An emeritus general authority will motivate future missionary success as they prepare to serve full-time missions in an hour-long fireside Wed., March 5.
Bishop Richard C. Edgley, emeritus member of the Presiding Bishopric of The Church, will share the keys to success using his own experiences and his years of helping current missionaries succeed.
“We want to give young people who are preparing a chance to have more purposeful experiences that better prepare them for their missions,” said Michael Goodman, associate professor of religion, mission prep teacher and fireside co-chair. “We borrow the years of experience the speaker has and let the students listen to that before they head out in the mission field.”
The fireside is a more intimate and personal experience than regular devotionals according to Brad Farnsworth, Religious Education instructor and fireside coordinator.
“I am a great believer in bringing young people together and reminding them that they are part of an army,” Farnsworth said. “It is literally a 2000 Stripling Warriors experience as they increase their faith and motivation before entering the MTC.”
The fireside is constructed to motivate young people preparing to serve missions but also to add to the activity of academic courses.
Missionary preparation classes are given at BYU, the Orem Institute or any Young Single Adult stake in Utah Valley. Over 1100 students at BYU are enrolled in a mission prep course this semester. All individuals who anticipate serving a mission in the next 12 months are encouraged to come to the fireside.
Too much encouragement is not needed for students enrolled in mission prep courses, because they are highly motivated. Goodman said he observes many of his students hear about and take advantage of motivational opportunities like the fireside and love it.
“They are desperate for help to figure out how to serve well,” Goodman said. “When they find out there is an opportunity that will increase their opportunities, they take advantage of it.”
Fansworth said it will be a crisp and powerful experience for all that attend.
The Prospective Missionary Fireside sponsored by the BYU Religious Education Department will take place in the Wilkinson Student Center Ballroom at 7:30 P.M on Wed., March 5, 2014. All interested students are encouraged to attend.
