Ward Mission Work - Who does that?

We do, each of us as members have the same calling, we need not wait for it. The challenge that is present with us and ahead of us is the same that has been our charge since the ascension of our Lord. It serves us as the essential element of fruitfulness in our existence in this life, as the wonderful testament of the unending love and power of God the Father, and the purpose of the sacrifice that Christ made for our hope and freedom. In this charge we find ourselves firmly established around a common goal that each of us shares equally. That charge is missionary work. This charge is our purpose and path to the growth and perfecting of all souls, ours and others, for all of eternity:

“Go and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost…teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world” (Matt. 28:19–20).

President Gordon B. Hinckley said, “It will be a great day when our people not only pray for the missionaries throughout the world, but ask the Lord to help them to assist the missionaries who are laboring in their own ward” (“Missionary Service,” First Worldwide Leadership Training Meeting, Jan. 2003, 19).

Elder Ballard challenged, “Bishops, engage the whole ward in proclaiming the gospel. You will see that the Lord will bless you and your members with many more converts and many more who will return to full activity. Missionary work should not only be on the ward council agendas but also on elders quorum; Relief Society; and other quorum, group, and auxiliary agendas. Emphasis should be placed on baptizing and retaining in activity fathers and mothers along with their children. Thus the missionary work of priesthood and auxiliary leaders should be coordinated by the ward mission leader and the bishop through the ward council. And by doing so, converts will be fully active members in their wards.
We have many special opportunities to share the gospel including tracks and by using the Finding Faith in Christ DVD.”

Invite your neighbors and friends to spend an evening with you, offer them a free DVD, bake a pie, reach out in any way that seems appropriate.

Elder Ballard further instructs us, “First, we should exercise our faith and pray individually and as families, asking for help in finding ways to share the gospel. Ask the Lord to open the way. Prayerfully set a date with your family to have someone in your home for the missionaries to teach. Remember, this is the Lord’s Church. Let Him guide you through constant prayer. With a prayer in your heart, talk to everyone you can. Don’t prejudge. Don’t withhold the good news from anyone. Talk to everyone, and trust in the promised power of the Spirit to give you the words you should say. Let them make the decision to accept or reject your invitation. Over time, the Lord will put into your path those who are seeking the truth. He is the Good Shepherd. He knows His sheep, and they will know His voice, spoken through you, and they will follow Him (see John 10).

Second, leaders must lead by example. The Spirit will prompt and guide you in finding those interested in our message. Your personal worthiness will give you the courage and the spiritual power to inspire your members to actively help the missionaries.

“Third, member missionary work does not require the development of strategies or gimmicks, keep it simple. It does require faith—real faith and trust in the Lord. It also requires genuine love. The first great commandment is to ‘love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. … The second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself’ (Matt. 22:37, 39).
So let the power of love guide us in sharing the gospel with family members, friends, neighbors, business associates, and any other people we encounter as we go through life. Most everyone wants to enjoy peace and happiness. That is a natural human desire. People want to find answers to the problems they face. This is increasingly true in the world we now live in.”

Find out what the question is, listen. And when you know the question, answer it, because you are prepared.

Bring true happiness Elder Ballard instructs, “Professional advancement, increased income, bigger homes, or newer cars and recreational equipment are great, they are fun, and even appropriate, but they do not bring lasting peace and happiness. Happiness comes from understanding God and knowing that He has a plan for our eternal joy and peace. Happiness comes from knowing and loving the Savior and living our lives in accordance with His teachings. Happiness comes from strong family and Church relationships based on gospel values.”