The missionary objective of these meetings is to report, plan, and coordinate assignments to find, teach, fellowship, and activate.

“The Prophet Joseph said at one time that one of the greatest sins of which the Latter-day Saints would be guilty is the sin of ingratitude. I presume most of us have not thought of that as a great sin. There is a great tendency for us in our prayers and in our pleadings with the Lord to ask for additional blessings. But sometimes I feel we need to devote more of our prayers to expressions of gratitude and thanksgiving for blessings already received. We enjoy so much.”

Ezra Taft Benson  |  “Remembrance and Gratitude,” Ensign, November 1989, pp. 12-13

My mission president when I arrived on my mission was Mark A. Benson a son of then-President Benson. I distinctly remember visiting them after returning home from our missions. Sister Benson told me she had never heard “Daddy” in prayer ask for anything for himself. It was always asking for blessings for others and mostly prayers of gratitude.

My dear Ward Missionaries. I hope so much that this past week was wonderful for you and your family. I hope that you have felt the love of Jesus Christ increase in your heart and homes. Hopefully you will be able to talk face to face to at least one new “friend”. Thank you so much for your willingness to serve.

I’m grateful for each of you and your willingness to try to develop these friendships. Only 30 minutes a week and great are the rewards. Plant those seeds. As you plant in others, the Lord will plant new seeds in you also. God bless each of you. Please let me know either personally, by individual text or email or phone call, know of your efforts. To make it easier on each of you this can be our Missionary Coordination Meeting. 

But, I need so much to receive feedback from each of you.  I really appreciate those of you who have communicated with me.  It is very helpful in letting the Bishop, Relief Society President, and Elders Quorum President, Primary and Sunday School Presidents, the Young Women, and Aaronic Priesthood Leaders know of the flock they each have stewardship over. If there is anything I can do to help you or your families, please do not hesitate to let me know. 

Gratitude and Thanksgiving for our Savior Jesus Christ. It is Him who we serve when serving our fellow brothers and sisters.

Only 30 minutes a week!

Take advantage of the Holidays, it makes meeting our families much easier. Take time to reflect on the many many things and people you are grateful for. Especially our personal families, ward families, and most of all our Heavenly Parents and Jesus the Christ !!!!!!!

Below is a picture of a tree that overcame the strength and hardness of a rock to eventually break through and flourish over time. It has such a wonderful message for each of us. That is what this life is all about. Planting seeds is our decision if we are planting good or bad, God-like seeds, or evil seeds throughout our lives.

I love each of you. I witness to each of you that your Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ love you. They will assist you in your efforts to simply plant seeds.

May the good Lord bless each of you in your personal lives. May he bring peace, charity, health, revelations and the righteous desires of your hearts. In Jesus name Amen.

Steve Larsen

801-380-8307

sglarsen@gmail.com