Dear Elders and Sisters,
A few weeks ago you received a laminated card in your zone
training meeting that contained some reminders of things that will help you to
be a “more effective advocate and messenger of the truth” (Missionary Handbook,
p. 4). On the white side of the card is a list of characteristics of missions
that have increasing numbers of convert baptisms. This list was provided by the
Missionary Department and was developed by studying missions throughout the
world. I believe the entire list is worthy of our careful consideration,
however this week I would like to focus on just two of the bullet points.
Missions with increasing numbers of convert baptisms:
1) Set realistic and challenging standards of
excellence and mission and companionship goals for baptism. As you know, we
recently adjusted our mission standards in an effort to inspire more
companionships to use the standards to set goals and then to work diligently to
hit their goals. I felt that the addition of weekly active member lessons
required time resources that made it difficult to achieve other teaching
standards. Only about 35-40% of our companionships were hitting standards
regularly. Now that Active Member Lessons count towards Peike’s and Total
Lessons, which have been reduced to 18/week, I am hoping that everyone can
exercise their faith that they can hit standards. Do you use mission standards
when setting your weekly goals? Our mission vision, goals and plans includes a
goal for baptisms. We can hit our mission goal for baptisms if every
companionship baptizes once every move call. Recently, a missionary shared with
Sis. Blickenstaff that they had a baptism planned for January, a solid
investigator with a February baptismal goal, and they were praying to find an
investigator to be baptized in March. They had a companionship goal to baptize
each month and had set plans to accomplish that. Do you set a companionship
goal to baptize each transfer?
2) Are united in their vision and goals and talk
frequently about them. Last month, we had a remarkable month of baptisms. As a
mission, we were excited about our goal and it was a constant focus. We prayed
for, encouraged and helped one another in many ways as we worked toward our
goal. We need to maintain the excitement and focus to achieve our goals each
and every month. This begins with each companionship and district. Do we talk
about our goals? Do we pray for and help one another? How can we improve in
doing these things?
I believe that our mission exemplifies many of the characteristics
of missions with increasing numbers of baptisms. There are, however, some
important areas in which we need to improve. I believe that we will see
improvement as we give attention these details and as we more fully consecrate
and dedicate ourselves to the work to which we have been called. I love and
appreciate each of you for the effort and sacrifice that you put forth in order
to serve the Lord. I know that He is aware of who you are, what you are doing
and what you need. He will bless you accordingly.
President Blickenstaff
Mentor of Champions
P.S. Sister Blickenstaff and I have really enjoyed reading
the Christmas book that you so lovingly prepared for us, and presented in such
a surprising manner. Thank you for your expressions of love and support.
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