To the Missionaries of the Great Texas Houston Mission,
We love to read how you are making the Book of Mormon the focal point of your teaching. The missionaries in H10 are challenging all members and investigators to read the Book of Mormon everyday. Conroe 3rd has determined that they will read it as a ward. These are just a few of the ways that some of you are elevating the role of the Book of Mormon in the lives of the people you serve.
In our day, the Lord has said:
54 And your minds in times past have been darkened because of unbelief, and because you have treated lightly the things you have received—
55 Which vanity and unbelief have brought the whole church under condemnation.
56 And this condemnation resteth upon the children of Zion, even all.
57 And they shall remain under this condemnation until they repent and remember the new covenant, even the Book of Mormon and the former commandments which I have given them, not only to say, but to do according to that which I have written. (D&C 84)
There are two quotes that we would like each of you to memorize so that they are always available as you teach about the Book of Mormon and commit others to read it. They are from President Ezra Taft Benson and President Marion G. Romney. They are as follows:
"There is a power in the book which will begin to flow into your lives the moment you begin a serious study of the book. You will find greater power to resist temptation. You will find the power to avoid deception. You will find the power to stay on the strait and narrow path." (President Benson Oct 1986 "The Book of Mormon - The Keystone of our Religion)
"I feel certain that if, in our homes, parents will read from the Book of Mormon prayerfully and regularly, both by themselves and with their children, the spirit of that great book will come to permeate our homes and all who dwell therein. The spirit of reverence will increase; mutual respect and consideration for each other will grow. The spirit of contention will depart. Parents will counsel their children in greater love and wisdom. Children will be more responsive and submissive to the counsel of their parents. Righteousness will increase. Faith, hope, and charity — the pure love of Christ — will abound in our homes and lives, bringing in their wake peace, joy and happiness." (President Marion G. Romney, Ensign, May 1980, p. 67)
There are also great messages in General Conference that we ought to review particularly those from Elder Stevenson and Elder Nattress that will both inspire and uplift.
We testify to each of you that The Book of Mormon was written for us in our day. It is inspired by God to help us return safely back to Him. We know it is true and are committed to read it every day the rest of our lives. We hope you will join us in that commitment so that the promises that He has made will be fulfilled in our lives.
Love,
President and Sister Mortensen
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| Temple Trip with the departing missionaries |
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| We will miss these faces |
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| Saying goodbye to the Chappells |
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| Testimony meeting with departing missionaries |
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| 2 years later...same spot |
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| Elder Yanzon leaves early to return to the Phillipines |
