Dear Sisters and Elders –
As explained in the Missionary Handbook: “Holidays are excellent opportunities for finding and teaching because many families are together and are at home” (p. 17).
Christmas is a wonderful time to find and teach people about Jesus Christ and His restored gospel! Please find below some ways that you can find people to teach during this important time of year:
1. Ask others: “Would you be willing to listen to a brief Christmas message?” or “Who do you know that would be willing to listen to a brief Christmas message?”
2. Encourage members to invite their friends to previously planned Church Christmas events:
- First Presidency Christmas Devotional (Sunday, December 8, 2013)
- Ward Christmas dinner
- Ward service projects
- Stake musical events
- Youth Christmas activities
3. Introduce members to mormon.org/Christmas. Invite them to refer friends to the site.
4. Encourage members to provide a gospel gift bag (i.e., DVD, Book of Mormon, The Living Christ, etc.) to neighbors and friends in lieu of other presents.
5. Set up a booth at a local holiday festival or event. (Make sure to receive proper approvals.)
6. Invite members to include friends in holiday activities where other members will be present.
7. When knocking doors, offer to sing a Christmas hymn or to share a message about the Savior.
Please review the suggestions above and discuss additional ways to find people to teach during the Christmas season. Prayerfully develop a specific plan to find new people to teach through the members and through your own efforts. Share the finding plan with your ward mission leader. As you implement an inspired finding plan, the Lord will help you to find those He has prepared.
With much love and respect,
President Pingree