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

Elder David F. Evans

Quorums of the Seventy
Published: Saturday, April 1, 2006

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Interviewing young missionaries during a storm that changed from icy rain to snow and back again, "(I found that) almost without exception, they were cheerful and happy. They were the Lord's missionaries. They had his spirit and felt joy in his service regardless of their circumstances."

Each missionary is precious to the Lord in this day, described by a prophet as "the greatest generation of missionaries the world has ever known.

"I understand why, as parents, bishops, stake presidents and other leaders, we must do everything we can to help the young people of the church become worthy of the blessings of missionary service.

"To every young man, I would say, 'Do you want to be happy? If so, come and join with us, 53,000 strong and counting, and serve your fellow man as a missionary for the Lord. Make the commitment to give two years of your life to the Lord. It will change everything. You will be happy."

Couples "serve wonderfully and are needed so very much." Young women, while not obligated to serve, also contribute a special depth to missionary work. While some may not be able, because of health or other concerns, to serve as official missionaries, they can serve in other ways and live faithfully.