All I Ever Needed To Know I Learned On My Mission [Paperback]

Jeffrey G. Skousen (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 12, 2001

Many future missionaries have been told in general terms what to expect in the mission field, but they have rarely been able to comprehend the day-to-day rigors they will face—until now.

At last comes a book that moves beyond the usual “missionary” advice to actual experiences of what awaits them in the mission field.

By using amusing and revealing anecdotes, Jeff Skousen has crafted an entertaining guide that tackles various subjects such as dealing with anti-Mormon literature, handling Protestant ministers, and helping investigators through times of tragedy or doubt.

In the same mode as All I Ever Needed to Know I Learned in Kindergarten, every chapter is loaded with insights that will touch both the heart and mind of those preparing to serve a mission—and those who already have.

Editorial Reviews

Review

...each experience has a powerful and important moral lesson for the current or future full-time missionary. I would recommend this... -- Richard G. Waldron, CES Coordinator

Jeff Skousen has drawn from scriptures and personal experience to highlight key elements which will be of insight and use... -- David G. Williams, Former Stake President, Fairmont West Virginia Stake

About the Author

eff Skousen, Ph.D., now a West Virginia University professor of soil, environmental science and reclamation, has served the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as high councilor, bishop, and in many other positions, including scouting. He is also a piano technician, receiving his degree in music from BYU. He and his wife Debbie have four children.

Product Details

• Paperback: 94 pages
• Publisher: Bonneville Books (April 12, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1555175376
• ISBN-13: 978-1555175375
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,518,211 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars A FRANK BUT ENGAGING BOOK OF ADVICE FOR LDS MISSIONARIES, April 6, 2011

By 

Steven H. Propp (Sacramento, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: All I Ever Needed To Know I Learned On My Mission (Paperback)

At the time he wrote this 2001 book, Jeff Skousen was "a West Virginia University professor, (who) has served the Church as high councilor, bishop, and in many other positions, including scouting."

He wrote in the Preface, "The idea for this book came to me while listening to a good friend... who was speaking in sacrament meeting at his daughter's missionary homecoming. As I listened to the speakers that day, I realized that many of the most crucial and profound things I knew in my heart were things I learned on my mission. Therefore, I have attempted to include some of the most significant experiences of my mission and explain the important principles and life-changing lessons I learned from the experience."

Here are some quotations from the book:

"One elder ... became concerned that he was telling people that the Book of Mormon was true and that Joseph Smith was a prophet, when he did not know for himself... his companion challenged him to follow the counsel he was giving investigators: read the Book of Mormon and pray with a sincere heart. He read and prayed daily that he would know the truthfulness of the message, but nothing happened..." (Pg. 4)
"I decided to read more of the New Testament and the Book of Mormon, and try to understand whether I got the same feeling while reading the two books... Soon I realized that the Book of Mormon and the New Testament were both testaments of Christ. The feelling was the same! I had kept the anti-Mormon book and began to flip through the pages ... As I did so, I noticed a distinct dark spirit again closing in about me and causing me to become sad and discouraged. This was my answer! I now knew which books were true and which one was false." (Pg. 14)
"Anti-Mormon books, or anti-anything books, are written by mean-spirited individuals who are full of criticism." (Pg. 15)
"The one aspect about transfers that bothered me was going to a different apartment. If missionaries had lived there for awhile, the apartment was usually filthy and disgusting." (Pg. 31)
"Missionaries never win arguments about religion, nor should they participate in them, because contention is of the devil. I continue to avoid contention to this day." (Pg. 39)