How Great Shall Be Your Joy
By President Henry B. Eyring
First Counselor in the First PresidencyClose Audio
Few joys in life are sweeter and longer lasting than knowing that you have helped others take the restored gospel of Jesus Christ into their hearts. Having that joy is the opportunity of every member of the Church. When we were baptized, we made a promise that we would “stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that [we] may be in, even until death, that [we] may be redeemed of God, and be numbered with those of the first resurrection, that [we] may have eternal life” (Mosiah 18:9).
All members accept part of the charge given to the Church to take the gospel of Jesus Christ to the world, wherever and as long as they live. The Lord said it clearly: “Behold, I sent you out to testify and warn the people, and it becometh every man who hath been warned to warn his neighbor” (D&C 88:81). Full-time missionaries are to have the power to teach those who are not yet members of the Church. Members of the Church are to have the power to find those the Lord has prepared for the missionaries to teach.
We need to exercise our faith that the Lord has prepared people around us to be taught. He knows who they are and when they are ready, and He can guide us to them by the power of the Holy Ghost and give us words to invite them to be taught. The promise the Lord gave to a missionary in 1832 is also the promise He gives to us in our charge to find people ready for teaching by the missionaries: “I will send upon him the Comforter, which shall teach him the truth and the way whither he shall go; and inasmuch as he is faithful, I will crown him again with sheaves” (D&C 79:2–3).
And the promise of great joy for the faithful missionary is also ours as faithful members who give our hearts to missionary work:
“And now, if your joy will be great with one soul that you have brought unto me into the kingdom of my Father, how great will be your joy if you should bring many souls unto me!
“Behold, you have my gospel before you, and my rock, and my salvation.
“Ask the Father in my name, in faith believing that you shall receive, and you shall have the Holy Ghost, which manifesteth all things which are expedient unto the children of men” (D&C 18:16–18).
In addition to the Holy Ghost to help us recognize and invite those ready to be taught, the Lord has called and trained leaders to guide us. In a letter dated February 28, 2002, the First Presidency placed increased responsibility for missionary work on bishops and wards. 1 With the help of the ward or branch council, the priesthood executive committee develops a missionary plan for the unit. In that plan are suggestions on how members can find those ready to be taught by the missionaries. There is a person called as the ward or branch mission leader. That mission leader has close contact with the full-time missionaries and their investigators.
There are many ways you can better meet your personal obligation to help find people for the missionaries to teach. The simplest way will be the best.
Pray to be guided by the Holy Ghost. Talk with local leaders and missionaries, asking for their suggestions and promising them your help. Encourage those involved with you in this work. And be a witness at all times in what you say and do that Jesus is the Christ and that God answers prayers.
I testify that the Holy Ghost will direct you to those who seek truth as you pray and work for that guidance. And I know from experience that your joy will be lasting with those who choose to take the gospel into their hearts and then endure in faith.
Teaching from This Message
· Teaching, No Greater Call instructs us to encourage those we teach to set goals to help them live the principles they have learned (see page 159). With the family, consider identifying the blessings of missionary work as mentioned by President Eyring and, if prompted, invite the family to set goals for sharing the gospel.
· Consider brainstorming with the family ways to share the gospel, remembering President Eyring’s counsel that “the simplest way will be the best.” To learn more about brainstorming, see Teaching, No Greater Call, page 160.
Youth
The Many Missionaries in My Life
By Elizabeth S. Stiles
09602_000_003The first Sunday I attended church with the missionaries, I recognized people I had grown up with and knew from the community. I saw one of my best friends from school, the elementary and high school secretaries, a girl I had not been exceptionally nice to in the past, and even a young man I once had a crush on.
Each of these individuals had a lasting impact on me. My best friend was a young woman of great integrity, and because of her I chose to continue investigating the Church. The secretaries who remembered me from school helped me know that I am important. I learned about godly love and charity from the young woman who embraced me despite my less-than-kind behavior toward her in the past. My early teenage crush set such a good example, I recognized his light and wanted to be around him.
These experiences helped me learn that, even before my first exposure to the missionaries, Heavenly Father had prepared me to receive the gospel through the people He placed around me. From them I learned that the small things we do can have great effect. Most important, I have learned that missionary work starts with me.
Far left: illustrations by Steve Kropp
Children
The Gospel—a Gift to Share
09602_000_004 The word gospel means all the teachings and ordinances given to us by Jesus Christ and His prophets. The gospel is like a basket filled with gifts from Heavenly Father. You can help give these gifts to other people. With whom could you share the gift of the gospel?
Match the scripture verses with the pictures of some of the gifts that are included in the gospel. Write on each picture the number of its matching scripture.
Visiting Teaching Message
A Restoration of All ThingsEnsign, February 2011
Study this material and, as appropriate, discuss it with the sisters you visit. Use the questions to help you strengthen your sisters and to make Relief Society an active part of your own life.
The Prophet Joseph Smith organized Relief Society as an essential part of the Church. As a presidency, we hope we can help you understand why Relief Society is essential in your life.
We know that New Testament women showed faith in Jesus Christ and participated in His work. Luke 10:39 tells of Mary, who "sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word." In John 11:27 Martha bears witness of Christ: "She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world." Acts 9:36, 39 speaks of "a certain disciple named Tabitha, . . . full of good works. . . . And all the widows stood by . . . shewing the coats and garments which [she] made." Phebe, in Romans 16:1–2, was "a servant of the church" and "a succourer of many."
These patterns of faith, testimony, and service continued in the latter-day Church and were formalized with the organization of Relief Society. Julie B. Beck, Relief Society general president, taught: "Just as the Savior invited Mary and Martha of New Testament times to participate in His work, women of this dispensation have an official commission to participate in the Lord's work. . . . The organization of Relief Society in 1842 mobilized the collective power of the women and their specific assignments to build the Lord's kingdom."1
We accomplish our work as we focus on Relief Society's purposes: to increase faith and personal righteousness, strengthen families and homes, and seek out and help those in need.
I testify that Relief Society was divinely organized to assist in the work of salvation. Each Relief Society sister has an essential role to play in accomplishing this sacred work.Silvia H. Allred, first counselor in the Relief Society general presidency.
From the Scriptures
Joel 2:28–29; Luke 10:38–42; Ephesians 1:10
From Our History
Sister Julie B. Beck has taught that "we know through the Prophet Joseph Smith that Relief Society was a formal part of the Restoration."2 The process of restoration began with the First Vision in 1820 and continued "line upon line, precept upon precept" (D&C 98:12). When the Relief Society was formally organized on March 17, 1842, the Prophet taught the women about their essential place in the restored Church. He said, "The Church was never perfectly organized until the women were thus organized."3
Notes
Julie B. Beck, "Fulfilling the Purpose of Relief Society," Liahona and Ensign, Nov. 2008, 108.
Julie B. Beck, "Fulfilling the Purpose of Relief Society," 108.
Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith(2007), 451.
What Can I Do?
What help will I provide my sisters this month that exemplifies the faith of female disciples of Jesus Christ?
What teaching of the restored gospel will I study to strengthen my testimony this month?
“Joy So Great”
cji
2/1/11
Gathering storm clouds
great and majestic
rising high into heaven
sending fear and trembling
throughout the earth
for men/women fret
over the unknown
avoiding darkness
which becomes them
yet a still small voice
entering those alive
sharing great truths
the gospel restored
fulness and complete
bringing to the listener
thus a joy so great!
Copyright © 2010 – cji
“All Things”
cji
2/1/11
Nothing to be left out
providing answers true
lifting each who learns
giving hope to knowledge
as blossoms to foliege
answering all concerns
eternities able to view
all things joyful to shout!
Copyright © 2010 – cji
By President Henry B. Eyring
First Counselor in the First PresidencyClose Audio
Few joys in life are sweeter and longer lasting than knowing that you have helped others take the restored gospel of Jesus Christ into their hearts. Having that joy is the opportunity of every member of the Church. When we were baptized, we made a promise that we would “stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that [we] may be in, even until death, that [we] may be redeemed of God, and be numbered with those of the first resurrection, that [we] may have eternal life” (Mosiah 18:9).
All members accept part of the charge given to the Church to take the gospel of Jesus Christ to the world, wherever and as long as they live. The Lord said it clearly: “Behold, I sent you out to testify and warn the people, and it becometh every man who hath been warned to warn his neighbor” (D&C 88:81). Full-time missionaries are to have the power to teach those who are not yet members of the Church. Members of the Church are to have the power to find those the Lord has prepared for the missionaries to teach.
We need to exercise our faith that the Lord has prepared people around us to be taught. He knows who they are and when they are ready, and He can guide us to them by the power of the Holy Ghost and give us words to invite them to be taught. The promise the Lord gave to a missionary in 1832 is also the promise He gives to us in our charge to find people ready for teaching by the missionaries: “I will send upon him the Comforter, which shall teach him the truth and the way whither he shall go; and inasmuch as he is faithful, I will crown him again with sheaves” (D&C 79:2–3).
And the promise of great joy for the faithful missionary is also ours as faithful members who give our hearts to missionary work:
“And now, if your joy will be great with one soul that you have brought unto me into the kingdom of my Father, how great will be your joy if you should bring many souls unto me!
“Behold, you have my gospel before you, and my rock, and my salvation.
“Ask the Father in my name, in faith believing that you shall receive, and you shall have the Holy Ghost, which manifesteth all things which are expedient unto the children of men” (D&C 18:16–18).
In addition to the Holy Ghost to help us recognize and invite those ready to be taught, the Lord has called and trained leaders to guide us. In a letter dated February 28, 2002, the First Presidency placed increased responsibility for missionary work on bishops and wards. 1 With the help of the ward or branch council, the priesthood executive committee develops a missionary plan for the unit. In that plan are suggestions on how members can find those ready to be taught by the missionaries. There is a person called as the ward or branch mission leader. That mission leader has close contact with the full-time missionaries and their investigators.
There are many ways you can better meet your personal obligation to help find people for the missionaries to teach. The simplest way will be the best.
Pray to be guided by the Holy Ghost. Talk with local leaders and missionaries, asking for their suggestions and promising them your help. Encourage those involved with you in this work. And be a witness at all times in what you say and do that Jesus is the Christ and that God answers prayers.
I testify that the Holy Ghost will direct you to those who seek truth as you pray and work for that guidance. And I know from experience that your joy will be lasting with those who choose to take the gospel into their hearts and then endure in faith.
Teaching from This Message
· Teaching, No Greater Call instructs us to encourage those we teach to set goals to help them live the principles they have learned (see page 159). With the family, consider identifying the blessings of missionary work as mentioned by President Eyring and, if prompted, invite the family to set goals for sharing the gospel.
· Consider brainstorming with the family ways to share the gospel, remembering President Eyring’s counsel that “the simplest way will be the best.” To learn more about brainstorming, see Teaching, No Greater Call, page 160.
Youth
The Many Missionaries in My Life
By Elizabeth S. Stiles
09602_000_003The first Sunday I attended church with the missionaries, I recognized people I had grown up with and knew from the community. I saw one of my best friends from school, the elementary and high school secretaries, a girl I had not been exceptionally nice to in the past, and even a young man I once had a crush on.
Each of these individuals had a lasting impact on me. My best friend was a young woman of great integrity, and because of her I chose to continue investigating the Church. The secretaries who remembered me from school helped me know that I am important. I learned about godly love and charity from the young woman who embraced me despite my less-than-kind behavior toward her in the past. My early teenage crush set such a good example, I recognized his light and wanted to be around him.
These experiences helped me learn that, even before my first exposure to the missionaries, Heavenly Father had prepared me to receive the gospel through the people He placed around me. From them I learned that the small things we do can have great effect. Most important, I have learned that missionary work starts with me.
Far left: illustrations by Steve Kropp
Children
The Gospel—a Gift to Share
09602_000_004 The word gospel means all the teachings and ordinances given to us by Jesus Christ and His prophets. The gospel is like a basket filled with gifts from Heavenly Father. You can help give these gifts to other people. With whom could you share the gift of the gospel?
Match the scripture verses with the pictures of some of the gifts that are included in the gospel. Write on each picture the number of its matching scripture.
Visiting Teaching Message
A Restoration of All ThingsEnsign, February 2011
Study this material and, as appropriate, discuss it with the sisters you visit. Use the questions to help you strengthen your sisters and to make Relief Society an active part of your own life.
The Prophet Joseph Smith organized Relief Society as an essential part of the Church. As a presidency, we hope we can help you understand why Relief Society is essential in your life.
We know that New Testament women showed faith in Jesus Christ and participated in His work. Luke 10:39 tells of Mary, who "sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word." In John 11:27 Martha bears witness of Christ: "She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world." Acts 9:36, 39 speaks of "a certain disciple named Tabitha, . . . full of good works. . . . And all the widows stood by . . . shewing the coats and garments which [she] made." Phebe, in Romans 16:1–2, was "a servant of the church" and "a succourer of many."
These patterns of faith, testimony, and service continued in the latter-day Church and were formalized with the organization of Relief Society. Julie B. Beck, Relief Society general president, taught: "Just as the Savior invited Mary and Martha of New Testament times to participate in His work, women of this dispensation have an official commission to participate in the Lord's work. . . . The organization of Relief Society in 1842 mobilized the collective power of the women and their specific assignments to build the Lord's kingdom."1
We accomplish our work as we focus on Relief Society's purposes: to increase faith and personal righteousness, strengthen families and homes, and seek out and help those in need.
I testify that Relief Society was divinely organized to assist in the work of salvation. Each Relief Society sister has an essential role to play in accomplishing this sacred work.Silvia H. Allred, first counselor in the Relief Society general presidency.
From the Scriptures
Joel 2:28–29; Luke 10:38–42; Ephesians 1:10
From Our History
Sister Julie B. Beck has taught that "we know through the Prophet Joseph Smith that Relief Society was a formal part of the Restoration."2 The process of restoration began with the First Vision in 1820 and continued "line upon line, precept upon precept" (D&C 98:12). When the Relief Society was formally organized on March 17, 1842, the Prophet taught the women about their essential place in the restored Church. He said, "The Church was never perfectly organized until the women were thus organized."3
Notes
Julie B. Beck, "Fulfilling the Purpose of Relief Society," Liahona and Ensign, Nov. 2008, 108.
Julie B. Beck, "Fulfilling the Purpose of Relief Society," 108.
Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith(2007), 451.
What Can I Do?
What help will I provide my sisters this month that exemplifies the faith of female disciples of Jesus Christ?
What teaching of the restored gospel will I study to strengthen my testimony this month?
“Joy So Great”
cji
2/1/11
Gathering storm clouds
great and majestic
rising high into heaven
sending fear and trembling
throughout the earth
for men/women fret
over the unknown
avoiding darkness
which becomes them
yet a still small voice
entering those alive
sharing great truths
the gospel restored
fulness and complete
bringing to the listener
thus a joy so great!
Copyright © 2010 – cji
“All Things”
cji
2/1/11
Nothing to be left out
providing answers true
lifting each who learns
giving hope to knowledge
as blossoms to foliege
answering all concerns
eternities able to view
all things joyful to shout!
Copyright © 2010 – cji
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