Church Movie Review: Joy to the World

"Joy to the World" is a film produced by the church which is very useful for giving to friends at Christmas time.  It features the Mormon tabernacle Choir and includes several narrators telling the story of Christ's birth in both Jerusalem as well as the New World.  It also shows scenes from the birth of Jesus.  The stable has many animals.  And Mary and Joseph look very lovingly at Baby Jesus.  The shepherds look so astonished.  They travel to Bethlehem to see the baby.
We also see Samuel on the wall from the Book of Mormon.  The story of the sign of a day and a night and a day without darkness.  The threat made to the people that they will be put to death by a certain day if the sign is not revealed.  Nephi's prayer and answer "Today come I into the World."
But this it not all this short film offers. We also see scenes from Jesus' life; his miracles and teaching the people.  Jesus' crucifixion is shown, as well as his resurrection.  And then a brief review of the prophets.  The darkness which entered the world through apostasy, and then finally the restoration, and new testimony of Jesus.
This movie is very well done.  I recommend it as a movie to share with your friends.  It gives a brief testimony of the Church of Jesus Christ.  It also invites people to learn more and tells them how they can do so.

Sunday School: Old Testamant: Micah: Our Responsibility to Share the Gospel

https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2013-06-003-let-your-light-so-shine?lang=eng
Micah it one of those prophets who saw the latter days.  He wrote about the responsibility as children of Israel and members of the church, which we have to carry the gospel to the world.  Micah teaches by comparison and similitudes.  He presents the task of missionary work as gather the wheat and separating it from the chaff.  This was a task where the oxen were used. 

Micah: 4  11 ¶Now also many nations are gathered against thee, that say, Let her be defiled, and let our eye look upon Zion.

 12 But they know not the thoughts of the Lord, neither understand they his counsel: for he shall gather them as the sheaves into the floor.

 13 Arise and thresh, O daughter of Zion: for I will make thine horn iron, and I will make thy hoofs brass: and thou shalt beat in pieces many people: and I will consecrate their gain unto the Lord, and their substance unto the Lord of the whole earth.

He further talks about missionary work, comparing those who have the gospel as The Dews of heaven, who water all the grass.  He then compares them to a lion among ship.  When we open our mouths and invite others to Christ, we will be as the lion who none can oppose.
Micah 5: 7 And the remnant of Jacob shall be in the midst of many people as a dew from the Lord, as the showers upon the grass, that tarrieth not for man, nor waiteth for the sons of men.
 8 ¶And the remnant of Jacob shall be among the Gentiles in the midst of many people as a lion among the beasts of the forest, as a young lion among the flocks of sheep: who, if he go through, both treadeth down, and teareth in pieces, and none can deliver.
M. Russel Ballard talked about the confidence that comes when combining missionary work and prayer. 
https://www.lds.org/prophets-and-apostles/unto-all-the-world/put-your-trust-in-the-lord?lang=eng
In 1842 the Prophet Joseph Smith, in the Wentworth letter Joseph Smith made a similar statement.  He declared, “No unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing; persecutions may rage, mobs may combine, armies may assemble, calumny may defame, but the truth of God will go forth boldly, nobly, and independent, till it has penetrated every continent, visited every clime, swept every country, and sounded in every ear, till the purposes of God shall be accomplished, and the Great Jehovah shall say the work is done” (History of the Church, 4:540).

Member Missionary 13: Pray for opportunities to Serve

Some words from Caleb who is a missionary in Iowa:

Pray everyday for an opportunity to serve others.  The promptings that come won't be for big things, but it's the little acts of kindness that go a long way.  So keep going and serving.  It's a true blessing to be able to answer someone else's prayer.  Just remember that after the Lord asks so many times , he will stop asking!  So make sure you act on promptings you receive

Member Missionary: Caleb's Words on Treasure

Caleb wrote in his last letter home:

Please continue to pray and seek for inspiration on how you can become a better missionary for the Lord.  He needs more work to be done than is being done now.  I love D&C Section 111 where it talks about treasures in cities for the benefit of Zion. 
111: 2 I have much treasure in this city for you, for the benefit of Zion, and many people in this city, whom I will gather out in due time for the benefit of Zion, through your instrumentality.
I truly believe that that section of scripture still applies to us today.   There are people that you will find for the missionaries to teach.  They need you to be the person that talks to them. 

Manteca Stake Missionary Fireside

This is a fireside I am very glad I did not miss.  This past Sunday the Manteca Stake held a missionary fireside.  The fireside was presented in such a way, as to introduce the gospel to those who may have been invited; but also to motivate those who were in attendance to continue inviting.  It gave a history of missionary work since the time of Jesus.  President Norman talked on his missionary experiences, and the blessing of watching people change.  President Brown talked of the missionaries who taught him.  President Lewis, of the Sacramento Mission, talked of the sacrificed missionaries are making every day.  He indicated there are now 83,000 missionaries, and about 250 in the Sacramento Mission.  I am glad I was there.  The choir sang "Come Oh though Glorious Day of Promise" and "This is the Christ."  A new member bore testimony of how he felt when he received the gift of the Holy Ghost.  He said he had a buzzing feeling; as did his wife.

Member Missionary 12: Incorporating the Ward Mission Goals

A challenge is to incorporate the Ward Mission Goals into our family goals and my personal goals.  Not all of the goals apply to family or person; but some do. 

1) We have begun doing our family home evening from Preach My Gospel.  This is not weekly, but at least two times a month.  We read personally, and then do the person and companion study together. 
2) Inviting has usually fallen on me.  I am good at inviting less active home-teaching families to activities, but I want to do more with this.
3) This is a Ward Council goal
4) I have a couple names on my home teaching less I have been unable to locate.  I could put more effort into this.  However there are a few I have verified are not there.

Palm Sunday Missionary Fireside

Palm Sunday Music and the Spoken Word

Please join us for a musical presentation as we remember the

Savior this Palm Sunday

Missionary Fireside

When: April 13, 7pm - 8:30pm

Where: Stake Center 6060 Northland Road, Manteca, CA

Member Missionary Work: Notes from Caleb

I don't know where this is from, Caleb sent it home.

I guess I better leave you with a spiritual thought before I go.  I love chapter 6 of PMG (Preach My Gospel) a ton!  It's my favorite.  And I've found that the reason for that is that Chapter 6 is the missionary purpose literally directed towards yourself.  On pg 123 in the "Remember This" box it says, "Changing to become Christlike requires faith, repenting, keeping covenants, receiving an increased measure of the Holy Ghost and enduring to the end!"  I think that's so great.  It's the missionary purpose and this time we get to invite ourselves to do something; and that is being more Christlike.  I challenge you all to study that section.  It will literally change you into a new person; a new creature in Christ.  And you will feel happier than you ever have as you diligently strive to develop attributes of Christ.

Member Misionary 11: Of April McMurtrey's 81 Ideas for Missionary Work I Pick 28.

April McMurtrey in her blog: Something to Shout About offered 81 missionary opportunity ideas.  Here are the ones I am picking.  If you want to see them all go here:http://www.somethingtoshoutabout.org/baskin-robbins-step-aside/
The underlined is April's idea and then my reaction.  I have picked 28 of April's ideas to start with.

• Bear your testimony to your family.  This is a goal for next FHE.  We are studying Preach My Gospel.
• Read the book, “The Power of Everyday Missionaries”, by Clay Christensen.  I made Miranda download it on my I-Pad so I didn't have to wait for it to be shipped to me.  The missionaries have talked to us about Mormon Lingo game, and I want to study it just a bit more before I venture.
• Pray for new areas to be opened up for missionary work.  We can all pray, and don't forget to pray for missionary opportunities as per the missionaries as well.
• If the phone rings during Family Home Evening – invite them over! I can do that.
  
• Add your “I’m a Mormon” profile to the many listed at Mormon.org.  I have one there, but it needs a better picture.
  
• Post Mormon Messages, your testimony, or other inspirational thoughts on Facebook.  An ongoing process.
•  Discuss your Sunday worship experiences with your friends and coworkers, then invite them to “Come and see!”   I think this is part of the Mormon Lingo game.
• Keep a Book of Mormon, Ensign or other church material where others may see it and inquire.  Too easy but important to do.  This is part of the Mormon Lingo idea.
• Consistently add new people to your “real” friends list. Let them see how the gospel can bless families.  Friends are good.
• Prayerfully study ‘Preach My Gospel’ and the scriptures. (You are a missionary too!)  As mentioned, our FHE study; but we also do something from the Friend for Tony
• Place baptism invitations in with your 8-year old’s birthday party invitations.  Something to think about for Tony next year.
• Invite others to join your ward choir, basketball team, or other activities.  OK, I can handle this one.
• Invite others to join you in service projects.  And this one.  Helping Hands coming up.
• Pray and read the scriptures as a family – even (especially) when their friends are there.  Don't usually have people over, but a good idea.  We are together for dinner which would be a good time for a scripture.
• Use “church words” in your everyday conversations. (Make it a point to let everyone who knows you – know you are a Mormon.)  Ah, Mormon Lingo Game
• Lovingly seek out those on your visiting or home teaching routes who need you.  That word lovingly I need to review in my attitude.
• Share the new “Introduction to Mormons” videos now on lds.org, on your social media networks or privately.  Good idea.
• Invite the missionaries over for dinner, then ask them who they are teaching and how you can help. Give them referrals when they ask.  An extension is to pray for who they are teaching.
• Make a prayer list with the missionaries.
• Give the DVD, “Lamb of God” to friends and neighbors for Easter.  It is coming next month.
• Be a good neighbor.
• When someone asks, “Are you a Mormon?” Reply with another question, “Yes! Why do you ask?”  An opening to invite people to come and see.
• Develop a family mission plan.  Something Sheri and I have talked about.
• Fast for missionary experiences and then actively seek them out.   I have been praying, not fasting.
• Recommend good blogs, written by lds members, to your friends.  That is what I am doing.
• Invite people to hear your children speak or sing in sacrament meeting.  I like the kids to do things, so I can invite.
• Invite people to your child’s baby blessing or baptism.  I think we covered this one above, sort of.
• Get to know the recent converts in your ward. Become their friends.  I can do better.

Member Missionary 10: Caleb's Neat Planner

 Caleb makes himself neat motivational planners to assist him in his missionary efforts.  I think motivational reminders can also help us as member missionaries.  I am convinced that it is not a lack of testimony or desire that keeps us from doing member missionary work; but fear.  Knowing what we are doing well help us overcome fear.  Planners and reminders can give missionary work a greater priority in our lives.

Member Missionary Work 9: Ure Missionary Farewell and Homecoming; and Other MIssionary Ideas

We bounced over the hill to Cupertino for church in our old ward.  Caroline Ure was presenting her homecoming speech, and Adam Ure his farewell.  They are brother and sister, and they shared a week home together.  Both talked on the theme of missionary work, and both quoted preach my gospel, first page: Your Purpose: Invite others to come unto Christ by helping them receive the restored gospel through faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement, repentance, baptism, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end.
Caroline focused on the atonement as part of the duties of a missionary; inviting others to take of the atonement of Jesus Christ.  (Preach my Gospel p 1)  It gives you something to think about, to keep the gospel simple.  People must be invited to come to Christ.
It was also good to see people we know, and also see how the ward has changed.  Charity, Anthony and Camberly Rose were there.  It is fun to see Camberly and Tony interact.  She loves to smile at him.  We didn't stay long after the meetin, I still needed to teach my class.
The Sunday school class theme was the covenant of Abraham.  I was surprised to learn that this covenant applies to us as much as Abraham.  We are promised in this life, a land, a large posterity, the Gospel and the priesthood.  Eternally we are promised Celestial life, eternal marriage and posterity, and exaltation and eternal life.  However our responsibilities are to Help all God's children receive the gospel, and obey the commandments.  We need to invite all to the feast of the gospel.

The final place where I was taught about missionary work was priesthood.  The theme was a talk by M. Russel Ballard: "Put Your Trust in the Lord."  He quoted a letter he had received "Dear Elder Ballard, 30 minutes after the worldwide broadcast on hastening the work of salvation, we held our family missionary council. We were thrilled to find that our teenage grandchildren wanted to be included. We’re happy to report that since our council meeting, we have expanded our family teaching pool by 200 percent.

“We have had grandchildren bring friends to church, have enjoyed sacrament meetings with some of our less-active friends, and have had some of our new contacts commit to take the missionary discussions. One of our less-active sisters has not only returned to church but has brought new investigators with her.

“No one has turned down the invitation to take the missionary discussions. What an exciting time to be a member of this Church" (personal letter, Aug. 15, 2013).  Our ward mission leader indicated we have been challenged to have a similar family meeting, and to establish a family missionary plan.  This is my next step, that and to get the book by Clayton Christensen on being a member missionary.

Member Missionary 8: Abish, Ammon, the Queen and King Lamoni

Abish, the queen and King Lamoni

Our Sister Missionaries visited this week, and expanded on the step of praying for missionary experiences.  They made it more specific:
Pray to hasten they work:
1. Pray for us as missionaries and our investigators.
2. Pray for your own missionary experiences.
3. Pray for courage to open your mouth.
4. Pray for the people you talk to to have have soft hearts.
5. Pray for the spirit to be there.

The sister presented their theme by telling the story of Abish, who when she saw Ammon, King Lamoni, his wife and many of his servants overcome by the spirit, she ran door to door telling everyone to come and see.  When they came there was much murmuring, but when the queen and Lamoni were restored, the heard the cause of their having collapsed, and some were converted to the gospel, and others were not.  But Abish ran telling everyone, because she didn't know whose heart would be touched.  Therefore we see the need to invite all to come and see, and some will accept and others will not be ready.

What I Heard in Church today and Elder Christensen Homecoming Report

A couple of things I found noteworthy from church today.  Sister Paneda, a young sister, pregnant with twins, talked on gratitude.  She said an attitude of gratitude helps when faced with adversity.  If we are focused on the good, hardships,  though still hard, are a little more bearable. 
Another young sister, Sister Devey also said something very interesting.  We were talking about putting on the armor of God, so as to have a protection from the fiery darts of Satan.  We were saying things like prayer, and scriptures, but Sister Devey put it all into focus.  She said she would not go outside in the morning without doing some things to take care of her physical appearance.  She wouldn't go out in her pajamas.  She takes care of her hair, has a bath, brushes her teeth etc.  She mentioned that in the same manner, we must take the time to prepare ourselves to meet the world spiritually.  We should as much time in spiritual preparation, prayer, scriptures, attitude, etc., as we do with physical preparation.  Sister Ellis added that this preparation should come from inside, it cannot be an outside preparation only.  However, by doing these things, we then put a force field around ourselves to protect us from Satan's temptations.
The other part of sacrament meeting was a missionary report from Elder Eric CHristensen.  He talked of their going the extra mile to have three investigators at church on day.  They had set a goal.  They only had two there, and so with five minutes until church they took to the neighborhood.  They invited the first family, nope, the second, maybe, the third a young woman in a bikini appeared at the door, and the invitation was brief, if you like our meeting starts in three meetings, then onto the next home.  Still no one committed, so they headed back to the meeting.  There was somebody on the front row they didn't know.  Turns out it was bikini girl.  She embraced the gospel, as did many members of her family.  You never know.  He also talked about how different people came to know the church; how they were invited.  Some to play basketball, some to a baptism,some by the missionaries.  The spirit it was gives the increase, our job is to invite.  He quoted "Preach my Gospel."  Our duty is to invite people to Christ.  To invite.

Member Missionary 7: Motivational Video

http://bwardlehistory.blogspot.com/2013/11/church-history-video-ensign-to-nations.html
There is nothing like seeing the growth of the Church to get you excited about missionary work.  The film "An Ensign to the Nations" does just this.  It shares several different examples of missionary success stories, and the Lord preparing people and nations to receive the gospel.  It shows the gospel being preached by missionaries, by members, and by those not yet members.  She shows the growth of the church in every continent.
The movie concludes with a stirring rendition of "A Marvelous Work is about to Begin."  This includes showing many different temples, and also different groups singing the song including missionaries, young people, at the Hawaii Temple and at the Argentine Temple.  The movie is very effective and sets the tone for wanting to do more.  It was produced in 1997, and since this time the church has seen considerable growth. 
It was made for TV by the church in 1997, and is very inspiring. 

Member Missionary 6: Our Responsibility

http://billywardlegen.blogspot.com/2013/10/three-missionary-letters-to-isaac-from.html

As I transcribed some correspondence between a member and my great-great grandfather when he was serving a mission in England, the member reporting on his efforts, it got me thinking about the history of member missionary efforts.  From the earliest days of the church, growth came by introducing friends and family to the missionaries. Here are a couple quotes from today's Sunday school lesson:
President Gordon B. Hinckley said: “My brethren and sisters, we can let the missionaries try to do it alone, or we can help them. If they do it alone, they will knock on doors day after day and the harvest will be meager. Or as members we can assist them in finding and teaching investigators” (“Find the Lambs, Feed the Sheep,” Ensign, May 1999, 107).
http://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2010-07-074-those-warned-must-warn-others?category=doctrine-and-covenants/section-85-section-119&&lang=eng
President Kimball also said: “Our great need, and our great calling, is to bring to the people of this world the candle of understanding to light their way out of obscurity and darkness and into the joy, peace, and truths of the gospel. I believe we must not weary in our well-doing. I believe it is time again to ask ourselves the question, what can I do to help take the gospel to others and to the inhabitants of the world?” (“Are We Doing All We Can?” Ensign, Feb. 1983, 5).
There is great joy in sharing the gospel, true there is a little fear, but if we step out with faith, God will send angels to assist, and He will be on our right hand and our left hand.
I wish you great peace and joy in touching the hearts of others.

Member Missionary 5: Caleb's Latest Advice

The goal is to see miracles together. We [missionaries] want to help them [members] with their missionary work, not ask them when we need help. Missionaries are members of the ward who help in the missionary work that happens in the ward, rather than create all the missionary work and the members help if that makes sense.
Remember the model from past posts:
1: Pray for missionary experiences
2: Share: share our lives, activities, homes
3: Invite: To church, an activity, to hear the missionaries
4: Testify: participate in the lessons with the missionaries, host missionary discussions, and testify when prompted by the Holy Ghost

Member Missionary 4: Pray for Missionary Opportunities: Elder M. Russel Ballard

http://bcove.me/34xm8m2q
Elder M. Russel Ballard: Put Your Trust in the Lord

http://www.lds.org/training/wwlt/2013/hastening/a-new-vision
Hastening the work of salvation

I felt this talk was inspired.  He adds an important step to Elder Wardle's model of being a member missionary, pray for missionary experiences.  Following are excerpts from this discourse.

We need to work together in partnership with our 80,000 missionaries now serving.

We ... know that many members hesitate to do missionary work and share the gospel for two basic reasons.

1. •The first one is fear. Many members do not even pray for opportunities to share the gospel, fearing that they might receive divine promptings to do something they think they are not capable of doing.
2. •The second reason is misunderstanding of what missionary work is.

 Brothers and sisters, fear will be replaced with faith and confidence when members and the full-time missionaries kneel in prayer and ask the Lord to bless them with missionary opportunities.

While the outcome is a result of the exercise of one’s agency, sharing the gospel is our responsibility.

Preach My Gospel reminds all of us that “nothing happens in missionary work until [we] find someone to teach.  Talk with as many people as you can each day. It is natural to be somewhat apprehensive about talking to people, but you can pray for the faith and strength to be more bold in opening your mouth to proclaim the restored gospel”

The key is that you be inspired of God, that you ask Him for direction and then go and do as the Spirit prompts you.

 I want to have missionary experiences.  I am committing to pray for them, and hope you will join me.

Member Missionary 3: A New Note from Elder Wardle

Note from Caleb

This is very simple, but I think it reflects Elder Ballard's yesterday in conference.  Share, sometimes you have to just start a conversation.  We can also do things to give our selves an opportunity to share.  Opening our mouths, and talking to someone is the first step.  I like to share our family and home.  This gives people a chance to see the gospel.  Inviting can be a bit scarier.  In this step you actually invite somebody to something; to our house for family home evening, to an activity at the church, to hear the missionaries.  And then Testify.  I have not ventured to take this step other than with the missionaries.

Member Missionary Work 2: Caleb's Advice

I gleaned this from the last paragraph of Caleb's last letter.  It is very good.  The bottom line is do something!!
"And if you are not capable of serving [a mission] I encourage you to just share. Invite people to non threatening activities like Ward bbq's or to basketball on thursday nights or to a halloween party. And then once you've planted that seed, ask them if they want to learn more. And if they don't that's completely fine. I love you all. You're amazing. Keep up the good work. And I will see you soon.
Much love, Elder Wardle"
Good advice by one called and set apart as a missionary.

Member Missionary Work 1: Caleb's Mission

Caleb has written several letters in which he has talked about member missionary work, and the importance of opening our homes to be a place where people can be introduced to the gospel, and invited to hear the missionaries.  He says this is very important.  They have visited a few less active families, and had some success.  The are also taking a young man from a part member family.
My greatest worry with the increase in the number of missionaries, is that we as member will let them down; that we will not be willing to increase our efforts in terms of inviting people to hear the missionaries, and as a result, the missionaries will not have a positive experience.  I have seen the spirit of the young people going on missions, including the of Caleb.  The do carry the spirit.  It is beholden upon us to put people in their path so that spirit can touch the heart of our friends.  I pray for missionary, and am committed to invite people to hear the gospel.  I still lack in this area, but I am beginning to open my mouth.
What we did when I was on my mission
http://whilhelmsthoughts.blogspot.com/2013/09/member-missionary-work.html