Almost 52,000 Missionaries Preaching His Gospel

"The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound." Isaiah 61:1

"For behold, the Lord doth grant unto all nations, of their own nation and tongue, to teach his word, ya, in wisdom, all that he seeth fit that they should have . . . "  Alma 29:8

Our grandson, Sloan Blain, soon joins the missionary ranks and we're very proud of him for making the choice to serve two years to teach the gospel of Jesus Christ and bring people unto Him. 

It is nice to discover there are random people out there in the world who accidentally or on purpose find this blog.  I hope there is something uplifting or of value found in the midst of the rambling posts.  Thus far, 1,139 people have checked in.  That is a tiny number compared to popular blogs, of course, but I can't imagine anyone besides friends or family who would read it (most the time I don't think many family or friends do!--ha, ha--so much to do and so little time . . .).  The audience recorded from my blog stats show the majority of "hits" are from the United States and the United Kingdom.  Other countries represented are:  Australia (was that you, Janice?), China, Russia, Canada, Germany, Ukraine, Denmark, Ireland, Brazil, France (Sandrine?), Uganda, and Switzerland.  Isn't technology amazing?

What a fun thing to know there are people out there perhaps searching for something and they don't know where to find it.  Wouldn't it be a miracle if one of those individuals found Jesus Christ and the message of the restoration on line?  That certainly has happened already for many.  What joy that will bring into their lives to know where they came from, why they are here on this earth, and where they will go after they die!  Knowing our purpose brings peace and hope in a world of trials, sorrows, shifting values and false messages.

Speaking of taking the gospel to the world, Sloan (grandson) is going on a mission to Mexico City!  The same mission his father did years ago.  Some of you might ask why a soon-to-be 19 year old, just out of high school, would give up two years of his life and put a prestigious scholarship to play basketball on hold until he fulfills a mission.

Faithful Latter-day Saint youth commit themselves to missionary service for two years because they love Jesus Christ and wish to be obedient to His commandment to share the gospel with others in the world.  It is an errand to save souls and bring them back to God.  Jesus Christ commands his followers to, "Preach My Gospel."  Sloan is more concerned about eternity than the short time we are on the earth.  He has his priorities in the right place and his vision is far beyond his age as he looks heavenward.

This is our District with the Zone Leaders visiting.  There is Canada, Germany, Finland, and the U.S. represented in our small group.  30 countries have been represented in the England Manchester Mission and missionaries are serving from 25 different countries.  Groups are broken down into zones and districts to provide training and spiritual support on a more one-on-on basis.  We meet together in what is called a "Zone Conference" every six weeks and receive instruction and spiritual rejuvenation to continue the Lord's work at a high level of commitment.  There are seven zones consisting of around 200 missionaries.  England has experienced a 60% increase in baptisms.  Baptisms in other European countries are down overall.  Large increases in baptisms are being experienced in other parts of the world.

As I have said before, the young missionaries are a witness to us that this is God's work.  Where else but in His Church would you find the best training for young future executives than on a mission?  Where else could you send young men (and women) out at the ages of 19-21 and expect them to govern themselves, be obedient and personally motivated to arise at 6:30 a.m. each day and work diligently until 9 p.m. each night without pay?  They conduct trainings and meetings, organize with time management and consistent follow up, and do everything successful people do to accomplish goals.  Take any organization in the world that trains people to fulfill their duties and you will find nothing greater, more effective, and perfectly inspired as the missionary training program (which goes on the entire time a person is on the mission).  I could go on and on, and I have (previously as well), but it can only be God's work or it simply could never happen.

Thus, I congratulate Sloan today for his choice to join God's mighty army of faithful missionaries to go forth away from his comfortable home and loving family to take the greatest message in the world to others--Jesus Christ lives and He is our Savior who paid the price for our sins and conquered death that we may live some day with Him and our Heavenly Father.  His Church is restored once again on the earth, with the priesthood authority to do the saving ordinances necessary for us to receive Eternal Life.  There is one faith, one Lord, and one baptism.  I add my witness to these truths in the name of Jesus Christ.  Amen.