5-19-14 President's Weekly Letter

Dear Elders and Sisters,

As a mission president, one of my greatest desires is that my missionaries will find the peace, joy, and power that are the result of obedience to the Lord, to gospel principles, to the commandments, to mission rules, and to the direction of priesthood leaders. The standards, rules and guidelines set forth in the Missionary Handbook and Preach My Gospel provide essential guidance for those who desire to serve the Lord with all of their heart, might, mind and strength. “For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is a light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life” (Proverbs 6:23).  The power and protection that comes from obedience is a valuable thing for each missionary to learn, as it will bless him or her during their time of service but, more importantly, it is an eternal principle that will help us become more like Christ.

Here are a few reminders from my recent experiences and review of the Missionary Handbook:

•  Missions should be an emotionally safe experience for every missionary. Love and respect your companion. Look for good in each companion. Find ways to serve each other. Study together every day. Pray together frequently throughout each day. (MH, pg. 30)
• Help your companion. If you notice any inappropriate situation or behavior, discuss it with your companion. If the matter is not resolved, have the courage and love for your companion to ask your mission president for help. (MH, pg. 31)
• Do not use headphones (earbuds); they isolate you from your companion. (MH, pg. 25)
• Missionaries are not to give their new phone number to members, investigators, friends, etc. when moving out of an area (Rules and Clarifications, pg. 27). If you are receiving calls or texts from someone from a previous area please inform them that this is contrary to mission policy, then call the Operations Manager to have their phone number blocked from your phone.

Cell phones and computers are valuable resources, provided by the Lord in these latter-days, to help us in our sacred work. These devices can also be distracting and even sources of temptation. Use of phones and computers is a privilege and can be withdrawn. We did not have either of these items when I was a missionary; we were less effective missionaries, but we were not tempted to waste time or commit sins by these things.

“Wherefore if thy computer or thy cell phone offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having a computer or a cell phone to be cast into everlasting fire. And if thine electronic device offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life with no electronic device, rather than being fully connected to be cast into hell fire” (Matthew 18: 8-9, President Blickenstaff Inspired Version).

Simply by striving to be obedient, you are all champions in my eyes.

President Blickenstaff

Mentor of Champions