Title: “Back to the Future”
Exhibitor: Shirley McGuire
Description: The purpose of this sharing station would be to present
ideas on how mothers of returned
missionaries can help them as they face regular life situations following their
missions and to maintain the spirituality they develop on their missions. (Ideas taken from Garth Hanson, BYU Education Week, August 1996.)
How To’s: And Now Your Missionary Has Returned
Mothers
Can Encourage Returned Missionary
And
Now Your Missionary Has Returned:
Alma 17:2-3 “Now these sons of Mosiah were with
Alma at the time the angel first appeared unto him; therefore Alma did rejoice
exceedingly to see his brethren; and what added more to his joy, they were
still his brethren in the Lord; yea, and they had waxed strong in the knowledge
of the truth; for they were men of a sound understanding and they had searched
the scriptures diligently, that they might know the word of God. But this is not all; they had given
themselves to much prayer, and fasting; therefore they had the spirit of
prophecy, and the spirit of revelation, and when they taught they taught with
the power and authority of God.
As mothers, our work isn’t done the
minute our son or daughter steps on that plane to take them to their mission
assignment. Neither are we without
responsibility when our grown missionary returns and rejoins our home life. We’ve written numerous letters of
encouragement, we’ve offered up many prayers in his/her behalf, and we’ve
probably laid awake at night without our thoughts concerning our “away in the
service of the Lord” child.
Our grown son/daughter has returned
and is confident and ready to tackle the joys and challenges of the world. However, a loving, sensitive mother and the
guidance and influence she gives is paramount to the eternal progression
of the returned missionary. One scripture that is particularly
applicable to us as mothers and to our returned missionary is Alma 7:22-23.
And now I would that
ye should be humble, and be submissive and gentle; easy to be entreated, full
of patience and long-suffering; being temperate in all things; being diligent
in keeping the commandments of God at all times; asking for whatsoever things
ye stand in need, both spiritual and temporal; always returning thanks unto God
for whatsoever things ye do receive.
And see that ye have
faith, hope, and charity, and then ye will always abound in good works.”
1. Mission
Life versus Home Life -
Agendas
change, new routines have to be made, missing companions and friends made while
on the mission, etc.
2.
Feelings of Anxiety -
“What do I do now”, “I miss my mission life”, etc
3. Loss of Spiritual Mantle –
No
longer is your missionary able to devote 24 hours a day in the Lord’s
service. When released he/she can have
an empty or lost feeling and wondering what to do that is worthwhile. Feeling loss of greater portion of Spirit.
4. Financial
Considerations –
Is
there money for school, housing, dating, clothing and other necessities? Where
can I find a job?
5. Continuing Education –
Does he/she want to go to college? Where? When?
6. Dating, Marriage –
Whom
should he/she date? Will he/she be able to find an eternal
companion?
7. Housing –
Live
at home or on his/her own.
1.
Plan with our returned missionary and not make plans
for him/her.
They
have lived independently now for two years and do not want parents deciding
what they will do.
2.
Help with living space.
If possible, provide your missionary with his/her own room. It might be for a lengthy amount of time, it
might be for a few weeks. Just let you
missionary feel like there is a place for him/her.
3.
Help with their immediate needs. Car availability? New
clothes? Money to get by till first
paycheck?
4.
Create home environment that is conducive to the
Spirit. Are we having prayer and
attending our meetings, etc.
5.
We need to allow our missionary’s continued
independence. Have them set their own
goal and support those worthy goals.
Mothers
Can Encourage Returned Missionary:
1.
Stay close to family and Church. (Get involved, ask for
calling)
2.
Attend temple often.
3.
Serve others (That’s where true happiness lies)
4.
Create balance in their lives. (Too much of dating, working, studying)
5.
Date appropriately.
(Date those with same high standards)
6.
Pray and study scriptures.
(Make this a daily practice)
7.
Be cautious of dress and grooming.
8.
Listen to the spirit – seek inspiration. (Ask Lord for guidance in decision-making)
9.
Be one that can be counted on. Dependable. (Fulfill
church assignments, be true friend to others)
10.
Seek blessing from Father/Bishop. (For guidance, assurance, health)
11.
Seek worthy companion.
12.
Attend religion classes. (Institute, Sunday meetings, etc.)
Additional Scriptures:
D
& C 58:27
D & C 88:78-80
back to top