Dear Sisters and Elders -
There is a motto used by elite
military units in times of battle: "Leave no man behind." Survival
depends upon the men and women of a unit showing absolute loyalty to each
other, and underscores the morale and cohesion required by soldiers during
times of war.
As missionaries, we are not in
a military war, but we are involved in a spiritual one, and absolute loyalty to
one another is just as essential. "Satan...maketh war with the saints of
God, and encompasseth them round about" (DC 76:28-29). Satan seeks to
divide us and to conquer us. However, if we remain one in Christ, we will have
protection from the adversary.
As a mission, let us strive to
be "one in Christ" (Gal. 3:28) and "perfectly joined together in
the same mind" (1 Cor. 1:10). Our unity and love for each other is
critical to our success in the Lord's work. Please find below several thoughts
about ways we can remain one in Christ, and guard against Satan's efforts to
divide us:
1. Commit
to live our singular missionary purpose to bring souls to Christ;
2. Recognize
that each missionary has been called by God, and no one missionary is more
important than another;
3. Look
for each missionary's spiritual gifts and talents, seek to recognize those
gifts, and allow them opportunities to use those gifts to further God's work;
4. Pray
for the mission and the success of each missionary;
5. If
another missionary is struggling, reach out to help him or her; and
6. Never
gossip, backbite, or speak negatively about another missionary.
Sisters and Elders, let's do
everything in our power to "leave no man (or woman) behind." Let's
lift, help, strengthen, build-up, and inspire one another. Let's seek to become
a Zion
Sure love you!
President Pingree