To the Missionaries of the Texas Houston Mission,
At the end of 1 Ne 1, Nephi gives us an idea of what he is going to share in his record which is the perspective he has gained by the conclusion of his ministry among his people. He says:
"...behold, I, Nephi, will show unto you that the tender mercies of the Lord are over all those whom he hath chosen, because of their faith, to make them mighty even unto the power of deliverance."
Elders and Sisters, you are they who have been chosen because of your faith and have been made mighty even unto the power of the deliverance of so many of our brothers and sisters in this area. Last week Sister Mortensen and I witnessed the 4th stake created in this mission in the last three years. There have also been 14 new wards created with two more on the way. We now have 11 stakes in the mission. The Work of Salvation is rolling forward within the boundaries of the Texas Houston Mission. We are all privileged to be a part of this great work. What you are doing is effecting the eternities for those we serve.
On Friday night, we enjoyed another "Faith Meets Families" in the temple with about 30 recent converts. They brought the names of fathers and mothers, grandparents and siblings. They were having visions and clear impressions about the presence of those they love. Miracles are happening and we are able to play a part in them!
While we were at the temple, we remembered the words of the Prophet Joseph Smith many years ago. In a document written to John Wentworth, he said: "the Standard of Truth has been erected; no unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing; persecutions may rage, mobs may combine, armies may assemble, calumny may defame, but the truth of God will go forth boldly, nobly, and independent, till it has penetrated every continent, visited every clime, swept every country, and sounded in every ear, till the purposes of God shall be accomplished, and the Great Jehovah shall say the work is done.” (History of the Church 4:540)
We are lucky to be a part of this great work. In Alma 45:1 we read that the Nephites "exceedingly rejoiced, because the Lord had again delivered them out of the hands of their enemies; therefore they gave thanks unto the Lord their God, yea, and they did fast much and pray much, and they did worship God with exceedingly great joy." Elders and Sisters, as an expression of our gratitude for the way we, and those we have taught, have been been delivered, we invite you to join us in a fasting of gratitude on the first Sunday of June. It is a small way that we can acknowledge His hand in the great work that is being brought to pass here.
We are grateful for you and for the way you are diligent in blessing the lives of those of our Heavenly Father's children who reside in this great Texas Houston Mission.
Love,
President and Sister Mortensen
 |
| Faith Meets Families |
 |
| Faith Meets Families |
 |
| Faith Meets Families |
 |
| Mission Presidents and wives from all three Houston Missions |
