RDH July 15

July 15, 2014
...An Introduction Letter From My New Pres...
Dear Fellow Missionaries,
What a week!  I was blessed enough to meet with more than half of you one-on-one in interviews and it has been confirmed...we really do have the best missionaries in the world!  Next week I get the chance to interview the rest of the best!
Bless you as you labor each day to find the elect.
Just a quick reminder...
(3 Nephi 5:13) "I am a disciple of Jesus Christ...I have been called of Him to declare His word..."
Q:  How do disciples behave?  How will I know I am a disciple?
A:  (John 13:35) Love!
      (2 Nephi 31:20)  1-Steadfast in Christ  2- Brightness of Hope  3- Love of God  4- Love of all men
In some interviews I have shared my observation of what makes successful people and therefore successful missionaries: 1- Be obedient. Totally.  To whatever the current rules are before you.
2- Work.  Work.  Work.  3- Serve and love others  (Arrows pointed outward)  "Develop the Habit of Helpfulness."  4- Strive and listen to the Spirit  5- Seek to be converted yourself.
I could give hundreds of examples of friends and colleagues who have developed some of these attributes, but are missing out on others.  For example,  I have wealthy friends who have learned how to work and amass a fortune, but are not happy.  The have learned the joy of service to others, but only service to self...and they are miserable.  Work on all five, and you will be a successful missionary.
Sister Hanks and I love each of you.  We also respect and honor you for your service to God and your fellow man.  We know you do hard things every day.  Tonight, when you return home to your apartments, I want you to do a couple of things.  Look in the mirror and say...I can do hard things.  I can do hard things.  I can do hard things.  Then ask the person in the mirror...Who did I help today?
We love you.
STEADFAST IN CHRIST!
President and Sister Hanks