Teach Repentance and Baptize Converts - Missionary Broadcast, January 20, 2016

Our Messages for Missionaries

Elder Dallin H. Oaks

Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Broadcast Video: https://www.lds.org/broadcasts/watch/missionary-broadcast/2016/01?lang=eng&vid=4724962668001

1. Introduction

Last month our Missionary Executive Council posted a two-hour broadcast to all mission presidents and their companions.  Now we have this unique opportunity to speak to all of our 75,000 missionaries in the world.  We love you as servants of the Lord and welcome this opportunity to help you in the great work you are doing.

Today we have been taught fundamentals from Preach My Gospel.  Elder Neil L. Andersen taught our purpose as full-time missionaries, which is to teach the doctrine of Christ.  As he taught, always keep your testimony of the Savior and His gospel as the most important part of your work.  Elder David A. Bednar described how conversion comes through the Holy Ghost as you and your companion do what is necessary to assure that the Holy Ghost testifies to those you teach.

Bishop W. Christopher Waddell taught that investigators must act in order for the Holy Ghost to teach them and that missionaries must invite investigators to act and then follow up to be sure they are moving forward on the road to conversion Sister Bonnie L. Oscarson reminded us that we teach people, not lessons.  We always prepare and we are constantly “treasuring up,”1 but as we teach, we carefully listen to the Spirit, which will lead us to teach what each investigator needs.

Finally, we cannot teach if we don’t have investigators.  A major part of your work is to find.  President L. Whitney Clayton and Elder Brent H. Nielson taught that we should always find when we teach.  All missionaries must develop the faith and skill to find.  The best finding is done when we work with members.  As President Thomas S. Monson taught us, “Now is the time for members and missionaries to come together.”2 Your best success will come as you work with ward councils and ward mission leaders and as you are seeking to retain and to activate.  Behind each reactivated contact are family members and friends who are golden prospects.  The more people we find and teach, the more we will baptize.

Feed My Sheep - Preach My Gospel Studies

Feed My Sheep – MTC Talk – Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

This talk was given by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland in the Missionary Training Center (MTC) on January 11, 2011. It’s entitled “Feed My Sheep” and was a precursor to the talk that he gave in General Conference.

What a privilege to be here. I love being at the MTC. I told these people earlier in a little informal and inadequate dinner remark that there's nothing I'd rather do, and nowhere I'd rather be than with Missionaries. And in Missionary service, and in performing Missionary labor, and doing things with the Missionary department. The mechanism and the structure that, under the direction of the prophet to call you on a mission, guide your Mission while you're out there, works with your Mission Presidents. I want you to have a good experience; provide you with things like Preach My Gospel and all the other helps that we can give you.

You Can't Close My Heart

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In June 1989, Ghana's government banned LDS Church meetings.  While the ban lasted, Church members held sacrament meetings in their homes and watched over one another through home and visiting teaching.

Learning and Teaching in the Home and the Church - The Church

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Foundational Scriptures:

Teach doctrine by the Spirit (D&C 50:13-14)
"Wherefore, I the Lord ask this question-unto what were ye ordained?  To preach my gospel by the Spirit, even the Comforter which has sent forth to teach the truth."

Invite to act (D&C 50:17-21)
"Verily I say unto you, he that is ordained of me and sent forth to preach the word of truth by the Comforter, in the Spirit of truth, doth he preach it by the Spirit of truth or some other way?"  "And if it be by some other way it is not of God."  "And again, he that receiveth the word of truth, doth he receive it by the Spirit of truth or some other way?"  "If it be some other way it is not of God." "Therefore,...he that receiveth the word by the Spirit of truth it as it is preached by the Spirit of truth..."

Testify of promised blessings (D&C 50: 22-24, 25-26)
"Wherefore, he that preacheth and he tat receiveth, understand one another, and both are edified and rejoice together.  And that which doth not edify is not of God, and is darkness." "And again, verily I say unto you, and I say it that you may know the truth, that you may chase darkness from among you; He that is ordained of God and sent forth, the same is appointed to be the greatest, notwithstanding he is the least and the servant of all."

Catch the Wave

Elder Russell M. Nelson, - "Catch the Wave," General Conference, May 2013

"Together, members and missionaries invite all to learn of God, of Jesus Christ, and of His gospel.  Each inquiring individual should seek earnestly and pray fervently for the assurance that these things are true.  The truth will be manifest by the power of the Holy Ghost."

Come, All Ye Sons of God

President Thomas S. Monson, - General Conference, "Come, All Ye Sons of God"

"Missionary work is an identifying feature of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  Always has it been; ever shall it be.  As the Prophet Joseph Smith declared, 'After all that has been said, the greatest and most important duty is to preach the Gospel.'"

Member Invitation Visit Outline

• Introduction (build a relationship of trust)
• Request permission to share a message on missionary work
• Share video - "I'll Go Where You Want Me To Go" or other missionary message.