JUNE 2013
The Plan
of Happiness
President Baker
Elders and Sisters, you know that
I talk about obedience a lot. I hope you
understand that the reason I want you to be obedient is because I love you and
I want you to be happy. Alma said it the
most simply, “wickedness never was happiness.”
(Alma 41:10) We are happy when we have the Holy Ghost with us because
the fruits of the Spirit are “love, joy, and peace.” (Gal 5:22) Other scriptures such as Doctrine and
Covenants 11:13, and Mosiah 4:3,20 also teach us that the Spirit brings joy.
Another way of
finding happiness is focusing on the tender blessings that God has given you.
“The Lord's tender mercies are the very personal and individualized blessings,
strength, protection, assurances, guidance, loving-kindnesses, consolation,
support, and spiritual gifts which we receive from and because of and through
the Lord Jesus Christ” (David A. Bednar, May 2005 Ensign) When you look for the tender mercies, you
will remember that God knows and loves you as an individual.
The third way
to be happy is to serve. President
Uchtdorf said, “When we reach out to bless the lives of others, our lives are
blessed as well. Service and sacrifice open the windows of heaven, allowing
choice blessings to descend upon us. Surely our beloved Heavenly Father smiles
upon those who care for the least of His children. As we lift others, we rise a little higher
ourselves. President Spencer W. Kimball taught, ‘The more we serve our
fellowmen in appropriate ways, the more substance there is to our souls -
indeed, it is easier to “find”
ourselves because there is so much more of us to find!.’ President Gordon B.
Hinckley believed in the healing power of service. After the death of his wife,
he provided a great example to the Church in the way he immersed himself in
work and in serving others. It is told that President Hinckley remarked to one
woman who had recently lost her husband, ‘Work will cure your grief. Serve
others.’” (Ensign Nov 2008)
I hope all of
you will find true joy in your mission and in your lives.
Just a
Thought
Sister
Baker
C.S.
Lewis paraphrased a metaphor created by George McDonald; “Imagine yourself as a
living house. God comes in to rebuild that house. At first, perhaps, you can
understand what He is doing. He is getting the drains right and stopping the
leaks in the roof and so on: you knew that those jobs needed doing and so you
are not surprised. But presently he starts knocking the house about in a way
that hurts abominably and does not seem to make sense. What on earth is He up
to? The explanation is that He is building quite a different house from the one
you thought of -- throwing out a new wing here, putting on an extra floor
there, running up towers, making courtyards. You thought you were going to be
made into a decent little cottage: but He is building a palace.”
You may
see yourself as a tired missionary, but I see you as future parents, ward
leaders, and builders of your community.
God sees you as his children who have the potential to be like He
is. Don’t give up what you want most for
what you want now. I know that each of
you can be a palace as long as you keep the faith.
Elder Cook’s
Visit
Elder Cook talked about some of
the important scriptures that guided the creation of PMG: D&C 31:3, rejoice in your call. There are only a few chapters in the New
Testament about Christ after his resurrection and they are all about His call
for the gospel to be taken to the world. D&C 31:4, the committee worked to
make sure we were teaching the same principles as early missionaries in this
dispensation. D&C 31:7 Savior will
open hearts and Christ will establish his church by the hands of his
missionaries. President Hinckley used to
say “Tell missionaries if they have more faith, they will have more
success.” Elder Cook asked how our faith
can influence our success when people have their agency and harden their hearts.
(D&C 10:53)
He said there were two ways: 1) Some people
have the spiritual gift of believing on other’s testimony, so if a missionary’s
testimony is stronger, it will be easier for someone to believe in their
words. 2) When a missionary has faith, it is easier for
the Holy Ghost to testify through them.
He taught that one thing missionaries
should be working to accomplish is to work better with Bishops and ward
councils. Their goal should be to leave
the ward better than when they got there.
He said the brethren were concerned that too many missionaries were not
remembering to always invite investigators to make commitments. If they see a need, such as Word of Wisdom,
they should have a special planned lesson to allow them to get a testimony from
heaven.
He left an apostolic blessing
that missionaries would understand in their hearts how important the work is
that they are doing. It is the most
important thing they could be doing right now and it will bless everyone they
love, including future spouses and children.
He blessed them that even in times of disappointment, they would see how
important their work is, and it is not measured just by baptisms. He blessed them that as they study the Word
of God and make it part of who they are, it will make them better mothers and
fathers. He said they would be blessed
in their challenges, such as health or family problems.
He said that his primary
responsibility is to be a witness of Christ.
He testified he knows through personal spiritual experiences that Jesus
Christ lives, and he atoned for our sins.
When the plan was laid out in the pre-existence, our acceptance was
based on our trust in Jesus Christ and our knowledge that His atonement would
wash all the unfairness and injury we receive away. He testified that the atonement is real. He testified that the Savior guides this church. He expressed the love of the First
Presidency, the Twelve and the Savior for the missionaries and thanked them for
their work.
MAY 2013
CAST YOUR NETS
President Baker
After the Savior’s resurrection he came to
Galilee and found Peter, James, and John fishing. They had been out all night and caught
nothing. Jesus called to them from the
shore, and instructed them to “cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find.” They were obedient to this instruction and
they were not able to pull up their nets because there were so many fish.
If we want to be fishers of men, we have to
do it the right way, the Lord’s way. God
has prepared many people to hear and accept the gospel, but if we want to find
them, we have to do it the way we have been instructed. The Lord keeps calling us to put our nets on
the right side. When we are obedient, He will bless us with
success.
In the recent conference, Elder Stanley G. Ellis
talked about doing things “The Lord’s Way.”
Here is part of his talk:
One of the evils of these last days is that
“every man walketh in his own way” (D&C 1:16). We are taught that if we do things the Lord’s
way, He is bound to bless us and we have claim to His promises; and if not His
way, we have no promise (see D&C 82:10).
Even with the universally accepted desire to help the poor and needy,
the Lord concurs in our goal but warns, “But it must needs be done in mine own
way…” (D&C 104:16)
Let’s consider some other examples. The Lord
has the way to do missionary work. It is codified in the scriptures and in
Preach My Gospel and implemented as guided by the Spirit.”
Elders and Sisters, I promise you that if
every single person in this mission will get up on time every day, exercise,
and follow exactly the daily missionary schedule, this mission will see a
change in the success that we have in finding people to teach and baptize. I pray that that each of you will personally
accept this challenge and encourage others to do so as well. Let us be “willingly obedient” to the Lord’s
standards for missionaries.
JUST A THOUGHT
Sister
Baker
“Of course
we will face fear, experience ridicule, and meet opposition. Let us have the courage to defy the consensus,
the courage to stand for principle.
Courage, not compromise, brings the smile of God's approval. Courage becomes a living and an attractive
virtue when it is regarded not only as a willingness to die manfully, but also
as the determination to live decently. A
moral coward is one who is afraid to do what he thinks is right because others
will disapprove or laugh. Remember that
all men have their fears, but those who face their fears with dignity have courage as well.”
-- Thomas
S. Monson
Settle this in your hearts
JST Luke 14:28
President Baker
It is time for every missionary
in the California Los Angeles Mission to decide who they are going to serve
while they are here. Christ has told us
how to serve him: “Verily I say, men should be anxiously engaged in a good
cause, and do many things of their own free will, and bring to pass much
righteousness. For the power is in them,
wherein they are agents unto themselves. And inasmuch as men do good they shall
in nowise lose their reward. But he that
doeth not anything until he is commanded, and receiveth a commandment with
doubtful heart, and keepeth it with slothfulness, the same is damned. Who am I that made man, saith the Lord, that
will hold him guiltless that obeys not my commandments? Who am I, saith the Lord, that have promised
and have not fulfilled? I command and
men obey not; I revoke and they receive not the blessing. (D&C 58:27-33)
Too many missionaries have a
discipleship that is casual, skimming over the surface instead of deepening
their relationship with God. They are
casually involved rather than “anxiously engaged.” Though nominal in their
participation, their holding back inevitably shows through. They may pass
through our holy temples, but they do not let the holy temples pass through
them. They try to claim full credit for
serving as a missionary, but only keep the commandments that suit them, just as
Saul did.
Through
Samuel, the Lord instructed Saul to destroy the animals of the Amalekites. However, Saul chose to spare the best of the
sheep, oxen, and lambs. Later, when Samuel
came, Saul went out to meet him and hypocritically pretended he had been
obedient as he said, "I have performed the commandment of the
Lord." Samuel knew what Saul had
done and gave him a chance to confess and repent by asking “What meaneth then this bleating of the sheep
in mine ears?”
Then
Samuel, with directness, said unto Saul: "The Lord sent thee on a
journey... Wherefore then didst thou not obey the voice of the Lord?" (I
Sam 15:18-19) Saul was caught. However, he tried to shift the blame to his
people by saying to Samuel: "Yea, I have obeyed the voice of the Lord....
But the people took of the spoil, sheep and oxen, the chief of the things which
should have been utterly destroyed, to sacrifice unto the Lord thy God."
(I Sam 15:20-21)
Then
Samuel put to Saul a soul-searching question, one which is of equal importance
in our day: "Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and
sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and
to hearken than the fat of rams. For
rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and
idolatry." (I Sam 15:22-23)
Samuel
was telling Saul that outward observance is not as important as the “intent of
his heart.” (Mosiah 5:13) So let us
settle this in our hearts once and for all, so that we can move forward and go
and do what the Lord expects of us. As President Spencer W. Kimball said,
"Make certain decisions only once . . . We can make a single decision
about certain things that we will incorporate in our lives and then make them
ours - without having to brood and re-decide a hundred times what it is we will
do and what we will not do." (Ensign, May 1976)
Just A Thought
Sister Baker
My life is but a weaving
Between my Lord and me;
I cannot choose the colors
He worketh steadily
Ofttimes He weaveth sorrow
And I in foolish pride,
Forget that He seeth the upper,
And I the underside
Not till the loom is silent
And the shuttles cease to fly,
Shall God unroll the canvas
And explain the reason why.
And dark threads are as needful
In the Weaver's skillful hand,
As the threads of Gold and silver
In the pattern He has planned. -- anonymous
FEBRUARY 2013
Integrity
President Baker
In 1853 the Saints commenced the construction of the
Salt Lake Temple. For the better part of seven long, hard years the Saints dug
the excavations and laid the foundation—over eight feet deep, all made of
sandstone. One day the foreman came to Brigham Young with this devastating
news—there were cracks in the blocks of sandstone. Brigham Young was faced with
this dilemma: (i) do the best they could to patch up the cracks and build a
temple of much less weight and grandeur than anticipated or (ii) rip out seven
years of work and repair it with a granite foundation that could support the
magnificent temple God envisioned for them. Fortunately Brigham Young chose the
latter course.
Pres. Tad Callister of the Seventy gave a talk at BYU
called “Becoming Men and Women of Integrity.”
He defined Integrity as “Purity of mind and heart that knows no
deception, no excuses, no rationalization, nor any coloring of the facts. It is
an absolute honesty with one’s self, with God, and with our fellowman.”
Integrity is the foundation of our character “If there are cracks in that
foundation, then it will not support the weight of other Christlike
attributes.” Elder Callister gave 6 other principles of Integrity.
2. Integrity is not doing just that which is
legal but that which is moral or Christlike. Integrity is not just adherence to
the legal code; it is adherence to the higher moral code.
3. Integrity makes decisions based on eternal
implications. (Matthew 6:19-21)
4. Integrity is disclosing the whole truth and
nothing but the truth. “I believe the Lord can live with our weaknesses and
mistakes, provided there is a desire and effort to repent. That is what the
Atonement is all about. But I do not believe that he can easily tolerate a
deceitful heart or lying tongue.”
5. Integrity knows no alibis or excuses.
6. Integrity is keeping our covenants and our
commitments, even in times of inconvenience. One of the acid tests of our integrity
is whether or not we keep the commitments and promises we have made or whether
there are loopholes in our word.
7. Integrity is not governed by the presence of
others. It is internally, not externally, driven.
D&C 97:8 “Verily I say unto you, all among them
who know their hearts are honest . . . and are willing to observe their
covenants by sacrifice . . . they are accepted of me.”
Please read Elder Callister’s
article in the February Ensign.
Just A Thought
Sister Baker
A man was hired to paint a line down the highway. The first day he did 15 miles. The foreman congratulated him on being far
above average. The second day he did 10
miles, which was average. The third day
he only did 7 miles so the foreman asked him why he had slowed down so
much. He answered, “It was a long way
back to the bucket.”
We have a bucket of spiritual resources. If we get too far away, we lose our ability
to do the Lord’s work. We need to study
the scriptures, pray, attend church, and be obedient and diligent consistently
so we can stay close to the Spirit.
Missionary Meals
There
are four reasons for missionaries to eat meals with members
.
1. To bring the Spirit into their home.
2. So members can help Elders and Sisters be
better missionaries. They can do this by
correcting their dress standards, language, and manners. They can also help if missionaries practice
teaching some of their lessons and the members offer feedback and suggestions.
3. So missionaries can help members with their
missionary activities. They can
brainstorm different ways that members can approach their friends and neighbors
and role play with them.
4. (And least important) Helping missionaries
eat and cut down expenses for the church.
If
you consider these 4 reasons, you will realize that eating in restaurants,
getting food at the church, or being given food to take with you all defeat the
most important benefits of eating with members.
Please also keep your visits to an hour and eat as early as
possible. Spending the hours from 7 to 9
hanging out with members is not consistent with your missionary purpose.
Goals For A New Year
President Baker
At our most recent Mission Presidents’ Conference,
President Maynes of the Seventy talked to us about goals. He said that he “loves” goals. He gave an example of having set a goal
earlier in his life to shoot and make 50 free throws in a row every night
before going to bed. He went out every
night and shot free throws until it got dark.
Did he ever shoot and make 50 free throws straight? No!
However, he described himself as a much better free throw shooter than
before he set the goal.
We cannot get discouraged and quit because we don’t
see our goals happen as quickly as we desire. Galatians 6:9 states: “And let us
not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint
not.” I call it the “Asparagus
Principle.” When asparagus is planted
from seed, it takes three years before a crop can be harvested. However, asparagus plants can last for up to
50 years, giving crops each year with minimal maintenance.
We cannot feel that our efforts are too small and
don’t matter. D&C 64:33 says:
“Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a
great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great.” This is the “Daffodil Principle.” There is an area near Lake Arrowhead,
California that is covered with daffodils each spring. When a woman went to visit she found a sign:
"Answers to the Questions I Know You Are Asking". The first answer was a simple
one:"50,000 bulbs," it read. The second answer was, "One at a
time, by one woman. Two hands, two feet, and very little brain." The third
answer was, "Began in 1958."
The woman wrote about her experience: “That moment was
a life-changing experience. I thought of this woman whom I had never met, who,
more than fifty years before, had begun-one bulb at a time-to bring her vision
of beauty and joy to an obscure mountaintop.
Still, just planting one bulb at a time, year after year, had changed
the world. This unknown woman had forever changed the world in which she
lived. When we multiply tiny pieces of
time with small increments of daily effort, we too will find we can accomplish
magnificent things. We can change the world.”
President Ezra Taft Benson: “One of the greatest
secrets of missionary work is work. If a
missionary works, he will get the Spirit; if he gets the Spirit, he will teach
by the Spirit; and if he teaches by the Spirit, he will touch the hearts of the
people; and he will be happy. There will
be no homesickness, no worrying about families, for all time and talents and
interests are centered on the work of the ministry. That's the secret--work, work, WORK. There is no satisfactory substitute,
especially in missionary work.”
As we begin 2013, I encourage you to set goals for
your area and then get to work! Remember
to use the 2013 Standards of Excellence as a guide to help you in setting your
companionship and personal goals.
Just A Thought
Sister Baker
BYU Professor Clyde Williams described once building a
shed. “I had some three-inch screws
which I was using. I asked my son to go
over to the neighbors and borrow a power drill.
He returned with a rechargeable power drill. I thought, this will be great, no cord to
worry about or step on. However, I found that as I tried to put in the screws
the drill would take them in about half-way and then the power would give out. The battery powered drill did not have sufficient
power for the difficult task. I told my
son to take the drill back and ask the neighbor for his other drill. When he returned with the other drill, we
plugged it into the outlet in our home.
I found that I now had more than enough power to drive the screws all
the way into the wood. Both power drills
were instruments in my hands (see Alma 17:9); however, only one was able to
perform the task that I needed done. As
missionaries and servants of the Lord we might ask ourselves, am I like the
rechargeable drill trying to get by on spirituality stored up from past
experiences, or am I striving to be in tune continually so I am like a power
drill that is plugged into the source of all power?”
Sister Contreras told
us about a sister who had been praying to know what she should do. Immediately after her prayer, two
missionaries knocked on her door. She
was so afraid of what they might teach her that she was really rude and slammed
the door in their faces. But she knew in
her heart that they were the answer to her prayer and she joined the church a
few months later. Those Elders were
instruments in God’s hands even if they didn’t realize it at the time.
November 2012
CLAM reading challenge
President Baker
The
Subtitle of the Book of Mormon is “Another Testament of Jesus Christ”. It teaches us who He is, what He did, and why
He did it. Jesus Christ is the Son of
God. (1 Nephi 11:19-21) He has a resurrected body of flesh and bone.
(3 Nephi 11:15) We learn in the Book of
Mormon that Jesus Christ was the Savior of the world. He gave up his life as a sacrifice for our
sins. (Alma 11:40) By breaking the bands of death, Jesus
made it possible for all of us to also be resurrected. (2 Nephi 9:22) As if that wasn’t enough, Christ also
suffered for all our pains and sorrows.
(Alma 7:11-12) In addition He set a perfect example for us to
follow. (2 Nephi 31:16) It is impossible for our earthly minds to
fully understand how much Christ suffered or how great his sacrifice was. But we know that he did it for us because he
loved us and wanted us to return to live with him again. (2 Nephi 1:15, 2 Nephi 4:19-21, Alma 26:15)
As
we begin this holiday season with Thanksgiving, followed by the celebration of
Christ’s birth, it is our wish that each of you will find great peace and
happiness in His service through following with exactness His doctrine in your
personal lives. As the prophet Alma the
Older wrote about his conversion “oh, what joy, and what marvelous light I did
behold; yea, my soul was filled with joy…” (Alma 36:20). We all seek this joy and light! Like Enos, we desire to know of our standing
before God. To stand shoulder to
shoulder with those valiant elders and sisters who have departed the mission in
years past, we will need to honor our God even as Alma and Enos did
anciently. Our standing before God will
require that we diligently follow Christ.
Further, Enos said after receiving a forgiveness of his sins that he
“began to feel a desire for the welfare of my brethren [people of Los Angeles],
wherefore, I did pour out my whole soul unto God for them.” Enos 1:9. May we be granted the wish of Enos
--- to personally know of our standing before God and to invite ALL others to
come unto Christ. May our joy be full
at this wonderful season in so doing.
I
have a firm testimony, that Jesus Christ is our Savior and Redeemer. I am
grateful for the opportunity to be one of His disciples and my testimony of Him
is strengthened each time I reread the Book of Mormon.
Just a thought
Sister Baker
Malachi 3:3 says: "He will sit as a refiner
and purifier of silver." A woman who read this made an appointment
to watch a silversmith at work. As she watched the silversmith, he
held a piece of silver over the fire and let it heat up. He explained that
in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the
fire where the flames were hottest as to burn away all the impurities.
The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot
spot. She asked the silversmith if it
was true that he had to sit there in front of the fire the whole time the
silver was being refined. The man answered that yes, he not only had to
sit there holding the silver, but he had to keep his eyes on the
silver the entire time it was in the fire. If the silver was left a
moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed.
The woman was silent for a moment.
Then she asked the silversmith, "How do you know when the silver is
fully refined?" He smiled at her and answered, "Oh, that's easy
-- when I see my image in it."
If today you are feeling the heat of the
fire, remember that God has His eye on you and will keep watching you
until He sees His image in you.
October 2012
FRIENDS
President Baker
The Book of Mormon gives us great examples of
both good and bad friendships. The
world’s view of friendship is what was found in the Gadianton Robbers. These
“friends in iniquity” (Mosiah 29:22) promised that they would protect each
other from any consequences of their sins.
Just like Akish (Ether 8:17), they used others to help them fulfill
their greed and ambition.
There are many examples of good friends in
the Book of Mormon. Elder Robert D.
Hales gave us two tests to determine if someone is a real friend. First, good friends make it easy to live the
commandments when you are with them. A true friend strengthens you and helps
you live the gospel principles that will assist you to endure to the end. Second, a true friend will not make you
choose between his or her ways and the ways of the Lord, thus taking you off
the strait and narrow path.
Benjamin was a king who addressed his people
as “friends.” (Mosiah 4:4) He knew that
he had served them all his reign and they in turn listened to the things he
taught. Ammon was overcome with joy
(Alma 27:19) when he met his friend Alma again after 14 years apart. Alma’s joy was increased to find his friends
still strong in the gospel. (Alma 17:2)
Alma was a friend to Amulek as he took him into his home to “strengthen
him in the Lord” (Alma 15:18) after Amulek lost his family. They became true friends as they served many
years as missionary companions.
President Monson has taught us that “friends
help to determine your future. You will tend to be like them and to be found
where they choose to go. Remember, the path we follow in this life leads to the
path we follow in the next…The friends you choose will either help or hinder
your success.”
My favorite description of a real friend is
found in D&C 88:133. “Art thou a
brother or brethren? I salute you in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, in
token or remembrance of the everlasting covenant, in which covenant I receive
you to fellowship, in a determination that is fixed, immovable, and
unchangeable, to be your friend and brother through the grace of God in the
bonds of love, to walk in all the commandments of God blameless, in
thanksgiving, forever and ever. Amen.”
I pray that we will always be good and true
friends!
Just a thought
Sister Baker
Lehi’s dream, as well as Christ’s Parable of
the Sower, identify four types of people.
Which are you? The first group
are people who are uninterested in the word of God, described as seeds fallen
by the wayside (Matthew 13:19) or as the people drowned in the fountain (1 Nephi 8:32). The second group are those who recognize the
word of God but don’t have the character to follow through on their
commitments. These are described as
seeds planted in stony places (Matt 13:20-21) or as people who started on the
path but were lost in the midst of darkness (1 Ne 8:23). The third group are those who accept the
gospel but become too concerned with things of the world. These are the seeds planted in thorny ground
(Matt 13:22) or people who are influenced by the others in the great and
spacious building (1 Ne 8:28). I hope
that we will all make the commitment to be the good ground where the gospel
will grow (Matt 13:23) so that we can press forward on the path and partake of
the fruit of Eternal Life. (1 Ne 8:30).
SEPTEMBER 2012
THE SACRAMENT
President Baker
We often refer to the Sacrament as “renewing our covenants.” What exactly does it mean to “renew”? In the dictionary, “renew” has 5 meanings: 1) to resume, 2) to make effective for an additional period, 3) to restore, 4) to make, say, or do again, 5) to revive; reestablish. All of these words apply to the Sacrament in the sense that we are repeating our baptismal covenant.
Dallin Oaks (Ensign Nov 1996) said, “When we desire a remission of our sins through the Atonement of our Savior, we are commanded to repent and come to him with a broken heart and a contrite spirit (see 3 Ne. 9:20; 3 Ne. 12:19; Moro. 6:2; D&C 20:37). In the waters of baptism we witness to the Lord that we have repented of our sins and are willing to take his name upon us and serve him to the end (see D&C 20:37). The effects are described by Nephi: “For the gate by which ye should enter is repentance and baptism by water; and then cometh a remission of your sins by fire and by the Holy Ghost” (2 Ne. 31:17; see also Moro. 6:4).
The renewal of our covenants by partaking of the sacrament should also be preceded by repentance, so we come to that sacred ordinance with a broken heart and a contrite spirit (see 2 Ne. 2:7; 3 Ne. 12:19; D&C 59:8). Then, as we renew our baptismal covenants and affirm that we will “always remember him” (D&C 20:77), the Lord will renew the promised remission of our sins….One of the primary purposes and effects of this renewal of covenants and cleansing from sin is “that [we] may always have his Spirit to be with [us]” (D&C 20:77).”
Each time we partake of the Sacrament worthily, we can come away just as clean as if we had just been baptized. What a great blessing the Lord has given us and how anxious we should be to repent and to attend Sacrament meeting each week to access the Atonement once again.
Just A Thought
Sister Baker
The story is told of three stonecutters who were driving their chisels into a massive block of granite. A stranger who happened to be passing asked the first cutter what he was doing. "I'm cutting stone," he growled , "and it's a messy job." "And you?" he asked the second. "I'm working for six dollars an hour," he said. When the question was put to the third, his face lit up with enthusiasm, "I'm helping to build a cathedral," he said.
A worker can be an automaton, an opportunist, or an idealist. He can feel that he is serving time, or that he is serving himself, or that he is serving society. But unless he is capable of realizing the larger significance of his job, he does not realize its larger opportunities...If he does not have vision, he must have supervision.
Thomas S. Monson said “Vision without work is daydreaming; and work without vision is drudgery.”
JULY 2012
Fundamentals
President Baker
JUNE 2012
Fundamentals
President Baker
We are once again focusing as a mission on the lessons known as Fundamentals from Preach My Gospel: Teaching More Effectively. Why do we need to return to these lessons so often? Our missionary purpose is to “invite others to come unto Christ” and become fully converted by applying the principles of the Doctrine of Christ (Alma 23:5-7; 42). This requirement applies to each one of us individually as well as to our investigators. The Doctrine of Christ should drive everything that we do as missionaries. To help us better understand this process, we can compare it to a train. The Doctrine of Christ is the engine and we all know that the train will not go anywhere without the engine. The Holy Ghost will provide the fuel to drive the engine. We replenish the fuel in our train on a daily basis by being willingly obedient to the missionary rules which, in turn, qualify us for the companionship of the Holy Ghost. We have been taught that we shall not teach without the Holy Ghost (D&C 42:14). The Holy Ghost bears testimony to both the missionary and the investigator. Revelation through the Holy Ghost is found in three principle ways---through prayer, reading/pondering the Book of Mormon and attending Church. These three principles are the center cars of the train. For investigators to progress, they must make and keep commitments. The investigators represent the caboose of the train. Only if our investigators consistently apply all of the three principles will they obtain a testimony of the restored Gospel and become truly converted.
What happens to a train if one of the cars becomes decoupled? First of all, the investigator will not reach the destination of baptism and ultimately the saving ordinances of the temple! The engine steaming along without the investigator does not help us accomplish our missionary purpose. The Fundamentals lessons are designed to help us be more effective teachers so that we can help our investigators recognize the importance of and apply all the principles for conversion. Every time investigators fail to make or keep commitments, you can visually see that they disconnect themselves from the train and become lost. Every time that we fail to teach with the Holy Ghost due to disobedience or fail to powerfully teach the Doctrine of Christ, we are decoupling the investigator from the train. Whether we fail to do what we should or the investigators fail to do what they should do, the result is the same---we fail to reach our destination. May you carefully study the principles of the Fundamentals lessons and apply them in your missionary work. As you fully comprehend and apply them, I promise you will find greater success in the Lord’s work!
JUST A THOUGHT
Sister Baker
President Spencer W. Kimball said the December 1974 Ensign: “God does notice us, and he watches over us. But it is usually through another person that he meets our needs. Therefore it is vital that we serve each other in the kingdom. The people of the Church need each other’s strength, support, and leadership in a community of believers as an enclave of disciples. In the D&C, we read about how important it is to “…succor the weak, lift up the hands which hang down, and strengthen the feeble knees. D&C 81:5. So often our acts of service consist of simple encouragement or of giving mundane help with mundane tasks, but what glorious consequences can flow from mundane acts and from small but deliberate deeds.”
I have learned that it is by serving that we learn how to serve. When we are engaged in the service of our fellowmen, not only do our deeds assist them, but we put our own problems in a fresher perspective. In the midst of the miracle of service, there is the promise of Jesus that by losing ourselves, we find ourselves. Not only do we “find” ourselves in terms of acknowledging guidance in our lives, but the more we serve our fellowmen in appropriate ways, the more substance there is to our souls. We become more substantive as we serve others---indeed, it is easier to “find” ourselves because there is more of us to find!”
JUNE 2012
PLANNING
President Baker
President Harold B. Lee said, "Planning is the nearest activity there is to Godhood." During the first six months of this year we have asked you to create lesson plans for all the lessons in Chapter Three of Preach My Gospel. These plans will allow you to 1) teach simply, clearly, and powerfully, 2) make sure no principles are forgotten, and 3) increase your confidence so that you can listen to the Holy Ghost instead of worrying about what you will say next. During June, you should finish all your plans including the fifth lesson. If you are behind, spend 15 minutes during each personal study to work on one principle from a lesson and you will be able to catch up.
We have also asked you to read and study two chapters of Preach My Gospel each month. For the month of June we are working on Finding and Language Study. President Larkin from the LA temple presidency was a Mission President when Preach My Gospel was first introduced. He has told the story of how all the Mission Presidents were invited to a conference with several General Authorities under the leadership of President Boyd K. Packer. At the end of many meetings discussing how Preach My Gospel would be used, one of the Mission Presidents asked President Packer “If we implement this new program in our missions, will we have more baptisms?” President Packer’s answer was “We don’t know. But we do know that we will have better, stronger leaders in the church when missionaries who have learned these principles return home!”
Elder Steve Allen, who is the Director of the Missionary Department once had an experience with two Elders who were driving him to the airport. He asked them if they would like to earn three times as much money during their lifetimes. Of course they answered “Yes!” He then committed them to follow his directions before he would tell them the secret. This took a little thought on the part of the Elders but they agreed. Elder Allen then promised them that if they would read, study, and apply chapter 8 of Preach My Gospel for the rest of their lives, they would earn three times more money than they would otherwise earn!
Abraham 4:21 "And the Gods saw that they would be obeyed, and that their plan was good." May we follow the pattern that has been set for us by focusing more intently on our planning efforts. Remember, PLANNING EQUALS SUCCESS!!
JUST A THOUGHT
Sister Baker
Have you ever thought about how many people pray for you every day? Your list might include your parents, extended family, companion and Ward members. Remember that other people are also praying for you every day including the Mission President, the Prophet, and Apostles. Hundreds of prayers are offered in temples by thousands of people every day that include asking Heavenly Father to bless the missionaries. It may occasionally seem like the world is against you, but be assured that as it says in 2 Chronicles 32:7-8 “Be strong and courageous, be not afraid nor dismayed … nor for all the multitude that is with him: for there be more with us than with him.”
president uchtdorf's test
General Conference April 2012
My dear brothers and sisters, consider the following questions as a self-test:
Do you harbor a grudge against someone else?
Do you gossip, even when what you say may be true?
Do you exclude, push away, or punish others because of something they have done?
Do you secretly envy another?
Do you wish to cause harm to someone?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may want to apply the two-word sermon from earlier: stop it!
Christlike Attributes
President Baker
During the month of May, we as a mission are focusing on working with members. Please don’t forget, however, that we are also studying Chapter 6 of Preach My Gospel: Christlike Attributes. I invite you to ponder upon and study these attributes. I encourage you to complete the Attribute Activity in PMG, p. 126. As we develop these Christ-like attributes you will have greater capacity to work more effectively with the members in your Church units. You will learn to love all of your members just as you love your investigators.
Elder Marvin J. Ashton, a former apostle, said: “Real charity is not something you give away; it is something that you acquire and make a part of yourself. And when the virtue of charity becomes implanted in your heart, you are never the same again. It makes the thought of being a basher [speaking ill of someone] repulsive. Perhaps the greatest charity comes when we are kind to each other, when we don’t judge or categorize someone else, when we simply give each other the benefit of the doubt or remain quiet. Charity is accepting someone’s differences, weaknesses, and shortcomings; having patience with someone who has let us down; or resisting impulse to become offended when someone doesn’t handle something the way we might have hoped. Charity is refusing to take advantage of another’s weakness and being willing to forgive someone who has hurt us.” (Ensign, May 1992)
Elder Maxwell taught: “Patience…is also a friend to free agency. Inside our impatience there is sometimes an ugly reality: We are plainly irritated and inconvenienced by the need to make allowances for the free agency of others. In our impatience, we would override others, even though it is obvious that our individual differences and preferences are so irretrievably enmeshed with each other that the only resolution which preserves free agency is for us to be patient and long-suffering with each other. The patient person assumes that what others have to say is worth listening to. A patient person is not so chronically eager to put forth his own ideas. In true humility, we do some waiting upon others. We value them for what they say and what they have to contribute. Patience and humility are special friends.”
And, finally, from our Missionary Handbook, we learn the following about another Christlike attribute—obedience. “As you obey with a willing heart, you will show the Lord your love for Him, earn the trust and confidence of members and nonmembers, and qualify for the companionship of the Holy Ghost.” (p.4) As you fully develop your capacity to be obedient, you are increasing your capacity to work with others in carrying out Christ’s mission “to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.” (Moses 1:39).
I am confident that your work with members will improve as you apply the Christlike principles found in Preach My Gospel. May you diligently strive to do so!!
JUST A THOUGHT
Sister Baker
Jesus taught in Luke 11:11-12 that our Father in Heaven gives good gifts: “If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent? Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion?”
If we pray for bread, and God gives us brown bread, do we ever mistake the brown bread for a stone because it isn’t the white bread that we wanted? If we want to work in a particular area or with a particular companion, are we willing to accept a different assignment for the blessing that it can be? Or do we grumble and complain that we have been given a serpent? Even when it seems like God has given us a trial instead of a blessing, remember “all things work together for good to them who love God.” (Romans 8:28)
MARCH 2012
CHOOSE YOU THIS DAY
President Baker
.When the Lord commanded the children of Israel to cross the river Jordan to enter the promised land, He gave them strict command to “sanctify yourselves: for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you.” (Joshua 3:5) How were they to sanctify themselves? The Lord told Joshua “Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law…turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper withersoever thou goest. This book of law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein…Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid…for the Lord thy God is with thee withersoever thou goest.” (Joshua 1:7-9) The Israelites were blessed to see many miracles when they followed this counsel, one of the earliest being the capture of the city of Jericho as the walls fell on the inhabitants and killed them. (Joshua 6) A lesser known story of their early entry into the promised land involves the city of Ai (Joshua 7). One person (Achan) kept some forbidden treasures from captured Jericho and as a result 36 Israelites were killed while trying to capture Ai. Joshua prayed to God to know why they had been unable to fight effectively and the actions of Achan were revealed. Achan and his household were killed for disobedience but not before the Israelites suffered casualties because of his disobedience.
Like the children of Israel, the missionaries in the CLAM also have been given a law which is known as the Missionary Handbook. As we follow the Handbook exactly, we are blessed individually and as a mission. When anyone in the mission chooses not to follow the Handbook exactly, the entire mission feels the impact of the disobedience, not just the disobedient missionary. In order for us to truly fulfill our potential as a mission, I invite every one of you to meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein. As Joshua said in the concluding lines of his writings, “put away the gods (improper use of cell phones/texting, Facebook and other internet violations, laxness in following the daily missionary schedule, unwillingness to invite others in the mission to change when disobedience occurs, laziness, etc.) which your fathers served on the other side of the flood…and serve the Lord…Choose you this day whom ye will serve…but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:14-15) There is an absolute urgency in the CLAM for each missionary to make this decision today and move forward accordingly. May you so choose to obey with exactness now!
JUST A THOUGHT
Sister Baker
BE YE CLEAN
Elders, white shirts need to be washed EVERY TIME you wear them. You may not notice the difference but please believe me, women do. Nobody is going to send a dirty missionary over to visit with their friends, so if you want more referrals, you need to wash a batch of 7 white shirts every Monday. Use bleach if you have not been washing every week because they won’t come clean with one wash.
FEBRUARY 2012
Tender mercies
President Baker
When missionaries come to see me with some problem to discuss, I often invite them to create a gratitude journal by recording the many tender mercies that God extends to us. The process starts by praying with your companion each morning that God will help you see those tender mercies or miracles that will happen during the day. Some of you may have played a game as youth while traveling on those long vacation drives where you looked to find something specific. For example, maybe you looked for Toyota Prius cars. When you look intently for something, you will likely find it. Does this mean that there are more Prius cars on the road today than yesterday? No, it’s just that you now see them because you are searching for them. In the same way, you will see more tender mercies by praying to see them and then attentively watching. As you enjoy receiving these tender mercies, you will know that the Lord is watching over you and that you are doing the right thing. When you see these tender mercies, discuss them with your companion and then note them in your planner so that you can write about them in your journal after Sacred 30. As you faithfully do this, you will have stronger companionship unity, your testimony will be strengthened and your dedication to the Lord’s work will increase. Please remember to thank God at the end of each day for those tender mercies you have seen. Expressing our gratitude will help us see even more!!
Yesterday, as an example, Sister Baker and I had the privilege of seeing several tender mercies throughout the day. One involved a sacrament talk, another involved a telephone call from a missionary who asked me a question about a subject I had been pondering and a third one occurred at a meeting where an unexpected attendee was someone that I had needed to visit with for the past month! It was a joy to talk about these tender mercies with Sister Baker and they lifted our spirits. Sometimes we also have significant tender mercies or miracles. Among those that I treasure most are the baptisms of some very special people while I served in Argentina and the oversight that the Lord played in our lives to bless us so that we could be in a position to serve a mission. Some of you know that I was employed by Citibank for nearly 25 years. There were several periods during the course of my employment where I was concerned that my job was in jeopardy. At those points, we considered leaving Citibank where I could have earned even more money. After prayer and careful consideration, we decided to remain with Citibank. As we approached early retirement, Citibank decided to significantly reduce the retirement pay to its retirees. We were blessed to be “grandfathered” under the old program, thus ensuring our financial ability to be able to take early retirement to serve the Lord as volunteers.
So, whether the tender mercies are small, daily experiences or large miracles at key points in our lives, we can see through them the love our Savior has for each one of us. I invite each of you along with your companion to join with Sister Baker and me in looking for those tender mercies each day that help us to know that we are choice sons and daughters of our Heavenly Father and that we are being blessed by Him for our service.
JUST A THOUGHT
Sister Baker
If you build a doctrine around one scripture verse it is like a wheel with one spoke. The more spokes you have, the better the wheel will hold up, the more weight (truth) it will hold. For example, if you only read Matthew 21:22 “And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive,” you might think you can ask for whatever you want as long as you believe. However, if you study all of the following verses as part of your scripture wheel, you will have a much better understanding of how to get answers to prayers: John 5:30, D&C 46:30, D&C 50:30, D&C 88:64-65, D&C 29:6, 3 Ne 18:20, 3 Ne 19:24, Moroni 7:26, 1 Ne 15:11. A clearer picture is that while it is always acceptable to pour out thoughts and desires of your heart, God will give you what you ask for if you ask correctly and are worthy. This is why God was able to promise Nephi in Helaman 10:5 that he would receive whatever he asked for.
JANUARY 2012
STRIVING FOR EXCELLENCE
President Baker
We hope each of you have enjoyed a wonderful Christmas season in the LA Mission this year! Sister Baker and I thoroughly enjoyed celebrating the Savior’s birth last Saturday morning in our Christmas Devotional with all of the CLAM missionaries. What marvelous talents were displayed by our missionaries as we all rejoiced together. We are very grateful for the Savior and all He has done for us. We are likewise grateful for all the missionaries---our young elders and sisters along with our senior missionaries---who have chosen to serve the Lord at this time in their lives. Thank you for all you do!!
On Saturday December 31st we will meet in two separate locations (northern and southern parts of the mission) to review our 2012 Standards of Excellence and to share testimonies one with another about our experiences of reading the Book of Mormon since our November Zone Conferences. Through focusing on the Doctrine of Christ in this particular reading, I have come to better understand my purpose in life and have an increased desire to become more like the Savior. I think I used my orange highlighting pencil representing repentance the most. That suggests we all need to change and move forward!
Our standards of excellence are intended to help us raise our vision and increase our faith as we strive to become like Christ. These standards will help us stretch, work effectively, and reach higher levels of performance. Elder M. Russell Ballard has said: “The principle of learning how to set goals and objectives is absolutely critical. Two missionaries really are in a power relationship as companions. As they decide to do something, they can invoke the power of Heaven and ask the Lord’s help.” Elder Richard G. Scott added: “When you set a goal and objective and begin to work to it, then the Spirit comes in and gives guidance. You have some concrete idea of what you are going to do and you’ve got something to measure against to know how well you are doing it. Not only will you and your companion work better together but you will be reinforced by guidance of the Holy Spirit.”
The diligent application of this basic process of setting goals, establishing plans, and acting in faith is the process of striving for excellence or, in other words, becoming more like the Savior. We invite you to find great joy as a missionary in 2012 as you strive with your companion to follow this pattern outlined in Preach My Gospel.
JUST A THOUGHT
Sister Baker
My favorite Book of Mormon hero is Amulek but Pahoran runs a close second. I cannot read Alma 60 and 61 without asking myself how I would react if I got a letter accusing me of doing things that I did not do and threatening to punish me. Pahoran refuses to take offense; “And now, in your epistle you have censured me, but it mattereth not; I am not angry.” (Alma 61:9) He is able to overlook any personal hurt because he cares more about the success of his mission, which in his case is to preserve the liberty of his people. If we care more about the Doctrine of Christ than we do about our personal feelings, we will also be able to have success by working together. As Elder Bednar stated, “One of the greatest indicators of our own spiritual maturity is revealed in how we respond to the weaknesses, the inexperience, and the potentially offensive actions of others. A thing, an event, or an expression may be offensive, but you and I can choose not to be offended—and to say with Pahoran, ‘it mattereth not.’ “ (October 2006 conference).
NOVEMBER 2011
SHARE THE LIGHT
President Baker The Book of Mormon, Another Testament of Jesus Christ helps us understand how the Savior is the light of the world. Jesus Christ is the light of the world because he is the source of the light that quickens our understanding, “ Wherefore, I beseech of you, brethren, that ye should search diligently in the light of Christ that ye may know good from evil; and if ye will lay hold upon every good thing, and condemn it not, ye certainly will be a child of Christ.” (Moroni 7:19)
Jesus Christ is the light of the world because his example and his teachings illuminate the path we should walk to return to the presence of our Father in Heaven. During his ministry the Savior taught, “Behold I am the light; I have set an example for you” (3 Ne. 18:16). Later, he told his Apostles, “Hold up your light that it may shine unto the world,” adding, “Behold, I am the light which ye shall hold up—that which ye have seen me do” (3 Ne. 18:24).
Jesus Christ is also the light of the world because his power persuades us to do good. “And whatsoever thing persuadeth men to do good is of me; for good cometh of none save it be of me. … I am the light, and the life, and the truth of the world” (Ether 4:11–12).
The Savior emphasized the close relationship between his light and his commandments when he taught the Nephites, “Behold I am the law, and the light” (3 Ne. 15:9). The Doctrine of Christ which is taught in the Book of Mormon, invites each one of us to (1) exercise faith in Jesus Christ and his Atonement, (2) repent, (3) be baptized by one having authority, (4) receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost, and (5) endure to the end.
As we share the Book of Mormon with those who are in darkness, we help them understand that Jesus Christ is the only true source of light and peace. As we go forth and both live and teach the Doctrine of Christ, we become ministers of reconciliation ( 2 Cor 5:17-18) Reconciliation, a word that comes from the Latin roots of re - meaning “again”, con - meaning “with” and sella – meaning “seat”. Literally it means “to sit again with God”. We have the ability to help people learn how to sit again with God, which will bring them true happiness.
May we reflect the Light of Christ through our eyes and smiles. May we attract others to the Savior through our every word and deed. As it says in the song, “Brightly Beams Our Father’s Mercy,”
Brightly beams our Father's mercy
From his lighthouse evermore,
But to us he gives the keeping
Of the lights along the shore.
Let the lower lights be burning;
Send a gleam across the wave.
Some poor fainting, struggling seaman
You may rescue, you may save.
Dark the night of sin has settled;
Loud the angry billows roar.
Eager eyes are watching, longing,
For the lights along the shore.
Trim your feeble lamp, my brother;
Some poor sailor, tempest-tossed,
Trying now to make the harbor,
In the darkness may be lost
JUST A THOUGHT
Sister Baker
"The main thing is to keep The Main Thing the main thing."
This is another way of saying keep your focus on the goal. Peter showed amazing faith when he asked Jesus if he could come to Him on the water. Peter was rewarded for his faith by being able to follow Christ's example of walking on water. But when he took his eyes off the Savior then "he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid." As fear of the obstacles hit him, he began to sink.
Remember always that you are servants of God with the purpose of bringing others to Christ.
SEPTEMBER 2011
OUR RESOURCES
President Baker
One of our missionaries used to work on the grounds crew of a golf course. Part of his job was replacing damaged sod. Usually sod was replaced in small patches but one day he was asked to replace the sod in a 10x10 foot area. After a couple of hours of hard work, he was tired, sweaty, and less than a quarter of the way done. His supervisor saw him and waved but didn’t come over to help so he was thinking it was going to be a very long day. A few minutes later, the supervisor returned with a backhoe and proceeded to have the whole area cleared out in a matter of minutes. His parting words were, “If you have the tools, use them.”
As missionaries one of our best tools is the members. At our mission wide Leadership Training (stake presidencies, bishoprics, high councilors over missionary work, ward mission leaders (WML) and others) last Sunday evening, we as a Mission Presidency tried to help them understand how we can work together more effectively. In particular, I invited all of them to have a “vision” of how their stake/ward will be in a year or longer. I told them that you would like to discuss with the bishops their vision for the ward and how that complements your vision for your area. Look for ways to serve the bishop and the ward. Return and report promptly to him when assignments are given. President White instructed the High Councilors how to train the WMLs so that they would quickly be able to learn their callings. President Jaramillo told the WMLs to expect nightly calls from one of the companionships in the ward. Some who were already experiencing these calls said they were helpful! Remember to be a “help” and not a “hindrance” to your Bishop and WML.
Another important role of members is to participate in teaching and fellowshipping investigators. Always talk to your WML about who would best meet the investigator’s needs. Build trust by always keeping your commitments with members, using good language (no slang), and teaching with directness and power. Provide the member with instructions prior to the teaching appointment so that your teaching efforts will be coordinated. Strive to bring the Spirit with you into members’ homes as well as investigators’. If you present yourself as missionaries should, the members will soon love you as much as we do!
Finally, members can be a terrific source for new investigators. Preach My Gospel p. 220 contains an outline of the many ways members can introduce the gospel to their family, work associates and neighbors. The District 1 DVDs have several clips that illustrate effective ways that we can work together to help move the Lord’s kingdom forward. Share these clips with members at your dinner appointments. (You may take your apartment DVDs to the homes of members for use but not the portable DVD player.) These clips are instructive and spirit-filled!
As the missionary who was replacing the damaged sod learned, we can become much more effective disciples of Christ as we learn to more effectively utilize this key resource the Lord has provided for us!
AUGUST 2011
VISION
President Baker
We have enjoyed marvelous zone conferences this week with Elder Kevin Duncan of the Seventy. We are grateful for the insights and directions that he provided to us. I’d like to share with you a story about Florence Chadwick that he told during the leadership sessions.
Florence May Chadwick was an American swimmer who was the first woman ever to cross the English Channel both ways (1950/51). On the fourth of July 1952, Florence, aged 34, had set her goal at being the first woman to swim the 26 miles between Catalina Island and the California coastline. As she began this historical journey, she was flanked by small boats that watched for sharks and were prepared to help her if she got hurt or grew tired. Hour after hour Florence swam, but after about 15 hours, a thick, heavy fog set in. Florence began to doubt her ability, and she told her mother, who was in one of the boats, that she didn’t think she could make it.
Her mother and her trainer continued to offer encouragement. They told her it wasn't much further, but all she could see was fog. They urged her not to quit. She never had . . . until then. As she sat in the boat, Florence found out she had stopped swimming less than one mile away from the California shoreline. Florence explained that she quit because she could no longer see the coastline-there was too much fog. She couldn’t see her goal. Two months later, Florence got back in the water to try her task once more. This time was different. She swam from Catalina Island to the shore of California in a straight path for 26 miles. The same thick fog set in, but Florence made it because she said that while she swam, she kept a mental image of the shoreline in her mind. Florence Chadwick became the first woman to swim the Catalina Channel, eclipsing the men's record by two hours! Florence didn’t lose sight of the shore because she focused on that image of the coast in her mind, and in this way, she reached her goal. Each of us is like Florence Chadwick. We have a goal to “invite others to come unto Christ.” Sometimes we get very tired—often both physically and mentally. Even though we know that this work is the most important work we can do, we stop trying just before we achieve our goal. What is the vision you have for your area? How does it fit in with our Standards of Excellence? Is your vision the same the Lord has for your area? What are the “fogs” that you encounter? What can you do today to bring to pass your vision for your area? I invite you to consider these questions---both individually and as a companionship--- and make sure that you constantly have the vision of your area guiding your actions.
JUST A THOUGHT
Sister Baker
Investigators often misunderstand Rev 22:18, “"If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this Book." They may use this verse as a reason why there cannot be any more scripture. There are three possible answers to this issue. One is that Moses wrote the same thing in Deut 4:2. He is clearly meaning not to add to his book and John the Revelator meant the same thing. Two is that John said “man” should not add to scripture, he didn’t say God couldn’t add to revelation and in fact John 16:14-15 contains a promise of continuing revelation. Three is that it isn’t known exactly when the book of Revelation was written but most scholars agree that the Gospel of John was the last book written. All of the New Testament that we have was written before 100 AD but there were originally just copies of letters or documents that were passed around individually or in small groups. They were not collected into a “book” until sometime between 150 and 250 AD.
JUNE 2011
HONOR THE FATHERS
President Baker
At our recent Zone Conferences, we talked about honoring our fathers—our earthly fathers, the “fathers”, priesthood leaders and Heavenly Father/Jesus Christ by being exactly obedient in one area during the month. As we willingly become exactly obedient, we will find many miracles in our life. We reviewed the pattern taught in the scriptures: 1) “If ye love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15): 2) God is “bound when ye do what I say” (D&C 82:10) and will always keep his promises to us; and 3) God has promised us endless blessings as we keep his commandments (1 Cor. 2:9). As a mission we agreed that we would honor the fathers during June by each companionship baptizing at least one person (90+ for mission overall). This goal will require significant faith. We fasted as a mission last Friday. What a wonderful experience to feel the Lord’s power (D&C 109:22-23) come to us as we humbly fasted for His assistance to meet this mission goal. We also agreed that we would need to aggressively find more people who are the elect of God (D&C 29:7). Each of the companionships reviewed with their district leaders the action steps they will take in order to baptize during June. We also learned that our efforts to bring the elect to the waters of baptism and the saving ordinances of the temple are part of the long foretold gathering of Israel. We learned that there is a definite urgency to this gathering as stated by Elijah (D&C 110:16) and that the Lord will help us accomplish this great gathering. The Holy Ghost will lead and guide us in our efforts. I am delighted with your response to this plan to Honor the Fathers in June and look forward to the many miracles that will occur as we accomplish this goal!
JUST A THOUGHT
Sister Baker
We pay money to see a great athletic team in which the players have learned to synchronize their efforts and play for the team. Then each player submerges individual wishes in seeking the welfare of his group. Each feels that the team and the cause are bigger and more important than the individual. We do not enjoy the game when each player is trying to show how capable he is individually; we would not think much of a player who would not obey the signals. The thing that we do want to see is team performance where every play is properly coordinated and effectively executed. It is certain that that is just what the Lord wants to see in us. No football team would ever accomplish much if every member carried his own book of rules and called his own signals and did his own scoring, with each having his own objectives in mind and his own independent procedures for accomplishment. For these, and many more reasons, it is a far wiser procedure for us to coordinate our efforts and march in step with the Lord and the program of the Church in every detail. This invention of “men in step” is a great one, and we should use it more, especially when the Lord is calling the signals. Sterling W. Sill Leadership
APRIL 2011
A PRICELESS GIFT
President Baker
"OK," she said, and she went away—I was off the hook. Over the next few weeks Sarah did as many jobs around the house as she could and saved all her pennies in a little jar. Well, she's my daughter, and I love her. I hadn't actually lied to her. If she saved all of her pennies, eventually she would have enough for a bike. But by then, she would probably want a car. In the meantime, sweet little Sarah was doing everything in her power to follow my instructions, but her needs were still not being met. I was overwhelmed. "OK, Sarah," I said, "let's go downtown and look at bikes."
In one of the big discount stores, we found it: the Perfect Bicycle. She ran to the bike and said, "Dad, this is it. This is just the one I want." She was thrilled. Then she noticed the price tag hanging down between the handlebars, and with a smile, she reached down and turned it over. Her face clouded up, and she started to cry. "Oh Daddy," she said in despair, "I'll never have enough for a bicycle." The bike, as I recall, cost over one hundred dollars. It was hopelessly beyond her means. But because Sarah is my daughter and I love her, I have an interest in her happiness. So I asked, "Sarah, how much money do you have?" "Sixty-one cents," she answered forlornly. "Then I'll tell you what, dear. Let's try a different arrangement. You give me everything you've got, the whole sixty-one cents, and a hug and a kiss, and this bike is yours. She gave me a big hug and a kiss and handed over the sixty-one cents.
We all want something desperately, but it's not a bicycle. We want the kingdom of God. But the horrible price—perfect performance—is hopelessly beyond our means. At some point in our spiritual progress, we realize what the full price of admission into that kingdom is, and we also realize that we cannot pay it. But only at this point, when we finally realize our inability to perfect and save ourselves, when we finally realize our truly desperate situation here in mortality and our need to be saved from it by some outside intervention—only then can we fully appreciate the One who comes to save.
At that point, the Savior steps in and says, "So you've done all you can do, but it's not enough. Well, don't despair. I'll tell you what, let's try a different arrangement. How much do you have? You give me exactly that much and do all you can do, and I will provide the rest for now. You give me all you've got and a hug and a kiss (that is, make this a personal relationship), and the kingdom is yours!
May you enjoy this Easter season while serving as missionaries for the Savior Jesus Christ.
JUST A THOUGHT
Sister Baker
May I review with you the testimony our prophet bore last Easter at General Conference:“No words in Christendom mean more to me than those spoken by the angel to the weeping Mary Magdalene and the other Mary when, on the first day of the week, they approached the tomb to care for the body of their Lord. Spoke the angel: ‘Why seek ye the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen.’
Our Savior lived again. The most glorious, comforting, and reassuring of all events of human history had taken place—the victory over death. The pain and agony of Gethsemane and Calvary had been wiped away. The salvation of mankind had been secured. The Fall of Adam had been reclaimed.
The empty tomb that first Easter morning was the answer to Job’s question, ‘If a man die, shall he live again?’ To all within the sound of my voice, I declare, If a man die, he shall live again. We know, for we have the light of revealed truth. As one of His special witnesses on earth today, this glorious Easter Sunday, I declare that this is true, in His sacred name—even the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior—amen.” – President Thomas S. Monson
I would like to add my testimony to Job’s “Yeah though worms destroy my body, yet in my flesh shall I see God.” I am grateful for the gift given us on that Easter morning.
MARCH 2011
OBEDIENCE: THE FIRST LAW OF HEAVEN
President Baker
I really enjoyed the opportunity to meet with you recently in Zone Conferences. There is always an excitement and enthusiasm that accompanies these conferences. I am grateful for your willingness to give “your heart, might, mind and strength” (D&C 4) to the work of the Lord as missionaries. Remember what Elder Maxwell observed, “The submission of one’s will is really the only uniquely, personal thing we have to place on God’s altar. The many other things we ‘give’ are actually the things He has already given or loaned us. However, when you and I submit ourselves, by letting our individual wills be swallowed up in God’s will, then, we are really giving something to Him! It is the only possession that is truly ours to give!” (Ensign, Nov 1995, p.24) God wants us to be obedient so that He can bless us. “There is a law, irrevocably decreed in heaven before the foundations of this world, upon which all blessings are predicated---And when we obtain any blessing from God, it is by obedience to that law upon which it is predicated.” (D&C 130:20-21) It is my prayer that each of us will be able to more fully comprehend and act upon this first law of heaven.JANUARY 2011
A NEW YEAR!
President Baker
Isn’t it wonderful to start a new year? I enjoy reflecting on all the successes and miracles that happened in 2010, and looking forward to doing what the Lord wants us to do in 2011! We were truly blessed as a mission in 2010 in many ways. I am grateful for the testimony meetings we held on January 1st at the conclusion of our Book of Mormon reading challenge. I was personally inspired by all the missionaries carrying their Books of Mormon in their hands, eager to read it whenever they had a spare moment. I pray that each of us will continue to focus on the Book of Mormon in 2011 as our “most powerful resource in conversion.”
We have started teaching the Fundamentals from Preach My Gospel, Teaching More Effectively course work again. I am grateful to the brethren for providing these lesson materials to help us become more effective teachers. The principles that are contained in the lesson materials are phenomenal and, when applied, will help us to find even more success in 2011! How do you plan to become a more effective teacher, and a better guide in helping “others to come unto Christ?” A core principle embedded in the coursework is our reliance on the Spirit to guide and direct ALL of our activities. We have spent the last few months focusing on this subject. In order to invite the Spirit into our teaching, we first need to invite the Spirit into our hearts personally. This happens when we actively do things that welcome the Spirit. This includes strict obedience to missionary rules, studying the standard works effectively, praying for direction from God, attending our Church meetings, and showing love to our companions and investigators. We know that we can feel the Spirit in greater abundance when we do these things.
The Lord has promised us that “by small and simple things are great things brought to pass…” (Alma 37:6). You will recall the story of the children of Israel who were disobedient and bitten by fiery serpents. The Lord instructed Moses to make a serpent of brass and put it on a pole. If the people were bitten, they could be healed by merely looking at the serpent of brass on the pole. The Book of Mormon relates: “…the labor which they had to perform was to look; and because of the simpleness of the way or the easiness of it, there were many who perished.” (1 Ne 17:41)
I invite each of you to see the “simpleness of the way” and submit your will completely to the Father. Let the Spirit enter your life freely by modifying all those behaviors in your life that are preventing you from receiving the Spirit fully in your life. As you do so, you will become as the sons of Mosiah who were described as follows: “…they had the spirit of prophecy, and the spirit of revelation, and when they taught, they taught with power and authority of God.” (Alma 17:3) I promise you that as you fully submit to His will, you will see even more miracles in your life and you will become a more powerful teacher than ever before!
JUST A THOUGHT
Sister Baker
Galatians 5:9 reminds us of the importance of enduring to the end – “And let us not be weary in well doing; for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” Sometimes little things seem unimportant but they always add up. It reminds me of a poem by Daniel Carter called “Dedication.”
When 6:35 was no problem for me,
And I was usually out by 9:30 -
When I would work in most types of weather,
And generally didn't mind getting dirty -
When I helped most of the widows I saw,
And murmured only a little in trial -
When I read my scriptures most of the time,
And easily left behind the first mile -
When I kept my covenants almost exactly,
And shed blood and sweat, though not many tears -
Oh, when I held back just a mite from the Master,
Didn't I know I had only two years?
DECEMBER 2010
A JOYOUS SEASON OF GRATITUDE
President Baker
In the spirit of President Monson’s remarks at the last General Conference, we have much to be thankful for as this year comes to a close. The mission has enjoyed tremendous success in 2010 by bringing many souls, even more than we originally thought possible, unto Christ. I extend my gratitude to every one of you who have worked so diligently this year to “find, teach and invite” those people who had not previously experienced the saving ordinance of baptism. I would also like to express gratitude for the many people who have assisted us along the way---the many stake and ward/branch leaders, our ward/branch missionaries, the many ward/branch members who have so willingly offered referrals, fed the missionaries and provided other forms of service; the senior missionary couples and mission president’s counselors who have supported our efforts in the Mission Office and Visitors’ Center; former President Blackburn and his wife who so ably directed the efforts of the mission during much of the year; and, of course, our families who continue to sustain us. I am grateful for the many people, both locally and in Salt Lake City, who have helped complete our remodeled Visitors’ Center and Mission Office, including the Temple staff that provides critical ongoing support services. I am grateful to have the Los Angeles Temple as a beacon for our missionary efforts, pointing the way to eternal life that starts at the gate of baptism. We can truly say that it has been a successful year through the combined efforts of many people who understand their “missionary purpose” and are anxiously engaged in the effort to build the kingdom of God in the California Los Angeles Mission.
My expression of gratitude would not be complete without recognizing the Savior, whose birth we celebrate at this season. I am grateful for the opportunity to focus on Christ during this season as I re-read with you the Book of Mormon as part of our mission challenge. His birth, life and mission (Mosiah 3, 2 Nephi 9) were foretold by the prophets who wrote the Book of Mormon. His saving doctrines were fully described (2 Nephi 31) by them. The Introduction to the Book of Mormon promises us that through diligently studying and pondering its contents followed by sincere prayer, that we will come to know that Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world. I personally witness to you “as sure as the Lord liveth” that this promise is true and that Jesus Christ is indeed our Redeemer and Savior. May we thank him at this joyous season for his Atoning sacrifice on our behalf by recommitting ourselves to serve him with all our “heart, might, mind and strength”
JUST A THOUGHT
Sister Baker
Since I had previously marked a book of Mormon with any mention of Christ, I decided this time that I would look for examples of the Savior’s “tender mercies.” It doesn’t take many pages to realize that every mention of mercy refers to blessings that the Lord has given us. I think Alma 24 is a great example of this. King Anti-Nephi-Lehi gives thanks to God for giving us the Holy Ghost (verse 8), allowing us to repent (verse 10) and the atonement (verse 13). He goes on to say (verse 14) “and the great God has had mercy on us, and made these things known unto us that we might not perish; yea, and he has made these things known unto us beforehand, because he loveth our souls as well as he loveth our children; therefore in his mercy he doth visit us by his angels, that the plan of salvation might be made known unto us as well as unto future generation. Oh, how merciful is our God!”
We are those future generations and we have the same blessings for which to be grateful. It is interesting to note that the angels he is referring to are Ammon and the other missionaries to the Lamanites. (Alma 27:4) At this Christmas season I hope we will remember to give thanks for the mercy of God and share our knowledge of his blessings with others so that they too might rejoice and be grateful for the “angels.”
OCTOBER 2010
A CALL TO ACTION
President Baker
Christ taught that we must all be baptized, the first of the saving ordinances to help us return to live with God. “…Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Nicodemus, a Pharisee and member of the Sanhedrin, asked him: “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born? Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of the water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.” (John 3:1-5) Christ taught this central theme of the Doctrine of Christ many times. It was also preached by his apostles. “Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” (Acts 2:37-38)
This same commandment was reiterated by the Savior to the Prophet Joseph Smith in the early days of the restoration: “Open your mouths and they shall be filled... Yea, open your mouths... Yea, open your mouths and they shall be filled, saying: Repent, repent, and prepare ye the way of the Lord, and make his paths straight; for the kingdom of heaven is at hand; Yea, repent and be baptized, every one of you, for a remission of your sins; yea, be baptized even by water, and then cometh the baptism of fire and of the Holy Ghost.” (D&C 33: 8-11) In the latter scripture, the Lord repeats three times that we are to “open our mouths” and preach repentance, baptism, and the gift of the Holy Ghost. Is there a purpose for this repetition? Undoubtedly Christ was helping the early saints comprehend the importance and urgency of the message.
In our day, Elder Dallin Oaks said: “We do not preach and teach in order to ‘bring people into the Church’ or to increase the membership of the Church. We do not preach and teach just to persuade people to live better lives…We invite all to come unto Christ by repentance and baptism and confirmation in order to open the doors of the celestial kingdom to the sons and daughters of God. No one else can do this.” PMG, p.9. Do we fully comprehend our purpose as missionaries? How will we act as we demonstrate our understanding of this key principle? Are we as the sons of Mosiah whom Mormon described as follows: “Now they were desirous that salvation should be declared to every creature, for they could not bear that any human soul should perish.” (Mosiah 28:3)
I invite every companionship to make a commitment to add one new investigator with a baptismal date during the coming week (through Sunday November 7th). As a mission we have a lot of investigators who are attending Church who do not have baptismal dates. If each companionship will do so, we will nearly double our amount of investigators with baptismal dates. I know that the Lord will bless us as a mission as we prayerfully consider and invite those that He has prepared to be baptized (D&C 84:88). As you invite your investigators to be baptized, help them to see the glorious blessings (“all that the father hath” D&C 84:38) that are prepared for them as they exercise faith in Jesus Christ, repent, receive baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost along with enduring to the end.
JUST A THOUGHT
Sister Baker
When Elder Russell M. Nelson was here in Los Angeles to dedicate the Visitors’ Center, he said that everything we do in the church leads to the temple, and that “enduring to the end means enduring to the ENDowment.” Boyd K. Packer wrote, “The path the missionaries pointed out to those people was more than conversion and repentance and baptism; for, to those who will follow, in due time that path leads to the sacred rooms of the holy temple.”In 2 Nephi 31:17-18 , we read the familiar scripture: “For the gate by which ye should enter is repentance and baptism by water; and then cometh a remission of your sins by fire and by the Holy Ghost. And then are ye in this strait and narrow path which leads to eternal life; yea, ye have entered in by the gate.” As missionaries we know that baptism is the critical first step on the path to the temple and eternal life.
We are so fortunate to have the Los Angeles Temple at the physical and spiritual center of our mission. It reminds us that we want new members to be so converted that they will endure to the endowment. For this reason we decided to have the temple as the center of our new mission logo.
SEPTEMBER 2010
THE BOOK OF MORMON
President Baker
This is our first CLAM Chatter since arriving in the mission. We are VERY late in getting it published! Did you notice? Truth be known, it is the President’s fault for not getting it published in a timely fashion. Nevertheless, I have known since our arrival what I wanted to share with you.
I have a deep love for the Book of Mormon. Every time I read it and ponder its contents, I receive an additional witness of its truthfulness and new insights into its teachings. I promise each of you that you will enjoy this same blessing throughout your life. I gained a personal testimony as a young missionary in Argentina of its power to bring the spirit of conversion into the hearts of all who are honestly seeking truth. We were encouraged by our mission president to carry a copy of the Book of Mormon in our hands everywhere we went (except while riding a bike or driving a car!) so that we would be more likely to teach its truths to everyone and invite all to personally confirm Moroni’s promise (Moroni 10:3-5) that the Holy Ghost will bear witness of its truthfulness. Will you consider doing this as well? If your missionary copies of the Book of Mormon are carefully preserved in your pack back, there is no way this “keystone” of our religion can bear witness of Jesus Christ and the restoration!
I have two questions for each missionary to ponder. How am I using the Book of Mormon to enhance my personal testimony? How am I helping my investigators to receive a personal witness of its truth? As you prayerfully consider your answers to these questions, I bear witness to you that you will be prompted by the Spirit how to more effectively use the Book of Mormon.
I want to share some of my favorite quotes from the prophets about the Book of Mormon.
Prophet Joseph Smith: “I told the brethren that the Book of Mormon was the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion, and a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book.” Introduction to Book of Mormon.
President Ezra Taft Benson: “It is not just that the Book of Mormon teaches us truth, though it indeed does that. It is not just that the Book of Mormon bears testimony of Christ, though it indeed does that, too. But there is something more. 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…When you begin to hunger and thirst after those words, you will find life in greater and greater abundance.” The Book of Mormon-Keystone of our Religion, October 1986 General Conference
Persident Ezra Taft Benson (Quorum of 12 Apostles): “We do not have to prove the Book of Mormon is true. The book is its own proof. All we need to do is read it and declare it! The Book of Mormon is not on trial—the people of the world, including the members of the Church, are on trial as to what they will do with this second witness for Christ.” A New Witness for Christ, October 1984 General Conference
President Joseph Fielding Smith: “No member of this Church can stand approved in the presence of God who has not seriously and carefully read the Book of Mormon.” October 1961 General Conference
May we all be blessed with a desire to increase our knowledge and testimony of the Book of Mormon and may it help us to more effectively share our testimony of its truthfulness to those that we meet!
JUST A THOUGHT
Sister Baker
The primary Book of Mormon authors – Nephi, Jacob, Mormon, Moroni -- had some things in common. Read the following scriptures to find out a couple of them:
2 Ne 11:2-3
2 Ne 33:10-11
Mormon 1:15
Jacob 6:12-13
Ether 12:39
Mormon 3:20-21
Moroni 10:27
