"We Will Miss" Series - Episode #7: Being Missionaries

Representing the Church and our Savior has been a privilege, a blessing, and an honor. I count this blessing every day as I put on my badge. People not only stare at us huge Americanos as we walk down the streets, but they also stare at our badges.  We wear our badges proudly.

We know Heaven protects and watches over the missionaries.  Hardships happen to missionaries, too, but we know that missionaries are some of Heaven's favorite people:

        "And whoso receiveth you, there I will be also, for I will go before your face.  I will be on your right hand and on your left and  my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up."
                                                                                                   D & C 84:87-88

Elder and I know first hand that this scripture is true.  We don't consider ourselves on the same level as the younger proselyting missionaries, but we have felt the influence of the Spirit many times.  It has been very humbling to have thoughts come to us as to what to say to investigators when working with the proselyting missionaries.  It is comforting to know that when asked to give a talk or a lesson without any notice that the Holy Ghost is always there to prompt.  We rely on the Spirit to help us know who to serve and how we can best serve them.

We also know that Heaven watches over the missionaries.  One example comes quickly to mind.  One morning as Elder had returned to the car after having used the ATM machine, a member of the Church came to his car window holding our credit card.  Elder had left it in the machine.  It is no coincidence that an honest member of the Church was next in line after Elder to use the ATM machine.  Of course he received a container of Elder's homemade cookies a few days later.

Even though we are often strangers in wards/branches as we travel for Elder's member records meetings, wearing our missionary badges means:

• We get called on during class time more often.  Missionaries supposedly have all the answers.
• We are swarmed by members greeting us with hearty handshakes and warm smiles during Church functions. Even the children extend their hands.
• We are continually mentioned and welcomed from the pulpit as we attend different wards and branches.
• We are invited to sit on the stand during sacrament meetings. They treat us like celebrities.
• We are asked to speak in many Church functions - sacrament meetings, stake visiting teaching conferences, youth retreats, etc.  It's an honor, but comes with many nose bleeds for me!
• We are asked to teach Relief Society, Priesthood, and Sunday School lessons.... with no advance notice.  Again, nose bleeds for me.  Elder, on the other hand, takes it in stride and does a beautiful job.  Just last Sunday he gave an excellent Sunday School lesson in the Bacarra Ward. 
• We are placed on pedestals, whether we have earned that status or not.  But we do our best to be good representatives of our Savior.

Wearing missionary badges also means:

• Becoming closer to members, non-members, and other missionaries... feeling their love
• Devoting more time to the Lord. We have studied the Gospel and served others more fully.
• Calling on the Holy Ghost for help and inspiration. Not that we haven't and can't as "civilians", but our need and awareness of the Holy Ghost has been heightened since being on our mission.
• Practicing Christ-like attributes more fully.  We are better spouses.

Missionary badges were not issued when I was a young missionary in New Zealand millions of years ago.  Even though my mission release was hard, it was not made harder by having physical evidence in the way of a missionary badge removed.

Eighteen months ago, Elder Esteban, Elder Eddington, and I were deplaning in Laoag City.  Elder Esteban was just returning from his mission in Quezon City.  We were just beginning our mission.  As we walked through the terminal, Elder Esteban became very emotional. His tearful words have stuck with me.  Pointing to his missionary badge he remarked: "I will miss this".  I now understand more fully what he was feeling.  We, too, will miss our missionary badges.