Come with a Willing Heart - Mission Prep
President Quinn, Sister Fisher, and Sister Quinn at the Mission Prep Fireside.
“Read the Book of Mormon,” was the answer I kept getting to my question. This evening, President Quinn and I spoke at a regional missionary preparation fireside in Napa. During interviews with the President this past week, I visited with many of our missionaries about our assignment to give a presentation for young people on how to best prepare yourself for a mission. Almost all our missionaries said make sure they read the Book of Mormon before leaving for their mission. Yes, I whole heartedly agree! Anyone who is thinking about serving a mission can prepare by gaining their own testimony of the Book of Mormon, which also helps in developing a testimony of our Savior Jesus Christ. Missionaries teach daily from the Book of Mormon.
Sister Brady and Dyreng at interviews this week.
Tonight, at the fireside, the audience was warm and welcoming with young people and their parents present. The fireside began with three recently returned missionaries who shared their testimonies. They were followed by Elder and Sister Hawkins, our service missionary advisors, who spoke about the opportunity of service missions.
President Quinn and I were excited to speak on what we hold dear to our hearts – missions and our missionaries! We talked about mission preparation, everything from understanding your missionary purpose to knowing how to prepare a dinner with a crockpot. We spoke of how young people can begin today preparing for a mission by learning to wake up early on their own, reading their scriptures daily, controlling the time they spend on their phones, knowing how to do laundry, and understanding how to budget their money.
Elders Murri and Woodruff at interviews this week.
Managing your expectations is also helpful when receiving your call and assignment. A mission is not a study abroad excursion. A mission is not about where you serve but how you serve and who you serve. Missions are also hard work! Other things that are not often thought about, that are also helpful, are learning to handle conflict, talking positively about yourself, and knowing you can do hard things. So, come on a mission willing to contribute with a good attitude, shined shoes, and a driver’s license. And come healthy. If you are taking medication continue taking it while on your mission.
“Adjusting to Missionary Life” is a booklet that is put out by the Church that is very helpful to study in preparation for your mission. Preparing for a mission is not about being perfect, it is about coming with a willing heart, worthy, and ready.
A mission is a unique and incredible opportunity for our youth. If you’re wondering whether to serve or not, I hope you will choose to go on a mission. As a mission leader I love seeing all the behind the scenes efforts in the missionary department in Salt Lake City and with our office senior missionaries. All these people make a mission not only possible, be also safe, spiritual, and even spectacular for each missionary.
President Quinn and I work hard to make our missionaries healthy, happy, and successful and most importantly lifelong disciples of our Savior Jesus Christ.
Come on a mission! We eagerly await your arrival!
Elders Hayes & Szymanski and Hermana Brimhall & Richins working together Sunday evening in the Napa Zone
Sisters Thueson and Hankins at interviews this week.
Sisters Moon and Gordon at interviews this week.
Elders Hassan, Young, and Jensen at interviews.
Elders Brown, Averett, Ockey, and Mecham at interviews.
Dakota Larsen with finance and Sister and President Quinn. So fun to meet up with them. Congratulations!
