Anyone tuning in to
General Conference couldn’t miss the references to missionary
work and members’ role in it. (The sister missionary choir from
the Provo MTC was a happy bonus the week before.) There are some
excellent books out that can help members catch and employ the
missionary spirit, and help missionaries-to-be get ready.
For All the
Saints (Cedar Fort 2012, 332 pages in hard cover, $26.99) is
possibly the best book on the subject I’ve ever read. Intended
to be a history of the LDS Church in New England, it is far more than
that. Subtitled Lessons Learned in Building the Kingdom, it
offers a clear picture of the vital role members play.
The book is a result of
Clayton M. Christensen’s project to interview longtime members
of the Church in the Boston Stake when he was serving on the high
council more than 17 years ago. Boston-area native Kristen Smith
Dayley has done a masterful job of compiling the information into a
well edited, highly readable, and motivating book that is of interest
and benefit to Church members far beyond New England.
The story of the
Church’s growth, from early days (1891) to the present, is
book-ended with the dedication of the Boston Temple. Gleaned from
well-documented personal interviews and historical records, the
sometimes amusing and always inspiring stories recounted in this book
“are a tribute to the lives of those Saints who made the
establishment of many stakes of Zion and the building of a temple in
New England a reality today.”
They are intimate
accounts of prayers answered, leadership prepared, branches
organized, and people brought to Jesus Christ through the efforts of
“ordinary” members whose individual commitment and
combined effort has resulted in sustained growth.
Although the
experiences, personal reflections, and testimonies are specific to
the members in New England, the principles are universal — “for
all the Saints.”
Hooray for Deseret
Book, which has brought out its number one hardcover bestseller,
Clayton M. Christensen’s The Power of Everyday
Missionaries, in more affordable softcover (2012, 152 pages,
$9.99).
The renowned Harvard
business professor and counselor in the Boston Mission presidency
shares his first-hand experience in reaching out to nonmembers,
convincing readers they can do it.
In a conversational
tone and evident sense of humor about his own human foibles,
Christensen shares the principles that guide his and his family’s
efforts to introduce others to the gospel and the Church. The tools
and experiences he shares are confidence-inspiring, motivating, and
doable.
“Sharing the
gospel will not compromise your success or your stature in your
profession, your home, or your community,” he asserts. But for
those who “’seek first the kingdom of God, and his
righteousness,’ the Spirit of God will magnify you so that you
can do things that otherwise you would not be able to do.”
This book should be
read by every ward mission leader and anyone else who is serious
about sharing the gospel.
For youngsters (and their parents), there’s a delightful seek-and-find book titled I Want to be Missionary, by LuAnn Nilson, with colorful photographs by daughter-in-law Crystalyn Nilson (Deseret Book 2012, 30 pages, $14.99 in hard cover). The text and photos describe things related to missionary work (study, packing to leave, scriptures and prayer, serving others, etc.) along with small photos of what to look for in each layout. (The world map and flags is one of my favorites, and the letter necklaces and bracelets with the names of latter-day prophets is a clever one.)
A bonus for parents and kids is the section at the back with “Suggested Family Home Evening Ideas,” which lists songs and scriptures related to each topic/picture page in the book. A list of additional things to find in each photo is also offered. The author includes a page “Of Special Note,” explaining how particular items pictured on the “Follow the Prophets” page relate to individual presidents of the Church.
This is a nicely done children’s book, one that should provide hours of activity and interaction for young aspiring missionaries.
Deseret Book has a new site for prospective missionaries and their families. There's a wealth of articles, links, and info at MissionHome.com.
Laurie
Williams Sowby has been writing since second grade and getting paid
for it since high school. Her byline ("all three names, please")
has appeared on more than 6,000 freelance articles published in
newspapers, magazines, and online.
A
graduate of BYU and a writing instructor at Utah Valley University
for many years, she proudly claims all five children and their
spouses as college grads.
She
and husband, Steve, have served three full-time missions together,
beginning in 2005 in Chile, followed by Washington D.C. South, then
Washington D.C. North, both times as young adult Institute teachers.
They are currently serving in the New York Office of Public and
International Affairs
During
her years of missionary service, Laurie has continued to write about
significant Church events, including the rededication of the Santiago
Temple by President Hinckley and the groundbreaking for the
Philadelphia Temple by President Eyring. She also was a Church
Service Missionary, working as a news editor at Church Magazines,
between full-time missions.
Laurie
has traveled to all 50 states and at least 45 countries (so far).
While home is American Fork, Utah, Lincoln Center and the
Metropolitan Museum of Art have provided a comfortable second home.
Laurie
is currently serving a fourth full-time mission with her husband in
the New York Office of Public and International Affairs. The two
previously served with a branch presidency at the Provo Missionary
Training Center. The oldest of 18 grandchildren have been called to
serve missions in New Hampshire and Brisbane, Australia.