Missionary Work: Sharing What Is in Your Heart

1. Draw close to God.
2. Fill your heart with love for others.
3. Strive to live the gospel.
4. Share what is in your heart.
5. Trust the Lord to work His miracles.

Stand as a witness of the gospel at all times and when necessary, use words.

I bless you to be a living testimonial of gospel values.

During this past year, I have had the exciting opportunity to be deeply involved with the worldwide missionary activities of the Church. I have often pondered and prayed about the Savior’s great commission to His disciples—us, His children—to “go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.”

Some members of the Church seem to … love being ambassadors of the gospel. They boldly and gladly serve and lead the work as member missionaries.

However, others of us are more hesitant. When missionary work is discussed in Church meetings, heads are slowly lowered until submerged behind the pew, eyes focused on the scriptures or closed in deep meditation to avoid eye contact with other members.

1. Draw close to God. The first great commandment is to love God. It is a primary reason why we are on this earth. Ask yourself, “Do I really believe in Heavenly Father?” “Do I love and trust Him?”
2. Fill your heart with love for others. This is the second great commandment. Try to truly see everyone around you as a child of God. Minister to them—regardless of whether their names appear on your ministering sister or brother list. Laugh with them. Rejoice with them. Weep with them. Respect them. Heal, lift, and strengthen them.
3. Strive to walk the path of discipleship. As your love for God and His children deepens, so does your commitment to follow Jesus Christ. … The important thing is that you don’t give up; keep trying to get it right. You will eventually become better, happier, and more authentic.
4. Share what is in your heart. … There are many normal and natural ways to do this, from daily acts of kindness to personal testimonials on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter to simple conversations with people you meet. … If someone asks about your weekend, don’t hesitate to talk about what you experienced at church. … Pray daily with all your heart that you will find those who will come and see, come and help, and come and stay. Keep the full-time missionaries in the loop. They are like angels, ready to help!
5. Trust the Lord to work His miracles. Understand that it’s not your job to convert people. That is the role of the Holy Ghost. Your role is to share what is in your heart and live consistent with your beliefs.

As you share the good news, the gospel of Jesus Christ, do so with love and patience. If we interact with people with the sole expectation that they soon will don a white jumpsuit and ask for directions to the nearest baptismal font, we’re doing it wrong.

Some who come and see will, perhaps, never join the Church; some will at a later time. That is their choice. But that doesn’t change our love for them. And it doesn’t change our enthusiastic efforts to continue inviting individuals and families to come and see, come and help, and come and stay.

Remember, the Lord works in mysterious ways. It may be that by your Christlike response to rejection a hardened heart could be softened.

As an Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ, I bless you with the confidence to be a living testimonial of gospel values, with the courage to always be recognized as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, with the humility to assist in His work as an expression of your love for Heavenly Father and His children.