Baptism: The Life Blood of each Branch and Ward!
Dear Elders and Sisters:
Thank you for coming so prepared to learn and receive
revelation last week in our Specialized Training. We truly hope you did and trust our
preparations and instructions were in line, or should I better say on course
with what this mission currently needs. On the heels of this, I thought it
important to summarize. I choose a
metaphor as a way to do so.
In the Zone Conference we had in late January, we ended
it with a teaching from Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin - Journey to Higher
Ground. In our desire to 'Journey to
Higher Ground' as a mission dedicated to serving and assisting these wonderful
Branches, Wards and Stakes to reach their inspired goals of baptisms this year,
it is not enough to simply say; "We are going to Higher Ground. We are climbing that mountain." No, because while we begin with great
intentions and desires, if we do not chart and map our course correctly, we may
expend a tremendous amount of energy in the journey and fail to reach the
desired or appropriate destination. As
we discussed, just a few degrees off course will make a big difference as to
whether or not we actually reach our destination. We must plan appropriately and execute
effectively and efficiently in order to Journey to the Higher Ground the Lord
desires we arrive at. And in this, we
cannot be like Saul! We must do this
work, the Lord's Work in His prescribed way - largely meaning a PMG way.
Therefore, as you go forward from this Specialized Training,
I trust you will carefully examine your entire day's schedule, activities, and
focus to see where you may be a few degrees off course and in what ways you are
not doing things in the Lord's way.
These can be very small things such as a slight drift from exact
obedience, not fully utilizing and incorporating ALL of the teachings and
instructions from PMG, failing to plan in great depth on Fridays or in a
meaningful way each evening, not sincerely and effectively role playing in
Companion Studies, etc.
This mission is going in the right direction! You Elders and Sisters are anxiously engaged
in the Work of Salvation! You have
'great desires to do the work' and you love one another and the Branches, Wards
and Stakes where you serve. As I shared
with you my fond recollections of the places I served on my mission and how
those who became Members are now such an integral part of the Church's success
there, it is true with those you help to find their way into the Lord's Kingdom
here. Each Branch, Ward and Stake needs
new Members. Baptisms are the "life
blood" of this great Church! Any
unit you serve in will be well served to have new Members join, participate,
serve, and progress as individuals and families in their path to exaltation.
Their own lives are blessed as well as the lives of those who find, fellowship,
teach, love and assist. It is a great
blessing and rich opportunity for each Unit to enjoy the blessings of Baptisms!
So go forward with great faith and great desires to
follow the course of action the Lord will provide and has provided. Get on your knees and pray to know where you
should cast your nets and then get up and go to work! Work in the Lord's prescribed manner (PMG and
as instructed by your leaders) and you will be exactly on course. Find and establish balance in all you
do. Always ask "Why?" and
"Should I/we?" hence doing those things that will be of the greatest
worth! And make it your greatest desire
to assist these wonderful Units in obtaining their inspired and desired goals
of New Convert Baptisms this year. They
are depending on you. They have great
confidence in you and will assist you as you demonstrate to them your sincere
desires to "find, teach, baptize, and confirm people and to help them
become faithful members of the Church who enjoy the presence of the Holy
Ghost."
With great love and appreciation for your diligence,
faith, and exact obedience in living and fulfilling your Missionary Purpose,
President Clark
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