President's letter August 2010

Dear Elders and Sisters:

As I read your weekly letters, I can’t help but compare your general condition and the challenges you face daily, to that of the humble Nephites, as recorded in the third chapter of Helaman.

The more humble part of the Nephites where subjected to persecution and had to “wade through much affliction”. Despite the daily challenges and difficulties of their condition it is recorded, “Nevertheless they did fast and pray oft, and did wax stronger and stronger in their humility, and firmer and firmer in the faith of Christ, unto the filling their souls with joy and consolation, yea, even to the purifying and the sanctification of their hearts, which sanctification cometh because of their yielding their hearts unto God”. (Helaman 3:35)

Like you, this group of Nephites were not perfect, but had yielded their hearts to God and were becoming sanctified in the process. Your prayers, scripture study, and spiritual understanding, have matured well beyond your pre-mission life.

Take time to look back and see how far you have come. When you have made an inventory of your remarkable progress, don’t forget to express gratitude to your Heavenly Father and then quickly re-commit yourself to this same pattern and principle of sanctification, which will bring you even greater joy and satisfaction in the months and years ahead.

Sister Perry and I are so grateful for our association with each of you and have learned much from your examples of faith and devotion. We love each of you and pray daily for your success and happiness.

President Perry

President's letter July 2010

Dear Elders and Sisters,

Sister Perry and I are thrilled to be here in the Virginia, Richmond mission! We have had the opportunity to shake your hands and look into your eyes and see of your goodness and desire to be effective missionaries. You are to be commended for your conduct and kindness to our family as we met together this past week. We are very grateful for your warm welcome.

We have a great desire to help you become more powerful teachers of the doctrine in your ministry. We have a sincere desire to help you succeed in your “purpose” of inviting others to come to Christ by helping them receive the restored gospel through faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement, repentance, baptism, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end.

I have a strong testimony of the power of prayer and the role it plays in softening the hearts of those we teach and those with whom we associate in this great work, and most importantly, our own hearts. I also believe prayer and fasting is the antidote to the pride cycle (see Helaman 3:34, 35).

We pray daily for your health, happiness, safety and success. We love you and look forward to our association together here in the mission and beyond.

Remember, we are on the Lord’s errand; therefore, we are entitled to His help. I testify this is His work and His glory in which we are engaged. He will help us if we are humble and obedient. As we exercise faith in Him, He will guide our steps and we will enjoy the company of His Spirit, of this I testify in the name of Jesus Christ, amen…

With love,

President Perry