The Restoration and Following the Spirit—Part 2 Elder M

2015 Seminar for New Mission Presidents

The Restoration and Following the Spirit—Part 2 Elder M. Russell Ballard and Elder Quentin L. Cook Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles June 27, 2015

Elder Quentin L. Cook: Brothers and sisters, I was to train them. The missionaries had only slight going to ask you a few questions about how you felt exposure to Preach My Gospel, but they had been when the missionaries gave that first lesson, but teaching the First Vision account for a long time. I was in tears when they were presenting it, and I President Hinckley felt what you felt here. Elder could see that you were, and it feels like overkill to Haight felt what you felt here. When missionaries talk about that at this point. Elder Ballard and I felt do it well, when they’re full of the Spirit, following that it was essential to do that and essential that the Spirit, and teaching by the Spirit, that’s what you prayed that the Spirit be there in a way that it happens. We don’t have any better way of preaching needed to be, and it really was. the restored gospel of Jesus Christ than by following those lessons that are prepared and that the I hope Elder Ballard doesn’t mind me telling missionaries can teach well. another true account of his. When Preach My Gospel was almost done but the First Presidency had I’d like to take you to another part that is in some not completely signed off, Elder Ballard went to ways equally inspiring, Doctrine and Covenants Philadelphia with President Gordon B. and Sister 112, and talk just a little bit about it. It’s a fabulous Marjorie Hinckley and Elder David B. and Sister section of the Doctrine and Covenants, but it also has Ruby M. Haight. There were 400 missionaries at a some wonderful principles in terms of the history of missionary meeting, and he decided that he was missionary work and the Restoration. Doctrine and going to have the first lesson of chapter 3, the Covenants 109 records the dedication of the Kirtland Restoration lesson, taught in front of President Temple, and in section 110, the Savior Himself Hinckley. I know a lot about this because my brother appears, and ancient prophets return to restore was the mission president in Philadelphia when it keys for the gathering of Israel, the perfecting of happened. He and his wife were acting as Mr. and the Saints, and the sealing power. Section 111 takes Mrs. Brown, and Mary and I kind of enjoyed taking place a couple months later. Those revelations were the spot today that my brother and his wife had in 1836, and you do not have anything until July of then. My brother chose his two assistants to teach, 1837, which is when section 112 comes. and Elder Ballard had no more than 30 minutes That was a very difficult time for the Church, but it They taught the first principles of the gospel: faith, was also a very difficult time for the world, for the repentance, baptism, and the gift of the Holy Ghost. nation, and for England. In the late part of 1836, It was so powerful and so inspiring that nine people some of the major banks in England started to fail. presented themselves for baptism after. One week There had been a lot of speculation. The price of later, on July 30, the first Church members outside cotton had fluctuated. Many of the mills in the north North America were baptized in the River Ribble. For of England had failed when the price of cotton was a very different purpose, I have a video of me visiting too high and couldn’t get going again when the price that site a few years ago, and I’d like to share that with of cotton was too low. In Kirtland, where there had you right now. been speculation and a bank failure, people blamed Joseph Smith particularly for that bank failure and for [Video Begins] the change in real estate values that were occurring, Elder Quentin L. Cook: This bridge crosses the even though almost 40 percent of all the banks in the River Ribble near Preston, England, where the first United States failed during that period. There was a baptismal ordinance in the restored Church of Jesus lot of contention, and Joseph Smith faced one of the Christ outside North America was performed July most difficult periods that he ever had. 30, 1837. Apostle Heber C. Kimball stood in the river In June 1837, in the Kirtland Temple, Joseph Smith and greeted George D. Watt, the first to be baptized. called Heber C. Kimball over to him and said that the After the baptismal prayer, Heber immersed Lord had let him know that Heber C. Kimball was to Brother Watt in the water to complete the baptism. go on a mission to England. In ten days, Elder Kimball I first visited this historic site in January of 1961, and his companions left to go to England. They had when I was a new missionary serving in the British to go to New York first, and then they had to sail to Mission. I already had a strong testimony, but it was England. Finally they arrived on that shore, and one a spiritually inspiring occasion for me as I received of the missionaries, Elder Fielding, had a relative an overpowering witness of Jesus Christ and His who was a minister and had a meeting in Vauxhall restored gospel. I realized I was standing on sacred Chapel on Sunday, July 23, 1837. The Prophet Joseph ground. I felt renewed appreciation for the Prophet was in Kirtland. He wasn’t anywhere nearby. He Joseph Smith, for Elder Kimball, and for those early didn’t know that the very first public preaching of the missionaries as they fulfilled this first mission to gospel outside of North America was going to occur Great Britain. on Sunday, July 23, in Vauxhall Chapel in Preston, [Video Ends] England. That’s the background of Doctrine and Covenants 112. Elder Quentin L. Cook: Elder Holland, I think that’s the first time we ever met. We were there It’s interesting to look at the record of what they as missionaries together in that very spot at a taught. Three missionaries taught in the Vauxhall conference in January 1961. Chapel: Elder Kimball, Elder Goodson, and Elder Hyde. It is recorded that Elder Heber C. Kimball started by Notice the name George D. Watt, the first person that saying, “I declare that an angel has visited the earth was baptized. If you look at the Church News from last and restored the everlasting gospel.” 1 Those were week, it talks about Elder Jeffrey R. Holland’s visit to some of the first words that were spoken outside Scotland and about Elder Pratt and opening up the North America in a mission in this dispensation. work in Scotland. When Elder Pratt was finished in Do you know what they did next? They did just like 1840, he turned the congregation, 200 disciples, over this mission presidents’ seminar was organized. to George D. Watt, the first one that was baptized

2015 Seminar for New Mission Presidents 2 three years before. It’s really quite a remarkable we can put that slide up, from Preach My Gospel, account. pages 29–30. President Rasmussen, maybe we can get you to read that. Let‘s read three or four verses out of Doctrine and Covenants 112. If you can, turn to verse 21. This President Daniel L. Rasmussen: “‘Our purpose speaks about you: “And again, I say unto you, that is to teach the message of the restored gospel in whosoever ye shall send in my name, by the voice such a way as to allow the Spirit to direct both the of your brethren, the Twelve, duly recommended missionaries and those being taught. It is essential to and authorized by you, shall have power to open the learn the concepts of the [lessons], but these should door of my kingdom unto any nation whithersoever not be taught by rote presentation. The missionary ye shall send them.” 2 That describes you—this very should feel free to use his own words as prompted early section of the Doctrine and Covenants in the by the Spirit. He should not give a memorized early history of the Church. recitation, but speak from the heart in his own terms. He may depart from the order of the lessons, The next verse: “Inasmuch as they shall humble giving that which he is inspired to do, according to themselves before me, and abide in my word, the interest and needs of the investigator. Speaking 3 and hearken to the voice of my Spirit.” That’s out of his own conviction and in his own words he the prerequisite for being able to open the doors should bear testimony of the truth of his teachings’ and accomplish what needs to be accomplished. (‘Statement on Missionary Work,’ First Presidency Verse 28: “But purify your hearts before me; and letter, 11 Dec. 2002).” 6 then go ye into all the world, and preach my gospel unto every creature who has not received Elder Quentin L. Cook: If you were looking at the it.” 4 And then verse 33, which is a very sobering genesis, the heart of Preach My Gospel, this is it. In verse to the leadership of the Church and I’m sure late 2002, President Hinckley and his counselors will be to you: “Verily I say unto you, behold how called members of the Missionary Department. great is your calling. Cleanse your hearts and your President Hinckley dictated, and I was the scribe. garments, lest the blood of this generation be When he got to this point about teaching by the required at your hands.” 5 We don’t like to say too Spirit, he felt it very deeply. The General Authorities much about that, but this is serious work, and our had all heard him say that if missionaries met missionaries need to know it’s serious work. We’re somebody at the door whose baby had died and they trying to gather scattered Israel, and we need to be didn’t go to Moroni 8 and teach a principle that was very responsible. important to that person, they wouldn’t be doing what needed to be done. This encompasses what the It’s interesting to me that the Prophet Joseph had First Presidency said in that statement. I don’t think this revelation in Kirtland regarding Thomas B. there’s any better place than at the bottom of page Marsh even as the missionaries were teaching 29 and the top of page 30 of Preach My Gospel that the first Restoration lesson in Preston, England. more effectively says what the First Presidency felt Heber C. Kimball’s wife Vilate sent this revelation in bringing forth Preach My Gospel and wanting the to her husband, which he didn’t receive in England missionaries to teach it. until September, several months after it had been issued. This is a very tender section, and I’m very, You’re going to find that a lot of the missionaries, very grateful for it. as good and faithful as they are, have memorized a set of principles that are in line, and they don’t vary I wanted to come back to President Hinckley’s them very much. They can run into somebody who’s emphasis on teaching by the Spirit, and maybe from Asia and doesn’t believe in the Savior and they

2015 Seminar for New Mission Presidents 3 may not even vary their teachings. If our missionaries comprehension, to help fulfill the words of the Lord: would really prayerfully prepare for who they’re “For, verily, the sound must go forth from this place teaching and very prayerfully seek the Spirit to teach into all the world, and unto the uttermost parts to them and their needs, I believe that the hastening of the earth—the gospel must be preached unto of the work would increase greatly. The harvest every creature.” 8 Millions of people are anxious would increase greatly. It’s something that we’re very, and willing to learn, if only they can hear the sound very concerned about. Many of them have strayed in their own tongue, and in the manner that they on that one particular issue. can grasp and understand. High in the heavens are satellites performing a miracle—relaying broadcast Now, one area that Elder Ballard and I felt should signals back to almost every corner of the earth’s be covered is the use of new technology in many surface. Who can say what other miracles the Lord of the missions. Over time, it probably will be used is preparing to assist in worldwide communication? in all missions. All of us in the Twelve recognize Doors will be opened, ways will be prepared, but I that there’s a danger if it ends up being used in a don’t believe the Lord would open doors that we’re rote, wooden manner, if they’re using it instead of not prepared to enter. bearing their testimony. But having said that, do not underestimate how powerful these devices can be [Video Ends] and how important they are for the future, those of you that are using them. There’s no question in Elder Quentin L. Cook: It’s almost unbelievable to our minds that these inventions and this technology think of what has happened, to think that President have been brought forward to assist in the gathering Kimball was prophesying during that period, and of scattered Israel. We also believe it’s fulfillment of subsequent prophets. We’ve shortened this a little what President Spencer W. Kimball prophesied in bit; we had a video of President Ezra Taft Benson 1974. We’ll watch a video of that prophesy. and videos of some of the other prophets that are extremely powerful as well, that we’re not going to [Video Begins] be able to show. What an incredible time this is to be going out and serving. There has never been a time President Spencer W. Kimball: Is anything too like this with the opportunity for communication. I hard for the Lord? Certainly not. To Thomas B. loved what Elder Perry was saying: Everywhere we Marsh, president of the Quorum of the Twelve, go, our voice is growing. It’s stronger. Other Christian through the Prophet Joseph Smith, the Lord spoke: religions are struggling. Ours is stronger. There has “In whatsoever place ye shall proclaim my name never been a time like this. an effectual door shall be opened unto you.” 7 The Lord is also prepared to open doors by putting Before turning over to Elder Ballard again, I want into our hands inventions of which we laymen to impress upon you how significant you’re going have hardly had a glimpse. King Benjamin, you’ll to be in the lives of your missionaries. I think you remember, called together all the people in the know that. Maybe I’m preaching to the choir, but land of Zarahemla, and the multitude was so great I’m sure you don’t have a full idea of what it’s going that King Benjamin caused a tower to be erected, to mean. You’ll be teaching them, and they’re going that thereby his people might hear the words to pick up the idiosyncrasies as well. We laugh at which he should speak unto them. Our Father in how historically some missionaries have bought Heaven has now provided us mighty towers, radio into some things that probably were just one and television towers, with possibilities beyond mission president’s personal beliefs or habits. But

2015 Seminar for New Mission Presidents 4 your teaching of them is going to be so significant. had fun; he had a great sense of humor. But when I had two mission presidents but spent a lot more it was missionary work, and that was 24 hours a time with the last one, Elder Marion D. Hanks, and day, seven days a week, really, he treated us like Elder Holland and I were missionary companions. we were grown-ups. He treated us like we could As near as we can tell, out of the 97 Apostles in accept responsibility, preach the gospel, represent this dispensation, we’re the only two that served the mission, and represent the Lord. That’s an early together as companions, as young men. We had a impression I had with the first handshake that we mission president who did everything he possibly had. You remember when we met him in the Hyde could to help us have an understanding of the Park Chapel when he came as a new president with doctrine, the Book of Mormon, the Restoration— his little family? which he was so strong about—and the Prophet Joseph Smith, but he never, ever got away from faith Another thing that he did for us and with us was, as in God the Father and the Lord, Jesus Christ. Those Elder Cook has said and stressed, to teach the Book were central. of Mormon. He loved the Book of Mormon. He said his earliest testimony was inextricably linked to the I’m going to ask Elder Holland, if he will, to come up. Book of Mormon. A lot of other things had happened I hope he’s got his voice back. We know you’ve been in his life. He was a General Authority—and you don’t ill. Just talk a little bit. We’ve got time. Talk about our have to be a General Authority to be a good mission mission president and what he did that would be president—but his course in life had led him to particularly applicable to these mission presidents, that. He said his beginnings came from the Book of or whatever you want to do. Mormon, and that’s what had given him his faith and sustained him. He was a widow’s son. He had lost Elder Jeffrey R. Holland: If you have a bad day with his father before he was born; he’d never known his your missionaries someday and you want to just sort father. His widow mother raised these children, and of rap them to the side of the head, let Elder Cook he’d had his challenges in life, and he’d gone back and me be a visual aid for you, will you? I don’t know again and again and again to the Book of Mormon. that our president ever wanted to rap us, but, you That’s what he taught us. I never remember him know, what do you do? You’ve got a really smart one teaching anything other than from the scriptures in from Logan and a really dumb one from St. George. any zone conference, district meeting, or mission It has been tender to us to serve in this quorum, in meeting of any kind, and we had the good fortune to some small measure because of our missions and be with him for a lot of those. because of our mission president. We know that there are other purposes at work and ultimately So please, you don’t need Chicken Soup for the Soul. everything is according to God’s direction, and office You don’t need a Reader’s Digest special edition. is irrelevant. God doesn’t love us any more than He You’ve got all the material you ever need in the loves the newest convert or the youngest child. But scriptures, especially those that have been pointed our mission president really believed in us. out and included in Preach My Gospel, for motivation of your missionaries at zone conferences and other I think one of the things, Elder Cook, that I felt from settings. the beginning about President Hanks was that he treated us the way he expected us to be. He was Lastly, Elder Hanks loved the Savior. I can remember dignified himself. He could have fun. We played that one time in the office he started to cry. This was basketball together on preparation day, and we late at night. He said, “Ever since I was a little boy,

2015 Seminar for New Mission Presidents 5 I think when I’ve heard the name of Jesus Christ, isn’t my purpose in going through this with you. My I’ve wept.” Now, that’s a special gift. That’s a special purpose in saying this is that it had such an impact. gift that might have uniquely been his. I’ve never Elder Holland said in his acknowledgements, “I also forgotten that comment, and I’ve never forgotten wish to thank my mission president, Elder Marion D. the setting. Hanks, who first introduced me to the profundity of the Book of Mormon and the majesty of Christ that He taught us about the Savior, the Book of Mormon, lay hidden there.” 9 and teachings of the scriptures—foundational, rock-solid material. I think it’s because he wanted Your influence on your missionaries is going to us to go home and be faithful forever. The First be incredible. All of us have had these kinds of Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve, the Seventy, experiences, and it’s such a wonderful thing. I’m glad and the Presiding Bishopric—these officers that Elder Holland said, “It isn’t whether you have a behind us here—are desperately concerned about high position or not.” Elder Holland probably would missionaries who come home and do not remain be my favorite mission companion, but one of my faithful. That’s almost inconceivable to us. It’s one favorites was a young man who came out on his thing to go out and struggle and find some sheep. mission from Utah, from outside the metropolitan We can’t afford to lose the shepherds. Elder Hanks area. His parents had a small farm that was in didn’t say that in so many words, but I know that foreclosure. They didn’t have anything to send him what he gave us in the Book of Mormon and what on a mission. His sister, who had a scholarship at he gave us about our testimony of Christ was that BYU, wanted her little brother to go on a mission. we were to be in this forever. We were never, ever She left BYU and left that scholarship and went going to face him—it would’ve been our necks to face to Salt Lake to work as a secretary in a law firm to him ever, however many years hence—and not be give money to him for a mission. I can remember faithful in this Church, not be rooted and grounded when he arrived and I was his senior companion in in the scriptures and in the Savior of the world. central London; he was scared to death coming off a One of the sweet byproducts was that we got that farm. The first night he prayed, and when he started message individually, but sometimes we got to have praying about his sister I literally opened my eyes it together as a companionship. to look up because I was sure, listening to him pray, that she was going to be right there. Elder Quentin L. Cook: Thank you, Elder Holland. Elder Hanks had us read the Book of Mormon, the Well, we taught, and he didn’t know the lessons. first time marking in red everything that had to He didn’t have a lot of doctrinal knowledge, but we do with Christ. Then he had us go back and mark taught the lessons. I would give him assignments, in green everything that had to do with doctrine. and he would do them. We had a lot of success, and (It’s an option at the back of Preach My Gospel.) we were far enough from Hyde Park Chapel that we He was teaching those things at the same time. had to rent a van to get there. We rented the van, I cherished that paperback book and kept it and and a group went with us for the baptism. We had would often refer to it. I didn’t realize how much the baptism, and on the way back I asked, “When it had influenced other people. Later on, Elder was it that you first realized that you would be Holland wrote Christ and the New Covenant, which baptized?” I remind you, I probably did 90 percent of he acknowledges he started because his mission the teaching. Every one of them said (I’m not going president gave him the assignment. Now, we’re not to give his name), “When Elder prayed or when he giving you an assignment to do it this way. That recited the First Vision, I felt something I had never

2015 Seminar for New Mission Presidents 6 felt before.” There’s not a missionary that will be it says in the fourth chapter on the third page.” They in your missions, if he or she will be humble, that respond, “Well I don’t know that.” I say, “Well, why can’t have the kind of impact that we saw these two don’t you read it again and then again and then elders have, Elder Dallas Doane and Elder Jacob again?” Because that book was written to them. Welch. It is following the Spirit. The Restoration and Preach My Gospel is written to the missionaries. following the Spirit are key. That’s what it’s all about, and that’s what we’re all about here today. I testify to you that this work is true, that this is the Lord’s work. In all the things you’ll do, if you’re I was proud of Elder Cook because he was able to hold following the Spirit, the hand of the Lord will be in it. back his emotions when his great-great-grandfather If you’ll teach your missionaries to follow the Spirit Heber C. Kimball was shown on the screen. He walked and help them understand who they are and what where Heber C. Kimball performed the first baptisms blessings they can have, they will accomplish what the in England. We’ll have one last word now from our Lord wants them to accomplish. I testify of the reality beloved President Spencer W. Kimball, all from that of the Atonement and the divinity of Jesus Christ, in masterful address of 1974. the sacred name of Jesus Christ, amen. [Video Begins] Elder M. Russell Ballard: Thank you, Elder Cook. I appreciate very much your insight and wonderful President Spencer W. Kimball: This is the way teaching. Presidents and sisters, I have just one or it must happen. This is the way it will happen. two items that have come to my mind as I’ve sat here And may we emphasize again that numbers are through this wonderful training. It has been very, very incidental and secondary to our main purpose, good—I think the best we’ve ever had. which is the same as that of our Heavenly Father: to bring to every soul the gospel which can open We had the sister missionaries here. We didn’t have the doors to eternal life for man. Our objective is time to really draw from them the depth that they not power or domain but is entirely spiritual. And could’ve given to us, but they said something very to every nation and people which opens its borders significant, and I want to be sure you caught it: that to the gospel will come unbelievable blessings. If is that your missionaries must be able to teach with we do all we can, and I accept my own part of that understanding. This means they must know that responsibility, the Lord will do the rest. He will bring when they have taught a principle, that Mr. and more discoveries to our use, He will bring a change Mrs. Brown understand what they have said and of heart to kings and magistrates and emperors, what they have taught. That comes by them asking or He will divert rivers or open seas or find ways careful questions focused on what they have taught. to touch hearts. He will open the gates and make They will not generally know how to do that unless possible the proselyting. Of that I have great faith. you have the training, as we have given you, in your My dear brothers and sisters, may each of us give zone conferences where they practice and learn to the Lord our very best efforts until the gospel how to do these simple things, which make a big has penetrated every continent, visited every climb, difference as to whether or not people are tracking swept every country, and sounded in every ear, ’til along with them. the purposes of God shall be accomplished and the great Jehovah shall say, “The work is done.” And Preach My Gospel. We’ve talked a lot about All of us may the Lord bless us as we do so, I pray, in the have. My counsel to you is don’t try to invent any name of the Lord Jesus Christ, amen. new system. When missionaries tell me they’ve read Preach My Gospel, I smile and say, “Well, tell me what [Video Ends]

2015 Seminar for New Mission Presidents 7 Elder M. Russell Ballard: Isn’t he wonderful? I missionary work. It has continued ever since, would recommend that you get a copy of his talk—I notwithstanding the difficulties of many of the think it’s on LDS.org. A lot has been said about our seasons through which our people have passed. responsibility to help missionaries become what Let us, every one, resolve within ourselves to arise they need to become to lead this Church 20 years to a new opportunity, a new sense of responsibility, from now. Always look at your missionaries as what a new shouldering of obligation, to assist our you are preparing and whom you are preparing to Father in Heaven in His glorious work of bringing carry off on their shoulders: the wards, branches, to pass the immortality and eternal life of His sons quorums, and stakes. Who knows? You may be and daughters throughout the earth. This is God’s teaching and preparing a future member of the holy work. This is His Church and kingdom. The Seventy or the Quorum of the Twelve, or the future vision that occurred in the Sacred Grove was just Relief Society general president, or the future as Joseph said it was. The Book of Mormon is true. Primary and Young Women general presidents. As It testifies of the Lord Jesus Christ. His priesthood you teach, see the big picture. We don’t know what has been restored and among us. The keys of that you will instill into the hearts of your missionaries priesthood which have come from heavenly beings as their mission president, but all we can tell you are exercised for our eternal blessing. Such is our is that the greatest joy that you will have will be testimony, yours and mine, a testimony of which after your mission, after you’ve had an opportunity we must share with others. I leave this testimony, to watch them grow and marry and have children. and my blessing and my love with each of you, in They’ll come to a mission reunion. Ours now come the name of Jesus Christ, amen. with their children and their grandchildren. I can’t recognize them very well because they’re all 50 [Video Ends] pounds heavier. Most of them have lost their hair. Elder M. Russell Ballard: Wonderful to hear their But I count it a great privilege to embrace them words, isn’t it? It takes us all back. One last principle, and their children and grandchildren, which we do and then I would like to go to the pulpit with my once a year. That’ll also be one of your treasured closing remark. experiences. I have talked to thousands who have joined the Let us enjoy a brief testimony now from President Church, and I believe if you were all recent converts, Hinckley, who was so open and so willing to let us I could ask the question, “When did you come to come and counsel with him. We’ve referred to his know the Church was true?” The answer has almost name quite often. It’s because he was willing to let always been something like this: “Well, when the us come into his office, sit down, tell him what we missionaries were teaching me, I felt . . .” or “When I were trying to do, and get guidance from him. This was reading the Book of Mormon, I felt . . .” or “When is a statement that he made in 1999. I attended a Church meeting, I felt . . .” I believe [Video Begins] conversion and reactivation always begins with what people feel in the beginning. Once they feel it, they President Gordon B. Hinckley: Great is our work; can be taught and they can grasp on the glorious tremendous is our responsibility in helping to message. find those to teach. The Lord has laid upon us a mandate to teach the gospel to every creature. This We’ve talked to you a lot about keeping your will take the very best efforts of every missionary. missionaries obedient, about having them do Before the Church was organized, there was the right things for the right reasons. The reason they do that is so they can have the Spirit of the

2015 Seminar for New Mission Presidents 8 Lord with them, so when they teach the glorious of the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ, I again message that is uniquely ours, people will feel and quote from one of John Taylor’s sermons: “It is recognize that this is something that they need to pleasing to know that we are the disciples of as know more about. good a man as Joseph Smith was, of a man that lived in the fear of God who was faithful all his life Today is the 171st commemoration of the lives of long. I know that he was a good man, that he was Joseph and Hyrum being taken in Carthage Jail. May an honest man, that he was a man of integrity, that we have the brief video reenacting their martyrdom, he was a prophet of the Lord, that he lived in that please? capacity and died in that capacity and maintained [Video Begins] his integrity to the end. And I know that he yet lives because I have seen him.” 11 Female voice-over: Joseph and Hyrum arrived in Carthage, Illinois, and surrendered themselves No missionary should ever fail to understand and to face charges. Despite all the promises of fair appreciate the great price others have paid to treatment, what happened came as no surprise. establish once again the Church of Jesus Christ upon the earth. No assignment or challenge of any [Gunshots] missionary should hold him or her back from boldly declaring the gospel truths that are ours to share. Joseph Smith: Hyrum! No! Joseph was called to his work by the Lord just as [Gunshots] you and your missionaries have been called by the Lord through His prophet. With the Restoration of Joseph Smith voice-over: What do we hear in the the gospel through the Prophet Joseph Smith, the gospel that we have received? Truth, out of the groundwork was laid for the Second Coming of the earth. Mercy from heaven. A voice of gladness for Lord. Joseph translated the Book of Mormon and the living and the dead. Shall we not go on in so brought forth another scripture, received priesthood great a cause? keys and re-established all necessary ordinances, organized The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day [Video Ends] Saints, sent missionaries forth to proclaim the gospel worldwide, built temples, began the sacred work of Elder M. Russell Ballard: John Taylor was there. He said of the Prophet Joseph Smith, “Joseph Smith, the salvation of the dead, and taught other principles that are necessary to prepare people for the Second Prophet and Seer of the Lord, . . . left a fame and name that cannot be slain. He lived great, and he died Coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. great in the eyes of God and his people; and like most Joseph and Hyrum were missionary companions, of the Lord’s anointed in ancient times, has sealed his true and faithful one to another and to God. Their mission and his works with his own blood; and so has example of love and support on their mission is an his brother Hyrum. In life they were not divided, and example for every missionary companionship. None in death they were not separated! . . . Their testament of your missionaries will be called to go through 10 is in force.” Today we sit together 171 years later, what Joseph and Hyrum and others did. None will be about the same time when the event that we just required to voluntarily give their lives for this Church. showed you on the video occurred. But all can learn how to support and strengthen one another from these two powerful missionaries. All of As brothers and sisters are called to go into the your missionaries need to devote themselves to this world to declare the message of the Restoration

2015 Seminar for New Mission Presidents 9 great cause. They can learn the power of the message We place into your hands the future leaders of the of the Restoration. They can learn the attributes Church whom you will prepare to carry on their and skills that it takes to be fearless disciples of the shoulders now and in the future the continuing Master. They can learn and practice the principles preparation for that day when the Lord says, “The for success found in Preach My Gospel. All of your work is done.” May God bless you in this glorious missionaries can come to know that the Restoration and wonderful privilege that’s yours. The mission of of the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ is glorious this Church is true. Jesus is the Christ. We’re on His and provides everyone whom they may see or errand. To that I humbly testify in His sacred and contact the way to immortality and eternal life. All of holy name, even Jesus Christ, amen. us, by following the example of Joseph and Hyrum, can protect, support, teach, and love one another as missionary companions with the same dedication as Notes Joseph and Hyrum did on their mission. 1. Jay M. Todd, “A Pictorial Story of the Founding of the Church in the British Isles,” New Era, Nov. 1971, 21. May God bless you, my dear presidents and your 2. Doctrine and Covenants 112:21. wives, with every blessing you need to instill in 3. Doctrine and Covenants 112:22. the hearts of your missionaries the same love for 4. Doctrine and Covenants 112:28. Heavenly Father and His Beloved Son, the Lord 5. Doctrine and Covenants 112:33. Jesus Christ, as the faithful Saints of the past had 6. Preach My Gospel: A Guide to Missionary Service (2004), 29–30. in establishing this sacred and true kingdom of 7. Doctrine and Covenants 112:19. God. If any of you or your missionaries face a day 8. Doctrine and Covenants 58:64. of discouragement, I would suggest that you visit in 9. Jeffrey R. Holland,Christ and the New Covenant (1997), xiii. your minds the Richmond, Liberty, and Carthage jails, 10. Doctrine and Covenants 135:3, 5. and there you will find the power of the Savior to 11. Adapted from “John Taylor’s June 27, 1854, Account of the Martyrdom,” transcribed by LaJean Purcell Carruth and edited hold you steady as it did with our beloved prophets by Mark Lyman Staker, BYU Studies, vol. 50, no. 3 (2011), 39, 41. Joseph and Hyrum.