I can't verify this (my platonic lifestyle doesn't currently provide opportunities to experiment with the theory), but I am learning a closely related truth: the way to anyone's heart is through the stomach! Food is one of the most convincing evidences of God's love, and a critical element of successful missionary work.
President Monson recently related a story** of a woman who received homemade bread in answer to a personal prayer. We saw this very story play out in OKC 2nd ward this week, but with banana pudding! Sister Bartly* a recently reactivated Native American woman (and one of our finest meal advocates), came down with a nasty stomach bug. She texted us and said that "nanner puddin" was the only thing that sounded palatable. It was Sunday and we were pinched for time, but something in our sisterly hearts longed to give her what she desired. She feeds us every week, and we dearly wanted to return the favor.
The light bulb clicked on instantly. Sister Martel*, our widow neighbor, had been talking about making banana pudding for us for days! Coincidence? We thought not. So we called Sister Martel and she was delighted to be the answer to someone's prayer. Within 30 minutes we were delivering a "nanner puddin" miracle to Sister Bartly. From one sister to another, just the way her mama made it. "God does notice us, and He watches over us. But it is usually through another person that He meets our needs." (President Spencer W. Kimball)
In a second instance of culinary compassion, a gift of food gave legitimacy to our message of Heavenly manna.
On Saturday we taught one of the most convincing lessons on the Atonement that I have ever witnessed. What made the difference between this lesson and every other lesson about the Savior's love? With 14 months of practice, you'd think it would be words or content or inspired questions. Nope. It wasn't me or my companion at all. It was a simple meal, delivered by the Relief Society, to our investigator's ailing sister.
Over and over Carilynn* exclaimed about the simple act of compassion. It was "so unexpected, so unasked for, so unprecedented!" What better to teach about the unexpected, unasked for, unprecedented love of Jesus Christ? Dinner was the essential prerequisite for our investigator to trust in the grace of Jesus Christ.
When Jesus admonished his disciples to feed his sheep (John 21:16), and to care for the hungry (Matt 25:37; Mosiah 4:26), he meant it spiritually. But over and over I have seen this spiritual feeding take powerful physical form.
It is my favorite missionary tool and one that is easily accessible for each of us. What can be done for our non-progressing investigators? Cinnamon rolls. And for the inactive young woman? Frozen yogurt. For the overworked bishop? A casserole. Unexpected, unasked for, unprecedented.
I am a missionary, and it is in my blood to invite you, my darling reading audience, to ACT on my message. I promise that you will learn the truth of this message for yourself through prayer and experience! So here is my 3-step challenge:
1. Bake a plate of cookies. If you're classier than cookies, go for a full meal. If cooking isn't your style, then buy two Crunchwrap Supremes instead of one next time you grace the Taco Bell drive-through.
2. Pray. Ask which little sheep God wants you to feed. The name will probably come easily, because you have been thinking about them or wondering about them already. It's the new move-in or that primary kid who never comes to church. It might even be someone you've never met before. Whoever comes to mind, go with it.
3. Deliver & minister. Don't do a drive-by. Don't write a note. Deliver it in person, or have them over for dinner. Buy them lunch. Whatever you do, feed the whole soul, not just the stomach, for this is the Lord's chosen way.
4. Bonus points if you write to me and tell me how it went!! Follow-up is my favorite, and the letters are a little slow these days:
Sister Jennifer Stewart
Oklahoma OKC Mission
416 SW 79th St Ste 210
Oklahoma City, OK 73139
* Names changed
**http://www.lds.org/prophets-and-apostles/unto-all-the-world/we-never-walk-alone?lang=eng
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