We had the elders over for dinner the other night and we were talking about some of their experiences they have had while they have been out in the field. I of course love hearing their stories.
One thing that has come up before with other elders, that I was shocked and AMAZED to hear was that there have been some elders that have been sent on their missions without knowing how to ride a bike!!!!! I can’t believe that anyone would be ok sending a son on their mission without teaching them to ride a bike! I know of at least two in just the last few months!
I think that a part of preparing our children to serve missions should be the physical part! Yes, the spiritual preparation is very important, but they need to be able to go forth and teach, and sometimes that can require 20-30 mile bike rides, 5-8 miles of walking up and down mountains!
The elders were telling me about one of their companions that didn’t know how to ride a bike and the only way for them to get around was to get on a bike and ride. The average day had them riding in the cold Wyoming wind 20-30 miles! How in the world could anyone do that if they have never ridden a bike?!
I think it would be a good idea to put physical activity into the preparing of our children to be successful missionaries! Just a thought.
I wholeheartedly agree! Having companions that couldn’t keep up physically, spiritually, or mentally was lame!
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