Dear Family and Friends,
First I would like to start with a funny stories, and it might be funnier for missionaries. I'm sure that all of you can imagine that teaching an investigator how to pray is certainly a new experience for them, and it might be a little funny to them. Well this was the case for one of our investigators, but when he laughed and saw that we still had our eyes closed he snuck off without us knowing! So if you ever have a hard time helping someone to pray, at least they didn't run away!
This week we had MLC (Missionary Leadership Council). They presented us with challenges and other changes that will happen to the mission. It was amazing how effective it was. A quote was shared saying "A mission cannot exceed the level of the MLC" Now I was thinking a lot about that and what it also means for members. I think we can first relate this to our homes. Can we expect our homes to have love and harmony if the parents don't get along? Can we expect our quorums or classes to learn more than the teacher knows and facilitates? Its an obvious "no". When a leader or peer fails to act in the way he was expected to preform he can't expect those under him to exceed his level. This also made me think of another part of being a peer to others, do we often feel like we need to control others? The Lord lead first, by example, second, by invitation to do the same, and third, creating means to follow his example. We are not called to be Commanders. An effective leader is one who shows that living on a higher plane is possible, and provides and helps others to get there with Him (Heavenly Father). Of course this person is not perfect so he becomes an example of overcoming his/her shortcomings. As members of the restored church we have more responsibility as "Heirs of the Earth". It starts by following the Saviour, inviting others to do the same, and doing everything in our power to make sure they find the same success you have. Can we do this? Of course, the Saviour's Atonement made it so. Take trust in His promise, it may see some dark days, but he "will be your light in the wilderness". Take heart in the fact that this world is full of other people who are also trying, but change starts with a will and an act.
I hope you all know that I feel your prayers, and they have helped me a ton through some hard times. I love and miss you all, but until we see each other again I ask that you keep the missionaries in your prayers, whether you see it or not, I know God does, and he has always answered.
Till next time,
Mahal ko kayo lahat!
Elder Trevor Kent Johnson (The Weirdest Missionary You Know)
First I would like to start with a funny stories, and it might be funnier for missionaries. I'm sure that all of you can imagine that teaching an investigator how to pray is certainly a new experience for them, and it might be a little funny to them. Well this was the case for one of our investigators, but when he laughed and saw that we still had our eyes closed he snuck off without us knowing! So if you ever have a hard time helping someone to pray, at least they didn't run away!
This week we had MLC (Missionary Leadership Council). They presented us with challenges and other changes that will happen to the mission. It was amazing how effective it was. A quote was shared saying "A mission cannot exceed the level of the MLC" Now I was thinking a lot about that and what it also means for members. I think we can first relate this to our homes. Can we expect our homes to have love and harmony if the parents don't get along? Can we expect our quorums or classes to learn more than the teacher knows and facilitates? Its an obvious "no". When a leader or peer fails to act in the way he was expected to preform he can't expect those under him to exceed his level. This also made me think of another part of being a peer to others, do we often feel like we need to control others? The Lord lead first, by example, second, by invitation to do the same, and third, creating means to follow his example. We are not called to be Commanders. An effective leader is one who shows that living on a higher plane is possible, and provides and helps others to get there with Him (Heavenly Father). Of course this person is not perfect so he becomes an example of overcoming his/her shortcomings. As members of the restored church we have more responsibility as "Heirs of the Earth". It starts by following the Saviour, inviting others to do the same, and doing everything in our power to make sure they find the same success you have. Can we do this? Of course, the Saviour's Atonement made it so. Take trust in His promise, it may see some dark days, but he "will be your light in the wilderness". Take heart in the fact that this world is full of other people who are also trying, but change starts with a will and an act.
I hope you all know that I feel your prayers, and they have helped me a ton through some hard times. I love and miss you all, but until we see each other again I ask that you keep the missionaries in your prayers, whether you see it or not, I know God does, and he has always answered.
Till next time,
Mahal ko kayo lahat!
Elder Trevor Kent Johnson (The Weirdest Missionary You Know)