Seeing Is Believing

In August 2008 a young man named Lawrence Yi was baptized. He was the only member in his family to have an interest in the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. He was deeply committed. Many of us grew to love Lawrence.

His entire life had turned in a new and better direction. He was now a truly happy person, at peace with himself.Every Sunday thereafter Lawrence would fast (go without food) and pray fervently that someday other members of his family might follow his path.

In the months that followed, his older sister got baptized. And Lawrence continued to fast and pray. And then his mother and younger sister got baptized. And Lawrence continued to fast and pray. And then his father, the Korean leader of the family, got baptized. Lawrence's unusual faith and diligence open doors and his prayers were answered.




Recently Lawrence received his mission call -- to serve in the San Diego Mission. On his way to the Missionary Training Center in Provo, Utah, a number of our former missionaries hosted a barbecue for him in Utah.

(Surrounding Lawrence, left to right: Kelby Bosshardt, Andrew Toolson, Andrew Allen, Braden Hansen - also seen the in baptism photo above, and Shawn Liechty)

Be Ye Transformed

The Apostle Paul, a tireless missionary, understood the potential within all people to transform -- to let go of old ways of living and to become renewed in all ways. In the New Testament he teaches: "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God" (Romans 12:2).

He is saying: Don't go through life like 99.9% of mankind. There is a better way! Follow the teachings and patterns of Jesus Christ. He is 'the way, the truth and the life'. Wake up your mind! Change! Stop being prideful, fearful, self-centered. Forgive those who have offended you. Seek forgiveness from those you have offended. Find the good in others. Let go of bad thinking and bad living -- and let God help you become not just a better "you", but the best "you". And in so doing, you'll prove to anyone who observes your life that God's way is the best way.

For 24 months (for our Elders) or 18 months (for our Sisters), the transformation process is in full swing. Our missionaries are invited to let go of old ways of thinking, reacting, perceiving and performing. They are invited to repent -- or change. They are invited to "come unto Christ" in their own lives and to allow Him to remake them...each in a remarkable way.

I interview every missionary on the night before they leave the mission to return home. The following video (turn up your volume) contains two such interviews. None of this was scripted. All questions and answers were spontaneous.