Kids and missions

[clackamascoug]

Of the 50 people I baptized, I can't remember a single one NOT coming from tracting. With that said, I hated tracting. We'd play "béisbol de contactos."

The person batting takes the lead at the door.

Knock, no answer = ball
Knock, no, gracias = strike
Knock, come back later = foul
Knock, come inside = single
Appointment to come back for 2nd discussion=stolen base
Discussion gets through all 6 principles = double
Agrees to keep law of chastity = triple
Agrees to keep Word of Wisdom = triple
Baptismal date set = homerun
Gives you back old Book of Mormon from previous missionaries = automatic triple play.
Asks you if you like Michael Jordan or the Chicago Bulls = Fielders Choice
Asks you if you know their relative who lives in NJ = lead runner out
Tells you they have family who is Mormon = sac fly
Drunk, friendly = foul
Drunk, belligerent = double play
Asks if you both have the same first name (Élder) = balk

There were some more rules, but it's been 20 years. It made tracting a lot more interesting some days.

I made the mistake of tracting out, and baptising a young lady the second month I was in the field. Got another in the 13th month. Those two killed it for me... just enough success that it kept me going without too much complaint.

[Joe Public]

I forgive you're poor grammer.

Pure awesomeness.

[San Juan Sun]

Pure awesomeness.

I would edit my post, but I deserve public humiliation.

[HuskyFreeNorthwest]

I always feel the need to interject that I disagree that tracking is an inefficient waste of time. But I'm biased, having baptized several dozen people that way.

It would have been more effective had you said;

"I baptized Dave and Mary and Susan and the Jones family and...from tracting"

I guess you did more tracting than reading of The Missionary Guide though.

[splitbamboo]

My sense is that the the intense use of social media as opposed to interaction with live bodies has left the current generation less adept at simple conversation.

I'm not sure I completely agree with this. Starbucks and coffee houses in general show us that folks today are very social. It's just that we don't do it in the "parlor" anymore. I think a relaxation of the WoW would give us opportunity to share in the culture.

[PaloAltoCougar]

I'm not sure I completely agree with this. Starbucks and coffee houses in general show us that folks today are very social. It's just that we don't do it in the "parlor" anymore. I think a relaxation of the WoW would give us opportunity to share in the culture.

I'm not sure what to conclude. At the least, I think that all the texting/tweeting has changed the way we communicate and we're sacrificing the language of the Bard in favor of three-lettered acronyms and zingers. But I admit this is the rant of an old man.

[wuapinmon]

But I admit this is the rant of an old man.

Do you swoon when someone mentions the amount of protein in your daughter's urine?

[Dr. Heinz Doofenshmirtz]

It would have been more effective had you said;

"I baptized Dave and Mary and Susan and the Jones family and...from tracting"

I guess you did more tracting than reading of The Missionary Guide though.

"Four!"

[jay santos]

This last Sunday a boy in the ward came home from his mission and gave his homecoming talk.

I am a huge fan of missions, and this kid was Exhibit A of why I love them.

He left a nerdy, fat kid with no future. Played video games 10 hours a day. Couldn't look you in the eyes when talking. Probably never talked to a girl. Had let his grades slip in high school due to lack of motivation and wasn't planning on college.

Fast forward two years in Russia as a missionary.

Stands up in front of the congregation. He's lost 50 lbs. Speaks confidently and articulately. Tells jokes. Has a humble but confident way. Tells stories about his mission showing a world view and a perspective of being able to empathize and sacrifice and serve. Makes some very intellectual and philosophical points about the stories he's telling. He looks and talks like he could be leading a company in the near future.

Misionary program: brilliant.