Proclaiming the gospel is not an activity in which we periodically and temporarily engage, and our labors as missionary certainly are not confined to the short period of time devoted to full time missionary service in our youth or in our mature years. Rather, the obligation to proclaim the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ is inherent in the oath and covenant of the priesthood into which we enter. Missionary work, essentially, is a priesthood responsibility, and all of us who hold the priesthood are the Lord's authorized servants on the earth, and are missionaries at all times and in all places, and we always will be. Our very identity as holders of the priesthood and the seed of Abraham is in large measure defined by the responsibility to proclaim the Gospel. My beloved brethren, you and I, today and always are to bless all peoples in all the nations of the earth. You and I, today and always are to bear witness of Jesus Christ and declare the message of the Restoration. You and I, today and always are to invite all to receive the Ordinances of salvation. Proclaiming the gospel is not a part-time priesthood obligation. It is not simply an activity in which we engage for a limited time, or an assignment we must complete as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Rather, missionary work is a manifestation of our spiritual identity and heritage. We were fore-ordained in the pre-mortal existence, and born into mortality to fulfill the covenant and promise God made to Abraham. We are here upon the earth at this time to magnify the priesthood and to preach the gospel. That is who we are and that is why we are here-- today and always.