Dear Sisters and Elders –
What is true conversion to the gospel of Jesus Christ?
As explained in the Bible Dictionary: “[Conversion] denotes changing one’s views, in a conscious acceptance of the will of God. If followed by continued faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, repentance, baptism in water for the remission of sins, and the reception of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands, conversion will become complete and will change a natural man into a sanctified, born again, purified person—a new creature in Christ Jesus. Complete conversion comes after many trials and much testing. To labor for the conversion of one’s self and others is a noble task…” (p. 650).
Our purpose as missionaries is to help others become converted to Jesus Christ and His restored gospel. We have an incredible purpose!
During specialized training, we identified the principles of conversion and discussed how we as full-time missionaries can work closely with the bishop and ward mission leader to help new members to remain active in the Church (PMG, pp. 213-214). We also reviewed our responsibility to meet at least weekly with new members and to help them do things that will deepen their conversion to the gospel of Jesus Christ. Several of these key actions include:
• Praying daily
• Studying the scriptures daily
• Sharing the gospel with family and friends
• Attending church and partaking of the sacrament
• Conducting weekly family home evening
• Receiving a calling
• Receiving the priesthood
• Preparing family names for the temple
• Attending the temple to do proxy baptisms
• Participating in the home teaching and visiting teaching programs
• Learning about and receiving a patriarchal blessing
• Learning how to access past conference talks on LDS.org
This week, please review the Plan for Full-time Missionaries to Help Strengthen New Members (to be sent out in a separate email). Prayerfully identify ways to use the plan to support investigators, new members, and less active members in your areas.
In addition, please take time to study the process of spiritual conversion. Prayerfully consider your own progress towards full conversion to Jesus Christ and His gospel. As you deepen your own conversion, you will have more power to help others become converted.
It is a privilege to work with each of you.
With much love and respect,
President Pingree