In recent months, we’ve seen remarkable growth in the number of missionary applications and in the creation of new missions around the world. Many wonder why this is happening now when it contrasts with trends that suggest that the rising generation is less engaged in religiosity.
Several factors are probably operative, including some intentional changes the Church has made over the past several years for children and youth. One of the most important is focusing bishoprics more intensively on the rising generation, specifically on the young men and young women.
Another is that the For the Strength of Youth Conferences are more readily available. These are spiritual experiences for so many and spur interest in sharing the joy of the gospel.
Finally, more families are engaging in earlier scriptures study, especially with the aid of Come, Follow Me curriculum. This has altered Sunday worship practices.
As more young women choose to serve as sister missionaries, there seems to be a leavening effect. They affect the work with members, they affect how young elders serve, and they have a significant impact in their missions.
And importantly, young women and young men learn to work in counsel with each other. I believe this will have a major impact on the work of salvation and exaltation as these missionaries return home and already know how to work and function in councils in ward and stake settings.
What we are witnessing today is more than growth in numbers. Across the world, missionaries are demonstrating a deep devotion to the Savior and a sincere consecration to His work. An increasing number express that their fundamental reason for serving is their love for Jesus Christ and their desire to join Him in His work—an inspiring reflection of the faith and commitment that characterize today’s missionary force.
As the work goes forward, this is indeed a joyous and marvelous work and a wonder.
I think of President Russell M. Nelson as a servant of our loving Heavenly Father and His Son Jesus Christ and as a Prophet of love in preaching the restored gospel and in reaching out to all of God’s children.
I am so incredibly blessed and excited to announce my commitment to play soccer at the University of Nebraska! None of this would be possible without the Lord’s hand in my life.
Thank you so much to my parents, Taylor, siblings, friends, teammates, for supporting me through it all. Thank you to @gbaum30 and Zach for the countless Keeper sessions. Thank you so much to @MarcusKelcher , Emma and the @AthleticsKC Staff for helping me through this journey.
I want to thank the legendary coach John Walker and the Nebraska Staff for this opportunity. Can’t wait to go kick and catch balls with the best in the business, @DBBall29 !
GO BIG RED!!!🔴🌽🔴
@HuskerSoccer@Huskers@Nebraska247@SSN_Nebraska@SavUveges@ImYouthSoccer@ImCollegeSoccer@ECNLgirls@TopDrawerSoccer@PrepSoccer@TheSoccerWire@TopSpeedLLC
So grateful for this man and all he does to develop not only amazing soccer players, but quality young women as well!! Appreciate you @MarcusKelcher 🙏🏻
YES!!!! So incredibly proud and excited for you and your family. @HuskerSoccer is adding to their program one heck of a keeper and more importantly and amazing young lady.
Now the real work begins as we prepare you to play in the BIG10 Conference 💪🏼
You are loved more than you can imagine. Yes, you will face challenges. We all do. But please remember this: there is nothing beyond the reach of the infinite atoning gift of our beloved Savior, Jesus Christ.
I was blessed to join my fellow quorum member Elder Neil L. Andersen (@AndersenNeilL) and his wonderful wife, Kathy, on the @RootsTechConf stage a few days ago on International Women’s Day.
The sweet testimony shared by Sister Andersen reminded me of the love I have for my wife, Pat, and the gratitude I have for the good lives of the women of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (@Ch_JesusChrist).
Getting through each day is sometimes a challenge. You might have physical, emotional, or spiritual challenges that press upon you almost every day.
You are not alone. Your Heavenly Father knows you. He hears your prayers. He is aware of your every tear. He loves you with infinite love and watches over you.
With God, nothing is impossible.
The mission of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is to help people learn about and live the teachings of Jesus Christ, to share that message with the world, to strengthen and unite families, and to care for the poor and the needy.
Tithes paid by members of the Church support this mission and these responsibilities, benefiting God’s children all over the world.