His Image in Their Countenance

by Wendy Minks

There are LDS missionaries all over the Earth.  Everyday they are spotted with their suits and ties, cardigans and skirts with that signature black name tag.  I frequently see them at bus stops and in parking lots.  On Mondays I often see them filling their carts at WalMart.

They talk to strangers, they ask deep questions of people they have only just met.  They knock on doors, and face rejection constantly.  They are bold.  They are brave.  They are strong.  They are a force for good in the World.

Missionaries are movers, gardeners, painters, cleaners, and ranch hands.  They seek out service opportunities.  They serve all - regardless of their desire to listen to their message.  They mow lawns, paint fences, scrub floors, and load boxes. 

 

They cook, and clean and decorate for parties.  They are the set up crew and the clean up crew.

 

They attend meetings, teach lessons, study, ponder and pray. 

The come from all over the world, are of every race.  They are men, women and couples.  They are young and they are old.  They speak every language from ASL to Zuni.  There are no two just alike, yet somehow, even without the name tag, you know when you are looking at a representative of the Lord Jesus Christ.  Even in a muddy t-shirt and jeans digging a garden, you know when you are looking at a missionary.  How is that possible?

 

 

Alma 5:14
  And now behold, I ask of you, my brethren of the church, have ye spiritually been born of God? Have ye received his image in your countenances? Have ye experienced this mighty change in your hearts?

The image of He whom they serve shines bright in their countenances.  They have been spiritually born of God.  They have experienced this might change in their hearts.  When we see missionaries, we recognize His love shining through them.