Lessons on Missionary Service
Lesson No. Twenty-Six

Knowledge by Scott Rynearson

One of the virtues important for a missionary to develop is knowledge. I felt I had a good foundation of gospel knowledge as I began a mission in the Philippines Ilagan Mission. However, I came to understand that knowledge was important, but learning to convey that knowledge through the Spirit is what brought others to Christ.

Having a firm knowledge of the plan of salvation was essential in the conversion of a man named Joel Tumaliuan. I met Joel while serving in my fourth area, a beautiful place called Penablanca. Joel had married into an inactive family in our ward and he and his wife were expecting their first child. We worked hard to get to know them. Joel was a little bit different than most people we taught. He came from a Catholic family, was smart and always asked good questions. However, it seemed like a part of Joel couldn’t fully accept what we were teaching.

This all changed after a tragic experience. It was September 27th, 2001. One week prior Joel’s wife had delivered a little boy but he was two months premature.  That morning we got a knock at the door. It was our Branch President. He came with horrible news that Joel’s new son had passed away.  I instantly felt sick in my heart for their loss. He said a few members were meeting at the Tumaliuan’s home to show support and hold a small service. He asked me if I would conduct the service and share a message. I knew given Joel’s Catholic background that he would be concerned about his child not having been baptized. At that moment I felt the Spirit and knew that by teaching the plan of salvation Joel’s heart would be touched and this knowledge would help him to accept the gospel.

The Tumaliuan’s lived in a small hut and we all sat in a circle on the bamboo floor. We opened with a hymn and a prayer and then I gave the message. I was inspired to teach from Moroni 8, which teaches how children are “whole” and “alive in Christ” and do not need baptism, “for the power of redemption cometh on all them.” Mormon exhorts us to “teach parents that they must repent and be baptized, and humble themselves as their little children, and they shall all be saved with their little children.” I bore my testimony and the spirit in the small hut at that moment was palpable. We then gave Joel and his wife each a blessing. I could feel that Joel’s heart was changing as the Holy Ghost taught him this doctrine. I challenged him to do as the scripture said and repent and be baptized so that he could be saved with his son.  

Over the next two months we continued to teach Joel and he accepted the gospel. I was privileged to baptize Joel on November 17th, 2001. As I brought him out of the water I was crying. He smiled at me, shook my hand and gave me a big hug. I will never forget Joel.  My experiences with him have strengthened my testimony forever.

As a missionary, I came to understand the importance of having knowledge of the gospel and the plan of salvation as taught in the scriptures. Because Joel was receptive the Spirit helped him to know the gospel was true. He was converted and gained his own testimony of faith and hope in the Atonement of Christ. Nothing is more precious to me than my knowledge of the Savior, His gospel, and specifically the plan of salvation. Let us hold firm to our testimonies and use this knowledge to help others to enjoy these same blessings.