I started to apply counsel [from my mission president] to simplify after my interview and saw immediate results. It was like looking through a new set of glasses - I sort of felt myself turn away from myself and toward pure missionary work.
We went to a house to see two people we've been working with. They weren't home, but a couple of men nearby said they ought to be back soon, so we sat on the porch and waited. It was a few minutes we were there, and then one of the men came outside and sat on my right. Elder Olsen was on the left. I started small talk with the man - just sort of awkward waiting-time conversation. Just whatever comes to mind to break the silence. I started getting to know him a tiny bit. Married? Yes. Kids? Nah. Stay in Taveuni? Nah just here for work a couple weeks. Then I had a thought: ask him if he's seen the missionaries before. I asked. Yeah, he can see the chapel in Labasa often. Then I had another thought, doubtless a prompting. Ask him if he's heard the message. In my head I'm thinking "Nah, it's too fast - not a good time" as I do often. But this idea/prompting was different than the others. Ask him if he's heard the message. And I didn't again. Then the conversation went somewhere else for a bit. Talked about a couple other things. Then it came back to missionaries/the Church. And I had the prompting again. Ask him if he's heard the message. I was hesitant. I don't want to ruin it. I worked it up. I said the words in my head. Then I said them out loud. Have you ever heard the message of the Elders? Missionaries? Of the Church of Jesus? Church of Jesus Christ? Of Latter-day Saints? I butchered it, a little embarrassed.
Nah, I haven't heard the message.
...would you mind if I share it quickly?
Absolutely.
He listened intently as I explained the Restoration with the pamphlet. I introduced the Book of Mormon, asked if he would like one. Invited him to read it. He loved it all. He offered his name. He gave us his address. He gave us his work to see him there. He gave us his phone number. He gave us a backup number in case the first didn't work. Detailed a map for us to find him - or for the Labasa missionaries to find him. He asked a couple questions, liked the answers.
During all this another man came out and sat beside Elder Olsen. Did the exact same thing.
Afterward the first man said "Man, they're really late. You two coming here was meant for you to meet us."
If I hadn't simplified and really got down to the meat of the work - inviting others to come unto Christ - I wouldn't have had the Spirit and if I did I would've let that opportunity pass with all the others. I'm really glad it turned out the way it did. It gave me a testimony of the work, of the gospel. It gave me a standard to hold myself to.
So I'm excited for what continuing down this path will bring me.
Thanks,
- Elder Hatch
