…VAN EEN VERNUFTIGE MAKELIJ…
(1 Nephi 18:1)
Belgium/Netherlands Mission
CONNECTING WITH
PEOPLE
People have always sought to be happy. They argue politically over what will bring
happiness; wars have been fought over people’s search for happiness. Before the feast of the Passover,
Jesus knew that his hour was come. He introduced
the ordinance of washing of the feet and with it the key to happiness. The washing is symbolic of the affects of the
atonement on all of God’s children.
Also, the washing is the simple key to that happiness for which man has
searched.
4 He riseth from supper, and
laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself.
5 After that he poureth water
into a basin, and began to awash the
disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was
girded…
10 Jesus saith… He that is
washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every
whit: and ye are clean…
12 So after he had washed their
feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them,
Know ye what I have done to you?
13 Ye call me Master and
Lord: and ye say well; for so I am.
14 If I
then, your Lord and Master,
have washed your
feet; ye also ought to wash one
another’s feet.
16 Verily,
verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he
that is sent greater than he that sent him.
17 If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them. (John 13)
This event is rich in symbolism. There are a multitude of sermons taught here
by the Savior, but the principle of service to others and the happiness that
comes there from is unavoidable. As
missionaries, we have the privilege to spend every waking hour in the service
of people we contact, investigators and members. Service can be physical acts of service or simply
offering support and instruction which is much more effective after connecting
with people.
On 9 April 2013, President Hulleman trained the Apeldoorn
Zone missionaries how to best assist him and his members in the Apeldoorn Stake
to achieve their missionary assignments.
It was a remarkable message. The central
theme to his plan for missionaries is to lift members from where they are now
by visiting a member daily, encourage members to spiritual growth, to follow
Christ and to encourage them to find the one in missionary work. His counsel would be beneficial to every
missionary in the mission:
“Connecting with people is the key
to success on missions and in life. The
old adage, ‘Seek to understand, then seek to be understood’, still
applies. But, be sensitive and do not push
in where you are not welcome. Develop
people skills and teaching skills.
I guarantee every member in the
stake has a wayward kid, not enough money, troubled marriage, poor health, not
enough time, etc., etc. Understand them,
help them with their problems, teach a message, etc. It will endear you to them. Then they will feed you referrals as a
friend.
Connect with people. Before asking for referrals, find out what is
going on in their life, their worries and what makes them tick. Ask people questions and learn about their
make-up; then try to help them with their problems.
Set aside “what’s in it for me”
(your need for gain) and just serve the members in their needs. It doesn’t take hours. This is an attitude shift. Love them. Encourage their youth.
Ask, “How would you like us to help
you with your missionary work?” If they
trust you and feel you are in there for them, you will see miracles.
Indirect missionary work is more
effective in this country than direct missionary work. Don’t hit them so hard and direct to give
referrals. Just do it with faith and
trust the Lord will provide you with referrals.
Elder Holland said, “Trust Heavenly
Father. Let go of being in control and
trust him. It is about faith in Jesus
Christ. Trust with your heart,
disconnect your head.”
Be happy with small and simple
successes. Celebrate the small and
simple things. The secret to life and a
mission is dealing with differences and connecting with people.” (President
Hulleman, 9 April 2013)
Human relations are a fascinating thing. I am always impressed with the guy who has
the magnetic personality, who seems to get along with everyone and appears endearing
to everyone. It is easy to see some of
his outward attributes that make him that way.
Luckily, you and I do not have to be him to be successful on a mission
or in life. Someone once said that if
two of us are exactly alike, then one of us would not be necessary. Our diversity is our strength. While you work to improve your skills to
connect with people and to be the best you that you can be; be who you are, not
someone you are not.
Relationships are not built on mechanics but sincere human
interaction. It is the human connection that counts, both with investigators
and members. The principles taught by
the Savior and reinforced by President Hulleman and ‘Being Real’ in Zone
Conference are intended to assist you to connect with people with a few simple
mechanics, but it is important to open your heart, love them and extend yourself
to them. President Robinson
No comments:
Post a Comment