Lead Thou Me On

Entering the Missionary Training Center

   MTC: aka Missionary Training Center.  From the rumors I had heard about the training, I wondered if I would be spending a very long week at the "Missionary Torture Chamber" instead.  I was gladly relieved to find our days filled with laughter, useful information, and testimony building activities.
   We arrived at the MTC in Provo, Utah on Monday morning June 30, 2014.  Ninety-seven senior missionaries were assigned to meet at the LDS church building adjacent to the MTC.  We spent each day from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in devotionals, instruction in Preach My Gospel and practice activities.  The first day we were asked to stand and introduce ourselves and report where we would be serving.  Missionaries were leaving for such places as the Congo, Taiwan, London, Honduras, Chicago, Hawaii, and some would be serving in their home stakes in Utah.

Gale, Smith, Packham, Gittins, Bro. Barney

   We were divided up into districts comprised of four senior couples (or single sister missionaries) each.  Our district consisted of missionaries assigned to Fresno (office), Romania (Member, Leader Support), Church Office Building (missionary department) and ourselves.  Our trainers, Bro. Vance and Bro. Barney, were young returned missionaries that really lit us on fire and taught us well.  One thought we heard many times was, "No growth in your comfort zone, and no comfort in your growing zone."  This experience was definitely going to take me out of my comfort zone.
   What I feared most were the role-play situations. Members of the community had volunteered to play the roles of investigators.  Each day we would prepare a lesson to present to a specifically assigned "investigator."  Most memorable was our second day in teaching.  Linda was an artist.  This was to be her second discussion and she was somewhat familiar with the Book of Mormon.  She especially liked the picture in her paperback copy of Moroni burying the records.  As our discussion unfolded, we asked her to read a verse from the scriptures.  She mentioned that she had a difficult time reading,  She then told us that because of an illness, she was losing her sight.  Our hearts went out to her as we talked about Jesus Christ, the love of God in our lives, and how we need faith when we can't see the road ahead of us.  Michael felt impressed to sing Lead, Kindly Light.  Tears started to form in her eyes and we were so touched at how the words applied to her life, ". . . I do not ask to see the distant scene, one step enough for me."  It was a very special moment.
   Michael and I were assigned to compose a theme song for our District.  We brainstormed for lyrics using a tune we were all familiar with, The Golden Plates.

LDS Church building training

     
  We golden saints are bidden

          Far off to missions wide

          We pray God finds up faithful

          Our daily steps to guide.

          By small and simple ways we'll testify

          Hast'ning the work of God

          We'll share the Book of Mormon

          And hold to the iron rod.

   We joined the younger missionaries during meal time.  The cafeteria offered all you could eat!  It was entertaining to see the young missionaries interact with each other and feel of their enthusiasm.  We were in the MTC on July 4th.  During one of the meals a few missionaries came in the cafeteria carrying a large American flag.  After getting everyone's attention, we sang the National Anthem.  It was powerful to hear so many strong voices singing of gratitude for our country.  Just as impressive was when we sang Called To Serve in the Tuesday night devotional.

Yes, we are both going to Indiana.  I just couldn't reach that high.

   I was apprehensive going to the MTC, but I departed with the hope that God would help me fulfill my responsibility as a missionary.  There were moments that I didn't think I could do what was being asked of me, but each time, the spirit calmed my heart and allowed me to be at peace.  Those were tender mercy moments.  Just as Michael and I shared our testimony of faith in God with our investigator, Linda, I also came to say: "Keep thou my feet...Lead thou me on."