Charted course is to bring souls unto Christ
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The principles that have been taught to regional representatives since President Ezra Taft Benson became president of the Church in November 1985 were re-emphasized Friday, March 30 at the annual Regional Representatives Seminar.
"The course we have charted over the past few years has been prayerfully and carefully conceived," said President Howard W. Hunter, president of the Council of the Twelve, who conducted the seminar and was the concluding speaker.President Benson attended the seminar in the auditorium of the Church Office Building. The seminar is held in connection with April general conference to train regional representatives who gather from throughout the world.
Addresses from the First Presidency were given by President Gordon B. Hinckley, first counselor in the First Presidency, and President Thomas S. Monson, second counselor in the First Presidency. Instructions were given under the direction of the Council of the Twelve, and included presentations from Elders Boyd K. Packer, L. Tom Perry, David B. Haight, James E. Faust, Neal A. Maxwell, Dallin H. Oaks, Richard G. Scott and Marion D. Hanks.
President Hunter gave a historical overview of the instructions given since the First Presidency's "invitation to come back" that was issued in December 1985.
"Our efforts," President Hunter explained, "focus on making the saving covenants and ordinances of the gospel available to all mankind - to the non-member through our missionary work, to the less-active through fellowshipping and activation efforts, to active members through participation through service in the Church, and to those who have passed beyond the veil through the work of redemption of the Lord.
"We have continually emphasized that our united purpose is to invite all to come unto Christ, receive the saving ordinances and covenants of the gospel and remain faithful," President Hunter emphasized.
The purpose of the Church . . . "is to qualify individuals to return to the presence of God. The saving of souls is serious business," said President Hunter.
President Hunter closed his remarks by quoting Alma:
"O Lord, wilt thou grant unto us that we might have success in bringing souls again unto thee in Christ. Behold O Lord, their souls are precious. . . ." (Alma 31:34-35.)
