Comments on: Am I a failure as a missionary?

By: Dave

Dave — Thu, 15 May 2014 21:03:00 +0000

In reply to Ben Nielsen. We have no idea how many people we touch in this life and help them receive the Gospel directly or indirectly!

By: SylviasDaddy

SylviasDaddy — Thu, 08 May 2014 23:41:00 +0000

Two comments come to mind:

First:

Matthew 28:19 begins “Go ye, therefore, and teach all nations …” It does not
say “persuade all nations” or “convert all nations.” Your students have their
free agency. When you have taught them, you have done a good work – whether or
not they accept what you have taught is a separate issue.

Second:

Some years ago I read an account of a man who returned from his mission deeply
discouraged. “I worked as hard as I could, and all I baptized was one
dirty-faced little Irish kid!” he told one and all.

One day, later in his life, a man came to him. “I understand you feel your
mission was a failure because you only baptized one dirty-faced little Irish
kid. I was that little Irish kid. My name is Elder Charles A. Callis, of the
Quorum of the Twelve.”

By: Chad

Chad — Tue, 29 Apr 2014 13:22:00 +0000

I served a full time mission 12 years ago and I too did not see a lot of baptisms. Other missionaries were baptizing a lot so it did get frustrating at times. However I look back and remember all the other great spiritual experiences I had and rejoice in those. I also remember the words of Jeffrey R. Holland when he said the greatest convert you can gain on your mission is yourself…..how true that it is!

By: MormonMama

MormonMama — Sat, 26 Apr 2014 13:57:00 +0000

I first met with the missionaries when I was 16. I went through all the lessons but just never could commit to the Gospel or baptism. One of them came back just before his mission ended to see how I was doing. He must have been disappointed to see me unmarried with a baby at that point! But their teachings stayed with me and years later I was finally ready to commit myself. I was baptized, as were the children I had at the time. Now, I am sealed in the temple to a wonderful man and all four of my current children are members of the Church. Those missionaries never knew the impact they had, not only on my life but eventually on at least 5 others!

By: Ben Nielsen

Ben Nielsen — Tue, 22 Apr 2014 15:10:00 +0000

Great answer Gramps. I would add that Preach My Gospel clearly defines success in chapter 1 as being measured by a missionary’s Desire, and not the outcomes of others choices. As somebody who served in a low baptizing mission I can understand and relate to the feelings of the Elder asking the question. The Elder clearly has the right desires and that is how he can come to look at whether or not he is successful.