Christmas Conferences were held this weekend - half the mission met on Friday, the other half on Monday. It was wonderful to be together to celebrate the Savior and His birth. A member took some pictures at the conferences which we will post in the near future. For now, enjoy a few pictures of a district meeting and service activities. Also included is President Pingree's weekly message to the missionaries. Thanks so very much for your ongoing love and support. Merry Christmas Y'all!
Dear Sisters and Elders –
King Benjamin taught: “There is no other name given whereby salvation cometh; therefore, I would that ye should take upon you the name of Christ” (Mosiah 5:8).
At baptism and when we partake of the sacrament each week, we covenant to take upon us Christ’s name. However, as full-time missionaries, this covenant takes on an extra special meaning.
In our missionary call letter is states: “You have been recommended as one worthy to represent the Lord as a minister of the restored gospel. You will be an official representative of the Church” (MH, 3). It is humbling to know that our Savior and Redeemer has called each of us to represent Him and His Church. Christ is the Creator, our Savior, and our Judge. He performed the Atonement for the Father and for each of us. All mankind would be lost without Christ. And, we represent Him!
With such an awesome calling comes a sacred trust. “Conduct yourselves at all times in such a way that everyone who sees you will recognize you as a representative of Jesus Christ” (MH, 8). “You will be expected to maintain the highest standards of conduct and appearance… You will also be expected to devote all your time and attention to serving the Lord, leaving behind all other personal affairs. As you do these things, the Lord will bless you and you will become an effective advocate and messenger of the truth” (MH, 3-4).
While this responsibility to represent Christ is daunting, He enables us when we pray for His help and when we seek to serve with “all [our] heart, might, mind and strength” (DC 4:2). He wants us to succeed and will help us to do so!
As a companionship, please discuss those groups (e.g., investigators, members, local leaders, other missionaries, etc.) to whom you represent Christ. Do they recognize you as a representative of Jesus Christ? Identify ways that you are representing Him successfully to each of these groups. Determine any ways that you might represent Him more effectively. As you go through this exercise with real intent, He will help you identify ways to represent Him more powerfully.
Please know how grateful we are for the opportunity to serve with each of you. We are thankful for your examples of consecration and devotion to Him.
We love you! Merry Christmas!
President Pingree