What We Wish We Would Have Known

Knowing so many wonderful missionaries has its perks.  Here’s what my missionary friends wish they would have known before their

My wonderful cousin, on his way to the MTC. He’s getting ready to serve in Mexico City!

missions.  Let’s add to this list! Comment with what you wish you would have known, or what your missionary wishes he/she would have known.

Study the Book of Mormon and Preach My Gospel before you enter the MTC.

“I thought that the MTC would prepare missionaries by going over all of Preach My Gospel, talking a lot about the Book of Mormon, etc., and it’s not true.  All the MTC does is help you with the language, help you with teaching skills, and give you time to wait for your visa.  You actually have to know well before what you have to teach.” –Elder Olson, Paraguay Asunscion Mission

Share the Gospel now.

“Something I regret was not going out with the missionaries back home, or sharing the Gospel as much as I could have with my friends.  Elder Bednar has said that the best preparation for missionary service is to become a missionary before actually leaving for the mission.  It would have helped me a lot more, and I would highly encourage [future missionaries] to try it before going.” –Elder Olson

Get comfortable talking to people.

“I guess that the biggest thing is to get okay with talking to people.  I still have a hard time getting started with it sometimes, but it’s just overcoming that first initial hesitation, and then it’ll come more easily.” –Elder Watson, Germany Frankfurt Mission

Keep a journal.

“Keep a good journal.  I’m so happy for the times I did and so sorry for when I didn’t.  You think you’ll remember your experiences, but you won’t!” –Sister Watson

Don’t be discouraged.

“Learn to be okay with who and how you are… It’s necessary to be able to love and forgive yourself of imperfections at the same time that you try to move on past them and become better… That’s part of the forgetting yourself that we all have to try to do.  Overcoming our insecurities and the doubts and self-directed anger that the devil tries to distract us with.  President Packer said that an ordinary church member becomes and is extraordinary just by keeping the commandments and covenants and fulfilling their callings… The only one you need to please is the Lord.  And He’s the most understanding of us of anyone, because He knows everything about us, and still loves us.  I know that we should try more often to see ourselves as He sees us, and not by feeling insignificant and small, because  ‘We are everything to God’(President Uchtdorf).  No matter how many times we fall short, by something we’ve done or something we don’t do, He loves us and will bless us in our efforts to become better…  We… try to recognize that we can improve without getting too worked up over it or beating ourselves up about it.  The Spirit, to me, sometimes brings feelings of wanting to improve.” –Elder Watson

“[Don’t] be discouraged with little success.  I thought the mission was a lot different before I left, thinking that it would be really easy, and that many people would join the Church.  I’ve had a fair share of disappointing moments, and so has almost every other missionary.  Obviously we’re all working to improve so that we can baptize lots of people, but we can’t get discouraged when the success we were hoping for doesn’t come.  Stay positive and faithful, and push through it.  The Lord blesses us as we do so.” –Elder Olson

“Take one day at a time, as much as that is the smart way to do it.  I still get overwhelmed when I realize that I have 17 more months to work this way.  All at once I can’t do that.  But there are… conference talks that mention how we need to do our part today, and “take no thought of the morrow”, at least not in a way that makes us unduly stressed about it.  One of the Apostles said that anyone can live up to their covenants a day at a time… Take each day and do what you can and should.” –Elder Watson

“Do not focus too much on numbers.  It will cause you unnecessary stress.  This is hard because your leaders only have numbers to track how you’re doing, and you may feel pressure from them.  They are trying to help you be the best missionary you can.  The most important thing is to please the Lord—ask Him if you’re doing enough!  You may baptize some people after working with them only a few days or weeks. Others will take months or years, and later missionaries will finish what you started.  Sometimes, the person you help will not be a non-member, and won’t ‘count’ in your numbers.  Maybe it will be your companion, your brother at home you write to, or a less-active member in your area.  These souls are just as precious to the Lord. Each day, pray and strive to be an instrument in the Lord’s hands to reach who He wants you to.” –Sister Watson

Be committed to work hard and be obedient.

“A successful companionship depends on the two of you being committed to hard work and obedience—not on a personality match-up.  I had the most spiritual experiences with companions who were equally dedicated, whether or not our personalities worked well.  On the other hand, I had companions who were nice, and we got along fine, but we didn’t accomplish as much.  Don’t be the weak link!  Plus, be patient when your companion is the weak link.  Maybe you’re the one who will help them become more committed by your love and example.” –Sister Watson

“Obey the commandments and mission rules.  There may be times you don’t agree with a mission rule.  They are set by your president, who is called of God and trying to do His will.  You will be blessed for your humble attitude of obedience.  Obedience makes it possible for the Lord to bless us—in all ways, but including the guidance of His Spirit, and how will you be a good missionary without that?” –Sister Watson

My Acceptance Letter–And How I Got Here

Somehow, in the process of submitting my mission papers, I didn’t quite realize that I would be required to actually write a letter directly to the First Presidency in order to accept the call.  When I got my call and read the accompanying packet, I was a little intimidated–what could I possibly have to say to the Brethren?  I think this is probably the reaction a lot of new missionaries have.

I’ve put it off for about a week. I think that (at least in part) this was because I hadn’t really accepted the call in my heart, not fully  This morning, I felt that it was time for me to write it.  It was time for me to put my whole heart and soul into this.

Problem was, I had no idea what to say.  I imagined that missionaries normally talked about their excitement and enthusiasm to serve in their assigned missions, but I felt that it would be dishonest for me to say that.  I’m getting to the point where I can be excited, but mostly I was overwhelmed.  Before my morning scripture study, I prayed that I would be blessed to be able to write sincerely.  What followed was nothing short of a miracle.

After I finished my scripture study, I pulled out the form that came with my call packet and a piece of scratch paper on which to write a draft.  As I wrote, I felt the Spirit teaching me about the Savior.  I wrote the words, but I don’t think they came from me.  I’m so grateful that the Lord taught me about His work and gave me greater faith through this experience.

 “Dear Brethren: 

I hereby gratefully accept the call to serve.  It is a miracle–even a marvelous work–to be called through Priesthood authority to serve the Savior of the World Himself in helping to invite our Heavenly Father’s children to come unto Christ: to cast their burdens upon His shoulders and to follow Him, that they might have eternal life.  I am humbled by this opportunity, and I understand that to fulfill this call will require everything that I have and everything that I am.  It is a charge I could not hope to fill without the power and guidance of the Lord.  I understand that I too must rely wholly on the merits of Him Who is mighty to save.  Without Him I am nothing, but through His power, I have faith that I will be able to fulfill this calling in a manner that is pleasing unto Him.  I thank you sincerely for your selfless service.” 

My prayer was answered.  The Lord gave me the words, and He taught me about His work.  Through the Spirit, I was taught precious truths about the Savior, and my need for Him.  I realized that it is through faith in Jesus Christ that I can accomplish anything at all in His service.  As the song goes, I feel that “I too can testify.  This is the Christ.”  Like Ammon, I would say, “Yea, I know that I am nothing; as to my strength I am weak; therefore I will not boast of myself, but I will boast of my God, for in his strength I can do all things” (Alma 26:12).

This is Christ’s Church, brothers and sisters, and our charge as missionaries is to invite people to come unto Him.  It is only through Him that they can be saved.  I have been blessed to feel His influence in my life, and I invite you to feel His influence also.  Read His words, and listen to the words of His prophets.  He loves you.  He wants you to follow Him.  I’d like to share with you the following from one of my very favorite talks by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles (which I would recommend you read, here):

“I testify from the bottom of my heart, with the intensity of my soul, to all who can hear my voice that those apostolic keys have been restored to the earth, and they are found in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. To those who have not yet joined with us in this great final cause of Christ, we say, “Please come.” To those who were once with us but have retreated, preferring to pick and choose a few cultural hors d’oeuvres from the smorgasbord of the Restoration and leave the rest of the feast, I say that I fear you face a lot of long nights and empty nets. The call is to come back, to stay true, to love God, and to lend a hand. I include in that call to fixed faithfulness every returned missionary who ever stood in a baptismal font and with arm to the square said, “Having been commissioned of Jesus Christ.” That commission was to have changed your convert forever, but it was surely supposed to have changed you forever as well. To the youth of the Church rising up to missions and temples and marriage, we say: “Love God and remain clean from the blood and sins of this generation. You have a monumental work to do, underscored by that marvelous announcement President Thomas S. Monson made yesterday morning. Your Father in Heaven expects your loyalty and your love at every stage of your life.”

To all within the sound of my voice, the voice of Christ comes ringing down through the halls of time, asking each one of us while there is time, “Do you love me?” And for every one of us, I answer with my honor and my soul, “Yea, Lord, we do love thee.” And having set our “hand to the plough,” we will never look back until this work is finished and love of God and neighbor rules the world.” 

May you and I together forever serve the Lord our God, never forgetting that we are ransomed through the blood of Christ and that “with his stripes we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5).  May we never let go of the rod–the word of God–that Nephi spoke of when he said “whoso would hearken unto the word of God, and would hold fast unto it, they would never perish; neither could the temptations and the fiery darts of the adversary overpower them unto blindness, to lead them away to destruction” (1 Nephi 15:24)

“Preparing to Serve: Suggestions for Young Women”

If you haven’t already, you really should follow @ldschurch on Twitter.  Another great article find.  This article is written specifically to young women, and it has some really helpful suggestions for young sisters considering missionary service.  Check out these highlights:

“Missionary service is an opportunity, not an obligation, for women in the Church. Prayerfully counsel with your parents and priesthood leaders about your decision of if and when to serve.”

“Your regular study of the scriptures, participation in the Church, and attendance at seminary have provided a firm foundation of gospel knowledge.” 

“Learning to cope with challenges and the stresses of living and interacting with others is an important skill whether you serve a full-time mission or not.” 

“Work and Self-Reliance”

Another Twitter find from @ldschurch.  Here’s a lovely list of ways to develop “the kind of hardworking and self-reliant character you will need on a mission”.  Here’s a brief summary of the list (which you should check out for yourself–it’s got some wonderful things):

1.  If possible, work with the missionaries in your area.
2. Become more proactive and independent.
3. Meet new people and talk to them about a variety of topics.
4. Plan and set goals.

“The single most important thing you can do to prepare for a call to serve is to become a missionary long before you go on a mission.” –David A. Bednar

“How to Prepare to Be a Good Missionary” –Elder M. Russell Ballard

If you have a Twitter account, do me a favor and go follow @ldschurch right now.  They tweet all kinds of useful things, including this article by Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.  It’s in a helpful Q&A format.  Here are some highlights:

“The Lord has given no greater charge to His people than sharing the gospel with our Heavenly Father’s children. Missionaries take people out of the darkness of the world and lead them to the safety and light of the gospel of Jesus Christ. To find and teach and baptize and confirm someone who has never paid much attention to God or to Christ and His great atoning sacrifice is one of the greatest services a priesthood holder can provide.”

“Missionaries need to understand the doctrine, and they need to know how to share it. You can’t take water out of an empty bucket. When missionaries know the gospel and how to teach it, they don’t want to do anything else. They know they can teach anybody, anywhere, anytime, under any circumstances, using their own words accompanied by the power of the Spirit. They have self-confidence and inner strength. There’s great power in that kind of preparation.”

“You know, oftentimes I’ll ask new converts when they knew for the first time that the Church is true. It is not unusual for them to say, “I came to know the Church is true when I was taught by the elders or sisters and felt the power of their belief and saw the radiance of their countenance.” If you’re not actively and anxiously engaged, the Spirit won’t be empowering your missionary service as it will if you are.”

Applying for a Mission: The Process

The process of “putting in your papers” is pretty straightforward, and your bishop will walk you through every step, so there’s no need to be intimidated.  Here’s an overview of the process as I completed it.

1. Decide to serve a mission. Coming to a decision to serve is a different process for each individual, and it’s something that should be considered carefully.
2. Meet with your bishop. Once your decision has been made, you’ll need to meet with your Bishop. He’ll start the online recommendation process and send you the information you need to access the necessary forms online.
3. Complete the online forms. These are your “papers”, and they’ll ask about your health, insurance information, education and work history, etc. You’ll also need to upload copies of your driver’s license and passport, as well as a photo.
4. Complete medical and dental evaluations. These should be completed as soon as possible to allow time for all necessary medical and dental work to be completed. The online system will guide you through which forms to print and take with you to your exams. You’ll also need to take a stamped envelope addressed to your bishop to each appointment. (In some cases, your bishop may allow you to hand deliver these forms in a sealed envelope.) Your doctor and dentist will then complete the forms and send them to your bishop.
5. Submit your recommendation to your bishop. This is done through the online recommendation system.
6. Meet with your bishop again. Once your recommendation has been submitted and your bishop has received your medical and dental evaluations in the mail, you’ll need to meet with him again for an official interview. This interview is similar to a temple recommend interview. If your bishop deems you worthy and able, then he’ll forward everything to your stake president.
7. Meet with your stake president. (Remember the first rule of meeting with the stake president: bring your scriptures and something to take notes with.) He will ask all of the same questions that the bishop asked, as well as providing counsel. If he also deems you worthy and able, he will then submit your information to church headquarters.
8. Receive your call. This usually happens about two weeks after your stake president submits your papers. Your call packet will include a plethora of information, as well as specific instructions for your mission, including visa information. If you will be serving out of the country, you will need to obtain a visa. This will happen through the Church travel office–you’ll receive more information about it soon. Once you have the application, send in the necessary materials as soon as possible to prevent any delays.
9. Send in your acceptance letter. As part of your call packet, you will receive a form with which to formally accept your call. You’ll write a letter to the Brethren and mail it directly to the office of the First Presidency. Very little instruction is given on how to write this letter. It should, most importantly, indicate that you accept the call. Consult with your priesthood leaders about what else you should include.