What is My Purpose?

      I just got out of Mission Preparation class. Can I just say how blessed I am to go to BYU and to have a whole class that prepares me for a mission? Because really, I am so blessed. I have a feeling that I'll be writing a lot of posts about things that I've learned from this class. We've only had two classes so far and I got teary both times. 
      Today, my professor, Brother Brad Wilcox, spoke about our purpose as a missionary. For a little bit, he talked about how the purpose of a Missionary is to bring others to Christ. But that is not all. He said any person could help bring others to Christ. Every other Youth Minister out there does it. But what makes us different? Preach My Gospel has one answer:

"You are called to represent Jesus Christ in helping people become clean from their sins. You do this by inviting them to come unto Jesus Christ and become converted to His restored gospel. To come to the Savior they must have faith in Him unto repentance—making the necessary changes to bring their life into agreement with His teachings. You can help people develop such faith by teaching them the restored gospel by the Spirit and inviting them to commit to live according to its teachings. Keeping this commitment prepares them for the covenants of baptism and confirmation and the precious gift of the Holy Ghost. They are to put off the “natural man” and become a Saint “through the atonement of Christ the Lord” (PMG pg 2)

That's great. That's wonderful and amazing. I get to teach people the true teachings of their true and personal Savior and then help them align their lives with His will. Brother Wilcox, however, took it even further. He said our purpose was to make Satan afraid.

What?

Let me explain. Do good, non-LDS people who are charitable make Satan afraid? No. What about the Pope? No. Even Ghandi? Nope. You are probably saying to yourself that these people have done so much good in the world, how could they possibly not make Satan afraid? Well, if you re-read that last sentence, you've got your answer. So much good in the world. The good that LDS missionaries do not only creates joy and peace on the earth, but it lasts through and creates joy and happiness in the eternities. We have the power to change eternity for the better. And that, my friends, scares Satan.

 

 

A Few of My Favorite Sayings

I have a missionary board on Pinterest (Which I LOVE) and I've found so many cute quotes and sayings about missionary work. Here are a few of them:

Enjoy!

I Hope They Call Me on a Mission

Hello! 

Okay, Okay, so I'm not a full-time sister missionary yet, but I sure am excited! I thought I'd share the story of how I decided to go on a mission. Let's flash back to October 6, 2012 (I can't believe it's already January!) to the first session of general conference. President Monson announced:

       "I am pleased to announce that effective immediately all worthy and able young men who have graduated from high school or its equivalent, regardless of where they live, will have the option of being recommended for missionary service beginning at the age of 18, instead of age 19. I am not suggesting that all young men will—or should—serve at this earlier age. Rather, based on individual circumstances as well as upon a determination by priesthood leaders, this option is now available.

As we have prayerfully pondered the age at which young men may begin their missionary service, we have also given consideration to the age at which a young woman might serve. Today I am pleased to announce that able, worthy young women who have the desire to serve may be recommended for missionary service beginning at age 19, instead of age 21." 

     About at that point, I started crying. That was really weird. Sure I was excited, but I shouldn't be crying because this announcement didn't affect me. I had never planned to serve a mission. Not only was I not sure, I had actually planned on not going. 
     I am in the middle of college and I am absolutely in love with my major, Elementary Education. I volunteer at a kindergarten each week, and boy, do I love it! I cannot wait to have my own classroom and my own little kiddos to teach and inspire. That was pretty much taking up my whole radar. 
     So naturally, I was very confused by this crying thing that was happening. Long story short, I got an overwhelming prompting that I should go on a mission. I was still a little unsure the next day. I thought, how could I possibly put off everything I want to do for 18 months? Then President Eyring gave his talk: Where is the Pavilion?

"The Lord’s delays often seem long; some last a lifetime. But they are always calculated to bless. They need never be times of loneliness or sorrow or impatience.

Although His time is not always our time, we can be sure that the Lord keeps His promises."

     I got the picture pretty quickly after that and, more importantly, I felt peace in the decision. So here I am now, ready and willing to serve the Lord wherever and whenever He may need me. I am excited to dedicate a year and a half of my life completely to the work of God. I will be blessed to have the opportunity to grow closer to my Father and to His Son, my Savior. I cannot wait to spread the everlasting joy and peace this Gospel has given me. I am so glad I have chosen the Lord's path for me and I know it will bring me more happiness than I could attain any other way.

I hope they call me on a mission.

Love,
Syd