Brothers and Sisters, I hope and pray you are all well and taking opportunities to minister to those around you. Bless you in your efforts to stay true and faithful, especially during this time of uncertainty. Remember our Savior is aware of us and continues to bless us. Take the time to find those blessings each day, "and it will surprise you what the Lord has done!" I also hope you are taking the wonderful opportunity to study from Come, Follow Me as we learn from the Doctrine and Covenants this year. Heavenly Father is so good to us in providing such a wonderful resource for us to learn of Him and our Savior Jesus Christ. If you have not started studying from Come, Follow Me, start now. I promise your life will be blessed in your efforts. The studies for this week reminded me of something. Thirty years ago this October I had the most interesting and life changing event happen in my life, I entered the Missionary Training Center to serve as a full-time missionary, called to server in the Jamaica Kingston Mission. What an experience that was. Rarely does a day go by that I do not think about it. I thank those who helped me get there and through that experience! One day, while my companion and I were in the mission office for a preparation day, I received a letter from my Mom. In that letter she asked me if, in my next letter home (sorry, no email at that time), I would let her know what my favorite scripture was. While talking with my companion about this request, the mission president's wife, Sister Weiler, who had overheard our conversation, said excitedly, "Oh, I bet I know what that's for!". She refused to fill me in yet strongly encouraged me to really think about it and reply as soon as I could (so I wouldn't forget). So, obedient to my Mom's and Sister Weiler request and after some contemplation, I replied back with D&C 18: 10-16. 10 Remember theworth of souls is great in the sight of God; 11 For, behold, the Lord your Redeemer suffered death in the flesh; wherefore hesuffered the pain of all men, that all men might repent and comeunto him. 12 And he hathrisen again from the dead, that he might bring all men unto him, on conditions of repentance. 13 And how great is his joy in the soul that repenteth! 14 Wherefore, you are called to cry repentance unto this people. 15 And if it so be that you should labor all your days in crying repentance unto this people, and bring, save it be one soul unto me, how great shall be your joy with him in the kingdom of my Father! 16 And now, if your joy will be great with one soul that you have brought unto me into thekingdom of my Father, how great will be your joy if you should bring many souls unto me! The prospect of sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ to complete strangers as a nineteen year old was quite daunting. How could I, a small town kid, barely out of high school, be up to the task of even leaving the protection of familiar faces and surroundings. I knew I couldn't do it on my own. I had loving parents and other relatives as well as friends supporting me in this endeavor. Most importantly, I had my Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ and the Holy Ghost. I felt I could do anything. Nevertheless, there were times when I needed just that little extra encouragement. That is when these scriptures from Doctrine and Covenants came to my heart and mind. "Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God." This scripture really allowed to me think outside of myself. Not just my soul, souls, all souls, everyone. There were times as missionaries we were spit upon, rocks thrown at us, heckled at, called all sorts of names, and screamed at to get out of their country. There were tough times. Yet "worth of souls" continually came to mind. I knew God loved them and so could I. What a marvelous experience that was, name calling and all. We did find joy. In October 1993 I returned home after two of the most difficult yet joyous years of my life. I was presented with that thing Sister Weiler was so excited about. (My Mom felt bad that they were not able to get all of the verses on it.) Almost thirty years later, as I contemplate those experiences, I realize that even today I have opportunities to "remember the worth of souls". I can be kind, observant and caring to others. I can treat others fairly and not speak negatively of anyone. I can share my appreciation to others, give a helping hand, say a kind word. I can listen and I can share. We can! Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ want us to be a part of their work and glory. We do this by doing as they do, being as they are and giving as they give. They want us to have the same joy they experience as souls come to them. We can assist in this, we need to assist in this. I know this is true and true joy comes as we bring souls unto Christ, as we gather Israel! The Washington Stake Presidency Noel Jackson
Stake Presidency First Counselor
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