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,