Talk given July 19 in the McDowell Mountain Ward Scottsdale AZ
Good morning Brothers and sisters
Im sure some of you are wondering, When they changed the mission age to 15… Mothers of the ward, don’t worry, they did not.
As said, my name is Broderick Dover, my family and I are new to the area, having just moved from Dallas Texas. Sadly it’s a quick transaction for me as I am leaving this Wednesday
A few months ago I came home from school. The day wasn’t particularly exciting until I got home. With a lot of anticipation, I opened my mailbox to find a good sized envelope, from the church. Inside that envelope was my calling for the next two years. I brought it inside, but I didn’t really know what to do. My parents were out of town waiting in the Denver airport to come home. At the moment I thought ill be a good kid and wait for them, but that mindset lasted for a minuet.
Ive had friends who have set up a mission call opening party, and I just don’t get how they waited so long. I stared at that letter for about thirty seconds and then decided I had to open it.
When putting in my papers I wasn’t really sure where I would get called to go. I asked for an adventure, and I got what I asked for.
I got my call to the San Pedro Sula in Honduras, and its going to be an amazing experience. Now that I got this call, I know that this is what I want. Im excited for the cultural experience, I am looking forward to the people ill meet, and I am ready to serve.
Having just finished high school, you get asked a lot about your future plans, and going on a mission is such a unique answer to a lot of people that ask me. While some people are surprised at the time commitment, or the fact that my mom lets it happen, everyone is usually appreciative of the fact that im giving up so much time for service. Wether it is the cashier at J crew wondering why im buying so many pants, or just a friend, people realize how great of an opportunity it is to serve.
There are currently 406 missions, hosting over 85 thousands missionaries around the world. So why do we serve?
Service is something we have grown up doing in the church. Whether its boy scouts, youth activities, baptisms for the dead, or home teaching, service is just something we as latter day saints do.
The easiest scripture to answer that would be Matthew 25:40
“Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.”
As followers of Jesus Christ, we have been given the perfect example of service. Jesus Christ dedicated his life to service, not only by suffering for our sins. In his lifetime on this earth he spent his time on earth helping others. He healed the sick, and helped the poor.
In these days, the lord has given us a commandment, found in D&C 81:5, to “succor the weak, lift up the hands which hang down, and strengthen the feeble knees.”
We are to be “anxiously engaged in a good cause, and do many things of ourown free will, and bring to pass much righteousness.”
As melchizedek priesthood holders, we hold an obligation through our priesthood. We receive our priesthood power through covenant, and to use its power in aid of those in need. Being a part of this church, we all have an obligation of service.
While on the high adventure lake trip the other week, brother LeSwear and I had just done some cliff jumps, and we were just swimming in the water, and he gave me some advice. He said, “there will be days as a missionary where everything seems to fall apart. It will seem like no one wants to listen to you, your appointments will cancel, and no one will open their doors for you. When this happens just take a break, and get some ice cream. While you take your break, focus on how great that ice cream is, and really enjoy it. Once you finish your ice cream, take that attitude, and jump back into your mission work.”
His advice reminded me of D&C 64:34, which says in regards to service, that “the Lord requireth the heart and a willing mind.”
When we serve the lord, it is crucial that we go in, all guns blazing. As a missionary, the key to success is having the spirit with us when we teach, and unless we go in, and commit ourselves in every way we can, we are wasting our time.
Elder Dallin H. Oaks said
“We learn from this command that it is not enough to serve God with all of our might and strength. He who looks into our hearts and knows our minds demands more than this. In order to stand blameless before God at the last day, we must also serve him with all our heart and mind.
Service with all of our heart and mind is a high challenge for all of us. Such service must be free of selfish ambition. It must be motivated only by the pure love of Christ.” But through service, we find love and joy.
Something I want to put a focus on, mission wise, is going in with a massive love for the people I will be serving. Honduras is going to be a completely new experience for me. Its definitely going to be great, but its going to be hard work. I am going to be experiencing a whole new culture, a culture that I really haven’t experienced yet. I know that if I focus my mission work purely on the love of the people, these difficulties will become insignificant and that my time in Honduras will be littered with blessings.
"Some missionaries may wonder whether they are in the right place, in the right mission. It is no accident for them to be where they are assigned. The Lord knows the missionaries. He knows their mission presidents. I think He knows who their companions will be. I don't know the detail to which He knows the future, but my impression is He knows a great deal.
He calls missionaries to the places they are assigned. So, even when it's difficult, you can have confidence that the Lord knew the difficulty in advance, and just as He assured Nephi that He wouldn't give a commandment save He prepared a way for it to be accomplished, missionaries can have that same assurance, tough as it may be, whatever the situation, that
the Lord knew the difficulties would be there. He has prepared a way. Have faith. Go forward."
Elder Henry B. Eyring
I know that I have been called at this time, and to this place for a reason. I know that the lord has many opportunities for me in the near future. I know that this church is true, and I am glad to have grown up in this church, and I have been blessed by a great family that has helped shape me into who I am today.
I end this talk with a message to the young men, there is no greater feeling than seeing your name on top of a mission call.
