First week in the Mission Training Center in Provo, Utah
Jeri loves to go to classes and take notes. Lewis, not so much, but we both enjoyed our experience with our excellent teachers and the good people who were our fellow students. We were all anticipating our missions worldwide. We had 105 senior missionaries in the first week. There were also thousands of young men and women that we sat with in the cafeteria and at the Devotionals. The numbers were high (typical for late summer) and so were the mood and the energy. There are 82 categories of senior missionaries currently. So many things to do. We focused on Preach My Gospel this first week. The second week will be broken down into smaller classes that cover specific assignments.
We were told that all missionaries need to teach people how to return to their Heavenly Father. We have a wonderful opportunity to help people. We will engage in the work to gather Israel. President Nelson has told us that this work is "the greatest challenge, the greatest cause, and the greatest work on earth." Our job is to find needs and fill them. We have the privilege of participating in the greatest work in the world. We get a chance to help. We need to be focused on our Purpose, be Christ-centered and Spirit-led. We need to model that the advantage of living the Gospel is that it brings joy and peace into our lives. We all need to use our agency wisely. Our focus should be on the here and now and also on our eternal lives. We understand that we have the option to live with our Heavenly Father again and we need to share that knowledge with others.
There wasn't room for all of the Senior Missionaries to stay on campus. We were placed in a hotel and were very comfortable. They had a complimentary breakfast buffet. I enjoyed the oatmeal, granola, and fruit. The potatoes were good too. Lewis had those items and liked some other things as well.
Highlights of the first week.
I loved this wisdom from somebody's mission president, "Scripture study has a shelf life of one day"
One of our first experiences was to be paired off with another couple and asked to get to know them and then give them an invitation to do something that you think will be appropriate for their needs. We were to promise blessings and bear testimony. We should always help people to use their agency wisely. We should also model the gospel with our actions and reflect the joy that being obedient brings.
We enjoyed getting to know Elder and Sister Fox and a little of their background. Getting to know people is a lovely adventure. I hope to learn how to be open with people but never pry. The things we have in common are comfortable and their differences are fun to explore and learn from. We were taught that every missionary could benefit from having these 2 goals - To help others feel the Spirit and to invite others to do something that has the ability to bring them closer to our Savior.
They asked us to text them our testimonies. Lewis wrote this: "I love Jesus Christ. I know he loves the world, and I know he lived, died, and was resurrected so that we could be resurrected too. He suffered for the sins of all those who would believe in Him and repent and follow him. I know he loves each of Father in Heaven's children. To this, I bear my solemn witness." Lewis Pettingill
Jeri wrote more words. My Testimony of my Savior, Jesus Christ
"I have been taught all of my life that I am a daughter of my
Heavenly Father and my Heavenly Mother. I approved the plan and chose to come
to earth to receive a body and have experiences that will teach me the
difference between good and evil. I was raised as a member of the Church of
Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and chose to be baptized at age 8. I have
always believed that my kind and loving parents taught me the truth. As I grew, I
read the scriptures, said my prayers, and was very active in all of the
programs of the church. I know that Jesus Christ is the Son of Heavenly Father
and has paid in full the penalty for all of my sins and weaknesses. If I have
faith in my Savior, Jesus Christ, and obey his commandments I will qualify for
all of the privileges of those who honor their covenants. I have found
throughout my life that I have been guided and blessed. I know that the Book of
Mormon is a true record to teach me more about my Savior. I know that the prophet
Joseph Smith did see and speak with our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. He
was authorized by Them to begin the restoration of the Church of Jesus Christ
of Latter-day Saints. I have experienced
serious challenges in my life. They were not solved quickly and efficiently but
I was comforted, strengthened, and able to press forward. Looking back, I can
see the miracles and feel so very grateful for the blessings that I and my
family have received. I have felt love and
support from my Savior and I know that he will not override anyone’s agency but
he will assist in every way so that all of his children will have the
opportunity to receive all the blessings they most desire."
Another skill recommended is to learn the Book of Mormon very well so we can 1. describe the background 2. read a passage together with someone and 3. apply and testify. Pray before reading and afterward.
Teaching - see Alma 18. Be a servant, follow the spirit, and teach with love. Adapt teaching to meet needs. Bear testimony. Use the scriptures. Ask questions and listen carefully. Encourage others to make commitments. Don't hang back, contribute. Social Media - people who were contacted by social media were baptized in greater numbers than those contacted in person. Perhaps they self-selected but the numbers were higher. Don't discount the tools that the Lord has provided for us. We let the young missionaries lead out when we accompany them. Testify through personal experiences. Ask inspired questions. Listen to the Spirit. We do our best and the Lord can take it from there. We should study Preach My Gospel every day. Prepare with prayer, learning more deeply the doctrine and principles. Become ready and able to encounter someone, and able to have a conversation that will give them an opportunity to draw closer to Jesus Christ.
The Character of Jesus Christ Experience - repeated each Wednesday evening so everyone can attend once. Joseph Smith taught that we must understand God and his character. Jesus Christ submitted totally to the will of His Father. We need to understand the character attributes of Jesus Christ. The character of Jesus Christ is to turn outward and serve others. We need to do the same. What do our Mission Presidents need from us? Serve to bless and not to impress others. Choose to smile. Is our life in accordance with God's approval? Learn of Him, not just about Him. How do I begin this lifelong pursuit? Pray for help to change. Celebrate where you are and work on being better. Keep at it. We can go from good to better with His grace. We are to invite and help. Tell people how you appreciate their Christ-like attributes. See Preach My Gospel Chapter 6 for the attributes of Jesus Christ.
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