Dear Elders and Sisters,
Do you realize that you are a part of the greatest work in the history of the world? Do you remember that every time you open your mouth to share the gospel, you are fulfilling prophecy? (Mosiah 3:20, 15:28, DC 42:58)
Do you realize that every day...every day...the Lord will give you as much strength and power as your faith will allow?
You are not in the Philippines Manila Mission to do small things. You are here to do the work of Almighty God, and to do it with His strength and His power.
Elders and Sisters, you might think that what you do each day in your small proselyting area might not amount to very much. But this is not true! You are changing the world, one soul at a time!
Let me share portions of a talk from President Gordon B. Hinckley:
"Well was it said of old, "Where there is no vision, the people perish" (Proverbs 29:18). There is no place in this work for those who believe only in the gospel of doom and gloom. THE GOSPEL IS GOOD NEWS. IT IS A MESSAGE OF TRIUMPH. IT IS A CAUSE TO BE EMBRACED WITH ENTHUSIASM.
The Lord never said that there would not be troubles. Our people have known afflictions of every sort as those who have opposed this work have come upon them. But faith has shown through all their sorrows. This work has consistent moved forward and has never taken a backward step since its inception.
During the 1800's, tens of thousands of people left England from Liverpool They came from across the British Isles and from the lands of Europe, converts to the Church. They came with testimony on their lips and faith in their hearts. Was it difficult to leave their homes and step into the unknown of a new world? Of course it was. But they did it with optimism and enthusiasm. They boarded sailing vessels. They know the crossing at best was hazardous. They soon found out that for the most part it was miserable. They lived in cramped quarters week after week. They endured storms, disease, sickness. Many died on the way and were buried at sea. It was an arduous and fearsome journey. They had doubts, yes. But their faith rose above those doubts. THEIR OPTIMISM ROSE ABOVE THEIR FEARS. They had their dream of Zion, and they were on their way to fulfill it.
The Prophet Joseph once declared, "WHERE DOUBT IS, THERE FAITH HAS NO POWER."
When the Lord took Moses unto Himself, He then said to Joshua, "Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest." (Joshua 1:9). THIS IS HIS WORK. NEVER FORGET IT. EMBRACE IT WITH ENTHUSIASM AND AFFECTION.
Let us never be afraid. Jesus is our leader, our strength and our king.
This is an age of pessimism. OURS IS A MISSION OF FAITH. To my brethren and sisters everywhere, I call upon you to reaffirm your faith to move this work forward across the world."
Let us go forward my dear fellow servants with love and the power of our calling to serve Go. The prayers of millions of people go with you. Please remember that Sister Ostler and I love you so very much we thank the Lord for you and pray that His best blessings will come to you.
Mahal ko po kayo,
President Creg Ostler