Wow! Three lessons in a row about missionary work. Clearly, they did this on purpose. I imagine with three lessons you get three different perspectives and stories about missionary work.

I think the most important words to ponder in this lesson are “boldness” and “kindness” (Manual, pg. 147).

Face it, it’s scary to set out to convert the world, especially if we keep running into people who don’t want to be converted. But what about those we avoid, or never ask, because we don’t want to offend anyone? How do we know?

There is no simple formula. You really just need to be lovingly bold with each opportunity. When people sense your sincerity and love they’ll at least hear you out.

The word “effectively” is an interesting word to use. People are joining the Church in droves, but many of them are almost immediately leaving. We need to be friendly on a permanent basis. We need to never tire in extending a hand of welcome.

The big challenge we should all take from these three lessons is to look for an opportunity to share the gospel with boldness and kindness. You most likely will want to pray for the Lord to guide you to that opportunity, and that you will be able to recognize it when it comes. Then it’s up to you to be bold…just go for it. If you are doing it because you really believe in the gospel and want to share the “good news”, then practice will take some of the scariness away.

Recently, I traveled to Maryland to do genealogy research. I happened to pass a museum where a young woman was on duty, ready to lead tours. I asked her if she knew anything about any of the names I was researching. She went out of her way to help me, even mailing me a rather large pile of documents she had copied out of various books. She even highlighted the surnames so I could find them easily. This sweet thing went two extra miles.

I sent her a Book of Mormon with a short explanation why I was researching these family names. I simply explained that our Church believes families can be together forever, and by collecting our ancestor’s names, we are preparing for that eternal family. She emailed a thank you when she received it. I may never hear from her again, but it doesn’t matter. She knows what I believe, and I took the initiative to invite her to believe.  The Spirit will work out the details, perhaps finding other members to step in and invite her again.

Do not miss an opportunity to share the gospel. Do not let fear stop you. Do not expect an instant reward with your effort. Listen to the Spirit who will urge you on. Be an example for good at all times, so others can see your good works. Be kind, helpful, loving, and when necessary, bold.