Now when our hearts were depressed, and we were about to turn back, behold, the Lord comforted us, and said: Go amongst thy brethren, the Lamanites, and bear with patience thine afflictions, and I will give unto you success.

And now behold, we have come, and been forth amongst them; and we have been patient in our sufferings, and we have suffered every privation; yea, we have traveled from house to house, relying upon the mercies of the world — not upon the mercies of the world alone but upon the mercies of God. . . .

And we have suffered all manner of afflictions, and all this, that perhaps we might be the means of saving some soul; and we supposed that our joy would be full if perhaps we could be the means of saving some,

Now behold, we can look forth and see the fruits of our labors; and are they few? I say unto you, Nay, they are many; yea, and we can witness of their security, because of their love towards their brethren and also towards us.

— Alma 26:27-31

During one of our monthly correlation meetings with the stake presidency, my companion and I, being some few minutes behind schedule due to a prolonged appointment, did not get a copy of the meeting's agenda.

However, a member of the stake mission presidency requested a copy and, as a result, we were noticed and given our copies.

A quick glance through the agenda revealed I was assigned a spiritual thought. I quickly looked through scriptures and carefully searched for a fitting passage to share.

As I read through these verses, I experienced so intensely the influence of the Spirit. I was reawakened to the need for persistence in the Lord's vineyard. I had a new outlook on missionary work. Great strength, vigor and an urge for proselyting were among the feelings that overcame me.

Although I was reminded of the difficulties faced in the field, yet I was reassured that there is just cause to rejoice.

Indeed, the Lord has made of us great instruments in His hands in achieving His work and glory. Yes, we have been the means of saving some souls. We have continually had bounteous harvests, and I would ask, are they few? I say unto you, nay.

I explained these verses to the best of my ability and we were all edified.

— Elder Unyoke Chide George, Ghana Accra Mission.

"Living by the Scriptures" is another in a series of Church News reader response articles. Was there a time when a particular scripture touched you, when it offered comfort, guidance and much-needed support? If so, please describe your experience in 250-300 words, giving the scripture reference and telling how it affected you.

Send your submission to Church News, P.O. Box 1257, Salt Lake City, Utah 84110. Fax No. (801) 237-2524. Internet E-mail: churchnews@desnews.com