Dear Elders and Sisters,
Thank you for your faith, diligence and hard work! I know that you have been praying and working and trying your best to have a White Christmas on December 26th.
Remember, our goal is to have every companionship baptize two people on that day. Many new investigators came to church on Sunday. Many investigators have committed to December 26th. Now we need to pray for the Holy Ghost to truly convert their hearts. Plan your lessons, not just to go through the doctrine and not just to convince them to join the church. Plan your lessons so that the Spirit of God will be your third lalaki! Plan your lessons with the full purpose of allowing your investigators to feel the spirit of the Lord in their hearts.
When we set this goal as a mission, we felt the guidance of the spirit in doing so. We felt that the Lord would send His blessings if we would be obedient and full of faith. We know that He answers prayers.
I want you to know and remember three things:
First, every day and every week we need to keep finding new investigators.
Second, every day and every week we need to work with recent converts and less actives to help them progress towards the temple. The harvest is not in the garners until families are sealed in the temple.
Third, some of you had the experience last Sunday, and others will have the experience on one of the upcoming Sundays, that investigators who are progressing and keeping their other commitments don't show up to Church. Or you will have someone who relapses on the Word of Wisdom or other commandments and will not be ready for baptism on December 26th. For any of us who care about the souls of those we teach, and that is all of us, it hurts our hearts when people make these choices. But remember, no matter how much faith we have and no matter how hard we work, we cannot take away the agency of others.
If this disappointment happens to you, NEVER let it turn into discouragement. We only fail when we stop having faith. If your investigator or investigators fall through, build a huge fire of faith in your heart. Set a strong, faithful goal to make January the month of miracles for your area.
Elders and Sisters, remember the reason we do this work:
"For God so loved the world that He gave His Only Begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." (John 3:16)
"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...And how great is his joy in the soul that repenteth!" (DC 18 10,11,13)
I am so proud of you. I am so pleased with your faith, obedience and work. I am also proud of your willingness to change, repent and improve. If you have things to repent of; if you have things you need to improve or change...do it! Now is the time!
Mahal ko po kayo,
President Creg Ostler