The Church has released a new mission preparation curriculum for use in wards, stakes, and institute programs.
The course includes 13 lessons and 10 skill practices.
“Everything in this course is intended to help learners strengthen their conversion to Jesus Christ and His restored gospel,” reads the introduction to the new manual. “With conversion comes an increased desire and capacity to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with others.”
Included in the 10 skill practices are three skills that will help missionaries with their mental health and emotional resilience:
Students will Focus on Practicing Each Skill
The manual instructs teachers to give learners “plenty of time for practice.”
For the skill Respond to Feelings of Inadequacy, students are invited to practice focusing on what they can control. This is done by reframing a sentence stating something out of one’s control into a statement about something one can control.
For example, “I don’t know if I will ever be able to speak the language as well as my companion” becomes, “I can diligently study the language every day and prayerfully seek God’s help.”
For the skill Intentional Breathing, prospective missionaries are invited to practice box breathing. This entails inhaling for five seconds, holding your breath for five seconds, slowing exhaling for five seconds, holding for five seconds, and then repeating the process “until you feel relaxed.”
And, finally, for the skill Develop Healthy Thinking Patterns, students are invited to rewrite negative thoughts into sentences that are “more hopeful and truthful, and that demonstrate faith in Jesus Christ.”
For example, “I hate having to get up so early” becomes “I don’t have to like it. I think I can do this. When I get up and start moving, I’ll probably feel better. I can pray for God’s help.”
Find the full guide of lessons and skills here: Guide for Teaching Missionary Preparation
More inspiring articles about missionary work:
▶ ‘We had to know more’: Family from Florida joins the Church after meeting members while camping in Utah
▶ 3 cousins called to serve missions in the same country
▶ A member in Ivory Coast has become an unbelievably effective missionary—here’s how he does it
