 |
Stories: Missionary Parable
Displaying 1 - 1 of 1 -- Add Story
| Missionary Parable
Once upon a time there was a young church member who felt a strong urge to serve a mission. He prepared himself working after school, weekends and summertime saving money to support himself during his mission. He studied the scriptures daily, volunteered for church and community service and lastly through prayer. He prayed that when the time came he’d be a worthy and ready servant for the Lord. When he reached the proper age, he submitted his papers, took a language aptitude test and received his calling. He received a letter from his mission, telling him what he needed to bring and so he shopped and obtained all he needed. At last the day came when he was to report to the Missionary Training Center. His family saw him off. In the training center he met many other like minded missionary candidates. In the training center he studied 12-15 hours daily, never leaving the side of his assigned companion, learning gospel presentations, building his own testimony of the gospel principals, and prepared gospel discussions in a new language. Finally he arrived in his new country and began preaching the gospel. He and his companion, knocked on doors, preached on street corners, proudly displayed the Book of Mormon and pamphlets about the gospel and the restored church as they went to buy groceries, at the meat market, even on the bus, trains and taxies. Almost certainly they would find someone who would listen to their message. He noticed, however, that it seemed most of the time that when they were teaching a particular family that the members or visiting guests would often leave the room and that quite often it seemed that the people listened more out of politeness rather than true interest. It seemed that nearly everyone was more interested in talking to the fine, young, clean-cut missionaries, rather than learning about gospel topics or possibly snagging a handsome missionary for a son-in-law. After the day’s activities progressed, quite often, the missionaries would return to their apartment feeling empty and discouraged, thinking surely these were not the people to whom they had been called to serve. This went on for both short and long periods of time. To them it did not seem they were particularly successful, although, they had success in baptizing some people and it seemed that the Spirit of the Lord attended them, but other times it seemed a darkness formed around them. One day they started their daily routine and a particular man came forward and told them he wanted to hear their message, but that they needed to return latter in the day and meet him in the public square. The missionaries agreed. Later in the day when the missionaries arrived early at the public square they noticed that there was an elevated platform and hundreds of chairs neatly arranged in rows. They thought to themselves that perhaps there was a political rally or some kind of public dedication or ceremony planned. Soon they saw the man they had met earlier and he told them all of his friends and neighbors would soon arrive to hear their message. Right at the agreed hour, the seats filled with people. No one came late, no one left early. Every seat was taken. The man they had met in the park introduced them as the Mormon Missionaries, people with a very important message to share with them all. After their presentation the people clapped and then engaged them with obviously well thought out and meaningful questions about their gospel message of the restored church. Finally as the dinner hour approached, their friend invited all of the people to return the next day for another gathering. That day the missionaries as they return home were energized and anxious to prepare for the next day. When the appointed hour arrived the following day, all of the chairs were filled and the square was overflowing with people standing to hear their message. It was so quiet even the tiniest noise seemed to reverberate. Their friend told them that today someone else would speak, not them. Again, no one came late, no one left early. At the end again there was a question and answer period. But the missionaries felt empty and listened without heart. When it was over, the missionaries gathered up their scriptures and teaching aides and began to walk toward their apartment completely confused and frustrated with what had happened. Again, discouraged and feeling empty, darkness gathered about them. Just as they were about to reach their apartment their friend approached them and stopped them in the street. The missionaries said, “ …well, it appears that you are not interested anymore in what we have to say or teach and no longer need us to preach you the gospel; you are now listening to another preacher.” Then the man gently said to them, “Let me give you some advice. The two missionaries who were so full of themselves two nights ago and the two who are so empty tonight –neither one of them are you. Stay with us and you will teach us, but we will also teach you and together we will all learn who we really are.” Their friend’s words carried a meaning far deeper than they had anticipated and now they redoubled their efforts and strived to become better servants laboring in vineyard of the Lord and building up his kingdom on earth. After their experience, they were much more successful than before and no longer felt the emptiness and despair and the darkness that had sometimes surrounded them now seemed less severe even when things did not go as planned.
Approximate word count: 944
Mel Borup Former Missionary Bs. As. Argentina 1977-79 member Westlake Village 1rst Ward, Newberry Park Stake Ca. |
| |
|
|
|
List All | Add Story
|
|
| LDS QUOTE: |
|
"You are a great army of returned missionaries. Go forward with new zeal and determination, and through your example shine the light of the gospel in this troubled world. This is the Lord's work in which we are engaged. God lives. Jesus is the Christ. We belong to His Church. This is my witness to you in the name of Jesus Christ, amen."
|
|
|
|
|
