The Whys of Missionary Work

Haven't we all felt like Phil in this song at least once in our lives? We have a goal or vision of what we want to accomplish, and you just try everything that you know to make it happen, but it doesn't for whatever reason. Take being a missionary for example. We want everybody to have faith in Jesus Christ, repent, be baptized by somebody who holds the Priesthood authority of God, receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost by that same authority, and endure to the end of their lives. This is the formula that brings happiness not only in this life, but in the life to come.

Why do missionaries do what they do? What motivates us to devote two years and pay our own way to share the gospel with people? While many missionaries have many other motives for serving a mission, the main one is generally the same. "Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God; For, behold, the Lord your Redeemer suffered death in the flesh; wherefore he suffered the pain of all men, that all men might repent and come unto him. He hath risen again from the dead, that he might bring all men unto him, on conditions of repentance. And how great is his joy in the soul that repenteth!...And if it so be that you should labor all your days in crying repentance unto this people, and bring, save it be one soul unto me, how great shall be your joy with him in the kingdom of my Father! And now, if your joy will be great with one soul that you have brought unto me into the kingdom of my Father, how great will be your joy if you should bring many souls unto me!" (Doctrine and Covenants 18:10-13, 15-16)

Is everybody going to accept the joyful message we come out here to share? Of course not, but that doesn't stop us from trying. We go from door to door, talking to people we see on the street, in the hope that we can help just one person on the path towards returning to live with our Heavenly Father. We come to testify sincerely of the Savior Jesus Christ and His divine role as Savior and Redeemer. We testify that His gospel, which was lost after the death of Christ and His Apostles, has been restored through a modern day prophet Joseph Smith. We testify that the Book of Mormon is tangible evidence of this Restoration. As you read it, ponder its teachings, and sincerely pray about it, God will tell you what he's told millions of others...that it's true! I know myself that these things are true, for God has told it to me through the Holy Ghost, and He will for you as you put in your part to seek for the truth.