Elder Flake's Adventures in the Quetzaltenango Guatemala Mission: The Work Rockets Forward

Cleaning the statue of Moroni on top of the temple

President Monson suggested a formula that would ensure the success of future missionaries:

“First, prepare with purpose. Remember the qualifying statement of the Master: ‘Behold, the Lord requireth the heart and a willing mind.’ Missionary work is difficult. It taxes one’s energies, it strains one’s capacity, it demands one’s best effort—frequently a second effort. No other labor requires longer hours or greater devotion or such sacrifice and fervent prayer.”

“Second, teach with testimony. Peter and John, those converted fishermen who became Apostles, were warned not to preach Jesus Christ and Him crucified. Their answer was firm: ‘Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.’”

“Third, labor with love. There is no substitute for love. Often this love is kindled in youth by a mother, expanded by a father, and kept vibrant through service to God. Remember the Lord’s counsel: ‘And faith, hope, charity and love, with an eye single to the glory of God, qualify him for the work.’ Well might each of us ask himself: Today, have I increased in faith, in hope, in charity, in love? When our lives comply with God’s standard and we labor with love to bring souls unto Him, those within our sphere of influence will never speak the lament, ‘The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved.’”

President Monson offers this challenge to Aaronic Priesthood holders: “Young men, you are preparing for your missions when you learn your duties as deacons, teachers, and priests and then perform those duties with determination and love, knowing you are on the Lord’s errand.” And, he adds, “Most of you young men will one day receive a call to serve a mission. How I pray that your response will be as was Samuel’s: ‘Here am I. … Speak; for thy servant heareth.’ Then will heavenly help be yours.”

Highlights for 1/2/16:

Highlight #1: Worldwide Missionary Broadcast. We had the wonderful opportunity to participate in a Worldwide Missionary Training Broadcast on the 20th of Jan. We received instruction from Elder Anderson, Elder Bednar, Elder Oaks Sister Oscarson, Elder Waddell, Elder Whitney, y Elder Neilson. It was amazing! I learned SOOO much. And have been able to already see the fruits of implementing their instruction. I know that we have living Prophets and Apostles today. And they are giving us the Lord's instructions, specifically for us :) It was awesome! :)

Highlight #2: Pilus Family. This week we had a cita with a family we found last week...but they weren't home. BUT, as we were starting to wrap up talking to the grandson that was home, his dad got home. We started talking to the son (who I have never talked to before) and asked if we could share something short with him. And he accepted. BUT, not only did HE come and listen but he called his wife and kids to come as well. Then we had a BOMB lesson about the Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ (if you don't know what that includes please ask the next pair of missionaries you see, they will love to explain :)). This family isn't attending any church right now, and don't do ANYTHING Sundays in the morning (even better ;) haha). So that was a GREAT miracle and blessing this week! :)

Highlight #3: Members. We have some BOSS members in this ward! I found out this week that they just needed a little nudge to get moving ;) :) So after inviting some members to join us in some lessons we had a great percentage accept and follow through. And MAN are lessons soo much better (usually) when members come with us! Please teach with the missionaries in your area. They need your help, your testimony, your experiences (and your car ;) haha jk). It is amazing to have a local witness of the things we are teaching! Honestly, it makes all the difference. Now when you teach with the missionaries, a couple tips: 1) The missionaries should talk more than you, and the investigators more than the missionaries (in general, the missionaries may invite you to talk more), 2) only talk about simple principles (ex. Faith, Repentance, Baptism, Gift of the Holy Ghost, Temple Marriage, etc) and leave the more deeper things to the missionaries, unless they ask you to respond :) and 3) when the missionaries turn the time over to you to explain something or testify, take the opportunity, but respond in simple, concise, and quick terms to allow the lesson to continue moving forward :) But, really just ask the missionaries what part in the lesson they want you to play :) They will always know best! :) Now, call up the missionaries and place a cita to go out with them (maybe SUNDAY afternoon? :)).

Elder Rasband shared a simple message during the press conference after being called and sustained as an Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ: “I want you all to know I love the Lord. I love this Church. I am a sixth-generation Latter-day Saint. My pioneer ancestors who came from England and Denmark paid a heavy price that someone in their posterity would receive this call."

I thought that was interesting...that he is grateful for his ancestors who "paid a heavy price" for him to be called to the capacity in which he is now serving. What "heavy price(s)" did MY ancestors pay for my future callings? Or that I would be a missionary taking the restored gospel of Jesus Christ to all the world? What callings do I have down the line?

It really just got me thinking :) So I wanted to share :)

With love and prayers,
Elder Flake