Faith and a Life Jacket | Interview With Ben Bernards

Ben Bernards author of Faith and a Life Jacket: 7 Truths for your Eternal Mission. Ben also teaches at Especially For Youth conferences. Ben served his mission in the Fiji Islands mission, serving mainly in New Caledonia, the mission experience enriched his testimony in unique and challenging ways. He shares unique mission experiences that show tender mercies from Heavenly Father. Episode Highlights: * Mission prep book that also ties into leadership qualities for LDS leaders. * What advice can you give ward leaders to help reach out to youth? * Try to bridge the age gap and connect on their level. Make sure that you understand the secular culture that they are living in so you can converse with them about things they are interested in. Being real and genuine with the youth can help connect with them and build relationships. * Ward leaders should strive to help those preparing for a mission understand that it will be difficult. As you team up with Heavenly Father and inspired leaders, you will find success. We’ve been asked to take His yoke upon and and not our own. * Ben Bernard’s book discusses 7 Truths that also apply to leadership within the ward. * It’s going to be harder than you think but it’s possible with God’s help. * Leadership is hard but it’s possible with God’s help. * Social media is fine but don’t compare someone’s highlight reel with your behind the scenes. * Your faithfulness and obedience that isn’t a guarantee of a smooth road. 100% obedience and hard work doesn’t mean that leadership or missionary work is going to be easy. Don’t let it get you down, let your faith help you keep going. * Evil is real but God is more powerful. * The reality of how difficult things can be, when the adversary tries to throw you off your path. Hold on to the fact that God’s power can cast out the darkness and bring light to everyone around us. * Miracles happen and are unlocked by the patient obedient The Lord will reward and work best with those who are willing to follow His principles. * How are you going to show love to those you lead? * What ways can you serve the people you are leading in their everyday lives? Be willing to genuine and real with those that you serve. Try to become a minister of Christ in your interactions. * What was helping for leadership development during your mission? * Make the scriptures familiar with yourself and can apply the different stories and teaching to real life situations. Keep a record of scriptures that you continually use to help, write them down and keep them in an easily accessible location. Focus on bringing people to Christ at their own speed. * Focus on the progress of the people and not the statistical aspect of the gospel. There is wisdom in helping those begin their journey and not rushing them through gaining a testimony. Timing is in God’s hands and success is sometimes measured in qualitative ways, this helps you see this as a people’s church and not a race for numbers. Putting standards on yourself is difficult as a leader and as you learn to set that aside and just love people, you’ll find success and joy in serving. The small progress that people make can be counted as success and it’s just as important as the large steps. * When we set aside the best things for our lives and work in God’s vineyard that we see the miracles and blessings happen. Let God direct the work. * Now Go Out There and Teach Someone. Links: Faith and a Life Jacket Book BenBernards.com