We Believe: Doctrines of Mormonism: Missionary Work

Alma, the younger

Joseph Smith

For it shall come to pass in that day, that every man shall hear the fulness of the gospel in his own tongue, and in his own language, through those who are ordained unto this power, by the administration of the Comforter, shed forth upon them for the revelation of Jesus Christ. (Revelation, March 8, 1833; depicting the day when the arm of the Lord shall be revealed in power) D&C 90:11

Elder Joseph Fielding Smith

The promise is made that the day shall come when "every man shall hear the fulness of the Gospel in his own tongue, and in his own language through those who are ordained to this power, by the administration of the comforter, shed forth upon them for the revelation of Jesus Christ." It is the plan from the foundation of the earth that every soul shall have the opportunity of hearing the Gospel. . . . In order that the Gospel might be declared among the nations and kindreds and tongues, the Lord commanded that the elders should study languages and with all good books be prepared to carry the message so that people could hear it in their own tongue. This was one great opportunity presented in the school of the prophets. It is a remarkable fact that the elders of the Church going forth to foreign lands have had the gift of tongues by which they have learned to speak these foreign tongues within very brief periods of time. . . .

It is the requirement of the Lord that his servants prepare themselves by study and by faith and become acquainted with peoples, languages and world conditions so that they may be more fully prepared to preach and teach the Gospel. CHMR1:390

Related Witnesses:

Alma, the younger,
quoted by Mormon

For behold, the Lord doth grant unto all nations, of their own nation and tongue, to teach his word, yea, in wisdom, all that he seeth fit that they should have; therefore we see that the Lord doth counsel in wisdom, according to that which is just and true. (Alma having had an earnest desire to cry repentance to every people—even that he might be an angel to speak with a voice to shake the earth—now discerns the Lord's way of teaching each nation and tongue, about 76 B.C.) Alma 29:8

President Brigham Young,
quoted by John A. Widtsoe

Some may receive the gift of tongues, that they will get up and speak in tongues, and speak in many other languages beside their mother tongue, the language that they were brought up in, that they were first taught, and be able to proclaim the Gospel of life and salvation that all men could understand it. (At Paris, Idaho, Aug. 31, 1873, JD16:164) DBY:161

Joseph Smith

Also, I saw Elder Brigham Young standing in a strange land, in the far south and west, in a desert place, upon a rock in the midst of about a dozen men of color, who appeared hostile. He was preaching to them in their own tongue. . . . (The Prophet sees many things in a vision, Jan. 21, 1836) HC2:381

Joseph Smith

[T]he gift of tongues by the power of the Holy Ghost in the Church, is for the benefit of the servants of God to preach to unbelievers, as on the day of Pentecost. When devout men from every nation shall assemble to hear the things of God, let the Elders preach to them in their own mother tongue, whether it is German, French, Spanish or "Irish," or any other. . . . (Remarks at a public meeting of the Saints at the Prophet's house, Dec. 26, 1841) HC4:485

457. The gospel is to be preached to every person on earth.

Boyd K. Packer

Jesus

John A. Widtsoe

Boyd K. Packer

We accept the responsibility to preach the gospel to every person on earth. And if the question is asked, "You mean you are out to convert the entire world?" the answer is, "Yes. We will try to reach every living soul." CR1975Oct:145

Jesus,
recorded in Mark

And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. (The risen Jesus Christ to the eleven Apostles) Mark 16:15

Elder George Albert Smith

Upon us, as elders of this Church, has been laid the obligation to go into all the world and preach the gospel unto every creature. We have received a wonderful gift, but with that gift comes a great responsibility. We have been blessed of the Lord with a knowledge beyond our fellows, and with that knowledge comes the requirement that we divide it with His children wherever they may be. CR1922Apr:53

John A. Widtsoe

In the Church of Christ [our desire is] to bring about the highest joy for all mankind.

. . . . In the nature of existence, it is impossible for an intelligent being to attain the highest degree of joy unless other like beings move along with him. The Great Plan will succeed only if all, or at least a majority of those who accepted it, are saved. The Church, a part of the Great Plan, must have as its main purpose the saving of all human beings. All must be saved The work of the Church cannot be completed until all have at least heard the truth and have been given the chance to accept it. There can be no talk of a few souls before the throne of God, with the many in hell. The great mission of the Church must always be to bring all men into a knowledge and acceptance of the truth. This is the cementing purpose of the Church. (A Rational Theology, p. 122) TLDP:411

President Brigham Young

It is necessary that all have the privilege of receiving or rejecting eternal truth, that they may be prepared to be saved, or be prepared to be damned. (In Tabernacle, Dec. 18, 1859, JD7:139) TLDP:410

Related Witnesses:

Joseph Smith

Let them preach by the way, and bear testimony of the truth in all places, and call upon the rich, the high and the low, and the poor to repent. (Revelation for the elders of the Church, Aug. 1, 1831) D&C 58:47

Joseph Smith,
receiving the Word of the Lord

[F]or I, the Lord, have a great work for thee to do, in publishing my name among the children of men. . . . 8. And by thy word many high ones shall be brought low, and by thy word many low ones shall be exalted. (Revelation for Thomas B. Marsh, July 23, 1837) D&C 112:6,8

Alma, the younger,
quoted by Mormon

O that I were an angel, and could have the wish of mine heart, that I might go forth and speak with the trump of God, with a voice to shake the earth, and cry repentance unto every people 2. Yea, I would declare unto every soul, as with the voice of thunder, repentance and the plan of redemption, that they should repent and come unto our God, that there might not be more sorrow upon all the face of the earth.

3. But behold, I am a man, and do sin in my wish; for I ought to be content with the things which the Lord hath allotted unto me. . . .

6. Now, seeing that I know these things, why should I desire more than to perform the work to which I have been called? 7. Why should I desire that I were an angel, that I could speak unto all the ends of the earth? . . . 9. I know that which the Lord hath commanded me, and I glory in it. I do not glory of myself, but I glory in that which the Lord hath commanded me; yea, and this is my glory, that perhaps I may be an instrument in the hands of God to bring some soul to repentance; and this is my joy. (Alma discourses on the principle of repentance, about 76 B.C.) Alma 29:1-3,6-7,9

Ammon, son of Mosiah
quoted by Mormon

458. Missionaries are to serve the Lord with all their heart, might, mind, and strength.

Elder Joseph Fielding Smith

It is true that not every man is a natural missionary, and there are those who shrink from the responsibility of raising their voices in proclamation of the Gospel, and yet this is an obligation that we owe to this fallen world. The elders in the very beginning had been commanded to serve the Lord with all their "heart, might, mind and strength," for the field is white and ready for the harvest. A penalty was to be inflicted upon those who failed and they were not to stand blameless at the last day. The preaching of the Gospel was to be a means to them by which they were not to perish, but bring salvation to their souls. There are many who have been sent forth who have had a fear of man, yet the Lord has promised to support them in their labors if they will trust in him. CHMR1:220-21

Joseph Smith

Therefore, O ye that embark in the service of God, see that ye serve him with all your heart, might, mind and strength, that ye may stand blameless before God at the last day. . . .

4. For behold the field is white already to harvest; and lo, he that thrusteth in his sickle with his might, the same layeth up in store that he perisheth not, but bringeth salvation to his soul; (Revelation through Joseph Smith to his father, Feb. 1829) D&C 4:2,4

Joseph Smith,
receiving the Word of the Lord

And even so will I gather mine elect from the four quarters of the earth, even as many as will believe in me, and hearken unto my voice.

7. Yea, verily, verily, I say unto you, that the field is white already to harvest; wherefore, thrust in your sickles, and reap with all your might, mind, and strength. 8. Open your mouths and they shall be filled, and you shall become even as Nephi of old, who journeyed from Jerusalem in the wilderness. 9. Yea, open your mouths and spare not, and you shall be laden with sheaves upon your backs, for lo, I am with you. 10. Yea, open your mouths and they shall be filled, saying: Repent, repent, and prepare ye the way of the Lord, and make his paths straight; for the kingdom of heaven is at hand; (Revelation for Ezra Thayre and Northrop Sweet, Oct. 1830) D&C 33:6-10

Elder George Albert Smith

One of the very first revelations that was given by our heavenly Father, as contained in the Doctrine and Covenants, reads as follows: "Now behold, a marvelous work is about to come forth among the children of men. Therefore, O ye that embark in the service of God, see that ye serve him with all your heart, might, mind and strength, that ye may stand blameless before God at the last day." [D&C 4:1-2

Now, I do not understand that we are serving God with all our might if we forsake his children, or if we spend so much of our time selfishly building up ourselves, accumulating things of this life, and leave his children in darkness, when we could bring them into the light. My understanding is that the most important mission that I have in this life is: first, to keep the commandments of God, as they have been taught to me; and next, to teach them to my Father's children who do not understand them. It makes little difference, when I go to the other side, whether I have been a man of wealth in this world or not, unless I have used that wealth to bless my fellow men. Though I be a wanderer in this world, and suffer for the necessities of life, if by reason of the knowledge that my Father has given me, I devote myself to the instruction of his children, to planting faith in their hearts, to dissipating the errors that have come to them by tradition, I believe when I go to the other side that I will find there a bank account that will be beyond compare with what I would have, if I lived for the things of this earth alone. CR1916Oct:50-51

459. The gospel is to be proclaimed by the weak and simple.

President Joseph Fielding Smith

Paul

President David O. McKay

George Q. Cannon

Stephen L. Richards

President Heber J. Grant

Joseph Smith,
receiving the Word of the Lord

That the fulness of my gospel might be proclaimed by the weak and the simple unto the ends of the world, and before kings and rulers. (Revelation during conference of elders of the Church, Nov. 1, 1831) D&C 1:23

President Joseph Fielding Smith

In the early days of this dispensation, the Lord said to those called in his ministry, "that every man might speak in the name of God the Lord, even the Savior of the world; . . . That the fulness of my gospel might be proclaimed by the weak and the simple unto the ends of the world, and before kings and rulers." (D&C 1:20,23)

To those called "to go forth to preach" his gospel and to all "the elders, priests and teachers" of his church, he said: They "shall teach the principles of my gospel, which are in the Bible and the Book of Mormon," and the other scriptures, "as they shall be directed by the Spirit." (See D&C 42:11-13

As agents of the Lord we are not called or authorized to teach the philosophies of the world or the speculative theories of our scientific age. Our mission is to preach the doctrines of salvation in plainness and simplicity as they are revealed and recorded in the scriptures. CR1970Oct:5

Paul

For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:

27. But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; (Letter to the Church at Corinth, Greece, about A.D. 55) 1 Corinthians 1:26-27

President David O. McKay

Again was given the divine injunction for authorized servants to be sent forth to the East and to the West, to the North and to the South that "every man might speak in the name of God the Lord, even the Savior of the world; That faith also might increase in the earth; That mine everlasting covenant might be established; That the fulness of my gospel might be proclaimed by the weak and the simple unto the ends of the world, and before kings and rulers." (D&C 1:20-23

In Section 4 of the Doctrine and Covenants, the Prophet Joseph Smith received a revelation that "behold, a marvelous work is about to come forth among the children of men.

"Therefore, O ye that embark in the service of God see that ye serve him with all your heart, might, mind and strength, that ye may stand blameless before God at the last day." (D&C 4:1-2

When this revelation was given to the Prophet Joseph, he was only 23 years of age. The Book of Mormon was not yet published, no man had been ordained to the priesthood. The Church was not organized; yet the statement was made and written without qualification that "a marvelous work [was] about to come forth among the children of men."

Another significant feature of this revelation, and of others given about the same period, is the naming of essential qualifications of those who were to participate in the bringing about of this marvelous work. These qualifications were not the possession of wealth, not social distinction, not political preferment, not military achievement, not nobility of birth; but a desire to serve God with all your "heart, might, mind and strength"—spiritual qualities that contribute to nobility of soul. I repeat: No popularity, no wealth, no theological training in church government—yet "a marvelous work [was] about to come forth among the children of men." CR1966Oct:86

Related Witnesses:

George Q. Cannon

I do hope that, as soon as you get into your fields of labor, you will not apologize to the people for your weaknesses, and tell them how incapable and unfitted you are for such positions as you may hold. . . . Go into your fields of labor as men of God, appointed by Him to minister unto them the things pertaining to their salvation, and they will find that you have power which no other men, devoid of the authority you have, possess. (Gospel Truth, 2:78) TLDP:422

Stephen L. Richards

I wish to bring forward a few items which justify this conclusion that our young men missionaries are ministers of religion. I grant you that they do not always look as other ministers look. They may be disappointing to some in formality and grace of expression. Many of them may not have attained the scholastic standing reached by most of the profession. What is the missionary's training for the ministry?

First, he is usually reared in a home presided over by a man of the priesthood, who, in certain aspects at least, may be looked on as a man of the ministry. The functions of the ministry are carried forward in large measure in the future missionary's home. Prayer, blessings, scriptural and religious learning are features of his early environment. He is accorded the opportunity of participation. He prays, he sings, he reads, he studies, and in adolescent years, joins in sacred religious ordinances.

Second, in the religious educational program of the Church, he becomes identified with the organizations of the Church. His mother may bring him to Sunday School as a baby; he toddles into the infant classes; and from then on he is taught, and he learns the literature of the Church and the ways of the Lord.

Third, he is integrated into a spiritual society. His recreation, which not infrequently brings the contacts which enable him to choose his life's partner, is supervised and directed under religious auspices, whose constant endeavor it is to clarify and define the ultimate goals of life. In the atmosphere of such spirituality, his spirit nature is nurtured and developed. His liberal participation in all such institutions and exercises is calculated for the development of that spirituality. What I may ask, is more essential to a ministerial calling?

Fourth, there then comes to the adolescent youth training and experience without counterpart in any other institutions of which I am aware. He enters the quorums of the priesthood. At the age of twelve he is first ordained and inducted into a group of approximately his own age.

He is taught the history of the priesthood and he is made to understand that the power conferred upon him, even though a mere youth, derives from the authentic power given by the Lord Jesus Christ through his servants to those selected to receive the priesthood in this dispensation of time, and from whom it has come in direct and authentic succession to this boy. He has respect for this calling, and he seeks to discharge his duties as a youthful holder of the priesthood of the Lord. Is that training for a minister in the gospel of Christ? Is there anything taught in the seminaries of ecclesiastical learning more important as a groundwork for ministerial service than actual participation in the functions and offices of the priesthood?

Well, this young man continues through the various gradations of the priesthood, always being given and assuming larger participation in the functions of the Church and the blessing of the people.

Fifth, much of the education of the young man, not only in the Sunday School, the other auxiliary organizations, and the priesthood quorum, but also in his academic training, is directed toward acquisition of theological learning and capacity to live and expound the principles of the gospel. Church schools, institutes, and seminaries are available to him in this preparation.

If he avails himself of all these privileges, I say he is prepared for missionary service and for ordination and setting apart to go forth as an ambassador and minister of the Lord Jesus Christ in teaching the gospel to the people and performing ministerial services among them. I hope that never again in our own country or in other countries will the ministerial status of our missionaries be seriously questioned. CR1955Oct:97-98

Joseph Smith

From a retrospect of the requirements of the servants of God to preach the Gospel . . . if a Priest understands his duty, his calling, and ministry, and preaches by the Holy Ghost, his enjoyment is as great as if he were one of the Presidency; and his services are necessary in the body, as are also those of Teachers and Deacons. (Joseph instructs the priesthood in Kirtland Temple, April 1837) HC2:478

President Heber J. Grant

There is nothing that qualifies a man so much for preaching the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ as to study the revelations that the Lord has seen fit to give us in our day. CR1925Oct:6

460. Those who preach the gospel to the world shall say nothing but repentance (they shall preach only with the desire to bring people to repentance and faith in God).

Elder Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, John E. Page, Elder Wilford Woodruff, Elder John Taylor, George Albert Smith (1817-1875)

Elder Joseph Fielding Smith

In the revelation to Oliver Cowdery, and to several others who came to ask what the Lord would have them do, the Lord said: "Say nothing but repentance unto this generation; keep my commandments, and assist to bring forth my work." We must not infer from this expression that those who went forth to preach were limited in their teachings so that all they could say was "repent from your sins," but in teaching the principles of the Gospel they should do so with the desire to teach repentance to the people and bring them in humility to a realization of the need for remission of sins. Even today, in all of our preaching it should be with the desire to bring people to repentance and faith in God. CHMR1:42

Elder Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, John E. Page, Elder Wilford Woodruff, Elder John Taylor, George Albert Smith (1817-1875)

Be careful that you teach not for the word of God, the commandments of men, nor the doctrines of men nor the ordinances of men, inasmuch as you are God's messengers; study the word of God and preach it, and not your opinions, for no man's opinion is worth a straw: advance no principle but what you can prove, for one scriptural proof is worth ten thousand opinions: we would moreover say, abide by that revelation which says, "preach nothing but repentance to this generation," and leave the further mysteries of the kingdom, till God shall tell you to preach them, which is not now. ("To the Elders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, to the Churches Scattered Abroad, and to All the Saints," Times and Seasons, Nov. 1839, p. 13) TLDP:418-19

Joseph Smith,
receiving the Word of the Lord

Wherefore, you are called to cry repentance unto this people.

20. Contend against no church, save it be the church of the devil. (Revelation, June 1829) D&C 18:14-15,20

Joseph Smith,
quoted by Elder Joseph Fielding Smith

Oh, ye elders of Israel, hearken to my voice; and when you are sent into the world to preach, tell those things you are sent to tell; preach and cry aloud, "Repent ye, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand; repent and believe the Gospel." Declare the first principles, and let mysteries alone, lest ye be overthrown. (General conference in Nauvoo, Ill., April 8, 1843, on the floor of the temple, HC5:344) TPJS:292

Joseph Smith,
receiving the Word of the Lord

And now, behold, I say unto you, that the thing which will be of the most worth unto you will be to declare repentance unto this people, that you may bring souls unto me, that you may rest with them in the kingdom of my Father. Amen. (Revelation for John Whitmer, June 1829) D&C 15:6

Joseph Smith,
receiving the Word of the Lord

Behold, the field is white already to harvest; therefore, whoso desireth to reap, let him thrust in his sickle with his might, and reap while the day lasts, that he may treasure up for his soul everlasting salvation in the kingdom of God. . . .

6. Now, as you have asked, behold, I say unto you, keep my commandments, and seek to bring forth and establish the cause of Zion; . . .

9. Say nothing but repentance unto this generation; keep my commandments, and assist to bring forth my work, according to my commandments, and you shall be blessed. (Revelation for Oliver Cowdery, April 1829) D&C 6:3,6,9

Related Witnesses:

Mormon

And thus, notwithstanding there being many churches they were all one church, yea, even the church of God; for there was nothing preached in all the churches except it were repentance and faith in God. (Alma establishes churches throughout Zarahemla, about 120 B.C.) Mosiah 25:22

Mormon

And it came to pass that Alma, having authority from God, ordained priests; even one priest to every fifty of their number did he ordain to preach unto them, and to teach them concerning the things pertaining to the kingdom of God.

19. And he commanded them that they should teach nothing save it were the things which he had taught, and which had been spoken by the mouth of the holy prophets.

20. Yea, even he commanded them that they should preach nothing save it were repentance and faith on the Lord, who redeemed his people. (Alma organizes the Church of Christ, about 148 B.C.) Mosiah 18:18-20

Alma, the younger,
quoted by Mormon

Preach unto them repentance, and faith on the Lord Jesus Christ. . . . (Alma instructs his son Helaman, about 73 B.C.) Alma 37:33

Jesus,
recorded in Matthew

How think ye? if a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray? 13. And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto you, he rejoiceth more of that sheep, than of the ninety and nine which went not astray. (Jesus teaches his disciples the parable of the lost sheep) Matthew 18:12-13

Samuel, the Lamanite,
quoted by Mormon

And he said unto them: Behold, I, Samuel a Lamanite, do speak the words of the Lord which he doth put into my heart; and behold he hath put it into my heart to say unto this people that the sword of justice hangeth over this people; and four hundred years pass not away save the sword of justice falleth upon this people. 6. Yea, heavy destruction awaiteth this people, and it surely cometh unto this people, and nothing can save this people save it be repentance and faith on the Lord Jesus Christ, who surely shall come into the world, and shall suffer many things and shall be slain for his people. (Samuel prophesies the destruction of the Nephites unless they repent, 6 B.C.) Helaman 13:5-6

Jesus,
recorded in Matthew

For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost. [JST(Matthew 18:11 fn. c) . . . and to call sinners to repentance. . . .] (Jesus teaches his disciples the parable of the lost sheep) Matthew 18:11

461. Missionaries are to proclaim the gospel by the Spirit of God; they are to teach only as moved upon by the Holy Ghost.

Henry D. Moyle

President Spencer W. Kimball

Henry D. Moyle

Joseph Smith,
receiving the Word of the Lord

Verily I say unto you, he that is ordained of me and sent forth to preach the word of truth by the Comforter, in the Spirit of truth, doth he preach it by the Spirit of truth or some other way?

18. And if it be by some other way it is not of God. 19. And again, he that receiveth the word of truth, doth he receive it by the Spirit of truth or some other way? 20. If it be some other way it is not of God. 21. Therefore, why is it that ye cannot understand and know, that he that receiveth the word by the Spirit of truth receiveth it as it is preached by the Spirit of truth? 22. Wherefore, he that preacheth and he that receiveth, understand one another, and both are edified and rejoice together. (Revelation for the elders of the Church, May 1831) D&C 50:17-22

Joseph Smith,
receiving the Word of the Lord

My servant, Orson Hyde, was called by his ordination to proclaim the everlasting gospel, by the Spirit of the living God, from people to people, and from land to land, in the congregations of the wicked, in their synagogues, reasoning with and expounding all scriptures unto them.

2. And, behold, and lo, this is an ensample unto all those who were ordained unto this priesthood, whose mission is appointed unto them to go forth—

3. And this is the ensample unto them, that they shall speak as they are moved upon by the Holy Ghost. (Revelation, Nov. 1831) D&C 68:1-3

Henry D. Moyle

Some may ask the question as to how we convert others to the truth. The answer is, we do not. Conversion comes from above. Our part in this work is to plant the seeds of truth. These seeds are born of our conviction when we testify of the divine mission of Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God, who offered himself as a sacrifice for the sins of the world. We rely upon the gift and power of the Holy Ghost to carry our message into the hearts of our listeners and witness unto them the truthfulness of our stated conviction. CR1961Apr:101-02

President Brigham Young

Let one go forth who is careful to logically prove all he says by numerous quotations from the revelations, and let another travel with him who can say, by the power of the Holy Ghost, Thus saith the Lord, and tell what the people should believe—what they should do—how they should live, and teach them to yield to the principles of salvation—though he may not be capable of producing a single logical argument—though he may tremble under a sense of his weakness, cleaving to the Lord for strength, as such men generally do, you will invariably find that the man who testifies by the power of the Holy Ghost will convince and gather many more of the honest and upright than will the merely logical reasoner. (Instructions to missionaries in historian's office, April 25, 1860, JD8:53) TLDP:419-20

Related Witnesses:

President Brigham Young

Nothing short of a testimony by the power of the Holy Ghost would bring light and knowledge to them—bring them in their hearts to repentance. Nothing short of that would ever do. (In Bowery, Oct. 7, 1857, JD5:327) TLDP:420

President Spencer W. Kimball

Actually, the missionary does not convert anyone: the Holy Ghost does the converting. The power of conversion is directly associated with the Holy Ghost, for no person can be truly converted and know that Jesus is the Christ save by the power of the Holy Ghost. ("It Becometh Every Man," EN1977Oct:3, The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, p. 570) TLDP:420

Henry D. Moyle

There is no power on earth by which we can penetrate the souls of men, the equal of that radiation of love and affection which will naturally pass from us to those to whom we bring truth and light and knowledge and understanding. CR1953Apr:127

462. The preaching of the gospel has a more powerful effect on the minds of people who hear it, to lead them to do right, than anything else.

Mormon

President Spencer W. Kimball

Elder Wilford Woodruff

Mormon

And now, as the preaching of the word had a great tendency to lead the people to do that which was just—yea, it had had more powerful effect upon the minds of the people than the sword, or anything else, which had happened unto them—therefore Alma thought it was expedient that they should try the virtue of the word of God. (Alma heads a mission to reclaim the apostate Zoramites, about 74 B.C.) Alma 31:5

President Spencer W. Kimball

As a vital link in the conversion process, we should bear our testimonies that the gospel is true; our testimonies may well be the spark that ignites the conversion process. Consequently, we have a double responsibility; we must testify of the things we know, feel, and have felt, and we must live so the Holy Ghost can be with us and convey our words in power to the heart of the investigator. ("It Becometh Every Man," EN1977Oct:3, The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, p. 138) TLDP:420

Joseph Smith

And again, he that receiveth the word of truth, doth he receive it by the Spirit of truth or some other way?

20. If it be some other way it is not of God.

21. Therefore, why is it that ye cannot understand and know, that he that receiveth the word by the Spirit of truth receiveth it as it is preached by the Spirit of truth?

22. Wherefore, he that preacheth and he that receiveth, understand one another, and both are edified and rejoice together. (Revelation for the elders of the Church, May 1831) D&C 50:19-22

Elder Joseph Fielding Smith

This revelation [D&C 5:7-10declared that this generation shall have the word of the Lord through Joseph Smith. There may be some who think that this is unreasonable, and the Lord should use some miraculous means to convert the world. Frequently when strangers . . . hear the story of the coming forth of the Book of Mormon, they ask if the plates are in some museum where they may be seen. Some of them with some scientific training, express themselves to the effect that if the scholars could see and examine the plates and learn to read them, they would then bear witness to the truth of the Book of Mormon and the veracity of Joseph Smith, and the whole world would then be converted. When they are informed that the angel took the plates back again, they turn away in their skepticism, shaking their heads. But the Lord has said: "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts." (Isaiah 55:8-9We have learned that people are not converted by miracles or by examining records. If the Lord had placed the [Book of Mormon] plates where the scholars could examine them, they would have scoffed at them just as much as they do today. People are converted by their hearts being penetrated by the Spirit of the Lord when they humbly hearken to the testimonies of the Lord's servants. The Jews witnessed the miracles of our Lord, but this did not prevent them from crying out against him and having him crucified. CHMR1:39-40; DCSM:13

Elder Wilford Woodruff

The whole secret of our success as far as making converts is concerned is, that we preach the same Gospel in all its simplicity and plainness that Jesus preached, and that the Holy Ghost rests upon those who receive it, filling their hearts with joy and gladness unspeakable, and making them as one; and they then know of the doctrine for themselves whether it be of God or man. (In Tabernacle, May 14, 1882, JD23:129) TLDP:419

463. The Lord will support and strengthen the efforts of those who are called to proclaim the gospel.

President Brigham Young

I would like to impress upon the minds of the brethren, that he who goes forth in the name of the Lord, trusting in Him with all his heart, will never want for wisdom to answer any question that is asked him, or to give any counsel that may be required to lead the people in the way of life and salvation, and he will never be confounded worlds without end. . . . Go in the name of the Lord, trust in the name of the Lord, lean upon the Lord, and call upon the Lord fervently and without ceasing, and pay no attention to the world. (In Tabernacle, April 14, 1867, JD12:34) TLDP:421-22

Jesus,
recorded in Matthew

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

20. Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. (The risen Jesus commands the eleven disciples to teach all nations) Matthew 28:19-20

Stephen L. Richards

I am not discouraged because I recognize that our numbers are still relatively small. Some one has said that there is but one Latter-day Saint to every ten thousand in the population of the world. It would seem an almost impossible task to disseminate the principles of truth with such a minority. But I remember that old saying that "God and one man are a majority" and I have confidence to state that if we keep ourselves in line with our duties; if we fully live these principles of the truth that we are charged to teach, God will give us power, He will magnify our work, He will make our messages reach into the far corners of the earth. He will sustain His own. CR1940Oct:34

Joseph Smith,
receiving the Word of the Lord

Yea, verily, verily, I say unto you, that the field is white already to harvest; wherefore, thrust in your sickles, and reap with all your might, mind, and strength.

8. Open your mouths and they shall be filled, and you shall become even as Nephi of old, who journeyed from Jerusalem in the wilderness.

9. Yea, open your mouths and spare not, and you shall be laden with sheaves upon your backs, for lo, I am with you.

10. Yea, open your mouths and they shall be filled, saying: Repent, repent, and prepare ye the way of the Lord, and make his paths straight; for the kingdom of heaven is at hand; (Revelation for Ezra Thayre and Northrop Sweet, Oct. 1830) D&C 33:7-10

Elder John Taylor

These missionaries are now going to school to teach others, and in teaching others they themselves will be instructed, and when they rise to speak in the name of Israel's God, if they live in purity and holiness and before him, He will give them words and ideas of which they never dreamed before. I have travelled hundreds and thousands of miles to preach this gospel among all grades and conditions of men, and there is one thing that always gave me satisfaction—I never yet found a man in any part of the world who could overturn one principle that has been communicated to us; they will attempt it, but error is a very singular weapon with which to combat truth; it never can vanquish it.

When men go forth in the name of Israel's God there is no power on earth that can overturn the truths they advocate. Men may misrepresent and calumniate them; they may circulate false reports, for as a general thing men love lies better than truth; but when men go forth possessing the truths of the everlasting gospel which God has revealed, they have a treasure within them that the world knows nothing about; they have the light of revelation, the fire of the Holy Ghost, and the power of the priesthood within them—a power that they know very little about even themselves, which, like a well-spring of life, is rising, bursting, bubbling, and spreading its exhilarating streams around. Why, says the Lord, with you I will confound the nations of the earth, with you I will overturn their kingdoms. (In Tabernacle, April 14, 1867, JD12:396-97) TLDP:422

Elder John Taylor

I will tell you the first thing I used to do when I went preaching, particularly when I went to a fresh place—and that was to go aside to some place, anywhere I could get, into a field, a barn, into the woods, or my closet, and ask God to bless me and give me wisdom to meet all the circumstances with which I might have to contend; and the Lord gave me the wisdom I needed and sustained me. If you pursue a course of this kind, he will bless you also. Do not trust in yourselves, but study the best books—the Bible and Book of Mormon—and get all the information you can, and then cleave to God and keep yourselves free from corruption and pollution of every kind, and the blessings of the Most High will be with you. (In Tabernacle, April 14, 1867, JD12:398) (The Gospel Kingdom, p. 240) TLDP:422

Orson Pratt

Brethren, I will prophesy that the power of the Lord God of Israel will be with you . . . and the way will be open before you, and the Lord will visit the hearts of the people before you arrive among them, and make manifest to them by visions and dreams that you are the servants of God, before they shall see your faces. And you will receive heavenly visions to comfort you, and dreams to give you knowledge of the things of God, if you prove faithful before him. I will prophesy this in the name of the Lord God of Israel. . . . (Masterful Discourses and Writings of Orson Pratt, p. 35) TLDP:422

Related Witnesses:

Joseph Smith,
receiving the Word of the Lord

Behold, this is the promise of the Lord unto you, O ye my servants.

6. Wherefore, be of good cheer, and do not fear, for I the Lord am with you, and will stand by you: and ye shall bear record of me, even Jesus Christ, that I am the Son of the living God, that I was, that I am, and that I am to come. (Revelation, Nov. 1831) D&C 68:5-6

Recorded in Exodus

And Moses said unto the LORD, O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither heretofore, nor since thou hast spoken unto thy servant: but I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue.

11. And the LORD said unto him, Who hath made man's mouth? or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? have not I the LORD?

12. Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say. (Moses is called by the Lord to deliver Israel from bondage) Exodus 4:10-12

464. There is joy in missionary service—the Lord greatly blesses the lives of those who serve as missionaries to the world.

Thomas S. Monson

President Heber J. Grant

Stephen L. Richards

Thomas S. Monson

We [the Church] care because the Lord, who knows the source of all happiness, has asked us to do it [share the gospel with others] and has assured us blessings and happiness and joy if we will do it. We care because when we share the gospel with others, we unavoidably get outside of ourselves; we think and pray and work for the blessing of others, and this only further enriches and quickens us by the Holy Spirit. The list of by-products to ourselves is endless—growth in our testimonies, growth in our knowledge of the gospel, growth in our faith, more answered prayers. The eternal truth is: that which we willingly share, we keep; and that which we selfishly keep to ourselves, we lose. We care because we want all of our members everywhere to be happy. Is there any better reason? ("Status Report on Missionary Work," EN1977Oct:11) TLDP:424

Elder George Albert Smith

It is not an easy task; it is not a pleasant thing, perhaps, to be called out into the world, to leave our dear ones, but I say to you that it will purchase for those who are faithful, for those who discharge that obligation as they may be required, peace and happiness beyond all understanding, and will prepare them that, in due time, when life's labor is complete, they will stand in the presence of their Maker, accepted of Him because of what they have done. CR1922Apr:53

Elder George Albert Smith

A hundred years ago yesterday the Lord commenced this work. . . .

At that time he gave certain information. . . . The Lord said: "For, behold, I will bless all those who labor in my vineyard with a mighty blessing, and they shall believe on his words, which are given him through me by the Comforter, which manifesteth that Jesus was crucified by sinful men for the sins of the world, yea, for the remission of sins unto the contrite heart." [D&C 21:9]

I call attention to the fact that he made a promise that he would bless all those who labored in his vineyard, and since that time thousands of men and women have gone into the world to advocate the truth. I have met and visited with hundreds, yes and with thousands of them myself, and I have never heard one bear any other testimony than that the Lord had blessed him and given him great joy when he labored in his service. CR1930Apr:66

Joseph Smith,
receiving the Word of the Lord

Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God; . . .

13. And how great is his joy in the soul that repenteth . . .

15. 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 16. 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 (Revelation, June 1829) D&C 18:10,13,15-16

Joseph Smith,
receiving the Word of the Lord

President Heber J. Grant

In all my labors I got nearer to the Lord, and accomplished more, and had more joy while in the mission field than ever before or since. Man is that he may have joy, and the joy that I had in the mission field was superior to any I have ever experienced elsewhere. Get it into your hearts, young people, to prepare yourselves to go out into the world where you can get on your knees and draw nearer to the Lord than in any other labor. ("The President Speaks: Excerpts from the Utterances of Heber J. Grant," IE1936Nov:659) TLDP:423

Related Witnesses:

Stephen L. Richards

The knowledge, the tolerance, the adventure, the polish, and the experience which worldwide travel brings have been, during the whole history of the Church, the product of our missionary system. I feel sure that in no other communities on the earth is the percentage of those who have "seen the world" so large as in the villages, towns, and cities of the Latter-day Saints.

Such benefits, however, while important, are but incidental. The more vital results are deeper then enlarged information and polish. The fundamental character of our manhood and womanhood has been improved. Sacrifice has taught self-control. Giving has made for generosity as it always does. Teaching the virtues has brought them into application, and high spirituality has ingrained testimony and soul development. The general uplift in all standards of living which the Church has brought to its adherents is in no small measure directly attributable to its missionary system. CR1945Oct:55

Joseph Smith,
receiving the Word of the Lord

For, behold, I will bless all those who labor in my vineyard with a mighty blessing. . . . (Revelation received April 6, 1830) D&C 21:9

Joseph Smith,
receiving the Word of the Lord

President Brigham Young,
quoted by John A. Widtsoe

Those faithful Elders who have testified of this work to thousands of people on the continents and islands of the seas will see the fruits of their labors, whether they have said five words or thousands. They may not see these fruits immediately, and perhaps, in many cases, not until the Millennium, but the savor of their testimony will pass down from father to son. (In Bowery, Aug. 12, 1860, JD8:142) DBY:329

465. People are not to function as missionaries unless they are set apart and authorized to preach the gospel by one who has authority.

Elder Wilford Woodruff

Elder Lorenzo Snow

Elder Spencer W. Kimball

Joseph Smith

We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof. (The fifth of the thirteen Articles of Faith; letter to John Wentworth, March 1, 1842) Articles of Faith :5

Elder Wilford Woodruff

Men cannot legally and authoritatively go forth to preach the Gospel until they are sent: and men cannot hear the word and be converted by the same unless they hear it through the mouth of a preacher who is sent, and who has power to administer in the ordinances of the Gospel. (In Assembly Hall, March 26, 1882, JD23:78) TLDP:417

Joseph Smith,
receiving the Word of the Lord

Again I say unto you, that it shall not be given to any one to go forth to preach my gospel, or to build up my church, except he be ordained by some one who has authority, and it is known to the church that he has authority and has been regularly ordained by the heads of the church. (Revelation "embracing the law of the Church," Feb. 9, 1831) D&C 42:11

Elder Lorenzo Snow

We send our elders to preach the Gospel. Who sends them? President Woodruff? In one sense, no. The God of Israel sends them. It is His work. There is no mortal man that is so much interested in the success of an elder when he is preaching the Gospel as the Lord that sent him to preach to the people who are the Lord's children. (Millennial Star, July 16, 1894, p. 451) TLDP:417

Joseph Smith

And again, verily I say unto you, those who desire in their hearts, in meekness, to warn sinners to repentance, let them be ordained unto this power. (Revelation, Aug. 1831) D&C 63:57

Elder Spencer W. Kimball

"We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands, by those who are in authority to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof."

In accordance with this policy each missionary is called of God through the president of the Church. This is the way that Aaron received his call. Moses, the Lord's prophet, gave to him the call from the Lord.

In the assigning of missionaries there are numerous factors, the chief one being the inspiration received by the Missionary Executive Committee, who review carefully and prayerfully all of the recommendations sent to them by the stakes and missions. As this committee makes recommendations, it considers numerous factors: worthiness, age, experience, military status, home, finances, health, language ability, desires, quotas, limitations of countries, requests, nationality, general attitudes, and the needs of the various missions. When all these factors have been duly weighed, a sincere effort is made to ascertain where the person can make the greatest contribution; the inspiration of the Lord is sought earnestly. The tentative assignment is made subject to approval by the president of the Church, who then signs the call and has it mailed to the prospective missionary. ("How Is the Missionary's Place of Assignment Determined?" NE1972Feb:37) TLDP:417

466. Every person who has received the gospel is under obligation to take the gospel to his or her neighbor.

George F. Richards

President Heber J. Grant

George F. Richards

Every man and every woman that comes into the Church, every convert, is expected of the Lord to be a missionary for him, whether he be called to labor at home or abroad, or having no calling whatever specially given unto him. CR1933Oct:115

President Brigham Young,
quoted by John A. Widtsoe

We wish the brethren to understand the facts just as they are; that is, there is neither man or woman in this Church who is not on a mission. That mission will last as long as they live, and it is to do good, to promote righteousness, to teach the principles of truth, and to prevail upon themselves and everybody around them to live those principles that they may obtain eternal life. (Words to departing missionaries, April 1867, JD12:19) DBY:322

Elder George Albert Smith

It is my firm conviction . . . that unless we stir ourselves more than we are doing, that when we go to the other side of the veil, we will meet there men and women who have been our neighbors, and associates, and lived among us, that will condemn us because we have been so inconsiderate of them in not telling them of the truth of the gospel of our Lord. CR1916Oct:49-50

Joseph Smith,
receiving the Word of the Lord

Behold, I sent you out to testify and warn the people, and it becometh every man who hath been warned to warn his neighbor.

82. Therefore, they are left without excuse, and their sins are upon their own heads. (Revelation, Dec. 27/28, 1832; the "olive leaf message of peace") D&C 88:81-82

John A. Widtsoe

In our pre-existent state, in the day of the great council, we made a certain agreement with the Almighty. The Lord proposed a plan, conceived by him. We accepted it. Since the plan is intended for all men, we become parties to the salvation of every person under the plan. We agreed, right then and there, to be not only saviors for ourselves, but measurably saviors for the whole human family. We went into partnership with the Lord. The working out of the plan became then not merely the Father's work, and the Savior's work, but also our work. The least of us, the humblest, is in partnership with the Almighty in achieving the purpose of the eternal plan of salvation. . . . (Utah Genealogical and Historical Magazine, Oct. 1934) MPSG1967:87

Joseph Smith,
receiving the Word of the Lord

Joseph Smith

After all that has been said, the greatest and most important duty is to preach the Gospel. (Joseph addresses the quorums of the priesthood in Kirtland Temple, April 1837) HC2:478; DCSM:39

Orson F. Whitney

The obligation of saving souls rests upon every man and woman in this Church—if not with equal weight, at least proportionately, according to their strength, their time, their opportunities, their abilities; and they cannot get out from under this responsibility on the plea that it belongs only to such and such persons. Did not the Lord say, through Joseph the Seer, at the beginning of this work, "Behold, it is a day of warning, and not of many words: Therefore, let every soul that is warned, warn its neighbor"? [See D&C 63:58; 88:81] CR1913Oct:99

Related Witnesses:

President Heber J. Grant

I want to emphasize that we as a people have one supreme thing to do, and that is to call upon the world to repent of sin, to come to God. And it is our duty above all others to go forth and proclaim the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, the restoration again to the earth of the plan of life and salvation. . . . We have so much to look after, so many business interests, so many important things, so far as dollars and cents are concerned, that we are neglecting the one great thing of all; namely, the proclaiming of the gospel, and making what people call sacrifices but what actually are the exact opposite. We have in very deed the pearl of great price. We have that which is of more value than all the wealth and the scientific information which the world possesses. We have the plan of life and salvation. The first great commandment was to love the Lord our God with all our hearts, might, mind and strength; and the second was like unto it, to love our neighbor as ourselves. And the best way in the world to show our love for our neighbor is to go forth and proclaim the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, of which he has given us an absolute knowledge concerning its divinity. CR1927Apr:175-76

467. The Saints of God are to be a light to the world by setting an example of righteous living.

Francis M. Lyman