Advice to a Missionary

Hey Ben,

Tara and I are all proud of what you're doing down there. We love you and pray for you always.

Some thoughts: There's no company more spiritually and socially refreshing than the company of LDS missionaries (who are obeying the rules, and working hard). That's hard to notice and understand when you're a missionary yourself, but it's still true. If the members of the church are a "peculiar people" you elders are the extreme case--and only in the best aspects of the word's meaning. Allow all people to feel this way in your company, even if they are completely uninterested in your message. If these types of people think well of you, the word will spread. Never underestimate the power of networking. Satan has it working against you, so you need to fight fire with fire. Build up as much networking momentum as possible.

You are literally walking anomalies; your two year sacrifice and consecration for the temperal and spiritual wellbeing of people who are basically strangers to you, on the other side of the planet, that speak a completely different language, and you're paying your own money to be there, without any income from the church you're working for; makes absolutely no sense to the world! The idea blows their minds! This is one of the most powerful starting points for conversation and relationships. Simply begin a question and answer type dialogue that leads into your message. Remember this with all your new aquaintences, This is your foot int he door message, people want to know about you, everyone is so curious about LDS missionaries; sometimes they are just uncomfortable in asking you the questions; so make it easy for them, and fun to find out who you are.

When you're visiting those difficult, sometimes anti-mormon people you meet on the street. Maintain your composure of quiet christlike dignity in the face of any bitter attitude you encounter and you will leave that individual with a feeling that will haunt their spirit, potentially soften their hearts, and prepare them for the reception of future missionaries. They will have a sublte desire to be reconciled with you, but since you won't be there the next time missionaries stop by, they will allow entrance to the next missionaries in an attempt to feel forgiven.

Always remember, you're planting dozens of seeds for every fruit that you harvest. Never, ever get into a contentious discussion with anyone, as soon as it appears that someone just wants to pick a fight over a point of doctrine and you give in, no one wins--what's worse is that this adds friction to your networking and reputation momentum that is constantly working ahead of you. In contrast if you immediately identify the insincerety and contention behind the questions asked you by these types of people, unless the spirit tells you otherwise, just pray for as much charity in your heart as possible, and the spirit will show you the most gentle and loving exit to the situation. It might include a heartfelt testimony. This is how an emissary of Jesus Christ wins bible bashing contests. And also, remember what dad says, you don't have to let them know you won.

Lastly, be easy on yourself, don't go overboard. Just like with radio control planes, you need to find the right speed and angle to gain your altitude, if you point yourself at too steep of an angle, you're in for a stall. Satan knows this, If he can't get us to go below the mark, he will tempt us to go beyond it. This is where perfectionism becomes a stumbling block for many members of the church. Use the prayer and the spirit to help you recognize what your "very best" is: that certain angle and speed, that point just before "you're running faster than you have strength". Try to cruise at this pace for the duration of your mission. It takes a while to get the hang of it; it'is an exhausting pace, but you have divine promises on your side, that you "will run and not be weary, walk and not faint." Also, "Those who magnify their callings are sanctified unto the renewing of their bodies." I can't think of any other reason why Hinkley has been able to do was he has been doing, except by this principle.

You're an amazing guy. I'm not offereing this advice because I think you're maybe doing things wrong--not at all. These are just pearls of wisdom that I wish I would have understood while I was on my mission. Althought you're a lot smarter than me, you're probably well aware of all this stuff already.

We love you,

Josh and Tara