We don't mention it nearly enough. But teaching is the main focus of our mission assignment - and we love it. It is a blessing in our lives to be able to spend literally six to eight uninterrupted hours of study a day delving into the scriptures in preparation for a one-hour or a 90-minute lesson.
We experienced a beautiful moment at our Bay Shore Book of Mormon class the other night. Summer attendance has been sporadic - one or two, or occasionally none attending, which we understand. Our joy is in the preparation as well as the presentation. But on Thursday there were seven of us, including one young man named Mike, who has attended one or two times before.
Mike is very involved, reads the scriptures well, participates in the discussion and asks intelligent questions. Our discussion that night was Alma 32 - the great chapter on faith. The spirit was present as we took turns reading, and as passages were discussed. While explaining the difference between "faith" and "knowledge," I glanced at Mike. He was deep in thought. There was light in his eyes and a glow in his countenance. I tried to look at others in the class as I spoke, but found my eyes darting back to Mike, because of his expression. I didn't know whether Mike was a member or an investigator, but I knew that something had clicked with him during that lesson. It was a special moment when the spirit bore witness to a ready heart.
It wasn't until later that evening, when the young elders came to our apartment to eat dinner, that we learned Mike had been "investigating" the Church for some time and had even attended Church meetings, but had successfully eluded the missionaries. But Thursday after class, he approached the elders and asked to be visited, gave them his real phone number and asked them to set up a time to teach him.
Yes, teaching is a sacred trust, and we are so thrilled to be set-apart teaching missionaries. Beginning next week our course of study in all of our classes will be the New Testament. We can hardly wait!
5 comments:
What an awesome story! It builds my faith to just read about it!! Thanks for all you're doing!
That's a special experience with a nonmember. How did he end up in your class? Are prayers are with him and the missionaries who teach him.
I've been to your lessons and I have heard your testimony, I know how this young man felt b/c you did the same for me! You and Lyn could single-handedly convert the entire world! Thanks Sharon for being the best Visiting Teacher and friend an "inactive" needs! Love ya
Awesome!
Hugs and Kisses
That is sooo neat! We miss you, but we are so blessed because you're there doing what you're doing. These experiences help us too. Love ya--
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