Sunday, September 19, 2010

Hump Day




Hump Day Poem --

The Camel is the Symbol of the Seasoned Missionary

As you come to the one-year mark of your mission, I am sending you a 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 far for long periods of time without food, 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 characteristic 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 his 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 many hours of
kneeling in prayer.

The camel has high set eyes, which 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, which keep it from sinking in the desert
sand.
A missionary has a broad knowledge and a firm testimony of the Gospel.
This enables him to teach with boldness and stand steadfast and immoveable.
The people you teach do not yet have the blessings 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, the path 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. (No spitting) 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."

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