Church News - The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Faithfully seek out, help the one who is lost

Published: Saturday, Oct. 8, 2005

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Each person can make a difference in someone's life through action and diligent labor, said Elder Paul K. Sybrowsky of the Seventy during the Saturday afternoon session of conference.

Elder Paul K. Sybrowsky

"Perhaps you have received an impression to invite someone to return to Church, or to hear the message of the restored gospel for the first time," said Elder Sybrowsky.

"Go ahead, follow that impression."

Elder Sybrowsky spoke of the Book of Mormon prophet Enos who went into the forest to hunt, but, instead, prayed all day and night. Enos emerged from the forest "feeling a desire for the welfare of his brothers."

Christ taught the importance of seeking after the one who is lost. Since the fall of Adam, all mankind are in a lost and fallen state.

Elder Sybrowsky spoke of growing up in a home where the restored gospel was not taught; however, he was made to feel welcome at Church through Primary friendships.

"As a boy, several months shy of my 12th birthday, one Saturday afternoon, I answered a knock at my front door," he said. "Several of my friends — deacons, dressed in white shirts and ties, sought me out to come to my very first priesthood meeting. Our leader walked beside me, as we made our way down the hill to the Tabernacle on Temple Square. That was April general conference, priesthood session."

His wise Scoutmaster would also become a trusted friend who took time for the one.

"These wonderful friends and leaders understood Elder M. Russell Ballard's recent counsel, 'Find one more,' and they understood what that entailed. Sometimes it's the one in the corner that we had not considered."

Elder Sybrowsky spoke of his own Enos-like experience when he was a young soldier. While in diligent prayer, he received divine instruction to serve a full-time mission. "Many had assisted in helping me to come to know who I was and to know of Christ and His gospel. I came to understand that my way home is through our Savior, Jesus Christ."

Elder Sybrowsky said his mission was the great turning point in his life.

"Young men, you have the privilege of serving, even to labor diligently. Stay worthy, prepare to preach the gospel; do not delay, go and serve! Young women, you can do so much to build the Kingdom. Dear seniors: We need you."

Elder Sybrowsky said that during his tenure as a mission president in Canada he had the opportunity to work, shoulder to shoulder, with dedicated elders, sisters and senior missionaries. "With heart to heart, spirit to spirit, and in the strength of the Lord, they sought after the one, and found them, as dedicated missionaries do the world over."