Sister Pingree and I really enjoyed being with you last week during zone conferences. There was a strong spirit in each of the conferences and we left so grateful for the devotion you have for the Lord and your efforts to spread His gospel faithfully. We love serving with you!
Among others things, we discussed the importance of exercising our faith to baptize every month. As the Lord explained, "I am a God of miracles; and I will show unto the world that I am the same yesterday, today, and forever; and I work not among the children of men save it be according to their faith" (2 Nephi 27:23). With the Lord's help, and our faith, we can baptize each month!
The Lord will bless us with miracles as we demonstrate our faith. We show the Lord faith as we obey the standards in the Mission Handbook, plan effectively, study effectively, practice teach, talk with everyone, work hard, and stay positive. The Lord can help us to find, teach, and baptize MANY more of those He has already prepared to receive the restored gospel.
During zone conferences, we discussed "Practical Ways to Help Investigators Get Baptized." Please find below ten suggestions that were identified:
1. State missionary purpose often
2. Use the Powerful First Lesson
3. Invite investigator to be baptized no later than the second lesson
4. Use the baptismal invitations provided in Preach My Gospel, p. 40
5. Help investigator to pray, read the Book of Mormon, and attend Church
6. Have a member present at every possible lesson
7. Maintain daily contact with investigator
8. Have investigator meet with the bishop
9. Invite investigator to attend a baptismal service
10. Review baptismal questions with the investigator
As you plan for each of your investigators, please use these practical suggestions.
Baptism is central to our purpose as missionaries. The Lord admonished, "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost" (Matthew 28:19). Heavenly Father wants EVERY ONE of His children to return back to Him. They cannot do so unless they are baptized. As we exercise our faith and rely on the Lord, we WILL be able to bring people to baptism every month.
We are excited about this work and the many blessings the Lord has in store for those seeking the truth.
With much love,
President Pingree