Some Thoughts on the MTC Week

The week at the MTC has been extremely busy and quite intense mentally, spiritually and, at times, emotionally. We have been focusing on the core purpose of the mission - to invite all to come unto Christ. There have been classes to review the things we hope to invite people to do to help them draw closer to God and His Son, to apply gospel principles and truths to their lives to bring them greater joy, increase their faith, improve their lives and bring blessings from Heaven upon them and their families. There have been classes to consider and practice how to share and teach those principles as we have seen them benefit ourselves and others. There have been multiple devotionals to help us as individuals striving to improve ourselves as disciples of Jesus Christ. There have even been discussions on stress management since we will certainly face many stressors as we relocate to new places, meet new people, strive to make new friends and other things associated with any major change in one's life.
Our MTC District
The one thing that stands out to me again and again over these past days is the deep humility, kindness, enthusiasm and love demonstrated by what is happening here. There are on the order of about 1,600 missionaries currently in the MTC. They will be joining a group of nearly 80,000 serving around the world. They come from across the globe. I have met individuals from the Far East, North and South America, the islands of the Carribean and the South Pacific, and they are going to cities, states, and lands foreign to themselves. They are dedicating six months to two years of their lives to serve their fellow humans, to uplift and to bless. Most are between 18 and 24 years old. A portion are in their mid 50's or older. None are being paid but, rather, are paying their own way or being supported by their families to do this work. The larger Church organization helps with resources and logistical items to help make this possible.

But consider why this would happen? What would induce so many young adults in their prime to interrupt their lives for a time, or seniors to set aside the ease of retirement to donate so much time and effort - to pay their own living expenses to have such a privilege as this? And why do they do it with such joy and willingness, even looking forward to doing it again? For me it is simply the conviction that what we are teaching is true, they are principles to bless, benefit and improve the world and lead to the salvation of souls, to bring joy to all involved. I invite everyone to learn more, to more earnestly and consistently apply the principles taught by the missionaries of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and see for yourselves how they can improve your lives and bless your families.

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