From The Mission President Week of June 13, 2016

Texas Houston Mission

 

Monday, June 13, 2016

Hope Amidst Perilous Times

To the Missionaries of the Great Texas Houston Mission,

In 2 Timothy chapter 3, Paul describes the last days in this way:

1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.

2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,

3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,

4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;

5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

This weekend saw the largest massacre in US history in Orlando, Florida. An armed gunman, allegedly from ISIS, entered a nightclub and killed 50 people. It was a senseless and tragic killing. Our hearts go out to the victims and their families. The gunman was also killed. Although these kinds of events shouldn't be a surprise to readers of the Book of Mormon, they have many looking for hope and peace. 

I met one such man this weekend when out teaching with Elders Hanks and Stringham. When asked why he felt prompted to let the missionaries in, the investigator mentioned that he has experienced an increasing sense of hopelessness when he watches the news, politics and current events. He felt like he ought to turn his thoughts to God. 

We testify just as the prophet Joseph Smith did from Liberty jail when he said: 

12 For there are many yet on the earth among all sects, parties, and denominations, who are blinded by the subtle craftiness of men, whereby they lie in wait to deceive, and who are only kept from the truth because they know not where to find it.

Elders and Sisters, we not only know where to find it, but we possess it. Recognizing this, we must follow Joseph's counsel when he then admonishes us:

13 Therefore, that we should waste and wear out our lives in bringing to light all the hidden things of darkness, wherein we know them; and they are truly manifest from heaven--

14 These should then be attended to with great earnestness.

17 Therefore, dearly beloved brethren, let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed.

Let us do all we can do to help those "searching for the truth" so they CAN find it or find us. We love you and testify that His arm will be revealed as strive to qualify for His power.

Love,

President and Sister Mortensen