Week 3 & 4
I wondered what it would be like to wear the missionary name tag. Would I feel uncomfortable, excited, cautious, supported? It was a new experience to put the name tag on. Not so much at the MTC where everyone has a tag, but when you first step out in public. It makes you think about your behavior and how you are perceived. On our first P-Day (Preparation Day), we met with some of the grandkids and family for one last time at Thanksgiving Point. We were eating ice cream at the end of our stay, when a family with children passed by. One of the kids said, “Hey, there’s the missionaries!” I didn’t even turn around or acknowledge her until one of my family members brought it to my attention. I said, “Right, I am a missionary!” I’m sure our experiences will evolve and grow the longer we wear the tag.
Jenni
Eric and I love to walk when we travel and we always take the stairs, never the elevator. On this day as we exited the train in Vasterhaninge, Sweden, Eric took the elevator. I followed. My first thought was, where is he going? Before I knew it a woman rushed in the cramped space with several large bags. As the door closed she peered at our tags and then started talking with us. By the time the door opened we had offered to help her with her bags. She invited us to her house and she became our first new Swedish friend. Jenni told us we should ‘ditch’ the name tags. She said that people in Sweden don’t like to talk about religion and the name tag will just make it worse. I thought a lot about what she said and I came to the conclusion that the very reason she did talk with us about religion and invited us to her home was because we did wear the name tag.
“The missionary name tags are a beacon to the spiritually curious and a literal fulfillment of baptismal covenants to take upon us the name of Christ.” – James Wood
Samira
As we were visiting Grispholm Slott (a castle) the following week we grabbed a quick snack as it was late in the afternoon and we didn’t have much time. A woman was sitting at the table and invited us to sit with her. She saw our name tags and started up a conversation. Her name was Samira, she was from Syria and had immigrated to Sweden years ago. She identified herself as an Orthodox Christian and very devoted to her religion. The conversation was wonderful as we discussed the similarities in our religious beliefs as well as the differences. We talked about the Plan of Salvation, living prophets, and the falling away after Christ’s death and the restoration. In the end, she felt that the Bible was enough for her. We gave her the church’s website and cheerfully said our goodbyes. The name tag truly is a beacon to the spiritually curious. The name tags have given us many opportunities to connect with people. We’re grateful and honored to wear it!
Gripsholm Slott
