Payson 10th Ward Missionary1*24*2026

My dear fellow Ward Missionaries. I feel so blessed to have the opportunity to send you a brief message. I pray that this messges finds each of you well, happy and full of the Love of Jesus Christ even Charity. Below is a copy of a message sent by our area presidency on January 22. It was sent to ward and stake leaders. But, the message is so close to what we have been sharing the past few missionary message.

Charity the pure love of God, seek the one or (finding), and willingness to follow Gods commandments and inspiration and direction. Also are we (I) willing to give all credit (Glory) to our Father in Heaven and the Savior or do (I )feel the need to be recognized for my efforts?

Jan 22, 2026

Utah Area Presidency: Elders Taylor, McCune, Becerra, Matswagothata, and Cziesla

Dear Leaders in the Utah Area:

We love you dearly and appreciate your selfless efforts to bless your families, ward members, neighbors, and friends. We feel a great urging from our Heavenly Father to simplify our efforts and focus on what is most important. He deeply desires us to gather His beloved daughters and sons to Jesus Christ. The purpose is people! The priority is people! The plan is people!

As we begin 2026, we invite each council and presidency in wards and stakes to review the [Utah Area Vision](https://assets.churchofjesuschrist.org/utbt38ehl9v788ewm8czgrvg80clshhzrjwbgevk.pdf "Utah Area Vision") and [video](https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/my-home/areas/utah/area-vision-downloadables?lang=eng "video"). Please ponder and discuss ways, in each area of emphasis, to guide your efforts in joyfully gathering Israel one by one.

As you seek the Lord's inspiration to gather every soul in your flock, a printed or electronic list of all quorum or class members is very important, especially in identifying individuals you may not be familiar with. After praying and counseling together, each presidency in a ward and stake could write the name of a person they feel inspired to focus on; their next needed ordinance (such as baptism, the sacrament, a priesthood ordination, or temple ordinances); and a simple plan to love and serve the individual, share gospel truths (especially from the Book of Mormon) and activities with them, and invite them unto the Lord. Ministering brothers and sisters, families, and individuals can follow this same pattern. Elder David A. Bednar taught that "it is as simple as writing down a person's name and their next ordinance."

These names and plans can be updated throughout the year and discussed regularly in presidency and council meetings (including ward council and ward youth council), and in one-on-one meetings that bishops and stake presidents hold with those they lead. (See [Gathering One by One Table](https://assets.churchofjesuschrist.org/daruelzqaok1y1bx8yz3ju1z19hox7td4lei3c5i.pdf "Gathering One by One Table"))

As individuals receive ordinances and keep the covenants they make with God, they come unto Christ. All those who are gathered together in Him will experience His blessings of joy, peace, and strength in greater abundance! And how great will be your joy as you assist in His work (see Doctrine and Covenants 18:10,16)!

We promise that as you keep your efforts simple and focus on helping others to receive sacred ordinances and keep covenants, you will see miracles in gathering Israel by bringing our brothers and sisters to Christ. With the Lord's help, we can do this!

All our love, Utah Area Presidency -- Elders Taylor, McCune, Becerra, Matswagothata, and Cziesla

* [Gathering One by One Table](https://assets.churchofjesuschrist.org/daruelzqaok1y1bx8yz3ju1z19hox7td4lei3c5i.pdf

"Gathering One by One Table")

* [Utah Area Presidency Letter](https://assets.churchofjesuschrist.org/mni7lexxyn4fe67k84bsrn2wsm4q8219gikvo4bs.pdf "Utah Area Presidency Letter")

* [Utah Area Vision Materials](https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/my-home/areas/utah/area-vision-downloadables?lang=eng "Utah Area Vision Materials")

* [Utah Area Vision Compliation Video](https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/my-home/areas/utah/area-vision-downloadables?lang=eng "Utah Area Vision Compliation Video")

This can be found in the tools app under actions and messages at the top left corner.

Remember we have a Adult Dinner on February 14th. I have heard already a few of our less active that have replied that they are coming. Please keep inviting.

My prayers are with each of you. I love you and I witness that Your Heavenly Parents and the SaviorJesus Christ love each of you.

There are two former members of our ward that need all the prayers you can share. EmmyLou (Jensen) Kiplinger, and Amberlie Bird. Teresa Schwartzwelder daughter. Besides the others in our ward directly we have been and will continue to pray for.

All my love

Steve Larsen

heisrisen@startmail.com

801-380-8307