What a marvelous experience we have had this past weekend to
learn from our prophet, apostles and other inspired Church leaders. Like you, I
looked forward to General Conference with great anticipation. I hoped to be
both inspired and taught as I listened to the conference sessions. I was not
disappointed. Again and again, throughout the conference, I heard messages that
seemed to be addressed to me personally: principles that I had already been
thinking about or trying to understand better, principles that I needed to
understand in order to magnify my calling, or to fulfill my eternal
responsibilities as a husband and father.
I would like to share a few of the talks that spoke to me. I
loved President Packer’s story of the power of the Atonement to help those who
have suffered from the deeds of others. A woman who had suffered a terrible
wrong cried out in anger, “someone must suffer for this!” Then came to her
heart and mind the thought, “someone already has….”
I loved the way Elder Lynne Robbins taught us about peer
pressure in his talk, “Which Way Do You Face?” “Some young missionaries carry
this fear of men into the mission field and fail to report the flagrant
disobedience of a companion to their mission president because they don’t want
to offend their wayward companion. Decisions of character are made by remembering
the right order of the first and second great commandments (see Matthew
22:37–39). When these confused missionaries realize they are accountable to God
and not to their companion, it should give them courage to do an about-face.”
Here are two great pearls from Elder Neil L. Anderson’s
powerful discourse on the Prophet Joseph Smith: Spiritual questions deserve
spiritual answers from God and you won’t be of much help to others if your
own faith is not securely in place. And I really enjoyed the six very
practical suggestions that Elder Jorg Klebingat gave us to increase our
spiritual confidence.
Finally, I’m sure everyone enjoyed Elder Bednar’s wonderful
explanation of why members of the Church are so desirous of sharing the
precious truths that have blessed our lives. Said he, “The Atonement of Jesus
Christ provides the cleanser necessary to be made pure and clean, the soothing
salve to heal spiritual wounds and remove guilt, and the protection that
enables us to be faithful in times both good and bad.”
I am excited to study the conference addresses in greater
depth and apply the teachings in my own life and ministry. What was your
favorite talk or quote? How did it inspire you to change or improve? I look
forward to reading your answers this week. They will assist me in knowing who
you are and how I can help you become who the Lord would have you become in
order to fulfill your missionary purpose.
President Blickenstaff
Mentor of Champions
PS. We have had only 9 baptisms so far this month and we are
already halfway through October. We have been doing a great job of helping our
week A investigators be baptized. We could really improve with our week B and C
rollovers. Please pay particular attention to helping all your investigators
keep their commitments, especially your week B’s and C’s. Thank you for all
that you do to accomplish your missionary purpose of inviting others to come unto
Christ.
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