Letters to Missionaries

Elders, In 1877, Elder Bruce R. McConkie gave a wonderful talk titled " Come, Know the Lord Jesus ."   Come, Know the Lord Jesus In this beautiful talk, he discussed how everyone in the many faiths has their own interpretation of the Savior and gives examples of those interpretations. Now, back in 1977, the church was small, barely breaking a couple of million, and most of those saints lived in Utah. But today, we are so much more.  Having a form of godliness when you deny God of the very godliness He wishes to exhibit in our lives, and not seeing God who He is, leads to people wanting God in their lives but never seeing Him. Elders, we live in a world that is full of inspiration and revelation. For me, they are two different things. One builds on things past that can be proven that happened. The second is things that happened that cannot be proven but are true. The Bible and the Book of Mormon can be proven in parts but some things cannot. Revelation through the priestho...

Elders,  I know you deal with people who want forgiveness despite Christ and not because of Him. This reminds me of the fourth book of Narnia in the he second chapter... “Are you not thirsty?” said the Lion. “I'm  dying  of thirst,” said Jill. “Then drink,” said the Lion. “Will you promise not to—do anything to me, if I do come?” said Jill. “I make no promise,” said the Lion. Jill was so thirsty now that, without noticing it, she had come a step nearer. “Do you eat girls?” she said. “I have swallowed up girls and boys, women and men, kings and emperors, cities and realms,” said the Lion. It didn't say this as if it were boasting, nor as if it were sorry, nor as if it were angry. It just said it. “I daren't come and drink,” said Jill. “Then you will die of thirst,” said the Lion. “Oh dear!” said Jill, coming another step nearer. “I suppose I must go and look for another stream then.” “There is no other stream,” said the Lion. It never occurred to Jill to disbelieve the Lio...

Dear Elders, First, I want to wish you a Happy Easter. I have been reflecting on the Resurrection and wanted to share a few thoughts with you. When the Lord fed the multitudes, He didn't ask for enough food to feed everyone; He only asked that they bring what they had. A young lad brought a small portion, and it was enough. Thousands were fed both spiritually and physically. Similarly, the Lord does not ask you to feed everyone on your own; He only asks that you bring what you have. As His servants, you may sometimes feel your testimony or language skills are insufficient, but I repeat to you what I have said to every missionary: "Doubt not, fear not." You have brought what you have to your mission, and I pray you are seeing an increase daily. Regarding the Resurrection, consider Mary at the tomb. In her tears and fervent prayer, the Savior appeared to her. What transformed her experience was when the Lord called her by name. Just as He called Moses, Joseph, and Jeremiah,...

My dear Elders of Christ, I do not know why I am writing this letter, except that the Lord asked me to.  I'd like to discuss Joseph of Egypt, specifically his brothers. As the story goes, Joseph was asked to find his brothers so that he could return and report on their welfare. Ruben said that he was annoying and a dreamer and had him thrown in a pit. Perhaps for hours the young lad pleaded for release but got none. Ruben was angry with Joseph the birthright son and wanted to punish him.  Well, he leaves for a time and when he returns the pit is empty. Ruben is freaking out. "WHERES THE KID!"  The other brothers look sheepishly at him. Judah finally pipes up. "Sold him..."  "SOLD HIM? WHO HAD THAT GREAT IDEA?" Ruben is now angry as every eye shifts to Judah.  "WHAT WERE YOU THINKING?" "In my defense, Simeon wanted to kill him so I talked him out of it and... Well, we sold him." Ruben's eyes shift to Simeon. Simeon looks like he ...

Elders,  Last month we discussed creation, our first parents, Adam and Eve (names with incredible meaning), and in our studies, I have come to recall a few things. First, creation is explored in depth three times in the canon and several times in the Apocrypha. Each time, God declared the days good, but on the last day, when Adam and Eve were created, God declared it very good (Genesis 1:31). Think about it. The days your parents learned you were coming were good, but oh how they anticipated your coming. That day was very good. (Perhaps we need to prepare with the same earnest anticipation of the Savior's second coming.) In this life and at this very time, I want you to know that this day is very good. It's a time to prepare to meet God (Alma 34:32). Covenants and ordinances create a place where we can see how God visits us in His own way every day, making it a good day. The restoration of a solution after a long trial makes the day a day of celebration, a good day. I know your...

Elders,  How are we motivated? Is it an outward motivation or an inward motivation? Are we forced to be good, to be reverent, to be obedient, to be faithful? Is it coercion and compulsion or a willing desire to obey? Do we grudgingly arise in the morning? Do we groan in following the Savior because he asks a hard thing from us? Must the law be written in stone alone or is it written in the fleshy parts of our hearts (2 Corinthians 3:3)? We are asked to be a candle light in the darkness and a city upon a hill (Luke 11:33-35; Matthew 5:14). Show gratitude for the blessing of light and knowledge that God has revealed to you. He has shown you mysteries that others yearn to know. He has no secrets. Secrets are for shame. Mysteries are to be revealed as we are ready for them. God has no secrets. Be glad for that. He wants to open your eyes and show you things that will brighten your hope, strengthen your faith, and enrich your joy, not only for you but also for those that you touch. Open...