Texas Houston Mission: Salvation Cannot Come Without Revelation

To the missionaries of the Great Texas Houston Mission!

Since we have focused on following the Doctrine of Christ in the way we teach and progress investigators, the numbers of progressing investigators with baptismal dates in our mission has almost doubled. Miracles are happening through you and because of you. We love you for it!

In PMG (p89) we read that Joseph Smith taught that "Salvation cannot come without revelation..." This is one of many reasons that we have emphasized Master Teaching, so that both we and our investigators can receive revelation. If we understand the Doctrine of Christ, we understand that much of what we teach and the way we teach is to lead our investigators to do those things that will invite the Holy Ghost into their lives. For example,

1. We invite them to read the Book of Mormon to receive revelation through the Holy Ghost.

2. We invite them to pray to receive revelation through the Holy Ghost.

3. We invite them to go to church to receive revelation through the Holy Ghost.

These commitments will prepare them to receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost so that they can endure to the end and be led back to the presence of our Father in Heaven.

It is interesting to me that the first chapter in PMG after the lessons is entitled "How do I Recognize and Understand the Spirit?" This is a skill that is not only important for us to learn, but also that we help our investigators learn. I want you to think about how you have helped your investigators with this in the past.

- Think about the first lesson when we ask them to commit to pray about the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon. Do we ask them how they think God will answer their prayer? Do we take time to help them understand how the Holy Ghost works so they recognize the answer when it comes?

- During the first follow up visit after the Restoration has been taught. Are we asking simply if our investigator has read and prayed and then moving on to the next lesson? Or have we left them with some specific "Search, Analyze and Apply" questions related to the material we have asked them to read that we then follow up on? Do we testify about the truthfulness of the things they have learned and help them understand that this is the pattern of receiving revelation?

- Do we ask them if they can share with us what they prayed about so that we know how they are praying to ensure that they are praying in a way that will result in an answer?

The Lord would have us teach these things more clearly. As we do, conversion will take place more deeply and the work will move forth more quickly!

We love you all and are so honored to be able to serve with you!

Love,

President and Sister Mortensen

October Transfers