Samuel, a Lamanite

I have always thought that Samuel was a great guy, but this lecture really convinced me that he is someone that I need to try to be like.  He is an amazing disciple of Christ that I want to try to pattern my life after.  Brother Griffin showed so much respect for Samuel, and I am starting to develop the same sort of awe.
We discussed characteristics that make Samuel unique.  Things that stood out to me were that he is a nobody by the world's standards, that he preaches about deep doctrine and Christ, and that he never gave up.  I am leaving on a mission in April and Samuel taught me lessons about the type of missionary I should be.
I guess growing up I had always heard him called Samuel THE Lamanite.  I realized in this lecture he was Samuel, A Lamanite.  He didn't hold any important or noteworthy titles.  No one really knew who he was until he started preaching of Christ.  This is such a comfort to me.  I think that when I enter the mission field there will  be so many times when I will feel inadequate to do this work.  I am sure there will be times when I will feel frustrated with the language or annoyed with my human tendencies that disrupt the Lord's work moving forth.  However, it is so nice to know that even nobody's can preach and carry out the Lord's will.  As long as I am willing to fully submit myself to what God would have me do, I will be blessed with the knowledge and power to know what to say.  I do not have to worry about my own self getting in the way of the Lord's work moving forth.
Samuel preaches about deep doctrines like repentance and he talks of Christ.  I like that he focuses his message on what truly matters.  I hope that when I am a missionary I can teach in a way that people will know that the gospel is centered on Christ.  If I preach like Samuel did, I will be able to wear my name tag and know that I am correctly representing Christ.  Also, it says in Helaman 13: 3 that Samuel preached whatsoever things should come into his heart.  He was the ultimate example of teaching by the Spirit.  I love that he did not come with a set plan, but he let God direct him with what he should say.
Last, Samuel taught me that I should never give up.  Helaman 13: 2 says "And it came to pass that he did preach, many days repentance unto the people" and then they cast him out.  He is about to return home but then the Lord tells him to go back and keep working.  That is another great example of what kind of a missionary I should be.  I need to be the type of missionary that stops when the Lord tells me to.  I want to be unwearying.  I am so glad that Brother Griffin showed us what an amazing example Samuel was.  I aspire to be like him as I prepare and go on my mission!