I have just finished reading The Power of Everyday Missionaries, and was blown away! Clayton Christensen validates many things I have already been doing (with much less success), and gives reasons why these things work. I have an experience to share about asking people for help.

For the past year, I have invited several sets of neighbors who live up the street to have dinner with me. My invitation has gone something like this: “The families in our church take turns providing dinner for the missionaries. My turn is this Thursday. Why don’t you come have supper with us?” It’s all very casual, and about 90% of the time, the response is positive. No converts, but these folks are coming to learn more about the Gospel.

The Thompsons have taken me under their wing. We care deeply for each other, but they have told me that while they love me, they don’t want to know more about the Church. So, I contacted our Relief Society President and explained that the Thompsons paint flower pots in bright colors to use in their yard. I suggested that we invite them to demonstrate this painting technique for our Relief Society Activity Night. The suggestion was approved, and I was appointed to ask them.

Yesterday, I sat down with them and explained the project, offering to purchase the flower pots for them to use. Marsha said, “Jim won’t go, but I will.” And then Jim very quietly began to talk about how he would do this or that, letting her know that yes, he was going to be there, too!

The only problem is that I will be out of town on the day of the activity, on my way to the MTC in Provo to begin my one year’s service as a full-time missionary in the Arizona Tucson Mission Office! So now I’ll have the challenge and opportunity of finding someone to go with them to the activity night and to help see that they have everything they need and feel welcome.

Asking satisfied, contented people to help WORKS!!! I’m hoping and praying that this will open a door for them to want to know more about the Church. But if not, then they will still be my friends and our friendship will not have been hurt by the experience.

Brother Christensen, thank you so very much for this wonderful collection of experiences, examples and specific suggestions of how to obey the Lord’s injunction to “Feed My Sheep!”

-Nina H.