Contributions We All Make

This was from a post that Ethan's mission president shared on the Dominican Republic Facebook page - I thought it was good advice for everyone! I shared it with Corey, and with Ethan and Joseph out in California. I especially like his teaching that it is "by the small and simple contributions we all make" that the world will hear of Christ's gospel. And then the ideas of the small and simple things we can focus on. Those small and simple things are the things that will help prepare the world for the second coming.
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22 May 2020

Dear Parents of our Super Missionaries:

Greetings from the Dominican Republic Santiago Mission. This has been a great week for our missionaries. We are so fortunate to work with some of the Lord’s wonderful missionaries. Our missionaries are dedicated, hard-working, committed to their missionary purpose, and doing all they can to find, teach and invite the Lord’s elect to enjoy the blessings of baptism and membership in the Lord’s true church. These are inspiring young people!

On Tuesday, we were favored to participate in the video conference with Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. During his inspired address, he reminded missionaries that ‘this Gospel of the Kingdom [must] be preached in all the world, for a witness unto all nations’ (Joseph Smith-Matthew 1:31) before the end comes. This will not be accomplished in one grand event but by the small and simple contributions we all make.”

Elder Christofferson cautioned, “As you look at the world around you at this moment, however, you may wonder how you can make any real difference .… Governmental regulations to counter the COVID-19 pandemic restrict much of what we have traditionally done as missionaries.” We are living his message as our missionaries, with Heavenly guidance, are explore new ways of helping the Lord more the work forward. It is exciting!

Elder Christofferson suggested several “small and simple things” that will lead to a great mission:
Getting up on time. “Your mission has a prescribed daily schedule that includes getting up each morning at…6:30 a.m.,” he said. “This is a small but important part of missionary discipline because it makes it possible for you … so that in the end you have a mission filled with days in which you served the Lord, not simply passed the time.”

Becoming a serious student of the scriptures. “Individual and companion study time are programmed into your daily schedule, but what you get out of that time depends on whether you are a serious, intentional student of the Book of Mormon and the other Standard Works.”

Being in harmony with your companion. “A unified companionship is a real force for good,” he said. “Unity is not achieved without effort since any two people have different opinions, expectations and ways of doing things, but brotherly and sisterly respect and love can overcome differences.”

Opening your mouth. “The Lord loves a missionary who is not ashamed to speak of Him,” Elder Christofferson said. “Speaking to friends and strangers about the gospel is missionary work in its simplest and purest form. As you open your mouth, even if you are fearful or anxious about what people will think or how they will react, you will feel the Savior’s approval.”

Praying for those you teach. “Perhaps this goes without saying, but it is in praying for those you are teaching that your love for them will grow and divine inspiration about how best to teach and fellowship them will come,” he said. “Pray to feel what our Heavenly Father feels about them and to know what He knows about them that will help you minister to them in the most appropriate ways.”

Praying for yourself. “Your Heavenly Father wants to hear you, and as you pray to Him in the name of Jesus Christ, He will hear you,” he said. “You are the Savior’s emissary, doing His work, and He wants to bless you.”

Being consistent. “Consistently work at a pace that is demanding but sustainable, and don’t worry about who recognizes or appreciates your contributions,” he taught. “In the end, it’s between you and the Lord.”

Testifying frequently. “Opportunities arise often and naturally in missionary service to bear testimony of our Heavenly Father’s plan of happiness, the Savior and His Atonement, the Restoration and the Prophet Joseph Smith, and the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon,” he said. “Take full advantage of these opportunities.”

Seek spiritual gifts. “Having received the gift of the Holy Ghost, you are entitled to receive through him specific spiritual gifts according to the will and wisdom of God,” Elder Christofferson said. “You can always pray for the Lord to bestow on you those gifts you need to do His work from day to day and moment to moment.”

It was a wonderful treat to receive instruction from one the Lord’s anointed this week. Next week, we will be blessed to hear from Bishop W. Christopher Waddell of the Presiding Bishopric. We were blessed to receive a visit to our mission earlier this year. It will be a double treat to hear from him again!

Our missionaries are well. They have good food and water to sustain them. They are spending much of their time visiting with members, recent converts, and teaching those who have expressed interest to learn about the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. Their testimonies and faith are strong. They inspire us every day!

Within days, our companionships will be receiving smartphones. This will further enhance their work. We are grateful and excited to explore new ways to work with this new technology.

Thank you for your love and support of our missionaries. They love the Lord, His work, and their families. Your prayers and words of encouragement mean a great deal to all of us. May the Lord bless you and your loved ones this week and always!

With love and appreciation,

President and Sister Cowan