MTC- I learned some of the missionary basics. I realized how well I knew the doctrines of the lessons, but was not capable of teaching them at all.
Heathridge North- I learned how to be a missionary. I learned the basics of how to find and teach people. I also learned the importance of working hard. When you work hard you are happy, but when there are times that it is hard to work (i.e. Christmas when everyone is busy) it is hard to stay focused and you are not really happy. I also learned patience, in myself and my area. It was hard at times when the missionaries we were living with had a great and flourishing area, while we were put in a new area with an almost non-existent teaching pool.
Butler- I learned how great it is when you are finding people to teach. I also learned that finding is only part of it, you also need to help those people keep commitments so you can help them progress in the Gospel. I also learned the importance of working with the ward council effectively. I learned how to deal with adversity. When I was finding the most people, and teaching the most lessons, we had one week that was the most disappointing on my mission. I learned how bad discouragement can be and how you cannot let it stop you.
Mindarie- Here I learned the importance of the ward mission leader. We had a good ward mission leader, but then we got an amazing one. He magnified his calling so many ways by not doing what was required, but doing what was needed. I was sad to only be with him for a couple of weeks, but in the last couple of months there have been heaps of baptisms in that ward and I know not a small part of that was the ward mission leader.
Greenwood- Here I learned the importance of working where you are placed. I was not originally supposed to serve in this area but I was willing to when I was called upon. But I also learned that it is easy to get over an area and feel that it is not yours. Also I learned that success does not come from me, but the Lord. This was my hardest area to find and teach people, and it made it hard. I had thought that I was the one who was finding and teaching, but I quickly learned that it was not me at all, but the Lord and people's agency.
Karratha- Here I learned the most about myself. I learned how to really pray here. A prayer is not just saying words, but takes real effort. I also learned the importance of getting revelation, especially when you are trying to help others. You do not always know what someone needs, but the Lord always does. I have also learned about relationships. I was not with a companion for more than one transfer since I was trained until I served with Elder Shin. Before it was easy to just live with things, you can live with anyone for 6 weeks, but not 3 months. I learned you have to talk about problems and misunderstandings, and not just hold them in until the end of the transfer. I have also learned about leadership in the last two weeks leading the area and being senior companion. In this area I have also learned heaps about community service. It is a great way to get involved and to have people see you in a different light than just knocking on your door.
Now what I have learned but cannot place in a specific area. At different times it has been hard not to compare yourself to different areas, different missionaries, or different missions. Success is not measured in baptisms. While everyone loves baptisms, there are more important things. One is that person, and not just helping them get baptized, but keeping them active and really help them become converted. President Hinckley said that there is no use baptizing people if you cannot hang on to them. Also yourself is important. It is funny because on a mission you put so much focus on other people, but by doing that you allow yourself to grow so much. At the end of the day it does not actually matter what you did on a mission, but what you learned. A mission is more than converting others, but also converting yourself. I also learned the importance of the Spirit. It is what helps you do everything. If you do not have the spirit with you, you will struggle to do anything related to missionary work. In 2 Nephi 32:3 it says that the words of Christ or scriptures will tell us what we should do, but in verse 5 it says the Holy Ghost will show us what to do. I was excited when I found this last week. While the scriptures are important because they give us direction, they only tell us what to do, but not how to do it. But the Spirit tells us how. I know what to teach because of Preach My Gospel, but how to teach it to make it relevant to others, that part comes from the Spirit.
I hope you enjoy these thoughts and observations.
I love you all. Thank you for everything you have done, are doing, and will do
Love,
Elder Cook
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