PAYSON 10TH WARD MISSIONARY August 23, 2025

I apologize for sending this early. I will be out of town over the weekend.

“With those we feel are worthy or appreciative of our attention. The spirit of true Christian fellowship must include everyone. . . Years ago while walking up main street with his father, Elder LeGrand Richards, then the Presiding Bishop of the Church, tipped his hat and greeted everyone. Upon arrival at their destination, President George F. Richards, then the President of the Council of the Twelve, said, “Son, do you know all those people?” Bishop Richards responded, “Yes, Daddy, I know them all – all but their names.”

Elder M. Russell Ballard  |  Ensign, November 1988, pp. 29-30

“You will listen best when you feel, “Father, thy will, not mine, be done.” You will have a feeling of “I want what you want.” Then, the still small voice will seem as if it pierces you…You will act after you have listened because when you hear his voice by the Spirit you will always feel that you are impelled to do something. You mustn’t be surprised if the instruction seems accompanied with what you feel as a rebuke.You might prefer that God simply tell you how well you are doing. But he loves you, wants you to be with him, and knows you must have a mighty change in your heart, through faith on the Lord Jesus Christ, humble repentance, and the making and keeping of sacred covenants.”

Elder Henry B. Eyring  |  “To Draw Closer to God,” Ensign, May 1991, 67.

The thought comes to my mind of the words to one of our Hymns. Hope of Israel.

1. Hope of Israel, Zion’s army,Children of the promised day,See, the Chieftain signals onward,And the battle’s in array!

(Chorus)Hope of Israel, rise in mightWith the sword of truth and right;Sound the war-cry, “Watch and pray!”Vanquish ev’ry foe today.

2. See the foe in countless numbers,Marshaled in the ranks of sin.Hope of Israel, on to battle;Now the vict’ry we must win!

3. Strike for Zion, down with error;Flash the sword above the foe!Ev’ry stroke disarms a foeman;Ev’ry step we conq’ring go.

4. Soon the battle will be over;Ev’ry foe of truth be down.Onward, onward, youth of Zion;Thy reward the victor’s crown.

Text: Joseph L. Townsend, 1849-1942Music: William Clayson, 1840-1887

Yes soon the battle will be over. But, until then.

Keep that hope alive. Ask yourselves.

Am I willing? Am I obedient to not only the c9ommandments but perhaps more importantlyk to every promptimng I receive from the Lord.

Our efforts to develop friendships with less active, non-member, and active members can help guide them back to our Savior, Jesus Christ, and to our Heavenly Father. Let's do what we can to help bring them home, whether now partaking of the blessings of the Lord's Church or through selfless service in the House of the Lord. We all have the tremendous opportunity to serve the Lord and our fellow brothers and sisters!

I witness to each of you that Jesus is the Christ, the only Begotten of God in the Flesh. He gave everything for you and me. I plead with my Heavenly Father for forgiveness of the sufferings that my Savior went through caused of me. Please, join me and do all you can in your life to change so that His suffering might not be in vain. Russel M. Nelson is a prophet of God. Jesus does live. Indeed, HE LIVES. Our Savior and Redeemer love each of you, as do I.

In the name of Jesus Christ

Amen.

Steven Larsen

801-380-8307

sglarsen@gmail.com