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."