Dear Sisters and Elders –
In Preach My Gospel, we are told: “The Lord is preparing people to receive you” (155). “Pray for the spiritual sensitivity to recognize opportunities” (156). “Talk to as many people as you can each day” because “God will place in your path His children who are being prepared to receive the restored gospel” (156). I know this is true!
Please find below recent comments from missionaries that are striving to follow the counsel above:
“We found 7 new investigators this past week! How did we do that? Well, we have really been trying to invite at least 25 people daily to hear about the gospel and even though it’s hard some days, Heavenly Father can tell that our efforts are sincere.”
“This week we have REALLY been trying to get 25 contacts everyday and it is amazing how many people in our path are ready for the gospel. One miracle that happened involved a woman on her way back to her apartment from the dumpster. As we started talking to her, she really didn't seem interested. But all of a sudden she paused and said, 'Yes actually, I am in crisis. I need help with my teenage daughters. They are all struggling against drugs and court and in school right now. Just this morning I said I was going to look for a church to get them involved in.' The next day we met the daughters, the oldest of which is yearning to change her life. The next day they all came to mutual and the ward just scooped them up. All because we decided to be exactly obedient and contact everyone! They are 4 new progressing investigators.”
“This week has been completely blessed. I had a change in attitude and had that desire to be here and work every day and try my best to talk to every person. I have tried to follow all the rules with no exceptions. We are starting to see the fruits of our work. We found 6 investigators this week! There are tens of thousands of people ready…”
“It was about 8:15 at night and we had nothing else schedule. We pulled over on our bikes to a dark part of the rode and said a prayer, asking for specific guidance. I then said in my mind, "Heavenly Father, guide us to one of your elect." Now... not every prayer is answered so immediately, nor in the way that we want it, but the words came to my mind, ‘Second street down on the left, third house on the right.’ The response was so immediate and spiritual; it nearly brought me to tears. I knew that this was who we needed to see, and nothing was going to stop us from finding this person. We got there, and there was a family inside. They were making so much noise as to drown out our knocking, but we kept persistent. After about four times of knocking, someone walked by, and saw us. They called to the patriarch of the home, and he came to the door. Our message of prophets and the Book of Mormon intrigued him. He readily accepted a copy, and gave us his number. I believe with all of my heart that he is one of God's elect, and it is our duty to bring him to the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ.”
Thank you for your examples. Let’s place an added emphasis this week on opening our mouths and inviting as many people as possible to learn about the gospel. As we do, we will find more people to teach.
With much love and appreciation,
President Pingree