One of the hardest things for new missionaries is that of talking to strangers about our beliefs. It's easy to ask for directions, discuss the weather, or comment on their cat or dog. This stumbling block must be overcome, else why serve a mission?Yesterday we picked up 8 new missionaries at the airport. We greeted them at the arrival gate and then, en masse, headed to the baggage claim area. Our Assistants, Elders Lau and Assante, were leading the way.
Instinctively, Elder Lau stopped to talk to this man who was confined to a wheelchair. They engaged in a robust discussion for 4-5 minutes while all the brand new missionaries looked on. Some were uncomfortable that this discussion was taking place right then and there!
We often teach our missionaries that they must become comfortable being uncomfortable. Else why serve a mission?
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President, you are so right. I remember when I trained my new missionary and the first thing I had him do was talk with strangers. On the subway or the street, it doesnt matter. It is the Lord's worka dn we have to do it. My trainer didnt even try to get me to do it but to each their own.
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