The following is excerpted from LDS Living. To read the full article, CLICK HERE.
Missionaries can deal with a slew of issues, and as a parent, sibling, or friend reading and writing letters from afar, you may feel helpless. But you’re not. Check out some ways you can help them with some of these most common struggles, and some prophetic counsel that may help as well.
Dealing with Depression
Remind your missionary that this transfer, companionship, area, and mission will not last forever. Sometimes depressed missionaries cannot even understand their own feelings, let alone explain them to their companions. Encourage him to confide in the mission president. Some missionaries feel embarrassed by their negative feelings, but they may not realize that the mission president is always on their side—and that you are, too. Bear your testimony to your missionary, share with him similar experiences you’ve had, and perhaps send him these uplifting quotes from the prophets and scriptures:
No matter how bleak the chapter of our lives may look today, because of the life and sacrifice of Jesus Christ, we may hope and be assured that the ending of the book of our lives will exceed our grandest expectations.
And to all who suffer—to all who feel discouraged, worried, or lonely—I say with love and deep concern for you, never give in. Never surrender. Never allow despair to overcome your spirit. Embrace and rely upon the Hope of Israel, for the love of the Son of God pierces all darkness, softens all sorrow, and gladdens every heart.” —Elder Uchtdorf: “The Infinite Power of Hope”
Now when our hearts were depressed, and we were about to turn back, behold, the Lord comforted us, and said: Go amongst thy brethren, the Lamanites, and bear with patience thine afflictions, and I will give unto you success. —Alma 26:27
Working with a Difficult Companion
To read the full article, CLICK HERE.
