Interviews Begin

This week interviews and training were held with the Katy and College Station Zones, along with part of the Houston West Zone.  While interviews with missionaries were being done by President Pingree, training was presented on topics such as finding and utilizing the hymns in our proselyting work.  

Always Finding

Dear Sisters and Elders –

One of the unique mandates the Lord gives to each of us as full-time missionaries is to "open thy mouth at all times, declaring my gospel" (D&C 28:16).

Why is it important to open our mouths at all times? God has prepared people in each of our areas to receive the message of the restored gospel (PMG, 155). He will place them in our path (PMG, 169). If we open our mouths at all times, we will find them. The more we open our mouths, the more people we will find, teach, and baptize.

How does God intend for us to open our mouths at all times? Let me suggest several steps.

First, pray each day (personally and as a companionship) for the spiritual sensitivity to recognize opportunities to share the gospel (PMG, 156). Pray for the faith to be bold in opening your mouth.

Second, wherever you go seek to start natural and normal conversations with people. Be a blessing, not a nuisance. Look for clues to know how to begin talking with them, such as children, religious jewelry, items in homes or yards, etc. (PMG, 157).

Third, whatever your initial approach, refer quickly and simply to the Restoration of the gospel, which is our unique message to the world (PMG, 159). When describing the Restoration, use statements that are easily understood by others and identify the uniqueness of what we have to offer. A few examples include:

"Christ organized a church and men changed it. Christ re-established His church in our day."

"God reveals His will to us in scripture. We believe in the Bible. God revealed another book of scripture called the Book of Mormon. It supports the Bible and is another testament of Jesus Christ."

"God is our Father. He loves us. As in the past, God has called a prophet in our day to lead and guide us."

Fourth, regardless of their interest, ask everyone if they know of someone that might be interested in your message. They likely know someone who has some interest in religion or needs extra support at this time.

Also, on preparation days, try to find activities that will allow you to associate with people. Wear your proselyting clothes in public. Talk with as many people as you can. In addition, throughout the week, avoid driving in your car more than is necessary. As you walk and ride bikes in neighborhoods, you will have more opportunities to open your mouth and share the gospel.

Sister and Elders, let's ALWAYS BE FINDING, wherever we are. Let's talk with as many people as possible in natural and normal ways about the restored gospel. As we do, we demonstrate faith, and the Lord will help us find the tens of thousands He has prepared in our mission.

With much love and respect,

President Pingree

Transfers

This week transfers were held in the Texas Houston Mission.  We said farewell to six great missionaries - Elders Gardner, Stringham, Holmes and Lewis along with Sisters Tofete and Ball.  They have each served faithfully and we wish them the very best as they move forward with their lives.  We also received 13 new missionaries.  Among them are three waiting for visas to Brazil and two sisters from Houston who have received mission calls elsewhere, but are needed here to help as we open new areas for growing numbers of missionaries coming these next few months. 

 

Transfer activities for departing missionaries included a career workshop, lunch, temple session, dinner, fireside and morning breakfast before their departure.  New missionaries participated in orientation workshops, dinner, fireside, breakfast, mission transfers, training meetings and lunch.  It has been wonderful to be together and feel the spirit and enthusiasm of these good missionaries. Please enjoy a few pictures taken during transfers.

 

Departing missionaries at mission home

 

Houston Temple

Holmes Family

Departing sisters with President and Sister Chappell

Signing mission flag

Breakfast

New missionaries arrive at Houston airport

New Missionaries

CTR luggage

Loading mission trailer

Elders help with dinner dishes

New sister missionaries

New Elders

President Pingree orients new missionaries

A training meeting

Lunch at Louetta building

 New Missionaries with Trainers

Leaving the World Behind, etc.

Dear Sisters and Elders –

When speaking to His disciples, Christ explained, “I have chosen you out of the world” (John 15:19). As missionaries, we MUST separate ourselves from the world in order to perform our callings effectively.

The Missionary Handbook identifies specific ways we should separate ourselves from the world:

·         “Do not watch television, go to movies, listen to the radio, or use the Internet (except as authorized)” (p. 25).

·         “Listen only to music that is consistent with the sacred spirit of your calling” (p. 25).

·         “Computer or electronic games of any kind are not authorized” (p. 26).

·         “Read only books, magazines, and other materials authorized by the Church” (p. 27).

·         “Never be alone with, flirt with, or associate in any other inappropriate way with anyone of the opposite sex” (p. 33).

·         “You [are] expected to devote all your time and attention to serving the Lord, leaving behind all other personal affairs” (p. 4).

Please choose the Lord over the world by following these standards. Obedience to these standards increases our spiritual strength and improves our ability to bring souls to Christ. Disobedience causes discouragement and limits our capacity to serve the Lord effectively.

Some rationalize that by holding onto just a few small things from the world, they are only hurting themselves. This is not true. When we disregard these missionary standards, we also harm our companions, those we teach, our assigned ward, and the mission. Moreover, we have already committed to God that we would follow these standards. “When you accepted your call, you promised to live by these standards” (MH, p. 4).

If you have a challenge following any of these standards, please repent (change) today and commit to leave the world behind for the rest of your mission. Christ gave up everything for us through His Atonement. We can at least give up these small, insignificant worldly things so that we can serve Him with all of our “heart, might, mind, and strength” (D&C 4:2).

Thank you for the worldly things you sacrifice in order to show your love for God and to serve Him completely.

Love,

President Pingree
 

A few photos from recent ZLC

 

Elder Chavarria and President Pingree

Meaningful Service

Dear Sisters and Elders –

As missionaries, we are encouraged to participate in planned and unplanned service to others. Today, I would like to address planned community service activities.

In the Missionary Handbook it explains: "You should seek opportunities for service projects in the community each week" (39).

The most important motive for service is a sincere, Christ-like desire to help others. This is our primary purpose for engaging in planned community service. However, some service projects have greater potential to move the Lord's work forward than others.

Identify projects that (1) make a meaningful difference in someone's life, (2) build positive relations for the Church in the community, and (3) have potential to lead to teaching opportunities. For example, teaching an ESL class, serving food at a shelter, reading books or newspapers to the blind, volunteering at a blood drive, or visiting residents of a senior center are examples of such activities. There are many opportunities like these that render vital service, but also provide frequent interaction with those not of our faith and have the potential to lead to teaching opportunities.

Please avoid service projects that do not provide meaningful service to others, but are simply opportunities to get together socially with a group of members or missionaries during the week. Always ask yourself: "Is this service project helping us to fulfill our purpose as missionaries?" I trust your judgment to identify which service projects are truly meaningful, and which are not.

In addition, I feel to review several important guidelines from the Missionary Handbook regarding planned community service projects.

1. "Strive to represent the Lord according to the highest standards of obedience and conduct. Keep your words, thoughts, and actions in harmony with the message of His gospel" (7). Wear your proselyting clothes and missionary tag when providing service and always act in a Christ-like way.

2. "Limit planned service activities to daytime hours on days other than weekends, holidays, or preparation days" (39). Service should not interfere with the morning schedule or with prime proselyting time.

3. "Stay with your companion during all service activities" (39). You should not pair off with other companions during service.

4. "Because of increasing legal complexities surrounding relationships with children, do not give service in such places as schools or day-care centers" (40).

5. "Do not become involved in commercial activities" (40). Your planned service should not be for business enterprises, but only for non-profit organizations that help those in real need.

6. "Service activities should not increase your expenses" (40). Spend your time, talents, and skills on service projects, not your limited funds.

In the Mission President's Handbook, it also explains: "Missionaries should work with local Church leaders to identify worthwhile projects" (29). A current effort by the Church Public Affairs council in Houston is underway. In the future, the public affairs directors for each stake will work with stake presidents to identify qualified charities for the stake to support. When these charities are identified, the missionaries in each zone will be asked to focus their planned service activities on those organizations. More details about these planned community service opportunities will be forthcoming.

Thank you for your efforts to follow the Savior's admonition to care for others, and for doing it in a way that builds His Kingdom effectively. It is an honor to serve with you!

Love,
President Pingree