How to Be a Member Missionary

I recently heard about a fun feature on the Church's web site www.mormon.org They have an area where you can chat live online with a real missionary. I thought I'd check it out, so I clicked on the link and instantly received a greeting from a guy named Josiah. He was very polite and friendly and helped answer some questions I had about submitting referrals online. The conversation occurred in a pop-up window and it was really cool to know someone from the Church office building was sitting there typing just to little 'ole me!

If you haven't visited this website for awhile, be sure to swing by soon and take another peek. It is extremely easy to navigate and has tons of great information to share with your non-member friends. Anyone can request a visit from missionaries anywhere in the world. Visitors on the site can also request a free Bible or Book of Mormon, as well as click on a link that allows them to read the scriptures online.

If your computer has a Flash player you can watch several video clips on various gospel subjects, as well as hear testimonies from members of the Church. What a great resource this web site is for us to use as members of the Church! When you share a Pass-Along Card with a non-member they will be directed to this web site. It's so easy! I keep a bunch of those cards in my car and purse, so I'll be able to share the gospel at any time in a split second. Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Twelve Apostles encouraged all members to "carry a packet of these attractive pass-along cards and give them to persons, even casual acquaintances." ("Sharing the Gospel," Ensign, Nov. 2001, 9.)

I love the scripture in Doctrine and Covenants 24:12 which says "And at all times, and in all places, he shall open his mouth and declare my gospel as with the voice of a trump, both day and night." With a simple click of a mouse the gospel can be shared!

You're not Jewish? No Jewish heritage in your family or even on your neighborhood block? That's ok; you can still enjoy the rich cultural and religious history of the Passover by creating a learning experience for your family at home! It's a wonderful tradition, full of symbolism, history, and faith. This year Passover starts on April 20th and continues for 7 days. You'll probably start to see kosher items on shelves in your grocery store now.

Howard W. Hunter once said "I believe it is safe to say that Passover is without equal in the Jewish calendar of celebrations. The Passover in the Old Testament and Easter in the New Testament testify of the great gift God has given and of the sacrifice that was involved in its bestowal. Both of these great religious commemorations declaire that death would 'pass over' us and could have no permanent power upon us, and that the grave would have no victory." (Christ, Our Passover," Ensign, May 1985, 17)

The first Passover dinner I attended was at BYU, sponsored by the religion department. I was so impressed and wanted to learn everything I could about this beautiful Jewish celebration. Over the years I have attended Passover dinners with an Institute class, community center, and my local Jewish synagogue. Now I have a next door neighbor who is Jewish and I'm so excited to be able to share this tradition with our families. What a terrific day to open the door of understanding and begin a religious discussion that embraces the old and lovingly introduces the new. There is much we can learn from one another, especially when approached with kindness and understanding.

If you'd like to recreate the Passover dinner for Family Home Evening, there are some terrific web sites to help get you started. The experience can enrich your own understanding of the scriptures and gratitude for what the Lord has done for all of his children.

www.crivoice.org/seder.html
www.crosswalk.com/parenting/11570532/
www.byub.org/newtestament/episode.asp?id=30 - The Last Supper
www.byub.org/newtestament/episode.asp?id=29- Preparations for the Last Supper
www.wf-f.org/HolyThurs.html
www.markings.bc.ca/holidays/passover/index.html