When I joined the church in 1988, I converted as a Catholic. Initially, I was overjoyed with the new-found wisdom and blessings of being a member and began to realize that others whom I loved might also enjoy the fullness of the Gospel. New Jersey was full of others I loved, and many had never heard of the Book of Mormon. My family seemed to be pleased with the good choices and direction I was heading.

Like Lehi, I desired my family to taste of the tree of life: “And as I partook of the fruit thereof it filled my soul with exceedingly great joy; wherefore, I began to be desirous that my family should partake of it also; for I knew that it was desirable above all other fruit” (1 Nephi 8:12).

This started out with my own family in New Jersey. People, including my mom, joined the church. Then when I realized I had a much larger family that was part of my spiritual DNA, I excitedly served a full-time mission! Now with my wife as my eternal companion and my seven children, we live with a life-long goal to share the love of God with all of our extended family.

Today, my son is serving a full-time mission, my other son has baptized several of his friends, and we as a family are now sharing God’s truth through example, love and service.

Being an everyday missionary is simple in our family as we have set a goal to invite just one person each week to Church, Family Home Evening, a church activity, youth night or whatever activity might be on our calendar.

This simple everyday missionary plan allows us to meet new people, make new friends and share the Love of God with our entire family as Lehi desired.

-Ronald K. Independence, Missouri