NYC Missionaries Share What’s Really in the Book of Mormon
Contributed By Laurie Williams Sowby, Church News staff writer
Elder Hayden Kroff answers visitors’ questions about the Book of Mormon.
Article Highlights
- One missionary companionship taught at least 20 mini-lessons introducing people to the Church.
“It was an opportunity to feed off the energy in the city and teach what Mormons really believe.” —Elder Quin Ficklin, missionary
NEW YORK CITY
In a city where a Broadway musical has brought attention to the Book of Mormon, missionaries serving in the New York New York North Mission are seeking to bring a little clarity.
Using as a backdrop a 4’ x 8’ Book of Mormon cover painted on plywood by a local member, 21 young elders and sisters (joined by a few “seasoned” missionary couples) gathered in a prominent and busy spot, the Columbus Circle entrance to Central Park, August 15.
Their posters invited engagement, asking “What is the Book of Mormon?” and declaring “The book is ALWAYS better!”
Zone leaders Elder Quin Ficklin and Elder Hayden Kroff organized the activity after hearing of its success in another zone in the Bronx a few months earlier.
“It was an opportunity to feed off the energy in the city and teach what Mormons really believe,” said Elder Ficklin.
Many people stopped and talked, and missionaries placed several copies of the small paperback edition of the Book of Mormon.
Perhaps more important, “We answered questions and corrected a lot of misconceptions” about the Church, said Elder Ficklin.
Between Elder Ficklin and his companion, they had the opportunity to teach at least 20 mini-lessons introducing people to the Church.
Two of the listeners, the elders reported, were actually on their way to see the musical, and they left with copies of the Book of Mormon in their hands.
Sister Lexie Orme and her companion, Sister Kiera Tanner, also felt the activity was positive.
Said Sister Orme of the two hours, “It was a good way to get the news out about the Book of Mormon, and it was great to spend time really talking about it with people.”
Sister Emily Smith and Sister Carlee Toone speak with a tour operator in Central Park. Photo by Laurie Williams Sowby.
Elder Quin Ficklin introduces the Book of Mormon to a tourist from Pakistan near the Columbus Circle entrance to Central Park. Photo by Laurie Williams Sowby.
