionary service.
Also, please remember to include in your Monday letter to me an accounting for your diligence with the morning schedule. Please report three numbers (i.e., 7-7-7) representing (i) the number of days during the past week you were up by 6:30 AM, (ii) the number of days you completed a full personal study, and (iii) the number of days you completed a full companion study. Instead of viewing this as an accounting to me, consider it more importantly as an accounting to the Lord. It is He that expects us to live the morning schedule.
Our morning schedule is one of the few things we can control in missionary work. We can be perfect at the morning schedule. I know we can do this, and it will make a big difference!
Sure love you,
President Pingree