Missionaries are a treasure of the Church, said Elder Kauhiko Yamashita.

Intellectual Reserve, Inc.

Elder Kazuhiko Yamashita

"I am thankful that missionaries are called by the Lord, that they respond to that call, and that they are serving throughout the world. Let me say to all of you beloved returned missionaries — I am truly thankful for all your efforts."

Offering his first conference address since being sustained to the First Quorum of the Seventy last April, Elder Yamashita recalled meeting a missionary named Elder Swan in Japan. The young missionary was wearing the same coat his father had worn more than 20 years earlier while serving as a missionary in the same country. "I was touched when I heard Elder Swan's words. And I now understood why Elder Sawn wore his father's coat while he was proselyting. Elder Swan had embarked on his mission having inherited his father's love for Japan and its people."

Elder Yamashita expressed "my sincere love, respect and feeling of thankfulness for all the returned missionaries who have served around the world. I am sure that those you helped convert have not forgotten you. ... I am one of those converts."

Speaking of his own baptism at age 17, Elder Yamashita said, back then, he "didn't really have a good understanding of the message that the missionaries had been teaching me. However, I had a special feeling about the missionaries. I wanted to become like them. And I felt their deep and abiding love."

Elder Yamashita shared a message with the missionaries currently serving around the world. "Your attitudes and the love that you show toward others are very significant messages. ... Your message is a message of love, a message of hope, and a message of faith. Your attitude and your actions invite the Spirit, and the Spirit enables us to understand the things that are important. What I want to convey to you is that through your love, you are imparting the love of God."

Then, addressing future missionaries, Elder Yamashita shared three things every missionary should bring into service:

A desire to preach the gospel. "The Lord wants you to search for His sheep, and seek them out. People all over the world are waiting for you."

Develop your testimony. "The Lord requires your heart and a willing mind."

Love others. Love them "just like Elder Swan, who brought his father's coat and his father's love for Japan and its people with him on his mission."

"For those of you who don't know how to prepare to serve a mission, please go and see your bishop. I know that he will help you."