Whitney and I might be strange birds. We get excited like most women about a new pair of shoes or the right lipstick, but give us an inspiring example of being like Ammon and we can’t contain ourselves!
If I could be heard from a mountain top - say perhaps the Wasatch Mountains - I would shout: “Look at what the Prices have done!”
Today’s cover story in Meridian Magazine –The Real God’s Army at Work - tells us how President Bill and Sister Sid Price led an army of missionaries to become like Ammon.
Here are some points we don’t want you to miss:
1) No mistaking, this is not your typical effort:
The organized effort to have missionaries give service is not your typical “let’s fulfill the four hour a week service call” and it is not your “once-off let’s all go clean the park”. It’s a highly concerted and sustained effort working with partners to make a real impact in the community.
2) It takes a new approach:
Too often Latter-day Saints sit in councils and decide what is best for the community, when what we need to do is include the community in our planning.
“We determined that we had to start with the leaders of the city to see what they wanted and what their needs are,” said President Price. “That means the service we give is not necessarily what we might choose to do, but we are doing what they see needs to be done. It has gone much farther than if we followed our own agenda.”
3) It’s under the radar:
In a way, the Price’s applied a non-compete clause to their efforts. And they sought to be under the radar of publicity – deciding NOT "to be seen of man” rather choosing, instead, to deflect the glory, if any media attention did result.
“We also had rules for ourselves, which we made clear to the city,” said President Price. “We were not seeking publicity. In fact, we would do whatever we could to avoid publicity. If there was any credit to be had, we wanted it to go to the city. We also didn’t want to interfere with any work that a union was doing, and we didn’t want to compete with any religious organization that was already working on a project. We just wanted to help.”
4) Note the hallmarks of success:
- The Partners are invested. Community Leaders feel one with the missionaries even calling them, “My Mormons”
- There is a bandwagon effect. The community feels the enthusiasm and many come out to join the effort.
- Trust is developed. The group of missionaries is given increased responsibilities to serve the community, even helping the city by distributing communication materials door to door.
- Success Breeds Success. Community groups are inspired to approach their work in a new way. And a Bishop becomes inspired and creates an outreach program to mentor youth.
And what are the results of the successful outreach program?
It might surprise some to know that it can’t be measured in baptisms.
In fact, as President Price said, “…friendship built for the Church through service for the community is incalculable”.
The conclusion to the story reveals the fruits of the Ammon approach:
“You don’t do any of this,” said Sister Price, “because it is going to translate into baptisms. You do it for open dialogue. What we use is the model of Ammon with King Lamoni. He didn’t preach the gospel until the king said, ‘Who are you?’ Then the dialogue begins.”
“There is so much more and so many bigger things that we can do,” said President Price. “We can take service to a more meaningful level and change the perception that citizens and civic leaders have of us.” In the heart of Washington D.C., people smile upon the missionaries because they know that these young men with badges are there to really help.
In addition, I can’t help but think that a whole lot of Latter-day Saints have come to enjoy the fellowship of their community, no longer viewing it as hostile, but as a wonderful place to be.
Making a difference; opening dialogue…tell everyone: This is Great!
Comments