Missionary Service

Go Ye Therefore,

Silvia H. Allred, first counselor in the Relief Society

Sister Allred spoke about missionary work. She gave some general, as well as some specific ways that we can be missionaries.

"Begin by being a good neighbor and a good friend. Set a example of righteousness and kindness. Let your smile radiate love, peace, and happiness. Live a gospel-centered life.
Then, be more specific in your missionary efforts. Let me suggest some ideas. You might find two or three that work for you:

• If you have children at home, help prepare them for missionary service.


• Prepare yourself for missionary service.


• Invite family and friends to listen to the missionaries or to attend our Church meetings and activities.


• Accompany the missionaries to investigators’ homes, or invite the missionaries to teach nonmembers in your home.


• Invite people to a family home evening in your home.


• Invite people to a family history center, or help them do family history research.


• Give referrals to the missionaries. Members can be the greatest and best source of referrals.


• Share your beliefs and testimony with nonmember friends and family.


• Seek for opportunities to reach out to others.


• Extend friendship to investigators and new converts.


• Give your best efforts to finding those who are seeking the truth.


• If you have family members or friends on missions, send them letters of love and encouragement, and pray for them. "

I have often thought of missionary work as a litmus test of my faith. Do I truly believe that this is the Lord's work. Believing that is also believing that He will help me. This is His work.

Jacob chapter 5 is an allegory. In it, the Lord is the "master of the vineyard." verse 61 is referring to this day and age. In it the master of the vineyard says this:

61 Wherefore, go to, and call servants, that we may labor diligently with our might in the vineyard, that we may prepare the way, that I may bring forth again the natural fruit, which natural fruit is good and the most precious above all other fruit.

I like the word "we". It reminds me that when I am engaged in this work, my companion is the Lord himself.