Inspired Questions = Good Teaching

 

 

Elder Griffiths and Elder Hicken are treated to a "greenie" meal by members

This week I learned that the best way to teach is to ask inspired questions. For example, we asked an investigator why it was important for him to pray with his wife. Questions like that make people think and actually consider why the topic you're discussing is important for them specifically.

Editorial note from Elder Griffiths’s mom: This week’s blog entry is short because Elder Griffiths and Elder Hicken have a teaching appointment on their p-day, leaving little time for writing home.

Elder Griffiths practices his handshake at mission orientation

Arriving in the Mission Field

On the ground in Florida (I am the fifth from the right)

 

When I arrived I in Florida, I wasn't nervous at all. I was mostly just tired. You're always tired out here. It's a constant state of existence for missionaries.

When we arrived in the airport our mission president was waiting for us with his two assistants. They drove us to the mission home and we had dinner, wrote letters to our families, and learned about some of the safety protocols that we have to follow. That night we slept in a hotel and it was super comfortable.

The next morning we had the hardest workout of our lives and it was horrible. That day we did a little more training and did some street contacting at the University of South Florida. It was funny to see how many people tried to avoid us. My temporary companion and I talked to a lot of people and even got someone to commit to going to church. I was excited after that, but no one else really was willing to talk to us.

The next day we got assigned to our areas. That was when I got nervous. It really hit home that now I was in the mission field and this was for real. However, at the same time I was super excited.

So far every day has been great no matter what happens!

District Temple Adventure and Best MTC Experience

Brotherhood in the District

My best experience in the MTC was when my companion and I were teaching an investigator, Brandon, and it was our last time teaching him. Elder Argyle and I felt the need to be bold with him about taking his testimony and conversion into his own hands. We both bore our testimonies of the Book of Mormon and the spirit was so powerful in the room that he agreed to read the whole thing. To give you an idea of how huge this is, Brandon (three days previous) didn't know who God was. Sometimes during lessons the level of the spirit goes up and down but in this lesson it was there so strongly the whole time. Although I already know the Book of Mormon is true, it was another witness to me of just how true it is.



The MTC Crew

Companions 24/7

Elder Argyle

My companion is pretty good. He's got black hair and glasses. He's from West Jordan and he actually knows some of the people I know. He's interested in cooking which is a great missionary skill. His main strength is finding relevant scriptures to the topics we try to teach. Something I'm learning from being companions with him is how to help someone become more converted to the Lord.

As for my insights, missionary work isn't about me teaching anybody. In fact, I've already come to know that what I say during a lesson is the least important part. The Holy Ghost is the one who works miracles in even the hardest hearts. 

March Fourth and Serve the Lord (yes, this is a play on words)

Elder Griffiths

Hi, I'm Elder Griffiths. I am leaving tomorrow - March 4th - for the Missionary Training Center to start my two-year LDS mission to Tampa, Florida. I am excited! With the help of my family, I am going to keep you updated on how I am doing and some of my experiences through a weekly blog. Please feel free to check back from time to time. I appreciate your support and look forward to sharing this journey with you.