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
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| Saying goodbye to Elder Moon |
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| 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.
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| Best lunch companions! |
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| College Station Elders |
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| Role plays |
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| Role plays |
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| 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.
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| Elder Marquez in action |
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| The Louetta District |