Missionary Preparation: Lesson 199
The Role of the Holy Ghost in Missionary Work
“Open Thy Mouth, and It Shall Be Filled”
Visit “Studying the Scriptures” to help prepare yourself spiritually to learn.
Brother and Sister Kapenda, originally from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Zambia, respectively, had recently moved to South Africa. They were searching for a church to join. Brother Kapenda opened a small barbershop and placed a picture of Jesus Christ in the window.
One June day, [two missionaries] were walking past the barbershops when they noticed the picture. Though they first walked on by, they later felt impressed to go back.
Brother Kapenda was across the street when the elders first walked by, but when he saw them return, he crossed the street to meet them. When he identified himself as the owner of the shop, the missionaries said they saw his picture of the Savior, and wanted to tell him about the gospel of Jesus Christ. He was interested. … He had visited several churches, but explained, “When I went to those churches, my heart was not there.” He knew that someday he would find the right church, so he invited the elders to his home. (“Picture in the Barbershop,” AfricaSouth.ChurchofJesusChrist.org)
A month later, Brother and Sister Kapenda were baptized into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
While Heavenly Father has asked us to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with others, He does not expect us to do so alone. As you learn to recognize and follow the Spirit, He will guide you in your missionary efforts.
Lesson Purpose: To help you explore ways the Spirit can help you share the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Learn How
The roles of the Holy Ghost
The Prophet Joseph Smith (1805–44) explained:
All are to preach the Gospel, by the power and influence of the Holy Ghost; and no man can preach the Gospel without the Holy Ghost. (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith, 332)
missionary work, Holy Ghost
The Lord helps you share His gospel with others by sending you the Holy Ghost (see Doctrine and Covenants 79:1–2). The scriptures teach us how the Holy Ghost can help us in our missionary efforts.
Read five or more of the following passages. Tag them as “Holy Ghost.” “Other names that sometimes refer to the Holy Ghost are Holy Spirit, Spirit of God, Spirit of the Lord, Comforter, and Spirit” (Bible Dictionary, “Holy Ghost”).
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John 14:26 (Jesus teaches the Twelve Apostles during the Last Supper.)
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John 16:13 (Jesus continues to teach the Twelve Apostles during the Last Supper.)
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Romans 5:5 (Paul teaches the Saints in Rome.)
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2 Nephi 33:1 (Nephi explains his weakness in writing.)
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Alma 17:3 (The sons of Mosiah are described.)
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3 Nephi 28:11 (Jesus Christ teaches the Nephites.)
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Doctrine and Covenants 31:11 (A revelation is given to Thomas B. Marsh.)
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Doctrine and Covenants 100:5–8 (Sidney Rigdon and Joseph Smith receive comfort from God.)
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Moses 6:32, 34 (The Lord speaks to the prophet Enoch.)
Using what you found in the passages, record in your notebook three different ways you could finish the following statement:
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The Holy Ghost can …
What role might the Holy Ghost play in helping you share the Savior’s gospel with others?
Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles shared an experience of how the Holy Ghost influenced him as a missionary. Look for where you see the Holy Ghost’s influence in his experience sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ.
One hot July morning my companion and I felt prompted to look up a Temple Square referral. We knocked on the door of the Elwood Schaffer home. Mrs. Schaffer politely turned us away.
As she began to shut the door, I felt to do something I had never done before and have never done since! I stuck my foot in the door, and I asked, “Is there anyone else who might be interested in our message?” Her 16-year-old daughter, Marti, did have an interest and had fervently prayed for guidance just the day before. Marti met with us, and in time her mother participated in the discussions. Both of them joined the Church. (“Let the Holy Spirit Guide,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2017, 94)
As you are inspired by the Holy Ghost, share one of the following with someone you know.
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When has the Lord helped you or someone you know share the gospel of Jesus Christ with the help of the Holy Ghost?
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When have you felt the influence of the Holy Ghost when someone shared the gospel with you?
Dig Deeper: See “Chapter 4: Seek and Rely on the Spirit“ in Preach My Gospel: A Guide to Sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ (2023), 101–11.
Seeking the Holy Ghost as we share the gospel of Jesus Christ
The Holy Ghost will help you know what to do and say as you take time to think about ways you can share the gospel of Jesus Christ. Pondering ways you can share will help you feel more confident when opportunities arise.
Choose one of the following situations in which you might have an opportunity to share the gospel of Jesus Christ. Or come up with a situation of your own.
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Your religious beliefs are questioned by a friend.
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You are comforting a family member.
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You are teaching a lesson at church.
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You are posting something on social media.
Record in your notebook two or three ways you could share the gospel of Jesus Christ in the situation you chose.
Share Your Thoughts
Lesson Purpose: To help you explore ways the Spirit can help you share the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Share one or more of the following with your teacher or class:
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One or two ways you could share the gospel in the situation you chose.
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Something specific you did to achieve the purpose of this lesson.
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Any questions this lesson raised for you. How will you try to find answers to your questions?