The Word Of God Answers All Questions - Shawn and Lauren

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In this call-back episode Shawn speaks with Sister Lauren Hendricks shortly after her return from her mission, highlighting her struggle to find purpose post-mission. The episode's central principle is "The Word of God Answers Every Question," emphasizing that while scriptures may not give specific details, they provide principles that lead to answers for all of life's questions.

Key takeaways from the discussion include:

• The Holy Ghost's Role: When scriptures are used, the Holy Ghost is present to confirm the truth, carrying it directly to the heart. Lauren asserts that the "most powerful tool in conversion is the spirit combined with scriptures".

• Missionary Purpose: Missionaries are not meant to persuade with their own words but to deliver scriptures, inspire others to read them, and help them recognize the Holy Ghost they feel.

• Scriptural Power in Practice:

    ◦ The host recounts having a pregnant investigator read Moroni 8:7-12 about infant baptism; the woman cried, saying, "I know that's true" because she felt the Holy Ghost, demonstrating the power of scripture over articulate words.

    ◦ Lauren shared how Alma 31:5 initially scared her due to her lack of scriptural knowledge, but daily personal study enabled the Spirit to bring relevant scriptures to mind, making her an "instrument in the hands of the Lord".

    ◦ She also shared the story of Edwin, a young father grieving his wife's passing, who "fell in love with the Book of Mormon". By reading chapters on the Plan of Salvation, he gained a witness of God's perfect plan, finding peace and eventually being baptized.

• Dedication to Study: The episode stresses that the "difference between good and great missionaries" is a "full hour of personal study". This consistent effort to "feast upon the word of Christ" allows missionaries to invite the Spirit into every interaction.

• Transformation: The host praises Lauren's transformation from a "punk kid" to a "converted disciple of Christ" in 18 months, attributing it to her decision to serve and "feast upon the words of Christ". The episode encourages missionaries, especially those learning new languages, to "Give the loaves and the fishes"—do what they can, and the Lord will magnify their efforts through the power of the scriptures.