Love the gospel

Wow! This has to be one of the best emails I have ever received! I have been around so many members.. truly a mission prepares a missionary to become the best member they know how. I wish all members would do the missionary work you guys did! It is the most pleasing and satisfying feeling to do missionary work. Elder Bruce R. McConkie said, "The most important thing for an adult non-member of the church is baptism into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints." When we had our leadership meeting in the previous weeks and President Mark McConkie spoke he quoted that over and over and said, "The most important thing for an adult non-member of the church is baptism into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. -There is nothing more important, not marriage, not family, not careers, not education; there is no more important thing in their lives to do right now than to be baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints!" POWERFUL! Before he told us this 'quote' he said, "I am going to quote a scripture that you have never heard, now listen carefully..."

One thing I have learned from Sister McConkie recently is that in order to spread the gospel, members don't even have to be friends, or even 'protect' relationships. In my own pondering this past week I came to realize this important truth: As a missionary you meet many people, it is no coincidence that I or Elder Hancock speak with anyone. This is because Heavenly Father is perfectly aware of the things taking place in the lives of every single individual in Elgin. When we knock on the door of someone Heavenly Father knew perfectly that day that his servants would knock on the door of this particular son or daughter. He wants more than anything (Moses 1:39 of course) to teach every single one of his children on earth the gospel through his chosen servants. So when his children hear the truth it is because they are suppose to! One day, as they stand before the Lord he may be able to say to them.. On August 3rd, 2010, Elder Hancock and Elder McMurry introduced you to the truth for the very first time at your home on your doorstep during your life on earth, they were my servants and were meant to tell you about my gospel that very specific day (as important as the event of baptism, is the event of being first introduced to the gospel). Likewise the Lord placed those 4 individuals in your path on absolute necessity of their first introduction to the Lord's truth and gospel!

Isn't that exciting! Now, this is Elder McMurry doctrine, but it seems right. If eternity is all about the truth, the gospel, the only way of ordained divine existence, than naturally, angels must attend the children of God when they receive their very first introduction to the truth and to what their existence is meant to be about, divinity and eternal progression! It is a marvelous, miraculous and recorded event, when God's children are offered and presented with the light of life, and the full truth of Jesus Christ!

Oh boy! Isn't the gospel so refreshing! YUP! You're right it is the epitome of refreshment! It is repentance and the power of Christ unto salvation! It means more to me than anything to me now as a missionary..Anyway! What would be coolest, is that if you have their addresses, go to Mormon.org and refer the missionaries over there, the simplest way that seems non-intrusive would be to just have the missionaries "knock into them".. but that's if we're a little fearful, the best way is to have the missionaries stop by and to specifically use your names! These are a little rough but I'll try and remember.. this is rate of baptisms that Elder Holland (I think) discovered...

"Baptisms per.."

1/1000=1 baptism out of 1000 missionary contacts
1/400=baptism from 400 media referrals
4/80=baptisms from using the name of a member among 80 individuals who know them
6/8=baptisms for those taught in the home of member

Awesome huh! If all members would invite and teach their friends in their homes! Woohoo! The second coming might just come quicker! Anyway! You just got me re-excited about missionary work for the day! I love you and appreciate this super uplifting email! You and dad rock! So my suggestion: send the elders or sisters to their homes WITH the book of Mormon that contains your testimonies, and that will help them see that, "The most important thing for an adult non-member of the church is baptism into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints."

LOVE YA!