Every Member a Missionary
We have all heard the phrase,"every member a missionary" but how many of us actually strive to fulfill that promise?
Dave and I were married for 11 years. During that time, he served in many areas of the church but his favorite callings were as a ward missionary and as a high councilor. Why? Because he was able to get out among the people and regularly share his testimony of the gospel.
Toward the end of his life, he lived with the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost. During one of his last Sundays at church, he came out of class to see a young man sitting outside the bishop's office. He was dressed in jeans, with a hoodie pulled over his face. The Spirit prompted Dave to stop and talk to this young man that he didn't know. Through the course of their conversation he found out that the boy was uncomfortable going to class because he didn't have any nice clothes. Immediately, Dave told him to stay put and he'd be back with some clothes. So, after church, we drove home. Dave took out a couple pairs of dress pants, some white shirts, a tie, socks, and a pair of shoes from his own closet, as well as a few cookies from the cookie jar. We met this young man in the foyer and he was delighted. This was only one of this young man's struggles, but Dave helped him to know that the Lord was aware of him in his extremity.
Dave smiled when he went to treatments. We would always hear from other patients who wanted to know how Dave could be so positive when his cancer was terminal. Everyone loved to see Dave's bright smile and hear his laughter in a typically gloomy environment. Life is to be enjoyed, not just endured.
He taught by example. His friends from the Highway Patrol came and stayed over and were amazed by the positive attitude and outlook that Dave posessed.
When he was weakened to the point that he could hardly shuffle into church, he took opportunity to pass the sacrament. Why? Because he felt that was the best way for him to thank the ward for all of their service on our behalf. To administer the saving ordinance of the sacrament.
He encouraged young men from the ward- inviting them to our home for a personal visit. He talked to them about school, dating and missions, and encouraged them on their way.
In the absence of his father, Dave gave advice to his missionary brother on overcoming trials and challenges and serving the Lord.
He invited all of the nurses to Jacob's baptism and also gave them each a picture of Christ with the words, "when you are in the service of your fellow beings, ye are only in the service of your God" written below it.
Missionary work truly became a lifelong experience for Dave. He constantly and consistenly bore his testimony to family and friends. Always encouraging others to press on in the work of the gospel.
I love him for his example that will live in our minds and our hearts forever.
Dave and I were married for 11 years. During that time, he served in many areas of the church but his favorite callings were as a ward missionary and as a high councilor. Why? Because he was able to get out among the people and regularly share his testimony of the gospel.
Toward the end of his life, he lived with the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost. During one of his last Sundays at church, he came out of class to see a young man sitting outside the bishop's office. He was dressed in jeans, with a hoodie pulled over his face. The Spirit prompted Dave to stop and talk to this young man that he didn't know. Through the course of their conversation he found out that the boy was uncomfortable going to class because he didn't have any nice clothes. Immediately, Dave told him to stay put and he'd be back with some clothes. So, after church, we drove home. Dave took out a couple pairs of dress pants, some white shirts, a tie, socks, and a pair of shoes from his own closet, as well as a few cookies from the cookie jar. We met this young man in the foyer and he was delighted. This was only one of this young man's struggles, but Dave helped him to know that the Lord was aware of him in his extremity.
Dave smiled when he went to treatments. We would always hear from other patients who wanted to know how Dave could be so positive when his cancer was terminal. Everyone loved to see Dave's bright smile and hear his laughter in a typically gloomy environment. Life is to be enjoyed, not just endured.
He taught by example. His friends from the Highway Patrol came and stayed over and were amazed by the positive attitude and outlook that Dave posessed.
When he was weakened to the point that he could hardly shuffle into church, he took opportunity to pass the sacrament. Why? Because he felt that was the best way for him to thank the ward for all of their service on our behalf. To administer the saving ordinance of the sacrament.
He encouraged young men from the ward- inviting them to our home for a personal visit. He talked to them about school, dating and missions, and encouraged them on their way.
In the absence of his father, Dave gave advice to his missionary brother on overcoming trials and challenges and serving the Lord.
He invited all of the nurses to Jacob's baptism and also gave them each a picture of Christ with the words, "when you are in the service of your fellow beings, ye are only in the service of your God" written below it.
Missionary work truly became a lifelong experience for Dave. He constantly and consistenly bore his testimony to family and friends. Always encouraging others to press on in the work of the gospel.
I love him for his example that will live in our minds and our hearts forever.
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Aunt Lora Sue Allred