Positive Attitude makes a difference!

Dear Sisters and Elders,
How important it is to keep a positive attitude in our work as missionaries. We can never allow discouragement to enter into our thoughts because it will weaken our faith which leads to lowering our expectations, our effectiveness will decrease, our desire will weaken, and we will have greater difficulty following the Spirit (Preach My Gospel pg 10) We have a great example to follow in Nephi. In the very first verse of chapter one of first Nephi we read:


1 I, Nephi, having been born of goodly parents, therefore I was taught somewhat in all the learning of my father; and having seen many afflictions in the course of my days, nevertheless, having been highly favored of the Lord in all my days; yea, having had a great knowledge of the goodness and the mysteries of God, therefore I make a record of my proceedings in my days.

As we read further into the Book of Mormon we find out some of these afflictions that Nephi experienced. How many of us would ever put together afflictions and having been highly favored of the Lord in the same sentence. Nephi gives us a great example of how important it is for us to maintain an eternal perspective as we face adversity and challenges in our everyday proselyting activities. Elder Zeballos taught us in our Zone Conferences in December of 2008 that the Lord loves each of us and He wants to trust us but we must earn it. Do we feel the sacred responsibility the Lord has entrusted in us? Can the Lord trust us enough to place in our hands the responsibility of teaching one of His sons or daughters that He has prepared to hear the Gospel?

We must earn His trust as did Nephi in facing adversity with courage and faithfulness. What are some of the things we can do to keep our enthusiasm and excitement for work as we face adversity? Here are some suggestions:

· Keep our covenants that we have made with the Lord. In Elder D. Todd Cristofferson´s address entitled “Power of Covenants” he shares the following:

The Apostle Paul understood that one who has entered into a covenant with God is both given the faith to face trials and gains even greater faith through those trials. Of his personal "thorn in the flesh" (2 Corinthians 12:7), he observed: "For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me."And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me."Therefore I take pleasure in [my] infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong" (2 Corinthians 12:8–10).

· Praying, fasting, studying the scriptures, living the commandments, obeying mission rules, and immersing ourselves in missionary work.

· Express our understanding, love, and support of others.

· Strengthen our faith in the Lord by bearing our testimony often.

· Recognize spiritual experiences, and remember the times when we have felt the Spirit.

· Stop worrying about ourselves and lose ourselves in serving others, discouragement will be replaced by the joy of service.

In 2 Nephi 2:2 the Lord counsels Jacob that he would consecrate his afflictions for his gain. I testify as we face our trials and adversity in the mission field with courage and faith as did Nephi, we be highly favored of the Lord to bring many of unto Him is may prayer in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.