Serving as a full-time missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was a life-changing experience for Elder Ryan K. Olsen, a General Authority Seventy.
“I wouldn’t be here with you [in El Salvador], nor would I speak this language [Spanish] if it weren’t for the mission I served,” he said.
Elder Olsen, who serves as second counselor in the Church’s Central America Area presidency, made the statement while teaching a missionary preparation “Super Class” for Latter-day Saint youth and young adults across Central America on Sunday, Jan. 19.
Young women and young men participated both in person and virtually while watching from Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras and Panama.
Information about the class, which originated from a meetinghouse in El Salvador, was posted on the Church’s Guatemala Newsroom.
Elder Olsen discussed the topics of missionary work, the doctrine of Christ, how to serve others and invite them to come unto Christ, and other simple, daily practices for how to love, share and invite.
After expressing his love, Elder Olsen encouraged the young people to prepare to serve the Lord as a missionary. He reminded them that President Russell M. Nelson has reaffirmed that every worthy, able young man should prepare to serve a mission. For young and able sisters, a mission is also a powerful — but optional — opportunity.
“I will be forever grateful for the decision I made that changed my life. Every blessing I have received has come as a result of that mission I served,” Elder Olsen said.
What future missionaries learned
Participants shared the following thoughts and impressions about the missionary preparation class:
Guatemala
Luis Mario Bolaños Ruiz, of the San José Pinula Ward, Guatemala City Don Justo Stake, said: “What inspired me most in this meeting is knowing that Heavenly Father will not leave me alone, that if I continue keeping the commandments and being obedient, I will be able to serve a full-time mission and continue blessing my life.”
El Salvador
Camila Escamilla, of the Mejicanos Ward, San Salvador El Salvador Cuzcatlán Stake, said: “I am preparing to serve a mission, a decision I made recently, and today I learned a lot about the commitment we will have with people who decide to be baptized, and that they accomplish their goals. I am very excited waiting to receive my mission call.”
Angely Nahomy Maravilla, of the Occidental Ward, Usulután El Salvador Stake, said: “Through President Olsen’s words, I feel much more motivated to serve the Lord, as a missionary I will be able to help others receive the blessings of this gospel, I am preparing to serve so that others may come unto Christ.”
Honduras
Yancy Iliana Ponce Flores, of the Zamorano Branch, Tegucigalpa Honduras Uyuca Stake, said: “In this missionary preparation class, I learned the purposes of how to share the gospel with others, how to strengthen ourselves to then help others with small acts of service, so that they, like us, can strengthen their faith in Jesus Christ by knowing this gospel.”
Panama
Russell Ríos, El Progreso Branch, La Chorrera Panamá Stake, said: “During the missionary preparation super class with Elder Olsen, I have had an experience that has filled me with much peace and joy, as I have been able to understand more about the missionary purpose, the doctrine of Christ and some practical examples of how to preach the gospel through the principle of love, share and invite, to prepare people to accept Christ and make covenants with the Father. This class has been very special for me because I know I will use it when I am in the mission field and because it contributes to my knowledge to bring more people to the gospel.”
How to watch the ‘Super Class’
Watch the missionary preparation “Super Class” in Spanish on YouTube.
