In the suburbs of Melbourne, Victoria we joined members of our ward, this Saturday morning, in a search for less active members. Our purpose was to see if those members of the ward had moved, don’t know where to go to church, or are not interested in attending church or having contact with the Church. Out of 7 doors we got 2 slammed in our face (one wasn’t even the person we were looking for), 1 wasn’t home, 1 had moved, and 3 were polite, visited with us at the door and tentatively said we could come back and visit at a more convenient time. One said he liked talking with us “Yanks” because he has family over in America. He was just heading out when we got to his door. In fact, his son in law arrived while we were talking with him and his name was Mr. Flinn so we talked about family history for a while. Fortunately our best visits were early on so we weren’t discouraged to start off.
It makes me wonder how we treat others when they come to the door or on the phone. Do we shut them off before they have a chance to introduce themselves? I know I’ve been guilty of that. One of our workers at the PROV always welcomes those at the door preaching religion and tells them he has something to offer them. Sometimes they decline and go on their way and other times they get an opportunity to learn and to receive a Book of Mormon or a pass along card that directs them to mormon.org or to receive a DVD on Christ or a Book of Mormon. If someone calls in regarding a free DVD or such the call goes to referral centers.
One of our Senior Sisters responds to them for this area. At the MTC we had an opportunity to work at the referral center and I felt like what I said could make a difference in this person’s life. I knew that this might be the only contact that individual might have with the church and so I prayed for the Spirit to guide my words and for them to feel the Spirit and desire to learn of the Lord’s Gospel. Sister Broome at the PROV said that when she was young her mother (though not a member of the Church) enjoyed listening to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and would say good things about it. When Sister Broome was grown and married, the missionaries knocked on her door and she was willing to listen to them because of the words her mother had spoken about the choir. We never know what influence we have down the road by what we say or do today.
The Gospel of Jesus Christ is true. It is the Lord’s plan of mercy, of happiness, of salvation. There is no other way to enter into the Kingdom of God, except through our Savior Jesus Christ, through obedience to His laws and commandments. This is the legacy we leave to our family and it is the heritage we got from our parents and ancestors. We are so blessed. Make it a good day, love Elder & Sister Flynn
In the suburbs of Melbourne, Victoria we joined members of our ward, this Saturday morning, in a search for less active members. Our purpose was to see if those members of the ward had moved, don’t know where to go to church, or are not interested in attending church or having contact with the Church. Out of 7 doors we got 2 slammed in our face (one wasn’t even the person we were looking for), 1 wasn’t home, 1 had moved, and 3 were polite, visited with us at the door and tentatively said we could come back and visit at a more convenient time. One said he liked talking with us “Yanks” because he has family over in America. He was just heading out when we got to his door. In fact, his son in law arrived while we were talking with him and his name was Mr. Flinn so we talked about family history for a while. Fortunately our best visits were early on so we weren’t discouraged to start off.
It makes me wonder how we treat others when they come to the door or on the phone. Do we shut them off before they have a chance to introduce themselves? I know I’ve been guilty of that. One of our workers at the PROV always welcomes those at the door preaching religion and tells them he has something to offer them. Sometimes they decline and go on their way and other times they get an opportunity to learn and to receive a Book of Mormon or a pass along card that directs them to mormon.org or to receive a DVD on Christ or a Book of Mormon. If someone calls in regarding a free DVD or such the call goes to referral centers.
One of our Senior Sisters responds to them for this area. At the MTC we had an opportunity to work at the referral center and I felt like what I said could make a difference in this person’s life. I knew that this might be the only contact that individual might have with the church and so I prayed for the Spirit to guide my words and for them to feel the Spirit and desire to learn of the Lord’s Gospel. Sister Broome at the PROV said that when she was young her mother (though not a member of the Church) enjoyed listening to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and would say good things about it. When Sister Broome was grown and married, the missionaries knocked on her door and she was willing to listen to them because of the words her mother had spoken about the choir. We never know what influence we have down the road by what we say or do today.
The Gospel of Jesus Christ is true. It is the Lord’s plan of mercy, of happiness, of salvation. There is no other way to enter into the Kingdom of God, except through our Savior Jesus Christ, through obedience to His laws and commandments. This is the legacy we leave to our family and it is the heritage we got from our parents and ancestors. We are so blessed. Make it a good day, love Elder & Sister Flynn
1 comment:
Hoorah! I did get into your blog -- finally!
Sounds like you are doing great work, we hope you are enjoying it.
We loved reading your testimony -- you two are GREAT missionaries and we're happy to count you as our dear friends.
Hang in there -- and may God bless you in your labors.
Love, Donna & Ray
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