Quotes on Missionary Work
Elder L. Tom Perry
“As we look at the periods past and our own era in the Church, it is our responsibility to participate in the ever-reaching destiny of the Church. It would seem to me that as we follow the direction of our present prophet, this will be a time of declaring the word of the Lord to the people of the earth with more boldness and more courage than we have ever known before. We have the doctrinal base; we have the organization.”
“Accept the Challenge,” New Era, Sept. 1997, 4
President Boyd K. Packer
“While we take the gospel of Christ to all people, we do not oppose other churches. If you meet someone who challenges our right to the title Christian, do not confront them. Teach them peaceably. We have but to remain humble and peaceable followers of Christ, for He has promised, ‘I will fight your battles.’ “
“The Peaceable Followers of Christ,” Ensign, Apr. 1998, 62
Elder Neal A. Maxwell
“When we share the gospel as members or full-time missionaries, our friends and investigators need to feel our convictions and testimonies about the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Yes, we are teaching a deep concept, but we should also be sharing a deep conviction about that powerful doctrine.”
“Testifying of the Great and Glorious Atonement,” Ensign, Oct. 2001, 10
Elder Dallin H. Oaks
“The gospel of Jesus Christ challenges us to become converted. It teaches us what we should do, and it provides us opportunities to become what our Heavenly Father desires us to become. The full measure of this conversion to men and women of God happens best through our labors in His vineyard.”
“I’ll Go Where You Want Me to Go,” Ensign, Nov. 2002, 67
Elder Russell M. Nelson
“As the work expands at a rate that many have described as ‘unbelievable,’ we should recall a remarkable admonition given by the Lord through the Prophet Joseph Smith on 11 September 1831 to the elders of the Church assembled at the Morley Farm near Kirtland, Ohio. There the Master simply said: ‘Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great.’ (D&C 64:33.)”
“Drama on the European Stage,” Ensign, Dec. 1991, 7
Elder M. Russell Ballard
“What we need now is the greatest generation of missionaries in the history of the Church. We need worthy, qualified, spiritually energized missionaries who, like Helaman’s 2,000 stripling warriors, are ‘exceedingly valiant for courage, and also for strength and activity’ and who are ‘true at all times in whatsoever thing they [are] entrusted’ (Alma 53:20).”
“The Greatest Generation of Missionaries,” Ensign, Nov. 2002, 46
Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin
“To more effectively flood the earth with the Book of Mormon, we must begin by better preparing our missionaries. We need missionaries who come into the mission field with burning testimonies of it. Even more importantly, we need more missionaries-including member missionaries-who are truly converted and have had spiritual experiences with the Book of Mormon. A missionary will not be effective if he or she does not have a strong testimony of this sacred volume of scripture. Indeed, I believe a missionary’s effectiveness and success is directly related to his or her own conversion to, testimony of, and love of the Book of Mormon.”
“The Book of Mormon: The Heart of Missionary Proselyting,” Ensign, Sept. 2002, 13
President Gordon B. Hinckley
“If you serve a mission faithfully and well, you will be a better husband, you will be a better father, you will be a better student, a better worker in your chosen vocation. Love is of the essence of this missionary work. Selflessness is of its very nature. Self-discipline is its requirement. Prayer opens its reservoir of power.”
“Of Missions, Temples, and Stewardship,” Ensign, Nov. 1995, 51
Elder Robert D. Hales
“Young men, prepare to serve as missionaries. Going on a mission teaches you to live the law of consecration. It may be the only time in your life when you can give to the Lord all your time, talents, and resources. In return, the Lord will bless you with His Spirit to be with you. He will be close to you and strengthen you.”
“If Thou Wilt Enter into Life, Keep the Commandments,” Ensign, May 1996, 35
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland
“So why should we bear frequent and powerful testimony of Christ? Because doing so invites and becomes part of the divine power of testimony borne by God the Father and by the Holy Ghost, a testimony borne on wings of fire to the very hearts of investigators. Such a divine testimony of Christ is the rock upon which every new convert must build. Only this testimony of the atoning Anointed, Victorious One will prevail against the gates of hell.”
“Missionary Work and the Atonement,” Ensign, Mar. 2001, 8
President James E. Faust
“Now, my dear young friends, missionary work is not easy. In fact, it is often quite difficult, but the Lord is the greatest paymaster in the world. Dedicated missionary service is one of life’s most fulfilling experiences. This is in large measure because of the divine agency which flows so richly from the Lord to His humble and obedient servants to bless the lives of others. I know this because I have seen it manifested in the lives of thousands and have felt it in my own life.”
“Ten Things to Know Before You Go,” New Era, July 2002, 4
President Thomas S. Monson
“Youth of the Church, the world is in need of your help. There are feet to steady, hands to grasp, minds to encourage, hearts to inspire, and souls to save. The harvest truly is great. Let there be no mistake about it; the missionary opportunity of a lifetime is yours. The blessings of eternity await you. Yours is the privilege to be, not spectators, but participants on the stage of service to others.”
“That All May Hear,” New Era, May 1996, 4
Elder Richard G. Scott
“Missionaries try with every capacity-prayer, fasting, and testifying-to help individuals embrace the truth. A mission teaches one to be led by the Spirit, to understand our purpose for being on earth and how to accomplish it.”
“First Things First,” Ensign, May 2001, 6
Elder David B. Haight
“The ultimate goal of missionary work in the Church is to invite all the inhabitants of the earth to come unto Christ. Six billion people throughout the world are waiting to hear the message of the restored gospel. We are the people so blessed with the charge and responsibility to carry forth that invitation and message.”
“A Spiritual Adventure,” New Era, June 2000, 6
