When You Save One Person, You Save Generations

Sister Silvia H. Allred, First Counselor in the General Relief Society Presidency, General Conference, Saturday Morning Session, October 4, 2008

Sister Allred spoke on the subject of missionary work. She reminded us that missionary work is the lifeblood of the church and is far-reaching. When you save one person, you save generations.

There were two main points she wanted us to know: First, "God loves all his children and desires their salvation", and second, "Our message of Jesus Christ and his gospel is the most important gift you have to give."

And then she outlined several ways that we can be missionaries. We hear these all the time, but it never hurts to have a reminder. She suggested the following:

• Be a good neighbor and friend
• Be cheerful, a good example, and lead a Christ-centered life
• Prepare ourselves and our children for missionary service
• Give friendship to investigators, non-members and converts.

Although I have a testimony of the importance of missionary work, it's something I've always been slightly uncomfortable with. I'm not a very social person so I don't have really close relationships outside of my family but beyond that, it is really scary to think about missionary work in the terms of "missionary work." But gradually I've come to learn (and I only speak for myself here), it isn't necessarily about actively proselyting and having conversion as our ultimate goal but is more about just living the way we're already supposed to be living and hoping that our friendships and examples will plant the seed. I believe true missionary work is done best when we care about the person themselves, love them for who they are and offer sincere friendship for the sake of friendship, rather than looking at people in the light of "potential convert".

Another thing I'm coming to realize is that missionary work comes naturally when you begin to have a solid testimony of the gospel. For me, it's because I love the Gospel so much and am so grateful for the blessings it brings that I naturally desire others to have the same light, joy, knowledge and peace in their lives as well.

With regard to full-time missionary service, I do aspire to serve a mission with Nate when our children are grown and will try to do everything I can to see that my sons are prepared and have the desire to serve full-time missions when they come of age.