He asked how many of the missionaries had gone through all 13 steps in their weekly planning this week. Unfortunately, only a few raised their hands. He told them that planning is the process of revelation and promised that if they would be obedient to the planning guidelines in Preach My Gospel, they would have more baptisms.
The format for most of the meeting was allowing missionaries to ask questions. Elder Clayton used the opportunities thus presented to teach doctrine. He explained how important it is to be bold and clear in extending invitations to make commitments. He quoted 1 Nephi 4:6 and related how Nephi went forward in obedience not knowing what would happen. He had a very difficult experience but was blessed and everything worked out in the end. Many investigators will have similar experiences of going forward in keeping the commandments. He also read Alma 23:6 and emphasized that the Lamanites were converted to the Lord, not the missionaries. Keeping commitments is the way that investigators gain testimonies and blessings from the Lord.
He reminded them that the most diligent and obedient missionaries are the ones who get the referrals. Elder Clayton reviewed the story of the fig tree in Matt 21:19 and told the missionaries that it isn’t enough to wear the missionary uniform and look like missionaries, they have to bear figs (baptisms). He reminded missionaries that they are called to be angels. D&C 29:42. They should be as good as they can be and not even think of doing something wrong.
Sister Macdonald, President Baker, Elder Clayton, Elder Reynolds looking at the Book of Mormon pods.
Elder Macdonald, Sister Dansie, Sister Browning, Elder Clayton, President Baker (hidden), and Elder Reynolds during tour of Visitor's Center.
