Over the Hump!

THE CAMEL IS THE SYMBOL OF A SEASONED MISSIONARY

By Cheryl K. Carpenter

As you come to the one-year mark of your mission, I am sending you this camel to remind you how far you have come, and where you are going. There are many similar characteristics of a great missionary and a camel.

The first is the "hump". Yes, you have crossed the mark and now are over the hump of the first year. But remember the hump of a camel is used to store food for the long journey. Camels can go for long periods of time without food, but he must store his food in his hump. A Missionary has learned from so many experiences, but a wise Missionary will store the knowledge he has gained, and put it to greater use the second half of his mission.

Another important symbol, is what the camel does to be prepared to carry his load for his Master. A camel sometimes protests his heavy load, but he drops to knees for his Master, and once started, he patiently carries his load. As a missionary sometimes the load seems heavy and difficult to carry. But when you drop to your knees and succumb to the Master's will, he will carefully lead you and you can bear the load patiently, and do your Father in Heaven's work as he would have you do. This is why the camel's knees are heavily padded, as a Missionary, your knees are calloused from the many hours of kneeling in prayer.

The camel has high set eyes, that enable him to see long distances. A Missionary has his eyes set on higher things, he follows the Spirit that enables him to see the Children of God, those who are seeking answers, and he teaches them the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

The camel has broad, two-toed feet, that keep it from sinking in desert sand. A missionary has a broad knowledge and a firm testimony of the Gospel. This enables him to teach with boldness and stand firm in his testimony. The people you teach do not yet have the blessing of such a sure-foot, but as you teach with love and the Spirit, you will help them gain their own testimony that will help them walk on firmer ground. One that will lead them back to their Father in Heaven.

So you see, a Missionary has a lot in common with a camel. Put this camel where you can see it often. Dedicate yourself to do as the camel does. Serve your Master well and patiently over the long journey. You have come a long way, there is still much ground to cover. Continue to move forward, serving with love, until your mission is complete and your Father in Heaven will say, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant.

The Hump
So you have hit the hump, and half-way through,
Isn't it great how the Lord protects you.

We are proud of your work, of your baptisms, and knocks,
Glad you have found work, but know you wore out your socks.

So remember all you learned in this very first year,

You with the Lord have worked hard to get you were you are now,
So don't let the work slack, and pray as you bow.

With the help of the Lord you have changed inside out,
Growing more valiant, stronger, and very stout.

So strengthen others in this downhill road,
And don't let it be said that you had to be picked with a goad.
(see Bible dictionary)

12 is a wonderful number you know,
With the Priesthood at 12 you started to grow,

In love, and in service in righteous desire,
And now with 12 months don't get midway tired.

Just keep on converting for the next two years
Teaching the gospel, (which brings mother her tears)

About the Savior, the Plan of Salvation,
And all that transpired with the gospel's restoration.

Be proud of your growth, your work and your mission,
And hope for investigators who are willing to listen.

Teach with the Spirit, and work very hard,
It is the best of your life, for you're working for the Lord.