Below are the quotes that were used in the video.
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland: “Every truth that a missionary … teaches is only an appendage to the central message of all time – that Jesus is the Christ, the Only Begotten Son of God, the Holy Messiah, the Promised One, the Savior and redeemer of the world” (“Missionary Work and the Atonement,” Ensign May 2001).
Elder David A. Bednar: “The single most important thing you can do to prepare for a call to serve [a mission] is to become a missionary long before you go on a mission.” (“Becoming a Missionary,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2005, 45).
Characteristics of a successful missionary in Alma 17-23.
Elder M. Russell Ballard:
Daniel H. Ludlow: “The brief account of the conversion of Abish is not clear. The statement that Abish had been converted ‘unto the Lord for many years, on account of a remarkable vision of her father’ (Alma 19:16) may have two possible interpretations. One interpretation is that Abish herself had this vision and in her vision she saw her father. Another possible interpretation is that the vision was actually had by the father of Abish. Regardless of which interpretation is correct, this conversion of Abish plays an important role in converting large numbers of Lamanites. (A Companion to Your Study of the Book of Mormon Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1976, 207).
Elder Neal A. Maxwell: “Another special challenge we face from time to time is having good motives and good intentions and even good actions misfire. Abish, the ‘Lamanitish woman’ (Alma 19:16 17), was not the first nor the last Church member to think an opportunity to be present and, therefore, to act on the impulse to do good. Confusion and contention followed her deed, as did tears from conscientious Abish. Vindication was nearly immediate in her case, but it is much slower coming at other times.
“If our motives and actions are good, we should be able to endure some misunderstanding, but the pain and frustration of it will be real because we really care. Time and truth can cause lower courts of opinion to reverse themselves, hopefully soon. But if not, we will come to that final gate where Jesus Christ is the gatekeeper and ‘he employeth no servant there.’ The gospel guarantees ultimate, not proximate, justice” (Elder Neal A. Maxwell Wherefore, Ye Must Press Forward, p. 115).
Aaron
President Henry B. Eyring: “If you have had trouble getting answers to your prayers, try asking today, ‘What is there that you would have me do?’ That prayer will be answered if you are sincere and if you listen like a little child, with real intent to act.” (“Choose to be Good” Brigham Young University on 12 November 1991).
Ideas for teaching:
Elder David A. Bednar: “The single most important thing you can do to prepare for a call to serve [a mission] is to become a missionary long before you go on a mission.” (“Becoming a Missionary,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2005, 45).
Characteristics of a successful missionary in Alma 17-23.
- Know why you are going on a mission (17:14-16).
- Know how to become strong in knowledge of truth (17:2).
- Know how to search scriptures (17:2).
- Know how to fast and pray (17:3).
- Know how to be diligent and patient (17:9, 11).
- Know how to listen especially to the Spirit (17:10).
- Know how to serve (17:25).
- Know why you serve (17:29).
- …to win the hearts … lead them to believe in my words.
- Know and feel that they are our “brethren” (17:30).
- Know how to recognize opportunities (17:30).
- Know how to protect flock (17:33-37).
- Know how to be courageous (17:36).
- Know how to be faithful (18:2).
- Know how to work (18:9).
- Know how to be exact (18:10).
- Know how to ask the right questions (18:16).
- …Being filled with the Spirit…therefore he perceived…
- Know who you are (18:17).
- Be Wise, Yet Harmless (18:22).
- Know what to teach and how to teach it (18:24-39).
Elder M. Russell Ballard:
- Understanding and Accepting the Lord Jesus Christ, His atonement, and His love for each one of us.
- Developing a meaningful prayer relationship with our Heavenly Father.
- Giving the Lord more time by studying the scriptures and gaining an in-depth understanding of the restoration.
- Keeping the Sabbath-day holy.
- Working and putting earnings in a savings account for a mission.
- Paying a full and honest tithe.
- Limiting the amount of time spent playing computer or electronic games.
- Accepting responsibility for decisions, mastering self-control and obedience to the commandments.
- Learning not to waste time. Focus on things that matter most…
- Recognizing the promptings of the Spirit. Seek the companionship of the Holy Ghost. (Raising the Greatest Generation of Missionaries, BYU Women’s Conference 2003).
Daniel H. Ludlow: “The brief account of the conversion of Abish is not clear. The statement that Abish had been converted ‘unto the Lord for many years, on account of a remarkable vision of her father’ (Alma 19:16) may have two possible interpretations. One interpretation is that Abish herself had this vision and in her vision she saw her father. Another possible interpretation is that the vision was actually had by the father of Abish. Regardless of which interpretation is correct, this conversion of Abish plays an important role in converting large numbers of Lamanites. (A Companion to Your Study of the Book of Mormon Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1976, 207).
Elder Neal A. Maxwell: “Another special challenge we face from time to time is having good motives and good intentions and even good actions misfire. Abish, the ‘Lamanitish woman’ (Alma 19:16 17), was not the first nor the last Church member to think an opportunity to be present and, therefore, to act on the impulse to do good. Confusion and contention followed her deed, as did tears from conscientious Abish. Vindication was nearly immediate in her case, but it is much slower coming at other times.
“If our motives and actions are good, we should be able to endure some misunderstanding, but the pain and frustration of it will be real because we really care. Time and truth can cause lower courts of opinion to reverse themselves, hopefully soon. But if not, we will come to that final gate where Jesus Christ is the gatekeeper and ‘he employeth no servant there.’ The gospel guarantees ultimate, not proximate, justice” (Elder Neal A. Maxwell Wherefore, Ye Must Press Forward, p. 115).
Aaron
- Tries a direct approach to missionary work (Alma 21:4).
- Aaron uses the same teaching approach as Ammon in Alma 18 (Alma 22:7-10).
President Henry B. Eyring: “If you have had trouble getting answers to your prayers, try asking today, ‘What is there that you would have me do?’ That prayer will be answered if you are sincere and if you listen like a little child, with real intent to act.” (“Choose to be Good” Brigham Young University on 12 November 1991).
Ideas for teaching:
- Prepare for a call to serve long before you serve.
- Discover together characteristics of a successful missionary.
- Make a list.
- Underline, or place a * next to the characteristic.
- Emphasize the example of the righteous woman Abish.
- Good motives, intentions and actions sometimes “misfire.”
- The effects of setting a righteous example.
- What are you willing to do to know Christ?