I did not serve a mission, and so most of the time it is hard for me to relate to issues that our missionaries may have. Well, I learned tonight how hard it really must be to serve a mission.
We attended the missionary fireside this evening, and it was beautiful. There were some beautiful songs, good treats, and it was fun to chat with the missionaries that we have come to know. We sat with an investigator family who lives down the street from us. We have recently met them, and they are wonderful people, and they also have a baby about Cooper's age. The missionaries have been teaching them for a few months, and are beginning to get frustrated.
The husband is a very smart man, and wants everything to be presented factually; he needs historical evidence for many things. He wants proof that things happened, when there isn't always proof. God doesn't work this way. Well, Pete just so happens to think similarly, so Pete has been to their house with the missionaries as well.
Tonight one of the sisters came to Pete, pretty frustrated and asked for some advice. The family is intrigued by the gospel, and enjoys having the missionaries over, but they are not progressing. He seems to want the meat before the milk, and keeps asking deep questions, and he is wanting proof to back up all answers. The sisters leave the couple's house disappointed that they lack motivation to really know of Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon. They don't seem to understand the importance of knowing if God still speaks to us.
This is where I felt the pain tonight. I could tell this sister loves this family, and it was hurting her to have to possibly move on until they read and pray about the Book of Mormon and Joseph Smith. Pete and I talked about it on the way home, and he said he had many experiences like this, as I am sure all missionaries do. I can't imagine having to tell a family that you have come to love, "sorry, but we can't teach you anymore until you commit to starting with the basics." Line upon line, precept upon precept. It almost brought me to tears. Missionaries put so much hard work into teaching the gospel, and I never realized (or at least spiritually realized) how much pain they probably endure.
I have invited the wife in this family over this week, just to hang out, and we also invited them to come to our house to eat on Christmas, as they are military also, and have no family around. I guess at this point all we can do is befriend them, pray for them, and hope that the seed was planted somewhere along the way, hopefully it will continue to grow.
8 comments:
I remember those families quite well. On one occassion after we realized we would not be back to teach this particular family anymore, I remember my companion and I sat on the the steps of the apartment complex and just cried for about 20 minutes. We really felt pain as our spirits ached for this family. All you can do is be friends with them and love them with the gospel. But, don't worry, we will get them in the end :)
pam do not give up hope. you remember mandi my oldest daughter. she married a wonderful man that was not a member. he knew nothing about religion of any kind. if we talked about jesus and his teachings we had to relate it terms of world history. it is a good thing dave (my husband) liked history and paid attention. they have been married for 9 plus years. about 3 1/2 years ago he was baptized. just over a year ago he received his endowments and was sealed to his precious family. we did not know if he would ever accept the gospel in this life. when he did not understand a gospel principle we explained it the best we knew how. even still he comes to us for answers. some we can answer some we can't. but i guess my point is, it took time. it happened one line or precept at a time. we had to wait til he listened to his heart instead of his head. he is a wonderful man. he was able to perform the baptismal and confirmation ordinances for their oldest, kristin. just last week he performed the blessing ordinance for their baby gracie. he is also one that likes to base his decisions on facts. i guess that is why i am telling you this story, because this man you are talking about reminds me of brian. just keep befriending them and living your life in accordance with the gospel and they will learn from you.
Sometimes, it's worth it not to drop them from the pool if they are really interested in learning still. In any case, the important thing is that you not drop them as friends, as that's what matters the very most of all. As a missionary, sometimes we would just stop by and share our interest in the family and that we were thinking of them if they were not ready to move along with the discussions. Just a thought, if they are pained to drop them from the teaching pool, the missionaries don't have to totally drop out of their lives, either.
Sounds like a good idea to befriend them. I think at this point that's the best thing for them. Then you can talk about gospel things on more of a personal way.
That's tough. You'll know how you can help somehow though.
There is nobody better to befriend these people than you!
Befriend the. whether they embrace the gospel or not. You are their best hope. Missionaries come and go, and they get attached to their investigators, but ultimately it has to be up to the members in the area to embrace those seeking the answers. And to love them, whether they join or not, is the Christlike thing to do.
Keep up the good work!!! There were many times as a missionary I wished that we had members like you to help out in this kind of situation. You are serving your own kind of mission!!!Thanks for your post it brought back those feelings and tears but it is a good reminder to pick up and be a member missionary!!!
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