Contributed by: Ann Scriptures
Mosiah 18:8-9
8 And it came to pass that he said unto them:
Behold, here are the waters of Mormon (for thus were they called) and now, as ye are
desirous to come into the fold of God, and to be called his people, and are willing to
bear one another's burdens, that they may be light;
9 Yea, and are willing to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that
stand in need of comfort, and to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things,
and in all places that ye may be in, even until death, that ye may be redeemed of God, and
be numbered with those of the first resurrection, that ye may have eternal life--
Mosiah 18:10
10 Now I say unto you, if this be the desire of
your hearts, what have you against being baptized in the name of the Lord, as a witness
before him that ye have entered into a covenant with him, that ye will serve him and keep
his commandments, that he may pour out his Spirit more abundantly upon you?
1 Tim. 4:12
12 Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an
example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in
purity.
1 Pet. 3:15
15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and
be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that
is in you with meekness and fear:
Story
Story 1
A Latter-day Saint young woman was chosen to be
the student director of a school dramatic production. Because of this responsibility, she
and a friend, who was also a member of the Church, spent a lot of time with the drama
teacher. One day the teacher asked, "Susan, what makes you and Laurie so
different?" The young woman explained a little about the Church and asked the teacher
if he would like the missionaries to visit him and his family. The teacher agreed. He and
his family listened to the missionaries, gained a testimony of the truthfulness of the
gospel, and were baptized. Four years later this man was called by the Lord to serve as
the bishop of his ward.
Story 2
One summer Marilyn attended a special music
workshop with other young people from throughout the country. Anticipating a chance to
share the gospel and stand as a witness of her Father in Heaven, she packed three copies
of the Book of Mormon in her suitcase to give to people she would meet. Just as she had
hoped, she was able to tell others that she was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-day Saints and give them copies of the Book of Mormon. Then she found that the
people she met had questions to ask. She knew the gospel was true. She could bear her
testimony, but she could not answer many of their questions. She could not give them
reasons for the faith that she had.
"I was afraid! But I didn’t want to admit it to anyone. When others told
about discussing the gospel with their friends, it sounded simple. But when I tried to
discuss the gospel, it was a different story. …
"Everyone knew I am a Latter-day Saint because I don’t drink tea or coffee,
and I do have a testimony of the truthfulness of the gospel. But still, I couldn’t
say it. …
"[I decided to ask someone for help. I knew that Brother Clarke and Bishop Baker
were always anxious to share the gospel, so I decided to ask them how they did it.]
"Brother Clarke is a popular Gospel Doctrine teacher. ‘Study!’ he said
emphatically. ‘That’s the key to being a good missionary. When I couldn’t
explain the gospel to myself, I certainly couldn’t explain it to anyone else. To
solve my problem, I diligently studied the scriptures and other Church books. I examined
the beliefs of other churches and tried to understand the needs of people around me.’
…
"Finally I asked Bishop Baker.
" ‘Yes, I was once afraid, too,’ he said. ‘I neglected my
missionary responsibilities because I feared choosing the wrong time or the wrong words.
The only answer to my problem was prayer. I realized I had to be in tune with the Spirit
constantly so I would know if the time was right to present the gospel and if my words
were appropriate. Since then, I have seldom been inspired to avoid a religious
discussion.’
"After I had talked with some self-made missionaries, the rest was up to me.
"… I began to study the scriptures every day, and became more aware of the
needs of people around me. During moments of meditation I would say again and again:
‘I can … I can … I can …’ And I prayed" (Linda Archibald,
"Are You Afraid to Ask?" Ensign, Oct. 1975, p. 54).
Quotation
"Members of the Church everywhere should
remind themselves that the gospel is to be preached and taught by example and not just by
word of mouth. The lives of all Church members should be shining examples of the gospel of
Jesus Christ in action" (William H. Bennett, in Conference Report, Apr. 1972, p. 92;
or Ensign, July 1972, p. 82).
Role Playing
Roll Play 1
Church Member 1: As you and a nonmember friend
are studying together, your friend mentions that she thinks churches and religion have no
value. Tell your friend that you know some people feel the way she does but that you have
a special feeling about the gospel and the Church that you would like to share with her.
You could tell her about answers to your prayers, about Joseph Smith and the organization
of the Church, or about Church programs such as family home evening that have helped you
and your family. Whether or not your friend accepts what you have to say, continue to
treat her with love and understanding.
Friend 1: You do not belong to a church. As you are studying your schoolwork with a
member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, you mention that you think
churches and religion have no value. Listen politely to your friend, and ask her
questions, but do not change your opinion.
Role Play 2
Church Member 2: You are having a conversation
with a friend who is not a member of the Church. Lead the conversation to the topic of
religion, and ask your friend if she would be interested in learning more about the
Church.
Friend 2: Carry on a conversation with your Latter-day Saint friend. Answer her
questions. You are curious about the Church but are afraid to bring up the topic. Tell her
that you have been impressed by the way she lives and are curious about what she believes.
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