Words of the President 2015
Ang Tinig
Ang Tinig
Ang Tinig
Ang Tinig
Ang Tinig
Ang Tinig
Ang Tinig
President’s Letter
December 21, 2015
Merry Christmas, our dear missionaries. I’m eagerly anticipating our Christmas Conference this week (talaga!). We are going to celebrate our Savior’s birth, life and love. What a great day in the life of a missionary.
Christmas begins with love. That love is best manifest through Christ-like service. Jesus demonstrated this to us in his ministry and mission. Elder Merrill J. Bateman taught: “The greatest act of love in the history of the world is the atoning sacrifice of the Only Begotten of the Father. The Atonement reveals the intense feelings of both the Father and the Son for all mankind. Jesus taught Nicodemus about the Father’s love: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son” (John 3:16). And Jesus taught the Twelve about his own love: “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:12–13).”
At Christmas we should direct our thoughts to the Lord’s life and service. As we do we will soon recognize that we love him “because he first loved us” (1 John 4:19). He not only loved us first, He also served us first. That service started long before this world was created as He, in a premortal council at which we were all present, accepted our Father’s great plan of happiness for His children and was chosen by the Father to give effect to that plan. He led the forces of good against those of Satan. He was a co-creator of this world. He took upon the role and responsibilities of Savior and Redeemer of the world. His service to us began long before Bethlehem and continues long after Calvery.
In mortality Jesus came to serve us, and in His whole ministry He saved sinners, He served his disciples, and eventually He served us all by laying His life down as a ransom. Today, He is still serving us and He will serve us as our King and God on into eternity!
As one Christian writer noted, “Jesus is the perfect example of servanthood, to give up the riches of divinity in order to put on the poverty of humanity. Jesus was the greatest servant of all. And while He served mankind, He never ceased serving God. Jesus said, I have suffered the will of the Father in all things from the beginning (3 Nephi 11:11). So never think that you lose something when you begin to serve God. You keep your personality, gifts and talents, but now you get to use them in the Lord's service. When I think about all Jesus did and still does for me, I am enthusiastic to serve Him. My service to Him will never match what He's done for me.”
Christmas is synonymous with Christ-like love, taught Sister Bonnie L. Oscarson. “The way to increase Christmas spirit is to reach out generously to those around us and give of ourselves,” she said. “The best gifts are not material things, but gifts of listening, of showing kindness, of remembering, of visiting, of forgiving, of giving time.” “At Christmas, the stories of sacrifice and ministering multiply across the world. … It is living the Savior's way of life.”
Elders and Sisters, at no time does the phrase “called to serve” have greater meaning to the Lord’s missionaries than at Christmas. We can deliver the best gifts referred to by Sister Oscarson by giving our best missionary service. This week chose to live the Savior’s way of life in honor and celebration of His birth, life and love.
Mahal kita
President Clark
Ang Tinig
President’s Letter
December 14, 2015
Sisters and Elders:
About this time fifteen years ago our family thought it a good idea to take on a “Sub for Santa” project to provide Christmas gifts for a needy family. We had been well blessed temporally during the year so we felt we should give to someone who had less. We contacted a local charity which organized giving and service opportunities at Christmas time. A small family, headed by a single mother, was assigned to us. We were given simple descriptions of the needs and wants of the family. With anticipation the shopping began.
We envisioned a poor family, struggling with finances, humbly seeking a little help from others. Sister Clark and I hoped that our children would experience the joy of giving up a little of their Christmas in order that others might receive some gifts. Over the course of a few weeks the gifts were purchased, wrapped and labeled. Our adolescent children became enthusiastic about the chance to do something good for a deserving family at this special time of year. We were excited when the afternoon arrived to deliver the gifts, several big bags full, to the family. Arrangements were made take the packages to the family’s small apartment located on the other side of town. We thought we would meet the family and be greeted with happy, eager little faces thanking us for our Christmas charity.
Well, things didn’t go exactly that way. We had difficulty finding a good delivery time and ended up late in the afternoon going to the apartment when no one was home. The six of us took our bags up the stairs and into the dark apartment, entering through the unlocked door. There was no greeting, no destitute family and no thank you. We all silently noted that, based on the things in the apartment, there wasn’t much “need” in that household. In fact, there seemed to be plenty. With some disappointment we dropped off our gifts and returned home, trying to make sense of what had just happened. I don’t recall if we ever heard from the family for whom we provided Christmas that year.
Years have since passed and every Christmas season I think of that unsatisfying giving experience. I wonder if our children feel that what we did really was something good for others or if we were victims of deception and disillusion. But over time the dissatisfaction and disappointment of the experience has faded for me and has been replaced with peace and realization. Seen in the true light of the gospel our efforts to serve that Christmas provide great lessons in Christ-like service.
Foremost, I have learned that we must serve without expectation of gratitude and not because we judge others worthy or deserving of our service. Rather, we should serve because we love God and desire to bless his children. Wisdom tells us that when we are in the service of others we are only in the service of our God. (Mos. 2:17) We shouldn’t withhold our service or demand that others become “deserving” of our charitable giving. The Two Great Commandments have no such qualifiers attached. To the contrary, our service must be unconditional, just as our love for God is without reservation.
In the coming weeks, please make an added effort to serve all around you. Learn the truth spoken by President Thomas S. Monson when he said: “No one has learned the meaning of living until he has surrendered his ego to the service of his fellowman.” Let’s surrender our egos, our judgements and our selfishness to focus our service outside ourselves. Then we find real happiness inn missionary life and in serving our God.
Mahal kita
President Clark
Ang Tinig
President’s Letter
December 7, 2015
Elders and Sisters:
I must begin this letter with my gratitude for your great service in November. Thank you for the hard work, the hours of finding and teaching, the worries and concerns you endured and the immense faith you exercised in bringing nearly 160 souls to baptism and confirmation. Not only did we have our highest baptizing month of the year but we had over two-thirds of our companionships baptize. November was a Real Growth month for our mission as we lived gratitude and progressed toward the type of mission we need to be. We look forward to December with great hope for even more converts entering the waters of baptism.
Now, let’s explore Real Growth through service today by looking to a case of exemplary missionary service. I refer to the sons of Mosiah and their service among the Lamanites. Ammon, Aaron, Omner, and Himni, sons of Mosiah, the king, grandsons of King Benjamin. After sore repentance, they had become so powerfully converted they wanted everyone to hear the gospel message. “They were desirous that salvation should be declared to every creature, for they could not bear that any human soul should perish; yea, even the very thoughts that any soul should endure endless torment did cause them to quake and tremble” (Mosiah 28:3).
These four missionaries did not choose the easy course. Their choice was neither convenient, nor popular: They gave up the kingship. (Mosiah 28:10)—they were all on missions. They were ridiculed even by other members of the Church. Ammon recalled “[our brethren] laughed us to scorn” (Alma 26:23). Their choice to serve a mission was not one of convenience. Ammon spoke of the challenges they encountered: “We have been cast out, and mocked, and spit upon, and smote upon our cheeks; … and taken and bound with strong cords, and cast into prison.” However, Ammon continues, “Through the power and wisdom of God we have been delivered again” (Alma 26:29). They were not easy missions, but thousands were converted. One of the underlying lessons of these missions is that, at some point, all great missionary service requires real sacrifice. There is a price to pay to have the converting power of the Holy Ghost with us. That price is often defined in terms of obedience. It will also include a good measure of charity.
I think Ammon, Aaron, Omner, and Himni learned great lessons at the knee of their grandfather, King Benjamin. Undoubtedly, these words were taught in their home: “ye will teach [your children] to walk in the ways of truth and soberness; ye will teach them to love one another, and to serve one another.” (Mosiah 4: 15) I’m certain that these princes – turned missionaries understood this essential life lesson of service: “I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God.” (Mosiah 2:17) Let us learn to serve with charity of all. Let or missionary service stand as a witness of the love we hold for our Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ.
Mahal kita
President Clark
Ang Tinig
President’s Letter
November 30, 2015
This week we welcome December, the giving month. Christmas dominates the month with much ado about giving, gifting and getting. I encourage all missionaries to bring the spirit of Christmas to life in their work by giving more. Missionaries usually don’t have much in material means to give so our giving is of something more valuable. It is giving of our time and talents; giving of ourselves in service. In December we will make a study of Real Growth through the Christ-like attribute of service.
President Spencer W. Kimball, a great leader-servant of this Church, provided many beautiful insights into power of service in everyday living, including these:
“In the Doctrine and Covenants we read about how important it is to ‘succor the weak, lift up the hands which hang down, and strengthen the feeble knees.’ (D&C 81:5.) So often our acts of service consist of simple encouragement or of giving mundane help with mundane tasks—but what glorious consequences can flow from mundane acts and from small but deliberate deeds.”
“It is by serving that we learn how to serve. When we are engaged in the service of our fellowmen, not only do our deeds assist them, but we put our own problems in a fresher perspective. When we concern ourselves more with others, there is less time to be concerned with ourselves! In the midst of the miracle of serving, there is the promise of Jesus, that by losing ourselves, we find ourselves!”
Said President David O. McKay: “True happiness comes only by making others happy—the practical application of the Savior’s doctrine of losing one’s life to gain it. In short, the Christmas spirit is the Christ spirit, that makes our hearts glow in brotherly love and friendship and prompts us to kind deeds of service.”
Our beloved prophet President Thomas S. Monson, offered these thoughts about selfless service at Christmas: “May we give as the Savior gave. To give of oneself is a holy gift. We give as a remembrance of all the Savior has given. May we also give gifts that have eternal value, along with our gifts that eventually break or are forgotten. How much better the world would be if we all gave gifts of understanding and compassion, of service and friendship, of kindness and gentleness.”
As missionaries we are directed to “look for opportunities to serve those around us – investigators, Church members, our companion, and the people we meet.” (MH, p.39) We are to serve with a sincere desire to help others and an eye to sharing the gospel. This December let’s step-up our service -- giving more of ourselves, losing ourselves, and finding ourselves in the process.
“The best gifts are not material things, but gifts of listening, of showing kindness, of remembering, of visiting, of forgiving, of giving time.” Sister Bonnie L. Oscarson
Mahal kita
President Clark
Ang Tinig
President’s Letter
November 23, 2015
Today as I write Sister Clark and I are savoring the memories of the 2015 Mission President’s Seminar in Manila. Last week we joined twenty other mission presidents and their wives for three days for our annual gathering hosted by the Philippines Area Presidency. This year’s seminar was a special delight as we were joined by special visitors from Church Headquarters. We were blessed to have Elder Anderson and Elder Renlund of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and Elder Maynes of the Presidency of the Seventy, with their wives, participate in the event. Sister Clark and I are counting our blessing for having been invited. We also count it a magnificent blessing to share of this experience with you in our zone conferences this week.
Imagine three days of learning, listening and conversing with seven General Authorities and their spouses. We read from the scriptures, explored Preach My Gospel, discussed the joys and challenges of building God’s Kingdom and delighted in great wit and wisdom. It was a rich spiritual and intellectual experience. We talked with the apostles freely and dined with them daily. I have twenty pages of notes and a great deal of reference material to digest. It was a feast of gospel nourishment. We are now refreshed, renewed and excited to resume our ministry to the missionaries and members in the Angeles Mission.
So you may be asking, “what does your good fortune have to do with me and my work?” I will tell you that it has everything to do with you! Our treasure will benefit this mission directly and frequently as we bring the spirit and knowledge of the seminar back to you in zone conferences, Ang Tinig, Mission Leadership Council and Zone Training meetings, zone interviews and every other occasion we can find. In coming weeks and months we will share important gospel knowledge of the Atonement, the Second Coming, and the gathering of Israel. You will learn more of the Doctrine of Christ, the importance of finding and the power of vision and goal setting. The role and power of the Holy Ghost in converting investigators will be more fully explained. The fundamentals of member – missionary cooperation in the Hastening of the Work will be taught. I could go on and on and on. But I could not possibly count the number of times that these great leaders said, “Teach your missionaries….” or “Talk with the missionaries about…. The Mission Presidents’ Seminar has my title on it but it’s really about missionaries and how we can become better ministers of the Savior Jesus Christ.
You should know that we didn’t just talk doctrine. We also had very meaningful discussions about hard topics. For example, how do we become more obedient, how do we get investigators to church, how to sense and recognize the promptings of the Holy Ghost, what are the best ways to work with members, how do we build our wards and branches. In future meetings, we will talk about these subjects and how they apply to our mission and our specific areas.
There was no single theme to the 2015 Mission Presidents’ Seminar but there was a clear message from our priesthood leaders. We must raise our vision and increase our love. We must hasten the work in the Philippines. The Lord is pleased with the work of His missionaries but not satisfied. The Philippines is a special place in the world and uniquely suited for gospel sharing. The kingdom must be built here and now – there is no time to wait or waste. Only we can bring the needed urgency and energy to make this happen. I look forward to sharing with you this week. See you at zone conference!!
Mahal kita
President Clark
Ang Tinig
President’s Letter
November 16, 2015
Elder David B. Haight, November 2002, “Were There Not Ten?”- As recorded in Luke, one day the Savior entered a village where there were 10 lepers. These 10 lepers came to the Savior and said, “Master, have mercy upon us; have mercy upon us who have that terrible ailment of leprosy.” And He said to the 10 lepers, “Go visit your priest, and he will take care of you”—which they did. They went to see their priests, and they were cleansed, all 10 of them. A short time later, one of them returned to the Savior and fell on his face and his hands and his knees, thanking the Savior for blessing him and making him well from that terrible disease. And the Savior said to that one man: “Weren’t there 10? What has happened to the other nine? Where are they?” (See Luke 17:11–19) Through divine intervention those who were lepers were spared from a cruel, lingering death and given a new lease on life. The expressed gratitude by one merited the Master’s blessing; the ingratitude shown by the nine, His disappointment.
As I’ve read that story again and again, it’s made a great impression upon me. How would you like to be part of the “nine society”? Wouldn’t that be something—to be numbered among those who failed to return and acknowledge the Savior for the blessings He had given them? Only one returned. It’s so easy in life for us to receive blessings, many of them almost uncounted, and have things happen in our lives that can help change our lives, improve our lives, and bring the Spirit into our lives. But we sometimes take them for granted. How grateful we should be for the blessings that the gospel of Jesus Christ brings into our hearts and souls. I would remind all of you that if we’re ever going to show gratitude properly to our Heavenly Father, we should do it with all of our heart, might, mind, and strength—because it was He who gave us life and breath.
President Thomas S. Monson, October 2010, “The Divine Gift of Gratitude” - In the book of Matthew, we have an account of gratitude, this time as an expression from the Savior. As He traveled in the wilderness for three days, more than 4,000 people followed and traveled with Him. He took compassion on them, for they may not have eaten during the entire three days. His disciples, however, questioned, “Whence should we have so much bread in the wilderness, as to fill so great a multitude?” Like many of us, the disciples saw only what was lacking.
“And Jesus saith unto them, How many loaves have ye? And [the disciples] said, Seven, and a few little fishes. “And [Jesus] commanded the multitude to sit down on the ground. “And he took the seven loaves and the fishes, and gave thanks, and brake them, and gave to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude.”
Notice that the Savior gave thanks for what they had—and a miracle followed: “And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the broken meat that was left seven baskets full.” [See Matthew 15:32–38 emphasis added.]
We have all experienced times when our focus is on what we lack rather than on our blessings. Said the Greek philosopher Epictetus, “He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has.” Gratitude, brethren and sisters, results in love, unselfishness, and consideration for others. It has a refining influence, and when expressed, can be a beautiful thing. My sincere, heartfelt prayer is that we may in our individual lives reflect that marvelous virtue of gratitude. May it permeate our very souls, now and evermore.
Mahal kita
President Clark
Ang Tinig
President’s Letter
November 9, 2015
A Missionary’s Faith
Elder Gene R. Cook of the Seventy relates the following story of missionary faith. I shared this story about one year ago in this letter. I needs to be read again by all of us.
Let me tell you of a young man I knew when I was a mission president. He was a Uruguayan missionary, full of faith. He had been in the mission about four months when I arrived, and I noticed that wherever he served, people were being baptized. In the beginning I thought it was because of his senior companion, because he seemed too young, too new, to be the cause—that was my mistake. He knew how to make things happen.
He was called as a senior companion and a district leader. I sent him into a city that had gained a reputation of being a tough, “no results” city. Missionaries had not baptized anyone there for nearly a year—not one person! The members were discouraged. Only ten to twelve members were attending the branch. I didn’t tell him anything—I just notified him of the transfer. Three weeks later, he and his companion began baptizing. He served there about ten weeks. His entire district started baptizing.
This missionary never wrote me much in his weekly reports. He would only write, “Dear President, I sure love you. Things are going great. Sincerely,” or “President, the Lord is blessing us greatly. I love the work. Your brother.”
He was called later to serve as a zone leader and sent to supervise the whole upper area of the mission where there were some very challenging cities. He served there two or three months and was responsible for scores of baptisms, and he literally changed the spirit of the whole zone, member leaders as well as missionaries. Together they wrought a spiritual miracle.
Then came a spiritual struggle for me, a restless feeling about him. I felt impressed that he should be sent to Paraguay Paraguay
I sent him a telegram transferring him to Asunción, Paraguay, as a zone leader. On the way there he came through the mission home and he left a letter. It said, in effect, “Dear President Cook, I received a telegram today telling me to go to Paraguay , and I thought you ought to know a few things: (1) You can’t baptize in Paraguay
But as he finished the list, he said, “I just wanted you to know, President, that I don’t believe any of those things.” Talk about faith! Then he committed himself, after expressing his faith, saying, “I want you to know, President Cook, that on Christmas Day (and the date of the letter was December 1), we are going to baptize 25 people.”
When I read that, I prayed for him and thought, The Lord bless you, elder. You have a tremendous amount of faith, and the Lord will sustain you. You don’t know the country; you haven’t ever been there. You don’t know where you are going to live. You don’t know your companion, the leaders, the members. You don’t know anything, and yet you, in faith, believe that you are going to baptize 25 people in 25 days.
Well, this young man was full of faith and was a real example of a great Latin leader. On December 25, he and his companion baptized 18 people. They hadn’t reached the 25, but 18 was just about all that the whole country baptized in a normal month. It was a great privilege two weeks later to participate in a baptismal service where he and his companion baptized 11 more. His district baptized about 30 that day. Can you see how one righteous man can turn around a whole set of circumstances? He believed, he committed, and he and the Lord did it. As the Savior said: “All things are possible to him that believeth” (Mark 9:23).
Mahal kita
President Clark
Ang Tinig
President’s Letter
November 2, 2015
Sisters & Elders:
Among my many faults and failings I include a lack of constant gratitude and humility. In my awareness of this I genuinely try to be thankful and overcome pride but I know I frequently fail to meet the Lord’s standard. The Lord commands that we give thanks. In Thessalonians we read, “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you” (1 Thes. 5:18). As disciples of Christ, we are to “thank the Lord [our] God in all things,” to “sing unto the Lord with thanksgiving,” and to “let [our] heart be full of thanks unto God.” Alma instructed his son Helaman: “Counsel with the Lord in all thy doings, … and when thou risest in the morning let thy heart be full of thanks unto God; and if ye do these things, ye shall be lifted up at the last day” (Alma 37:37).
So, acknowledging my gratitude shortfall I write today suggesting this thought – “If I possessed true gratitude I would….”
· I would make the constant expression of gratitude an important part of all my prayers. Often my prayers are petitions for specific blessings which I, in my incomplete understanding, believe I need. While the Lord does answer prayers according to His will, He certainly must be pleased when I offer humble prayers of gratitude. Instead of presenting the Lord petition after petition for some action in my behalf, I should give Him thoughtful thanks for all with which He has blessed me. (Elder Steven Snow, 2001 October General Conference)
· I would make gratitude a Spirit-filled principle in my life. This requires my personal awareness and effort, not only to feel it but to express it. Frequently I am oblivious to the Lord’s hand. I murmur, complain, resist, criticize; so often I am not grateful. In the Book of Mormon, we learn that those who murmur do not know “the dealings of that God who … created them.” The Lord counsels us not to murmur because it is then difficult for the Spirit to work with us. Gratitude opens our minds to become spiritually aware of the wonder of the smallest things, which gladden our hearts with their messages of God’s love. This grateful awareness heightens our sensitivity to divine direction. When we communicate gratitude, we can be filled with the Spirit and connected to those around us and the Lord. Gratitude inspires happiness and carries divine influence. “Live in thanksgiving daily,” said Amulek, “for the many mercies and blessings which he doth bestow upon you.” (Bonnie Parkin, 2007 April General Conference)
· I would make gratitude my permanent disposition, a way of life that stands independent of my current situation. In other words, instead of being thankful for things, I would focus on being thankful in any circumstances—whatever they may be. I would see that focusing on only what I am grateful for is the wrong approach. It is difficult to develop a spirit of gratitude if my thankfulness is only proportional to the number of blessings I can count. I don’t believe the Lord expects me to be less thankful in times of trial than in times of abundance and ease. It is easy to be grateful for things when life seems to be going my way. But what then of those times when what I wish for seems to be far out of reach? Do I remain grateful? (President Uchtdorf, 2014 April General Conference)
Elders and Sisters, is it possible that you, like me, have a gratitude deficit? If so, I suggest the following invitation from President Henry B. Eying: “You could have an experience with the gift of the Holy Ghost today. You could begin a private prayer with thanks. You could start to count your blessings, and then pause for a moment. If you exercise faith, and with the gift of the Holy Ghost, you will find that memories of other blessings will flood into your mind. If you begin to express gratitude for each of them, your prayer may take a little longer than usual. Remembrance will come. And so will gratitude.”
Mahal kita
President Clark
Ang Tinig
President’s Letter
October 26, 2015
Elders & Sisters:
They say timing is everything. So I feel it fitting that one week after a super typhoon passed through our mission and one month before the American Thanksgiving holiday, we turn our attention to the great virtue of gratitude. November will be the month of “Real Growth through Gratitude”. Why gratitude? Because of the beautiful soul-enlarging, mind expanding, life healing benefits of sincere thankfulness. Gratitude grows us. President Thomas S. Monson taught that, “Sincerely giving thanks not only helps us recognize our blessings, but it also unlocks the doors of heaven and helps us feel God’s love [think charity].” He also shared this: “If ingratitude be numbered among the serious sins, then gratitude takes its place among the noblest of virtues.”
There is a strong interrelation among nearly all of the Christ-like attributes we seek to develop as missionaries. Someone has said that “gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all others.” Certainly, gratitude has close ancestry with humility, patience, compassion, graciousness, loyalty, respect, reverence and tolerance. Gratitude is deserving of treatment as something “virtuous, lovely, of good report and praiseworthy”. We should seek after this thing.
The English author Aldous Huxley wrote, “Most human beings have an almost infinite capacity for taking things for granted.” We should be mindful; lack of gratitude is conspicuously apparent as an ugly blemish on one’s character. Even the Lord takes notice. In the D&C we read: “And in nothing doth man offend God, or against none is his wrath kindled, save those who confess not his hand in all things, and obey not his commandments.” Verily I say unto you my friends, … let your hearts be comforted; yea, rejoice evermore, and in everything give thanks.
A poem describes that contrast between the thankful and the ungrateful soul. It is called “How Different.”
Some murmur when the sky is clear
And wholly bright to view,
If one small speck of dark appear
In their great heaven of blue:
And some with thankful love are filled,
If but one streak of light,
One ray of God’s good mercy, gild
The darkness of their night.
How wise the words of Charles Dickens: "Reflect upon your present blessings, of which every man has plenty; not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some." President Marion G. Romney said this about the source of all blessings: “We should be thankful and express appreciation for all favors received—and surely we receive many. The chief objects of our gratitude, however, should be, and are, God, our Heavenly Father, and his son Jesus Christ, our Lord and Redeemer. … Gratitude will be out next step in our quest for Real Growth. Enjoy our studies.
Mahal kita
President Clark
Ang Tinig
President’s Letter
October 19, 2015
Sisters & Elders:
Elder Boyd K. Packer made famous a statement about change. “True doctrine, understood, changes attitudes and behavior. The study of the doctrines of the gospel will improve behavior quicker than a study of behavior will improve behavior.” The validity of this truth is confirmed and amplified in the study of the doctrine of charity in our mission. To paraphrase Elder Packer’s wisdom, “The study of the doctrine of charity will improve charitable behavior quicker than a study of charitable behavior.”
Understanding the origins and ultimate source of charitable desires has proven to be a powerful motivator for missionaries to develop and practice Christ-like love. As part of this month’s personal interviews I have been asking missionaries about the influence the study of charity has had in their lives. I love what I’m learning! The reports are consistent and encouraging. Our deep dive study into the doctrine of charity has brought about self-examination, realization, and much change. The following quotes are representative of the “real growth” knowledge and experiences many missionaries are reaping from the study of charity.
“Charity is a much deeper subject than I ever realized. I’m now just learning to implement it.”
“It has caused me to realize I can do and be better.”
“Practicing charity is forcing me to have more faith and hope. They are all connected.”
“Increased charity has helped me to see my investigators as they can be.”
“We really learn and perfect charity in the day to day acts of life. It changes people.”
“This study has caused a lot of reflection about how I treat people. It has changed my motivation for my mission.”
“I can’t take charity lightly any longer. It’s a very deep concept.”
“Increased knowledge of charity has changed my mindset completely. I’m more outward rather than inward thinking. Other’s needs now come first.”
“I’m learning to overcome selfishness; learning to not judge people so quickly.”
“Study of charity has changed my perspective completely. I look upon people differently. I teach better. I’ve become more worthwhile to others.”
Charity changes lives. First, the life of the giver and then the recipient of charitable gifts. These testimonials are evidence of the positive changes that can occur. In the words of Sheri Dew: “When we plead for the gift of charity…we are actually pleading for our very nature to be changed, for our character and disposition to become more and more like the Savior’s.
Mahal kita
President Clark
Ang Tinig
President’s Letter
October 12, 2015
Elders & Sisters:
Points to ponder about charity. Things the earnest seeker of charity should bear in mind.
· Even when we give to those in need, unless we feel compassion for them we do not have charity (see 1 John 3:16–17).
· When we have uncharitable feelings, we can pray to have greater charity. Mormon urges us, “Pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with this love [charity], which he hath bestowed upon all who are true followers of his Son, Jesus
Christ” (Moroni 7:48). Caution: Our prayers are in vain if we fail to act charitably. (Alma 34:28–29)
· “Our opportunities to give of ourselves are indeed limitless, but they are also perishable.” President Thomas S. Monson, Ensign, Nov. 2001, 60).
· Possessing charity requires that we learn to love ourselves. This means that we understand our true worth as children of our Heavenly Father. To love ourselves, we must respect and trust ourselves. We must repent of any wrongdoings. We must forgive ourselves when we have repented. We will come to love ourselves better when we can feel the deep, comforting assurance that the Savior truly loves us. Charity truly begins at home – in our own hearts and minds – in our feelings about ourselves.
· We should not try to decide whether someone really deserves our help or not (see Mosiah 4:16–24). Charity first; judge later, if you must.
· When we truly have charity we:
o are patient and kind.
o are not boastful or proud, selfish or rude.
o do not remember the evil others have done.
o share the joy of those who live by truth.
o are loyal, believe the best of others, and we are kind to them. (See 1 Corinthians 13:4–8.)
· Selective charity is a less pure form of love. (D&C 121:45) “Let thy bowels also be full of charity towards all men,…”
We show our love for the Savior and assist Him in His great work when we seek the gift of charity through fervent prayer and acts of kindness. As we do this we will be transformed, little by little, to become more like our Savior, Jesus Christ. Our sensitivity and concern for those who might need our love will increase, and we will have the power to see beauty and goodness in the
hearts of all people in all circumstances, as He does.
Mahal kita
President Clark
Ang Tinig
President’s Letter
Oct. 5, 2015
Sisters & Elders:
Charity is a most attractive virtue. After giving some consideration, who would not want to be charitable? It stands as “the greatest of all the gifts of God” (1 Ne. 15:36), a virtue to be sought after, prayed for (with all the energy of heart) and even coveted. We should want more charity in our lives if for no other reason than its purifying and sanctifying power – “whoever is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with him (Mor. 7:47). President Brigham Young said that charity is, “one virtue, attribute, or principle, which, if cherished and practiced by the Saints, would prove salvation to thousands upon thousands.” Charity is the forerunner to other noble virtues such as forgiveness, long suffering, kindness, and patience.
But just wanting charity isn’t enough. In the study materials sent out this week with the Mission Training Plan you will find a talk by Elder Dallin H. Oaks which may seem out of place. It is titled “Desire” and it doesn’t even mention the word charity in the text. So why included it in the study of Real Growth through Charity? Because Elder Oaks teaches a powerful lesson about achieving our greatest desires. If charity is a high priority and worth having we should know more about what it will take to gain it.
Elder Oaks spoke of the importance of righteous desires, encouraging us to “search our hearts to determine what we really desire and how we rank our most important desires. He reminds us that we should “Seek ye earnestly the best gifts” (D&C 46:8) and “He that diligently seeketh shall find” (1 Nephi 10:19). “Desires dictate our priorities, priorities shape our choices, and choices determine our actions. The desires we act on determine our changing, our achieving, and our becoming.”
The pure love of Christ is an attribute of Deity; a virtue of eternal significance. Elder Oaks tells us that managing our desires to give highest priority to the things of eternity is not easy in this fallen world. Said he: “We should remember that righteous desires [such as charity] cannot be superficial, impulsive, or temporary. They must be heartfelt, unwavering, and permanent.
To achieve our eternal destiny, we will desire and work for the qualities required to become an eternal being. For example, eternal beings forgive all who have wronged them. They put the welfare of others ahead of themselves. And they love all of God’s children. If this seems too difficult—and surely it is not easy for any of us—then we should begin with a desire for such qualities and call upon our loving Heavenly Father for help with our feelings.”
Our fervent prayers for more charity should be matched with sincere efforts to be more charitable. President Monson gave us some practical suggestions for living charitably. He counseled: “Charity is having patience with someone who has let us down. It is resisting the impulse to become offended easily. It is accepting weaknesses and shortcomings. It is accepting people as they truly are. It is looking beyond physical appearances to attributes that will not dim through time. It is resisting the impulse to categorize others.” May we have the deep, dedicated desire to cultivate charity as our crowning character trait.
Mahal kita
President Clark
Ang Tinig
President’s Letter
September 28, 2015
Elders & Sisters:
TIME FOR A REAL GROWTH CHECK UP. We are at the end of our ninth month of studying and applying Real Growth principles in our lives. It’s great to hear many of you remark about the Real Growth you are experiencing. During our last Zone Conferences we talked about “conversion” and discovered that individual Real Growth is virtually synonymous with becoming converted. We’ve come to see that the conversion we want for our investigators is very much the same growth we want in ourselves. We are on parallel paths of complete consecration to God and His Church and kingdom (although we as missionaries are a bit farther down the road).
Remember, we want to achieve deep conversion in our lives by consistent and sustained gospel living. (Again, note the similarity with the conversion we need in our investigators.) We can judge whether we are doing so by looking at “key indicators” in our lives. Prof. Robert L. Millet of BYU authored an article from which I lifted these indicators. I provide them to you again today to help in your self-assessment. Elders and Sister, Real Growth (“deep conversion”) is occurring as we experience the following:
1. There begins to develop within our hearts a desire to do more to further the work of the Lord and to be better people than we are. This seems to be what Abraham felt when he wrote of how he had previously been a follower of righteousness but had felt the need “to be one who possessed great knowledge, and to be a greater follower of righteousness, and to possess a greater knowledge” (Abraham 1:2).
2. We begin to view commandments, laws, [Missionary Handbook] and Church directives differently, to no longer see them as guard rails, barricades, or hindrances to life’s enjoyments, but instead as helps, guides, and kind gestures of a benevolent Father in Heaven. John the Beloved explained that “this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous [burdensome, oppressive]” (1 John 5:3).
3. The more we search the scriptures, we begin to see patterns, connections, parallels, and principles for living. Holy writ becomes more and more relevant to everyday life. In a sense, the words of the prophets become our words.
4. Our personal gospel study becomes more and more enlightening and faith affirming, so that regularly during the week we are fed and spiritually strengthened. Sabbath worship thus becomes the capstone for a spiritually productive week.
5. We begin to be more secure and settled in our faith, less troubled by unanswered questions; in short, we begin to have doubt banished from our hearts and minds.
6. We begin to feel a deeper sense of love for and loyalty toward the apostles and prophets [Mission President], those charged to guide the destiny of the kingdom of God. As the Lord explained in modern revelation (D&C 1:38; 21:5), their words truly become His words. Their counsel becomes His counsel.
7. With the passing of time and as we mature spiritually, our faith is transformed into certainty. Indeed, our receipt of personal revelation and our regular encounter with the Spirit of God leads us to that point where our faith begins to be “unshaken in the Lord” (Enos 1:11; see also Jacob 7:5).
Real Growth brings about an understanding of the doctrines and principles of the restored gospel that is as stimulating and satisfying to the mind as it is soothing and settling to the heart. In this way and through this sacred process, the work of the Almighty is hastened—within our own souls.
Mahal kita
President Clark
Ang Tinig
President’s Letter
September 21, 2015
Elder & Sisters:
I rely heavily on the gospel reference book – True to the Faith – for greater gospel understanding and knowledge. I encourage each of you to do the same. This week I was impressed as I read about charity and the great relevance it has to missionary work. Please read below (with a few enhancements by me.) True to the Faith says:
The Savior wants you to receive His love[charity], and He also wants you to share it with others. He declared to His disciples: “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another” (John 13:34–35). In your relationships with [your companion, investigators and members], look to the Savior as your example. Strive to love as He loves, with unfailing compassion, patience, and mercy.
As you continue to receive the Savior’s perfect love and as you demonstrate Christlike love for others, you will find that your love increases. You will experience the joy of being in the Lord’s service. The Holy Ghost will be your constant companion, guiding you in your mission service and in your relationships with others. You will be prepared to meet the Lord at the Judgment, when He will reward you according to your dedication to His work. Mormon taught:
“If ye have not charity, ye are nothing, for charity never faileth. Wherefore, cleave unto charity, which is the greatest of all, for all things must fail—
“But charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever; and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with him.
“Wherefore, my beloved brethren, pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with this love, which he hath bestowed upon all who are true followers of his Son, Jesus Christ; that ye may become the sons of God; that when he shall appear we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is; that we may have this hope; that we may be purified even as he is pure” (Moroni 7:46–48).
Charity not only qualifies us for missionary work, it also must be the primary motivator for enduring missionary service. See D&C 4: 5-6. When we feel unqualified, overwhelmed or unloved as a missionary we should pray for, work for and then “cleave unto charity”. The Lord’s promise is plain – the pure love of Christ will not fail us, disappoint us or abandon us. President Ezra Taft Benson taught how charity is, “the final and crowning virtue” because it “seeks only the eternal growth and joy of others”. Elders and Sisters, this is the very essence of missionary work. Developing real growth within ourselves while nurturing eternal growth and joy in others. Think about it: this is why you came on a mission.
Mahal kita
President Clark
QUOTES:
Being obedient and working hard really does bring miracles in our area, most especially in the lives of the people that we are teaching. We have a member in our ward who is praying and fasting hard for her parents to accept the Gospel of Jesus Christ, again. Yesterday, her parents came to church with the eagerness to learn from the classes and the sacrament meeting. We were so happy for her! I can see in her the longing to have her family with her for them to become an eternal family. I know that as we continue to help in hastening the work of salvation in our areas, Heavenly Father will bestow to us the help that we are entitled to have.
President I really believe that obedience in the small and simple things can bring about great things. I had not thought about this before.... I started to be more mindful of time and start personal study when it is time for personal study and also be ready to go out the door in time. I tried to be mindful of the things I do as a missionary and would always think : "Would I feel the Spirit if I do this or not?" I think I can see a difference in myself as I observe to be obedient. I feel that we were guided by the Spirit and are prepared to meet the unexpected as we obey. Obedience to OYM standards is really true. Last night we OYM’ed a guy on the road side and after 5 minutes or so there were ten more people who are his relatives and cousins talking with us and we shared with them the gospel. We asked for a returned appointment and they accepted. It was important to me and I will not forget this day.
Ang Tinig
President’s Letter
September 14, 2015
Sisters & Elders:
Several years ago in the state where Sister Clark and I lived an interesting phrase started appearing on signs, bumper stickers and advertisements. It was three simple words: “Start Seeing Motorcycles” It caught my attention because it was so plain yet powerful. It turns out that “Start Seeing Motorcycles” is a common safety campaign found across the United States. It’s intended to cause drivers of larger vehicles to increase awareness of motorcycles. This sends a message to share the road with motorcyclists. (Something I’ve learned much about driving in the Philippines.) Start Seeing Motorcycles is way to bring attention to a group of people that are often over looked. The most commonly heard statement after a car-motorcycle accident is – “I didn't see him”.
"START SEEING CHARITY"
This little phrase is so effective I thought I would borrow from the campaign to encourage all of us to start seeing something important around us – Charity. As we “share the road” with others in life we should give more attention to charity. This can include charity received, charity observed and charity needed. We will recognize charity, if we are on the lookout, by its many indicators. The prophet Mormon taught: “Charity suffereth long, and is kind, and envieth not, and is not puffed up, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil, and rejoiceth not in iniquity but rejoiceth in the truth, beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things” (Moroni 7:45). We can know and feel charity through the influence of the Holy Ghost.
Seeing charity in our lives is an essential step in the process of developing charity. I believe there are many charitable acts and attitudes around us every day. For example, if we are observant we will see charity in:
· The tender care and teaching by mothers and father of their children. This is in front of us everywhere we go in the Philippines.
· The faithful support and friendship of a kind and thoughtful missionary companion.
· The many stories in the scriptures of service and sacrifice by true believers in Christ.
· The many hours of Christian service given by Latter-day Saints here in our mission.
· The loving letters you receive from home.
“Charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever; and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with him.” (Moroni 7:47) There is no need for us to wait until “the last day” to be possessed of charity. Today is the day to start seeing and then living charity. President Gordon B. Hinckley said this of charity – a very profound thought for missionaries: “Take the time to make the effort to care for others. Develop and exercise the one quality that would enable us to change the lives of others – what the scriptures call charity.”
Mahal kita
President Clark
Ang Tinig
President’s Letter
September 7, 2015
Elders & Sisters:
A seventeenth century clergyman, Thomas Fuller, is credited with the saying “Charity begins at home, but should not end there.” I understand this to mean that charity is learned and practiced where we live so that we can perfect it in dealings with others. That’s every mission president’s dream for all his missionaries. We hope that charity is lived in each missionary home and companionship because it is one of the most sanctifying of character attributes.
Every so often I receive a report of less than charitable conduct among missionaries and I cringe in disappointment and dismay. I know that such behavior repels the Holy Ghost and harms the missionaries – both victim and assailant. Recently I learned of a truly unfortunate incident that I’m certain grieved the Spirit. It involved the loss of an item the missionaries held very important. Selfish emotions quickly erupted and harsh accusations made. Blame was assigned back and forth. Hearts were wounded and feelings were hurt. There was little unity or brotherly love when all was said and done. Christ-like love between the missionaries was not possible until repentance and healing were introduced.
Take a moment and imagine how you would feel if you were on the receiving end of thoughtless words or actions by your companion. What is the likelihood of that important “third chair” being filled at the next lesson? What will be the feelings during that next companion prayer?
The single most important principle that should govern every missionary home and companionship is to practice the Golden Rule—the Lord’s admonition that “all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them” (Matthew 7:12). By treating each other kindly, speaking words of support and encouragement, and being sensitive to each other’s needs, we can create loving unity among missionaries. Where charity exists, there is no place for gossip or unkind words.
Elder and Sisters, we need charity as the starting point for building companionship unity. We should implore God to help us to become more charitable. As Sheri Dew noted: “When we plead for the gift of charity, we aren't asking for lovely feelings toward someone who bugs us or someone who has injured or wounded us. We are actually pleading for our very natures to be changed, for our character and disposition to become more and more like the Savior's, so that we literally feel as He would feel and thus do what He would do.”
Charity is the “pure love of Christ” (Mor. 7:47). It is 100% Christ-like love - uncontaminated by fault-finding, unadulterated by prideful ambition, unpolluted by selfish motives and untainted by manipulative intentions. Charity is the Lord’s love for us, shown through His acts of service, patience, compassion, and understanding. Charity is also literally our love for the Lord, shown through our acts of service, patience, compassion, and understanding for one another, especially in our companionships. That we may become more Christ-like in our expressions of love and appreciation for our companions is my prayer.
Mahal kita
President Clark
Ang Tinig
President’s Letter
August 31, 2015
Sisters & Elders:
Having filled our minds and built our testimonies with thoughts of Real Growth though obedience, we leave August and start our next study segment – Real Growth Through Charity. What a great next step in our Real Growth progression! Charity is “the pure love of Christ” (Moro. 7:47) and “never faileth” (1 Cor. 13:8). It is “most joyous to the soul,” (1 Ne. 11:22–23; 1 Ne. 8:10–12) “the greatest of all the gifts of God,” (1 Ne. 15:36) “perfect” and “everlasting.” (Moro. 8:17). It is the chief among all Christ-like attributes and the “highest, noblest, strongest kind of love.”
With those credentials, we must conclude that charity will be a powerful, indispensable driver of Real Growth in our lives. Said another way, we are bound to experience Real Growth if we have true charity toward others. President Brigham Young put it in perspective for us. He said: “There is one virtue, attribute, or principle, which, if cherished and practiced by the Saints, would prove salvation to thousands upon thousands. I allude to charity, or love, from which proceed forgiveness, long suffering, kindness, and patience”
During the next two months we will study and learn much about charity – this most treasured of virtues. We will come to see it as a gift from God but only to those will to pay the price to have it. Elder Gene R. Cook taught: All men may have the gift of love, but charity is bestowed only upon those who are true followers of Christ (Moro. 7:48). Is there a difference between charity and love? The Lord referred to them separately a number of times, e.g., D&C 4:5. Some have said charity is love plus sacrifice—a seasoned love. Perhaps charity is to love as faith is to belief. Both faith and charity take action, work, and sacrifice. Charity encompasses His love for us, our love for Him, and Christ like love for others.” What in insightful statement! Real Growth will surely come as we expend the action, work and sacrifice to develop the pure love of Christ.
For a missionary, having charity is critical, probably equal in importance with having faith and the Spirit. D&C 4:5 states clearly: faith, hope, charity and love, with an eye single to the glory of God, are necessary to qualify us for the work. We run the risk of become little more than “sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal” if we serve a mission without charity. I’m so grateful for the acts of true charity a see among our missionaries. Charity is already well established in the Angeles Mission. We won’t be discovering it because it can already be found in the great sacrifices for companions, the patience with members and the earnest prayers for investigators.
We are going to explore the depths and breadth of how missionaries grow, use and live charity in their work. Along the way we will feel Christ-like love become deeply imbedded in our souls. We will start to think of words like awake, arouse, experiment, exercise, desire, work, and plant, much like Alma used when speaking of faith. And as Alma explained, if we make right choices and do not cast out the seeds of charity by doubt, then “it will begin to swell within [our] breasts”. Doubt not, fear not my missionaries. Embrace charity and learn of its goodness.
Mahal kita
President Clark
Ang Tinig
President’s Letter
August 24, 2015
Elders & Sisters:
Several years ago I spoke at a stake conference about “Real Growth Through Obedience”. Today I share a portion of that message.
We are engaged in a dynamic, exciting plan of action. God requires us to do our best, to act and not be acted upon (2 Nephi 2:26), and to trust in Him. Developing real growth isn’t a passive activity. Real growth is achieved by living the gospel with real intent, full purpose of heart, with a vibrant “all in” mind-set that leads to conviction and commitment. In 2005 Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve talked of the commitment and obedience we need to progress spiritually. Said he, “it requires that we live as a 100 percent Latter-day Saint, 100 percent of the time.” In scriptural terms, this means to follow the direction King Benjamin gave to his people: “I would that ye should be steadfast and immovable, always abounding in good works, that Christ, the Lord God Omnipotent, may seal you his” (Mosiah 5:15). It means to follow the plea Father Lehi gave to a wavering sons: “O that thou mightest be like unto this valley, firm and steadfast, and immovable in keeping the commandments of the Lord!” (1 Nephi 2:10).
We can contrast this with the gospel lives some people live with “short, frenzied outbursts of emotion or activity,” followed by long periods of lapse or by performance that is intermittent or sputtering. Such a life of obedience “fits and starts” will not produce real growth. For each time we pause on the path of progress we fall back. Inevitably our commitment fades, our obedience decline, our progress stalls and we must start over again.
By comparison, when we are fully committed to exact obedience we obligate ourselves to a course of action and then diligently follow through on that decision, come what may. This is the essence of covenant making and keeping. A consistent pattern of unwavering and earnest decisions to act on righteous commitments sets us on the course for real growth.
Elder Theodore M. Burton of the Seventy, explained the total commitment that produces real growth in this way: “It appears to me that when we join the Church of Jesus Christ and especially when we receive the oath and covenant of the priesthood, we should commit ourselves wholly and completely to the cause of God.
Sister and Elders, we best show our commitment to missionary life and our love for Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ through consistent, enduring obedience. Jesus taught us to obey in simple language that is easy to understand: “If ye love me, keep my commandments,” and “Come, follow me.” Preach My Gospel expresses the same thought plainly: “We can show
our love for Heavenly Father through our choices and our obedience to His commandments.” (p.31) Let’s choose obedience as our way of life, our way of demonstrating our love to our Maker.
Mahal kita
President Clark
Ang Tinig
President’s Letter
August 17, 2015
Dear Missionaries and Friends:
Obedience is not highly valued as a personal virtue in our secular world. To be more accurate, it is too seldom sought after as an attribute people want to develop in themselves, but we all want obedience from others. Parents want children to obey. We insist that others drivers on the road comply with the traffic rules. Obedience to the law is fundamental to the orderly operation of society so we wish for every citizen to be law abiding and respectful.
But when it comes to personal obedience more and more people feel that obedience should be advisable from them and mandatory for others. We can easily become cynical about obedience when we see so many being disobedient and seemingly “getting away with it.” This week I offer a few thought provoking quotes about obedience which I believe reflect other well-considered views. I purposefully avoided LDS sources and authorities. These are from other societal and religious sources.
Obedience is the mother of success and is wedded to safety.
Aeschylus
God's promises are all on condition of humble obedience.
Ellen G. White
I have thought about it a great deal, and the more I think, the more certain I am that obedience is the gateway through which knowledge, yes, and love, too, enter the mind of the child.
Anne Sullivan
I know the power obedience has of making things easy which seem impossible.
Saint Teresa of Avila
I was successful materially, but I know life is much more than worldly success. I saw all these blessings God had given me. The way to give thanks is obedience to God.
Hakeem Olajuwon
“[To have Faith in Christ] means, of course, trying to do all that He says. There would be no sense in saying you trusted a person if you would not take his advice. Thus if you have really handed yourself over to Him, it must follow that you are trying to obey Him. But trying in a new way, a less worried way. Not doing these things in order to be saved, but because He has begun to save you already. Not hoping to get to Heaven as a reward for your actions, but inevitably wanting to act in a certain way because a first faint gleam of Heaven is already inside you.”
C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity
As we can see, the world is not without understanding of the value of willing obedience to God’s laws. But few are the people who truly love the commandments and deeply reverence the Great Commander. I hope the study of obedience of the past eight weeks has enriched your life and converted you to living an obedient life.
Magmahal kayo
President Clark
Ang Tinig
President’s Letter
August 10, 2015
Dear Missionaries and Friends:
Today is another dog story. I call it “Life at The End of a Leash”. When we came, Sister Clark and I left behind our family dog – Calli. She has been in the family for many years and now lives with our youngest son in Arkansas. Calli is pampered and lives a pretty good dog’s life.
We got Calli when she was a puppy and very wild. She was not well disciplined and didn’t obey commands. We wanted her to be a better dog so we sent her to obedience school. Sister Clark went with her. The pair of them worked to teach Calli how to behave. Sister Clark did very well in obedience school; Calli didn’t. We wanted very much for Calli to hear and follow commands but she didn’t care much for that. We wanted her to understand and conform to limitation we imposed. Calli wanted no part of our limits. Calli is a sweet, lovable dog but has little self-discipline. In fact, she struggles under the discipline we force upon her. That is why Calli lives life confined in our home or straining at the end of a leash. We love Calli but we wish she were more obedient and disciplined.
Calli’s disobedience has led her to trouble many times. She has been scolded and corrected more times than we can count. Her lack of discipline has placed her in danger several times because she has escaped our control and ran off into places unknown. Calli loves to run free. She thrives on sprinting through the forest near our home, off the leash and able to follow whatever scent interests her. But she has no common sense about fast moving cars or wild animals in the forest that could do her harm. She has had scraps with a few animals that left her wounded and wondering what happened. Her excessive curiosity and lack of self-restraint are a dangerous combination. Sadly, Calli’s inability to control herself forces us to physically restrain her, taking away the freedom she longs for. Calli lives life at the end of a leash. (Proverbs 25:28 and Proverbs 16:32.) (Read also Alma 37:32–37)
Calli exemplifies a principle of obedience that we ought to remember. It is this: the greater our self-discipline the fewer external controls are needed in our lives. Said another way, the more personal restraint we develop the fewer rules, laws and commandments we need. Heavenly Father has given us commandments because He loves us and wants to protect us from danger and sorrow. Following His commandments will make us free. Self-control equals freedom.
Developing self-mastery helps us form positive habits such as arising early, studying the scriptures daily, and fulfilling our pupose. Such habits can free us from confusion and enslavement to temporal things. The gospel is full of principles that bring us freedom when we obey them: tithing, the Word of Wisdom, the law of chastity, sacrifice are but a few.
The Lord has given us our agency. Thus, we are free to make choices. These choices determine our present happiness and our future life. As we choose righteousness, we prove ourselves worthy of many blessings. (See Alma 38) But to choose righteousness, we need training, discipline, and obedience. These things help us control our appetites and passions and teach us to follow the promptings of the Spirit, even when we are tempted. Gaining self-mastery is a lifelong process. It requires a knowledge of ourselves and of gospel principles. We can keep ourselves off of confining leashes by living gospel principles and relying on the Lord for strength and support as we do our best to become exactly obedient. (Matthew 16:24)
Magmahal kayo
President Clark
Ang Tinig
President’s Letter
August 3, 2015
Sisters & Elders:
Obedience is fertile soil in which miracles blossom. In obedience we find security and safety – both in temporal and spiritual things. Obedience schools us in the Godly ways of mercy and justice. Our Heavenly Father’s just and kind requirement for obedience to His commandments brings us closer to Him and our Savior. As we willingly and exactly obey we come to love the commandments and trust the Commander.
President Dieter F. Uchtforf once taught: “We might find ourselves asking, “Do we really need to obey all of God’s commandments?” My response to this question is simple: I think God knows something we don’t—things that are beyond our capacity to comprehend! Our Father in Heaven is an eternal being whose experience, wisdom, and intelligence are infinitely greater than ours. Not only that, but He is also eternally loving, compassionate, and focused on one blessed goal: to bring to pass our immortality and eternal life.
In other words, He not only knows what is best for you; He also anxiously wants you to choose what is best for you. If you believe this in your hearts—if you truly believe the great mission of our Heavenly Father is to exalt and glorify His children and that He knows best how to do it—doesn’t it make sense to embrace and follow His commandments, even the ones that appear difficult? Should we not cherish the light posts He has given that guide us through the darkness and the trials of mortality? They mark the way back to our heavenly home! By choosing Heavenly Father’s path, you lay a divine foundation for your personal progress as a [child] of God that will bless you throughout your life.
The study and living of “Real Growth Through Obedience” has given many of our missionaries wonderful obedience experiences. I share below a few that I have received with you.
“I am still embracing obedience in my missionary life. I can say that I am having more real growth through obedience. I know that the formula that Elder Bowen give to us last mission tour is true that if we are obedient and show our faith by working and finding God's children, miracles and blessings follows. I love obedience! I love being a missionary!”
“During my first week here, we saw the need to find and rescue. We set goals and made plans to rescue since most of the people we talked to are members and they are less active. It really takes a lot of effort and work but we know that miracles await. Through Follow up 200 we were able to witness miracles. A former investigator and a part-member family as well as one of inactive Melchizedek Priesthood holder came to church yesterday. As companions we were happy to see their progression. I truly testify that by abiding to the instructions provided by our leaders, we will never go astray. He know His sheep and we must diligently seek them. I am proud to be a missionary. I love this work. It's all worth it.
Here is some stuff I learned here on the mission: 1. You can still have TONS of fun while being TOTALLY obedient. Sometimes you need to hold back from having fun and be serious for a while, but you can definitely have fun on a mission. 2. Be exactly obedient. We are only blessed according to how much we will let the Lord bless us, and how much we let the Lord bless us is according to how obedient we are. The Lord wants to give us SO many blessings but sometimes we don’t let him give them to us because of disobedience. 3. Keep the mission rules. The rules are there for a reason. Sometimes we don’t know the reasons until we know the unhappy consequences. Keep ALL the mission rules, no matter how small or insignificant.
Mahal kita
President Clark
Ang Tinig
President’s Letter
July 27, 2015
Elder & Sisters:
This past General Conference was quite amazing in a very subtle way. At every General Conference the general officers and Seventies of the Church meet for training by the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve. This happens for several days before the broadcast sessions on Saturday and Sunday. Customarily, this training involves discussion and instruction on many current issues involving the Church and its members. Dozens of topics are usually presented. But not at the April 2015 Conference. In a dramatic departure from past practice the First Presidency instructed the Quorum of the Twelve to teach the Seventies and general officers on only two very related topics. Two days were spent giving instruction about Sabbath Day observance and the Sacrament. Elder Russel M. Nelson told participants that: “if we learn better how hallow the Sabbath, faith will increase across the world”.
The First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve have been inspired to teach all Church members of the importance of keeping the Sabbath Day holy and of participating in the Sacrament ordinances properly. These subjects are now being taught in Stake and District Conferences. Many of you have already received this instruction. Sabbath Day compliance may appear to be a “no brainer” for missionaries but such isn’t the case. There is much more to keeping the Sabbath Day holy than just showing up at our meetings. Borrowing the words of several modern day apostles I offer the following thoughts.
One of the first things the Lord taught the Prophet Joseph Smith at the beginning of this dispensation was that he must take the divine commandments seriously. The Lord then firmly commanded his young servant: “Trifle not with sacred things.” (D&C 6:12)
But in spite of all the Lord has said, mankind still trifles with his word, and either by neglect or outright disobedience they set aside his word with impunity. One of the most glaring of our inconsistencies is our attitude toward the Sabbath day. It is a sacred day. It is holy, and we should not trifle with it. No law in all scripture has been more clearly defined than that of the Sabbath. From the time of Genesis to our own day, there has been no subject spoken of more directly or repeatedly than the Sabbath. It is one of the laws most dear to the heart of God. Yet it is noted far more in its desecration than in its acceptance and proper observance.
It is not enough to refrain from doing the things which would keep the day from being kept holy, but there are some very definite things that we should do to honor the Sabbath. We are required to go to the house of prayer, we are to offer up our sacraments unto the Most High; we are to fast and pray at the proper times; and we are to stand in holy places (D&C 101:22) we are to rest and to worship.
The Lord has given the Sabbath day for our benefit. Observing the Sabbath day will bring us closer to the Lord and to our families. It will give us an eternal perspective and spiritual strength. The Sabbath also allows us to rest from our physical labors and worship the Lord.
The Lord has [promised protection from the evils of our day] by sincerely observing the Sabbath day. Most people have never thought of it in this way, but note the words of the Lord in this regard: “That thou mayest more fully keep thyself unspotted from the world, thou shalt go to the house of prayer and offer up thy sacraments upon my holy day.” (D&C 59:9) No wonder Satan works so hard to keep investigators and new members away from Sunday worship services. He wants to keep our lives spotted, stained and tarnished by worldly activities and thoughts.
Elders and Sister, let us model Sabbath Day obedience to the Church members and investigators we serve. Both our attitude and actions should reflect a reverence and love for the Sabbath. It is the Lord’s day and he asks that we hold it sacred and treat it special all day long. Sunday is not “P-Day Eve”; a jumping off point for our weekly day off. It is hallowed time to be used wisely to accomplish His work. Let’s do our best to honor the Sabbath.
Mahal kita
President Clark
Ang Tinig
President’s Letter
July 20, 2015
Sister & Elders:
Several years ago I reading a book entitled “Willpower: Rediscovering the Greatest Human Strength”. It was fascinating. The authors had determined willpower or self-control to be “the most coveted human virtue”. Their research found that willpower is like a muscle; it can be strengthened with exercise. In fact, willpower can be bolstered even beyond what we might consider to be our natural limits. The book explained how willpower enables us to change ourselves and our society in small and large ways.
While the book offered food for thought, many of the authors’ “discoveries” were not really discoveries at all. Rather, they were restatements of known truths regarding the nature of man. Sadly these truths somehow have been lost from common understanding and common sense. The wisdom of the world has tried to reverse engineer the plan of salvation to explain who we are and why we act as we do. This has led to the loss of many plain and precious truths about our true nature. Decades of feel good philosophies and self-centered psychoanalysis has overshadowed otherwise self-evident truths.
Consider a few of the authors’ so-called discoveries. (1) People with strong self-control are exceptionally good at forming and maintaining secure healthy relationships. They are more stable emotionally and less prone to anxiety, depression, mental health issues and other maladies. They get angry less often and are less likely to commit crimes. (2) Weak willpower/lack of self-control is a direct contributor to most major problems, both personal and social, including compulsive spending and borrowing, impulsive violence, underachievement in school, procrastination at work, substance abuse, unhealthy diet, lack of exercise, chronic anxiety and anger. (3) The failure of self-regulation [willpower] is “the major social pathology of our time.” Little wonder the book’s authors pronounced: “Self-control is a vital strength and key to success in life”. The book validated the old proverb: "Master yourself and you can master anything”.
As I reflected on my reading certain scriptures were brought to mind again and again. The words of King Benjamin came to me with great force: For the natural man is an enemy to God, and has been from the fall of Adam, and will be, forever and ever, unless he yields to the enticings of the Holy Spirit, and putteth off the natural man... and cometh a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord, and becometh as a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him, even as a child doth submit to his father. (Mos. 3:19) In his Epistle to the Corinthians Paul said, “But the natural man receiveth not the things of God, for they are foolishness unto him:” (1 Cor. 2:14 )
I see a strong connection between the righteous exercise of willpower and the scriptural imperative to overcome the natural man in all of us. Many modern day apostles have spoken on this subject. For example: "We came here [to this mortality] to see if we would have the spiritual integrity, the devotion to righteousness, to overcome the world, to put off the natural man, to bridle our passions, to curb and control the appetites that are natural in this type of existence." (Bruce R. McConkie, Conference Report, April 1955, pp. 115-116)
President Spencer W. Kimball often quoted: “The greatest battle of life is fought out within the silent chambers of the soul. A victory on the inside of a man's heart is worth a hundred conquests on the battlefields of life. To be master of yourself is the best guarantee that you will be master of the situation. Know thyself. The crown of character is self-control”
Elders and Sisters, exact obedience is a result of the righteous exercise of our agency. This requires willpower and bending our will to conform to the will of our Heavenly Father. As Elder David Bednar taught, “We are instructed to “come unto Christ, and be perfected in him, and deny [ourselves] of all ungodliness” ( Moroni 10:32), to become “new creature[s]” in Christ ( 2 Corinthians 5:17), to put off “the natural man” ( Mosiah 3:19), and to experience “a mighty change in us, or in our hearts, that we have no more disposition to do evil, but to do good continually” ( Mosiah 5:2). (April 2007, General Conference) May this be our lifelong quest.
Mahal kita
President Clark
Ang Tinig
President’s Letter
July 13, 2015
Elder & Sisters:
This past week we said farewell to a truly great man. With the passing of President Boyd K. Packer we lost one of the powerful pillars of the modern-day Church and Christianity. President Packer served as an apostle across five decades. He was a prophet, seer and revelator in every sense of the words. His far-reaching influence in the leadership of this Church is, in my opinion, greatly underappreciated. He was a great scriptorian and exemplary teacher. His impact on The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will not be fully realized for year. His life will stand as model of discipleship to Christ forever. Below are a stories and statements of President Packer that have influenced my life. I share them with my love.
Shortly after I was called as a General Authority, I went to Elder Harold B. Lee for counsel. He listened very carefully to my problem and suggested that I see President David O. McKay. President McKay counseled me as to the direction I should go. I was very willing to be obedient but saw no way possible for me to do as he counseled me to do.
I returned to Elder Lee and told him that I saw no way to move in the direction I was counseled to go. He said, “The trouble with you is you want to see the end from the beginning.” I replied that I would like to see at least a step or two ahead. Then came the lesson of a lifetime: “You must learn to walk to the edge of the light, and then a few steps into the darkness; then the light will appear and show the way before you.” Then he quoted these 18 words from the Book of Mormon: “Dispute not because ye see not, for ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith.”
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We are the sons and daughters of God, willing followers, disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ, and “under this head are [we] made free.” (Mosiah 5:8.) Those who talk of blind obedience may appear to know many things, but they do not understand the doctrines of the gospel. There is an obedience that comes from a knowledge of the truth that transcends any external form of control. We are not obedient because we are blind, we are obedient because we can see. The best control, I repeat, is self-control.
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"That which God will never take by force - He will accept freely given. And He will then return to you freedom that you can hardly dream of - The freedom to feel and to know, the freedom to do, and the freedom to be at least a thousandfold more than we offer Him. Strangely enough the key to freedom is obedience." --Boyd K. Packer, "That All May be Edified", BYU Address given December 1971
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“The first gift that Adam and Eve received was agency: ‘Thou mayest choose for thyself, for it is given unto thee’ (Moses 3:17). You have that same agency. Use it wisely to deny acting on any impure impulse or unholy temptation that may come into your mind. Just do not go there, and if you are already there, come back out of it. ‘Deny yourselves of all ungodliness.”
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“The Spirit is a voice that one feels more than hears.” “Perhaps the single greatest thing I learned from reading the Book of Mormon is that the voice of the Spirit comes as a feeling rather than a sound. You will learn, as I have learned, to “listen” for that voice that is felt rather than heard.”
Mahal kita
President Clark
Ang Tinig
President’s Letter
July 6, 2015
Sisters & Elders:
Several years ago Elder David B. Haight shared a modern-day parable which he referred to as the parable of the bushy-tailed squirrel, the tree, and the dog. It illustrates a concern I have with our obedience in the Angeles Mission. It goes like this.
As two men walked across a university campus, they were attracted by a crowd of people surrounding a large maple tree. As they approached, they noticed that the crowd was being amused by the antics of a fox-tailed squirrel circling the tree, climbing it, and running back down again. A red Irish Setter dog crouched nearby, intently watching the squirrel. Each time the squirrel ran up the tree out of sight, the dog would slowly creep towards the tree. The squirrel paid little attention as the dog crept closer and closer, patiently biding its time. People watching this entertaining drama unfold knew what could happen, but they did nothing, until in a flash, the dog—catching the squirrel unaware—had it in the grip of his sharp teeth.
The people then rushed forward in horror, forcing the dog’s mouth open to rescue the squirrel. It was too late. The squirrel was dead. Anyone could have warned the squirrel or held back the dog. But they had been momentarily amused and watched silently while evil slowly crept up on good. When they rushed to the defense, it was too late.
We see around us daily that which is portrayed in this parable. We too often sit idly by watching as a devious stream of disobedient conduct and thought invades the missionary homes and lives of ourselves, our companions and housemates. The flow of disobedience is subtle, almost imperceptible, as inappropriate language, thoughts and practices sneak into our daily lives. Evil creeps; it doesn’t boisterously smash its way into our lives. Time and again as I interview missionaries who have made mistakes, fallen into sin, denied the faith, I hear the common story of disobedience starting out small and growing out of control. Some missionaries say they just didn’t see the “big sin” coming because the disobedience started with little innocent missteps – getting up late, impure thoughts, evil speaking of others, listening to inappropriate music, etc. Nephi has given us the pattern by which Satan operates:
“And others will he pacify, and lull them away into carnal security, that they will say: All is well in Zion; yea, Zion prospereth, all is well—and thus the devil cheateth their souls, and leadeth them away carefully down to hell.
“And behold, others he flattereth away, and telleth them there is no hell; and he saith unto them: I am no devil, for there is none—and thus he whispereth in their ears, until he grasps them with his awful chains, from whence there is no deliverance.”
Alexander Maclaren, a 19th century preacher in Britain, wisely warned his flock: “Beware of lading your souls with the weight of small single sins.” Let’s beware of “small sins” that erode personal integrity and self-confidence. Evil creeps like a clever dog intent on harming the innocent but foolish squirrel. But it can be stopped, even pushed back, by vigilant efforts. That we will do so is my prayer.
Mahal kita
President Clark
Ang Tinig
President’s Letter
June 29, 2015
Elders & Sisters:
This week we enter July with our theme of “Real Growth Through Obedience”. As our recent Mission Tour re-emphasized, obedience is the greatest source of power and safety for a missionary. This month we appropriately study obedience in follow-up to the law of sacrifice. Elder Russell M. Nelson explained the interplay between sacrifice and obedience this way: “the laws of obedience and sacrifice are indelibly intertwined. … As we comply with the commandments, something wonderful happens to us. … We become more sacred and holy—[more] like our Lord!”
Obedience is also naturally tied to Real Growth. Elder James E. Talmage said: “Obedience is the means of progress, advancement, growth, development” (“Heaven’s First Law,” in Sunday Night Radio Talks, 2 Mar. 1930). I know this to be true. Every experience of my life is evidence of these truths: Obedience is the gateway to happiness; the access point to God’s richest blessings; the source of real growth. King Benjamin also taught this principle. “I would desire that ye should consider on the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God,” he counseled. “For behold, they are blessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual; and if they hold out faithful to the end they are received into heaven, that thereby they may dwell with God in a state of never-ending happiness. O remember, remember that these things are true; for the Lord God hath spoken it” (Mosiah 2:41).
In writing this article I looked back at the Ang Tinig articles I published over the past year. I realized that August 2014 also had the obedience theme and thought that I may be “over doing” the obedience message. But after some pondering I decided that obedience can’t be over emphasized for us. Missionary standards and missionary life have little tolerance for disobedience. Such must be the case because we are required to “live the higher law” as explained in the Missionary Handbook. We are called to represent the Lord as a minister of the restored gospel….we are expected to maintain the highest standards of conduct and appearance. We must learn and live an unquestioning obedience to the Lord’s commandments and live exacting standards.
Elders and Sisters, with our moral agency, we are “free to choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil” (2 Nephi 2:27). The natural man in all of us, if left unchecked, places our personal will in opposition to the will of God and disobedience is the inevitable outcome. We can’t be “Menu Missionaires”, constantly picking and choosing which commandments, rules and guidance we will obey and which we will ignore. Obedience to the Lord’s commands, regardless of of how trivial or unimportant we believe them to be, will surely bring His promised blessings. Obedience is so essential to our eternal progression that it has been called the first law of heaven. Let’s make it our first law of mission life.
Mahal kita
President Clark
Ang Tinig
President’s Letter
June 22, 2015
Sisters & Elders:
THINGS I LEARNED FROM MISSION TOUR 2015
Part of the benefit and pleasure of having a General Authority visit our mission each year is to have powerful and precise teaching delivered specifically for the needs of our mission. Elder Bowen and Sister Bowen prepared their talks and recommendations especially for us at this time. Revelation was at work as we were counseled and taught by Elder Bowen. This included our open conference meetings and our private conversations. Elder Bowen shared his wisdom, inspiration and love with us. Now I’ll share with you what I learned from the mission tour.
1. We Can Feel the Loss of Power… Every act of disobedience, large or small, results in a loss of power as a missionary. Preach My Gospel teaches that: “Missionaries are to go ‘in the power of their ordination wherewith [they have] been ordained, proclaiming glad tidings of great joy, even the everlasting gospel’ (D&C 79:1)”. We also learned this is great spiritual power. But that power is diminished each time we disobey. The cause and effect are easy to understand: Get up late ![]()
lose power; Fail to plan ![]()
lose power; Misuse the phone ![]()
lose power. See also D&C 130: 21-22.
2. Crabbing Holds Us Back… “Any fool can criticize, condemn and complain - and most fools do.” said Benjamin Franklin. We can’t afford to be crabbing fools. We should be each other’s greatest cheerleaders, celebrating successes and triumphs. Criticism of those missionaries who are exceling – “the Roger Bannister” missionaries -- who strive to become better is counter to our mission culture and God’s purposes.
3. Don’t Be a Flea… What a great metaphor used by Elder Bowen!! We learned that we can fall victim to “false limitations” if we are not careful. We need to be willing to challenge conventional wisdom and not accept values that the world (or other missionaries) might try to impose. We can’t be willing to accept low goals or standards of excellence because no one has done better before. Remember, Noah and Nephi had never built boats before the Lord commanded. Joseph Smith had never written (translated) a book before God asked. We can do more when we focus on our purpose, not problems. See also Luke 1:37.
4. The Miracle Formula… This is a profound piece of knowledge. OBEDIENCE + WORK (Faith) = Miracles. We all want more miracles in our lives. We know that faith must precede the miracle and now we know that faith is manifest through our good works. Elder Russell M. Nelson teaches that a mission is an exercise in obedience training. “Obedience brings success; exact obedience brings miracles,” he said. So there it is again… obedience is an essential part of the Miracle Formula.
5. We Have Great Missionaries… The 2015 mission tour reinforced for Sister Clark and I our faith in each of you – our missionaries. It also increased our love for you. You were wonderful in your preparation, presentation and participation. The Bowens again and again complimented you as a mission and as individuals. They told us to expect great things in the future from our mission. We thank you for your sweet and humbling comments about Sister Clark and me at the close of the conference meetings. You were so kind. We live each day trying to live up to your ideals and the Lord’s expectations. God Bless.
Mahal kita
President Clark
Ang Tinig
President’s Letter
June 15, 2015
Elders & Sisters:
President Gordon B. Hinckley defined sacrifice beautifully when he said: “Without sacrifice there is no true worship of God. … ‘The Father gave his Son, and the Son gave his life,’ and we do not worship unless we give—give of our substance, … our time, … strength, … talent, … faith, … [and] testimonies” (Teachings of Gordon B. Hinckley).
Elders and sisters, the law of sacrifice is one of the things that sets us apart from the rest of the world. We Latter-day Saints are a covenant people, blessed with opportunities to worship and to give; but are we fully converted to the principle of sacrifice? We missionaries are held to even a higher standard of sacrifice as we strive to live a consecrated life rendering all of our heart, might, mind and strength to the great harvest of souls. But do we willingly comply with the laws of sacrifice?
May I suggest that we all learn a little more about sacrifice by looking to our senior couples serving here in the Angeles mission. They come to this mission at a time in their lives when it would be easier and more comfortable to stay home with the grandkids. They pay their own expenses. They deal with physical, emotional and spiritual challenges which young missionaries never imagine. Senior couples work very hard under difficult conditions in selfless sacrifice. They take care of each other and all of the other missionaries within their reach. They understand that living the law of sacrifice is very personal, very difficult and very sanctifying.
I’m so grateful that our senior couples, both present and past, heard and answered the call of the prophet when he said: “Your years of experience will bless others, and you’ll discover how wonderful people really are. The missions of the world need you! Pray for that spirit of adventure and a desire to serve a mission. You’ll enjoy more excitement than motor-home travel or rocking chairs.”
Sacrifice is an amazing principle. As we willingly give our time and talents and all that we possess, it becomes one of our truest forms of worship. It can develop within us a profound love for each other and our Savior, Jesus Christ. Through sacrifice our hearts can be changed; we live closer to the Spirit and have less of an appetite for things of the world. Sacrifice is squarely on the path to Real Growth and cannot be avoided if we want true progress in life.
President Hinckley taught a grand truth when he said: “It is not a sacrifice to live the gospel of Jesus Christ. It is never a sacrifice when you get back more than you give. It is an investment, … a greater investment than any. … Its dividends are eternal and everlasting” (Teachings of Gordon B. Hinckley).
The Lord acknowledged the Prophet Joseph Smith’s obedience and sacrifice in these words: “Behold, I have seen your sacrifices, and will forgive all your sins; I have seen your sacrifices in obedience to that which I have told you” (D&C 132:50). I believe the Lord sees the sacrifices, large and small, made daily by Angeles missionaries. I know he loves each of you for your sacrifices. The willingness of faithful Angeles missionaries to obey the Lord’s call to serve and sacrifice makes possible for us to carry on our purpose in missionary work here in the Philippines. God bless you for all you do.
Mahal kita
President Clark
Ang Tinig
President’s Letter
June 8, 2015
Sisters & Elders:
Last week I noted that missionary life requires much of us in terms of sacrifice. We strive for the ideal of living in exact obedience which requires us to sacrifice many of our comforts, personal freedoms, desires and pride. Jesus said: “Whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.” (Luke 14:33) It turns out the price of true discipleship is high, because as Elder Holland is known to say, “salvation is not a cheap experience.”
The sacrifice of all things can feel overwhelming. Sacrifice without limit. We like reasonable limits on our sacrificial commitments. A two year or eighteen month mission is substantial but not unlimited. We take some comfort in knowing that the Lord asks only one-tenth of our increase in the payment of tithing. Jesus did not try to sugarcoat the difficult realities His followers would encounter if they continued as His disciples. He is unashamed in asking for our sacrifice because he was willing to sacrifice all for us. Elder Dallin H. Oaks said: “Jesus Christ endured incomprehensible suffering to make Himself a sacrifice for the sins of all. That sacrifice offered the ultimate good—the pure Lamb without blemish—for the ultimate measure of evil—the sins of the entire world.”
As missionaries we generally don’t have much of temporal wealth to offer in sacrifice. Measured in terms of the things of the world we don’t have much “stuff” to give up. But God doesn’t want our stuff. The more acceptable sacrifice we have to offer is selfless service and unlimited devotion to Him. Giving up the natural man tendencies that lead to disobedience is indeed a worthy sacrifice to offer by every missionary. Offering to Him our clean hands and a pure heart will please him more than any temporal thing we may possess. Conforming our lives to the will of our Heavenly Father in exact obedience is possibly the most precious sacrifice we can make.
Consider the Savior’s teaching: “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself. …
“For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it” (Matthew 16:24–25). The ability to sacrifice some of our life in the service of our Savior as full-time missionaries is a privilege and a blessing. Denying ourselves of ungodliness will cause us to leave behind (or lose) the base, the carnal, the unworthy thoughts and actions that so easily beset us. In obedience and sacrifice we find a life of security, confidence and happiness as a missionary, worthy to be called a representative of Jesus Christ.
“Verily I say unto you, all among them who know their hearts are honest, and are broken, and their spirits contrite, and are willing to observe their covenants by sacrifice—yea, every sacrifice which I, the Lord, shall command—they are accepted of me.” (D&C 97:8) Observing our covenants by sacrifice calls for serious self-examination. What in our lives do we need to lose so that we can better follow Him? What sacrifice will be most sanctifying to our soul? Is there some ungodly (or unmissionary-like) conduct are we need to give up in order to find the life we want to have?
Elders and Sisters, today is a day of sacrifice (D&C 64:23), a time to re-commit to our covenants and give away our sins. Giving away all our sins is the only way we can come to know God. “Those who hold back some of their sins will be held back. (Neal A. Maxwell, Ensign, Nov. 1991, 32). That we may sacrifice sufficiently that our lives are accepted of Him is my prayer.
Mahal kita
President Clark
Ang Tinig
President’s Letter
June 1, 2015
Elders & Sisters:
Our journey along the path of Real Growth moves in month six to the principle of sacrifice. How appropriate that we take up sacrifice as a means of growth following the study of faith. The Prophet Joseph Smith taught that “a religion that does not require the sacrifice of all things never has the power sufficient to produce the faith necessary unto life and salvation.” Sacrifice is an essential doctrine of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Our religion, when lived to its fullest, requires obedience, sanctification, consecration and ultimately the sacrifice of all things.
Missionary life requires much the same of us in terms of sacrifice. We start with the ideal of living in exact obedience which causes us to sacrifice some of our personal freedoms, desires and pride. Following the law of obedience comes the requirement to give of ourselves in service to our Father in Heaven’s children. Sacrificing what we have to benefit our brothers and sisters is the crowning test of the gospel and missionary service. One of the purposes of the mortal experience (and a mission) is to see if we will follow the Savior’s counsel to “seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” (Matt. 6:33.) In the eternal perspective, the blessings obtained by sacrifice are greater than anything that is given up.
Sacrifice is also an educational experience. Latter-day Saint religious educator and scholar, Robert J. Matthews explained a great truth about sacrifice. Said he, “a significant reason for the Lord’s requiring the willingness to sacrifice all things is the experience it gives those who do it. It is not only necessary that we have confidence in God, but there is also a dimension to be gained about ourselves through the experience and the discipline of making a sacrifice. Our own acts tell us something about ourselves. Sacrificing all that we have in obedience to the Lord’s commandments greatly increases our own self-confidence. We know for ourselves that we can keep the commandments—we have done it. This has a powerful effect upon our attitude about ourselves. Notice the language of the Lord given in Doctrine and Covenants 97:8–9: “Verily I say unto you, all among them who know their hearts are honest, and are broken, and their spirits contrite, and are willing to observe their covenants by sacrifice—yea, every sacrifice which I, the Lord, shall command—they are accepted of me.”
The ability to sacrifice some of our life in the service of our Savior as full-time missionaries is a privilege and a blessing. Through this sacrifice we get to know more of the Savior and ourselves. Our Heavenly Father did not need to have Adam or Abraham or any of the great prophets sacrifice in order to get to know their hearts. But Adam and Abraham and each of the great prophets and you and I need to experience sacrifice so that we can know of our own capacity to obey and consecrate and accept God’s will in our lives.
Sacrifice does indeed bring forth the blessings of heaven. Those blessings include humility, self-confidence and self-discipline – all important characteristics of a successful missionary. Let’s make an intense, short-term study of the principle of sacrifice this June so that we may learn and grow as we approach the level of commitment the Lord asks of us: “Offer your whole souls as an offering unto [God]” (Omni 1:26; see also Mosiah 2:24).
Mahal kita
President Clark
Ang Tinig
President’s Letter
May 25, 2015
Sisters & Elders:
We close out our study of Real Growth through faith this May with a reminder of two basic rules for a faith-filled life. I will refer to a favorite Book of Mormon Story – “2000 Stripling Warriors” - to illustrate both. The first rule is Seminary simple – “Faith without works is dead.” (James 2:17–18) As a practical matter, faith unaccompanied by supporting works is little more than wishful thinking. Faith can become wasted imagination without the requisite works.
Helaman’s young warriors learned to match the faith their mothers instilled in them with courageous works. In a letter written to Moroni, Helaman describes the faith and courage these young men exhibited: “Now they never had fought, yet they did not fear death; and they did think more upon the liberty of their fathers than they did upon their lives; yea, they had been taught by their mothers, that if they did not doubt, God would deliver them” (Alma 56:45, 47). Elders and sisters, “they did not doubt, [and] God [did] deliver them.” They had no doubt because it had been vanquished by faith. Helaman tells us their works were also manifest in submission to the will of their commander – both earthly and heavenly. “They did obey and observe to perform every word of command with exactness; yea, and even according to their faith it was done unto them” (Alma 57:21).
Faith without works is dead and so too probably would have been these young warriors if they had not done the work required to prevail in battle. That included preparatory work before they ever reached the field of battle. If their works had not been exact and complete we likely would be reading about the “2000 Wishful Warriors” who failed to conquer, despite having faith.
For a missionary in the Angeles Mission exact and complete obedience requires following all the rules and requirements of the Missionary Handbook and implementing fully the programs of the mission (Follow-Up 200, Teaching Timeouts, lesson planning, Match the Message, Conversion Pipeline, Lesson Staffing, Teaching Pool Review, Member-Missionary work, Fast Sunday Goal Setting with the Bishop). Elders and Sisters, please don’t waste your faith on partial obedience and incomplete work.
The second rule of faith is that works without faith is dead. The scriptures teach that certain powers of heaven are governed by the faith of mortal men. The Lord’s ability to help us succeed is limited only by our faith in Him. “For if there be no faith among the children of men God can do no miracle among them; wherefore, he showed not himself [unto them] until after their faith.
“Neither at any time hath any wrought miracles until after their faith; wherefore they first believed in the Son of God.” (Ether 12:12, 18.)
We can cause righteous desires, manifest in our faithful work, to come to pass, for in the words of our Master, “According to your faith be it unto you.” (Matt. 9:29.) However, without faith our works can become misspent labor. We may end up going through the motions of missionary work without producing the desired outcome if we act in fear and doubt, rather than faith.
In the aftermath of two tough battles Helaman writes of the Stripling Warriors: “And now, their preservation was astonishing to our whole army, yea, … And we do justly ascribe it to the miraculous power of God, because of their exceeding faith” (Alma 57:25–26). These young men proved this precept: Greater faith impels us to do more works and diligent works increase faith.
Faith that brings about Real Growth is not accessible solely in unsupported “I believe” statements. Faith sufficient to bring about desired growth is found in living with an “I trust and I act” attitude. In the words of Elder Marcus B. Nash: “We too can exercise such faith in the Lord, believing and trusting that our kind and constant God will bless us with miraculous power suited to our circumstance, according to His timing. As we do so, we too will see the hand of God manifest in our lives.”
Mahal kita
President Clark
Ang Tinig
President’s Letter
May 18, 2015
Elders& Sisters:
Faith Not to be Healed
Last Thursday night Sister Michelle Victorino’s life and mission service were abruptly cut short by illness. For unknown reasons, Sister Victorino contracted a severe, fast moving infection in her body which led to septic shock and failure of vital organs. Extraordinary medical efforts were made to preserve her life but to no avail.
At times like these we are left to mourn and wonder and hope. Our mourning is natural; a product of insecurity about life after life and sadness over separation. Our wonder is often self-examination; thinking of what might have been or what we could/should have done differently. Our hope is found in the exquisite power, breadth and promise of the Atonement. We find succor in the scriptural promise, “it shall come to pass that those that die in me shall not taste of death, for it shall be sweet unto them. (D&C 42:46)
It is particularly painful and puzzling to witness the death of a young missionary. As Latter-day Saints, we rejoice in life and missionaries typify the joy of young living. Death is so dark so conflicting to this. In remarks delivered several years ago at the funeral of a young missionary Elder Russell M. Nelson reflected on the importance of having a gospel perspective about death. "At times like this, we are prone to ask questions," he said. "We wonder [about why?]…, My advice for each of us is not to torture ourselves with 'what if' questions. They bring neither clarity nor comfort. Substitute your 'what if' questions with 'because of' declarations." We should look upon death in terms of eternal laws of the gospel, the resurrection from temporal death, and the blessing of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. We should witness that “because of” these, individuals can qualify for eternal life and families can be together forever.
"As mortals we think of his death as premature," Elder Nelson said. "But from [the lost missionary’s] heavenly perspective, death is not premature. It is not premature for one who is prepared to meet God. Death is only premature for one not prepared to meet God. Our existence in this period of mortality allows us to get a body, to develop faith and to prove ourselves.” We can celebrate in knowing Sister Victorino has done that. While here we weep for the loss of this dear young woman, on the other side of the veil, there are tears of joy.
Elder Nelson also taught of the sweet assurance that the death of a young missionary does not bring her work to an end. We can be certain that Sister Victorino is part of missionary work to those already in the spirit world. Her mission will continue there. It is left to those of us who remain in the Angeles Mission to fulfill our duty to bring souls unto Christ on this side of the veil.
As we ponder the death of Sister Victorino our wounded hearts should draw strength from our recent study of the Atonement and faith. Our faith is tested by the trial of the death of a loved one. May I share portions of a talk given several years ago by Elder David A. Bednar that offers us perspective and faith-building incites about death and God’s will.
Elder Bednar spoke of a couple who faced an enormous struggle with cancer. The husband was diagnosed with bone cancer only three weeks following their marriage. They, of course, desired his healing and his life to be preserved. When Elder Bednar visited them in the hospital, the husband asked for a blessing. Elder Bednar explained, “I then posed questions I had not planned to ask and had never previously considered: “[John,] do you have the faith not to be healed? If it is the will of our Heavenly Father that you are transferred by death in your youth to the spirit world to continue your ministry, do you have the faith to submit to His will and not be healed?”
In this question Elder Bednar taught a truth of the Gospel that is difficult, yet magnificent. What a piercing question? We often think of having the faith to be healed, but this is a deeper truth. As we learn to submit to the Lord’s will, we must answer this probing question. Do we have the faith not to be healed? For us in the Angeles Mission the questions are a bit different but the principle is the same. Do we have the faith to accept that a beloved missionary was not healed? If it is the will of our Heavenly Father that Sister Victorino be “transferred” by death in her youth to the spirit world to continue her ministry, do we have the faith to submit to His will and accept her death?”
As Elder Bednar counseled with this faithful couple, they increasingly understood that a blessing of healing could only be received if they had the faith not to be healed and were “willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon [them]” (Mosiah 3:19). “In other words, they needed to overcome, through the Atonement of the Lord Jesus Christ, the ‘natural man’ tendency in all of us to demand impatiently and insist incessantly on the blessings we want and believe we deserve,” Elder Bednar explained. “We recognized a principle that applies to every devoted disciple: strong faith in the Savior is submissively accepting of His will and timing in our lives—even if the outcome is not what we hoped for or wanted.”
Elder Bednar instructed, “Even with strong faith, many mountains will not be moved. And not all of the sick and infirmed will be healed. If all opposition were curtailed, if all maladies were removed, then the primary purposes of the Father’s plan would be frustrated.”
Trusting in the Lord’s will and timing is essential to build faith. We are challenged now to trust that Sister Victorino has returned to her loving Heavenly Father to continue to serve and worship Him. In the words of Elder Bednar, this experience we are having is not primarily about living and dying; rather, it was about learning, living, and becoming.” Our love and concern for Sister Victorino need not end with her departure. Our learning of the gospel and God’s ways can increase from this experience if we trust in His goodness and grace.
God be with us to have the faith to learn, live and become a better disciple and missionary from this experience. May we, as children of God, know of his great love and trust in His ultimate knowledge of what is best for the eternal welfare of all his children.
Mahal kita
President Clark
Ang Tinig
President’s Letter
May 11, 2015
Sisters & Elders:
A sometimes overlooked and often unpopular truth about the principle of faith is that the Lord promises to try the faith and patience of his people. (Mos. 23:21) None of us like our faith to be tried or tested, but such is mortality. We came to learn to walk by faith (2 Corinthians 5:7). In the economy of heaven we come to learn that with promised trials come promised blessings – “whosoever putteth his trust in Him the same shall be lifted up at the last day (Mos. 23:22).
True, enduring faith is centered in trust in the Lord and in His willingness to answer our needs. For “the Lord … doth bless and prosper those who put their trust in him.” (Hel. 12:1) The consistent, willing exercise of faith increases our confidence and ability to employ the power of faith in our lives.
Faith is essential to draw upon the powers of heaven. The Book of Mormon even teaches that “if there be no faith among the children of men God can do no miracle among them” (Ether 12:12). The first principle of the gospel is faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, and faith means trust. As children of God, knowing of His great love and His ultimate knowledge of what is best for our eternal welfare, we trust in Him.
Last year I had a faith trying experience like no other I had experienced. When Sister Clark and I came to the Philippines we left my ailing mother in Utah. She had not been well for months and her health was failing. We knew there was the possibility she might not live long enough for us to see her again in this life. She also knew this but she would always tell her doctors that she needed just three more years so she could once again see her missionary son. Sister Clark and I departed in faith and the knowledge that she and my father are in the Lord’s hands. We are blessed to have strong family support both from my siblings and our children. We also had the full backing of my frail little mother. She was so proud of us and wanted us to serve.
In December my mother died with my aged father by her bedside. Her passing was peaceful and welcomed by all who love her. She was right with the Lord and he was right to take her. The sorrow and pain of her death are recalled on this Mother’s Day. I miss her. But the faith that Sister Clark and I share in our loving Heavenly Father, our Savior and in the plan of happiness make it okay. Even in our grief we are comforted and even revitalized because of the hope we have in the Atonement. We know faith can “make us whole”. We have felt the sweet sustaining power of the Lord’s words from 3 Nephi: “I see that your faith is sufficient that I should heal you.” We understand that with faith nothing is impossible in God’s work. We rely on the truth that because of grace we can be saved through faith. We testify that the prayers of God’s servants are answered according to their faith. We are blessed to serve alongside you.
Mahal kita
President Clark
Ang Tinig
President’s Letter
May 4, 2015
Sisters & Elders:
This is the first Monday of the excellent month of May. Excellence is our mantra this month. We’re faithfully striving as a mission to achieve our standard of excellence for baptisms - two baptisms, per companionship this month. So far our commitment is strong as individual companionships have informed me of over 260 individuals they plan to baptize this month. We have names, faith and a more excellent way” (1 Cor. 12:31) of bringing souls to Christ.
As we pursue this lofty and righteous goal to baptize to our standard of excellence, please recall the purpose of our standards. Remember that our standards of excellence tie directly to our purpose as missionaries. Preach My Gospel explains that the mission has standards of excellence, “to raise your vision and increase your faith. District, zone, and mission standards will help you stretch, work effectively, and reach higher levels of performance.” Our standards are not quotas, but they a means to inspire and motivate us to do better and be better. Striving, doing our very best, to meet mission standards will bring about real growth in baptisms and in our own lives.
President Gordon B. Hinckley said: “This is the great day of decision for each of us. For many it is the time of beginning something that will go on for as long as you live. … Rise to the high ground of spiritual, mental, and physical excellence. You can do it. You may not be a genius. You may be lacking in some skills. But so many of us can do better than we are now doing. We are people with a present and with a future. … Be excellent”.
Thomas J. Watson, past chairman and CEO of IBM had a rather temporal but still accurate view on achieving excellence. He advised, “If you want to achieve excellence, you can get there today. As of this second, quit doing less-than-excellent work.” There is truth in this bold statement. If we want excellence this month we must stop being less-than-obedient, less-than-virtuous, less-then-diligent, less-than-faithful and less-than-masipag.
In working to achieve excellence in our missionary work consider these three rules of accomplishment given by Elder Stanley G. Ellis of the Seventy:
1. If we did it once, we can do it again!
2. If they can do it, we can do it too!
3. With the Lord, all things are possible!
Elders and Sisters, there are companionships, districts and entire zones achieving and exceeding the standard of excellence for baptisms in this mission. You can too! Let’s “look upon them that [we] may learn with joy” (Jacob 4:3) that we may follow their examples.
Faith will be the key to reaching our standard of excellence. Having faith causes us to try as hard as we learn about and become more like our Savior. Faith [in Him and His Atonement] leads to action, including repentance, obedience, and dedicated service. You accomplish what the Lord wants you to accomplish. You help bring about good in your own life and the lives of others. You are able to do miracles according to the Lord’s will. Your faith will be manifest through diligence and work. (Preach My Gospel)
Mahal kita
President Clark
Ang Tinig
President’s Letter
April 27, 2015
Elders & Sisters:
Years ago Sister Clark and I were volleyball “gym rats”. We spent many long days, over several years at volleyball tournaments following our son’s school and club teams. Brian was an excellent volleyball player with great instincts and God given talent for the game. But it was his leaping ability that really set him apart from other players. He had an almost unfathomable ability to jump – hang and explode on the ball. The spring in his legs also made him a powerful blocker. Players and coaches passing by his matches would instinctively stop and watch him play just to see him leap at the net.
Brian had a phenomenal vertical leap and he wanted to get better. So he asked me to help him strengthen his body and improve his jumping technique. I put together an exercise/practice program he could use to build is leaping prowess. He was really excited to improve his physical abilities and apply them to his volleyball skills. He was filled with energy and hope. One Saturday afternoon Brian’s volleyball hopes and aspirations were dimmed by a severe ankle injury incurred in a high school volleyball game. Brian lost his ability to play for several months. While he was unable to play his skills suffered; his muscles atrophied and his strength declined. It took years of hard work for Brian to fully heal and get back even close to the leaper and player that he was. What a price he paid. What a lesson he (and we) learned about physical fitness and the work it takes to be strong.
Faith is like a muscle. If exercised, it grows strong. If left immobile, it becomes weak. If we neglect faith, it decays or possibly dies. If we nurture it, it will flourish. Faith is a living, dynamic thing and it can be developed and strengthened if we so choose invest the effort.
From True to the Faith we read: “Faith is a gift from God, but we must nurture our faith to keep it strong. We can nurture the gift of faith by praying to Heavenly Father in the name of Jesus Christ…. We can strengthen our faith by keeping the commandments. Like all blessings from God, faith is obtained and increased through individual obedience and righteous action. If we desire to enrich our faith to the highest possible degree, we must keep the covenants we have made.”
“We can also develop faith by studying the scriptures and the words of latter-day prophets. Alma taught that the word of God helps strengthen faith. Comparing the word to a seed, he said that the “desire to believe” can lead us to “give place” for the word to be “planted in [our] heart[s].” Then we will feel that the word is good, for it will begin to enlarge our souls and enlighten our understanding. This will strengthen our faith. As we continually nurture the word in our hearts, “with great diligence, and with patience, looking forward to the fruit thereof, it shall take root; and behold it shall be a tree springing up unto everlasting life.” (See Alma 32:26-43.)”
Let’s be diligent in nurturing and protecting our faith. We need it to be strong and constantly growing. “As we live on earth we must walk in faith, nothing doubting.” – James E. Faust
Mahal kita
President Clark
Ang Tinig
President’s Letter
April 20, 2015
Sister & Elders:
“Oh the Places You Will Go!” Yes, here are again with the profound words of Dr. Seuss. This week let’s explore where we can go with the power of faith in our lives. The scriptures teach of several places we can go,. Destination we can reach, through proper exercise of faith.
For example, Amulek testified of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, then commanded the people to pray and exercise faith unto repentance. (See Alma 34:15–17, in which the phrase “faith unto repentance” appears four times.) In the eighth chapter of Moroni, the twenty-fifth and twenty-sixth verses [Moro. 8:25–26] Mormon told his son Moroni that baptism: “cometh by faith unto the fulfilling the commandments [obedience]; and the fulfilling the commandments bringeth remission of sins.” From the New Testament we learn that there is power in faith unto salvation. (1 Peter 1:5; See also Alma 26:16, we “retain a hope through faith, unto eternal salvation) Modern revelation through Joseph Smith explains that “signs come by faith, unto mighty works, for without faith no man pleaseth God.” (D&C 63:11)
Oh, the places we will go with faith as our heaven-sent guidance system. Faith can direct the power of the Atonement in our lives to repentance, obedience, mighty works and ultimately eternal salvation. Faith can be strengthened, honed and targeted to suit our needs and righteous desires. Our faith should not be aimlessly cast about but purposefully and precisely used to improve ourselves and bless others. Attention must be given to how we use (or fail to use) our faith because of faith’s unbounded potential. Consider this statement from Preach My Gospel: “When you have faith in Jesus Christ, you trust the Lord enough to follow His commandments…. You accomplish what the Lord wants you to accomplish. You help bring about good in your own life and the lives of others. You are able to do miracles according to the Lord’s will.”
As missionaries, faith is a way of life. Without faith we don’t study (because there is no hope of learning), we would not leave our houses to work (because we don’t believe we can find investigators) nor will be teach with power and authority (because we doubt that others will listen or believe). But with faith a bright world of potential and possibilities opens to us! For faith-filled missionaries, hope – the abiding trust that the Lord will fulfill his promises to us – is manifest in confidence, optimism and enthusiasm. We believe, act and fully expect that something good will happen because of our good works.
Let’s have faith in these words of Elder Jeffrey R. Holland: “God expects you to have enough faith, determination, and trust in Him to keep moving, keep living, keep rejoicing. He expects you to embrace and shape the future – to love it, rejoice in it, and delight in your opportunities.” Thank you, Elders and Sisters, for your faithful service in the Angeles Mission.
Mahal ko kayo
President Clark
Ang Tinig
President’s Letter
April 13, 2015
Elders & Sisters:
During our interviews of the past few weeks I’ve asked each of you, as a companionship, to assess your level of obedience. Your answers have been pretty consistent. Using a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being “exact obedience”, the reports came in indicating a fairly high level of obedience. Almost all missionaries appraised themselves to be “4’s” on the missionary obedience scale. I am pleased with your obedient hearts and your desire to become better.
I made inquiry of your companionship obedience to force an informal accountability between companions. I hope that accountability has since caused reflection, counseling and change. I also hope that we each see the inseparable tie between obedience and faith. It takes faith to be obedient. Indeed, faith leads to obedience (PMG, p.116) as it precedes the miracle. If we believe in Christ, we want to show our faith by obeying Him (PMG, p. 62).
Study of the Christ-like attribute of obedience reveals that obedience is an act of faith and we may be required to do things we do not completely understand or like (PMG, p. 122). The Prophet Joseph Smith, in teaching obedience, said that whatever God requires is right, though we may not know the reason until much later. This is a critical lesson of missionary life and gospel living. Sad are those that spend their time in wasted criticism and defiance of heaven-sent rules and commandments. Blessed are those that exercise the faith necessary to overcome natural man stubbornness. (See Helaman 10:4, Mosiah 2:22 and Alma 49:30) President Ezra Taft Benson emphasized the difference between reluctant obedience and willing obedience: “When obedience ceases to be an irritant and becomes our quest, in that moment God will endow us with power”. Missionaries who learn to happily, faithfully obey receive that power.
President Boyd K. Packer taught about the vital bond between faith and obedience: “Latter-day Saints are not obedient because they are compelled to be obedient. They are obedient because they know certain spiritual truths and have decided, as an expression of their own individual agency [and faith], to obey the commandments of God. … We are not obedient because we are blind, we are obedient because we can see”. We can see with eyes of faith that leads us to obey.
Elders and Sisters, we need to value and receive the power of faithful obedience as it applies to our mission life. Elder Dennis Neuenschwander made this very personal and applicable to us when he said: “Mission rules are important in the same way commandments are important. We all need to keep them, understanding that they give us strength, direction, and limits. The smart missionary will learn the intent of the rules and make them work for him. Your mission is a time of discipline and single-minded focus.”
I assure you my fellow servants that obedience is one of the purest forms of real faith. I know the promise of John 14:21 is true: He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. Let’s achieve that last measure of obedience by exercising our faith.
Mahal kita
President Clark
Ang Tinig
President’s Letter
April 6, 2015
Sisters & Elders:
In April we begin the study of Real Growth through Faith. The fundamentals of this gospel principle are well known to us. We teach faith in Jesus Christ daily as it is explained in Preach My Gospel. For the next two months our task will be to make faith of such power, prevalence and prominence in our lives that we can readily call down the powers of heaven to assist our missionary work. President Henry D. Eyring has taught the right to call down the powers of heaven is based in faith. Said he: “You must have faith that God lives and that you have won His confidence to allow you to use His power for His purposes….You are building that faith now for the days ahead when you will need it.” (See Helaman 10)
To succeed in this life and as a missionary, we need firm faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Faith is the first principle of the gospel and the foundation of all other principles. Without faith we cannot please God nor access his grace. Faith is a gift of God through the Holy Ghost (1 Corinthians 12:8–9; Ephesians 2:8; Moroni 10:8–11). Faith is a principle of power and action (see Matthew 17:19–21; Ether 12:30; Alma 14:26–28). The call to action for missionaries is an invitation develop and then utilize faith in fulfilling our purpose of bringing souls unto Christ. Our daily acts of faith – study, prayer, OYM, teaching, pondering – envelop us in a beautiful upward spiral of real growth. Greater faith impels us to do more works and our faithful works increase our faith. Upward and forward we move, lifted by faith’s inherent enabling power. Like Lehi’s family, we will experience many miracles and progress forward as we are diligent, remain vigilant and exercise faith (See Alma 37:40-42).
President Gordon B. Hinckley was man of great faith. His teachings are loaded with stories, quotes and exhortations to build our faith. The following story is worthy of our consideration.
“What marvelous things happen when men walk with faith in obedience to that which is required of them! I recently read the interesting story of Commander William Robert Anderson, the naval officer who took the submarine Nautilus beneath the polar ice from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean, a daring and dangerous feat. It recounted a number of other exploits of similar danger. It concluded with a statement that he carried in his wallet a tattered card that had on it these words, which I commend to you:
‘I believe I am always divinely guided.
I believe I will always take the right road.
I believe God will always make a way where there is no way.’
I too believe that God will always make a way where there is no way. I believe that if we will walk in obedience to the commandments of God, if we will follow the counsel of the priesthood, he will open a way even where there appears to be no way.”
Elders and Sisters, this is the type of faith we will need to access in the powers of heaven. The enabling power of the Atonement is available to us through our faith in Christ. I know these things to be true.
Mahal kita
President Clark
Ang Tinig
President’s Letter
March 30, 2015
Elders & Sisters:
At our most recent zone conferences I taught you about possible measures of Real Growth in our lives. Many missionaries have written me about these measures and the help it has been to do some self-assessment. Prof. Robert L. Millet of BYU authored the article from which I lifted these measures. I provide them today to remind us of what Real Growth means in our lives.
Hopefully, applying these measures will encourage and foster “Real Growth,” that is, deep conversion, complete consecration to God and His Church and kingdom. While such growth is surely the product of consistent and sustained gospel living, what does it look like? How might we know if we are experiencing Real Growth? What might we begin noticing in our own discipleship? Here are a few thoughts to consider:
1. There begins to develop within our hearts a desire to do more to further the work of the Lord and to be better people than we are. This seems to be what Abraham felt when he wrote of how he had previously been a follower of righteousness but had felt the need “to be one who possessed great knowledge, and to be a greater follower of righteousness, and to possess a greater knowledge” (Abraham 1:2).
2. We begin to view commandments, laws, [Missionary Handbook] and Church directives differently, to no longer see them as guard rails, barricades, or hindrances to life’s enjoyments, but instead as helps, guides, and kind gestures of a benevolent Father in Heaven. John the Beloved explained that “this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous [burdensome, oppressive]” (1 John 5:3).
3. The more we search the scriptures, we begin to see patterns, connections, parallels, and principles for living. Holy writ becomes more and more relevant to everyday life. In a sense, the words of the prophets become our words.
4. Our personal gospel study becomes more and more enlightening and faith affirming, so that regularly during the week we are fed and spiritually strengthened. Sabbath worship thus becomes the capstone for a spiritually productive week.
5. We begin to be more secure and settled in our faith, less troubled by unanswered questions; in short, we begin to have doubt banished from our hearts and minds.
6. We begin to feel a deeper sense of love for and loyalty toward the apostles and prophets [Mission President], those charged to guide the destiny of the kingdom of God. As the Lord explained in modern revelation (D&C 1:38; 21:5), their words truly become His words. Their counsel becomes His counsel.
7. With the passing of time and as we mature spiritually, our faith is transformed into certainty. Indeed, our receipt of personal revelation and our regular encounter with the Spirit of God leads us to that point where our faith begins to be “unshaken in the Lord” (Enos 1:11; see also Jacob 7:5).
Real Growth brings about an understanding of the doctrines and principles of the restored gospel that is as stimulating and satisfying to the mind as it is soothing and settling to the heart. In addition, we need a witness and an assurance that produce and result in Real Growth, in deep conversion, in complete consecration. In this way and through this sacred process, the work of the Almighty is hastened—within our own souls.
Mahal kita
President Clark
Ang Tinig
President’s Letter
March 23, 2015
Sisters & Elders:
March draws to an end as does our focused study of “Real Growth Through the Atonement”. The journey through this marvelous doctrine reminds me of the words of Dr. Seuss, “You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You're on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the one who'll decide where to go...” (Oh, The Places You'll Go!) We must now decide where we will go with this fresh growth of gospel knowledge. Knowledge is merely having clarity of facts and truths. We need the wisdom to use our knowledge of the Atonement in practical and productive ways.
For missionaries the most practical and expedient application of the Atonement is in preaching the gospel. So let’s go to Preach My Gospel for some essential Atonement wisdom. First, “as your understanding of the Atonement of Jesus Christ grows, your desire to share the gospel will increase. (PMG p.2)” Second, “you show your love for the Lord and gratitude for His Atonement by bringing souls unto Him. (PMG p. 11)” Third, “when we have faith in Christ, we accept and apply His Atonement and His teachings. We trust Him and what He says. (PMG p. 61)
The beauty and genius of the Atonement is that it is never beyond our grasp. The Savior is always standing by, anxiously longing to endow us with those powers that will convert our every weakness to a strength. The enabling power of the Atonement strengthens us to do good and serve beyond our own individual desire and natural capacity. (Elder David A. Bednar) These truths are well tested and proven in missionary work. The challenge for us is in the conversion of Atonement knowledge to productive work which fulfills our purpose.
I believe the great bridge we must cross is that of faith. Again, from Preach My Gospel we read: “The first principle of the gospel is faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Faith in Christ leads to action. Having faith causes us to try as hard as we can to learn about and become more like our Savior. Faith [in Him and His Atonement] leads to action, including repentance, obedience, and dedicated service. You accomplish what the Lord wants you to accomplish. You help bring about good in your own life and the lives of others. You are able to do miracles according to the Lord’s will. Your faith will be manifest through diligence and work.
Elders and Sister, please read again (and again) the bold sentences about. THAT IS MISSIONARY WORK! As missionaries, we repent, obey and serve. Bringing souls unto Him is what he wants us to accomplish. We are here to do miracles. His work and will is realized through our labor. But all of this requires great faith.
Faith is a principle of action and power. God works by power, but His power is usually exercised
in response to faith (see Moroni 10:7). Christ hath said: If ye will have faith in me ye shall have power to do whatsoever thing is expedient in me. (see Moroni 7:33). This is the promise of the Atonement – the enabling power to do what he needs us to do. Doubt and fear are opposed to faith. Faith will increase through diligent study, prayer, dedicated service, and obedience to the promptings of the Holy Ghost and the commandments.
We have treasured up great stores of Atonement knowledge over the past months. Our faith must now be the catalyst to put the Atonement’s enabling power into action in our daily missionary work. May we be faithful and faith-filled enough to do so.
Mahal kita
President Clark
Ang Tinig
President’s Letter
March 15, 2015
Elders & Sisters:
I love reading your weekly e-mails to me. Recently your insights and knowledge of the Atonement have been a delight to read. We, as a mission, are becoming more faith filled in the power of the Atonement to both redeem and enable us. We are learning to rely upon and access the Atonement more regularly to strengthen and comfort us. Thank you elders and sisters for participating sincerely and diligently in this great study of the Atonement.
As I’ve read many of your comments I marvel at your faith and willingness to rely on the Atonement. I sense, however, that in our enthusiasm of belief we may lose sight of an important principle of the Atonement. It is the concept of personal accountability built into the concept of grace (the enabling power of the Atonement). I’m prompted today to remind us of the words of Nephi when he taught: “…we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do” (2 Nephi 25:23).
The Bible teaches: “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9; see also Ephesians 2:5, 2 Timothy 1:9, and Acts 15:11). The Book of Mormon agrees with the doctrine expressed by Paul and the principle of grace. Throughout the book, the fact is stressed that “there shall be no other name given nor any other way nor means whereby salvation can come unto the children of men, only in and through the name of Christ, the Lord Omnipotent” (Mosiah 3:17). But the Book of Mormon also gives us a more complete understanding of the power of the Atonement by reminding us of the requirement of “works”. While the Book of Mormon stresses that only Christ brings salvation, like the New Testament, it also clearly affirms the responsibility of individuals to repent and come unto Christ and afterwards endure unto the end in keeping the commandments of God.
In the Bible Dictionary we learn that the word grace means a strengthening or enabling power: “The main idea of the word is divine means of help or strength, given through the bounteous mercy and love of Jesus Christ. “… It is likewise through the grace of the Lord that individuals, through faith in the atonement of Jesus Christ and repentance of their sins, receive strength and assistance to do good works that they otherwise would not be able to maintain if left to their own means. This grace is an enabling power that allows men and women to lay hold on eternal life and exaltation after they have expended their own best efforts” (p. 697).
Elders and Sisters, scripture teaches of the importance of “relying alone upon the merits of Christ” (Moroni 6:4). We should not “trust in the arm of flesh” as our sole means of salvation and accomplishment (D&C 1:19). But there is a balance that must be reached in our lives in order to draw upon the powers of the Atonement. We must do all that we can do; we must expend our own best efforts first (or at least simultaneously) if we are to receive the enabling power that allows men and women to lay hold on eternal life and exaltation. Our work, our faith, our repentance are essential to our access to the full promise and power of the Atonement.
Mahal kita
President Clark
Ang Tinig
President’s Letter
March 9, 2015
Sisters & Elders:
How do we deny the Atonement? As mentioned last week, at times our thoughts, feelings and conduct are contrary to our beliefs and we actually deny the Atonement. There are two principal ways this happens. The first means of denial is by refusing to forgive. The doctrine on this is straight forward. The Savior said, “Wherefore, I say unto you, that ye ought to forgive one another; for he that forgiveth not his brother his trespasses standeth condemned before the Lord; for there remaineth in him the greater sin.” I, the Lord, will forgive whom I will forgive, but of you it is required to forgive all men”. (D&C 64:9-10)
This can be difficult doctrine. Is the Lord truly saying that refusing to forgive another is a greater sin than the offense committed against us? Yes. Truman Madsen suggests one reason for this: In refusing to forgive another, we, in effect, attempt to deny the blessings of the Atonement to that person: You may have prayed and yearned for forgiveness of your own guilt and sin. But then you turn and say, ‘But not him or her! Don’t you forgive them! I’m not going to, he doesn’t deserve it.’ By doing this we attempt to deny the benefits of the Atonement to another and in doing so we close the channel of love and compassion and revelation from the Lord. We seek to nullify His atonement for others.
Our willingness to forgive is a serious matter to the Lord. So much so, that he mandates it in the scriptures. He orders it. And just like any other Godly mandate, forgiveness is for our own good. For our happiness. Because God knows. He knows that you and I will never really be healed; we will never really move toward wholeness; we will never really be happy, obtain the full access to the Atonement and get on with our lives until we are able to let go . . . and forgive.
“We will receive the joy of forgiveness in our own lives when we are willing to extend that joy freely to others. Lip service is not enough. We need to purge our hearts and minds of feelings and thoughts of bitterness and let the light and the love of Christ enter in. As a result, the Spirit of the Lord will fill our souls with the joy accompanying divine peace of conscience.” (see Mosiah 4:2–3). (Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “Point of Safe Return,” Ensign, May 2007, 99–101)
The second way in which we deny the atonement is in refusing to forgive ourselves. Elder M. Russell Ballard taught: “We all make mistakes. That’s part of our human experience. Learning to recognize and overcome these mistakes is an important part of our earthly mission. Unfortunately, there are those among us who become preoccupied with their own imperfection. They seem to forget the solid gold of their eternal souls and the purifying power of the Atonement. It’s as though they choose to wallow in their imperfections, and in so doing, they deny the work of their divine Creator and the Atonement of the Savior…. When you stop to think about it, it would be the height of spiritual arrogance for any of us to suppose that we have sinned so extraordinarily as to be beyond the reach of Christ’s redemption. To do so would be to suggest that His blood is insufficient, that His power in inadequate, that His sacrifice somehow isn’t enough.”
Dwelling on past mistakes encroaches on our minds and can turn our thoughts to dark, unproductive and dehabilitating self-doubt. Such thoughts are not of the Holy Spirit. We have it within our power to chase such thoughts by turning to Jesus Christ and the miracle of forgiveness. Then can suffering be replaced with joy, gratitude and thanksgiving for the Savior’s love and forgiveness. As Elder Richard G. Scott taught: “When a bishop or stake president or mission president has confirmed that your repentance is sufficient, know that your obedience has allowed the Atonement to satisfy the demands of justice for the laws you have broken. Therefore you are now free. Please believe it. To continually suffer the distressing effects of sin after adequate repentance is to deny the efficacy of the Savior’s Atonement on your behalf.”
“Never is the soul nobler and more courageous than when we forgive. This includes forgiving ourselves. (Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “Point of Safe Return,” Ensign, May 2007, 99–101)
Mahal kita
President Clark
Ang Tinig
President’s Letter
March 2, 2015
Elders & Sisters:
Centuries have passed but the agonies of the Atonement are not forgotten by the Lord. Through the Prophet Joseph Smith he reminds us that we have no idea how terrible the suffering for sin can be – “how sore you know not, how exquisite you know not, yea, how hard to bear you know not.” (D&C 19:15) And we don’t know; not really. We do not know how the Atonement satisfies the requirements of justice. As the words of the hymn lament (There is a Green Hill far Away, #194):
We may not know, we cannot tell,
What pains he had to bear,
But we believe it was for us
He hung and suffered there.
What pains he had to bear,
But we believe it was for us
He hung and suffered there.
We do know that the Atonement unconditionally compensates for the original sin of Adam and Eve and overcomes the physical death of all mankind. Through the Atonement we have the hope of eternal life with our Father in Heaven and, on the condition of repentance it satisfies the demands of justice for our individual sins. We, as Latter-day Saints, among all people are most blessed in having the most clear and complete understanding of the effects of the Atonement. It is a fundamental article of our faith -- We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.
So I ask, Elders and Sisters, knowing what we know, and feeling what we feel about this last great sacrifice of the Only Begotten of the Father, “How can we deny the Atonement?” In asking this question I must explain what I mean. I don’t refer to Korihor-type denials of the coming Messiah. Korihor, the Book of Mormon anti-Christ, preached to the people that there should be no Christ. He derided the faithful saints saying,
Behold, ye cannot know of things which ye do not see; therefore ye cannot know that there shall be a Christ. Ye look forward and say that ye see a remission of your sins. But behold, it is the effect of a frenzied mind; and this derangement of your minds comes because of the traditions of your fathers, which lead you away into a belief of things which are not so. (Alma 30:12, 15-16)
Alma reports that, “many more such things did he say unto them, telling them that there could be no atonement made for the sins of men.” This is not the kind of denial of which I speak. We don’t have, and thankfully so, missionaries in the Angeles Mission questioning, “Why do ye look for a Christ?” Certainly there are modern-day Korihors in the world, but not in our mission. In fact, Angeles missionaries are among the most resolute members in testifying of the Atonement. Each of you can boldly respond “yes” to the second question of the temple recommend interview: Do you have a testimony of the Atonement of Jesus Christ and his role as Savior and Redeemer? But even acknowledging the strong testimonies of the Atonement that are held by Angeles missionaries, the question still requires an answer - How can we deny the Atonement?
The truth is that some of our thoughts, feelings and conduct - things we do from day-to-day - are contrary to our beliefs and we actually deny the Atonement. There are two primary ways in which we reject the Savior’s great gift and deny its power to ourselves and others. Next week we’ll learn more about the dangers of denial of the Atonement.
Mahal kita
President ClarkAng Tinig
President’s Letter
February 23, 2015
Sisters & Elders:
Stephen E. Robinson was a professor at BYU in May 1990 when he delivered a speech called “Believing Christ: A Practical Approach to the Atonement”. I borrow the following story.
My son, Michael, was about six or seven years old when he did something I thought was wrong. He’s my only son and I want him to be better than his dad was, even as a boy. Well, he had done something wrong and I let him know how terrible it was. I sent him to his room with the instructions, “Don’t you dare come out until I come and get you.”
And then I forgot. It was some hours later, as I was watching television, that I heard his door open and heard the tentative footsteps coming down the hall. I said, “Oh, my gosh,” and ran to my end of the hall to see him standing with swollen eyes and tears on his cheeks at the other end. He looked up at me—he wasn’t quite sure he should have come out—and said, “Dad, can’t we ever be friends again?” Well, I melted, ran to him, and hugged him. He’s my boy, and I love him.
Like Michael, we all do things that disappoint our Heavenly Father, that separate us from His presence and spirit. There are times when we get sent to our rooms spiritually. There are sins that maim; there are sins that wound our spirits. You can wash, but you feel you can never get clean. When that happens, sometimes we ask the Lord as we lift up our eyes, “O Father, can’t we ever be friends again?”
The answer that can be found in all the scriptures is a resounding “Yes, through the Atonement of Christ.” I particularly like the way it is put in Isaiah 1:18. Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. What the Lord is saying is “I don’t care what you did. It doesn’t matter what you did. I can erase it. I can make you pure and worthy and innocent and celestial.”
To have faith in Jesus Christ is not merely to believe that he is who he says he is, to believe in Christ. Sometimes, to have faith in Christ is also to believe Christ. Both as a bishop and as a teacher in the Church, I have learned there are many that believe Jesus is the Son of God and that he is the Savior of the World, but that he cannot save them. They believe in his identity, but not in his power to cleanse and to purify and to save. To have faith in his identity is only half the process. To have faith in his ability, in his power to cleanse and to save, that is the other half. We must not only believe in Christ, we must believe Christ when he says, “I can cleanse you and make you celestial.”
Mahal kita
President Clark
Ang Tinig
President’s Letter
February 16, 2015
Elders & Sisters:
Study of the Atonement inevitably leads one to the conclusion oft stated by latter-day prophets and apostles – we will not fully comprehend or appreciate the Atonement while in mortality. Elder Russell M. Nelson said the Atonement “was infinite beyond any human scale of measurement or mortal comprehension.” Elder James E. Faust described the Atonement as the greatest event in all history, the most transcendent act that has ever taken place, yet the most difficult to understand. He also said this: “The nature of the Atonement and its effects is so infinite, so unfathomable, and so profound that it lies beyond the knowledge and comprehension of mortal man.”
So why study the incomprehensible? Why seek the unknowable? Elder Faust gave us a sublime explanation: “Understanding what we can of the Atonement and the Resurrection of Christ helps us to obtain a knowledge of Him and of His mission. Any increase in our understanding of His atoning sacrifice draws us closer to Him.” What more reason do we need to study the Atonement?
At times I wish the Atonement were more understandable. But I realize that the problem is not in the difficulty of the Atonement to be understood. The deficiency lies in my ability to comprehend. “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord, “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts” (Isaiah 55:8-9). Coming to understand the Atonement is a part of Real Growth. We grow into understanding, line upon line, little by little. Until we reach that perfect day we can take comfort in the words of great prophets. For example, Alma told his son, “These mysteries are not yet fully made known unto me; therefore I shall forbear. (Alma 37:11). To another son Alma admitted, “There are many mysteries that no man knows except God himself.” (Alma 40:3). I expect many of the ways and means, hows and whys of the Atonement will remain a mystery until we grow into understanding.
In modern Christen literature a saying is often repeated which helps us see why this must be so. It goes something like this - “If God were small enough to be fully understood, He would not be big enough to be worshipped.” A variation on the saying is - “A God who is small enough for us to understand is not big enough for our needs or our trust.” We would not want a “small God”; one who is simplified, dumbed-down to meet our level of mortal understanding. We love and worship God the Father, the Supreme Being, the ultimate Creator, Ruler, and Preserver of all things. He is perfect, has all power, and knows all things. We would want and need nothing less.
By analogy, we desire an Atonement that meets the requirements of a fallen world desperately in need of redemption. We require an Atonement whereby a loving Savior suffered the penalty for all sins, removed the effects of sin from every repentant sinner and allows us to be reconciled to God. We long for an enabling Atonement to get us through life’s trials. We would not want a “small Atonement”; one which is simplified, dumbed-down to meet our level of mortal understanding. The Atonement is a lifelong study. As we grow in understanding of the Atonement it will be a continuing source of comfort, discovery and enlightenment.
Mahal kita
President Clark
Ang Tinig
President’s Letter
February 9, 2015
Sisters & Elders:
In his old age King Benjamin called his people together for the purpose of turning the kingship over to his son, Mosiah. He delivered to the people one of the greatest sermons found in the Holy Scriptures. His instructions, as delivered by and angel, had such an overwhelming and powerful effect upon the people that they all fell upon the ground in humility and cried unto God to purify their hearts and forgive them of their sins through the atoning blood of Jesus Christ. (Mos. 4:1-2)
And now, it came to pass that when king Benjamin had made an end of speaking …, that he cast his eyes round about on the multitude, and behold they had fallen to the earth, for the fear of the Lord had come upon them. And they had viewed themselves in their own carnal state, even less than the dust of the earth. And they all cried aloud with one voice, saying: O have mercy, and apply the atoning blood of Christ that we may receive forgiveness of our sins, and our hearts may be purified; for we believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who created heaven and earth, and all things; who shall come down among the children of men.
This great change of heart, a true transformation of human nature, was caused by the teaching of the mission and Atonement of Jesus Christ. Elder David A. Bednar offers this passage of scripture as evidence that the Atonement provides both a cleansing and redeeming power that helps us to overcome sin and a sanctifying and strengthening power that helps us to become better than we ever could by relying only upon our own strength. This is grace; this is the enabling power of the Atonement.
A simplified but profound statement of this principle is found in Preach My Gospel. In fact, it is stated in the first concept of the first lesson, pages 32 and 33. It states: “Central to our Father’s plan is Jesus Christ’s Atonement. The Atonement included His suffering in the Garden of Gethsemane as well as His suffering and death on the cross. Through the Atonement we can be freed from the burden of our sins and develop faith and strength to face our trials.” My dear missionaries, this is important doctrine and an essential truth. It is to be introduced early in the teaching process. It is the correcting and clarifying lens through which investigators must see our gospel message. It was placed at the beginning of PMG lessons for good reason, not to be ignored, dropped or delayed in our teaching.
So how are we doing? Are we teaching “God is Our Heavenly Father” and “The Atonement” when and as we should? Are we giving investigators the correct tools to understand and believe our message? Or are we constraining the conversion power of the Holy Ghost by failing to deliver these fundamental doctrines how and when they are presented in Preach My Gospel? While we are to teach by the Spirit we must also follow direction. Preach My Gospel, page 30 gives this counsel: “Make sure you teach all the doctrines in these lessons. Unless directed by the Spirit, you should give the full content in the order in which they are written.”
We study the Atonement for personal benefit and also to enable our teaching of this most sacred and central act of all human history. Let’s teach it when and how we should.
Mahal kita
President Clark
Ang Tinig
President’s Letter
February 2, 2015
Elders & Sisters:
February is upon us and the Mission Training Plan directs us to the study of the enabling power of the Atonement. As we pursue Real Growth, the Atonement becomes real important. It is critical to our pursuit for progression that we recognize the role the Atonement must have in our everyday lives. Elder David A. Bednar explained the enabling power of the Atonement beautifully in a talk given at BYU in October 2001. Consider these statements and the power of the Atonement to help us change.
“The gospel of Jesus Christ encompasses much more than avoiding, overcoming, and being cleansed from sin and the bad influences in our lives; it also essentially entails doing good, being good, and becoming better. To have our hearts changed by the Holy Spirit such that "we have no more disposition to do evil, but to do good continually" (Mosiah 5:2), as did King Benjamin's people, is the covenant responsibility we have accepted. This mighty change is not simply the result of working harder or developing greater individual discipline. Rather, it is the consequence of a fundamental change in our desires, our motives, and our natures made possible through the Atonement of Christ the Lord.”
“Hands are made clean through the process of putting off the natural man and by overcoming sin and the evil influences in our lives through the Savior's Atonement. Hearts are purified as we receive His strengthening power to do good and become better. All of our worthy desires and good works, as necessary as they are, can never produce clean hands and a pure heart. It is the Atonement of Jesus Christ that provides both a cleansing and redeeming power that helps us to
overcome sin and a sanctifying and strengthening power that helps us to become better than we ever could by relying only upon our own strength. The infinite Atonement is for both the sinner and for the saint in each of us.”
“I suspect that you and I are much more familiar with the nature of the redeeming power of the
Atonement than we are with the enabling power of the Atonement…. But we also need to appreciate that the Lord desires, through His Atonement and by the power of the Holy Ghost, to live in us—not only to direct us but also to empower us. I think most of us know that when we do things wrong, when we need help to overcome the effects of sin in our lives, the Savior has paid the price and made it possible for us to be made clean through His redeeming power. Most of us clearly understand that the Atonement is for sinners. I am not so sure, however, that we know and understand that the Atonement is also for saints—for good men and women who are obedient and worthy and conscientious and who are striving to become better and serve more faithfully. I frankly do not think many of us “get it” concerning this enabling and strengthening aspect of the Atonement, and I wonder if we mistakenly believe we must make the journey from good to better and become a saint all by ourselves through sheer grit, willpower, and discipline, and with our obviously limited capacities. Brothers and sisters, the gospel of the Savior is not simply about avoiding bad in our lives; it also is essentially about doing and becoming good. And the Atonement provides help for us to overcome and avoid bad and to do and become good. There is help from the Savior for the entire journey of life— from bad to good to better and to change our very nature.”
My dear missionaries, dig deep into the principles of the enabling power of the Atonement. Contemplate the scriptures and the words of modern prophets and apostles as they help us to “get it”. Grace – the enabling power – is available to us on condition of our faith and repentance. We must learning it, live it and teach it.
Mahal kita
President Clark
Ang Tinig
President’s Letter
January 26, 2015
Sisters & Elders:
Last April Sister Clark and I drove across the United States to visit family in Utah. On Easter weekend we traveled through the American Heartland enjoying our dreams of future mission service. Sunday morning we found the radio airwaves filled with Christian pastors and preachers energetically expounding their Easter messages to all who would listen. We also read many signs posted by the various Christian churches extoling their Easter messages. We marveled at the enthusiasm, skill and knowledge of the many radio preachers we tuned in to hear.
But as the day went on and we listened to the views of many denominations we noticed a concerning trend. The Easter messages were loaded with the common vocabulary of Easter – crucifixion, resurrection, redemption, death, grave, tomb, live again. Bible accounts of the condemnation, crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ were generously quoted. But missing from almost every preachers’ message was the Atonement. Even the use of the very word “Atonement” was rare. Sister Clark and I discussed how shallow and incomplete the messages sounded as each evangelist omitted this most important element of the Easter celebration. Frankly, the Sunday morning sermons felt unfinished and unsatisfying. I wondered how many other listens felt the same way about the Easter sermons that morning.
I don’t blame the various gospel teachers of windshield sanctuary for omitting the Atonement from their messages. They were teaching what they know and understand of this most essential doctrine. The New Testament contains only one passing mention of the word Atonement. The full import and magnitude of Atonement itself is almost impossible to grasp or explain without the benefit of the Book of Mormon and Doctrine & Covenants. These preachers (and so their listeners) are left on the outside looking in on a most wondrous event They don’t know what they don’t know of the Atonement.
We are blessed to recognize both the perfect pearl and the superb jewel box as we see the Atonement through the lens of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. Our scriptures and modern prophets provide knowledge and interpretation that the Bible alone cannot offer. Let’s take full advantage of the truth we have of the Atonement as we study its breath and depth this year.
Mahal kita
President Clark
Ang Tinig
President’s Letter
January 19, 2015
Elders & Sisters:
There are several obvious questions prompted by our 2015 theme of Real Growth. For example, why is “real” growth our objective? Wouldn’t any growth be good? What makes growth “real” and not some other kind of growth? Is there something such as “false” growth?
This statement of Elder Russell M. Nelson helps to answer these questions: “By [real growth] we mean the true and enduring conversion of each individual member of the Church. We have too many who view the Church merely as a social organization. Too many go through life without a true understanding of the truth of the gospel and the eternal blessings of the ordinances and covenants of the temple.” Note the critical elements of real growth that Elder Nelson mentions.
· True and Enduring Conversion
· True Understanding of the Truth of the Gospel
· True Understanding the eternal blessings of the ordinances and covenants of the temple
As missionaries we should constantly evaluate our missionary work practices to assure we are doing things that produce true and enduring conversion in ourselves and others. Real growth missionary work leads to understanding of gospel truth and the eternal blessings of the ordinances and covenants of the temple.
I must admit to falling into the trap of social missionary work as a young missionary. As I look back on my experience I see that me and my companion lost sight of our true objectives for a short time. We became too hungry for lessons and too eager to please members and investigators. We lost hours of valuable missionary time. Please learn from my experience so that you don’t repeat it in your mission. Visit with a clear purpose, teach with real intent and obey mission rules with real integrity. You will be much happier and productive.
Mahal kita
President Clark
President’s Letter
January 12, 2015
Elders & Sisters:
“Real Growth includes things that can’t be easily measured, such as daily prayer, scripture study, family home evening, love at home, and personal experiences with the Atonement.” President Dieter F. Uchtdorf
I certainly agree with President Uchtdorf’s observation about the measurability of personal real growth. It is hard to put a number on the strength of one’s testimony or assign a value to the depth of love for the Savior. But while objective measures are not available we can know of real growth in our lives by how we feel about ourselves and what our efforts have produced. Real growth in the gospel yields increased faithfulness and happiness.
The Prophet Alma knew something of change, progress and real growth. He challenged the Church members of his day to look inward and apply some real growth tests. He asked them:
“And now behold, I ask of you, my brethren of the church, have ye spiritually been born of God?
Have ye received his image in your countenances?
Are ye stripped of pride? Of envy?
Have ye experienced this mighty change in your hearts?”
Today we might benefit from the same kind of introspection. We can look inside and add our own mission specific questions.
“Am I living up to the covenants I have made with God?
Do I sincerely strive for exact obedience in my life?
Do I love my neighbor (companion) as I love myself?
Am I serving my mission with ‘all of my heart, might mind and strength’?”
We should consider our answers in terms of how we feel about ourselves and what our efforts have produced. Remember, real growth in the gospel yields increased faithfulness and happiness. I like this quote about real growth from Elder Marion D. Hanks: “Real development, real growth, real understanding—the gaining of our lives—come only as we lose our lives in honest love for God, for his work, for his children, expressed in obedience to him and in unselfish interest in them and service to them.”
One of the best drivers of real growth is personal experiences with the Atonement, as mentioned by President Uchtdorf. In the coming 12 weeks we will study the Atonement to help us all have a better understanding of and access to the this great gift from our Savior. I look forward to it.
Mahal kita
President Clark
Ang Tinig
President’s Letter
January 5, 2015
Sisters & Elders:
The New Year is a happy time for all of us; Christmas spirit has not yet worn off and the extended holidays lend an air of cheer and motivation that helps us welcome new changes and challenges. I welcome 2015 and our new theme and emphasis - Real Growth. Real Growth is not a new idea. It has been spoken of for years by modern prophets and apostles. It’s an eternal concept placed at the very heart of the plan of salvation. Our doctrine is clear: “ye must grow in grace and in the knowledge of the truth.” (D&C 50:40)
This theme was selected because it is multifaceted and profoundly relevant to our purpose as missionaries. It also embodies an essential tenet of our doctrine – progression. Pres. Spencer W. Kimball once explained: “The whole intent of the gospel plan is to provide an opportunity for each of [us] to reach our fullest potential, which is eternal progression and the possibility of godhood.” (Privileges and Responsibilities of Sisters, Nov. 1978)
This is a perfect time for self-examination to figure out where real growth is needed in our lives. Creating this growth in ourselves involves sincere attention to detail in our character, our behavior and our thoughts. Undoubtedly, there are things in our lives that need to be “pruned, digged about, and nourished” (see Jacob 5) so that we can achieve real progress in real meaningful things. It will require something of us. This pruning, digging and nourishing of our souls can be painful and will undoubtedly demand change. We will likely go through something profound before real growth will go through us. In my experience, real growth will cause a Christ-like attribute or two to be developed. There almost assuredly will be some adversity or discomfort along the way. It will be an extraordinary process impelling us to live the doctrine of Christ and become truly converted.
Our objective on pursing real growth in 2015 is not only to produce desired changes in ourselves but also the building of the Kingdom of God in the Philippines. “For Zion must increase in beauty, and in holiness; her borders must be enlarged; her stakes must be strengthened; yea, verily I say unto you, Zion must arise and put on her beautiful garments. (D&C 82:14) We won’t be passive observers of this great work. To the contrary, we are commanded and covenanted to make this growth happen. Our involvement in causing the Church to achieve real growth will result in our own personal growth and blessings to the people we are called to minister to.
Join me as we pursue real growth in the coming year through the Atonement, charity, service, obedience, sacrifice and faith. It’s going to be a grand quest, a journey to be enjoyed and cherished. Let never forget: “Thou art called to labor in my vineyard, and to build up my church, and to bring forth Zion…” (D&C 39:13).
Mahal kita
President Clark
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