Seniors valuable in missionary service
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Senior missionaries — young in spirit, wise and willing to work — are serving and strengthening the lives of others in many nations of the earth, said Elder Russell M. Nelson of the Quorum of the Twelve.
"Even if these seniors don't know the local languages, their accomplishments are great and their spirit of sacrifice is precious," he said.
Speaking Sunday morning, Elder Nelson expressed gratitude for the Church's senior missionaries.
"Such marvelous couples are engaged in the work of reclaiming souls who have previously made covenants to take upon themselves the name of Jesus Christ," he explained.
Other "courageous and caring couples . . . enable and enrich the work done in many of our temples across the earth," he added. "Some, such as the Accra Ghana Temple, are located where most local members had not had previous opportunities to attend a temple. Ordinances for those members are now enhanced by experienced couples who serve as temple missionaries."
Recounting the missionary experiences of three couples, Elder Nelson noted that each couple received blessings from their service.
"No senior missionary finds it convenient to leave," he said. "Neither did Joseph or Brigham or John or Wilford. They had children and grandchildren, too. They loved their families not one whit less, but they also loved the Lord and wanted to serve Him.
"Someday we may meet these stalwarts who helped to establish this dispensation. Then will we rejoice that we did not seek the shadows when a call to missionary service came from the prophet, even in the autumn years of life."
Elder Nelson said President Gordon B. Hinckley issued a call for couple missionaries during a recent training broadcast to priesthood leaders.
"They perform wonderful service throughout the world," said Elder Nelson, quoting President Hinckley. "You leaders need not wait for the couples to volunteer. The sacrifices associated with serving the Lord full-time will abundantly bless the couples, their families and the people they serve."
Bishops, he said, need to heed that prophetic call and ask such members if they could serve.
"Opportunities for senior missionaries are varied and vast. Their calls to serve are officially made after prayerful consideration has been given to their occupational background, language experience and personal capabilities. Of all qualifications to serve, a desire to serve may be the most important."
Many humble Latter-day Saints fear they are not qualified for missionary labors, Elder Nelson added. "But to such a prospective missionary, the Lord has given this assurance: 'Faith, hope, charity and love, with an eye single to the glory of God, qualify him for the work' (Doctrine and Covenants 4:5)."
Elder Nelson said that as he extols the work of senior missionaries, he also realizes that there are many more who would like to serve but are not able to do so.
"Limitations imposed by age or by poor health deserve realistic appraisal, as do the important needs of family members. When desire burns within, yet such limitations exist, you can extend your service through others. They can be your arms and legs and you can provide needed funds. Still others can contribute time and talents as live-at-home missionaries. Each will be pleasing to the Lord and each will receive His praise."
Every Church member can preach the gospel by precept and example, Elder Nelson concluded.
"The word 'gospel' means 'good news.' The good news is the Lord Jesus Christ and His message of salvation. . . ," he said. "Faith; repentance; baptism by water, fire and of the Holy Ghost; the gathering of the elect; and enduring to the end are all part of the gospel. All of us can emulate the Lord's example, regardless of age, status or location."
