 |
| Elder and Sister Fairbourne |
 |
| Elders Stanford and Lowe serve in the Spanish Sealy Branch |
 |
| Elders Itow and Whitney serve in the Sealy Branch |
 |
| In front of the Turner's home |
 |
| Doctrine and Covenants 84:88 |
 |
| Ken Turner |
 |
| Kate |
 |
| The Fairbourne's quaint apartment in Sealy |
Dear Sisters and Elders –
I hope you had a great week and experienced many miracles!
This past week I had a chance to interview a little over half of the mission. It was great to visit with you. One of the challenges we continue to face is finding new people to teach. Today, I wanted to share some things that I would do if I were in an area seeking to build up my teaching pool.
First, kneel down as a companionship and plead for the Lord’s help to find those He has prepared in your area to receive the restored gospel. Let Him know that you sincerely desire to find those people and that you are committed to do whatever is required to find them. Dedicate a day to fast for His help to find those prepared.
Second, re-review Chapter 9 of Preach My Gospel as a companionship. Seek the impressions of the Spirit to know which specific methods of finding will be most effective in your area at this time. Follow the impressions you receive and develop plans to implement those finding methods.
Third, visit the bishop and each member of the ward council in their home. Share a principle from the missionary lessons and let them know that you are here to work and to help them in their callings. Ask them if there are names of part-member and less-active families that you can teach or help. During your visits with these individuals ask who they know that would be interested in your message.
Fourth, put forth real faith and effort to find on your own. The Lord will help you find people to teach. Talk with EVERYONE as you go throughout your day—as you walk to appointments, get fuel for your vehicle, go to the store, tract neighborhoods, etc. Utilize the suggestions found in “Finding through Your Own Efforts” of Preach My Gospel (p. 167).
Finally, prayerfully select families in the ward and set appointments to teach them principles from the missionary lessons. At the end of the brief lesson, ask them to share their feelings for the gospel. Then, give them a piece of paper and ask them to write down the names of their family, friends, and acquaintances that are not members of the Church. After they have written down names, invite them to pray over the list right there and listen to the Spirit’s impressions to know whom the Lord has prepared. After they identify those that are prepared, help them to determine ways to invite those people to learn more about the gospel (e.g., meet with the missionaries, attend church, read the Book of Mormon, come to Family Home Evening, participate in church activities, etc.). Follow up with them in a week and provide help and support as needed.
We are called to gather the elect (D&C 29:7) and the Lord has promised to open their hearts to receive us (D&C 31:7). As we extend much faith and effort, we will find more people to teach! Thank you for your devotion to the Lord and His work.
Love,