Dear Sisters and Elders –
One of the unique requirements the Lord gives to each of us as full-time missionaries is to "open thy mouth at all times, declaring my gospel" (D&C 28:16; see also PMG, 156-158).
Why is it important to open our mouths at all times?
First, “the Lord [has] prepared people to receive [us] and the restored gospel. He will lead [us] to them or He will lead them to [us]” (PMG, 155). When we open our mouths, those prepared “will be placed in [our] path” (PMG, 169). If we do not open our mouths, we will pass by many of the tens of thousands that God has prepared.
Second, when we open our mouths we demonstrate faith and the Lord can bless us. Important blessings are promised to those that open their mouths:
- Spiritual guidance to know what to say (Luke 12:11-12; D&C 33:8, 100:5-8, 124:97-99)
- Discernment to know people’s needs (Jacob 2:5; Alma 7:17, 12:7)
- Added strength and power (D&C 24:12; Hel. 10:4-5)
- Forgiveness of sins (D&C 60:2,7)
- Joy and happiness (Enos 1:26)
It is important to note that blessings come only after we have demonstrated faith and opened our mouths (see Ether 12:6). For example, “Open your mouths and [then] they shall be filled” (D&C 33:8).
Why is it difficult to open our mouths to declare the gospel?
The Lord explains: “But with some I am not well pleased, for they will not open their mouths…because of the fear of man” (D&C 60:2; see also D&C 30:5,11). Many of us have fears of opening our mouths to share the gospel. Some of the great prophets in history had similar fears, but overcame them through faith in God’s promises. Several examples include:
- Moses (Exodus 4:10-12)
- Enoch (Moses 6:31-34)
- Jeremiah (Jeremiah 3:5-9)
- Isaiah (Isaiah 50:4,7)
Let’s renew our efforts to follow the Lord’s admonition to open our mouths “at all times.” As we pray for His help (Eph. 6:18-20; Col. 4:3-4) and commit to open our mouths in natural ways, He will help us replace fear with faith. Moreover, as we treasure up His word (D&C 11:21), He will give us the right words to speak when we open our mouths.
I invite each of us to work to meet or exceed the mission standard (i) to invite at least 25 people each day to learn about the restored gospel and (ii) to ask at least 25 people each day for referrals. As we do, we will be blessed to find more people to teach.
In an October 2012 mission conference in Houston, Texas, Elder Tad R. Callister of the Presidency of the Seventy made the following promise: "If you will open your mouth, the Lord will lead you eventually to someone who is prepared." I know this is true. Recently, one of you shared the following experience with me:
“The Lord will help us find people if we strive to meet the mission standards. Last Friday, we committed to extend 25 invitations to people to learn more about the restored gospel. We prayed and had faith that the Lord would provide a new investigator for us if we did our part. On the 27th invitation, we found her! When we do our part, the Lord always keeps His promises!”
With love and admiration,
President Pingree
 |
| New Leadership Training |
 |
| Segura Family |
 |
| Houston North 1 service activity (next several pictures) |
