Elder M. Russell Ballard
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In "raising the bar" for missionaries a few years ago, the church also raised the bar for parents and leaders as well. "We will need to increase our faith and expand our efforts to give every young man the opportunity to serve.
"The work of the Lord in our 339 missions is expanding, so we must increase our efforts to see that every 12-year-old young man is worthily ordained a deacon; every 14-year-old a teacher; every 16-year-old a priest, and that every 18- to 19-year-old worthily receives the Melchizedek Priesthood. We can do this by filling the hearts of our young men with love for the Lord, an understanding and appreciation of his Atonement and a clear vision of the marvel of the Restoration."
Children who have been well trained in the gospel and know for themselves the divine nature and purposes of the Father and Son "will want to help carry this message to the world."
Adult leaders and parents must teach effectively and help youths to prepare for a mission and to recognize that all humans have the light of Christ within them. "Our responsibility as parents, teachers and leaders, is to kindle that light in our youth until the flame of testimony burns deep within their hearts and souls and then to encourage them to take that flame and use it to help kindle the light of Christ in others."
Areas of the world that previously rejected missionaries are opening. "We need more hard-working, testimony-enriched missionaries."
