Power of Book of Mormon

Dear Sisters and Elders,

The Book of Mormon provides great examples of the power of teaching and tesifying from our hearts so that the Spirit will carry our message to the hearts of our investigators (2 Nephi 33:1). Alma is teaching his son Shiblon about the importance of continuing to trust in the Lord and if he does so, he will continue to be delivered out of his trials, troubles and afflictions. He then shares his testimony of these things and how he had received this testimony. In Alma 38:5-9 we read the following:


5 And now my son, Shiblon, I would that ye should remember, that as much as ye shall put your trust in God even so much ye shall be delivered out of your trials, and your troubles, and your afflictions, and ye shall be lifted up at the last day.

6 Now, my son, I would not that ye should think that I know these things of myself, but it is the Spirit of God which is in me which maketh these things known unto me; for if I had not been born of God I should not have known these things.

7 But behold, the Lord in his great mercy sent his angel to declare unto me that I must stop the work of destruction among his people; yea, and I have seen an angel face to face, and he spake with me, and his voice was as thunder, and it shook the whole earth.

8 And it came to pass that I was three days and three nights in the most bitter pain and anguish of soul; and never, until I did cry out unto the Lord Jesus Christ for mercy, did I receive a remission of my sins. But behold, I did cry unto him and I did find peace to my soul.

9 And now, my son, I have told you this that ye may learn wisdom, that ye may learn of me that there is no other way or means whereby man can be saved, only in and through Christ. Behold, he is the life and the light of the world. Behold, he is the word of truth and righteousness..

Let us all remember the importance of teaching and testifying from the heart so that he that preacheth and he that receiveth understand one another, and both are edified and rejoice together. (D&C 50:22)

We love you always and pray you will be obedient with exactness so that you will know with exactness what the Lord would have you do in carrying out His work each and everday to bring many souls unto Him.

Presidente May
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Great Ward with love of Missionary work evident

I want to share an experience that Sister May and I had yesterday while attending a ward in one of the Stake within the North Mission. The theme of Sacrament meeting was missionary work. After the sacrament was administered we were privileged to hear the song "Teach Me to Walk in the Light" sung by a choir of eight investigators and a number of new converts. It was the first I had ever heard a choir composed of investigators and new converts and sing in Sacrament meeting. It was beautiful!

Dear Sisters and Elders,
We then heard a wonderful message from a sister who talked about some basic principles of the Gospel such as prayer (D&C 10:5), scripture study (D&C 1:37,38), service to others (Mosiah 2:17), and being obedient (D&C 82:10). It was a wonderful message that reminded us that in order to help others become converted to the gospel, we need to be doing the basics in our own lives.

Next we heard a wonderful talk by the ward mission leader who shared a message on the importance of opening our mouths and sharing the gospel with others. He invited the congregation to invite one family member, friend, or coworker to learn about the gospel. We felt a great spirit throughout the meeting. Sister May and I attended the investigators class where there were eight investigators present with a number of recent converts and members to help fellowship them. The ward mission leader conducted the class which began with the hymn “I am a Child of God”. We then were privileged to hear from the bishop who delivered a powerful message on the importance of baptism citing the story of Nicodemus. He seemed to know all of the recent converts and was very encouraging to the investigators. We then enjoyed a wonderful class on the plan of salvation taught by a sister who was enthusiastic and full of the spirit. She taught clearly and involved the class in the lesson. The spirit was present in the class and all who attended were uplifted and inspired. (D&C 50:13-22)

What a blessing it is when the members and the full-time missionaries work together as a team. Consider for a moment what President Monson told the newly called mission presidents at the 2008 seminar for new mission presidents. He said: "There is . . . no substitute for a member-oriented proselyting program. Tracting will not substitute for it. Golden questions will not substitute for it. A member-oriented program is the key to success, and it works wherever we try it" ("Motivating Missionaries," June 22, 2008, 8). Let us do all we can to work together in unity in finding, teaching, retention and activation.

We love you and pray for your success,

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