Ferron and I now hold the office of Elder. We got our Melchizedek Priesthood yesterday. 2010 we are going on missions.
Excited much, you ask?
YOU BETTER BELIEVE IT!
I got Finals this week, so I'll be posting after what is sure to be a rough week. Thank goodness it started nicely.
Terry is one of three new members to the church. I had the honor of baptizing him today. He was baptized with the Bishop's daughter, Sidney and the Bishop's nephew, James.
Sister Fisihetau of Utah, Terry, me and Sister Peterson of Oregon. They taught Terry the lessons.
The three siblings Kanta, Arafat and Terry are members. Their parents are still investigating. Today was a good day.
Alma 34:38
That ye contend no more against the Holy Ghost, but that ye receive it, and take upon you the name of Christ; that ye humble yourselves even to the dust, and worship God, in whatsoever place ye may be in, in spirit and in truth; and that ye live in thanksgiving daily, for the many mercies and blessings which he doth bestow upon you.
"This is a wonderful time to be living here on earth. Our opportunities are limitless. While there are some things wrong in the world today, there are many things right, such as teachers who teach, ministers who minister, marriages that make it, parents who sacrifice, and friends who help. "We can lift ourselves, and others as well, when we refuse to remain in the realm of negative thought and cultivate within our hearts an attitude of gratitude. If ingratitude be numbered among the serious sins, then gratitude takes its place among the noblest of virtues."
Thomas S. Monson
Things I am thankful for this Thanksgiving
My father that works hard and has the ability to exercise the Melchizedek Priesthood in our home.
My father who will be playing in the annual ward Turkey Bowl tomorrow and appreciates a good sports game on Thanksgiving.
My mother who has gone through alot in her life to bring our family to a happier place in life.
My mother who will cook us another wonderful spread and feed others as well.
My sister who does and says enough to keep me amused daily.
Ferron for making me look good at my job through his hard work ethic.
My membership in the church and the counsel of wise leaders.
My health.
School teachers.
My "winter" car that gets me everywhere I need to be.
My piano, guitar and especially my uke that give me hours of fun.
My Primary class who give me a great reason to show up every Sunday.
My job that will help to finance my mission.
My medical and dental insurance. I wasn't always fortunate enough to have this luxury.
There are so many things I am grateful for this year. I hope you take a minute to be thankful for all the things you have in your life.
President Monson is right about many things being wrong today but if you take time to focus on the positive things happening in your life, there is much happiness you will find. Be thankful and show gratitude this Holiday Season.
See it. Speak it. Live it.
My cousin Ferron and I are blessed to have a Bishop that understands and fully supports our need to serve LDS missions. He has assigned us the perfect counselor and mentor to prep us with lessons and every aspect of acquiring all the necessary steps before actually leaving, our former Bishop Lee Burdge. As far as church goes, Bishop Burdge has been the biggest influence I had as a teenager in actually helping me along those years to make a commitment to serve a mission. It seems very fitting that I started my journey in Minnesota with Bishop Burdge and it would be the right thing for him to complete this part of my journey with me.
I was browsing the web looking for random missionary and Mormon stuff and came across some very disturbing sites from ex-members and a whole bunch of angry people who really have a deep hatred for the church and anything LDS affiliated. Crazy hatred for anything of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. They used everything from our church's doctrine to cast a bad light on our Prophets to showing garments, temple clothing and temple ceremonies. These sites attacked the law of tithing (which coincidentally we didn't come up with) and said our church is out to make a profit by exploiting the members to give money constantly and some sites insinuated that our need for female members are to keep them pregnant and brainwashed for domestic slaves. The writers of that site has obviously not met my mother or many of the "strong" LDS sisters in the church or they would know that is NOT the case.
Some sites told stories of getting our missionaries to serve young because they could be easily brainwashed and had the stamina and physically were prepared to give the "sales pitch" at any time and were too stupid to care if they were rejected by anyone. I have my own personal theories on why I know in my heart serving an LDS mission is what I choose to do and although some might find it debatable, I do NOT think I have this desire because I'm " too stupid." I know I will get doors slammed on me, people who will completely ignore me and if I baptize anyone, even more reason to believe in faith and small miracles. Rejection hurts me every time but it's a part of life, so I highly doubt being young will make it any less real for me when it happens. Isn't that something you deal with your entire lifetime? These sites and the things I browsed through were disturbing for me to say the least. I am not deterred from what will happen and luckily for me, I don't walk around in JUST underwear in public, so when I do join the "magic underwear" club, no one but my wife will be privileged enough see me wearing them.
During the summer, my parents asked me to explain the "Hie to Kolob" thing. My father didn't know anything about Kolob much less trying to "Hie" to it when he was baptized. My mom is a life time member of the church and didn't know much about this. It wasn't until a "less active" member compared the Mormons to Scientology that my parents asked me, of all people to explain this concept to them. I did and then I asked my mom, why she would raise our family in a church where she found some of the teachings 'sketchy'?
My mom came up with a few interesting answers and she explained:
"In life we have choices. In our choices, there are NO victims. Just volunteers. Because I find some of the things in church sketchy, does not mean I am right or I know everything. Because someone says we believe in crazy concepts like Kolob, it does not mean they are right or know any better." She proceeded to explain to our whole family that the story behind God creating a world in 6 days sounds crazy. She also said the whole story of Jesus and the Atonement sounds crazy IF you choose it to be. My mom told us if she had the choice, she would choose to be Catholic like my grandfather's family because it's easier and the guilt process in repentance is so much more convenient, but once you KNOW the truth, that "choice" was not an option anymore.
There is love, respect and tolerance among the LDS Presidency and members for those who have left us and even those who bitterly campaign against us. Those who show our temple garments and "magic underwear" publicly, those who find humor in stereotyping who the Mormons are, I say there is love for you still in the church. Personally, I don't want to be quick to judgment with those that have a bitter hate for the church and it's members. If I am foolish for choosing this religion, it's my choice. If our gospel principles and policies upset you enough to write such hateful things against the church, only the weak will be swayed.
Logically there are many more reasons to leave the church than stay a member. This is a very hard religion. This is a hard commitment. There is much WORK and much faith you must have to be a member in good standing. The concepts of a living Prophet that talks to God seems crazy. In the Bible thousands of years ago, the concept of having a Prophet was just as crazy. Joseph Smith or the prophet I struggle to understand but admittedly have issues with, Brigham Young - are they men or prophets of God? or both? The church history and Polygamy is hard to take in. ALL doctrines and practices in the church can seem questionable and for someone who is NOT a member or a former member, all these things past or present can be rejected.
Here are more reasons for once active members to leave the church and give some people reason to write hateful things about the church:
The work involved - the time that is consumed home teaching or visiting teaching.
More than likely you will get the opportunity to serve in a position at your ward. Meetings, activities and assignments, oh my.
What about the high moral standards you are expected to follow?
Then there are those who left because they were snubbed, offended, had serious issues with "sustaining" certain members or became prey for gossip.
What about the principle of tithing while you are barely making ends meet in your homes?
What about not being an "elite" member, the temple recommend holder because you missed the mark slightly on the other stuff?
What about those who have never felt the need to be part of an organized religion or reject the belief of being in the one "true" church?
I won't even pretend to have logical or well thought out answers for all these questions and things that happen in church. Here is my reference to the naysayer and non-believer:
Matthew 7: 7 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you
I am continuously learning and I see that faith is the main reason I choose this church and I acquire knowledge by constant study and prayer. I follow the gospel principles of my own choice because it would seem a bit asinine to show up to church every Sunday and NOT apply any good principles I am taught in my personal life. That would be comparable to going to school and NOT learning anything. If that were the case, I could stay home every Sunday, relax and catch a sports game and complain about how I'm too busy to go to be around those hypocrites at church.
What I am sure of is that Christ lives and that there is a science to life. Like science, there are rules that need to be applied to get the expected results. Like science, NOT everything is logical or has every questioned answered. Like science, if you don't study the material or get to know what living things are before you, even if they can not be seen with the human eye, it can still exist. It isn't any less real because you say it is.
My mom said something I thought lightheartedly summed up her will to make sure her kids and our future generations stay in the church, "It's our choice to be Mormon and if it is a crazy one, hang on for the ride cause were gonna' hie to Kolob." I think I'm going to volunteer myself to live by that motto.
As the topic of mission work seems to find its way into every conversation in my house, the idea that preparation is key is definitely at the forefronts of every one's mind. Spiritual, mental, and physical preparation are all essential to a full-time missionary-in-the-making. But all else aside, an issue that we can't deny is the financial obligation.
From the very beginning, my parents informed me they would not be fronting the cash for my mission. Not because they didn't love me, or want me to serve; but simply because, when I work for something and earn it for myself, I would surely appreciate that much more. I was told that I was to find a job (or two or three) and to raise the money.
My mom said, "Although you should be focused on school, you're going to have to find a job or even two in order to raise the money." I have dabbled in various odd jobs including creating tattoo designs for friends and plenty of "suspect / too easy" job opportunities from members in my ward, such as mowing lawns, helping with home remodels, walking dogs, babysitting, etc. I am grateful for every opportunity and all the creativity that members in my ward have come up with to help contribute financially to my mission fund.
If you've been tuned in from the start, you'll recall my occupation in which I'm making TONS of dough...literally. For those of you tuning in here at half-time, my jobs involves plenty of dough, just not the kind I want to keep in my wallet, or anywhere else for that matter. I'm a teenage pizza boy at Little Caesar's Pizza in Eagan. At first, I figured sure I'll do my thing there for a year or so and raise most of the money for my mission. I had it all figured out. With my $7.25/hr minimum wage, if I worked 5 days a week at about 5-6 hours a shift, I'd be making $217.50 a week, which meant $435 a check, which meant $870 a month, which meant that when I put my papers in, in March 2010, I'd have about $11,300 EASILY. Those of you who have ANY life experience are probably on the ground by now rolling in laughter.
Of course, real life set in. In May, I tore the ligament in my knee playing rugby. That took me out of work for almost 2 months. Graduation came along and quickly following that, adulthood. I must say, adulthood itself hit me like a freight train. All of sudden, my checks were disappearing before I could even get through my singing of "money, money, money, MONEY.....MONEY!! It's a rich man's world."
Medical bills, cell phone bill, school tuition, school books, lab fees, gas, groceries for me and Ferron's weird diets, co-pays for doctor visits. Then there are all the "gifts" mom and dad USE to pay for but now I was on my own - clothes, shoes, entertainment, hanging out with my friends, you know the stuff all teens think are important to be sociable and happening until you see the price tag and realize those items now brought you happy yet fading memories. Oh and did I mention Uncle Sam taking his cut of my checks before the ink was printed on paper? The road to riches was accumulating plenty of potholes with quite a quickness.
This is where the principle of tithing kicks in. Give a tenth to the Lord, and He lets the blessings rain down. It's a beautiful thing. It's a 100% guaranteed return on investment. Returns unheard of and illogical in these financially unstable economic times. So here are some blessings that come from implementing some basic Gospel principles in my own life:
1 - Have Faith. Believe that our Heavenly Father will guide your life. You just have to follow.
2 - Honor thy mother and thy father.
3 - Honesty in paying my tithing.
4 - Be honest and diligent in the work you do. It's NOT what you do, but how you do it.
5 - Educate yourself.
"true education seeks to make men and women not only good mathematicians, proficient linguists, profound scientists, or brilliant literary lights, but also, honest men, with virtue, temperance, and brotherly love. It seeks to make men and women who prize truth, justice, wisdom, benevolence, and self-control as the choicest acquisitions of a successful life." President David O. McKay
For the past few weeks, my manager has been asking me all kinds of weird questions about things in the store, and bringing up random hypothetical situations to solve.
"How many ounces of cheese go on a large pizza? How many pepperoni's go on a deep dish? How many ounces of dough do you use to make cheese bread? How much would it cost me, with tax, if I wanted a pizza with mushroom, black olives, and onions?"
Eventually, he got around to asking whether I'd be comfortable being more than a team member. Of course, I excitedly replied yes. Then, he told me that the regional manager was going to be coming in to interview me for a key staff position. Key staff, although having a cooler name, not to mention the dazzling orange shirts as opposed to the normal black ones, was not much more than the day manager or "Number 1 Team Member". I was still excited though. I felt like at least my hard work was being recognized and that's always good.
I threw on a clean apron and straightened up my name tag in preparation for the 'big boss' to be impressed when he comes to interview me. It was the snazziest look I could muster up since I had to be in work attire.
It's 5 P.M. It's the middle of our dinner rush and in walks a man holding a clipboard and file that read "Eagan Mgmt. 013". I greet him with a smile and firm, steady handshake. I make eye contact and was sure to compliment his shoes. He told me about how he started out just like me working at McDonald's straight out of high school and eventually progressing to how he and his business partner now own all of the Little Caesars' in the Twin Cities Area. Of course, a few corny jokes were shed on both sides, which kept the mood pretty light.
Then he started talking to me about the Key staff position and all the responsibilities that go along with it. He said that they don't usually give out management to kids in school for the obvious reason that school should probably there first priority. But, in one simple sentence after 45 mins of talking about all the roles of a key staff, he said..."We're not going to give you the key staff position." For a moment, all my hopes and aspirations, most of which were pertaining to my $2 and change pay raise were completely shut down. I swallowed the lump in my throat and still a bit confused ... he then continued to say, "We're just going to bypass that altogether and make you a manager."
Sure it would not be an impressive accomplishment to some big shot in corporate America, YET, but we all start our humble beginnings somewhere. I try to apply everything I learn from church daily and I have been rewarded for it.
This has definitely been a testimony builder for me as far as applying our Gospel knowledge and knowing that FAITH and DILIGENCE rewards. I asked faithfully and our Heavenly Father provided. I pay my tithing honestly and I am rewarded abundantly for it.
1 Nephi 3:7
"And it came to pass that I, Nephi, said unto my father: I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them"
I have opened my heart to be filled with gratitude for blessings, small and many. Always constant and when I need them and often when I don't expect them. Heavenly Father grants me humility through daily vicissitudes as I prepare to do His work.
It has taken me a couple of weeks to take in all the genuine talks I was privileged to listen to during General Conference and also by the Bishopric of my ward last week. Certainly an exalted month for sincere and direct messages to our members. I took time to ponder over the guidance given to us by our church leaders and as usual, I realize the words are chosen to be thoughtful, yet pack a powerful punch. There is no mistaking of a double standard in their meaning and the only option I found in their counsel is that you were either going to follow instruction by our Heavenly Father or you could choose not to. General Conference is filled with ALL great talks and messages. I want to write about one of my personal favorites by our Prophet and President of the Church, Thomas S. Monson titled "What Have I Done For Someone Today?" I wanted to interject my personal feelings of what I took away from his talk.
"My brothers and sisters, we are surrounded by those in need of our attention, our encouragement, our support, our comfort, our kindness—be they family members, friends, acquaintances, or strangers. We are the Lord’s hands here upon the earth, with the mandate to serve and to lift His children. He is dependent upon each of us.
You may lament: I can barely make it through each day, doing all that I need to do. How can I provide service for others? What can I possibly do?"
- President Thomas S. Monson, General Conference Oct 2009
I have a music player on my blog. If you have some time while you're browsing the web or working on a hobby, please take the time to listen to the lyrics of the music I've posted. I am sure you will be truly moved.
You might be looking for love, inspiration, comfort, hope or peace today. I know these lyrics will help give you what you need.
Life gets so chaotic, sometimes we just need to take some time to listen.
Turn up the volume and enjoy!
Growing up in the church, I was constantly reminded of the suffering of the Saints as they crossed our great nation in search of the promised land free from religious persecution. I was taught about the sacrifices they made by giving life and limb through rough terrain and voyaging through unknown elements to get to Utah. I even had the chance to travel the LDS 'handcart experience' in Iowa with the youth in my ward last year. I heard story after story of the suffering and the deaths along the way of this Mormon trail.
I can honestly say, growing up in a very diverse and rough neighborhood and watching people struggle daily to survive and then moving to Samoa, 'child labor' central (if you're Samoan, you would understand that), I was NOT impressed. I know of worse tales of suffering and struggles to lands unknown in America of people either by their own will or not of their own will such as, the Native Americans and the African Americans. I still think their journeys were the most difficult in the forming of our great country. The way I see it, the LDS pioneers made the decision to follow someone from there homes to go into the unknown in search of somewhere to bring up their religion. It has been proven scientifically that the human spirit will normally NOT go willingly into death, but fight it until one or the other prevails. With that being said, death along this Mormon trail was inevitable and was probably a consideration before heading West. That does NOT mean I do not know the pains and suffering of those particular Saints were in vain or meant any less tragic. As real as I mourn those who I have lost, I know the pain of the LDS pioneers were real and painful.
My great-grandparents were the first to be baptized into the church and even when my Primary teachers tried desperately to tell me they were the pioneers of my family, I wasn't buying it. Every time I hear someone say that now, after I mention my great-grandparents were the first to join the church from both their families, I laugh as I try to picture my great-grandparents in traditional Samoan wear sporting a bonnet and a 10 gallon hat; still NOT impressed and definitely don't see them that way.
Pioneer Day, now that was a different story growing up. I LOVE pioneer Day. I knew that was a Saturday I looked forward to every year growing up. In my old Stakes, we would go to a local park dressed as pioneers (or cowboys if you were Samoan - same thing, right?), eat a huge pancake and sausage breakfast, march in the Primary parade (my personal favorite), play games and cheer at the adult sports tournaments. When I was in Utah, the celebration was on a grand scale complete with fireworks and all kinds of sports events. Sort of like an unofficial State fair. I came to Minnesota, uhh, not so much of a celebration.
What I can relate to and respect about the LDS pioneers was the internal struggles and questions about Faith.
How much pure and complete Faith must a man have in his heart to follow a man who proclaimed himself to be THE Prophet of God?
How many tireless hours, days, weeks, months and years did the LDS Pioneers question their own sanity and prayed for signs from God to give them hope to carry on?
How many of these LDS Pioneers wavered in their beliefs and harbored anger towards our Heavenly Father after losing so much, even those they loved as they struggled on their journey?
How many of these LDS pioneers wanted to go back home and have their regular life back?
Could I be this faithful and follow a man who proclaimed himself to be the Prophet of this church?
Without a doubt, I can tell you I am that man today who follows the words of Thomas S. Monson and sustain the leaders in this church, but I am pretty sure I wouldn't have been that pioneer back then. I know Heavenly Father in His perfect timing, chooses people to be placed at the time He needs them to be who and what they must be. It is in knowing that, I am comforted and humbled that my time has come to make my own sacrifice and go do the Lord's work and become kinda' like a pioneer in my own family.
I will be the first one to serve a mission in my family.
I will be the first and only Samoan Sete to date that has ever served an LDS mission. I say that because my sister and I are the last of my grandfather's lineage to carry the Sete last name that are Mormon. My grandfather's family are all devout Catholics.
I will be the first grandchild from both sets of grandparents to serve a mission.
I guess in that sense I can finally relate with the first LDS pioneers. I can finally say, I have a way to appreciate the LDS Pioneers trail as part of the Lord's Master plan.
*On a side note, I want to share something from a wonderful missionary, Sister Clark:
"Ou te iloa o soifua Iesu Keriso ma e alofa o ia ua ta toe. Ou te iloa o Iesu Keriso ole ulu o le talalelei. Ma ta'ita'i i ta tou e ala mai i Perofeta. Ou te alofa ile talalelei ma e tele fa'amanuiaga i maua mai ai."
My family and I were so touched not only by her words, willingness to serve a mission and her testimony, we are moved by Sister Clark, because she always chooses to be selfless and show people the utmost respect. We really do love and miss you.
I think I am going to use this post as an opportunity to speak of some very important dates and big occasions that are happening for me before my work schedule picks up and my school studies get hectic. I am taking time to appreciate these big occasions in my life.
179th Semi-Annual General Conference - Oct 3 & 4, 2009
This month's theme at church is "Come Listen To The Prophet's Voice". The speakers gave several examples of how to prepare yourself and your family for General Conference. I like the idea of setting up traditions of things to do for that big weekend. I particularly liked the tailgating tradition that Bro.Christiansen never got to finish talking about for some strange reason and the special breakfast Sis.Manzella talked about. Ok, I'm Samoan, so talks of good food traditions are more than likely going to get my attention in Sacrament. I think I'm going to be vocal about the tailgating festivity in my house.
3rd Anniversary of my Uncle Nick's passing - Oct 14, 2006
I know the saying "time heals everything" is not that accurate. I don't know if it ever starts to hurt any less when you lose someone you love so much. I find that you start to loose the ones you love in fragments. Like for me with my Uncle Nick, it started with the daily phone calls and just listening to me: that stopped abruptly. Then the Holidays and my childhood Summers were spent riding around with him in his truck blasting music, enjoying backyard barbecues, our hilarious gift exchanges and then we'd watch sports: EVERYDAY and all day if my Uncle Nick didn't have to work. You name the sport, he'd have their stats and pretty much predict who was going to win what and be 98% accurate. I miss learning the mechanics of sports. I miss hearing the play by plays.
I miss my uncle getting everyone of my food orders right on the money with what I want on my food and all the things the cook can omit. My mom gave birth to me and still thinks I can take out all the stuff I don't want on my burger myself and my dad loves football but he's no sports statistician. I miss the details I got from my uncle. Daily, I miss those little things about him. I guess every year I'll start to notice more of the things I miss about not having my uncle around, but I believe in the Plan of Salvation and I believe in Exaltation. I also know what I have been blessed with because of having such a great influence in my life.
I hope in heaven Uncle Nick, you are too busy doing good things and not spending all your time "looking down" on me and everyone else you love. Every time someone says a loved one that passed away is "looking down" on us, I picture you and a billion other people watching a humongous flat screen watching the people on earth as if we are reality t.v. characters. I do love and miss my Uncle Nick deeply but I'm sure Heavenly Father has more important tasks for him that don't include just sitting around watching 'Earth TV'. Well, with the exception of football of course, lol.
2nd Anniversary of our family being sealed - Oct 13, 2007
Had it not been for my uncle's death, my parents would have been content in being completely complacent with there so-so affiliation and association with the church. They were fine with being members and having "some" religion in the home. I am happy to say that since my uncle's passing, my family has grown closer and being separated from everything and everyone we grew up with, has turned out to be a blessing in disguise. I credit my Uncle Nick for our family finding the "iron rod" again and even if for some odd reason we let go of it, our family won't lose sight of it ever again. I look forward to my family gathering again at the sealing of me and my eternal mate.
President Brigham Young once compared being offended to a poisonous snakebite. He said that “there are two courses of action to follow when one is bitten by a rattlesnake. One may, in anger, fear, or vengefulness, pursue the creature and kill it. Or he may make full haste to get the venom out of his system.” He said, “If we pursue the latter course we will likely survive, but if we attempt to follow the former, we may not be around long enough to finish it.”
I have a great family. Life is good in Minnesota. It's good to be done with the past. It's alright to let go of what you once thought was important and those you once thought mattered. Forgiveness for me right now means letting go. It's a wonderful gift to myself.
At the October 2002 General Conference Priesthood session Pres.Gordon B. Hinckley says no farewells at church or big open house gatherings after sacrament meeting for the departing missionary. It can be found at:
http://www.lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,49-1-315-18,00.html
I was wondering how that must feel to a mother of a child leaving to serve for 18 months to 2 years of their life. I would hope any mother whose child leaves to serve a mission would not be desensitized to wanting a goodbye of some sort for their child. A concept that I really believe not a lot of Polynesians are likely to follow in the church, much less try to understand. Our whole way of life revolves around music, dance, speeches and festive meals. There's no real special occasion that needs to be happen for a 'gathering'. That should happen every Sunday to begin with for a Samoan household. I personally feel that your family should not wait until your funeral to celebrate your situation.
I think living in Minnesota away from all our extended family and friends we grew up with and have formed lifetime bonds with and being away from the daily Polynesian interactions has prepared our little family for the task of NOT being able to be too festive when saying goodbye to someone leaving for a while. A big gathering that includes music, dance and speeches is a different story though. As I have mentioned, their is NO special reason for a 'gathering' in our home. Those gatherings have happened in our home on Sunday afternoons as far back as I can remember. I have pictures from when I was a baby showing these 'non-special occasion' gatherings on Sundays after church.
I do like the idea of a small gathering of the people you are closest to. It somehow seems more personal that way. I thought of the missionaries that might be lone members, new members or without family support and how it is very considerate to their situation. What about those missionaries leaving whose families are not equipped financially to fund an open house or celebration? The thought of keeping that type of milestone in your life special and celebratory is really all in the way you look at it, I suppose. I know my father in particular is thankful for Pres.Gordon B. Hinckley's revelation on this subject and considers it 'cost efficient'.
Here is an except from an Ensign article by Marvin K. Gardner, December 1979 speaking on mission prep:
I asked Elder Vaughn J. Featherstone, a member of the First Quorum of the Seventy and a managing director of the Missionary Department, what kind of preparation he’d like to see every new missionary have.
“A prepared missionary,” he said, “(and I’m talking about lady missionaries as well as elders) is one who has developed a sweet relationship with the Savior prior to his mission. In fact, that should be the thing that motivates him to serve. And he should go because he wants to—not because he feels pressured into going. He ought to really have a desire to take the gospel of Jesus Christ to the people in whatever mission he may be called to.”
The prepared missionary has also done some studying before entering the field: “He ought to be familiar with the scriptures,” said Elder Featherstone, “hopefully having read at least the Book of Mormon and studied the others. And he ought to be familiar with the missionary discussions—they are available, and almost anyone can get a copy if he desires.”
Elder Featherstone recalled that when he was mission president in Texas, one new missionary, Elder Brad Hunsaker of Salt Lake City, had all eight discussions memorized when he arrived—and that was back when those going to English-speaking missions spent only four days in the Salt Lake mission home. “Since he had used his time wisely before coming on his mission,” said Elder Featherstone, “he didn’t have to spend that first two or three months memorizing the discussions. It put him leaps and bounds ahead of others.”
Familiarity with the discussions is an advantage even for missionaries going to foreign-speaking missions—since their Missionary Training Center experience will concentrate on memorizing the discussions in another language.
A prepared missionary, according to Elder Featherstone, is also one who has learned to work and has a lot of ambition. He should have earned most of his own money. He ought to be in good physical condition. And he should know how to sacrifice—“he ought to realize that there will be no swimming, no horseback riding, no television—those kinds of things—that music will be restricted, and that he’ll have to control his budget.”
He also ought to be emotionally prepared for his mission, Elder Featherstone said, “meaning that he has cast off his introverted feelings and is not afraid to go out and meet people. He needs to decide that he can get along with a companion twenty-four hours a day, and that he will accept counsel, constructive criticism, and responsibility.”
All of this kind of preparation can occur before he ever enters the Missionary Training Center.
*today's tip: Volunteer your time and efforts to something bigger than yourself. Everyone's small effort makes a difference. I'm donating blood this afternoon to the Red Cross.
Our Activities Director Bro.Doug Backer organized a Ward softball game at Downing Park 10:00am. A nice little work out and time to bond with some of the ward members. I had a good time and would like thank my runner Sidney Preator. I played even though I still had to wear a brace. It was also an opportunity to take some non-member friends of ours to hang out with our church members. Good times!
