On a Saturday, I was privileged to be a part of a Garden Grove-wide church activity focusing on missionary work, aptly dubbed, mini-MTC. What was interesting was how much growth there was for these 14-19 year-olds as they learned and preached the gospel to their "truth-seekers." Now, I was able to train, so to speak, three outstanding people by the names of Brother Baird, Brother Gonzalez, and Brother Hubbard. As they knocked on doors (in the church building), there was a familiar sense of nostalgia when I had gone through the ropes in the training center in Provo. On top of that there were so many things that had me thinking about how young people go out with little to no knowledge of the world to preach a gospel that they may not be too familiar with.
As the first door was knocked upon, the handle twisted and creaked went the door. On the other side of the frame was a middle-aged woman. The three brethren gave a pretty standard, but awkward presentation of who they were and why they were there. Of course, they were let in. This part of the whole "door knocking" thing surprised me. However awkward you are in your interaction with people, as long as the other person can feel a sense of warmth, appreciation, and non-aggression, it's amazing what you can do! I can testify to you that the Spirit of God is working in those people as the missionaries-- these teenage pipsqueaks (I'm not denying that I'm not)-- so that their words, given to them by God, can touch and convert many unto the doctrine of truth.
Let in, these young men sat and talked about what their backgrounds were-- where her background came from. It was again, the awkwardness extruded through their words, yet it was of no concern. They were able to overcome-- ignore-- such a frivolous mistake and convey a message that would potentially change lives. Albeit it wasn't the most relevant topic in the world, tailored to what the "truth-seeker" was looking for, but it would then lead into it. From here, that's what's so amazing about the Restoration gospel of Jesus Christ. Whatever you talk about, no matter how over the hills it may seem like, it has the potential to touch and bless any and all people no matter the circumstances. In addition, everything is connected. It's easy to tie in an uplifting message (or an irrelevant one) to that of the true message of God to the situation of the person. It's so spiritual that way. I can testify that God had made it that way.
Now, the lesson was taught-- the Restoration of the Gospel, that is-- and these three exemplary young men were concluding this meeting. They gave to the woman some material to mull over-- the Book of Mormon being one of them-- scheduled a return date, and were off on their ways after a prayer. Out in the real world, it's amazing how much the Holy Ghost plays a role in teaching. The missionaries are not the ones teaching. It's the Spirit. Our words do not touch you. It's the Spirit. That's why people want to hear our message. the people who don't-- they're just very afraid of the changes it may bring to their worldly lives. In an eternal perspective, this is the best stuff around. I can testify of the life-changing potential this gospel can bring forth to the world.
The naiveté of the teachers may be a bit much to deal with, but aside from such, they are inspired by God (the ones who seem happy all the time) to say the things that they do. From this mini-MTC experience, I have learned one thing: The Spirit is the teacher. It is what will ultimately bring on the conversion of the individual. A great teacher doesn't hurt either, though. However, I can testify that this work of salvation, even though it's so very hard with an unruly generation, is necessary for one to enter in the realm of God-- no unclean thing can enter His Kingdom. Faith in Christ. Repentance of sins. Baptism by immersion. Receiving the Holy Ghost. Holding strong to the faith. They are all essential to enter the highest degree of heaven.
No comments:
Post a Comment