Line upon Line

Every Thursday at the Ghana MTC, new missionaries arrive. There may be anywhere from 28 to 102 missionaries who come from far corners of the world… of course, most come from Africa. Many from the United States. Many from Polynesia. Some from England, France, the Philippines, etc.

We see all of them the night they arrive as we verify their temple recommends. They are a combination of excited, exuberant, hesitant, and all are exhausted from traveling long distances. There is a special, warm, personal welcome from MTC President Mark Lords and his wife Sister Gwen Lords. The staff and teachers are amazing as they welcome the missionaries. Then in their first few days, missionaries might struggle with missing their families, adapting to the rigorous study schedule and long hours, learning a new language, living in a different climate, and having culturally different foods.

All of these things add up to a major change and the MTC might be different than they had imagined. Yet, with faith in Jesus Christ, they press forward.

How often in our lives have we had to press forward in new experiences that are different than we had pictured? What are some things that helped? What have we learned from our parents and grandparents about adapting to new experiences including changes in our homes, our communities, our country, and in the world? Right now you might be thinking about politics or pioneers, family struggles or new love, athletic success or health challenges, new jobs or economic setbacks, spiritual experiences or questions of faith.

Adapting to Missionary Life makes the following suggestions that can apply to each of us in our various new experiences as well as in daily life:

• Pray fervently and often, alone and with your companion/spouse/family. Tell the Lord about your feelings, experiences, plans, and concerns. Ask the Spirit to be with you in all things. Write down impressions you receive as you pray and study the scriptures. Be alert to guidance you may receive throughout the day. As you hearken to the voice of the Spirit, you will continue to receive additional guidance, comfort, and help. “For behold, again I say unto you that if ye will enter in by the way, and receive the Holy Ghost, it will show unto you all things what ye should do” (2 Nephi 32:5). Commit to the Lord that you will do your best to always follow spiritual promptings you receive.
• Recognize the hand of the Lord in all things. You have a front row seat to the greatest miracle of all: the effect of Christ’s Atonement on individuals and families. Practice focusing every day on blessings you are grateful for. Notice the Spirit’s influence in your life, and write about it. (See Moroni 10:3.)
• Identify and memorize comforting scriptures. As you study, list scriptures that strengthen and comfort you. Memorize them or read them often.
• Focus on the needs of those you are serving. Think about what you can do to bless the [of those] you are serving. Seek inspiration on how you can serve them and strengthen their faith.
• Sing. Memorize the words to a few of your favorite hymns. When you are feeling stressed or discouraged, sing to yourself or with your companion. “Hymns can lift our spirits, give us courage, and move us to righteous action. They can fill our souls with heavenly thoughts and bring us a spirit of peace” (“First Presidency Preface,” Hymns [1985], x).
• Remember what you’ve learned. You have been coping successfully with change and difficulty your whole life. During personal study time, list what you have learned from past transitions and periods of high stress. How can you apply these skills now? “Remember how merciful the Lord hath been unto the children of men, from the creation of Adam even down until the time that ye shall receive these things, and ponder it in your hearts” (Moroni 10:3).
• Serve from your strengths. Make a list of your strengths, talents, and spiritual gifts. Your strengths are part of the Lord’s storehouse, from which He draws to bless His children and build His kingdom. A crucial part of your [life]is to cultivate your gifts and consecrate your strengths to help others come to Christ. Focus more on what you do well than on what you do wrong. Plan ways each week to develop and use your gifts to serve and bless others (see D&C 82:18–19).
• Examine your expectations. Don’t expect everything to turn out the way you hoped. You will not do everything perfectly… Remember the Lord’s counsel to Joseph Smith in Liberty Jail: “All these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good. … Therefore, hold on” (D&C 122:7, 9).

The inspired counsel from our dear prophet President Russell M. Nelson can uplift us, guide us, and strengthen us in any new (or any ongoing) experiences. When things are different, even much different than we expected, we can be strengthened just from some of his powerful phrases: “Hear Him,” “Ministering in a Higher and Holier Way,” “Let God Prevail,” and “Think Celestial.”

In General Conference, October 2023, President Nelson taught: “When you make choices, I invite you to take the long view—an eternal view. Put Jesus Christ first because your eternal life is dependent upon your faith in Him and in His Atonement. It is also dependent upon your obedience to His laws. Obedience paves the way for a joyful life for you today and a grand, eternal reward tomorrow. When you are confronted with a dilemma, think celestial! When tested by temptation, think celestial! When life or loved ones let you down, think celestial! When someone dies prematurely, think celestial. When someone lingers with a devastating illness, think celestial. When the pressures of life crowd in upon you, think celestial!”

President Nelson continued: “As you focus on thinking celestial, expect to encounter opposition… As you think celestial, your heart will gradually change. You will want to pray more often and more sincerely. Please don’t let your prayers sound like a shopping list. The Lord’s perspective transcends your mortal wisdom. His response to your prayers may surprise you and will help you to think celestial.”

May the Lord bless us in new experiences and in all of our experiences that we might think celestial, find joy, and press forward with faith in Jesus Christ.