Dear Sisters and Elders –
I would like to clarify
something from zone conference. We discussed finding investigators based on the
following priorities:
1. Part
member families;
2. New
and less active families;
3. Active
members;
4. Current
and former investigators; and
5. Personal
finding efforts.
While some of these methods may
be more productive than others, we should continue to use each of these methods
in our finding efforts. As explained in the Mission President’s Handbook:
“Help your missionaries identify finding methods that are most fruitful in your
mission. Take care, however, not to eliminate any valid finding method. For
example, do not let your missionaries focus so intensely on finding through
members that they neglect finding through their own efforts, including street
contacting and tracting (p. 39).”
Regardless of the methods of
finding employed, we should always seek to “open our mouths” and “talk to
everyone.” When we are out and about, the Lord will help us to cross paths with
those He has prepared. We simply need to contact as many people as possible in
ways that will help them to feel the Spirit.
Also, after every lesson,
contact, or interaction with anyone, always remember to ask, “Who do you know
that could benefit from our message?” I really believe that this simple
practice will lead us to many of those the Lord has prepared to receive the
gospel. “Missionaries who apply this principle usually have many people to
teach” (PMG, 159).
I have great faith in your ability
to determine through prayer and the Spirit, and in consultation with the bishop
and ward mission leader, which finding methods will be most productive in your
assigned area. However, each of these finding methods will need to be employed
to some extent in order to find all of those the Lord has prepared.
Thank you for your continued
efforts to find people to teach.
With much love,
President Pingree
