Letters to Missionaries

Elders, I feel impressed to talk something of the temple. On your mission, you have learned to trust the Lord, gain knowledge by doing his will, and then act on the prompting of the Spirit. All of this is accomplished through faith, hope, and charity; action words. You are also learning that vails are parted through sacrifice. Like the Brother of Jared, we take the counsel and chastisements of the Lord so that the veils of doubt and fear that would cloud our minds are parted and we see clearly the will of God in our lives, our companions' lives, in the lives of those in our charge, and finally the world around us.  Look up broken heart and contrite spirit, learn what it means. 2 Nephi 2:7 says that Christ will give himself to those who have these qualities. How do you want to think the prophets see God? You are that important to Him. The path you are embarking on is changing you in ways you may not be seeing, but we here at home see. In the temple, you made covenants to obey the La...

Elders,  When we encounter people who want to tear down with scriptures, I reflect how the Lord wants the scriptures written on the soft mailable parts of the heart over the tablets of stone. Peace making takes time and a deep understanding of the Lord's principles and not the the Lord's law alone. Many people may know the written reference of the scriptures but it's deep and incredible meaning can be easily missed. We could bark references at each other and call ourselves victors because we knew a reference but can truly fail to connect with hearts. While we seek to connect with God and help others to connect too, the testimony of the heart, the words that bring the Holy Ghost, are equally important to us as the written word from thousands of years ago.  Your mission is not a race to beat others with knowledge of scriptures alone but of the heart. Miracles happen because you seek others though prayer and fasting. When I was a missionary, I misunderstood the role of being a...

Elders,  We have witnessed a significant amount of hatred directed towards good people this month. The murder of Charlie Kurk, the attack on an LDS church in Alabama and Michigan, but we have seen people trying to be good, too, in their own trials. When tragedy strikes good and innocent people, the urge to hate or be afraid is prevalent. Satan wants that, but remember three quotes... Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering. -Yoda And when Amulek saw the pains of the women and children who were consumed in the fire, he also was pained; and he said unto Alma: How can we witness this awful scene? Therefore let us stretch forth our hands, and exercise the power of God which is in us, and save them from the flames.  But Alma said unto him: The Spirit constraineth me that I must not stretch forth mine hand; for behold the Lord receiveth them up unto himself, in glory; and he doth suffer that they may do this thing, or that the people may do this thing unto ...

My dear Elder Bingham, Congratulations on your new role. Don't let it get to your head. The scriptures say many are called, but few are chosen. Teach your companion to stick to the basics: prayer to a Father that loves him, faith that shows true trust in the Savior, and loyalty through constant repentance. Teach him to bear testimony when he does not have a good answer. The Spirit will not allow you two to be cornered. No trial or tribulation can conquer you when you are on the Lord's errand.  Remember what I told you. Pray without ceasing and really talk to the Lord, out loud. Let your companion really hear your concerns for yourself, your companion, for the mission, and the investigators. Speak of the investigators by name. The Lord knows His sheep. Follow that example. Know your investigators. Each child of God is precious. Show it in your compassion.  Teach your companion action words like joy, compassion, charity, discipleship, faith, aand nd repentance. Avoid just being ...