Emily by Jack Weyland

Author:Jack Weyland [Weyland, Jack]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Fiction
Publisher: Deseret Book Company
Published: 1999-08-31T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter 10

“It’s just that I wouldn’t have guaranteed them this was going to work on their first try.”

“With all due respect, Elder, what’s that gotten you so far?”

After a painful pause, Austin said softly, “No baptisms.”

“That’s right, no baptisms. Well, we’re about to change that.”

In some ways, Austin secretly hoped it wouldn’t work, and that John and Cassie wouldn’t find anyone.

But two weeks later, an old high school friend stopped by to visit John and Cassie. John asked him to take the missionary discussions, and he agreed.

Three weeks later he was baptized.

The morning after the baptism, Austin and Hastings went to McDonald’s for a late breakfast to celebrate. Hastings and his companion were leaving after lunch to travel with President Merrill.

“Well, now you know how it’s done,” Hastings said.

“Yeah, I do. Thanks a lot.”

“No problem. Now it’s your turn to help me.”

“It’s like I said before, you don’t need any help.”

“What do the office elders think about me?”

“I don’t know. Why don’t you ask them?”

“You said you’d help me. So do it. Tell me what I need to change.”

Austin fiddled with his drink cup. “I’m not sure I can do this.”

“Why’s that?”

“Because . . . well . . . we’re friends now.”

“That’s why you should tell me. I mean, if there’s something I’m doing that turns people off, then I’d like to know what it is.”

Austin took a deep breath before replying. “Well, whenever you give a talk to the elders, it comes across, like, ‘Look at what I’ve done! Aren’t I great? Why can’t you all be like me?’ You don’t have to do that. Everyone knows who you are and what you’ve accomplished.”

Austin wasn’t sure how Hastings would take it–-if he’d get defensive or try to argue his case, or else get mad at him.

“Part of my responsibilities as mission assistant is to motivate others to have success.”

“I know.”

“So how can I do it without appearing arrogant?”

Austin shrugged his shoulders. “I don’t know. I just run the commissary.”

“What would you do if you were mission assistant?”

Austin laughed. “Check to see if President Merrill had lost his mind.”

“I’m serious.”

While he thought, Austin placed their empty wrappers and boxes on the tray. “I’d talk about the Savior. He’s the reason we’re here. What he did and what he’s revealed is what were supposed to be teaching. That’s what I’d do—talk about the Savior.”

“Every talk?”

“Every talk. Every training session. Every meeting. Always, every day.”

Hastings nodded his head. “I’ll try it and see how it works.”

“Okay.”

“Let’s go.”

On the drive to the mission office, Hastings looked over at Austin. “How about if we set a goal to baptize every month while we’re in the office? You with your companion and me with mine?”

“Sounds good.”

“We’ll do it then . . .” Hastings paused. “That is, with the Lord’s help, we will.”

Austin smiled. He had never been so happy since he’d been on his mission.

* * * * *

A month later Austin was transferred out of the mission office to work with Vietnamese families again.

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