You Can Make a Difference

by Elder F. Melvin Hammond

of the Seventy

From a devotional address given at Brigham Young University, June 21, 1988.

You can shine the light of the gospel into the lives of others. They can be illuminated by your faithfulness. You can make a difference.

While I was serving as a mission president in Bolivia, a wonderful elder came to see me. It was near the end of his mission. He was very depressed.

He spoke to me about the difficult time he had experienced in the Missionary Training Center. While he was there his father had died, and for a brief period the elder had considered returning home. But, encouraged by a loving mother, and spurred on by individual commitment, he continued his training.

He recounted the initial efforts he had made in the mission field to work hard, pray often, follow all the rules—hoping, of course, to be rewarded with hundreds of baptisms. But, unfortunately, the baptisms had not come. Gradually he began to slacken his pace. He felt his prayers were not being heard. The mission rules seemed to be burdensome and restrictive. They were silly things, written by the mission president only to goad and irritate him.

In despair he told me, “I’m nobody! What I do won’t make any difference.” Then, as if searching, he quickly asked, “Will it, President Hammond?” For an instant similar questions passed through my mind. Can he make a difference? Can I? Can anyone? Does it matter what one person does?

Can we make a difference?

Then, in my mind’s eye I saw a myriad of people and events who had made a difference. I reminded him of the work of Copernicus, who revolutionized the science of astronomy; and Mohandas K. Gandhi, who in preaching peace and love, brought freedom to his native India.

There are many men and women who have truly made a difference, I said. I thought for a moment and then continued with the stories of two others.

I told him how, on December 23, 1805, a baby boy was born to Joseph and Lucy Smith. As he grew and developed in mind and body, schooled in godly principles by his devoted parents, his inquisitive mind sought for religious truth. In response to his humble pleadings, he received one of the most glorious manifestation ever given to man. He saw the Living God and Jesus Christ, his only begotten Son. Acting upon their admonitions, one boy, one man, began the incredible task of preparing a way to preach the restored gospel of salvation to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people.

There were persecutions, killings—every possible delaying tactic conceivable was employed by Satan to stop the work. Still, “having put his hand to the plow,” he did not look back (see Luke 9:62). Many followed him. They were driven from place to place. Finding no rest from their tribulations, they relied on his leadership and their implicit faith in the Savior.

Today, because of one man and his indomitable character for good, the truth is being proclaimed in much of the known world. Of him, Elder John Taylor has said, “Joseph Smith, the Prophet and Seer of the Lord, has done more, save Jesus only, for the salvation of men in this world” (D&C 135:3).

Our brother’s example

Then I came to the last, yet by far the most significant individual of all. He was the only begotten Son of the Father in the flesh. He was born in Bethlehem and placed in a manger. “As he grew, Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man” (Luke 2:52).

To the Nephites on this continent, as a resurrected being, he proclaimed, “And my Father sent me that I might be lifted up upon the cross; and after that I had been lifted up upon the cross, that I might draw all men unto me” (3 Ne. 27:14). One man! The son of the Eternal God, who submitted himself to many things in order that you and I might live again with the hope of Eternal Life.

With a renewed spirit

I placed my hand on the young missionary’s and asked him if he was ready to go back out into the field of labor? I asked if he could make a difference in the lives of the special Bolivian children of our Heavenly Father?

His attitude had changed. With a renewed spirit of dedication, tears slipping down his face, he committed himself once again to the work of the Lord. We knelt in prayer together and I blessed him that he would be able to find the way.

Although he had been weak, I felt an inner confidence in him. I surprised even myself by assigning him to one of the most difficult and remote areas of Bolivia—a small community named Bermejo near the Argentine border. The work had gone badly there for some time, with only a few baptisms to reenforce the handful of Saints who were discouraged and found it hard to keep the faith.

In his weekly reports the missionary told of his diligent efforts to contact the people and preach the gospel to them. He indicated that they were slow to listen, but that he was continuing his faithful stewardship in that part of the Lord’s vineyard.

A miracle in Bermejo

And then it happened. Overnight a small river that runs near the village, fed by heavy rains in the mountains, rose to a height never before known. Homes were swept away and people were drowned. The only bridge connecting the city to the main road was torn from its footings and washed downstream. There was chaos everywhere.

Two young missionaries were caught in the turmoil. And one, perhaps remembering that “a man can make a difference,” threw himself into the turbulent waters to rescue many who were drowning; he sought those buried beneath fallen buildings; he gave relief to the injured and succor to the hungry.

And a miracle occurred. He became a hero. He was lauded by the newspapers. People mentioned his name with reverence. Those who had previously rejected him and the message that he carried now searched him out. Their doors were opened to receive him. They loved him. They accepted his burning testimony of Jesus Christ and the gospel restored through the prophet Joseph Smith.

In the few months that remained of his mission he brought scores of wonderful people into the Church. Today, a beautiful chapel stands in Bermejo. On the Sabbath day it is full of members who still remember one faithful elder who made a difference.

Steps in the right direction

May I suggest a few methods that will help you make a difference:

1. Attend all three of your Sabbath day meetings without fail. You will be instructed in principle and truth and be reminded of your sacred baptismal covenants as you take the Lord’s sacrament.

2. Pay your tithing and offerings faithfully. Then you will begin to understand the purpose of the law of sacrifice and the law of consecration.

3. Maintain a resolute firmness in keeping the law of chastity. You will be a pure vessel where darkness is removed and where light remains.

4. Prepare to go to the Lord’s House. There you will be taught the principles necessary for your eternal progression.

5. Preach the everlasting gospel in word and deed. You will share in the joy of a converted soul and will win the crown of eternal life.

And what difference will you make? The kingdom of God will be strengthened by your membership. Your character will become as strong as blazoned steel. And you will be a source of spiritual wisdom and strength to many.

I remind you of the only pure, sinless life ever lived on this earth, that of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Seek for him! Be like him! He is the way, the light, and the life. And when you find him, you will make a difference.

Photography by Welden Andersen