Wisdom and the Application of Experience
Since January of 1954 we have been collecting "Last Wills and Testaments" from departing missionaries, simply speaking their counsel and advice to those coming into the mission after them -- covering various problems which they mastered and how they mastered them.
On the subject of accepting counsel, Elder Merrill F. Frost said, "If the President of the Mission tells you something, even though it may appear to be critical, accept it, he has a good reason for saying it." Elder Elmo A. Keller counseled, "Remember, if you criticize you must have a better solution. If you don't, then make the best of what exists." And Elder Lawrence J. Darton wrote, "Be prayerful in your work. You can be a powerful missionary with the Lord at your side. Pray with meaning, not vainly performing a duty. Remember, prayer is our means of communication with the Lord. Be resourceful. Learn to think but don't be over zealous. Work with your companion. Be a team. It will bring happiness and success. Sustain the authorities. Not just in word, but in action. The Lord has said, "He who loves me will keep my commandments." Those who sustain the Authorities will follow their counsel. This holds true not only with the Brethren in Salt Lake, but so important to us duing our mission, the Mission President, who was chosen by them to guide us during this time. This should be carried right now to all those chosen by the Mission President, viz: D.P., B.S.E., and B.P. etc. or any missionary on a special assignment by the President."
On improving relations with your companion, Elder M. Scott Fisher advised, "For better relations with companions, take the word 'I' out of your vocabulary, and learn to say 'we'. Use 'I' only after having made a mistake. Admit your faults. Be a good listener, take an interest in your companion - be he junior or senior." Elder Dale W. Berlin stressed, "Learn to be patient so that no matter what happens we will be able to control our tempers. A wise old man said 'Man, like steel, looses his keenness when he looses his temper'."
Missionaries are often bothered by FEAR. Elder Bruce N. Smith remembered that "the only fear I can remember was the old cold pit in the stomach that comes just before contacting. We overcame this with enthusiasm and a real desire to be good missionaries." Elder Don W. Frei wrote, "The hardest problem I had to cope with, I believe, was to stay in tune with the spirit. I found the line very narrow, as either I suffered from what I thought to be lack of self-confidence, or else I found pride creeping in. At any rate, all through my mission I felt like I should be doing better -- and I don't think I ever did solve that problem entirely. At the beginning of my mission I staggered under the thought of so many responsibilities and eight hour days of proselyting, plus preparing lessons, supervising auxiliary organizations, visiting members, studying, etc. I thought that too much was asked of us and I couldn't see how everything could be done in the time alloted each day. The more I sacrificed proselyting time to devote to the other jobs, the more difficult became my problems. However, as my atitude improved and the FEAR of men began to deminish, I found real joy in proselyting and never could sit still without my conscience telling me to get out on the beat. The more time I spent in proselyting, the easier became my other problems."
Learning to speak the language has always been another problem, on this Elder Fred D. Shirts wrote, "At first I was paraluzed with fear in standing before people to speak, but this was overcome by doing it over and over again. As I gained more experience and knowledge, I overcame this fear." While Elder Almo A. Keller counseled, "If anyone studies the language two hours a day, 5 days a week for the first year, he or she will speak as well as the best missionary in the field. The key to learning is consistent, prayerful study and regular practice or use of it."
On dealing with members, Elder Wm. V. Larsen said, "There is only one little bit of advice I would leave...Love your work, your members, the Brazilian people, and your fellow missionaries. Show your love and confidence in them. If you fail, it will be mostly because of lack of love, but if you succeed it will be your happiness and success."
As to gaining spirituality, Elder Gilbert E. Taylor found "my only recommendation to new missionaries is to try with all their might to lose the temptations of the world and gain the greatest possession a missionary can obtain -- SPIRITUALITY."
Others related their feelings on pride in the mission, humility, happiness, schedules, the happy missionary and work. In all the missionaries that have given the advice gained their wisdom here in the mission field. We go faster and farther when we hearken to their counsel of those who have already gone before us. A Word to the wise should be sufficient, seek to follow all good counsel.
Sincerely your brother,
Asael T. Sorensen
