Church Leaders Help Couples Prepare to Lead Missions
Contributed By the Church News
Several mission presidents and their wives pose by the world map in the Provo Missionary Training Center on Wednesday, June 25.
PROVO, UTAH
President Thomas S. Monson and other General Authorities spoke during the 2014 Seminar for New Mission Presidents, held at the Provo Missionary Training Center June 22–25.
The First Presidency poses during the mission presidents’ seminar. Photo by Matthew Reier.
Elder Russell M. Nelson, Elder David A. Bednar, and Elder Dallin H. Oaks participate in a panel at the 2014 Seminar for New Mission Presidents. Photo by Welden Andersen.
Missionary couples search the world map at the Provo MTC during the 2014 Seminar for New Mission Presidents. Photo by Welden Andersen.
Couples attend the 2014 Seminar for New Mission Presidents. Photo by Welden Andersen.
Attendees listen to a panel of General Authorities during the 2014 Seminar for New Mission Presidents. Photo by Matthew Reier.
New mission presidents and their wives pose during a training session at the Provo MTC. Photo by Welden Andersen.
Couples preparing to lead missions attend a training meeting at the Seminar for New Mission Presidents. Photo by Matthew Reier.
“You will be in the Lord’s service 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for the next three years and will be recipients of His direction and His blessings,” President Monson told 129 couples from 20 countries who began their mission assignments on July 1.
He referred to the young men and young women entrusted to their care as a “precious commodity” and shared with the leaders some ways to motivate the missionaries so they might be effective in their responsibilities and have the kinds of experiences that will affect them in a positive way throughout their lives.
President Henry B. Eyring, First Counselor in the First Presidency, said the Lord will prepare the way for mission presidents and missionaries. “God knows His servants,” he said. “He knows their potential. And He prepares the way in detail for them, if they have the faith to find and follow it.”
“You should have no doubt in your mind or heart about your capacity to succeed. The Lord called you,“ he told the new mission presidents and their wives. “They know the extent to which you have been purified and sanctified through your faith and your service in the cause of the Savior Jesus Christ.”
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf invited new mission presidents—as they begin a new and exciting journey as disciples of Christ—“to consider the example of the Apostle Peter, who overcame his fears and became a courageous missionary and leader of the Church.”
“We can learn not only from Peter, we can learn from all missionaries who have the same kind of commitment and dedication—missionaries like the many you find in all missions around the globe—missionaries like those who will serve with you,” said President Uchtdorf, Second Counselor in the First Presidency. “Each day, let us remind ourselves that we are disciples of the Savior Jesus Christ. And because He is with us, we do not fear.”
President Boyd K. Packer acknowledged that some new mission leaders would be serving amidst impossible and even dangerous circumstances. But the President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles assured the new mission presidents and their wives that the Spirit will be their guide and protector. “The Lord will be with you, and you will be all right,” he said. “No matter how inadequate you may think you are (and we all feel that way at times), the Spirit is the great enabler and equalizer in this work.”
Complete summaries of many of the addresses given at the seminar are available in English at the following links:
