Preparation Tips For A Missionary

1. Memorise the first 2 discussions before MTC - you'll be busy, but you'd have to do it on your mission anyway, and you're even busier then.
2. Don't slack off at the MTC - memorise at least one whole discussion there too, try for two.
3. Take a skipping rope with you. It's the most convenient, but effective, exercise - and you'll need exercise at the MTC!
4. Start your mission journal a few weeks before you leave. Try and write every day.
5. Take copies of your Mission Call, Patriarchal Blessing, and Priesthood Line of Authority (for Elders).
6. After opening your Call, write a letter to yourself and seal it. Open it about 2-3 months into your mission on a tough day.
7. Pray for confirmation that your Mission Call was issued through inspiration.
8. Practise your Mum's 10 best recipes before your mission.
9. "Companions are Siamese twins joined at the Spirit."
10. NZ. MTC. doesn't cut your hair, so go in shorter than normal. Provo MTC. doesn't use scissors - only razors!
11. A photo will be taken of you 2 hours after you get off the plane. Thisis the photo all other missionaries will see throughout your mission. Take care to look good!
12. Invite companions, converts, etc. to write in your journal.
13. Learn what annoys your companion - and do it occasionally!
14. Learn what pleases your companion - and do it occasionally!
15. Put a photo of your family, the Saviour, or stickers on the back of your name badge.
16. Get to bed as early as you can (half an hour before required.)
17. Get up 5 minutes earlier than required (arise before 6.30.)
18. Tell office elders they were less valiant in the pre-mortal world!
19. Write to your family weekly, not weakly.
20. Look after your bike.
21. Develop an easy, quick, effective scripture marking system that is not too messy.
22. Bring postcards from home to show investigators/companions about your hometown.
23. When asked what your name-tag means, tell people it's to remind you to give them a Book of Mormon.
24. Always have a Book of Mormon with you from now on - i.e. before your mission too!
25. Make each companion feel like they are the best yet.
26. Don't have a specific approach in mind when tracting. Be spontaneous. Let the Spirit help.
27. Wake your companion one morning with the flash on your camera.
28. Tell your companion you love them every day.
29. Learn how to give spiritual thoughts based on scriptures. Have a few references memorised.
30. MTC. and Mission Presidents truly are inspired.
31. Repent of everything, really everything, before, or at the very latest during, the MTC.
32. Always label and date all photos. Use a roll of film per month. It's your memories.
33. Helaman 10:5.
34. Members won't be transferred, but you will. Make sure investigators get attached to members, not you.
35. Take advantage of study-time.
36. If you don't approach a stranger then the answer is already 'no'.
37. The main criteria for choosing shoes should be comfort.
38. Remember that in the discussion booklets the left column is only the doctrine. It's the right column that brings the Spirit in.
39. Elders and Sisters should keep their relationship on a professional level at all times.
40. Remember names as much as you can.
41. Do number 1.

* Most of these were from a book my companion has, but a few were from me.

written by: Fraser Redmond while he is already in the mission