Dear Sisters and Elders –
One of the great blessings of serving a mission is the opportunity to meet, work with, and serve local members of the Church. We represent the Savior to the members in our assigned areas. Each interaction we have with them either strengthens or weakens our ability to fulfill our divine commission. Please find below a few important points regarding our visits with members:
First, “when you visit, talk to, or eat with members, your primary purpose should be to strengthen them and help them fulfill their missionary responsibilities” (MH, p. 36). When visiting members, we are not there to simply say hello, hang out, chat or pass time. Please keep your visits short and remember that the purpose of our visits is to build members’ faith in Jesus Christ and help them to share the gospel with others. Always remember to ask: “Who do you know that can benefit from our message?” (PMG, 159).
Second, “meal appointments should be an hour or less and should not interfere with prime proselyting time” (MH, p. 36). Finish member meal appointments before 6:00 PM, unless an investigator or a nonmember friend is present. This allows us to be more effective missionaries and more productive during prime proselyting time.
Also, only attend meal appointments in your assigned area. When more than one set of missionaries serve in a ward, do not schedule dinner appointments together as a group; only one companionship should attend a dinner appointment at a time. Please help members understand that separate meal appointments allow us to reach more families and to fulfill our missionary purpose more effectively.
Third, “do everything you can to build their confidence in you as a dedicated, powerful servant of the Lord” (MH, p. 36). “Maintain the highest standards of conduct and appearance” (MH, p. 3). When visiting members, teach doctrine, bring the Spirit, be positive, and give thanks. Do not stay longer than is needful. Always ask: “How can I help?” (PMG, 161).
As a companionship, please prayerfully consider the principles above and make any adjustments you deem necessary. Following these principles will help us to gain more respect from local members and to fulfill our missionary purpose more effectively.
Thank you for your diligent efforts to represent the Lord honorably and for the trust and confidence you build with members. It is a great blessing serving with you.
With much love and respect,
President Pingree