{"id":6584,"date":"2013-09-08T20:58:41","date_gmt":"2013-09-09T03:58:41","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.pierfamily.com\/wordpress\/?p=6584"},"modified":"2019-08-21T14:28:32","modified_gmt":"2019-08-21T21:28:32","slug":"president-andersons-letter-september-8-2013","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.pierfamily.com\/wordpress\/2013\/09\/08\/president-andersons-letter-september-8-2013\/","title":{"rendered":"President Anderson’s Letter – September 8, 2013"},"content":{"rendered":"

We will continue interviews this week Tuesday, September 10th<\/sup> with Hialeah Zone; Wednesday, September 11th<\/sup> with Palm Beach Zone; Thursday, September 12th<\/sup> with Coral Springs and Miami Beach Zones; Friday, September 13th<\/sup> with Miami and Homestead Zones. Your Zone Leaders will coordinate the times and places. Have your area books ready.<\/p>\n

What an amazing opportunity we had to be taught at the feet of Elder Ulisses Soares of the Presidency of the Seventy on Saturday. I pray that all of you took good notes and will review them as you embrace the teachings he shared. Some of the things he shared with us:<\/p>\n

\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00b7\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 The importance of being a part of \u00c3\u00a2\u00c2\u20ac\u00c2\u0153hastening the work of Salvation\u00c3\u00a2\u00c2\u20ac\u00c2\u009d<\/p>\n

\u00c2\u00b7\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0 Steps to be called on a Mission starting from the pre-existence to our call from a Prophet of God<\/p>\n

\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00b7\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 Our acceptance and promise to fulfill our purpose and abide by the standards of a \u00c3\u00a2\u00c2\u20ac\u00c2\u0153Representative of Jesus Christ\u00c3\u00a2\u00c2\u20ac\u00c2\u009d<\/p>\n

\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00b7\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 What a \u00c3\u00a2\u00c2\u20ac\u00c2\u0153Representative of Jesus Christ\u00c3\u00a2\u00c2\u20ac\u00c2\u009d is<\/p>\n

\u00c2\u00b7\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0 Follow the example of Jesus Christ who was always obedient to his Father<\/p>\n

\u00c2\u00b7\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0 Missionary Handbook and Mission rules are not a book of suggestions, but a book of commandments<\/p>\n

\u00c2\u00b7\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0 What we need to do to have the miracles the Brother of Jared had when he saw the finger of the Lord and touched the stones for light<\/p>\n

\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00b7\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 Faith \u00c3\u00a2\u00c2\u20ac\u00c2\u201c Act \u00c3\u00a2\u00c2\u20ac\u00c2\u201c Spiritually create \u00c3\u00a2\u00c2\u20ac\u00c2\u201c Diligence<\/p>\n

\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00b7\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 \u00c3\u00a2\u00c2\u20ac\u00c2\u0153The successful Missionary\u00c3\u00a2\u00c2\u20ac\u00c2\u009d page 10 of \u00c3\u00a2\u00c2\u20ac\u00c2\u0153Preach My Gospel\u00c3\u00a2\u00c2\u20ac\u00c2\u009d<\/p>\n

\u00c2\u00b7\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0 Member work is crucial<\/p>\n

\u00c2\u00b7\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0 Christ invited everyone to follow Him, Open your Mouths, Matthew 4:19<\/p>\n

\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00b7\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 Don\u00c3\u00a2\u00c2\u20ac\u00c2\u2122t leave home with any blank spaces in your planner, Spiritually create for every hour<\/p>\n

\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00b7\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 And of course the \u00c3\u00a2\u00c2\u20ac\u00c2\u0153Apostolic Blessing\u00c3\u00a2\u00c2\u20ac\u00c2\u009d he left on us, our mission, our areas and those we find and teach<\/p>\n

I was touched when Elder Soares related the story while serving as a Mission President in Portugal, and one of his missionaries asked \u00c3\u00a2\u00c2\u20ac\u00c2\u0153President, have you ever seen Jesus Christ?\u00c3\u00a2\u00c2\u20ac\u00c2\u009d I loved his answer, \u00c3\u00a2\u00c2\u20ac\u00c2\u0153No, I have not personally seen Jesus Christ. But I see Jesus Christ when I look at you.\u00c3\u00a2\u00c2\u20ac\u00c2\u009d<\/p>\n

This made me think about how each of you have Jesus Christ radiate from your countenance. When you are worthy and obedient to represent Jesus Christ, others will see Him when they look at you and are taught by you:<\/p>\n

\u00c3\u00a2\u00c2\u20ac\u00c2\u0153And now behold, I ask of you, my brethren of the church, have ye spiritually been born of God? Have ye received his image in your countenances? Have ye experienced this mighty change in your hearts?… I say unto you, can ye look up to God at that day with a pure heart and clean hands? I say unto you, can you look up, having the image of God engraven upon your countenances?\u00c3\u00a2\u00c2\u20ac\u00c2\u009d (Alma 5:14,19)<\/i><\/p>\n

Because all of you have \u00c3\u00a2\u00c2\u20ac\u00c2\u0153spiritually been born of God\u00c3\u00a2\u00c2\u20ac\u00c2\u009d, and experienced \u00c3\u00a2\u00c2\u20ac\u00c2\u0153this mighty change in your hearts\u00c3\u00a2\u00c2\u20ac\u00c2\u009d to represent Christ, His image \u00c3\u00a2\u00c2\u20ac\u00c2\u0153engraven upon your countenances\u00c3\u00a2\u00c2\u20ac\u00c2\u009d. What a blessing to know that we not only represent Jesus Christ, but others will see Jesus Christ in us as we invite them to come to Him. Elder Wirthlin tells us that this image and countenance will be the light that radiates from us as we share His Gospel and the light that will radiate from those who accept and follow Christ:<\/p>\n

\u00c3\u00a2\u00c2\u20ac\u00c2\u0153We are the Savior\u00c3\u00a2\u00c2\u20ac\u00c2\u2122s disciples who \u00c3\u00a2\u00c2\u20ac\u00c2\u02dcshall go forth.\u00c3\u00a2\u00c2\u20ac\u00c2\u2122 All of us are \u00c3\u00a2\u00c2\u20ac\u00c2\u02dccalled of him to [be missionaries to] declare his word among his people.\u00c3\u00a2\u00c2\u20ac\u00c2\u2122 …We should follow the counsel of President Spencer W. Kimball and \u00c3\u00a2\u00c2\u20ac\u00c2\u02dcdo it,\u00c3\u00a2\u00c2\u20ac\u00c2\u2122 and he added, \u00c3\u00a2\u00c2\u20ac\u00c2\u02dcDo it right now.\u00c3\u00a2\u00c2\u20ac\u00c2\u2122… We all have the sacred obligation and joyful opportunity to throw open the windows of light and truth by proclaiming the blessings of everlasting life to a darkened world… We can experience no greater joy than to see the light of the gospel shine in the eyes and face of a newly baptized brother or sister who has \u00c3\u00a2\u00c2\u20ac\u00c2\u02dcspiritually been born of God,\u00c3\u00a2\u00c2\u20ac\u00c2\u2122 who has \u00c3\u00a2\u00c2\u20ac\u00c2\u02dcexperienced [a] mighty change in [heart],\u00c3\u00a2\u00c2\u20ac\u00c2\u2122 and who has \u00c3\u00a2\u00c2\u20ac\u00c2\u02dcthe image of God engraven upon [his or her countenance!]\u00c3\u00a2\u00c2\u20ac\u00c2\u2122… If we are to fulfill the Lord\u00c3\u00a2\u00c2\u20ac\u00c2\u2122s command to open the windows of heaven to all of our brothers and sisters, we must prepare to teach the gospel. With study of the scriptures, fasting, and prayer, we fortify our testimonies. We cultivate Christlike attributes of \u00c3\u00a2\u00c2\u20ac\u00c2\u02dcfaith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, brotherly kindness, godliness, charity, humility, [and] diligence\u00c3\u00a2\u00c2\u20ac\u00c2\u2122 (D&C 4:6)\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0Through exemplary obedience, we can \u00c3\u00a2\u00c2\u20ac\u00c2\u02dclet [our] light so shine before men, that they may see [our] good works, and glorify [our] Father which is in heaven.\u00c3\u00a2\u00c2\u20ac\u00c2\u2122 (Matthew 5:16) By keeping the commandments, we can light our gospel candle and put it \u00c3\u00a2\u00c2\u20ac\u00c2\u02dcon a candlestick; and it giveth light unto\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0all\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0that are in the house\u00c3\u00a2\u00c2\u20ac\u00c2\u2122.\u00c3\u00a2\u00c2\u20ac\u00c2\u009d(Matthew 5:15) (Joseph B. Wirthlin, General Conference, October 1995)<\/i><\/p>\n

<\/i>An evidence that conversion has taken place to those we find and teach, are when we \u00c3\u00a2\u00c2\u20ac\u00c2\u0153see the light of the gospel shine in the eyes and face of a newly baptized brother or sister who has \u00c3\u00a2\u00c2\u20ac\u00c2\u02dcspiritually been born of God,\u00c3\u00a2\u00c2\u20ac\u00c2\u2122 who has \u00c3\u00a2\u00c2\u20ac\u00c2\u02dcexperienced [a] mighty change in [heart],\u00c3\u00a2\u00c2\u20ac\u00c2\u2122 and who has \u00c3\u00a2\u00c2\u20ac\u00c2\u02dcthe image of God engraven upon [his or her countenance!]\u00c3\u00a2\u00c2\u20ac\u00c2\u2122.\u00c3\u00a2\u00c2\u20ac\u00c2\u009d How great indeed is our joy!!!<\/p>\n

Many will see Christ in your countenance and want you to share it with those they love and care about:<\/p>\n

\u00c3\u00a2\u00c2\u20ac\u00c2\u0153We got out of the car to look for a less active in this building, and at the foot\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0of the staircase, there was a man who was smoking, had tattoos, and was\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0yelling. We were going to pass him up. \u00c3\u00a2\u00c2\u20ac\u00c2\u02dcJust give him a card\u00c3\u00a2\u00c2\u20ac\u00c2\u2122 I thought.\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 We gave him a card, and he opened up. \u00c3\u00a2\u00c2\u20ac\u00c2\u02dcHey, I’m looking for a church. Where’s your church at?\u00c3\u00a2\u00c2\u20ac\u00c2\u2122 We blessed him and he felt so peaceful. He accepted church, but didn’t feel ready for baptism. He then said \u00c3\u00a2\u00c2\u20ac\u00c2\u02dcBut my sister, Amy and John need a prayer. She lives up the stairs on the left and so does Chris and he lives…\u00c3\u00a2\u00c2\u20ac\u00c2\u2122 and he showed us where they lived without us even asking. We blessed his sister and she accepted baptism and when we left we saw another guy up the same staircase and blessed him and he wanted to come to church and his girlfriend accepted baptism as well. We finally went to the less actives door, and no one lived there. But if we had passed the first guy, knocked on the less actives door and left, nothing would have happened. I am so grateful we listened to the Spirit!\u00c3\u00a2\u00c2\u20ac\u00c2\u009d<\/i><\/p>\n

Many will go to great lengths to feel and see the influence of Christ that you radiate:<\/p>\n

<\/i>\u00c3\u00a2\u00c2\u20ac\u00c2\u0153Probably to top the whole week off was what happened on Sunday. Our baptism fell through so we weren’t really expecting to have an incredible Sunday. Then one of the members in our ward came up to us and introduced us to this man who wanted to learn more about the gospel. Now get this; He lives about 10 miles away from the church. He has no car and decided to come to church because of a pass along card given to him from the Elders with the address for the church. He took two buses and walked all the way to the church on the faith of a pass along card! We invited him to be baptized yesterday and he said Yes!!! He is so amazing President! I love being a missionary!\u00c3\u00a2\u00c2\u20ac\u00c2\u009d<\/i><\/p>\n

Many will recognize you as Christ\u00c3\u00a2\u00c2\u20ac\u00c2\u2122s representatives and show gratitude to the gift of Christ you deliver:<\/p>\n

<\/i>\u00c3\u00a2\u00c2\u20ac\u00c2\u0153She answers the door and we say we are representatives of Jesus Christ. She then starts getting emotional and says \u00c3\u00a2\u00c2\u20ac\u00c2\u02dcI KNOW YOU, I KNOW YOU!!\u00c3\u00a2\u00c2\u20ac\u00c2\u2122\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0She then goes into the story of how she has come across many LDS people\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0in her life but had never been able to meet with missionaries and how she was wondering where we\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0disappeared too. She then told us how she grew up in the Muslim faith and when she was younger she had a dream\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0Where Jesus Christ appeared to her and she was then converted to\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0Christianity. She then told us that before she even met any missionaries or knew about our church she\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0had an odd\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0dream where she met a man in the 1800’s by the name of Joseph Smith who\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0was carrying a book (The Book of Mormon).\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0She then sadly\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0related to us how she was not on talking terms with God and that she had a hard time believing that he existed. She had just barely muttered under her breath \u00c3\u00a2\u00c2\u20ac\u00c2\u02dcGod, where are you? I need you…\u00c3\u00a2\u00c2\u20ac\u00c2\u2122 And then we showed up and knocked on her door. We conversed with her about the Book of Mormon, Joseph Smith, Jesus Christ,\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0and BAPTISM. She accepted baptism and told us\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0\u00c3\u00a2\u00c2\u20ac\u00c2\u02dc I know how important the words of the scriptures are, but what you just did for me means more to me than anything that\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0you will find in the Scriptures. I did not believe in God but because of what you just did I know he is there\u00c3\u00a2\u00c2\u20ac\u00c2\u2122.\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0.. we can inspire the hearts of the Children of God, this really is his work …he truly prepares his people!\u00c3\u00a2\u00c2\u20ac\u00c2\u009d<\/i><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

President Faust tells us that the image of Christ increases in us when our relationship with God and His Son Jesus Christ increases:<\/p>\n

\u00c3\u00a2\u00c2\u20ac\u00c2\u0153Alma asks if we have received His image in our countenances. A sacred light comes to our eyes and countenances when we have a personal bond with our loving Heavenly Father and His Son, our Savior and Redeemer. With this bond our faces will mirror that \u00c3\u00a2\u00c2\u20ac\u00c2\u0153sublime assurance\u00c3\u00a2\u00c2\u20ac\u00c2\u009d<\/i><\/i>that He lives. (President James E. Faust, Gen. Conf. October 2005)<\/i><\/p>\n

President Uchtdorf teaches us that that image of Christ increases when our Christ like example increases for others:<\/p>\n

\u00c3\u00a2\u00c2\u20ac\u00c2\u0153The most effective way to preach the gospel is through example. If we live according to our beliefs, people will notice. If the countenance of\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0Jesus Christ\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0shines in our lives, if we are joyful and at peace with the world, people will want to know why. One of the greatest sermons ever pronounced on\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0missionary work\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0is this simple thought attributed to Saint Francis of Assisi: \u00c3\u00a2\u00c2\u20ac\u00c2\u02dcPreach the gospel at all times and if necessary, use words\u00c3\u00a2\u00c2\u20ac\u00c2\u2122.\u00c3\u00a2\u00c2\u20ac\u00c2\u009d (President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, General Conference, April 2011)<\/i><\/p>\n

What better time to see the image and countenance of Christ, than in His servants, as we \u00c3\u00a2\u00c2\u20ac\u00c2\u0153Prepare for the Prophets\u00c3\u00a2\u00c2\u20ac\u00c2\u009d. This preparation and experience will increase the mirror image of Christ and amplify this great work in us.<\/p>\n