Our First Discussion

Yesterday we rode along with 9 other new missionaries, along the North Shore of Oahu, in a big van from the airport.  We were excited to meet, visit, and learn about this beautiful island.  The driver noticed our chatter and began asking questions about who we were. There was not a moment of silence before our leader, Sister Peterson, who was sitting next to me in the seat behind him, piped in confidently, telling him we were new missionaries to be serving at the PCC.  

“Have you ever heard of the PCC?”  She ask.

“I think so.  Is that where they have a big luau and dancing....up by a MormonTemple?”

“Yes!”  She said

“If I came to the PCC, could you get me in for free?”  He said kiddingly.  

“Only if you are a dancer.”  She said.

“Tell me about what you do in your temple?”  He said.

(a little silence) “We perform sacred ordinances and covenants.  We get married/sealed for eternity there.  Are you married?”  She said.

“Kind of.”  He said.

“If you want, you can walk around the Temple and go into the Visitor’s center for free, any time you want.  It’s beautiful there!”  She said.  

“Could I go inside the Temple?”  He said.

“Only if you are a member of the church.”  She said.  

“I think I remember something about your church that happened recently.....”. He said

(we finally realized he was talking about General Conference)

“What do you talk about in General Conference?  Do you hear new things every time?  Who can hear the Conference?”  He said.  

“It is an international broadcast that anyone can hear.  From leaders of our church.  About how we are all children of God and we should reach out to each other in love and kindness no matter where we are from.  About Jesus and his life on the earth.  His commandments...” We began to all chime in.

“Do you believe in the Bible?”  He said.

“Oh, yes.  His life on earth is for everyone to learn about.  The Book of Mormon is another testament of Christ.  Remember in the Bible when Jesus said  ‘There are other sheep I have, which are not of this fold:  them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.  The Book of Mormon is a record of those other sheep.’

After an impressive conversation that proved Sister Peterson’s knowledge of the Gospel and how to interact as a true missionary, we drove into the parking lot of our destination.  

Then, the driver’s words,  “I have a kind of confession for you.....”

(silence)

“I am a member of the church!”

We had just been duped.  His name was Jordan and was a returned missionary from Brazil.