The Word of God - Not Always Accepted by Man

Did he really just say that? I thought. Again, his words echoed. Not a single word had escaped our mouths, and I wasn't even certain if any should. Animated, he continued to relate to us his encounter, as well as his response.

It turns out that after a short discussion concerning The Book of Mormon, this man took it to his pastor and asked concerning the matter. His pastor replied, "Don't even bother reading it. Just throw it away, and stop seeing those people." Apparently this did not sit well with him. He went down the road to one of our members and spoke with him, and began reading for himself.

By the time Elder Varner and I returned for a sit-down lesson, he decided to vent: "Who gives him the right to tell me to throw that book away?"

My heart sank. For, perhaps, the first time on my mission I was able to witness someone willing to find out for themself rather than just listening to the words of their pastor.

It continued, even until our meeting at Church on Sunday. With an attendance which hasn't been seen in years, and a Gospel Principles class fuller than usual, two women shared their encounters as well; of family, friends, and neighbours turning to tear down what they've come to know for themselves.

One of them, a recently returned member explained how three of her dearest friends had ganged up to tell her that we prayed through Joseph Smith, and that The Book of Mormon was all about him. Even her parents had attempted to keep her daughter from attending Church with her.

The other, the mother of a young man that joined only two years back, explained how her husband, neighbour, and family Church told her to stop her son from coming, and that they should throw away their copy of The Book of Mormon.

Both of them turned with conviction, bearing witness that The Book of Mormon testifies of Christ, and that through Christ, and Christ alone, are all things done. They had seen the change the gospel can bring, and they weren't willing to have false accusation sway them in the least. Instead, the young man's mother has an affirmed commitment to work towards her own baptism, and the recently returned member declared, "It only strengthened my faith."

The father of a family we're preparing for baptism smiled, and listened closely the whole time they spoke. Even he knew, because he searched, asked, and trusted God - and it was then, and only then, that the Spirit bore witness (and there's no denying the Spirit).

With these encounters, contrasting a family that dropped us due to the voices of others, I've decided to share in this week's "epistle" the origins of scripture, more specifically, The Book of Mormon. And let us remember that word of God has not always been accepted by man.

God has always worked through prophets (Amos 3:7, Hebrews 13:8). These prophets have led the people out of bondage (as Moses did for Israel), warned the people of physical and spiritual dangers (as Noah did for the people), reared the people in the ways of the Lord (as Enoch did for his city), and prophecied concerning the coming of the Lord (as Isaiah did in his ministry).

Each of these prophets, with the authority of God, under the inspiration of the Holy Ghost have recorded these events. The words of the prophets, and apostles, constitute scripture - even the Bible which constitutes select books.

During the times of Jeremiah, the prophet, the Lord sent his prophets to warn the people that Jeruselam would fall (Jeremiah 17:19-27). The people did not listen, so God commanded one of His prophets, and his family, to depart and flee into the wilderness.

As they departed into the wilderness, they took with them brass and golden plates. Upon these plates they recorded their dealings, and their ministry, according to the commanments of God. They then travelled to the aincient Americas and each generation continued to record their dealings, and their ministry.

One of the books in The Book of Mormon (Ether) actually record the dealings of another nation (the Jaredites) which travelled to the aincient Americas, much earlier than Lehi and his family, at the confounding of tongues at the tower of Babel (Genesis 11:9).

The crowning event in The Book of Mormon is the fulfilment of Christ's words in John 10:16 where, after His ascencion, He visited the people of the aincent Americas.

Nearing the end of its record - around A.D. 421 - God instructs one of His prophets, Mormon, to compile the plates and abridge the records. Mormon then gives these records to his son Moroni, also in the ministry. At this time, the believers in Christ were being hunted down, tortured, and killed.

Moroni, in an attempt to preserve the records, buried them in the earth and prayed to God that He would keep them safe until the time they could be brought forth for the children of men. The intent was so that we could all come to a perfect knowledge of Christ, and His gospel (2 Nephi 25:26). Moroni called these records The Book of Mormon as they had been given to him by his father, Mormon.

Many years later, in 1827, God called and prepared Joseph Smith to find these plates, and to translate them into the English language by the gift and power of God. Remember, Jospeh Smith had the equivelant of a third grade education. In the end, Moroni, now a glorified, resurrected being was the messenger to direct him to the place they had been buried (Psalm 85:11).

Today we have The Book of Mormon as Another Testament of Jesus Christ. The Lord has said that in the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established (2 Corinthians 13:1). The Book of Mormon is the word of God - let us not be caught up with what we have, as to refuse anything else the Lord would have us know.

I know of its truth. And, to be honest, I didn't know all these details before I decided to read and find out for myself - I found out by reading, and praying. Even know I see the blessings the gospel brings, through this book, and the restored gospel. A family we have is changed, excited, and joyfully preparing for their baptism soon at hand.

There are many voices out their - and if we're not willing to look for ourselves, we'll fall with those who dragged us down with them.

What Does the Bible say about The Book of Mormon?

Another LDS Smith addition to the "What does the Bible say?" collection. This time, all about The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ, and some common rebuttals against open canon scripture addressed.

First, what do we believe?

"We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God." - Articles of Faith 1:9.

In other words, we believe in open canon scripture. Ancient Middle Eastern prophets received revelation from God, and recorded it in what we now know as The Holy Bible. Prophets from the ancient Americas received revelation from God, and recorded it in what we now know as The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ. Joseph Smith, and successive latter-day prophets, receive(d) revelation from God, and record(ed) it in what we now know as The Doctrine and Covenants of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, as well as in other sacred records and documents.

Now isn't that a mouth full? In short, unlike most Christians, Latter-day Saints believe in scripture other than just the Bible.

But you cannot add or remove from the Bible!

Agreed, God's word is irrevocable. Now, let's assume that the Bible is free of crept-in error (2 Timothy 4:4). What does this statement really mean? Where does it really come from?

The answer: Revelation 22:18-19. Do not add or remove from that which God has revealed.

"For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book." - Revelation 22:18-19, emphasis added.

I love these verses. And, in addressing its use as a rebuttal, I'm reminded of the words spoken by an MTC lecturer of min: "This is when you need to teach them English." Note the emphasis on this book; in other words, the book of Revelation - not the Bible, which actually means many books.

Deuteronomy 4:2 clarifies what is meant by the above verse, as it gives the same warning.

"Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you." - Deuteronomy 4:2.

If interpreted to mean 'no further scripture ever to be given', then no scripture proceeding Deuteronomy 4:2 can be considered (logic error). Rather, the verse warns against those who would change the commandments or revelations from God by either adding or removing from which God has already given.

For example, "Thou shalt not kill" (Exodus 20:13) should not be altered to "Thou shalt not kill at night" (add) or "Thou shalt kill" (remove).

Nowhere does it say that God cannot or will not give more.

But the Bible is all we need!

Then why don't we use the Bible, and see what it has to say about the Book of Mormon?

"Therefore is the name of it called Babel; because the Lord did there confound the language of all the earth: and from thence did the Lord scatter them abroad upon the face of all the earth." - Genesis 11:9.

The Book of Ether, found in the Book of Mormon, is a record of the Jaredites, "[w]hich Jared came forth with his brother and their families, with some others and their families, from the great tower, at the time the Lord confounded the language of the people, and swore in his wrath that they should be scattered upon all the face of the earth; and according to the word of the Lord the people were scattered" (Ether 1:33).

"Joseph is a fruitful bough, even a fruitful bough by a well; whose branches run over the wall:" - Genesis 49:22.

This verse requires the use of our spiritual ears, since it is a blessing from Jacob to Joseph. Joseph is a fruitful, many progenitors, bough, vineyard. The house of Israel is the vineyard of the Lord (see Isaiah 5:7, Jeremiah 12:10, Luke 20:9, and Mark 12:9), wherefrom scripture proceeds.

[W]hose branches run over the wall, like a tree branches off, so too would the tribe of Joseph, with some going out of the land (see Jacob 2:25, Alma 26:36, 1 Nephi 15:12, 1 Nephi 15:16, 1 Nephi 19:24, and 2 Nephi 3:4), wherefrom scripture could proceed.

See also Deuteronomy 33:16-17, using spiritual ears once more. Note the gathering of Israel, a primary duty of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The remainder of Joseph's blessing reads:

"The archers have sorely grieved him, and shot at him, and hated him: But his bow abode in strength, and the arms of his hands were made strong by the hands of the mighty God of Jacob; (from thence is the shepherd, the stone of Israel:) Even by the God of thy father, who shall help thee; and by the Almighty, who shall bless thee with blessings of heaven above, blessings of the deep that lieth under, blessings of the breasts, and of the womb: The blessings of thy father have prevailed above the blessings of my progenitors unto the utmost bound of the everlasting hills: they shall be on the head of Joseph, and on the crown of the head of him that was separate from his brethren." - Genesis 49:23-26.

Persecution against the accounts of the Book of Mormon was prophesied long before its arrival, but the Lord will strengthen, and bless, His people.

"Truth shall spring out of the earth; and righteousness shall look down from heaven." - Psalm 85:11.

The records from which the Book of Mormon were translated came, literally, from the earth, with all the blessings from heaven being fully restored (see Mormon 8:16, and Moses 7:62).

"Now, what do we hear in the gospel which we have received? A voice of gladness! A voice of mercy from heaven; and a voice of truth out of the earth; glad tidings for the dead; a voice of gladness for the living and the dead; glad tidings of great joy. How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of those that bring glad tidings of good things, and that say unto Zion: Behold, thy God reigneth! As the dews of Carmel, so shall the knowledge of God descend upon them!" - D&C 128:19.

"And thou shalt be brought down, and shalt speak out of the ground, and thy speech shall be low out of the dust,and thy voice shall be, as of one that hath a familiar spirit,out of the ground, and thy speech shall whisper out of the dust." - Isaiah 29:4.

Only The Book of Mormon can explain who the nation like unto Ariel is, and how it was brought low. Their voice shall whisper out of the dust (see Moroni 10:27), come forth out of the ground (see above analysis on Psalm 85:11), and shall be as one that has a familiar spirit.

"For those who shall be destroyed shall speak unto them out of the ground, and their speech shall be low out of the dust, and their voice shall be as one that hath a familiar spirit; for the Lord God will give unto him power, that he may whisper concerning them, even as it were out of the ground; and their speech shall whisper out of the dust. For thus saith the Lord God: They shall write the things which shall be done among them, and they shall be written and sealed up in a book, and those who have dwindled in unbelief shall not have them, for they seek to destroy the things of God." - 2 Nephi 26:16-17.

"And the vision of all is become unto you as the words of a book that is sealed, which men deliver to one that is learned, saying, Read this, I pray thee: and he saith, I cannot; for it is sealed: And the book is delivered to him that is not learned,saying, Read this, I pray thee: and he saith, I am not learned. Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me,and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men: Therefore, behold, I will proceed to do a marvellous work among this people, even a marvellous work and a wonder: for the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent men shall be hid." - Isaiah 29:11-14.

"But behold, it shall come to pass that the Lord God shall say unto him to whom he shall deliver the book:Take these words which are not sealed and deliver them to another, that he may show them unto the learned, saying:Read this, I pray thee. And the learned shall say: Bring hither the book, and I will read them. And now, because of the glory of the world and to get gain will they say this, and not for the glory of God. And the man shall say: I cannot bring the book, for it is sealed. Then shall the learned say: I cannot read it. Wherefore it shall come to pass, that the Lord God will deliver again the book and the words thereof to him that is not learned; and the man that is not learned shall say: I am not learned. Then shall the Lord God say unto him: The learned shall not read them, for they have rejected them, and I am able to do mine own work; wherefore thou shalt read the words which I shall give unto thee." - 2 Nephi 27:15-20.

“I went to the city of New York, and presented the characters which had been translated, with the translation thereof, to Professor Charles Anthon, a gentleman celebrated for his literary attainments. Professor Anthon stated that the translation was correct, more so than any he had before seen translated from the Egyptian. I then showed him those which were not yet translated, and he said that they were Egyptian, Chaldaic, Assyriac, and Arabic; and he said they were true characters. He gave me a certificate, certifying to the people of Palmyra that they w ere true characters, and that the translation of such of them as had been translated was also correct. I took the certificate and put it into my pocket, and was just leaving the house, when Mr. Anthon called me back, and asked me how the young man found out that there were gold plates in the place where he found them. I answered that an angel of God had revealed it unto him. “He then said to me, ‘Let me see that certificate.’ I accordingly took it out of my pocket and gave it to him,when he took it and tore it to pieces, saying that there was no such thing now as ministering of angels, and that if I would bring the plates to him he would translate them. I informed him that part of the plates were sealed, and that I was forbidden to bring them. He replied, ‘I cannot read a sealed book.’ I left him and went to Dr. Mitchell, who sanctioned what Professor Anthon had said respecting both the characters and the translation.” - Joseph Smith-History 1:64-65.

"And in that day shall the deaf hear the words of the book, and the eyes of the blind shall see out of obscurity,and out of darkness." - Isaiah 29:18.

Literally, yes, the deaf have received its words, and the blind have seen its glory. Moreover, however, the hardhearted and obstinate will come to know, as have some, as many others have seen through the blazon obscurity of anti-Mormon literature.

And here comes some of my favourite Biblical prophecies:

"The word of the Lord came again unto me, saying, Moreover, thou son of man, take thee one stick, and write upon it, For Judah, and for the children of Israel his companions: then take another stick, and write upon it, For Joseph, the stick of Ephraim, and for all the house of Israel his companions: And join them one to another into one stick; and they shall become one in thine hand. And when the children of thy people shall speak unto thee, saying, Wilt thou not shew us what thou meanest by these? Say unto them, Thus saith the Lord God; Behold, I will take the stick of Joseph, which is in the hand of Ephraim,and the tribes of Israel his fellows, and will put them with him, even with the stick of Judah, and make them one stick, and they shall be one in mine hand. And the sticks whereon thou writest shall be in thine hand before their eyes." - Ezekiel 37:15-20.

The Lord instructed Judah to keep a record, and Joseph to do the same. Judah kept a record which now constitutes the Bible. Joseph, in the hand of Ephraim, kept a record which now constitutes The Book of Mormon. In the latter days, the Lord will bring them together as one.

"Wherefore, the fruit of thy loins shall write; and the fruit of the loins of Judah shall write; and that which shall be written by the fruit of thy loins, and also that which shall be written by the fruit of the loins of Judah, shall grow together, unto the confounding of false doctrines and laying down of contentions, and establishing peace among the fruit of thy loins, and bringing them to the knowledge of their fathers in the latter days, and also to the knowledge of my covenants, saith the Lord." - 2 Nephi 3:12.

"And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd." - John 10:16.

I don't know how much clearer the Saviour could have been. God speaks to all His children, not just some.

"This much did the Father command me, that I should tell unto them: That other sheep I have which are not of this fold;them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd. And verily I say unto you, that ye are they of whom I said: Other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd." - 3 Nephi 15:16-17, 21.

"And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people" - Revelation 14:6.

Moroni, an angel of God, appeared before Joseph Smith, standing in the air ("fly in the midst of heaven"), to tell him of The Book of Mormon, which contains the fullness of the everlasting gospel that would be preached to 'them that dwell on earth' (missionary work).

There we have it, a series of Biblical prophecies concerning the coming forth of another witness of Jesus Christ (see 2 Corinthians 13:1, and Deuteronomy 19:15).

God thought it important. Who are we to say that it is not?

Moments in Time

It wasn't what I expected, and I'm still not sure that I'm used to it, but this is His work, and the little moments in time are the ones that matter most. From not knowing what to do, to unplanned, unexpected highlights of note. In the end, the Lord speaks, "Ye cannot behold with your natural eyes, for the present time, the design of your God concerning those things which shall come hereafter, and the glory which shall follow after much tribulation." (D&C 58:3)

It started on Monday, at the mission home with President and Sister Zackrison, and an on-the-spot Family Home Evening message for the Newcombe-Bond family. He looked at me, and I at him, What are we going to teach this family? We need to make this count. And, as a tender mercy, the idea came to me an the verse to him - inspired by the Spirit. We grabbed their attention, and even got the kids to think.

"Can I even do it for my sister?" Katrina asked, as we extended the invitation.

On Tuesday we offered service to the Holtzhausen family, hauling out branches coated in thorns, offering the same for their neighbours at a later date. Afterwhich, we went to McDonalds for lunch before our first long list of appointments in the area. Another blessing from the Lord, out of nowhere. We met a guy named David, for the second time that week, and after a long chat with him and his family he invited us to scouts that Friday evening (he's the assistant scoutmaster).

The day continued as we got to know a few less active members, witness the dedication of a home, and end with a powerful lesson on prophets with our, then, only investigator. Developing a relationship of trust is one of the most important things we can do, after helping them develop that relationship with God. Still, I am surprised at and grateful for what they're willing to share.

Wednesday came and we were able to sign up to volunteer at the local hospital, being assigned to the Occupational Health Department (another tender mercy of the Lord). We were able to meet a couple of people who knew a little bit about Latter-day Saints and offered the opportunity to assist with spiritual upliftment between and after therapy sessions, in addition to our assistance with patients and other activities around the hospital. We even had a good conversation with a local Jehovah's Witness couple proselyting in the parking lot.

On Friday we ran into a wall, with service in the morning and attempted tracting in the area later that day. Suffice to say that we should've just listened to our local Bishopric and Stake Presidency when they said "You shouldn't have even tried."

On Friday we had our first lesson with a new investigator who shared with us much of her current trials and challenges. Following the Spirit, we were able to speak the words she needed to hear and share with her a portion from the Book of Mormon which led her to say, "I needed to hear that." She took a copy of the Book of Mormon after we closed in prayer, along with a pamphlet of the Restoration.

That night was scouts and, to be absolutely honest, I had no idea how that was going to be of any benefit to us and our purpose as missionaries. However, as we arrived, David (the assistant scoutmaster) introduced us as "The Americans volunteering for their Church as missionaries." We were able to speak to many that night as the activities went on, and have others see who we are. David was really impressed that we showed up, even offering an extended invitation for the Friday nights to follow, and the scouts were more than excited to talk to us about absolutely everything. We were even able to meet the kids of a less-active family we'd been trying to get a hold of. We planted a garden that night, more than just a few seeds.

Then was Saturday. A day I won't likely forget, but an experience I probably needed. We met a man a the Shongweni Market who vehemently opposed LDS theology - in fact, he outright opposed all forms of organised religion, excluding his own, nameless, underground group of true disciples. As I found the first opportunity to begin speaking, he immediately cut me off and began his attempt to tear down every foundation of my belief and testimony. He told me that God was testing me, and that I failed. "You didn't have anyone to talk to. If I was there, I would've stopped you from making this grievous error." Even that God did not love all His children.

His opposition just reminded me of how important, and dear, my testimony is, and the words of a hymn came to mind (The Time is Far Spent).

"Be fixed in your purpose, for Satan will try you;

The weight of your calling he perfectly knows.

Your path may be thorny, but Jesus is nigh you;

His arm is sufficient, tho demons oppose."

I left him with a thought as we shook hands to say goodbye, "If we don't ask Go, how can we really know?" And his absolute refusal to ask God (as he never had) set in stone that his words couldn't be true. God loves us. I know this. He answers prayers. I know that too. I am where He has purposed me to be. That I know without a shadow of doubt.

We had a lesson with the Duma family that evening that granted me the opportunity to answer questions they had about the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the Restoration thereof. Questions to which I had answers. Things which I knew and felt to be true. We ended with bearing our testimonies, each of us smiling and committed to work harder at finding people to share this beautiful gospel with.

On Sunday we received a phone call from the new investigator we met with on Friday. The joy expressed over the phone was more infectious than anything I know. She said that after our lesson everything changed. She read the pamphlet cover to cover, reads the Book of Mormon every opportunity she finds, that the joy she felt was like nothing else, and that everything was going so much better than before. "I am a witness," she said.

It was a great week. Next week I'll tell you about how I took my companion to visit at Hillcrest Family Church, and the phenomenal encounters we had there. Apparently one of the ladies I was talking to was flirting with me like nobodies business. But that's a story for another time.

God loves you. Remember that. Never doubt that. He knows you and cares for you more than you could ever imagine.

Trials and Triumphs

The Botshabelo Elders are sick and afflicted. Yea, let me start with that. Elder Ocitti has been struck with the infamous influenza, whereas Elder Smith awoke one morning with an ailed digit. Thus making our mornings as such:

Elder Smith awakes at 04:00 with a shooting pain in his big left toe; inflamed, hypersensitive, bleeding, and with limited mobility. Elder Ocitti pulls himself out of bed ten minutes after the designated time and wraps himself in a blanket for as long as possible, looking up as much as possible; congested, sneezing, and coughing at random intervals.

But there is work to do, so I grab the first aid kit, and we muster up the strength to prepare ourselves and perform our labours; a prayer of faith pushing us through as the work goes on unhindered. And it is in the area we notice something awry this way come.

On Tuesday, we went into the area with the Zone Leaders to interview a candidate for baptism - Tumelo. However, things didn't go as planned. Suddenly, their attitude changed and they were completely against the idea, stating that the Book of Mormon was just too new for them, and that they needed more time. Tears streamed from his eyes, and it felt as if a dagger pierced my heart.

Immediately I thought, "We're here to interview Tumelo... the one with a testimony." I mean, the reason we have baptismal interviews is to make sure that the candidate is prepared to make the covenants he/she is about to make - that they are, in fact, ready. Moreover, if God has told him that he needs to be baptised, who are we to say no? If he was under age, I'd understand, but he's twenty.

In the end, we agreed to respect the family's wishes (especially considering he lived with them). Our goal is to work with the family to make this transition as peaceful as possible. By the end of May, he will be baptised. We were able to have a powerful lesson with his brother, in which Tumelo bore his testimony.

On Friday, we went to see a Part Member family; we're teaching and preparing the daughter for baptism and working on bringing the father and sons back into activity. As we arrived, we noted that the daughter wasn't home. We asked and found that she'd left home to stay with her grandmother. When we asked why, they said something about her wanting to go back to her old church.

Wait, what? Why would that make her leave home for good as well?

I committed her brother to visit her and to tell her that God loves her, that he loves her, and that he wants to walk with her to church on Sunday.

We started teaching a lady whose husband is a member. In fact, she tracked us down and said, "Hey! My husband's a member of your church - you need to see him." It was great. We were able to start seeing him, rededicate him to scripture study and prayer, and even bring him back to church a couple of times - he's working on a schedule with his boss and colleagues that would allow him to come to church every Sunday.

When we met with his wife, though, we were surprised that she, being a non-member, knew the restoration inside and out, even the doctrines of the church, and wasn't even opposed.

She said, "Who prayed for tate to find a place when he was moving from church to church? Who thanked God when you missionaries started teaching him? Who went to his baptism in Thaba 'Nchu? Who went out to find you and bring him back to church when he stopped going? Me! I did that. I will support him where he is, and I pray that he stays in this church until he dies. I'll even be there for him when he's ready to go to the Temple."

She even quoted 1 Corinthians 1 when Paul said "Is Christ divided?" to support her love for the Church. "But I'm too old to change churches now," she said. She's even got a strong calling in the church she's in, pulling everything together.

We even have a you lady who's been investigating the church for years already, but she keeps postponing her own baptismal date. Even a recent convert whom we asked to fellowship this young lady said, "I'm not even going to bother trying."

But all is well in Zion. Tumelo is still coming to Church. His brother even said, "Who am I to deny it?"

The Part Member family we're trying to bring back to Church actually came (they're even reading and praying). The branch even had a record attendance of 73 (it used to average 35), with 13 investigators (the members were even responsible for two of them).

The recent convert I asked to fellowship the young lady came up to me and said, "I did what you asked, and I got my answer. I'll do it." Together we were even able to chat with the young lady, and she agreed that there was no real reason for postponing her baptismal date - rescheduling for an earlier date.

And thus we see the tender mercies of the Lord. Hard work, faith, and obedience with exactness pays off. We keep working, we keep praying, and we keep believing - no matter how hard it seems to get.

And that brings me to other news. I'm losing my baba. Transfers are happening on Tuesday and my trainer is being taken to the coast to become a Zone Leader.

My new companion will be Elder Gwebu (from Johannesburg). I will need to rely on my skills of direction (yes, keep laughing, especially those of you know those skills don't exist). My new companion will also be the new District Leader.

For those of you who don't know, training is twelve weeks, so this is unusual.

Further news is that we'll be changing boardings (closer to the area). Elder Ocitti is healed. And I even found an Old Testament Manual with Elder Martin's name in it - another sign that we'll be companions some day.

This past week, according to the training package, was to focus more on Prayer and the Holy Ghost - and to most this seems really simple, but in the world we live today people don't see it as a two-way communication between God and man. We've developed a culture of recited prayers. And, frankly, that needs to stop! If you're reciting the same prayer as you recited yesterday, stop.

There is a better way. God's way.

Heavenly Father has, countless times, through the scriptures and mouths of His prophets told us that we need to pray to Him. It is a commanment - even that we do it often.

The pattern for this has been set: We address our Heavenly Father, express the feelings of our heart, ask specific and direct questions, express gratitude, and close "in the name of Jesus Christ, amen."

We need to develop a culture of talking to our God, avoiding vain repetition. We need to realise, recognise, and believe that He will answer us through feelings (Galatians 5:22-23), thoughts, and ultimately a sense of knowing.

So this is my challenge for you this week, ask God. And I will be bold. If you trust God, ask Him if the Book of Mormon is true. If you don't have one, we'll get you one. And if you aren't even sure God is there, ask Him. He will answer.

I, Finally, Did It: I Went to the Temple

Early 2013, it was an interesting Sunday--a curious one indeed. I had just come to the realisation that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints existed and stumbled upon inklings of the Temple I’d soon come to haunt over… I had just met missionaries (of any sort) for the first time. I emphasise met, because it recently occurred to me that I had, in fact, seen missionaries once before - but that’s another story; one for another time.

Today’s story is more about the Temple, otherwise known as the House of the Lord, and my long waited journey to - finally - enter in. Yes, on the 10th of January 2015, this longwinded, overly analytical, secretly critical (okay, maybe not so much secretly, says my sister’s laughs; “Tell me another one,” she’d banter), research obsessed Latter-day Saint took his first steps into rooms otherwise restricted and felt the touch of the delicate holy garments for the first time. It was a morn to be remembered.

Let’s see, the day started out quite early - well, not really. I woke up at 05:00, jumped into the shower, suited up and waited for the missionaries to arrive at 06:00. I had scheduled for the nine o’clock session and needed to be in the Temple by 07:30 (and the Distribution Centre opened at 07:00). The plan was that I’d drive the three of us to the Temple to save on petrol (or gas, as the Americans call it), but for one reason or another they decided to follow in their car (something about the APs). Oh, and they weren’t allowed to give me a lift. Shrug. So I put the address for the Johannesburg South Africa Temple into the GPS and they (Elders Broadhead and Wegrowski) followed.

It took us down a route neither of us had been before and we arrived twenty three minutes later - as opposed to forty five minutes later, as expected. “Sometimes GPSs do come in handy,” I remarked, not realising the fatality to come (stay tuned).

And we were there. Myself… and the Elders, who were kind enough to escort me through the Temple my first time ‘round. See the minio-- I mean, men on the right.

We made our venture through the Temple grounds - with Elder Wegrowski’s continued comments on how small ‘twas - and took pictures along the way. I decided, since so many pictures of me existed (of which, I had practically none), to have the Elders take a couple of shots using my phone… I still don’t have any photos from that morning. The reason? Spoilers. Suffice to say, the Elders have pictures from that morning and I do not.

We went to the Distribution Centre as it opened and entered into the Temple earlier than arranged. I was greeted by a few Priesthood Holders and the Sister with whom I had made arrangements with. Don’t ask me about names-- that’s foreign territory. I remember their faces and our conversations, but names, now that’s something I’ve never been good at.

I gave Elder Broadhead his Escort tag, which I’m not entirely certain he wanted, but I wanted him there and he didn’t exactly say no; and, from there, we headed into my initiatories (a little early). My mind was blown. I sat there, as I waited, with the image before me of Moses giving blessings at an ancient Temple. Everything made sense.

“The Old Testament means something,” I said.

Elder Broadhead smiled. He and his companion were conversing over Utahan names with another American whose name eludes me now. They were well in their comfort zone, which was good, because my mind was racing. Everything I had read, everything I had studied, came pouring through. I saw, in my mind’s eye, the Tabernacle of Moses construct itself around us with the ancient prophets themselves walking through.

The awkward candid shot.

I think of the specifics, and how detailed they are, as the words echo through my mind once again. I felt the Spirit testify and truth resound. I felt the room fill as I moved along. One after the other, I was blown away.

Isaiah 62:2 was now mine - the meaning was clear and I felt new. As Meghan (a fellow YSA from my home ward) said, “It felt like Eragon. I finally have it.”

We went on to discuss other things which I cannot discuss, but I do remember - as it ended - Elder Broadhead taking the Doctrine & Covenants, showing me his favourite verse therein.

D&C 38:32 “Wherefore, for this cause I gave unto you the commandment that ye should go to the Ohio; and there I will give unto you my law; and there you shall be endowed with power from on high;”

Good verse. I also pointed out, “This isn’t Ohio.” and showed him my favourite.

D&C 95:8 “Yea, verily I say unto you, I gave unto you a commandment that you should build a house, in the which house I design to endow those whom I have chosen with power from on high;”

We moved to the Chapel where we went through hymns from a white hymn book and then read
scriptures as we waited. That was when Brother Farquharson came in. After some time I rose to greet Sister Farquharson. I was filled with glee. The only one missing was Dylan.

And then came the Endowment session. Never have I ever cried for a movie before, but this wasn’t just a movie. I felt touched by every word and questions I’d debated with missionaries, ones from other churches as well, were finally answered. EVERYTHING MADE SENSE. Everything fit in. My mind was whirling and my soul was soaring. I was blessed. I am blessed. I had the Farquharsons on my left and the missionaries on my right.

As I walked into the Celestial Room, I was greeted by Brother Farquharson (Kev) and Sister Farquharson (Shan). My soul was filled with so much joy. My spiritual family was there.

I won’t say much more, because it was a sacred, beautiful experience, but know that it has been on my mind every day (and night) since.

We went out onto Temple Grounds and began taking photos (as is tradition with Kev).

I’d just like to say, the Temple is a blessing. It has opened my eyes to so much more - and I know that there is still so much more to learn. Granted, I now know all the doctrines of the Church and it’s phenomenal. I could never have expected this, through all the Anti-Mormon research, from that heart-wrenching, sickening video of the Temple I saw mere moments after discovering the Church, and in all my scepticism, heard-heartedness, critique and stubbornness.

I’ve come a long way. Brave young men taught me in all my defences, but persisted, as did the Spirit. I can honestly and truly say that the Gospel has changed my life. I’m not the same as I was before, and I won’t be the same today as I am tomorrow, and how beautiful it is that it is so. How beautiful is it that persons can grow and progress.

And, when I think about it, the Temple is one of the main reasons I’ve continued. I could have stopped seeing the missionaries. I could have stopped reading the Book of Mormon. I could’ve stopped asking questions and doing research. Especially since I was convinced that it wasn’t true, or rather, not of God. But I didn’t. I wanted to know more. No, I needed to know more. Because, deep down, I knew the things I read about the Temple weren’t true. I knew that something was inside there and I needed to find it. The missionaries were quiet – they didn’t say a word. The journey was mine. And now I can say, I’ve found it. I know what’s inside the Temple and the answer is truth. The answer is God. The answer is purpose. The answer is meaning.

It is exactly as Sister Shan said, “No other Church answers the questions ‘Where do I come from?’, ‘Why am I here?’, and ‘Where do I go after?’ as well as the restored gospel.” In fact, no other Church comes close.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints truly is God’s Church once again established on the earth. Joseph Smith did a mighty work in bringing it back as God’s chosen Prophet. God loves us. And He has given us Temples. Let us keep our eyes set on them. For they truly are the House of the Lord.

“How far is Heaven? Not very far. In the House of the Lord, it is right where you are.”

I'm still a new-blood, of a year and roughly a month, so there's still much to learn, much to understand-- questions eating away. I'll be patient, I'll be diligent, but I still need help. I'll be zealous at times and confused at others. I need to be tried, reproofed and corrected. I am a convert-- and mainstream Christianity is not nearly the same as restorative Christianity, much less Mormonism. Even though, my sights are set; the Spirit is my compass and the Temple is my North.

It isn't easy, but that's okay.

I don’t pretend to know what you’re actually going through, or even comprehend on the slightest of plains. But I do know this one thing, life is hard and that’s okay.

Last night was our last Institute class for the year. We gathered together at Sister Shell’s house for dinner – after discussing what she’d have us remember most and bearing testimony one to another. The following words stuck out as I began to ponder the trials of Moroni, the early saints, fellow brothers and sisters, family, as well as myself:

“We might arrive at those pearly gates all battered and bruised. In fact, we will arrive at those gates ‘all battered and bruised’. But Christ will finish us; he’ll polish us and clean us, and finally perfect us.”

Her words were inspired by Moroni 6:4, “And after they had been received unto baptism, and were wrought upon and cleansed by the power of the Holy Ghost, they were numbered among the people of the church of Christ; and their names were taken, that they might be remembered and nourished by the good word of God, to keep them in the right way, to keep them continually watchful unto prayer, relying alone upon the merits of Christ, who was the author and the finisher of their faith.”

Note the bolded words. Our Saviour is there to make up for what we cannot, to perfect our imperfections and wash away all the heartaches, sorrow, and pain. He is the finisher, but also the author – he is the start and the end, the Alpha and the Omega. He’s with us on our journey, the reason for our faith, which we are here to experience. And in the words of Peter Kreeft, “Only in a world where faith is difficult can faith exist.”

Now I don’t have all the answers (I actually have very few), but it’s enough to say that my Saviour is with me when hardship comes – and He is with you too. Something good will come from this, just have faith in He who has faith in you.

Jane Eggleston writes:

Sometimes life seems hard to bear,
Full of sorrow, trouble and woe
It's then I have to remember
That it's in the valleys I grow.

If I always stayed on the mountain top
And never experienced pain,
I would never appreciate God's love
And would be living in vain.

I have so much to learn
And my growth is very slow,
Sometimes I need the mountain tops,
But it's in the valleys I grow.

I do not always understand
Why things happen as they do,
But I am very sure of one thing.
My Lord will see me through.

My little valleys are nothing
When I picture Christ on the cross
He went through the valley of death;
His victory was Satan's loss.

Forgive me Lord, for complaining
When I'm feeling so very low.
Just give me a gentle reminder
That it's in the valleys I grow.

Continue to strengthen me, Lord
And use my life each day
To share your love with others
And help them find their way.

Thank you for valleys, Lord
For this one thing I know
The mountain tops are glorious
But it's in the valleys I grow!

So trials will come. We’ll each have our own hardships, whether great or small. Some of us will suffer from illness, others loss, financial strain, failed relationships, or even addiction. It’s inevitable, but it’s in these moments we grow. Something good always comes of it – and that good thing may just be you.

When I joined the Church, I was warned that things would get difficult in the days leading up to my baptism (and this goes for mission prep, temple prep, and I’m certain a great deal of other preparations). Not just normal difficult but more difficult, because just as the sun shines on good and evil alike so too do storms rain on good and evil alike. But we often see hardships manifold when men and women make peculiar decisions to do good – that is why particular interest is given to support converts as they join Christ’s Church.

Now I’m not saying that everyone experiences increased hardships, nor am I saying that it has any indication of their faithfulness – or lack thereof. All I’m saying is that it happens often enough to substantiate the need for increased support in whatever way. So be not discouraged.

Last night I had my interview with the Stake President to have my mission papers sent off. “Three to six weeks”, he said. Then I’ll have my call, and then – finally – I’ll enter the temple to have my endowments done. It’s great. It’s what I’ve been waiting for – and I am excited.

“But it’s in the valleys I grow!”

I’ve had the higher priesthood for a week and a half now and already I’m off the “mountain tops”. My first spiritual high lasted months, but this one fades in comparison.

Now I’m not any less grateful. Don’t get me wrong – I’m extremely grateful. In fact, I’m a whole lot more prepared. I know what it is that I need to do and I’m doing it.

It’s just, I didn’t realise how bitter-sweet this moment would be. How convenient is it that everything seems to be going wrong? Both cars are broken, work is piling, money is thinning, and my sister’s thyroid is acting up, not to mention the other stuff.

Now I know it isn’t much in comparison to what I’ve already gone through. I know. And I know, deep down, that this thing with my sister’s thyroid is just a health scare and in a few weeks from now it’ll all be gone.

I may not be on a mountain top, but I am growing. I’m at peace and I trust in my Saviour. And I know things will get better.

It isn’t easy, but that’s okay. I have my Saviour with me.

My Own Personal Liahona

“Your patriarchal blessing will see you through the darkest night. It will guide you through life’s dangers.” - Thomas S. Monson

We've been urged by Church leaders to receive a Patriarchal Blessing so that we can receive inspiration from the Lord. Had I known this, I'd have gotten it a lot sooner. Fortunately, however, I have it now. Even though it four months to get to me after I had it done.

Let's back up a little. What is a Patriarchal Blessing? Well, a blessing is spiritual guidance, comfort, and inspiration from our Heavenly Father through a worthy Priesthood holder. But a Patriarchal Blessing is a blessing from from a Patriarch specifically.

And what is a Patriarch, you ask? Well, Abraham was a Patriarch. In the English language, it quite literally means "father". In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, one Patriarch is called to watch over a stake (more on stakes here). This Patriarch, therefore, becomes a father to stake, available for guidance and council. This calling, unlike most other Church callings, is a lifelong calling.

With that in mind, we return to the Patriarchal Blessing. Patriarch's hold the Melchizedek Priesthood, as well as keys to the office of Patriarch, so that he may administer blessings to those who seek them out.

The difference between a Patriarchal Blessing and a normal blessing, primarily, is that Patriarchal Blessings are only received once. In fact, the information, inspiration, warnings, promises, and declarations given are typically enough to last a lifetime. Whereas a normal blessing targets a specific event or occurrence.

In our Patriarchal Blessing's, we receive specific revelation to guide, inspire, warn, and promise to us throughout our lives. Here we learn which tribe we fall under with regards to the Abrahamic covenant, what Heavenly Father deems to be of importance to us, and what He desires that we look out for or seek out for.

I remember my Patriarchal Blessing as I walked into the High Council room with Brother Comrie (our local stake Patriarch). It was the first time we'd met and I was there on my own. We began with a prayer and he went on to teach me about Abraham, his covenants, our covenants and shared with me his own personal experiences. We dabbled a bit into my conversion, as well as my family situation and offered support, as would a father. It is here that I learnt exactly what the role of a Patriarch was.

He went on to giving me my blessing, and I remember how the Spirit warmed my soul. The words kept coming and the messages seemed endless. I knew I wouldn't remember it all, but much was impressed on my mind since that day. As he ended, he counselled me to share with others of my faith what had been said. This briefed as curious to others, because this is typically kept secret (another sacred vs secret debate). It is peculiar, though, as to what I have mentioned to a select and what I have not. Sometimes I long to share, as is my nature to share all things, but I'm held back because I've been told countless times not too. It's the conflict between doing what I've been counselled to do by my Patriarch and what other members continue to remind me of with regards to keeping it to myself.

But that is besides the point. Our Patriarchal Blessings are there for us, specifically. We need to study them out and learn what it is our Heavenly Father wills us to do. Sometimes the words are vague, requiring constant prayer and seeking out, while other times they are as specific and detailed as can be. A suggestion put forth was to type out and print out a pocket sized copy to keep on me at all times. I like that idea.

Let me end off with the somewhat humorous process of getting a printed copy of my Patriarchal Blessing. I received mine on the 3rd of June 2014 (the blessing that is). And then I moved to Alberton (out of previous stake boundaries). Brother Comrie sent out a printed copy via postal service. The postal service went on strike. Two months later he sent out another copy. Still no post. I was unable to fetch it from him in person due to my busy schedule with Church and work in Alberton.

We organised that he give it to Centurion 1 Ward clerk so that he could give it to Centurion YSA rep who would give it to another YSA who would then bring it to me at Institute. The great Mormon grapevine. That didn't work. Something about one being there and the other not and one week the wrong Patriarchal Blessing was brought.

Eventually, when Elder Cook came to town for a YSA devotional (okay, he was here for the missionaries - first Zimbabwe, Harare and then South Africa, Johannesburg - and just fit us YSAs in) I had planned on going. So I asked Brother Comrie if I could fetch it from him there. Needless to say, more chaos.

Brother Comrie gave it to President Martin (Stake President) to give it to me. He even went to the pulpit and called for a "Jonothan Smith". I was not there. It was my sister's honour's evening at school, so I needed to be there to support her. I found out too late and the message didn't get to him until afterwards.

A friend of mine even spoke to President Martin, saying that he was looking for me as well. After discussing with this with that friend, I began mustering up a new plan to get my Patriarchal Blessing.

A week later, the Centurion 1 Ward clerk messaged me to say that he took my Patriarchal Blessing from Pres Martin to give to a sister in Institute so that she could give it to me. I believe I missed a week to go teaching with missionaries and then we left before we had time to discuss it, then she forgot it at home.

Fortunately, we live in the digital age, so she sent me photos... and I was finally able to receive the physical copy a week later. It took four months, but I finally got it. I don't know why he didn't just email it to me in the first place (as he suggested after I finally got the copy).

Anyway, I'm glad to finally have it. I know that it will continue to help me as it already has begun to. Whatever the reason for the delay, it was worth it. And I'd recommend all baptised members to work towards it. And to everyone else, read the Book of Mormon and learn for yourself. Who knows, you might be waiting for your Patriarchal Blessing for four months as well. But I can promise you, regardless of your decision, you'll never regret it.

It's the Waiting Game

It’s the waiting game. It’s the realisation that people are not infallible. And it’s the sudden bursts of fulfilment, then the extended periods of nothing. It’s called patience. It’s called trial. It’s called strength, perseverance; yes, it’s endurance.

When I joined the Church, I thought, “Finally… men and women with righteous standards.” I believed, as the true Church, that concerns with regards to behaviour and self-conduct would be far from my mind. Two months into my membership and that dream was shattered. My first YSA activity (a Valentine’s dance); what a let-down.

I went from an all-time high to an immediate low. From expecting wholesome entertainment to unveiling secret combinations. I found the ones who were just as bad as, if not worse than, the typical modern world. It ended up being a night about who’s did the worst thing. From starting fires (proudly), to drinking, smoking and getting tattoos. Topics of sex and images of half-dressed men and women filled the air. I didn’t know what to do.

I went home that night and thought, “What’s the point?” If LDS YSAs are exactly the same as every other young single adult, why even bother monitoring close-knit group of friends? They did say that hard decisions would need to be made with regards to my non-member friends and that it would be difficult, but beneficial for my development as a convert. But my friends held true to what THEY believed in. Even though our standards differed, they stood by theirs. Granted, they pushed at my newly developed standards. But let’s be fair, they were new. Of course it’d take time for them to settle in.

I took a long hard look at myself and went forward in prayer. It wasn’t long before I realised that my entire outlook was wrong. Not everyone is perfect; in fact, no man (and for those feminists out there, I mean woman as well) is perfect. And just because they grew up in the Church doesn’t mean anything. Just because someone is a member or not, living the Gospel or not, doesn’t mean I should filter them out. Because, at the end of the day, the walls I build won’t keep them out, they’ll just keep me in.

My salvation is my own responsibility. It doesn’t matter what they do. I just need to do what I need to do. I’m not here to judge anyone or to tell anyone how to live their life. I just need to realise that not everyone is the same. I need to realise that opposition will come and views will clash. The important thing is how I react to those situations.

Do I cast someone out? Dissociate myself? Or do I follow the council of the Holy One of Israel and “love thy neighbour”? You see, what you do is up to you, and what I do is up to me. I can either leave you and avoid association completely, or stick by you and grow as a person.

I remember The Gospel of Jesus Christ, which Nephi so clearly explains, and remind myself that it was (and is) the fifth point I was (and am) on; endurance. There was a recent convert I taught with the missionaries and he said that endurance was a synonym for survival. Maybe. No. It’s more than that. Endurance is the ability to continue unhindered, whereas survival implies some level of damage. Endurance is there to strengthen us, to build us, to encourage us and to keep us on that strait and narrow.

As Elder Tew pointed out, we are to endure well. As Elder McAllister pointed out, we are to joyfully endure. It puts a slight spin on things when we begin to realise exactly what it means to endure. To endure means to keep the commandments and continue as the Lord expects. Endurance may be the final step in The Gospel of Jesus Christ, but it’s also the most important. It’s the start of our journey with Christ and the end of our journey finding our testimony in Him. Now we know the truth. Now we are more liable than we were before.

What does that mean? It means that it is my responsibility to keep my second estate and love my “neighbour”. It means that, even if standards differ, I cannot judge. It means that it is my duty to be joyful, uplifting, encouraging, and caring, regardless of the situation. It is my responsibility to keep my friends and make new ones; regardless of their views or situation. And to stay true to my covenants all at the same time.

So I did. I kept my non-member friends, who talk to me about the Bible, listen to me when it comes to the Gospel, inform others of my standards, and check in on me with regards to my mission preparation. I made new friends (the one’s at the Valentine’s dance), who accompany me to every YSA activity, hug me when they see me, talk to me when I’m around, and get excited with me when I learn or do something new.

But then there are the moments where you don’t. The moments where the lessons seem to come slower and the realisations come to an end (or so they seem). It’s the long drawn out process of delays with mission papers, faltering steps with family and getting into the routine of being a ward missionary. It’s when you feel you aren’t learning anything and you feel as if things could just continue as they are.

But they can’t.

It’s times like this when I’m reminded of Christ’s teachings to the Nephites in 3 Nephi 12:3: “Yea, blessed are the poor in spirit who come unto me, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

Unlike Matthew 5, 3 Nephi 12 elaborates more on what Christ taught. Here, it specifies that those who come unto Him, even though they are poor in Spirit, shall inherit the Kingdom of Heaven. It encourages us to keep doing the things we need to do, despite the absence of motivation and/or encouragement. It inspires us to continue, to press forward with steadfastness and hope, even a surety of the promised blessings to those who are faithful.

I know that Jesus is the Christ, that He is my Saviour and Redeemer, even yours. I know that trials are there to strengthen us and to build us. And I know that these moments of silence are there to test our loyalty to Him and to keep us moving when all things seem to be going awry. I can see another set of bursts awaiting as I receive my advancement, endowments and mission call in the month(s) to come.

I may feel drained and stagnated now, but there are lessons to be learnt. There is patience to be built and fostering of seeds planted to take place. These are the moments that define us the most and I’m honoured to know all this, to experience it (because that is why we came to earth after all… to experience the things we never could).

What is a Missionary?

Merriam-Webster defines being a missionary as follows:

“1mis·sion·ary noun \ˈmi-shə-ˌner-ē\
: a person who is sent to a foreign country to do religious work (such as to convince people to join a religion or to help people who are sick, poor, etc.)”

I find this answer somewhat curious. Even in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, people think that the missionaries are the people who go from door-to-door, finding people to preach to, teaching them, and baptising them. Yes, it does fulfil a role, but this (predominantly) is the role of a Full-time Missionary.

Let’s get nit-picky with words and their definitions. A Full-time Missionary is someone who spends his/her time teaching the Gospel, exclusively. Usually, they are sent to a foreign country, but sometimes not. These are the people who go knocking on doors, handing out Scriptures, teach the Gospel, and encourage baptism. This is what most people see when they think of missionary work.

A famous Baptist preacher said, “Every Christian is either a missionary or an imposter.”

How does this influence our understanding of what a missionary is? Does this mean that it is every Christian’s responsibility to spread the word of God? Does this mean that every Christian needs to go on a mission “to a foreign country to do religious work”?

Let’s consider 1 Peter 3:15 (KJV):

“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:”

A Church publication, True to the Faith, states:

“Missionary work includes helping and supporting those who join the Church.”

So what does this mean? It means we need to be ready to answer for our beliefs at all time; our testimony needs to be intact. It means that we spread the Gospel most effectively when sharing our testimonies with others. We become missionaries by so doing, and helping those who join the Church. So, no, we don’t need to go on a mission “to a foreign country to do religious work” to be a missionary. We can do this at home. In fact, we should be doing this at home.

Joseph Smith once said, “After all that has been said, the greatest and most important duty is to preach the Gospel.”

The Church has been continuously reminded, “Every member a missionary.”

“The Lord's Church has always been a missionary church.”

I mean, it’s the first promise we make as we enter into the waters of baptism; to take upon us the name of Jesus Christ. We, therefore, are all missionaries – if we hold true to our covenants… if we truly love Jesus Christ.

In the Church there are various missionary titles, all working towards the same common goal – to build the Kingdom of God. We have the Full-time Missionaries (who serve for 18 to 24 months where service is actually key), as previously mention, but we also have Member Missionaries. What are Member Missionaries? This is everyone who has been baptised and confirmed as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Our duty is make friends, look after, look out for, share with and teach. We assist the missionaries as best as we can and share our testimonies with our friends. We do Family History and then go to the Temple to do work for our dead. We visit the sick, the poor, and the orphans. We teach our children and live as righteous examples for others to follow. We keep the commandments. And this makes us missionaries, even Member Missionaries.

In addition to the Church’s Full-time Missionary program is the Church-Service Missionary program. This is a part-time effort for a period of 6 to 24 months wherein assistance is given to many Church departments and operations such as media, employment, mission offices, addiction recovery, family history, and much much more. This requires more work to assisting secular and spiritual wellbeing.

Then we have Ward Missionaries. They do what Member Missionaries should be doing, prepare investigators for the missionaries, assist missionaries when requested with service, tracting and teaching, encourage members to seek out missionary opportunities, and fellowship. They’re basically ragdolls for the Ward Mission Leader, Full-time Missionaries, Bishop and Ward in general. Act under directions and forgo requests.

This brings you to me. I am a Member Missionary and a Ward Missionary. I, personally, don’t see the difference, as I continued doing the exact same thing when I was called and set apart… except maybe a few extra meetings. But hey, I love it. I get to spend time with missionaries and members, teach new people, live some of the missionary life at home, and do the Lord’s work. I am grateful to have been chosen, even if I’m the only Ward Missionary doing anything.

I will always remember the times out with Elder Tew, Elder Mukurati, Elder Day, Elder Carpenter, Elder Pulley, Elder Mead, Elder McAllister, Elder Harmaans, Elder McNeish, Elder Melese, Elder Martin, Elder Broadhead, and all the other missionaries whose names I’ve forgotten; I remember the lessons, I remember the discussions.

It is my testimony that the Lord expects us to live His Gospel and share His message. It is my testimony that we are all missionaries, and oh what joy that brings. Our Heavenly Father loves us all and, if we love Him, why not share His message and do His work? This Gospel brings us such joy, so it is only natural that we are willing to share it with all those around us.

If you are ever Iinterested in meeting with missionaries, you can visit www.mormon.org/missionaries. There you are able to find missionaries near you and uncover answers to questions you may have.

References
Merriam-Webster, 2014. missionary. [Online] Available at: http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/missionary

Mormon.org, n.d. A Missionary Church. [Online] Available at: http://www.mormon.org/values/missionary-work [Accessed 12 November 2014].

2011. Chapter 28: Missionary Service: A Holy Calling, a Glorious Work. In: Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith. Salt Lake City, Utah: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, p. 327.

Spurgeon, C. H., 1873. A Sermon and a Reminiscence. s.l., Sword and Trowel.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2004. True to the Faith. Salt Lake City, Utah: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

My Decision to Join The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

It was 2007, the beginning of February, and I had just started at a new school – a week before cycle tests began. The teacher seated me alongside a kid named Dylan Farquharson and, unbeknown to me, my journey began. In fact, it wasn't until March 2013 that I actually knew he was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It wasn't until March 2013 that I even knew the Church existed.

That’s me; obliviously unaware – and ironically so. As it turns out, my mother knew he and his family were members, yet we never spoke about it. Apparently he even showed me a copy of the Book of Mormon and invited me to a Youth talk on drugs (which I vaguely remember attending). Interesting, isn't it? I mean, even at 12, I know I had questions. I had recalled the ‘the lost scriptures’ and the beliefs of various denominations in my discussions with him. He and I spoke on various doctrinal topics and pierced through the Old and New Testaments in our walks home from school. I thoroughly enjoyed having someone who’d listen to, and participate in, my out-there rants on spiritual matters. Why then, didn't I know anything about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints?

We lost touch in 2011 and came back in contact around March 2013. It was then that he invited me over to his house for dinner, not telling me that other “guests” would be joining. Though, to be fair, I doubt he even remembered that it was Friday night, DA with the missionaries. It was first the short, ash-blonde man with the physique of a rugby player that greeted me; an American, wearing a suit, to boot. Elder Beanfield. Muscular, American, suited up, and he couldn't even get my name right. These are a few of the things I despised the most.

“Jonah?”

“Jon-O-than.”

“Jono?”

“Only my friends call me that, but whatever.”

Then was his companion, Elder Black. The little bugger; he told me he came from Congo, which led me to talk much smack to him about Americans. You guessed it, American. He was a writer and artist of note, with an accent like none other. And that laugh. Oh, that laugh.

Anyway, that was the night I met missionaries from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They, and my friend’s father, Kevin Farquharson, were talking about Church stuff. I say “Church stuff”, because I was mortified to realise that were talking about “stuff” I knew little to nothing about. How could that be? I’ve researched practically every religion in existence (even those no longer in it). Eventually the gnawing voice at the back of my head pushed me to ask, “Do universities have modules or classes that teach about your church?” BYU they said; only BYU. Thanks. Eventually they said that they could teach me, reluctantly handing over a copy of the Book of Mormon. I didn’t recall ever seeing one. They went on to ask Dylan to tell me how the Book of Mormon changed his life and testified of its truthfulness. All good and well, but I was a wall. My curiosity was purely intellectual.

I went home that weekend and felt an immediate spiritual clash (not at all what I felt while I was in their presence). So I did the smart thing. I Googled the Church. I came across a video titled “Secrets of the Mormon Temple”. I watched it. I learnt of the Adam-God theory, baptism for the dead, their belief in becoming gods, that God was a man, that the Fall was a good thing, and that angels were resurrected beings. I felt sick. Voices bombarded my skull and I couldn’t sleep. I couldn’t move. The simple thought of reading the Book of Mormon brought turmoil to my soul.

But I went back. I opened the book anyway. Because of all the voices shouting at me, the one telling me to read was the softest, the stillest. They gave me a pamphlet on the restoration and I joined them in watching conference, and going to Church. I brought them questions upon questions, explaining my theories and plausible solutions. I contended their teachings with Biblical scripture and rehearsed myself well in anti-Mormon literature. I became fluent, and they grew silent. I shared with them my deepest secrets, my deepest concerns, and in their soft, unanswering voices, I felt comfort. Though frustrating, though contended, I felt truth in their tongues and sincerity in their hearts. I grew fond of the Americans, even though I disagreed with almost everything they said.

A period of time went by and I returned to the home of the Farquharsons to find out the Elders, Black and Beanfield, were no longer there. Elders Dalton and Baker had taken their place. Americans. I was angry. I hated them. Everything I had shared with them had left with them. Any progress I may have made took a turn for the worse and this was when I officially started delving deep into LDS doctrine and scripture… to prove it wrong. To prove that Moroni and the Book of Mormon were what Galatians 1:7-9 was talking about.

They continued headstrong, unmoved. And I grew to love them as well. Elder Dalton left and Elder Zulu took his place (the first non-American, a South African). Elder Baker left and Elder Tew took his place (also an American).

I can still remember my first lesson with Elder Tew present. It was the first time we met, and he said, “I love you.”

What?! I thought. I didn't understand, but in that moment I heard the soft voice return, He will baptize you. I was nowhere near accepting the Gospel, but the Spirit whispered, and I could not deny. In that moment, everything changed. My research on anti-Mormon literature didn’t stop, but it began frustrating me. It never answered any of my questions. Instead, I only found flaws, inconsistencies, and untruths in each rebuttal.

Elder Zulu suggested Mormon 8 and it spoke to my mind. Elder Tew suggested Ether 12 and it spoke my soul. Sister Shan, Kevin’s wife, chastised my external research of the Gospel and said I should focus solely on the Book of Mormon; a message Elder Tew had been trying to get across. I listened. That night I finished reading the Book of Mormon. It rained. I felt the Spirit and knew I had a testimony. The only thing on my mind now was baptism; something the missionaries never asked of me. I tried to sleep that night and arose early that morning to find the first priesthood holder I could, Brother Kevin Farquharson, and told him that I wanted to get baptised. A date was set with the missionaries that day and, as I learnt months later, I filled the much prayed for spot of 8 December 2013.

My decision to join the Church did not come likely. In fact, my decision to join the Church came by way of testimony, a mighty change of heart. I had found my answers and found the truth. “I knew it. And I knew that God knew it. And I could not deny it.”