The Joyous Obligation of Missionary Work | Carlos E. Asay | August 1977
Aug 14, 2024
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Carlos E. Asay, a passionate speaker on missionary service, discusses the joyous obligation of sharing faith. He emphasizes the profound impact of personal testimonies and illustrates how one former Protestant minister's conversion highlights the urgency of this calling. Asay shares heartwarming stories of redemption and the transformative journeys of individuals seeking to serve. He also stresses the importance of deep friendships within faith communities, fostering spiritual growth and a lifelong commitment to spreading the gospel.
Missionary work is framed as a joyous obligation that aligns divine expectations with the act of saving souls.
Meaningful relationships and genuine friendship are emphasized as effective strategies for encouraging curiosity and engagement in missionary work.
Deep dives
The Joy of Missionary Work
Missionary work is depicted as a joyful obligation that brings immense satisfaction, both for those who serve and those who are served. The speaker emphasizes that sharing the gospel is a duty owed to various groups, including family, neighbors, and future generations, highlighting that establishing truth is vital in combating falsehood and confusion in the world. The push for individuals to engage in missionary service stems from the belief that many still seek the truth and are unaware of where to find it. This initiative begins with the understanding that it is not merely an assignment, but a calling that aligns with divine expectations and responsibilities.
The Power of Truth and Its Impact
A narrative about a former Protestant minister illustrates the transformative power of truth learned through engagement with the Church. After initially opposing the Church, his curiosity led him to learn more through interactions with Church members, ultimately leading to his acknowledgment of the Church's truthfulness. The loving and respectful dialogue he encountered exemplified how sharing knowledge and correcting misconceptions can change hearts. This story exemplifies the underlying belief that sincere dialogue can pave the way for profound personal transformations.
Statistical Evidence of Growth
The podcast highlights significant statistics underscoring the rapid growth of the Church and its missionary efforts over the decades. From achieving one million members after 117 years to reaching the four-million mark in an estimated time of just a few years, these statistics reinforce the efficacy of the missionary work being carried out. With the establishment of numerous missions and a large increase in full-time missionaries, this growth reflects the fulfillment of prophetic promises regarding the spread of the gospel. The presenter asserts that such progress calls for an urgency to continue missionary efforts globally.
Engaging Non-Members Through Relationships
Fostering relationships with non-member friends and families is presented as a practical approach to missionary work. Through genuine friendship and shared activities, members can create a welcoming environment that encourages curiosity about the Church. Personal stories illustrate how powerful interactions born from friendship can act as catalysts for conversion, showing that genuine care can open doors to discussions about faith. This strategy suggests that member participation in missionary work becomes a natural extension of their lives, enhancing both personal connections and community outreach.
Through missionary work, we can participate with God in the saving of souls—a joyous obligation for those who love the Lord. Click here to see the speech page.