Hastening The Work: A Member's Story

Guess who are the investigators?

For decades, many members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have heard the familiar cry of David O. Mckay stating that every member a missionary. Even till today, this phrase has continually shown up in numerous talks and General Conferences.

Like I mentioned in my previous post, the lowered missionary age requirement highlighted, among other hot topics, this theme which we now call "hastening the work". It's no novel concept, but there seems to be a heightened sense of urgency.

I don't remember where I read this, but I recall at some point Neal A. Maxwell mentioned that it is us that's holding back the Second Coming of Christ by not properly prepare the way of The Lord in His earthly kingdom. This goes back to the mission statement of the Church: to invite all to come unto Christ (D&C 20:59). Naturally, this encompasses preaching the Gospel, perfecting the saints, and redeeming the dead.

Focusing on the members' side of things, I'm sure most of us have been constantly reminded of duties like home teaching, temple ordinances, etc. They'll be topics for another time. Although it's been nearly four years since I've been off my mission, I've observed how members can shape and influence missionary work. This will be a "how I should respond when I see this" column. I'll describe a scenario and then write down potential actions to resolve the said situation.

Scenario: hard working missionaries not being productive
Potential Actions:

• Offer missionaries advice - not condescendingly, not without some tack and conversation skills. I have served a mission. I'm sure I have some decent ideas (like those missionaries that did the chalk drawings in New York) if the current proselyting methods aren't bringing forth fruit.
• Referrals - this has to be done over time (or get lucky). I don't want to shove a friend into the missionaries out of nowhere. There's a reason why we don't put our candles under a bushel. I should be an example to my friends and neighbors (Matt 5:15).

Scenario: recent converts go inactive
Actions:

• Look inwardly - ask myself, "did I fellowship or were at least friendly to the new convert during the whole investigatory process?" It baffles me when members make unfair remarks against these people. To be frank, it's attacking the recent covert's integrity, making implications about the missionaries, ward mission leader, and even the bishop/branch president. Be a helping hand in the process, not rain in a parade.
• See it as opportunity - many people think preaching the Gospel is purely accomplished by full-time missionaries and home teaching/visiting teaching is the member version of this work. Well, in this case, it can go beyond them. Keeping up with my Book of Mormon readings (or just the baptismal covenant), we soon realize we all put our shoulders to the wheel (Mosiah 18:8-10). Now, it's up to the members to do the rescue.

Scenario: hungry missionaries

Actions:

• A snack - no need to feed them a meal when it's not feasible. Never hurts to buy them a drink or a snack, though. Not all missionaries go hungry, in fact, some gain weight and there are places where members love stuffing them. For me, I was a measly 120 pounds on my mission...I'm 150 now and I don't know where I can lose that 30 pounds.
• Coupons - that I never seem to use. Missionaries already have little money. If possible, I'm down with offering minimal assistance in this matter.
• Money - a shout out to the Plymouth Ward when the Relief Society came up with the idea to give the four missionaries some spending money. It was a gesture that prolonged my lifespan by a wide margin, in addition to the Hazells' generosity. Point being, this is something I don't have to do alone.

When Jesus told the Apostles to go forth without scrip, etc., the verses were then followed by abiding in the dwellings of those who would or have received the good news (various places in the Four Gospels). Definitely not manna falling from the sky. So, little temporal assistance is always appreciated and needed.

Scenario: proselyte with missionaries

Actions:

• Remember who I am - nobody likes a pushy weirdo without a tag. I would let the missionaries lead the approach and offer my bit of assistance. I've served a mission, I can do this. Although, I do wonder when will be the next time I'll have free time to do this again once I graduate. Probably not until retirement.
• Be firm - and not overbearing (Alma 38:12). This goes back to the pushy weirdo with no name tag above. It is common courtesy. It somewhat irked me during an instance when a member who was supposed to help alongside of us became mere nuisance and hindrance. Not to mention, aggravating random strangers on the road is usually not the best idea.

The list would extend indefinitely if I sit here typing all night. Whenever I see something happening, I tend to wonder if I could, or would, do something different. The above-mentioned scenarios are a few things I've put some thought into, but haven't necessarily put into actions as of yet. Regardless, setting goals is a way I can progress because I have a direction to march towards.