Mission Prep 3

Mental Preparation:

I just made this category to put in random tips that didn't fit into the others.

1.  If you've got your call and you're not speaking your native language, try your best to learn it.  (If it's Spanish or a romance language you've got no excuse.) Use the glorious internet while you've got it, and learn that grammar and vocab.  It doesn't matter if you don't know, or can't find the spiritual/gospel vocab; that's what the MTC is for.  They teach you all of that there.  Every little language thing  I learned previous to entering the MTC, I have used, and have been grateful for.  It puts you so much further ahead.

     Optional rant to motivate you to learn language: "Language is the key in order to fulfill your purpose as a missionary.  Though the Lord, as always (if you're worthy) will make up for your lacking, Elder Holland: As you master your missionary language "You will gain greater access to the hearts of the people." PMG: "As your ability to speak the language grows, people will listen more to what you say than to how you say it."

And for you, English or native language speakers, don't think you don't have to do anything.  From the White handbook pg. 8: "Be conscious of how you speak, and strive for humility, dignity, and simplicity in your language...Avoid slang and inappropriately casual language"  You don't have the benefit of learning only how to speak polite in a language.  You've got to refine your natural speech.  You can't sound like a teenager anymore.  At the MTC they won't let you call each other "guys" but rather "Elders and Sisters".  Even the replacement swearwords are less than good.

2.  I would also suggest studying the common religious beliefs of the area where you'll serve.  You need to gain their perspective in order to teach them.  As it says in the PMG by President Boyd K. Paker: "In order to succeed in missionary work... We must understand what an investigator must feel."

This will give you and understanding of what particular troubles with doctrine, etc. they may have when you are teaching them the Restored Gospel.

For example:  In Japan, everyone has a hard time accepting Christ, so we have to plan and take delicate approaches to teach about Him.  Or we know as Buddhists they believe in God, but have a different image of Him, so we need to focus on our relationship with God, or knowing that they're Shinto, we know they have strong respect for their ancestors, so family history and temple work will be particularly special for them.  The list is endless.  Don't tell yourself you'll learn it when you get there, as I did.... because the way you learn it out here is often by insulting them or making a major teaching mistake.  (Plus, I'm only barely beginning to understand Japanese so use the resource of the internet while you can!) The white handbook also says: "[especially when eating]... Always act in harmony with the highest standards of consideration and courtesy, observing local customs of etiquette and the common practices of the culture."

3.  Develop Your Talents- Any talent, or interest will help.  Any talent or anything you enjoy, you can talk about with people who enjoy it as well.  (or even they don't enjoy it).  This may include but is not limited to: video games, bungee jumping, enjoying history, swimming, etc.

However, far more useful is talents you can actually use on your mission.

Probably the most useful talents are the spiritual talents, such as understanding the scriptures, having faith, exemplifying Christ-like attributes of leadership, humility, etc, teaching well, speaking well, praying with earnestness, sympathizing and understanding others and other things of a spiritual nature.  We'll talk about these later.

Next important are the musical talents.  All of your hours of practice (especially at the piano and singing) will pay off on your mission.  (I personally have played Hymns in sacrament meeting about every other week my whole mission).

Whereas language is the means of communicating through, music is the means which we communicate emotion.  Many of you will become (as I) a missionary in a small branch where only one member (if that) can play the piano.  Every branch you go to, you instantly become an organist/pianist.

Singing is excellent for the many musical numbers you will be called on to give.

Even my companion's guitar skills are paying off.  We play at the train station and sing in English, and pass out fliers for English Class.

Sports, believe it or not, is another excellent talent.  A special connection and friendship is formed as you compete and work as a team with others.  Many Elders will go to the park, ask to enter a game, and all of a sudden, ten or so people who previously would've avoided you, are wanting and willing to hear the Gospel.  We play soccer and ping-pong every week with less-actives, PI's and investigators.