Missionary work can be hard! That is why it is called "work"!
We want our missionaries to work hard! More importantly, the Lord wants His missionaries to work hard!
It is because of hard work that we learn some of life's greatest lessons: service, discipline, and commitment to name a few! Missionaries will also come to magnify their individual skills, and discover hidden talents and gifts as they take the focus off from themselves and focus on uplifting others!
Through hard work, missionaries will reap some of life's greatest blessings: they will become more self-confident, find true and long-lasting joy, and discover how to genuinely love others!
If a missionary feels woeful that the work is too hard, or he can't find joy in the work, or if he is dwelling on a lack of "self" fulfillment in the work, then he has not caught the vision of his calling. He will become discontent and unmotivated.
A missionary that learns to put his shoulder to the wheel, and "loses" himself in the work, will find his two years serving a mission as fulfilling, gratifying, rewarding, and even fun!
Yes, it's okay for missionaries to feel discouraged at times - but those that do not dwell on the challenges, discover added strength and faith as a consequence!
Luckily, we have some of the greatest missionaries in the world in this mission who are learning the importance of their purpose and calling - so many are capturing the vision and recognizing there is indeed JOY in the WORK!
It is an honor to work with these young missionaries! I am impressed with their tenacity and willingness to work hard and dedicate two years of their lives to bring others to Christ. They are blessing the people here and this land!
Sister Thompson
Thank goodness our young men have such great examples in their mission president and mission mom! Thanks for your uplifting posts. They give me great comfort knowing my son is being loved and taken care of.
ReplyDeleteWe were with Elder Reay a couple of days ago in Zone Conference. He added great insights and wisdom in his comments. He is a sweet young man with a good heart and desire to serve the Lord. I will posting photos soon!
DeleteGreat message Sister Thompson. Reminds me of D&C 84:79 These laborer's will be worthy of their hire as they apply your counsel. Thank you for welcoming our son (Elder Church) into the mission. May you be blessed for your care and may great things continue to happen in South Africa.
ReplyDeleteWe were with Elder Church a few days ago. What a bright smile and great young man! We are blessed to have him!
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteSo grateful that my son is heading into a mission with such loving mission "parents" who will help him to be his best self. Thank you for this blog. I know it will be my saving grace over the next 2 years :)
ReplyDeleteI am so thankful for your wonderful words. and that my son (Elder Crichton ) have you and President Thompson as his Mission Parents. He has said time has gone by so fast and I love hearing that as it comforts me to know he is working hard. And hearing his love for the people where he currently is makes it all worth while knowing my Son is where he is meant to be .
ReplyDelete