Our Duty to Convince and Persuade

To the Missionaries of the Great Texas Houston Mission,

As we have been studying The Book of Mormon, there are two words that have been standing out to us lately. Those words speak to our duty to "Convince" and "Persuade." It may be that those words have had a negative connotation for you in the past, but we want you to consider them in a different light; in a way that suggests that people need a reason to change and even need to be persuaded that they must change/repent. In this context, we would like you to reflect on how effective you are at "convincing" and "persuading" in your teaching. These are important words and we find them throughout The Book of Mormon.  As early as the title page of the Book of Mormon, we read that it's purpose is to "Convince Jew and Gentile that Jesus is the Christ." Toward the end of Nephi's writings, Nephi teaches that the Lord "hath commanded His people that they should "persuade" all men to repentance.

These words are more powerful words than to simply "explain" and "invite," which is often the way we teach. While it is true that we must invite (in fact it is the way we accomplish our missionary purpose) it is the WAY we invite people to repent or keep commitments that we would like you to consider. How do we develop the ability to transform our teaching from simply "conveying" information, to teaching it with such power that those we teach are "persuaded" of the need they have to change. The difference can certainly be found in our voice and in our eyes. Fortunately the scriptures give us several additional suggestions.

We learn a little about what is required to teach with power in Alma 17 when we read of the missionary efforts of Alma and the sons of Mosiah. Of them it is written in v. 2 that "they waxed strong in the knowledge of the truth for they were men of sound understanding and they had searched the scriptures diligently that they might know the word of God." Continuing in v. 3 we read that "they had given themselves to much prayer and fasting" so that when they taught, they taught with the "power and authority of God." We know that because of their ability to teach with power, thousands were brought to a knowledge of the truth.

We also learn about the keys to obtaining the power to convince from the Lord's teaching to the prophet Joseph Smith when he says "Behold this is your work, to keep my commandments, yea, with all your might, mind and strength. Seek not to declare my word, but first seek to obtain my word, and then shall your tongue be loosed; then, if you desire, you shall have my Spirit and my word, yea, the power of God unto the CONVINCING of men." (D&C 11:20-21).

Elders and Sisters, the Lord is teaching Joseph Smith that obedience ("keeping the commandments") is the way we "obtain" His word. He reveals His word by the Holy Ghost to His disciples on conditions of obedience. (1 Cor 2:9-14)

If we consider these things together we learn that we can succeed in our duty to convince and persuade on the following conditions:

1. We are diligent in taking advantage of the hours set aside for personal and companion study (search the scriptures diligently)

2. We pray and fast with sincerity and purpose

3. We are as exactly obedient as we can be

We testify to you that as we do these things and use The Book of Mormon as if it were our sword in this battle to reclaim the souls of the children of God, miracles will result and we will find power, even the power of God unto the convincing of men. That we may do so is our great prayer for each of you. If you succeed in this effort, we promise you that not only will you bring many to a knowledge of the truth during your full time missionary service, but you will also do the same after your missions particularly those of your posterity.

We love you and are inspired by the growing power within you!

Love,

President and Sister Mortensen

Saying goodbye to Elder Moon

We will miss you Elder Moon!

We held the 8 week follow-up training for the missionaries who arrived here last August. They are doing great and teaching so well! It was great to see them all again and counsel together and practice how to teach effectively. 

Best lunch companions!

College Station Elders

Role plays

Role plays

Role plays

We attended district meeting in the Louetta District last Friday. We enjoyed the great unity in that district and sharing some of the answers found in the Book of Mormon for the questions of the soul. Elder Marquez is a great leader and great things are happening. 

Elder Marquez in action

The Louetta District 

Reading AND Understanding

To the Missionaries of the Great Texas Houston Mission,

This last week I had the opportunity to teach a woman along with the missionaries in their area. We read from the Book of Mormon together and I was reminded of a principle that I don't know if we have taught as effectively as we should. In PMG, we read that:

"Many investigators either do not read the Book of Mormon or do not understand what they read. Those who do not read or understand the Book of Mormon will have difficulty receiving a witness that it is true." (PMG p.110)

Please note that while it is important that investigators (and members for that matter) read the Book of Mormon, it is equally important that they understand. If we cannot insure that they are reading AND understanding, we limit the power that is available to them from The Book of Mormon to both enlighten their minds and change their hearts.

Elders and Sisters, we must take the time with EVERY investigator to read with them and check for their understanding. When you read, stop regularly (even after every verse if necessary) to ask questions about what was read and what they understand it to mean. By so doing, you will help them grow in their confidence that they can understand and it will serve to increase their motivation to read.

Last night at our Mission President's fireside, we listened to one recent convert tell about how he never felt he could understand "religious books" until his missionaries read with him and helped him understand what he was reading. As he was able to understand 1 Ne 8 and how it applied to him, he felt a desire grow within him to do what was necessary to "make it to the tree."

We testify to you that as we help each investigator read AND understand, we will see them become filled with light which will have a transforming effect on them and lead them to greater hope and happiness. Schedule time to read with them. Give them assignments before each visit that are meaningful both in terms of length and application and then spend enough time to talk about what was read and what it means. Miracles will take place and we will unleash the power of The Book of Mormon in the hearts and minds of those we teach.

We love you!

Love,

President and Sister Mortensen

We attended District Meeting in the Huntsville District last Friday. It was so great to be with the wonderful missionaries in that area. Elder Jones lead an inspiring meeting as we learned more about the the power of the Book of Mormon. 

Planning for investigators to have a great experience at church

Elder Jones training his district.

Hunstville District

Elder Tweedie and Elder Berry at the Ward Trunk R Treat

We held a Mission President's "Why I Believe" Fireside last night in the College Station Stake. It was a Spirit filled fireside with testimonies from recent converts and beautiful music from our missionaries. What a blessing for all who attended! Here are some picture taken that night.

Using the Book of Mormon to Build Faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement

To the Missionaries of the Great Texas Houston Mission,

We love to read how you are making the Book of Mormon the focal point of your teaching. The missionaries in H10 are challenging all members and investigators to read the Book of Mormon everyday. Conroe 3rd has determined that they will read it as a ward. These are just a few of the ways that some of you are elevating the role of the Book of Mormon in the lives of the people you serve.

In our day, the Lord has said:

54 And your minds in times past have been darkened because of unbelief, and because you have treated lightly the things you have received—

55 Which vanity and unbelief have brought the whole church under condemnation.

56 And this condemnation resteth upon the children of Zion, even all.

57 And they shall remain under this condemnation until they repent and remember the new covenant, even the Book of Mormon and the former commandments which I have given them, not only to say, but to do according to that which I have written. (D&C 84)

There are two quotes that we would like each of you to memorize so that they are always available as you teach about the Book of Mormon and commit others to read it. They are from President Ezra Taft Benson and President Marion G. Romney. They are as follows:

"There is a power in the book which will begin to flow into your lives the moment you begin a serious study of the book. You will find greater power to resist temptation. You will find the power to avoid deception. You will find the power to stay on the strait and narrow path." (President Benson Oct 1986 "The Book of Mormon - The Keystone of our Religion)

"I feel certain that if, in our homes, parents will read from the Book of Mormon prayerfully and regularly, both by themselves and with their children, the spirit of that great book will come to permeate our homes and all who dwell therein. The spirit of reverence will increase; mutual respect and consideration for each other will grow. The spirit of contention will depart. Parents will counsel their children in greater love and wisdom. Children will be more responsive and submissive to the counsel of their parents. Righteousness will increase. Faith, hope, and charity — the pure love of Christ — will abound in our homes and lives, bringing in their wake peace, joy and happiness." (President Marion G. Romney, Ensign, May 1980, p. 67)

There are also great messages in General Conference that we ought to review particularly those from Elder Stevenson and Elder Nattress that will both inspire and uplift.

We testify to each of you that The Book of Mormon was written for us in our day. It is inspired by God to help us return safely back to Him. We know it is true and are committed to read it every day the rest of our lives. We hope you will join us in that commitment so that the promises that He has made will be fulfilled in our lives.

Love,

President and Sister Mortensen

Temple Trip with the departing missionaries

We will miss these faces

Saying goodbye to the Chappells

Testimony meeting with departing missionaries

2 years later...same spot 

Elder Yanzon leaves early to return to the Phillipines

Waiting on the toaster

Beautiful voices in the mission home

We will miss these faithful servants! They are outstanding

A few hours later, here come our new missionaries straight from the MTC

They look great!

And eager to meet us :)

And we are so happy to have them. What a beautiful sight!

All the new missionaries from the Provo MTC

Here come Elder Hatch and Elder Stulce from the Mexico MTC!

Finally all together with our two elder from the Mexico MTC

Receiving some training 

In the Mission Home for some Texas BBQ

The Nelsons make the best french toast! We love them!

Looks pretty serious :)

President explains to begin with the end (temple) in mind.

Our assistants

The following pictures are of the new missionaries with their trainers. They are all in great hands!

Pizza for lunch

 On Friday we attended District Meeting in the Klein District with Elder Dayton as the District Leader. It was an edifying meeting with a strong district.

Klein District

Twinning at Stake Conference

So good to see Elder Hansen is healing from his wrist repair