More In-Depth Lesson Prep

There is an increasing emphasis on missionary work, and Elder Nelson wants us to join the effort.

Dear brothers and sisters, I add my voice to that of President Thomas S. Monson and others in praising those who have responded to a prophet’s call for more worthy missionaries. Now an unprecedented wave of enthusiasm for missionary work is sweeping the entire earth. -N

          ...

You parents, teachers, and others, catch the wave as you prepare our rising generation to be worthy of missionary service. Meanwhile, your exemplary lives will attract the interest of your friends and neighbors. Be ready to give an answer to those who ask why you live as you do. Be ready to give a reason for the hope and joy that they see in you. -N

While we can prepare others to do missionary work, we can also do it ourselves.

What are some of our fears about doing member missionary work?
- Socially Awkward
- Meets Non-Members Only at Work
- Not Sure What to Say
- Others Ask Difficult Questions

Another question: What's your favorite thing about the gospel?
Tell them about that.

You don't need to know everything about the gospel or be able to answer every question in order to share how the gospel has blessed your life. Switching to Elder Holland's talk for a while:

When problems come and questions arise, do not start your quest for faith by saying how much you do not have, leading as it were with your “unbelief.” That is like trying to stuff a turkey through the beak! Let me be clear on this point: I am not asking you to pretend to faith you do not have. I am asking you to be true to the faith you do have. Sometimes we act as if an honest declaration of doubt is a higher manifestation of moral courage than is an honest declaration of faith. It is not! -H

If anything, it probably takes more courage to bear your testimony about the gospel than it does to say that you don't know everything about it. But there's some encouragement in another quote from Elder Holland's talk.

Furthermore, you have more faith than you think you do because of what the Book of Mormon calls “the greatness of the evidences.”  “Ye shall know them by their fruits,” Jesus said, and the fruit of living the gospel is evident in the lives of Latter-day Saints everywhere. -H

Your friends may have questions and concerns that you may not be able to answer, but "When doubt of difficulty come, do not be afraid to ask for help." -H

When such questions come, you might respond by saying, “Let’s ask the missionaries! They can help us! And if you desire, I will be at your side as the missionaries respond and teach you.” -N

(We were looking for a good excuse to introduce them to the missionaries anyway.)

Together, members and missionaries invite all to learn of God, of Jesus Christ, and of His gospel. Each inquiring individual should seek earnestly and pray fervently for the assurance that these things are true. The truth will be manifest by the power of the Holy Ghost. -N

 Member missionary work isn't always easy, but it doesn't have to be hard either. Missionaries know what to teach people, but they don't know who to talk to. Members know lots of people, but we don't always know what to say. When we work together, the work goes much more smoothly, but it starts with us!

Think of what the gospel has done in your life and in the lives of those you know. Think of the blessings that have come from living the gospel, then go and share those experiences with others. Pray for courage if you need it. We all can help this work move forward and bless the lives of hundreds more of God's children.