A Missionary Choir: United in Purpose, United in Christ
We are all united as disciples of Christ. You are His.
Photograph by Hunter Winterton
Music can have a profound impact on our lives. I know it has on mine.
While singing with 364 other missionaries at general conference, I was hit with the thought of what a unique choir I was a part of. This choir was the first missionary choir that combined teaching missionaries, service missionaries, and senior missionaries!
I met and talked with many people with diverse backgrounds, ages, challenges, and missions. I met a sister missionary from Australia. Another who is serving at Family Services. And another who is serving at an elementary school.
Though these three individuals and all missionaries are different—walking separate paths and tackling difference assignments—they are each a representative of Jesus Christ.
A United Choir
As a choir, we joined together in unity, representing the oneness of missionary service. This choir was truly inspired by divine design. Our powerful purpose was to invite others to come unto Christ—to come to know Him and His infinite love.
“The members of this choir—proselyting, service and senior missionaries—joined together to sing in a way that uplifted and inspired us all. Speaking metaphorically, each missionary is a vital voice in the ‘choir’ of missionary service, each lending spirit and strength as they join in singing the song of redeeming love to a world in dire need of the redemptive power of Christ,”1 said Elder Marcus B. Nash of the Seventy. Each missionary in this choir had a vital role to play in helping others come unto Christ. Joined together, we sang praises of our Lord and Savior.
President Henry B. Eyring, Second Counselor in the First Presidency, has taught, “Whatever our age, capacity, Church calling, or location, we are as one called to the work to help Him in His harvest of souls until He comes again.”2
Photograph by Hunter Winterton
I remember the feeling in the chapel when we found out that all kinds of missionaries would be involved in this choir. There was immense joy, celebration, and love for one another. We were truly doing the Lord’s work, and we were representing all missionaries around the world.
Sister Reyna I. Aburto, former Second Counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency, once said: “The Lord’s followers were one in purpose, in love, and in works. They knew who they were, they knew what they had to do, and they did it with love for God and for each other.”3 We knew our purpose as one and bore our testimonies through song.
Proselyting missionaries teach and share the gospel with others around the world. Service missionaries serve those around them in their local communities. Senior missionaries serve one on one. But what we have in common is our purpose and our identity. We are disciples of Jesus Christ, and our purpose is to help others come unto Him.
Disciples of Christ
Earlier this year, President Russell M. Nelson spoke to the young adults of the Church about remembering our unchanging divine identities. He said, “You are a disciple of Jesus Christ.”4 Despite the difficulties of this world, the attacks of the adversary, and the false influences of the world, we are all representatives and disciples of Jesus Christ—whether we wear a badge or not.
During conference, we—the choir and the congregation—sang “Glory to God on High.”5 Thousands of diverse individuals across the world were united in singing about our Heavenly Father and His Son whether they were wearing the badge or not.
As representatives of the Savior, we teach His doctrine and share His love. We take His name upon us and exemplify what He would do.
You are a beloved child of God, part of this great work. It does not matter where you come from, whose family you are a part of, or what schooling you have accomplished. It does not matter what mistakes you have made. You are a disciple of the Savior Jesus Christ. You are His.