Putting Our Faith on the Line

Being a missionary is being involved in the lives of people, trying to lift them with our own faith and testimony, bringing the Spirit into their lives. We are on the front lines of a spiritual war being waged. Through it all comes the constant need to honor and respect free agency. We plant seeds and teach the people how to nourish them through their own actions of faith. Stretching our own faith we try to get them to hear what we are saying beyond just the words. This process is repeated and repeated until it starts to take hold or it is clear that they are not ready to continue at this time.

It is a very difficult, at times disappointing, and other times rewarding effort. Most days my wife and I return home physically drained. The work is never done. One victory does not ensure that it will last.

For example last night we had a wonderful and rewarding victory. A young woman who has for weeks been very animated about being baptized finally entered the waters. The joy on her face made all of our efforts and those of the other missionaries well worth it. But even this wonderful victory is only a beginning. This week my wife and I will start new member discussion with her and her husband, helping her to make the transition to being a member of the Lord’s Church. Our goal will be to eventually see this woman and her husband sealed in the temple with many smaller steps along the way.

With all of this comes the realization of the immensity of the task before us. There are so many people with so many needs. That is where faith kicks in. With the Lord, all is possible.