JOY IN THE ELEVATOR
It happened in an elevator in January of 2017.
I came home from church today dressed as normal. When I entered our apartment building I saw an African-American lady in the lobby with her beautiful chocolate-colored poodle. I don’t know her name but I’ve said hi to her in the past. We got on the elevator at the same time. She then immediately started the conversation.
“Did you just come from church?” she said, seeing me in my Sunday clothes.
“Yes,” I responded.
“Which church?” she continued.
“The LDS Church over on Falls Road,” I answered.
“I like your Bible,” she said, looking at my small quad I held in my hand.
“I do too,” I said, seeing where she was looking. “It has the Bible, the Book of Mormon, and some other scriptures all wrapped up in one.”
“Are there black people at your church?” she asked.
“Sure there are,” I responded. “You’d fit right in.” Then I reached into my sport-coat pocket and pulled out one of my public affairs cards. Next I handed it to her and invited her to come see us anytime. Finally, I pointed out that the back of the card gives the location and the times at the church.
There’s Not Much Time in an Elevator
I live on the 21st floor of our apartment building; she lives on the penthouse floor—the 25th. She is a very nice lady whom I will see again around here again I’m sure.
I tell people all the time you need some kind of a card on you to give to people because the interactions you will have with people will be mostly brief and quick. So give them a card. That card goes with them and hence, it carries the information they will need to take a follow-up step.
And note that this entire conversation was about me answering her questions, not asking her stuff to try and lead a conversation. That’s how member missionary work works with me. I’m usually answering people’s questions, not asking them.
Earlier today I thought of the scripture when Jesus was in the temple at the age of 12. Notice how the conversation went:
“And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions.” (Luke 2:46)
The Inspired version of the Bible corrects that statement by saying the word “them” should be the word “him.” So, the teachers and doctors in the temple were listening to Jesus and asking him questions. He then answered their questions.
Missionary work works the same way: people ask you questions and you simply answer them. It’s not about preaching for me; it’s about responding to questions from interested people.
So listen to what they say and answer their questions the best you can. The Lord will help you from there.
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