Rohan's First Talk

Rohan gave his first talk today in sacrament meeting. It was fun to see him get up to the pulpit in front of the entire congregation. His cheerful face was flush and he only made brief eye contact twice with the audience - once at the beginning before he started to read his talk and once at the end with a relieved smile as he said amen. I think the hardest part of giving the talk was preparing it. Cecilie made him write out the talk on his own and only offered small bits of help. Here is his unedited talk for posterity's sake...

Today I was asked to talk on missionary work.

Some things that I can do are be a good example, share the gospel, and invite people to my house so they can feel the spirit. Some things I do to be a good example are not swearing and being nice. All of the kids in my grade are not Mormon so they do things that I don’t. Most kids at my school swear. I try to show a good example by not swearing. By doing this I have two of my best friends – both of whom don’t swear.

In the New Era this month there was an article about David Archuleta. For those of you who are American Idol fans you will remember that he was one of the final two contestants last season. The article mentioned that during the whole competition he continued to read the scriptures so he could stay current with his seminary class and go to church. I think this was very impressive because American Idol is a big show and it would be hard to concentrate on church.

He was being a missionary by showing people how strong Mormons are in keeping up to date in church and what we are asked to do.


I think one of the best examples of missionary work is Ammon. Ammon went to the land of the Laminates to teach the gospel. When he got there he was sent to tend the king’s flocks. One day a bunch of robbers came and tried to steel the sheep. Ammon came up to them and chopped off their arms. Then he brought the arms to the king. The king was amazed and worshipped Ammon. Ammon told him to stop because it was the Lord who helped him to do this.

The way Ammon was able to teach was by being of service. Then when the king saw that he was such a good servant he wanted to learn about him so Ammon was able to teach him.

To prepare to become a missionary I know that I am going to work a lot harder than I do now. I will have to read the scriptures so I have a better understanding of the gospel. I will also do my duty to god and finish my eagle scout. This will help me because I will have to work hard and I will gain some valuable skills.

I know that Heavenly Father and Jesus love and care for us. I know this is the true church. I know that the book of Mormon and the Bible are true testaments. I also know that my parents care for me.
I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ Amen.