I have had some very wonderful spiritual experiences lately. One of the first things had to do with a multi-stake Ward Council meeting that I got to go to that was headed off by two members of the Seventy, Elder Kopischke and Elder Parker. It was wonderful! I learned a couple of important things.
One thing I learned was that there is a clear difference between the purposes of Missionaries and Home/Visiting Teachers. As such, it is important that we do not confuse the two and distract one or the other from their true purpose.
Another little snap to reality was the idea of using baptismal services as a missionary tool for converting others. We have been blessed to have multiple baptisms lately but have not really used them as missionary tools. I don't remember which one said it but one of the two asked if we would go to the baptismal service for a southern baptist friend if invited. Of course the general response was 'Yes.' Then he said we should not feel afraid to do the same thing, and that their beliefs may be different but they are still nice people.
I learned a few other things but I don't have my notes with me at the moment. Needless to say, I am fired up to becoming a better Ward Mission Leader.
One thing I learned was that there is a clear difference between the purposes of Missionaries and Home/Visiting Teachers. As such, it is important that we do not confuse the two and distract one or the other from their true purpose.
Another little snap to reality was the idea of using baptismal services as a missionary tool for converting others. We have been blessed to have multiple baptisms lately but have not really used them as missionary tools. I don't remember which one said it but one of the two asked if we would go to the baptismal service for a southern baptist friend if invited. Of course the general response was 'Yes.' Then he said we should not feel afraid to do the same thing, and that their beliefs may be different but they are still nice people.
I learned a few other things but I don't have my notes with me at the moment. Needless to say, I am fired up to becoming a better Ward Mission Leader.
The other amazing experience that happened to me was during Gospel Principles class this last Sunday. As the Ward Mission Leader, I have taken it upon myself to be the teacher in the Gospel Principles class. I feel a little guilty in that I don't really prepare too much in advance...as in the night before...in bed...just before I pass out, if not during Sacrament meeting. I know, I know...I should prepare sooner. I'm trying to and it's something I'm working on.
Anyways, that's not the point. The point is that because of my lack of preparation, I expect the fruits of my labor to be at the most equal to the efforts I put into it. Thus, I don't expect too much if I don't prepare. Yet, despite my lack of preparation, Heavenly Father still finds it in Himself to bless me and my class (probably more for my class, but I get some benefit).
So, this last Saturday I decided to prepare in bed instead of waiting for Sacrament meeting. Heavenly Father must have recognized that very minimal sacrifice because He blessed me greatly during class the next day. I was teaching on Temple Work and Family History. First of all, I started the class in a way I totally hadn't planned on. It was as if the Spirit just guided me right from the get go. I felt a little nervous at first because I was going off of the lesson and giving some back story first. I was afraid that I would get so focused on this tangent that I wouldn't have time to go over the lesson itself. However, it turned out to work quite well.
Anyways, that's not the point. The point is that because of my lack of preparation, I expect the fruits of my labor to be at the most equal to the efforts I put into it. Thus, I don't expect too much if I don't prepare. Yet, despite my lack of preparation, Heavenly Father still finds it in Himself to bless me and my class (probably more for my class, but I get some benefit).
So, this last Saturday I decided to prepare in bed instead of waiting for Sacrament meeting. Heavenly Father must have recognized that very minimal sacrifice because He blessed me greatly during class the next day. I was teaching on Temple Work and Family History. First of all, I started the class in a way I totally hadn't planned on. It was as if the Spirit just guided me right from the get go. I felt a little nervous at first because I was going off of the lesson and giving some back story first. I was afraid that I would get so focused on this tangent that I wouldn't have time to go over the lesson itself. However, it turned out to work quite well.
The real spiritual climax though came when I was building up to the point of how those who are deceased need our help to do their work and that they cannot receive eternal salvation without it. To make this point, and to show how we can be blessed to be the one to participate in this work, I used the example of my great grandfather Carman Johnston Ragatz (the first...I'm the fourth). I spoke about how awesome it was to be able to go into the water and have someone say "Carman Johnston Ragatz IV...I baptize you for and in behalf of Carman Johston Ragatz, who is dead...." And I illustrated the idea that he was watching on a giant jumbotronic screen as I was going to get baptized for him and how excited he would be.
Everyone chuckled thinking that that was pretty cool, but it was Brother Germaine that really opened the spiritual flood gates. He said in effect, and he was choked and teared up when he said it, that he strongly believed that while my great-grandfather was watching his great-grandson get baptized for him on his behalf that he most likely went running full speed to Spirit Paradise, that he was yelling and screaming at the top of his lungs for joy, and that there were numbers of others cheering him on, saying, "YAY, GO FOR IT, WAY TO GO!!!"
I about broke down right then and there. It's one thing to paint that picture for someone in general. That is very powerful in and of itself. It's a completely different thing when it is personal, especially this personal wherein he is my name sake! I didn't mention it during the class but I felt then and there that he accepted the gospel!
I feel so blessed to be a part of this gospel. I know that it is true and that it blesses the lives of all people! What an awesome experience I was able to have. I thank my Heavenly F