Member Missionary Work: More Than Just a Good Example

As a missionaries for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, it is our job to share the gospel with everyone we see. We have volunteered to do this for eighteen months because the gospel of Jesus Christ has brought us the greatest happiness we have ever known. Knowing why we're here, where we were before we were born, and where we're going after we die brings us peace. As children of God, we are all entitled to this knowledge, and to the blessings that accompany being a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but with these blessings, also comes a great responsibility.

Sharing the gospel can be terrifying! Believe us, we know! It's hard to talk about something that's so dear to you because you don't want it to be rejected. We also hear that there are two things you never talk about with people, politics and religion. However, these are the things that are important and matter in life. When we are baptized into the church, we all make a covenant with our Heavenly Father that we will share the gospel with others, not just be good examples, or wait for our friends to ask us about the church.

In the February 2011 Ensign, there was a wonderful message about sharing the gospel entitled How Great Shall Be Your Joy by President Henry B. Eyring. He teaches of the happiness that accompanies sharing the gospel, and about the duty we have as members, not just missionaries, to share the gospel with others. The promises given to those that put forth the effort are amazing. God has promised us that we will have the Holy Ghost help us know what we can say (D&C 18: 16-18)We are also promised that if we exercise our faith, we can be led to those that are prepared to hear our message.

As missionaries, we have seen miracles as members get involved in missionary work. We are grateful for those that make sacrifices to help the work roll onward. Wonderful bishops, ward mission leaders, and other auxiliary members spend hours helping the full-time missionaries with their efforts. Without them, our work would be in vain.

What blessings has the gospel brought into your life? Who do you know that need those blessings in their lives? What can you do today to share the gospel with others?

Please let us know if you know someone that has questions about the church. Or if you have questions about sharing the gospel. Part of our job as missionaries is not only to share the gospel, but also to help the members be more effective in their efforts to reach out to their friends.