To the Missionaries of the Great Texas Houston Mission,
In the Book of Mormon, we read of an interesting experience that took place with Alma and Amulek. Alma had been cast out of the wicked city of Ammonihah, but the Lord asks him to return. Upon returning he meets Amulek who we learn is an "inactive" member of the church. Once Alma "ministers" to Amulek and his kinsfolk (Alma 10:11), the Lord commands Alma to preach again and this time to take Amulek with him. Interestingly, as they go and preach, Alma (the missionary) begins the teaching and says all of the right things, but fails to "move" the people of Ammonihah. Seeing this, Amulek steps forward and teaches so personally and so boldly that we read in Alma 11:46that the people of Ammonihah were "astonished". The people weren't so impressed when the missionary taught, but when the member taught as a second witness, things changed.
Typically when we think of member involvement, we think of "member presents" and that is one important area where members can make a difference. The truth is, though, that often the most valuable member influence that members can have is outside of the lessons. This kind of involvement usually requires us to help members see the opportunity and that's unfortunately why it sometimes doesn't ever happen. We can do better. Think for a minute about the last time you had progressing investigators who didn't come to church after having previously attending. Who did you ask to reach out to them to express concern and that they were missed? If it is a family that missed, did we reach out to primary teachers, primary presidency, YM/YW leaders, RS presidency, EQ presidency and bishop and ask them to reach out to the family via text, email or phone? If we didn't, we need to do better. This, Elders and Sisters, is how we "encircle the flocks" that have been led to the water. We need to help our investigators feel wanted and identify for members easy and effective member missionary opportunities. The difference between our investigators feeling like they belong or not, comes down to small things like these.
The other group of members we can do better with is the youth. During this round of interviews I have been asking many of you about the youth in your ward. How many of them have specific commitments you are following up with them on. So far the average has been less than 5%. Committing the youth is important for a couple of reasons:
- We convey our belief in them which motivates them to act
- We help them build their faith
- We help bless their friends who are likely the recipients of our invitations.
- Parents follow youth. If the youth get activated, parents will; both the parents of our youth, but also the parents of their friends.
As we expand our vision to mobilize the members of the ward to be involved with us and with our investigators more, we will see greater and more frequent miracles.
Love,
President and Sister Mortensen
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| We attended an Open House at Lone Star University to launch another Family History class on campus. |
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| Brother Dickson from the Copperfield ward was there to answer questions and assist sign ups. |
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| There was a lot of interest in our class and we are excited about the potential of many hearts turning to their Fathers. |