Missionary Work

#1. "We must prepare ourselves to assist the missionaries in finding those of our Heavenly Father’s children who will embrace the message of the Restoration." (The Essential Role of Member Missionary Work-M. Russell Ballard) 

I like how this quote is about how important it is to have the members actually prepare themselves so that they may better our faith and testimony and open ourselves to greater promptings to find more investigators. The members are great advocates in helping the missionaries for they have already helped on the first step, telling someone about it and gaining their interest. If we desire to support the missionaries and to have this work progress, we each need to do our part and prepare ourselves just like those man and women do. 

#2. "We don’t expect them to be perfect, but they need to be anxious, willing, and committed to serve so they can reach new levels of spirituality as gospel teachers." (The Essential Role of Member Missionary Work - M. Russell Ballard)

The role of a missionary is a special one. They aren't expected to be perfect, but they are expected to do there best. Not strictly in just following rules, but anxiously engaged in educating themselves in the gospel so that they may better teach others of the doctrine of Christ. If this be there drive, they will reach new levels of spirituality.

#3. "They need to know the message of the Restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ and teach it with power in their own words under the guiding influence of the Holy Spirit." (The Essential Role of Member Missionary Work - M. Russell Ballard)

The point of missionary work is to declare that Christ's church has once again returned to the earth. Missionaries only teach though, they don't convert, that is why they need the company of the Holy Spirit. Daily preparation invites the Spirit to accompany every righteous endeavor of the day and with that,the missionaries are able to convert many. 

#4. "Missionary work does not require the development of strategies or gimmicks. It does require faith—real faith and trust in the Lord. It also requires genuine love." (The Essential Role of Member Missionary Work - M. Russell Ballard)

Faith is what we each rely on. It is true faith that'll bring the guidance of our loving Father in Heaven. Missionaries have to wonderful opportunity to teach the basic truth that the gospel has been restored no matter their worldly status. This true faith, accompanied with genuine love like unto Christ, is all that this marvelous work requires.

#5. "You and I, today and always, are to bear witness of Jesus Christ and declare the message of the restoration…missionary work is a manifestation of our spiritual identity and heritage." ( Becoming a Missionary – David A. Bednar) 

We are each missionaries to declare the honest truth of the restoration of the gospel. If we hold a testimony, be it large or small, we need to share it. However it may be through our actions and words, we need to declare His everlasting and pure and true doctrine. This should be the desires of our heart for it is the desires of God's.  

#6. "We are missionaries every day in our families, in our schools, in our places of employment, and in our communities. Regardless of our age, experience, or station in life, we are all missionaries."  ( Becoming a Missionary – David A. Bednar)

How we are is a testimony of our faith. People are watching, and those who are looking for light will be looking for a good person who shines a little brighter because of the truth's they know. If we each take upon ourselves to be that example, we will make a difference. No matter who we may be to the world, we can always be an example in the ways of Christ. 

#7. "Line upon line and precept upon precept, here a little and there a little you can gradually become the missionary you hope to be and the missionary the Savior expects." (Becoming a Missionary- David A. Bednar) 

Becoming a member missionary does not happen overnight, and neither does it come without effort, but everyday while trying to do better and learn more, we will become the missionary that Christ needs. He knows our potential so if all seems to be failing, we can always rely on Him. It should be our top priority to become a true disciple of Jesus Christ and to help others achieve that as well.

#8. "Valuable missionary service is not difficult because it can be carried out in the normal routine of your daily life." 
Living the standards of the gospel isn't hard work. It's simple and uplifting, both things that people search their whole lives for, but are too stubborn to believe that it is anything as simply living like Christ. The hard part is getting over the fact that you aren't like others, that you're different and that you're an example and making a difference. The hard part is no making good choices, it's getting over fear.

#9. "Missionary work is not limited to proclaiming the gospel to..people now living on the earth. [it] is also continuing beyond the veil among [those] who have died either without hearing the gospel or without accepting it while they lived on the earth." (Why Every Member a Missionary - Richard G. Scott)

Doing family history work is so rewarding and affects those whom we care about on the other side. They need the gospel too and desire the opportunity to accept the ordinances that we can take out here on earth. For those who wish to take their member missionary work to a new level, do family history work, get to know from whom you came from, and do their work to help them receive eternal salvation.

#10. "There is no greater work than that of missionary work….there is nothing so wonderful-nothing-as tasting the joy and success of missionary labors" ( The Joy of Serving a Mission – Elder Legrand Richards)

This stands so true. How great is our joy when we share the gospel with others, and even better, how great is the joy of our Heavenly Father. He loves every soul on this earth so much and wants everyone to return to Him and to find that eternal joy while they are here, but He needs those who know the truth to proclaim the truth. It is time to forget ourselves and do the work.