January Rome Forum

Each transfer cycle we print the Rome Forum for each of the missionaries.  It contains such things as where everyone was transferred, which missionaries are departing, and what new missionaries will be arriving.  It includes a list of upcoming birthdays and a message from the Assistants and one from the President.  Here is a copy of the message from the President:

I recently found the outline for an article on Essential Principles for Increasing Convert Baptisms.  It was based on a talk given by Elder M. Russell Ballard.  I don't know when it was written, but the material is timeless.  I thought about each of you as I read it and want to share it with you.  Please remember how much we love you and we are proud of you and the missionary work you are doing.  --President Waddoups

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Essential Principles for Increasing Convert Baptisms

--Elder M. Russell Ballard

- Keep it simple.  The devil loves complexity.

- Become a Preach My Gospel missionary.  Focus on the purpose of your mission.

- Exercise faith in the Saviour by being strictly obedient.

- Follow the Spirit.

- Pray with faith and determination to be guided in everything you do.  True conversion is a long, difficult road for many.  Going from darkness to the light of the gospel requires patience and love.

- Focus your daily personal and companionship studies on the needs of your investigators and use this precious time to "treasure up" the doctrines of the Restoration.  You must know that you know how to teach.  Outline lessons suitable for each investigator, and avoid "wooden" lessons.

- Plan each evening at 9:00 pm with exactness, (as set forth in Preach My Gospel) focusing on investigators and their needs, as directed by the Spirit.

- Maintain your Area books in such a manner that you would be pleased to show them to the Saviour.

- Teach as directed by the Spirit with power and authority, always inviting people to make commitments that will strengthen their faith in Jesus Christ.

- Follow up on investigator's commitments.  Help and encourage them to succeed.

- Do everything in your power to get investigators to attend sacrament meeting.

- Talk to at least 10 additional people every day about the message of the gospel.

- Teach at least 15 lessons per week -- investigators, less-active or part member families, active members.  You must teach to learn to teach.

- Work, work, work -- focusing on your purpose.

- Use ward and branch buildings.  Take investigators through the building and show them the various rooms and explain what goes on within the building.

- Build and maintain strong, supportive relationships with the members of the Church -- strengthen their faith and always seek referrals.

- Whenever possible, have members present when you teach.  Involve them in the lesson.

- Work as one with the leaders of the units you serve.  Find out what you can do to help the bishop/branch president in his responsibilities in building the kingdom.

In summary, forget yourselves.  Serving with all of your heart, might, mind and strength.  Go forward in faith. 

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We are excited about this New Year.  By working together, we can reach our goal of 40 baptisms.  You're the best!