I'm trying to finish deciphering notes from Saturday's session with Elder Cook. I should have mentioned on Saturday that Elder Cook invited Elder Hallstrom and Elder Bluth to participate with him in answering the question. Talk about the 3 Wise Men!
Q. How can we help members have a desire to go out with the missionaries?
A. If missionaries are the least bit arrogant it will turn the members off. If they're ward and branch builders, members will realize that they're there to help. Sometimes faithful members are overwhelmed with all that they already have to do. Invite members to pray that someone will be put in your path. A quote from President Kimball--"Work works when wishy washy wishing won't."
Q. For Spanish speaking missionaries most of their investigators are illegals. How do we balance that with sustaining the law?
A. Undocumented investigators are still children of Heavenly Father. Don't feel defensive. As missionaries, you don't have a responsibility to figure out if they're undocumented or not. Don't let it interfere with teaching children of God.
In response to another question that I couldn't quite understand, Elder Cook explained how mission calls are assigned. They have a screen with pertinent information about a missionary (health challenges, language abilities, etc.) but they almost immediately get strong feelings about where the missionary should go. Often it's that a missionary would be blessed to have a particular Mission President and wife. For some they should go to a certain people, culture, heritage or language. You are where you ought to be!
Elder Bluth: "The Lord must really love you if He sent you to this mission. You are blessed to have President and Sister Hansen."
Elder Hallstrom: There's no other organization on the face of the earth that could produce a group like you. In D&C 44 there's a promise. "...the elders (missionaries) of my church should be called together, from the east...west...north and...south, by letter (your mission call) or some other way.
...Inasmuch as they are faithful, and exercise faith in me, (do something!) I will pour out my Spirit upon them in the day that they assemble themselves together.." We have access to the Spirit today. This meeting only has a purpose if we're willing to do something. We need to change, to make a commitment, refine ourselves. This can be a significant turning point in your life.
Elder Cook's final remarks included the answer to a question asked earlier. One elder said that he has a new set of eyes since coming on a mission and asked Elder Cook if he had a new set of eyes since his calling as an Apostle. Two days before the October 2007 General Conference, President Hinckley called Elder Cook in and asked him, "Will you serve on the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles." An incredible weight comes on your shoulders and I quickly recognized my primary responsibility would be to testify to the divinity of Jesus Christ throughout all the world. I grew up in a less active family and had to develop a testimony on my own. I know the Savior's voice. He lives and divinely guides this Church.
Elder Cook left a blessing on the missionaries and told us "You are where you ought to be."
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