Elder M. Russell Ballard
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The church needs a generation of missionaries as valiant as the 2,000 stripling warriors.
"Today we are fighting a battle that in many ways is more perilous, more fraught with danger, than the battle between the Nephites and the Lamanites. Our enemy is cunning and resourceful. We fight against Lucifer, the father of all lies, the enemy of all that is good and right and holy."
"What we need now is the greatest generation of missionaries in the history of the church. . . . We don't need spiritually weak and semi-committed young men. We don't need you to just fill a position — we need your whole heart and soul. . . . This isn't a time for spiritual weaklings. We cannot send you on a mission to be reactivated, reformed or to receive a testimony. We just don't have time for that. . . . These expectations are high. We understand that, but we do not apologize for them. They reflect the Lord's standards."
"If you find yourself wanting in worthiness, resolve to make the appropriate changes, beginning right now. . . . The bar that is the standard for missionary service is being raised. The day of the 'repent and go' missionary is over."
"Some young men have the mistaken idea that they can be involved in sinful behavior and then repent when they're 18-and-a-half so they can go on their mission at 19. While it is true that you can repent of sin, you may or may not qualify to serve." Meaningful prayer, keeping the Sabbath holy, paying a full tithe, limiting time spent on computer games, studying scriptures and service are ways to prepare for a mission.
The bar is also raised for fathers. "Not only do you have the right to know the worthiness of your children, you have the responsibility."
Bishops, "judge wisely and remember: not every young man needs to be called to serve away from his home. Some may best serve under your direction as ward missionaries."
