rejoice together

John 4:36 And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together.

"And we as his agents are not alone to declare his word, but to represent him in doing unto the least of his brethren that which he himself would do were he now here." - “My Specialty Is Mercy” By Elder Marion D. Hanks, October 1981

small and simple

Small and simple 

Alma 37:6

2 kings 5:2-3

A "little maid" / young girl was taken captive and served the wife of naaman who was a hot shot in the army. He came down with leprosy. This young girl, a slave, testified that the prophet could heal naaman.  

"We often focus on the servants who convinced Naaman to bathe in the river Jordan, as the prophet Elisha directed, but Naaman would not have even been at Elisha’s door without “a little maid.” You may be young or feel of no importance, but you can be as salt in your family, at school, and in your community.

Hearts can be changed and lives blessed as we offer a pinch of salt, a spoonful of leaven, and a ray of light." - Lessons at the Well By Susan H. Porter, April 2022

Matt 5:13 - salt

Matt 5:14 - light 

Matt 13:33 - leaven

James 3:5 - this is actually an example of how a small thing can corrupt. Taken alone, I like the imagery of words setting a huge fire. It reminds me of missionary work and setting hearts on fire. Open your mouth and the Lord will fill it.

Psalm 81:10

Moses 6:32

define missionary work

Bearing Witness of Jesus Christ in Word and Actions  

By Elder Adilson de Paula Parrella

“taking the Savior’s name upon us includes declaring and witnessing to others—through our actions and our words—that Jesus is the Christ.” - Russell M Nelson 

I'm teaching sunday school on dec 3. One of the topics is "Joy comes as we help others “walk in truth.”"  

I love that this redefines missionary work. "Help others walk in truth"

3 john 1:3-4

What are some other things that define missionary work?  

Elder Parrella say, "our conduct will be a living testimony of our Redeemer and His name. Moreover, we witness of Christ in word by sharing with others what we believe, feel, or know of Jesus Christ."

"Your role is to share what is in your heart and live consistent with your beliefs....Our role is to share, and it is the role of the Holy Ghost to testify of Jesus Christ."

Five Reminders for Sharing the Gospel  

By Victoria Alliaud

Isaiah 55:10-11

Let the Lord fill your mouth. It will fill His purpose. It doesn’t matter if you see the end result. Your part is just to open the door. Missionary work is planting seeds, not hosing people down with doctrine.

Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds you plant. 

- Robert Louis Stevenson

every member a missionary

How Great Will Be Your Joy  

By Elder Ronald A. Rasband

The gathering of Israel is “the most important thing taking place on earth today. Nothing else compares in magnitude, nothing else compares in importance, nothing else compares in majesty.” - Russell M Nelson

Doc & cov 18:10

3 Nephi 10:18

Doc & cov 78:18

(a lot of 18's. weird)

It follows that to gather Israel we need missionaries—many more than are serving.

Elder Rasband is addressing senior couples in his talk but it seems to me that it applies to everyone. 

Every member a missionary 

- David O. McKay, April 1959. Christ said it first:

Mark 16:15-1

Doc & Cov 58:64

It's easy to say but harder to put into practice. Here are some suggestions: 

Rate your church building on Google. People look for a church by rating so your rating helps.

Write your testimony in a book of Mormon or type it up and print it BOM size to be glued into one. Give it to the missionaries.

Add a link to the church website, a youtube conference talk or hymn, etc as your email signature.

Include your beliefs in your daily interactions. You don’t have to share the whole gospel, just one thing that applies to a conversation. Those seeds of belief build up over time.  

Resolve to share what you believe without expectation. It's not your job to convert people. That is the work of the Holy Ghost. Your job is provide opportunities for the Spirit to testify.  

the importance of scriptural immersion

Preserving the Voice of the Covenant People in the Rising Generation

By Brother Jan E. Newman

Luke 6:48-49

Helaman 5:12

"According to the account in Luke, as the wise man laid the foundation for his house, he “digged deep.” It wasn’t a casual or simple endeavor—it took effort! To build our lives on the rock of our Redeemer, Jesus Christ, we need to dig deep."

Earlier in the talk he talks about helping our children, I would add "friends", and ourselves.

"We can help them know their Savior and Redeemer the way these children did. We can show them how to find the Savior in the scriptures and build their foundations on Him."

2 Nephi 25:26

"Daily immersion in the word of God is crucial for spiritual survival, especially in these days of increasing upheaval. As we feast on the words of Christ daily, the words of Christ will tell us how to respond to difficulties we never thought we would face.” 

Russell M Nelson, Hear Him, May 2020