Leaving a Legacy
July 2015
When missionaries complete their missions, one of the things
they are asked to do is leave a legacy for new missionaries who will be coming
to the mission. They are given a form
that says:
“As you
finish this wonderful chapter of missionary service, you have the chance to
help those that follow. Think back to
the first days of your mission. You were
full of new missionary energy but maybe not quite sure how to use it. Take some time and contemplate about all the
many lessons and great experiences that you experienced during these two years
of service. What knowledge would you
have wanted in order to enhance your experiences? What great tips of obedience or endurance
would you like the next generation to know?
Now is your chance. Please write
a short letter speaking to all those that will follow.”
With permission from the departing missionaries, here are
some of the comments they made.
* *
* * *
The mission was a
wonderful, stressful, exciting, energy exhausting, and most rewarding
experience I have ever done. Up to this
point, I have never done anything more difficult.
Just like in my mission, you have people being prepared right
now for you to help. Never get
discouraged and think that you aren’t doing any good.
The
mission rules are important! But don’t
follow them just to follow them. Follow
the principle which extends far beyond what the rules say in the white
handbook.
The first tip I
have to give is don’t get so focused on the work (as in “getting things done”)
that you forget about your companion.
You will find that the person you can bring most unto Christ besides
yourself will be your companion.
Your greatest asset as
a missionary will not be your skill, but your conversion.
Trust in the Lord,
and lean not to thine own understanding, and your mission will be the highlight
of your life.
Read Preach My
Gospel. It has been prepared for us by
Prophets and Apostles.
One of the most important
things I learned that I wish I had figured out sooner is how to
communicate. Communication with God,
your companion, and others is vital. It
is ok to say how you are feeling—always in a loving manner—but good
communication will help bring the spirit, resolve concerns and conflict, and
give strength and support.
God expects us to
work. He will not give us results that
we are not willing to work for.
God knows our potential
and knows who we can become. He gives us
experiences so we can become that person.
I remember putting on
that little black nametag and thinking what a privilege it is to be a
missionary.
Read your
Patriarchal Blessing.
Take advantage of every
opportunity to do good, no matter what it is, cuz at the end of the day that’s
the real purpose of missionary work.
Be the
message. Be a light to those who have
fallen and those who “sit in darkness” (Micah 7:8). You represent our Savior Jesus Christ and
remember he chose you, you accepted His call.
Do your best with what
you have. Give it your all. That’s all that’s asked of you.
You are called to this mission for a
reason.
There are going
to be a lot of times when you are going to feel like you can’t do it anymore
and you’re probably right. We don’t have
to do it alone, nor are we expected to.
Let God help you with it.
DO NOT HAVE FEAR! Push the limits of your capacity to serve,
and have faith to do more.
Never underestimate the
power of prayer. Get on your knees and
pray, then get on your feet and work!
Plan, plan,
plan. Then do it. If you fail to plan then you plan to fail.
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