Remember to Relate to People

We have loved hearing about so many miracles of the people you have found this last week. I think we easily found more prepared, interested families this week than we did the last six months combined! The Lord is hastening His work and we are all so blessed to be playing some small role in it.

I had the chance to speak to many of you this week about your experience finding. As I did, I couldn't help but think of something I read in a book entitled "The Power of Everyday Missionaries" by Clayton Christensen. In it, he references a study done by the church several years ago where they did and extensive survey of new converts to determine what it was about the Church that initially interested them. These were the results, in order of frequency of mention:

1. The feeling of closeness to God that they wanted to experience.

2. Happiness and a sense of peace which they wanted.

3. They wanted a better sense of purposefulness and direction in their lives

They tended to see these attributes in the Mormons they new. Interestingly, only 9% of converts said that the doctrine was the main thing that attracted them to the Church. So it's not the doctrine that initially attracts them, but it is the doctrine that keeps them. The doctrine is critical, but it's typically not what they are looking for at least at first. If that's the case, think about how this knowledge should change our initial interaction with people.

We need to approach people with things that matter to them. At the bottom of p. 159 in PMG we read, "Addressing the importance of the family with those you meet each day will help you find people to teach. Most people have a natural interest in families." On page 160, there is a great example of how we can quickly relate a discussion on families to the Restoration of the gospel. Please review this example and practice it during companion study this week to see how we can better engage people on things that matter to them.

We are inspired by the great work you are doing! We are proud of you for your righteous desires and diligence. Have a wonderful week and may the Lord bless you for your willingness to sacrifice.

Love,

President and Sister Mortensen

And the winner of the special zone activity is....

The Houston North English Zone!

Loving the sites of Huntsville together

Antique shopping

Soccer and ultimate frisbee

We enjoyed another inspiring Mission Leadership Council last week. We felt uplifted as we counseled together and received inspiration for this wonderful mission. What a blessing to serve with such consecrated missionaries. We love them!

Our Mission Leadership Council

It wouldn't be MLC without some practical role playing

Elder Croft made us crepes for dinner. Delicious!