Guy Johnson (teacher and leader at the Utah Valley Institute) joins Brian and Sean to talk about being an instrument in the hand of God. He uses the statement in Alma 26:3 "And this is the blessing which hath been bestowed upon us, that we have been made instruments in the hands of God to bring about this great work" to remind returned missionaries that God made them into instruments while on their mission and wants to continue to use them throughout their lives to do His work. RM's, don't waste the talents, spiritual gifts, experiences, and wisdom that you gained on your missions. Allow God to continue to make you into something great for what he is going to have you do.

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"You and I, however, are agents We have the power in us to act, not simply to be acted upon" (David A Bednar)

Dallas Pruitt (Podcaster, Creator of the Growth Guide Journal and founder of the LIVE LIFE Mission) joins the podcast to talk about developing a growth mindset and a pattern of lifelong learning when you come home from your mission. You can conquer life's daily distractions by having a vision for your life and living intentionally throughout the day. Dallas teaches the powerful process of using a journal to spiritually create your day each morning and then at the end of the day to reflect on how you did and what you learned. More than just self-help principles, Dallas and the hosts talk about how living intentionally and in line with your divine nature can build powerful connections with the Godhead and the people you love and help you to become a true disciple of Jesus Christ.

If you're interested in more information on this subject, you can use the links below.

Learn. Implement. Fail. EVOLVE. with Dallas & Haley Pruitt

THE GROWTH GUIDE JOURNAL

(Use Promo code PREACHMYGOSPEL to get 20% off the Growth Journal within the next 3 days.

“Verily my Sabbaths ye shall keep: for it is a sign between me and you” (Exodus 31:13). Understanding this powerful scripture changed President Russell M. Nelson and can change you too! Jared Danis (a successful businessman who leads teams of young adults for summer sales and teacher of a returned missionary class at the Utah Valley Institute) joins the podcast to explore the question: What sign do you want to give God? Together, Jared and Brian share their own conversion to the Sabbath day and how putting first things first has made all the difference. Come along and explore how keeping the Sabbath day holy can more powerfully connect you to Jesus Christ. 

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Aaron Shamy, the 1999 X-games gold medalist in Speed Rock Climbing, loves to climb mountains. His love of climbing has taken him all over the world, including summiting the Matterhorn in Switzerland. Now a teacher at the Utah Valley Institute of Religion, Aaron joins Brian and Sean to talk about the mountains that returned missionaries and all disciples of Christ have to climb on their journey through life. Aaron relates the many resources that a rock climber has (carabiner, rope, harness, and belayer) to the resources we have in our own gospel climb. Rather than "free soloing" through life, our covenants bind us to the Savior and keep us safe on our journey. Aaron is an example of what can happen when we put our true identity as a child of God and disciple of Christ first while still enjoying the adventures of life!

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In a world that is becoming increasingly anti-family, disciples of Christ understand that the family is at the heart of Heavenly Father's plan.

Listen in as Sean and Brian chat with Mark Ogletree (BYU Associate Professor of Church History and Doctrine, marriage and family therapist, author, and podcaster) about the importance of marriage and family. Mark discusses many of the myths surrounding marriage in our society, why disciples should seek for a celestial marriage, and tackles the question "what has happened to the law of chastity?" As a bonus, Mark shares his conversion story and the impact the missionaries had on his life leading to all of his 8 children serving missions.

If you want to learn more about this topic listen in to Mark and Janie Ogletree's podcast "Preserving Families" and Mark's podcast called "Stand by My Servants." For more information go to preservingfamilies.org.

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How can you grow into the principle of revelation and learn to be spiritually led at this critical time of your life?

Listen in as Sean and Brian discuss a pattern outlined in President Russell M. Nelson's talk "Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives" (April 2018).

"Follow the example of the Prophet Joseph:

1. Find a quiet place where you can regularly go.

2. Humble yourself before God.

3. Pour out your heart to your Heavenly Father. Turn to Him for answers and for comfort.

4. Pray in the name of Jesus Christ about your concerns, your fears, your weaknesses—yes, the very longings of your heart.

5. And then listen!

6. Write the thoughts that come to your mind. Record your feelings and follow through with actions that you are prompted to take.

As you repeat this process day after day, month after month, year after year, you will “grow into the principle of revelation.” (April 2018)

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How is your study of the Book of Mormon going post-mission? How has the Book of Mormon helped you draw closer to Jesus Christ? Have you shared the Book of Mormon with someone lately?

Steve Barton (former institute student council president, MBA student, RM from the California Los Angeles Mission) joins Brian and Sean to talk about how the power of the Book of Mormon continues to transform their lives. Steve shares how the Book of Mormon helped him gain strength as he dealt with heart surgery. They discuss how they keep their study of the Book of Mormon fresh even after reading it multiple times. They conclude with an invitation to help flood the earth by sharing the Book of Mormon with others.

The Love of God changes everything!

Reyna Aburto (Former 2nd Counselor in the General Relief Society Presidency, Current teacher and coordinator at the Utah Valley Institute) talks about her experiences as a convert to the church, single mother, re-marriage and eventually traveling the world as a general officer of the church and interacting closely with Prophets, Seers, and Revelators. She shares what she has learned about the love of God for all of his children, how to gain strength through Jesus Christ during trials, how to be an effective member of a council, and many other lessons that she has learned along the way.

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Join us for part 2 of our conversation with Gary Little and Ryan Bennett about the Divine Gift of Forgiveness. Learn how to overcome the bullies of fear and pride through uncompromising honesty and embracing our three friends on the path of repentance- Godly sorrow, a broken heart, and a contrite spirit. Using the story of Adam and Eve we discuss the difference between "fig leaf" repentance and "coat of skin" repentance. As we let the Lord cover us through his Divine Gift we will receive peace and joy and join what Brian calls the Hall of Fame of repenters- The Celestial Kingdom.

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Utah Valley Institute teachers Gary Little and Ryan Bennett join Brian and Sean to discuss powerful insights about joyful, Christ-centered repentance that they teach in their Institute class called "The Divine Gift of Forgiveness." The class is based on the book by the same name authored by Elder Neil L. Anderson. Learn how repentance is all about building a relationship with God and when done with a focus on turning to Jesus Christ it brings peace and joy. Beware of the two bullies and look for the three friends you'll meet on the road to repentance! This is part one in a two-part series on this topic.

Join Ryan and Gary on their upcoming podcast called "The Divine Gift" for much more on this essential topic.

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Taylor Hartman (Creator of the Color Code, Leadership Consultant, Author) joins the podcast with his enthusiastic granddaughter Kennedy Gunn (UV Institute Student Council member) to talk about how understanding our own unique nature and the natures of others can help you connect and form meaningful relationships.

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Many returned missionaries feel frustrated that they don't have a chance to minister daily to people like they did on their missions. Actually, they do!

Morgan and Jenny Fife (Bishop, Attorney, Parents, Disciples of Christ) talk about how Christ like ministering can be found at the intersection of the two great commandments. Rather than feeling like a duty or chore, ministering can be a source of great joy for both the minister and the person being served. It's all about developing relationships and loving others as the Savior would. Tune in for great tips on how to take your ministering to the next level!

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Join us for part 2 of our discussion on lifelong discipleship with Jared Halverson. In this episode Jared talks about the three pillars of eternity (Creation, Fall, and Atonement) as a model of faith progression. He shares his insightful analogy of the three shelves, which will help you sort through the complexities of life and remain focused on the saving grace of the Savior Jesus Christ. Don't lose hope if you find yourself in a "fall" or "complexity" stage. There is hope and new level of joy waiting for you on the other side of complexity!

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We continue our conversation about the power of covenants with Duncan Homer and Kayla Greer. They share how their covenants with Christ have helped them through trials and mental health issues as well as becoming more Christ like ministers.

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Two young adults, Kayla Greer (Art of Dating Co-host) and Duncan Homer (UVU Men's Volleyball and Pickleball Teams), share how a focus on their covenants with Jesus Christ helps them navigate life (including their dating relationships) since returning from their missions.

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Have you ever had a nagging question about church history or doctrine? Keith Erekson (Director of Historical Research and Outreach for the Church History Department, Former Director of the Church History Library, Author) joins the podcast to talk about critical thinking skills that will help you successfully navigate these challenging questions and deepen your discipleship in Jesus Christ. To subscribe to the podcast and to interact with the hosts, offer topic and guest suggestions, and provide feedback, please click on the following link and become part of the podcast. https://forms.office.com/r/r7516nkf1m

The PMG team joined Brother Brad Wilcox (1st Counselor in the General Young Men's presidency, former mission leader), Sister Amy A. Wright (1st Counselor in the General Primary Presidency, Missionary Executive Committee member) and Sister Andrea Munoz Spannaus (2nd counselor in the General Young Women's presidency, former mission leader) at the Together in Christ YSA Conference in Salt Lake City in the summer of 2023 to talk about the question How do I Stand as a Witness of Christ in Complex Times? This episode was filmed in front of a live audience and the video can be seen on You Tube. Each of these General Officers of the Church give inspiring insights to help you on your journey of discipleship.

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Ryan Eggett (Church music manager, former Institute teacher, former MTC choir director, Co-host of the Art of Dating podcast) joins the podcast to talk about dating. In his humorous and insightful way and drawing on his vast experience teaching dating and courtship at the Institute, Ryan shares the why behind dating, and gives helpful tips for asking someone out, planning a great first date and even gives his secret sauce for helping a first date to happen! He talks about the challenges that come with dating and finding your eternal companion. Ryan does an excellent job presenting dating in a hopeful way and with an eternal perspective. If you like this episode, you'll love listening to the Art of Dating Podcast!

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Ever wonder what it would be like to guard Kobe Bryant or be drafted into the NBA? Join us as we chat with Travis Hansen (former BYU and NBA basketball star, philanthropist, entrepreneur, and YSA stake presidency counselor) and discuss the many lessons he has learned about discipleship throughout his life. He reminds us that if we give a crust, we will get a loaf in return! Enjoy and share this with someone you love.

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Mike Kidd (teacher at the Utah Valley Institute, patriarch, money management specialist) joins the podcast to talk about some of the basic principles, both spriritual and temporal, that will lay the foundation for a solid financial future. He discusses budgeting, saving, avoiding inappropriate debt, payment of tithes and offerings and much more. Find peace as you become the master of your finances.

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Todd Simmons (Institute teacher, former stake president, master chef) joins the podcast to talk about how we can deepen our discipleship with Christ through worshiping in His house. Todd talks about several transformative principles he gets to teach in an Institute class called "Understanding Christ Through Temple Worship." Rather than seeing resources like church, the temple and the Book of Mormon as ends in and of themselves, we can re-frame our thoughts to see these as tools to help us draw near unto Jesus Christ. Worshipping Christ regularly in the House of the Lord will be one of the greatest ways to build upon the faith you developed on your mission.

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Jonathan Sandberg (BYU professor, mental health therapist, former mission leader, current YSA stake president) re-joins the podcast to discuss how to maintain your mental health as you transition home from the mission. Using stories, analogies, and his vast experience, Jonathan points out the challenges and offers some great suggestions to help you find success. For more information on this topic check out two of our most popular episodes (S1 Episodes 11 and 12) where Jonathan joined the podcast to talk about mental health before the mission and on the mission. The principles are the same!

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Ben White (Religious Educator, Author) joins the podcast to discuss the content in his book, "10 Questions to Answer after Serving a Mission." The answers to these questions will make a big difference as you continue your lifelong discipleship of Christ. If you love what you learn we invite you to share this episode and podcast with your friends.

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This is part one in a two-part conversation with Jared Halverson (Associate professor of Ancient Scripture at BYU, Host of the Unshaken Saints podcast and You tube channel). In this episode, with his signature humor and profound insights, Jared talks about how to navigate the transition home from a mission and apply what you have learned into every aspect of your life. After this one, you'll be excited to tune in next week for his thoughts on dealing with faith complexity. Enjoy and share with a friend!

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Tucker Boyle (S&I Teacher, YSA Bishop) tells his compelling story of navigating a heart wrenching faith crisis. He shares an inspiring witness of the love of God and the principles he learned along the way. He ends with his powerful witness of the Savior Jesus Christ. If you have gone through a faith crisis or want to know how to help someone who is struggling, you will not want to miss this episode.

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Buckle up and get ready to learn from an F-16 Fighter Pilot turned international leadership consultant. Rob Schallenberger, CEO of Becoming Your Best Global Leadership, joins the podcast to talk about practical tips that can help RM's turn their dreams into reality. He'll teach you how to take the planning skills you learned on your mission to the next level. Rob combines his professional expertise with his powerful testimony of the Savior Jesus Christ to inspire our listeners to "become their best."

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Jared Danis re-joins the podcast to tell a miraculous story about helping one of his former companions re-build his faith in Jesus Christ. Sean and Jared talk about the stewardship we each have to be "True Friends" (2 Nephi 1:30) to our companions and the significant role of the Book of Mormon in helping us to stay close to the Savior.

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Jared Danis is a successful businessman who leads teams of young adults doing summer sales. His experience with seeing returned missionaries lose their way prompted him to come to the Institute to see if he could teach a class for returned missionaries. In this episode you will hear Jared share his experiences and insights and feel the power of his love of the gospel, the returned missionary and his passion for helping them to be lifelong disciples of Jesus Christ.

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Steve and Marianna Richardson (BYU Professors, Returned Mission Leaders, Institute teachers, Authors, Parents of 12 children, Patriarch) join Sean to discuss how missionaries can keep their plan from the mission alive. Sean talks about his participation in the filming of the "My Plan" program that missionaries do their last 6 weeks of the mission. The Richardsons discuss how RM's can return home and implement and build upon that plan. They discuss how your patriarchal blessing can play a key role in your plan moving forward.

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In this episode we continue our conversation with Glen Mella (Business leader, former Area Seventy, former Mission President, and current Director of the Orem Temple Open House). Have you ever felt hopeless after making a mistake and finding yourself far from where you thought you would be? Glen talks about the joy that comes from turning to the Savior when your life gets off track and trusting your priesthood leaders to help you find peace in the repentance process. He shares 3 important words he hopes every returned missionary will remember: "Stand with Joseph". Doctrine and Covenants 21:5- "For his word ye shall receive, as if from mine own mouth, in all patience and faith."

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Glen Mella (Business leader, former Area Seventy, former Mission Leader, and Current Director of the Orem temple open house and dedication) joins the podcast to talk about some of the important habits returning missionaries can develop in order to continue their lifelong discipleship. Stay tuned for part 2 of our conversation with Glen in episode 3.

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Welcome to Season 2 of the Preach My Gospel Podcast! This season is a "My Plan" type effort focused on helping returned missionaries successfully transition home and to become life-long disciples of Jesus Christ.

In episode one, Sean Dixon and Brian Patterson (former mission leaders and current teachers at the Utah Valley Institute of Religion) kick off the new season by likening the story of the Jaredites journey to the promised land to a missionary transitioning home. They remind us that the Lord promised us a land, not a beach!

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We're excited to get to know you!

John, Brian, and Sean share their concluding mission prep thoughts and discuss the re-branding of the podcast to the "Preach My Gospel Podcast". Season one includes 53 Mission Prep episodes. Season two will be a "My Plan" type effort focused on using the principles found in Preach My Gospel to help missionaries successfully transition home, continue to share the gospel, and deepen their lifelong discipleship.

D&C 1:38 "Whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants it is the same." Sit back and enjoy listening to the counsel of our inspired leaders regarding missionary work. The hosts walk you through clips from Elder Cook, Elder Rasband, Elder Andersen, Elder Bednar, Sister Cordon, President Ballard and President Nelson.

Have the scriptures lost their sweetness to you since coming home from your mission? Mike Harris (teacher at the Utah Valley Institute of Religion, scripture scholar) shares how honey is used throughout the scriptures to represent the word of God. Drawing upon that analogy, he and the hosts, discuss 4 tips that will transform your scripture study.

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The hosts continue their discussion with Jonathan and Sharon Sandberg about how to stay safe while using technology. They go over the four safeguards: 1. Be in tune with spiritual promptings 2. Be focused on your missionary purpose. 3. Be disciplined 4. Be one. They also talk about the 3 things you can do when you feel vulnerable: 1. Be aware and acknowledge. 2. Choose to Act. 3 Learn, repent, and improve. These tools will help any disciple of Jesus Christ learn to have their smart devices be their servants and not their masters.

Dr. Jonathan Sandberg and his wife Sharon join the podcast to discuss how smart phones are assisting missionaries to fulfill their purpose in miraculous ways. Covid provided a "divine reset" and helped missionaries learn how to use technology to more effectively find and teach people in our modern world. Along with the blessings, they discuss the potential dangers of using technology and overview the church resources that can help members stay safe. Stay tuned for E51 where we will discuss the safeguards for using technology wisely.

The hosts dive into Ch. 1 of PMG 2nd ed. to learn more about how missionaries can gain spiritual power as they strive to fulfill their purpose.

The hosts talk about the exciting announcement of the 2nd Edition of Preach My Gospel as evidence that we belong to a living church led by Apostles and Prophets. Some examples of the updates are highlighted.

We continue our conversation with Blaine Hales and Roger and Susan Tucket about their experience as senior missionaries. They talk about how they dealt with leaving children and grandchildren behind and the miracle of zoom that allowed them to stay close to family while they were gone. Blaine shares what life as a missionary was like in Zambia, Africa. The Tuckets talk about how they came closer to Jesus Christ even while doing office tasks. Their missions brought them closer to Christ, each other, and gave them a deep sense of satisfaction knowing they were making a big difference.

Blaine Hales (Former senior missionary with his wife Sue in Zambia, Africa) and Roger and Susan Tucket (Former senior missionaries in the Ohio Columbus mission) join the podcast to talk about their inspiring experience as senior missionaries. They answer the questions they wish they had known before they went out to serve.

Share this episode with anyone considering serving a mission in their senior years. Young missionaries will benefit from knowing more about the role of senior missionaries and how they will bless their lives.

John Gonzalez and David Christensen (Former mission president in Chile and former president of the Guatemala MTC) talk about how to deal with the various distractions that influence missionaries. They specifically focus on how to deal with comparing yourself to other missionaries, inappropriate attraction, and technology.

Several former mission leaders call in to give their best advice for those preparing to serve.

Leif Erickson- Former Mission President of the Zambia Lusaka Mission, Former Director of the Los Angeles Temple Visitors Center, former Director of the Area Mission Specialists for the Missionary Department.

Janeen Redd- Former Mission Leader of the Mexico Aguascalinetes Mission.

Jeffrey Redd- Former Mission Leader of the Mexico Aguascalientes Mission.

Julie Patterson- Former Mission Leader of the California Long Beach Mission.

David Christensen- Former Mission President of the Chile Santiago North Mission, Former President of the Guatemala Missionary Training Center, Former Mission Prep teacher at BYU-Idaho.

Alison Hymas- Former Mission Leader of the California Sacramento Mission

Jeremy Guthrie- Former Mission President of the Texas Houston South Mission. World Series Champion Pitcher for the Kansas City Royals.

Karlena Gonazalez- Former Mission Leader of the California Fresno Missio

We explore the new missionary handbook called "Missionary Standards for Disciples of Jesus Christ." John talks about his time working in the missionary department when it was developed and gives the background about why it was produced. Much like the new For the Strength of Youth pamphlet, this handbook gives principles that will help you make wise decisions about how to act during your mission and throughout your entire life.

Elder Powell, Sister Mortensen, and Elder Gailey rejoin the podcast to answer frequently asked questions about service missions.

As a full-time missionary, you learned to live the Savior's invitation to "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven" (Matthew 5:16) Steven Lund, General Young Men's President said, "Anything we do , to distract from or diminish or camouflage or hide that light frustrates the purposes of being born at this time." Since you've been home from your mission, have you ever been tempted to blend in with the crowd, go with the flow, or make your discipleship difficult to detect? In this episode, Brian joins Sean to draw upon his experience as a hunter and explore the spiritual dangers of living a life of camouflage compared to the joy and blessing of going "blaze orange" as a true disciple of Jesus Christ.

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Sister Mortensen, Elder Powell, and Elder Gailey (current service missionaries) join us to tell their stories and talk about the impact of service missions. They discuss the misunderstandings, including their own, surrounding service missions and how they came to find and love their unique role in God's work. They help us to understand the purpose of service missionaries and how it feels to literally be the hands of Christ. Each of them describes how they have seen the Lord's hand guiding their assignments and preparing them for what He needs them to do.

John Hilton III (BYU religion professor, "Seeking Jesus" podcast host, author, speaker) joins the team to talk about how to focus your life and mission on Jesus Christ. John talks about the life changing impact of President Nelson's invitation in 2017 to read every verse in the topical guide about Jesus Christ. He discusses how a teenager can successfully connect themself and others with Jesus Christ in the midst of their busy lives. The team talks about how to focus on Jesus Christ no matter what principle of the gospel you are teaching. John shares his insights about what he learned from his research about Jesus' sacrifice on the cross and how this demonstrates the importance of the "loving Christ." If you want to learn how to increase your focus on Jesus, you will not want to miss this episode.

The worth of the soul of a new convert is great in the sight of God! (D&C 18)

M'Shelle Dixon re-joins the podcast to discuss the question: "How Do I Work With Stake and Ward Leaders?"(PMG Ch. 13) Missionaries and members need to work together to help new converts progress along the covenant path. They can do so by ensuring that every new convert has 3 things: 1. A friend 2. A responsibility 3. Nurture with the good word of God. The team talks about the difference between the priesthood keys of the mission president and stake and ward leaders and how those keys can be aligned to further the work. The importance of missionary coordination meetings is discussed and an inspiring example is given of miracles that can happen when a Bishop leads out using his priesthood keys.

"Therefore, in the ordinances thereof, the power of godliness is manifest." (D&C 84:20) Using audio clips from Elder Holland and stories from their missions, John, Brian, and Sean go through PMG Ch. 12 and explore how to help people prepare for baptism and confirmation. They talk about the qualifications for baptism as found in D&C 20:37 and discuss how to prepare their friends for the baptismal interview. They also explain the power of the baptismal service and how to make it special.