“My Lord Will Have Need of Me”

Here’s my article for the November Senior Missionary Newsletter:

In Elder Rasband’s recent October 2023 General Conference address, as an Apostle of Jesus Christ, he invited each of us to serve as a missionary in the gathering of Israel. Elder Rasband invited us to “take your know-how, coupled with your time-honored testimonies” and go and serve. We have each answered that call. We are here!

Each one of us has an interesting story about how we came to be here. And we’ve each had experiences that have prepared us in particular ways for the work we are doing now. We are not usually asked to do a job that is unfamiliar to us, but often our assignments are challenging and perhaps out of our comfort zone. Perhaps some of us feel underutilized or like we could be doing more.

There is a powerful paragraph in the missionary handbook, Adjusting to Missionary Life that talks about serving from our strengths:

Make a list of your strengths, talents, and spiritual gifts. Your strengths are part of the Lord’s storehouse, from which He draws to bless His children and build His kingdom. A crucial part of your mission is to cultivate your gifts and consecrate your strengths to help others come to Christ. Focus more on what you do well than on what you do wrong. Plan ways each week to develop and use your gifts to serve and bless others (see D&C 82:18–19).

It may feel awkward to talk out loud about the things you are good at, but it’s important that we think about our own specific gifts and talents so we can figure out how to use them.

Heavenly Father created us. He gave us what we have. He made us who we are. He wants us to use the gifts we’ve been given to help or succor others (see Mosiah 2:34; 4:16). King Benjamin invites us to “succor those that stand in need of your succor.” Pay careful attention your gifts and how you can use them. Also notice gifts others have and compliment them, praise them, and celebrate their unique offerings, as they use their strengths in our missionary zone and in our areas of service.

There are missionaries among us who have life-long careers that have prepared them for specific work here. There are missionaries here who have particular hobbies or talents that are now put to use. There are some who are happy, friendly, and helpful to everyone around them, able to step in to help wherever they are needed. Every gift or talent represented here is a part of the Lord’s storehouse from which he draws to bless others here, now. Thank you for your willingness to be here now, sharing in ways that only you can.

Activity: Look at your Patriarchal Blessing. Pay attention to any spiritual gifts, talents, or strengths that are mentioned there. List them. Now add to that list any other gifts, talents, interests, or hobbies you may have—things that you are good at. Be generous with yourself. Then look for ways to use those gifts in your service here! You will be a blessing to others in more ways than you can imagine!