Alma Georgia Address

 Hayden's New Address for ALMA GEORGIA

144 Mohawk River Road

Alma GA 31510

Spent 2 weeks in a Quad in Douglas Georgia before moving into his place. 

District Council Training

 "Talk to Everyone"

Introduced Tobe. 

Describe him. Show him a picture. Talk about all of Tobe‘s good qualities. 

• he’s everybody’s biggest cheerleader
• He wants to hear about your day
• He worries when someone is sad or sick
• He is proud of you 
• He loves legos 
• Etc

Tobe has a disability/autism. 

• he gets hyper focused on things
• He always has a nemesis  
• He talks non-stop

Because of Tobe’s disability, he can’t come on a proselyting mission. But Tobe would make the greatest missionary. Do you know why? 

• He isn't afraid to talk.  He talks to EVERYONE! 

That is what I want you to discuss today. 

The importance of talking to EVERYONE. 

I. Instruments in His Hands

In Alma 17, The sons of Mosiah were called as missionaries. They faced many different obstacles and journeys as they labored to teach their brethren about Jesus Christ. They were given a promise from the Lord 

Alma 17:11

• And the Lord said unto them also: Go forth among the Lamanites, thy brethren, and establish my word; yet ye shall be patient in long-suffering and afflictions, that ye may show forth good examples unto them in me, and I will make an instrument of thee in my hands unto the salvation of many souls.

We like the sons of mosiah have been called as missionaries. We also have the promise from the Lord that we can be instrument in the Lords hands. The work we are called to do is the Lords work. We get to be instruments in his hands by doing this great and marvelous work.

• How can we make this experience easier? 
• How can we make the Lord’s job easier? 

II. OPEN YOUR MOUTH

We can find the answer in section 33 of the Doctrine and Covenants. 

Read ONLY the first sentence of verses 8-10

D&C 33:8-10

• 8 Open your mouths and they shall be filled, ….
• 9 Yea, open your mouths and spare not, … I am with you.
• 10 Yea, open your mouths and they shall be filled, 

Answer: OPEN OUR MOUTHS!!

What does this mean? Don’t hesitate to talk to everyone you see. 

One of the promises the Lord gives us his missionaries is that when we go to preach the gospel, that he will help us to know what to say

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf said: 

“Have faith. The Lord can magnify the words you speak and make them mighty. God doesn’t ask you to convert but rather to open your mouths."

I have a lot of Faith but I also know that I have to do my part as well. In Doctrine & Covenants section 11 we read about the revelation given to Hyrum where the Lord tells him something important about opening our mouths. 

Verse 21: 

• Seek not to declare my word, but first seek to obtain my word, and then shall your tongue be loosed; then, if you desire, you shall have my Spirit and my word, yea, the power of God unto the convincing of men” (D&C 11:21). 

The Lord will give us what to say, but it is also important to realize that we cannot teach what we do not know. Those who teach the gospel are most effective if they are living what they are teaching and willing to become lifelong learners.

III. REPENTANCE 

In a conference talk about missionary work, Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf explained  

“The Lord has never required expert, flawless missionary efforts. Instead, “the Lord requireth the heart and a willing mind”.  

We are not perfect missionaries. We fall short and find ourselves in need of repentance just as those we are teaching. We are all just Constantly trying to get it right. 

Elder Uchtdorf continued saying, 

“You will eventually become better, happier, and more authentic. Talking with others about your faith will become normal and natural. In fact, the gospel will be such an essential, precious part of your lives that it would feel unnatural not to talk about it with others.” 

Conclusion: 

Going back to D&C 33:10 and reading the entire scripture:

10. Yea, open your mouths and they shall be filled, saying Repent, repent, and prepare ye the way of the Lord, and make his paths straight; for the kingdom of heaven is at hand 

I want to go back to my cousin Tobe. I told you that Tobe would make a great missionary because he talks everybody but there’s another reason why Tobe would make a good missionary.

• tobe isn’t afraid to cry repentance.

• Josh - tattoos/not going to church
• Girls “showing their bellies” midriffs
• having a girl in my bedroom

Tobe encourages CHANGE - that is what repentance is- it means to change.

Whether as is a missionary that needs to make some changes or the friends we teach- our job is not to hesitate to encourage repentance and change. 

Bishop L Todd Budge said, 

“In order to be a successful missionary, we must first be committed to the process of coming unto Christ, through repentance, in order to help others make commitments that will bring them closer to Jesus Christ through repentance.”

I know if we repent often and take every opportunity we are given to open our mouths- we will become BETTER & HAPPIER.