About a month ago, Sam and I were called as ward missionaries. Initially we were called to the missionary committee but just before being setting apart, the ward mission leader decided we should be ward missionaries instead. I have never felt so inadequate in a calling. Immediately after I got home from church that day, I pulled out my copy of Preach My Gospel. I do not have a lot of experience with missionary work. Sure, I have talked to people about the church, but it was always more question answering and less invitation to be baptized. This calling requires me to step out, no, more like take a giant leap out of my comfort zone.
My dad said that this is one of his favorite callings because there is "a lot of ministering and very little administering." So far it has been more driving around than both ministering or administering. The sister missionaries in our area do not have vehicles. Also, many of the investigators do not have vehicles. I spend hours each week driving the sisters and their investigators to/from appointments.
On Saturday night, we had the sister missionaries over for dinner. After dinner I drove them to their next appointment. When we arrived, they asked me to go in with them and join in the discussion. The girl we were teaching did not speak English very well. We taught her about callings (amongst other things). As the sisters taught more of the lesson, I started thinking maybe it was more for me than the investigator. They taught about how callings are service and sometimes they may seem hard or time-consuming, but God will always help you. They also told her about how we are sustained in sacrament meeting and everyone raises their hands saying that they will support you.
I remember when I was sustained. Not only do I have the support of the entire ward, but I also have God supporting me. My testimony has already been strengthened immensely just by sharing it. I am starting to open up and not feel intimidated as much. It is still hard for me to put what I am thinking into words and I frequently ramble (kind of like right now). But I am getting better. I am grateful for this calling and the chance I have to teach others about something I love so much.
5 comments:
You have always been an example to me, Emily. Thank you for sharing.
Great story...thanks for sharing!
This has nothing to do with your last post...I just thought I would say that I love your new family picture.
That is pretty neat Emily. I love your story.
It may not feel like you do much, but even just the rides must make the sisters SO grateful. Thank you for sharing. What great insight.
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