Leaving a Legacy - March 2016

March 8, 2016

Leaving a Legacy

March 2016

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.

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Companions:  If your companion is your best friend, push each other to work hard.  If your companion is tougher to get along with, look for the good in him/her and SERVE them.  Regardless of who your companion is, remember, YOU BOTH HAVE THE SAME PURPOSE HERE.

Don’t waste a second.  You have such little time here.  Fight through the fatigue and rejection and always search for something worthwhile to do.  You won’t regret it if you do, but you will regret if you don’t.

Gelato.  Never skimp on the gelato.

Remember, the Lord doesn’t call the qualified, he qualifies the called.  He takes your trials and he consecrates them for your good.  No matter how hard it is, never give up.  Take it from someone who almost did, but ended up staying. 

The country you have just stepped into is my country.  It has a lot of problems and imperfections, but it is my country and I love it.

Thank you for sacrificing all that you love to step on that plane.  You have become a builder of the Rome Temple.  You have become a fulfiller of the promises that God made with my people that this country will "blossom as a rose.”

“For behold, again I say unto you that if ye will enter in by the way, and receive the Holy Ghost, it will show unto you all things what ye should do.”  (2 Nephi 31:3)

Charity and love are the center to this great work.  Our love for God is manifest in our works.

Love your mission president and wife—trust in their inspiration.  Build a relationship.

Your mission will be what you make it.  It all depends on what your desires are, your deepest desires, because those will determine your actions. 

One of my biggest struggles I think was having to learn to turn it over to the Lord.

You can do this.  With God on your side, you can do this!

As you focus completely on your mission and those you serve, God will take care of the rest with things back home such as your family, school, etc.

Remember that you are not the teacher.  The Spirit will be and should always be the teacher. 

Remember you are always your own investigator.  Make sure you are taking care of your own spiritual needs before you help others. 

Unfortunately I didn’t come to the mission field very prepared; definitely less prepared than you are.  I didn’t know anything about missionary work.  I had never gone out with the missionaries or taught a lesson with them.  Coming into the mission, I saw the white handbook as suggestions instead of what they really are. 

If you haven’t gained a testimony of the Book of Mormon yet, get it.

If you aren’t good at something, work on it.  If you are good at something, use that to your advantage.

If you are having testimony trouble, turn to President.

Don’t look back, you’re not going that way.

The mission is the most important thing I have ever done.

A perfect mission doesn’t exist.

I have seen miracles every day.

It will be difficult, but a sincere heart and real intent will help you accomplish everything you need to do.

You represent Jesus Christ.