GUIDElines 2000 Vol I, No 7 – September 7, 2000
Brother Parker,
Wow, I am sitting here at ASU right now and just wanted to take a break from what
I was doing so I decided to read all the Helaman Sons Letters that have been
archived on the YouthGuides.com web site. WOW!! It gets me excited
to read them and brings a spirit with it that is amazing, even here in
Computing Commons. It was really neat to just sit here and read about the
experiences, the testimonies of many who had their lives changed by the
program. I thought of how the program affected my life. Let's just
say, I am glad that it was there for me because it brought such a spiritual
foundation to my life that allowed me to hit the mission field running.
But even more than that, the spirit that was more abundant in my life at that
time because of the scripture study that we were encouraged to do daily is a
highlight.
I remember the first Ammonite
meeting that I attended. Don Conover had just returned from his mission
and we went tracting near the temple. I remember Bro. Conover allowing me
to "lead" where the Spirit directed. We knocked on two doors
that night. The first people we talked
to weren't that interested at the time and the second door we knocked on I
couldn't understand a word that was said. That's because it was in
Spanish. But Bro. Conover was prepared because he had just returned from
a Spanish-speaking mission. The spirit that was there was amazing.
I didn't need to know what was being said.
I knew the Spirit was there and that is what kept me coming back....for
three years.
I remember how scared I was that first night. Even the first time giving
a tour. I was nervous, but slowly that nervousness, that fear, was
replaced. Replaced by faith and
confidence.
That faith and confidence carried over to my mission. Before even going out, I
knew that the Lord was going to provide the way. Why, because I can't
tell you how many times he allowed us a way to achieve goals that we had set as
a program, as a district, and as an individual. You know more stories
than I do, but I could probably tell you a few. What great
memories.
Well, I know it doesn't make a whole lot of sense; I haven't slept in three
days. But thanks for letting me ramble and thanks a ton for
reading. Maybe later I will write something a bit more coherent.
Until then, thanks again and good night.
Jeremy
Jeremy: Thanx! For your testimony. I remember those days you speak of. In fact, I remember that night and how
exciting it was for you. I was hoping
for just such a reaction from the Alumni and others as they read the Helaman
Sons Letters.
Bro. P.
Yesterday, we talked about Standard of Performance. Today I want to talk about SETADATE and how well it works if everyone in the organization has one. I remember David used to talk about writing his date in very big numbers and putting it prominently in his home so that everyone there knew what his SETADATE was. That way they could encourage him and pray for him to reach his goal.
SETADATE is all about faith. When you have set a date to refer someone to the missionaries, you have already completed the spiritual part. The fact that you’ve actually set a date is proof that you believe it can be achieved. With just a little bit of belief to build upon, the Lord is able to help you create miracles. The only thing you have left to do is talk to everyone the Lord puts in your path and pray that their hearts will be softened to your message.
The idea behind SETADATE is that by setting a date you have shown Heavenly Father that you are serious about helping Him in the work. It puts your mind at ease because you have done something you were supposed to…you’ve done some member missionary work. With your mind at ease you can then look at your neighbors and co-workers, those you have been trying to convert for years, in a different light. There isn’t so much guilt and anxiety because you have a plan!
If you’ll look at the SETADATE page, it says right in the explanation that you are going to continue to work with these people. You are going to invite them like you always do to things at the Church; you’re not going to forget them or move on without them. But…and this is a big but, you are going to turn most of your thinking to the possibility that there are others you will come into contact with that are ready to hear what you have to say. There is always an abundant supply because the Lord has touched the hearts of many for each one we actually cross paths with.
Having a SETADATE energizes your member missionary work because you have a new goal. By your SETADATE you are going to have someone ready for the missionaries. That means you have to do some other steps in the meantime. You are going to study the scriptures more diligently, looking for things in them that will help you understand the gospel better, so that if you are asked questions, you will have more answers. You are going to pray, night and day, and maybe inbetween, for missionary opportunities.
In addition, you will need to get better at inviting. We can always use more practice here. So, you will spend more time on learning and memorizing F.O.R.M. and paying attention to what is happening in the ward and stake. Then when an opportunity arises to invite someone to a Church function, you will have in your mind the next event you want someone to come to with you.
DON'T WORRY! We know from many wonderful experiences that the Lord will help you as you pray diligently. He will put people in your path ready to hear the gospel and who will respond to “will you” questions, such as “Will you come with me and my family to our Ward
Birthday Picnic next Wednesday evening?” Seek guidance and direction from our Heavenly Father as you practice how to invite using “will you” questions, and He will not let you down.
DON'T FEEL GUILTY ANYMORE! That feeling of guilt you’ve had when you’ve been caught short in the member missionary area has stopped so many of us from reaching out to our friends.
I don’t know how many of you have gotten in the habit of checking here for new messages each day. I’m going to send an email to those who have registered in the HEROIC goal to remind them.
Let’s all work to grow the Church!
Bro. P.