Rising Generation Prepare For Missions in Paisley, Scotland
Preparation Weekend
On Friday 13th September, youth and YSA across Scotland came together in the Paisley Scotland Stake Center for a missionary preparation weekend.
The weekend focused on missionary service, and what they can do right now to prepare for missionary life. But most importantly, the focus was how they can strengthen their relationships with the Saviour, Jesus Christ and become life-long disciples.
Missions are wonderful opportunities for our younger members, as well as our older members to sacrifice a period of their life, to serve others as Christ would. Those in attendance explored the opportunities of teaching and service missions, of what are both rewarding, demanding and exciting chances for the youth to share the light of the Saviour with others.
One of our youth noted, “I felt I learned more about missionary work. It has helped me to know what it feels like to be in that position and feel a bit more comfortable to be in those situations when I go out on my mission.”
The weekend included many interactive workshops, including finding and teaching role-playing situations, as well as informative sessions on skills, mental and emotional resilience and physical preparation.
Members joined from around the country to lead sessions. Recently returned missionaries, as well as full-time service and proselyting missionaries from the Scotland Ireland mission, presented to help encourage, inform and engage with those participating.
“It was good having actual missionaries there to talk to us about their experiences, and I also liked all the opportunities we had to prepare a quick lesson, talk [or] testimony, that reminded me of how important it is to be committed to regular scripture study so that you’re prepared and have something in mind to share with people. Even if I don’t serve a mission, I need to be prepared to speak to those around me about Christ.”
One of our young single adults mentioned that “This weekend has helped me increase in confidence when speaking with others. I was thrown into situations where I had to think on my feet and all I could do was trust in what I had learned, studied, and most especially in Christ. We can trust in him no matter what and it will always work out.”
Missionary service stretches one beyond more than they feel they can be stretched, as it requires completely relying on the Lord. It prepares youth and young single adults for life’s challenges and provides them with a firm foundation.
While missionary service provides this, it was noted that this isn’t the only chance for us as followers of Christ to become more like him and develop a deeper relationship with him, they can start right now. One of our younger youth commented, “I don’t know if I’m going on a mission or not, but the weekend made me feel more confident that I can share Christ’s light and love in any circumstances, and it reminded me that it’s always worth being in a place where you can feel the spirit!”
As our confidence in Christ grows, our confidence in ourselves and our abilities grows.
When asked ‘what was the most important thing they learned’ during the weekend, one of our young single adults preparing to serve a mission soon said, “The Holy Ghost brings God’s words to your remembrance. I know this. I need to be more comfortable trusting in the spirit, and to let Jesus use you as a tool in His hands for good.”
Another observed that, “We have to build our relationship with Christ, and conversion is all about our will to change. Without Christ and our decision to follow him we are stuck and missionary work helps people find a way to be free and have joy.”
Preparing for missionary service is important, but preparing for lifelong discipleship is essential.