2-5-26 Payson 1oth Ward Missionaries
- sglarsen
- 3 hours ago
- 4 min read
Dear Payson 10th Ward Missionaries. I realize its a little early for this message. I apologize, but I have to leaave town early sunday morning and right now I have the time and the promptings to send you a little message. I do hope and pray that each of you are doing well. As you can see the promptings are still there to focus a little bit on what we have the past few weeks. I believe we will probably hear more about this or these subjects during Stake Conference this week end.
“One of the places where the Savior used the number 100 in the scriptures was the parable of the lost sheep,” “Though 99 of his flock were safely by his side, the shepherd went in search of the one who was lost.” (President Russell M. Nelson)
Ministering is ‘a constant and attentive presence’
After hearing President Nelson’s invitation to reach out to the one, Jose Carlos Pacovski from the Granja Viana 1st Ward, São Paulo Brazil Cotia Stake, felt a spiritual impression to connect more closely with a man he was assigned to minister to.
The week after these efforts started, the man was taken to the hospital for illness. Pacovski was able to use their strengthened relationship to comfort his friend in his hardship.
“This experience taught me a valuable lesson about ministering,” said Pacovski. “Life is unpredictable, and people’s needs are constantly changing.” Reaching out to the one is more than completing a task, he learned; it’s about being attentive to the needs of others and being willing to adjust efforts according to those needs.
He said, “I believe that ideal ministering is not limited to sporadic contact but rather a constant and attentive presence in the lives of members.” (Church News 8 Sept 2024)
How Can I Make Charity the Reason I Serve?
When we serve others, we should strive to do so because we love them and are willing to sacrifice for them. Elder Dallin H. Oaks taught, “Our service should be for the love of God and the love of fellowmen rather than for any personal advantage or any other lesser motive. … God expects us to work to purify our hearts and our thoughts so that we may serve one another for the highest and best reason, the pure love of Christ” (“Why Do We Serve?” Ensign, Nov. 1984, 14–15).
Elder Oaks also related the following experience to illustrate the importance of charity as the motive for our service. He was assigned to visit a less-active member and called him near the end of the month to ask if he and his companion could come over right then to visit. Elder Oaks recalled:
“His chastening reply taught me an unforgettable lesson. ‘No, I don’t believe I want you to come over this evening,’ he said. ‘I’m tired. I’ve already dressed for bed. I am reading, and I am just not willing to be interrupted so that you can report 100 percent on your home teaching this month.’ …
“I hope no person we approach with an invitation to hear the message of the restored gospel feels that we are acting out of any reason other than a genuine love for them and an unselfish desire to share something we know to be precious” (“Sharing the Gospel,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2001, 8).
Are we willing to serve as our Heavenly Father and Savior Jesus Christ ask. In the sacrament prayer we hear the words : "that they are Willing
to take upon themselves the name of thy Son, and always remember him, and keep his commandments, which he hath given them, that they may always have his Spirit to be with them. Amen"Moroni 4:3
And finally to finish this exta long post. Are we willing to give Glory to God? Do we feel the need of recognition of the things we do especially when we are trying to serve othere. Do we have to be put on a pedastal? Made to look like we are someone or something special? Or do we humbly serve as we are inspired and or assigned and let all credit go back to the Father and the Son? And are we willing to receive correction when needed?
I testify to you that each of you, your family your friends, neighbors, even your enemies are all loved by Heavenly Father and the Savior Jesus Christ. "Christ is the way the Only Way"
We are guided by a living prophet even President Dallin H. Oaks. The Book of Mormon is the word of God. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is the Lords church. So, I welcome each of you and you invite over time others to enter the Hospital of Jesus Christ, the church. Come join with each of us seeking the healing influence and power of the Holy Spirit as we come to know Jesus Christ!
Even so in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen
Steve Larsen
801-380-8307
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