Missionary Corner

What things often hinder us when we try to share the gospel with others?

1. Fear that we might offend people or that people will not like us

2. Lack of ability or experience

3. Lack of knowledge about the gospel

How do you think these things can be overcome?

• 1. Pray and ask the Lord to help you overcome fear and bless you with the guidance of his Spirit. When you are sincere and loving, you seldom offend people. When you become more concerned about your friend’s salvation than about your own feelings, your fears will diminish.

• 2. Get to know many different people. Ask questions about them, and find out the things they are interested in. As you become acquainted with them, you can explain how the gospel can help them with their needs and concerns. Express with enthusiasm what the gospel has done for you. Generally we must offer sincere friendship to others before we try to teach them. President Spencer W. Kimball said: “Usually we must warm our neighbors before we can warn them properly. Our neighbors must experience our genuine friendship and fellowship".

• 3. Study the gospel so that you are prepared to answer questions effectively when the opportunity arises (see D&C 11:21). Be familiar with the story of the restoration of the gospel through Joseph Smith and the coming forth of the Book of Mormon. Be prepared to testify that the Church of Jesus Christ has been restored in its purity.

This article was taken from the Young Women Manual 3.

Ward Mission

Sharing the Gospel Gift

As members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, we have a great privilege to honor and remember those who are no longer with us by performing special ordinances, one of those being baptism for the dead.

A New Convert with Questions
As a new convert and one who was influenced by my Protestant background, while very interested and concerned for my ancestry, I had a very difficult time accepting the practice of these ordinances and believing in their eternal implications for those who are no longer alive.

Finding Answers in the Scriptures
I spoke with the missionaries who were involved in my conversion, and they shared with me Paul's testimony in 1 Corinthians, Chapter 15 where Paul cites evidence supporting the teachings of Christ and the Resurrection by pointing out in verse 29 " Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? Why are they then baptized for the dead?"
After reading this verse, I understood that Paul was teaching that the resurrection is a reality. If it weren't a reality, then, he asks, what sense would there be to practice baptism for the dead? Comforted by this passage and having faith that Paul and the ancient church practiced baptism for the dead, I went to the Oakland Temple for the first time on Oct. 21, 2006 and performed a baptism and confirmation by proxy for my grandfather who had passed away in 1991.

Seeking Answers Through Prayer
I also prayed to receive an answer and to know that through baptism and confirmation by proxy, others no longer alive will be given the opportunity to choose to join the church, learn about the gospel, accept Jesus Christ as their savior and redeemer in the place where they dwell now.

Receiving a Heavenly Answer
A couple months later, on December 6, 2006, I had an unforgettable dream that woke me up in the middle of the night - I don't usually remember my dreams, nor do they wake me up. In this dream, I was at my grandfather's funeral service looking at his casket. My grandfather appeared to me in my dream alive, healthy, young, standing next to his casket wearing his favorite levis and white t-shirt, as if in his prime, with glowing dark eyes and a big smile. My grandmother, who had just passed away in May of 2006 and was baptized into the church, was also there.

I asked him, "what are you doing here, you are supposed to be dead and why are you smiling?" He said, "I am alive because of your work." And then he told me to stay close to my family and parents always. I had received an answer to my prayers.

It is my testimony that we will find answers to our questions in the scriptures and our prayers will be answered. I testify that through our Heavenly Father, I had a visit from my grandfather who shared his gratitude and had an important message for me and others. He had accepted Christ, chosen to join the church, and he is happy that we, as a family can be together forever. As a heavenly messenger, he also confirmed that we have a responsibility now and in our after life to nurture and care for our immediate and extended families, and we should never take them for granted. Most importantly, he confirmed to me that the ordinances that we do in temples are more than symbolic - there are eternal results that come from them.
I say this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Lonnie Smith

Please join the ward mission while we participate in temple baptisms on Feb. 23 at 7:00PM. Contact Lonnie Smith if you are interested in attending.