It was a hectic week, but it ended
well. Yesterday was the baptism of Nonhlanhla, Asanda, and Nobuhle
Mokoena. I was given the opportunity to baptize Nobuhle. I was going to
send pictures but it doesn't seem to be working. maybe next time I
guess. It was a wonderful service, Sister Nonhlanhla bore her testimony
at the end, it was very nice. She thanked God for leading us to her, and
told us how she always thinks its funny when we ask her if she has any
questions, she never does because, as she says it, the Book of Mormon is
so clear. Her only choice is whether or not to say yes to God. It's so
wonderful to be apart of a true conversion. There are a lot of reasons
people get baptized, in this church and any other. Only one reason
however is correct, and Nonhlanhla was doing it for the right reasons.
She was truly converted.
We were talking a lot this week in our meetings and even our
lessons about service. More especially WHY we perform acts of service.
It reminded me of a lunch that I had a few months ago with a missionary
couple from another church. they were VERY very nice, and even payed for
our meal. It was interesting though, as me and the husband were
speaking, he was telling me about a strategy he uses to get people to
listen to him called "Touch and teach". It consists of first helping
someone or "touching" them in some way. Then after that they will listen
to what you have to say. It's not like I'm unfamiliar with
that approach or am condemning this missionary, but really is getting
someone to listen to you the reason you should help them. I really don't
think so. If you've had a chance to study human development you might
be aware of this certain principal concerning maturity. I'm not sure if
it has a proper name but basically it speaks about what motivates us to
do something as we move through maturity. As a child we do something
for fear of being punished, i.e. "If you don't rake the lawn, no T.V.
for a week." or "If you don't do your homework you'll get a smack on the
hand" then as we move in to adolescents we are much more likely to do
something if we will receive a reward at the end. i.e. "If you wash the
car you can use it for the night." or "If you get a part time job,
you'll have money" THEN as we we move into maturity we hopefully also
achieve the highest motive for doing something: Because it should be
done. He help someone because they need help, and that's all. It seems
like most of us don't fully leave the adolescent stage.
The principal should be the same when applied to missionary work. My
role is to a servant of Christ, and as such, do I pass someone by
because they probably wouldn't end up listening to the gospel? Never. Do
I help someone simply because they'll invite me in afterwards? nope.
There is a better reason, because it should be done, and because the
Savior has asked me to to do it. Again it reminds me of something said
in the priesthood session, I'm not sure who said it but he was speaking
about how someone once asked how we in the church get so many to
sacrifice their time and talents, some even for years, with no pay? his
response "We ask them."
I love you all, and miss some of you,
Elder Scott Milton Brazee
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