Missionary Work-My Nemesis

I constantly joke that the most difficult talk to give in church is one on missionary work. It's something that has never inspired me; it's always intimidated me, and a topic I have hardly any experience in.

So when the email from the ward came asking the sisters in Relief Society if they would volunteer to go on splits with the Sister Missionaries, I was very hesitant. But for some odd reason I failed to analyze the situation as thoroughly as I normally would and volunteered to go, mainly thinking that it would be awesome to get a break from the house, the kids and to talk with adults.

And that's how I found myself sitting in Jenny and Manning's small apartment living room, snug on the couch next to the two Sister Missionaries. They were a street contact from the night before and had agreed to letting the Sisters come again Sunday evening to talk some more. Their walls were filled with pictures of children and family, their cat was a little too friendly with my purse and they both sat across from us on computer chairs in front of two monitors. I felt cozy and comfortable, despite being in a stranger's home.

Manning had questions. Lots and lots of them. He told us that he had decided to find out information about the Mormons by using Google.

The three of us cringed and the Sister's exchanged a glance. Most likely a glance of frustration.

I felt defeated already and we hadn't been there for five minutes. But oh was I schooled by the passion and directness of these Missionaries. Where I would have backed down, they never did. Where I would have worried about hurt feelings or deep held beliefs, they didn't. They testified of the truth. Again and again. I was amazed and humbled. They were even so bold as to ask them both to be baptized.

Manning told us that he had already been baptized by a Christian church two years ago. The Sister's went on to explain that he needed to be baptized by someone who holds the proper authority, someone who holds the priesthood.
His interest was beyond piqued.

Manning: Did John the Baptist have the priesthood?

Sis. Missionary: Yes, he did. It even talks about it in the Bible when someone asks John by what authority can he baptize.

Manning: What would the Christian church that I went to tell me if I asked them if they had the Priesthood Authority to baptize?

Sis. Missionary: They would tell you that they didn't have the priesthood, and probably say that they didn't need it.

Manning, a huge Bible reader, was incredulous as the truth dawned on him that the Lord required a certain authority from his people to perform baptisms. Sitting in deep thought he finally looked up to us with concern and asked.

Manning: Would you know of someone here in Tucson that has the priesthood?

I couldn't help my bursting smile.

After an hour and a half in their home it was incredible to watch Manning slowly come around, to becoming incredulous at the things the Sisters told him. It was awesome to witness. The Spirit in the home was strong, I knew they felt it. And by the time we were leaving Manning told us that he would stop looking on the Internet for his answers, but instead rely on prayer and listening to the Lord.

I came home Sunday night with fire in my belly for the work. It was exciting. It made me so much more grateful for the Gospel, the Priesthood, and The Book of Mormon. The things that I've always had and taken for granted at times, are too precious not to share more often.

I'm eagerly going out with the Sister's again next Friday. And if it weren't for my motherly and wifely responsibilities I would probably be tagging along more often.