First Presidency Message For September

The Influence of Righteous Women

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By President Dieter F. Uchtdorf Second Counselor in the First Presidency

Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “The Influence of Righteous Women,” Liahona, Sep 2009, 2–7

The scriptures give us names of several women who have blessed individuals and generations with their spiritual gifts. Eve, the mother of all living; Sarah; Rebekah; Rachel; Martha; Elisabeth; and Mary, the mother of our Savior, will always be honored and remembered. The scriptures also mention women whose names are unknown to us but who bless our lives through their examples and teachings, like the woman of Samaria whom Jesus met at the well of Sychar (see John 4), the ideal wife and mother described in Proverbs 31, and the faithful woman who was made whole just by touching the Savior’s clothes (see Mark 5:25–34).
As we look at the history of this earth and at the history of the restored Church of Jesus Christ, it becomes obvious that women hold a special place in our Father’s plan for the eternal happiness and well-being of His children.
I hope that my dear sisters throughout the world—grandmothers, mothers, aunts, and friends—never underestimate the power of their influence for good, especially in the lives of our precious children and youth!
President Heber J. Grant (1856–1945) said, “Without the devotion and absolute testimony of the living God in the hearts of our mothers, this Church would die.”1 And the writer of Proverbs said, “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6).
President Gordon B. Hinckley counseled the women of the Church:
“It is so tremendously important that the women of the Church stand strong and immovable for that which is correct and proper under the plan of the Lord. …
“We call upon the women of the Church to stand together for righteousness. They must begin in their own homes. They can teach it in their classes. They can voice it in their communities.”2
There is a saying that big gates move on small hinges. Sisters, your example in seemingly small things will make a big difference in the lives of our young people. The way you dress and groom yourselves, the way you talk, the way you pray, the way you testify, the way you live every day will make the difference. This includes which TV shows you watch, which music you prefer, and how you use the Internet. If you love to go to the temple, the young people who value your example will also love to go. If you adapt your wardrobe to the temple garment and not the other way around, they will know what you consider important, and they will learn from you.
You are marvelous sisters and great examples. Our youth are blessed by you, and the Lord loves you for that.

An Example of Faith

Let me share some thoughts about Sister Carmen Reich, my mother-in-law, who was truly an elect lady. She embraced the gospel in a most difficult and dark time of her life, and she liberated herself from grief and sorrow.
As a young woman—a widow and the mother of two young girls—she freed herself from a world of old traditions and moved into a world of great spirituality. She embraced the teachings of the gospel, with its intellectual and spiritual power, on a fast track. When the missionaries gave her the Book of Mormon and invited her to read the verses they had marked, she read the whole book within only a few days. She learned things beyond the understanding of her peers because she learned them by the Spirit of God. She was the humblest of the humble, the wisest of the wise, because she was willing and pure enough to believe when God had spoken.
She was baptized on November 7, 1954. Only a few weeks after her baptism, she was asked by the missionary who baptized her to write her testimony. The missionary wanted to use her testimony in his teaching to help others feel the true spirit of conversion. Fortunately, the missionary kept the handwritten original for more than 40 years, and then he returned it to her as a very special and loving gift.

A Testimony Born of the Spirit

Let me share with you parts of her written testimony. Please keep in mind that she wrote these words only a few weeks after hearing about the gospel. Before the missionaries came, she had never heard anything about the Book of Mormon, Joseph Smith, or Mormons in general. In 1954 there were no temples outside the continental United States, except in Canada and Hawaii.
This is the English translation of Sister Reich’s handwritten testimony:
“Special characteristics of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints that are not present in other religious communities include, above all, modern revelation given through the Prophet Joseph Smith.
“The Book of Mormon in its clear and pure language is next, with all the instructions and promises for the Church of Jesus Christ; it is truly a second witness, together with the Bible, that Jesus Christ lives.
“Bound together by faith in a personal God, that is, God the Father, God the Son, and the Holy Ghost, who facilitates prayer and also influences personally.
“Also, faith in the premortal life, the preexistence, the purpose of our earthly life, and our life after death is so valuable for us and especially interesting and informative. It is clearly laid out, and our lives receive new meaning and direction.
“The Church has given us the Word of Wisdom as a guide to keep body and spirit in the most perfect shape possible to realize our desire and goal. So we keep our bodies healthy and improve them. All this from the knowledge that we will take them up again after death in the same form.
“Totally new to me, of course, is temple work with its many sacred ordinances, having families together forever. All this was given through revelation to the Prophet Joseph Smith.”
Carmen Reich, my dear mother-in-law, passed away in 2000 at age 83.

A Unique Feminine Identity

The lives of women in the Church are a powerful witness that spiritual gifts, promises, and blessings of the Lord are given to all those who qualify, “that all may be benefited” (D&C 46:9; see verses 9–26). The doctrines of the restored gospel create a wonderful and “unique feminine identity that encourages women to develop their abilities” as true and literal daughters of God.3Through serving in the Relief Society, Young Women, and Primary organizations—not to mention their private acts of love and service—women have always played and will always play an important part in helping “bring forth and establish the cause of Zion” (D&C 6:6). They care for the poor and the sick; serve proselytizing, welfare, humanitarian, and other missions; teach children, youth, and adults; and contribute to the temporal and spiritual welfare of the Saints in many other ways.
Because their potential for good is so great and their gifts so diverse, women may find themselves in roles that vary with their circumstances in life. Some women, in fact, must fill many roles simultaneously. For this reason, Latter-day Saint women are encouraged to acquire an education and training that will qualify them both for homemaking and raising a righteous family and for earning a living outside the home if the occasion requires.
We are living in a great season for all women in the Church. Sisters, you are an essential part of our Heavenly Father’s plan for eternal happiness; you are endowed with a divine birthright. You are the real builders of nations wherever you live, because strong homes of love and peace will bring security to any nation. I hope you understand that, and I hope the men of the Church understand it too.
What you sisters do today will determine how the principles of the restored gospel can influence the nations of the world tomorrow. It will determine how these heavenly rays of the gospel will light every land in the future.4
Though we often speak of the influence of women on future generations, please do not underestimate the influence you can have today. President David O. McKay (1873–1970) said that the principal reason the Church was organized is “to make life sweet today, to give contentment to the heart today, to bring salvation today. …
“Some of us look forward to a time in the future—salvation and exaltation in the world to come—but today is part of eternity.”5

Blessings beyond Imagining

As you live up to this mission, in whatever life circumstance you find yourself—as a wife, as a mother, as a single mother, as a divorced woman, as a widowed or a single woman—the Lord our God will open up responsibilities and blessings far beyond your ability to imagine.
May I invite you to rise to the great potential within you. But don’t reach beyond your capacity. Don’t set goals beyond your capacity to achieve. Don’t feel guilty or dwell on thoughts of failure. Don’t compare yourself with others. Do the best you can, and the Lord will provide the rest. Have faith and confidence in Him, and you will see miracles happen in your life and the lives of your loved ones. The virtue of your own life will be a light to those who sit in darkness, because you are a living witness of the fulness of the gospel (see D&C 45:28). Wherever you have been planted on this beautiful but often troubled earth of ours, you can be the one to “succor the weak, lift up the hands which hang down, and strengthen the feeble knees” (D&C 81:5).
My dear sisters, as you live your daily life with all its blessings and challenges, let me assure you that the Lord loves you. He knows you. He listens to your prayers, and He answers those prayers, wherever on this world you may be. He wants you to succeed in this life and in eternity.
Brethren, I pray that we as priesthood holders—as husbands, fathers, sons, brothers, and friends of these choice women—may see them as the Lord sees them, as daughters of God with limitless potential to influence the world for good.
In the early days of the Restoration, the Lord spoke to Emma Smith through her husband, the Prophet Joseph Smith, giving her instructions and blessings: “[Be] faithful and walk in the paths of virtue before me. … Thou needest not fear. … Thou shalt lay aside the things of this world, and seek for the things of a better. … Lift up thy heart and rejoice. … And a crown of righteousness thou shalt receive” (D&C 25:2, 9, 10, 13, 15).
Of this revelation, the Lord declared, “This is my voice unto all” (verse 16).
Later, the Prophet Joseph Smith told the sisters, “If you live up to your privileges, the angels cannot be restrained from being your associates.”6
Of these truths I testify, and I extend to you my love and my blessing as an Apostle of our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.

Ideas for Home Teachers

After prayerfully studying this message, share it using a method that encourages the participation of those you teach. Following are some examples:

• 1. From the section “An Example of Faith,” read President Uchtdorf’s description of his mother-in-law, Carmen Reich. Then read Sister Reich’s testimony, and discuss the gospel principles she lists. Close by inviting family members to share examples of righteous women who have influenced their lives for good.
  
• 2. Referring to the section “A Unique Feminine Identity,” discuss the characteristics of a righteous woman. Using examples from the article, review ways that women can be righteous influences on others. Conclude by reading from the last section of the article.
  

For This Child I Prayed, by Elspeth Young; background © Getty Images
Photo illustrations by Matthew Reier; inset: Bread of Life, by Julie Rogers
Inset: Seed of Faith, by Jay Bryant Ward

Notes

1. Heber J. Grant, Gospel Standards, comp. G. Homer Durham (1941), 151.

2. Gordon B. Hinckley, “Standing Strong and Immovable,” Worldwide Leadership Training Meeting, Jan. 10, 2004, 20.

3. “Women, Roles of: Historical and Sociological Development,” in Daniel H. Ludlow, ed., Encyclopedia of Mormonism, 5 vols. (1992), 4:1574.

4. See “Hark, All Ye Nations!” Hymns, no. 264.

5. David O. McKay, Pathways to Happiness, comp. Llewelyn R. McKay (1957), 291–92.

6. History of the Church, 4:605.

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Finding Hope - In Honor of 9/11/01

 Some of my favorite "Mormon Messages" ....




















I hope you enjoyed!

Elder Holland opens Cameroon, Rwanda for preaching of the gospel

During a historic 16-day tour of Africa on Aug. 16-31, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve dedicated Cameroon and Rwanda for the preaching of the gospel. In so doing, he became the first known apostle to ever set foot in either nation.

Photo courtesy Africa Southeast Area

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, left, Elder Paul Koelliker, center, greet Mayor Masini of Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo.

 

 

"A dedicatory experience for a country is always spiritual," Elder Holland said during an interview with the Church News upon his return to Salt Lake City. "These two were particularly spiritual. Maybe it was because it was Africa. Maybe it was because of 'the last shall be first and the first shall be last,' with some who are getting the gospel later in our dispensation responding with such acceptance and delight. Maybe this is all part of 'an African moment.' "
His trip took him to seven countries in all, with the other stops on his itinerary being Ethiopia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Uganda and Zimbabwe. Elder Paul E. Koelliker of the Seventy and Africa Southeast Area president accompanied Elder Holland during his travels.

Photo courtesy Africa Southeast Area

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, second from left, and Elder Paul E. Koelliker stand with the Haile family in Ethiopia. Fikodu Haile earned his Duty to God award. 

 

 

Cameroon

Elder Holland gathered local Church leaders on a green hillside overlooking Cameroon's capital city of Yaounde and dedicated the country for the preaching of the gospel and the establishment of the Church. Standing on a large stone overlooking the city, he referenced the second chapter of Daniel regarding a stone being cut out of the mountain without hands and filling the earth, even the far reaches of the earth like Cameroon.
Later in the day, approximately 600 people gathered to hear Elder Holland speak at Yaounde's City Center. The building has a large rock atop its roof; the apostle elicited smiles from the congregation by commenting about how quickly the rock had moved from the side of the hill to the middle of the city following the dedicatory prayer.
Rwanda
Elder Holland dedicated Rwanda on Aug. 27 during a sacred moment on the top of a mountain overlooking the capital city, Kigali. Eric K. Hyde, president of the Kigali Branch, openly wept during the proceedings.

Photo courtesy Africa Southeast Area

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland greets young members of the Church in Uganda during his Africa tour.

 

 

"We are doing all we can, Father in Heaven, to reach to heaven," Elder Holland said during the dedicatory prayer. "We ask Thee with great affection, loyalty and love that Thou would bring heaven down to us. We ask that Thou would receive us here, as we stand tip-toe to enter Thy presence, feel Thy Spirit and build Thy kingdom."
Highlights
The African journey began when Elder Holland left Utah Aug. 16 and landed in Ethiopia's capital, Addis Ababa, on Aug. 18. While in Ethiopia, he spoke to missionaries, held a large fireside, and visited the home of Brother and Sister Yonas Haile. Their son, Fikodu, a 17-year-old priest, humbly showed Elder Holland his signed and completed Duty to God booklet. Fikodu is the first young man in Ethiopia to earn the award.
During a stake conference Aug. 22-23 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Elder Holland divided the Kinshasa DR Congo Masini Stake to create the Kinshasa DR Congo Kimbanseke Stake — DR Congo's eighth stake. Nearly 2,700 members gathered in two meetinghouses with the conference being broadcast from one location to the other over a local cable channel.

Photos courtesy Africa Southeast Area

George Kijjambu, 9, conducts an 80-voice children's choir during a meeting that Elder Jeffrey R. Holland addressed while in Kampala, Uganda.

 

 

Not wanting to disappoint the members gathered in the auxiliary chapel, Elders Holland and Koelliker asked members seated there to remain for a few minutes following the conclusion of the meeting so they could come and personally greet those members. The second building was filled to capacity. Members in both meetinghouses expressed gratitude at the chance to see and hear an apostle of the Lord.
"They had 56 men sustained to receive the Melchizedek Priesthood in just that one stake conference," Elder Holland said. "The Church in Africa is definitely growing."
Elder Holland took advantage of a five-hour plane layover in Nairobi, Kenya, to disembark and speak to the zone leaders of the Kenya Nairobi Mission.

Photo courtesy Africa Southeast Area

Church members gather with Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve to witness the dedication of the African nation of Rwanda for the preaching of the gospel. The dedication was part of Elder Holland's seven-nation tour. 

 

 

In Uganda, 9-year-old George Kijjambu impressed Elder Holland by leading an 80-voice choir of Primary children through a rendition of this year's new Primary hymn, "My Eternal Family," in front of 1,500 people. Elder Holland brought laughter to the audience when he said he was taking George's name back to Mack Wilberg of the Tabernacle Choir "just in case Brother Wilberg is thinking of retiring."
Also in Uganda, Elder Holland paid a visit to the New Hope for Africa school and orphanage. Nearly 150 orphans ages 4 to 17 live at New Hope for Africa, where the Church is providing new living quarters and other supplies for learning.
"I thought 'New Hope for Africa' was a wonderful metaphor for everything the gospel is doing," he said in the Church News interview. "But we still have a lot of work, a lot of challenges, a lot of Africa we're still not in."

Photo courtesy Africa Southeast Area

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, left, and Elder Paul E. Koelliker greet the mayor of the Masini district of Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo.

 

 

Elder Holland's travels wound down with a district conference Aug. 29-30 for the Mutare Zimbabwe District. He subsequently returned to Salt Lake City Aug. 31 after more than two weeks in the field.
"I want the Saints to know that Africa is one of the bright, beautiful emerging frontiers of the Church," he said. "It sounds ominous sometimes just to hear the word 'Africa' because we think of dangers. Like any other place there can be dangers, but for the Church and the members it is one highlight after another, one bright spot after another.
"These people are so given to faith. I've often thought that perhaps the Lord in His justice, mercy and outreach made up for what they don't have in material blessings by giving them an extra measure of spiritual blessing and insight."

Photo courtesy Africa Southeast Area

Church members gather around Elder Jeffrey R. Holland in Yaounde, the capital of Cameroon, at the site where he dedicated the African nation for the preaching of the gospel during his tour of Africa. 

 

 

Elder Holland referred to some literary references of Africa being "the dark continent."
He said he doesn't agree with that description. What is his description of Africa? "With the gospel of Jesus Christ it's a beautiful bright light to the world."

— Elder Eric Jackson of the Africa Southeast Area, and Jamshid Askar and Gerry Avant of Church News

Fast Sunday - September 6th, 2009 - (As Well As Lesson Reminders)

Hello Brethren,

Sunday September 6th, 2009 Is Fast Sunday, and is the date of which we will begin our new schedule for services; As follows;

Sacrament Meeting: 10:00 a.m to 11:00 a.m.
Priesthood / R.Soc.: 11:10 a.m. to 12:00 noon  (Including Young Men, Young Women)
Sunday School Class: 12:10 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Real Quick reminders:

Priesthood / Relief Society :First Presidency Message For September "The Influence of Righteous Women"


Gospel Doctrines: Lesson 31: "Sealed ... for Time and for All Eternity"


Perhaps Everyone, if unable to read over their class lessons or study guides, we could at least ensure we bring our materials, i.e. Scriptures, Class Member Study Guides / Ensigns (When appropriate). When we all go over the materials, or at least bring them, it makes our classroom experience more pleasant as we all will have the opportunity to read and participate in the classes. This is always helpful! Thanks!


*********************************************************************************
(Courtesy Newsroom Blog)

The Church's Unpaid Clergy
Posted By Doug Andersen

Personal sacrifice is vital to the religious faith of members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Members volunteer their time to serve in various positions in tens of thousands of congregations throughout the world. Their service is critical at the local level because the Church has no full-time paid clergy.

A recent article in the Hattiesburg American profiles one such leader, a bishop in one of 44 Mormon congregations in Mississippi.

Bishop Randall Silas, like other bishops, was selected locally, approved by the First Presidency in Salt Lake City and sustained by his congregation in Hattiesburg.

"Of all that I have to do, the key responsibilities are to love the members and to teach them to love the Lord," Silas said. "My goal is to get the teachings of the Savior into the lives of the people."

Bishops are supported by two assistants and a myriad of administrative and teaching staff. All contribute their time and energy without compensation.

Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Church's Quorum of Twelve Apostles spoke on the concept of an unpaid volunteer ministry:

"The Lord in His infinite wisdom has designed His Church to operate with a lay ministry. That means we have been charged to watch over one another and to serve one another. We are to love one another as our Father in Heaven and the Lord Jesus Christ love us. Our callings and circumstances change from time to time, providing us with different and unique opportunities to serve and to grow."

In addition to serving in the Church, bishops have their own careers and families to look after. While there is no stipulated period of service, it is common for a bishop to serve his congregation for about five years, at which time he returns to the body of the congregation or is assigned another responsibility elsewhere such as teaching a youth class, helping others find employment or even directing a choir.

September is here : Home Teaching Priority

 Good day to all of you brethren!

It, being the first day of September, 2009 I felt that the very first thing that should be spoken of, that should be addressed is the very message that seems to be the priority of most conversations in our discussions in Priesthood, that being "Home Teaching".

Personally, I have always fell short of all of any expectations because... I have fallen victim to the ignorant and even unappealing "Rationalizations" of the adversary when it comes to (Also what the adversary tries to foolishly convince you of) the feeling that you cant find the time to do that which you know without a doubt to be of high priority. In thinking this, the adversary attempts to lead your thought process to his first of a few steps to altogether attempt to thwart the work of the Lord.

Many times, I have oft found myself under that foolish thought process. Now, look for these signs of trickery and also recognize whom they come from.

How many Sundays come and go, as we, not only as brethren and fellow members of the church... but also as holders of The Holy Priesthood, hear our leaders admonish us on our Home teaching? How often do we hear our leaders plea for proper reporting on these matters?

Pulling from our leadership manuals, we see this:

"All leaders and Church members are to help accomplish the 'Mission Of The Church', which is to invite all people to "...come unto Christ, and be perfected in him" (Moroni 10:32)"

That's a broad mandate for us brethren, but it doesn't stop there! Consider this as well:

"To accomplish this mission, leaders help members:

*Proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ to every nation, kindred, tongue and people. Share the gospel by bearing testimony as prompted by the Spirit."

Our understanding and duty of proclaiming it should also, without doubt, reveal to us all that this mandate is not only for people who are not members, but even to them that are members! In being responsible home teachers, we need to get to know our families, active or inactive. The active members whom we Home Teach will still need to hear the message we have for them every month. It helps uphold their family! (The First Presidency Message; Ensign)

We are all to support, uphold, sustain, and endeavor to edify each other. Consider President Hinkley's remarks on this;

"As the Apostle Paul said, we no longer need be “strangers … , but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God” (Eph. 2:19). To the Thessalonians, he wrote of sustaining one another: “Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another. …
“And we beseech you … to know them which labour among you … ;
“And to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake” (1 Thes. 5:11–13)." 
(Living with our convictions - Click to be directed to above mentioned talk)

We need to polish our understanding of the gospel, and to better help you understand what I mean I will site some sources.

"We should each study the scriptures every day. We should share these truths with our children. Our standard works should be placed where our children will see them and learn to love them and use them for the truths they contain.


If we desire to avoid the evils of this world, we must feed our minds with the truth and righteousness found in the scriptures. We will grow closer to God and to each other as we read and ponder the scriptures together.


As we read, ponder, and pray about the scriptures and ask God for understanding, the Holy Ghost will bear witness to us of the truth of these things. We will each know for ourselves that these things are true. We will not be deceived (see Joseph Smith—Matthew 1:37). We can receive the same feelings Nephi expressed when he said, “My soul delighteth in the things of the Lord; and my heart pondereth continually upon the things which I have seen and heard” (2 Nephi 4:16)."
(Gospel Principles: Chapter 10; Page 55)

If we read our scriptures, our testimonies are strengthened. If our testimonies are strengthened, our resolve is renewed. If our resolve is renewed, our conviction and conversion will be ever present in all we do. This is not to say that life will be easy and temptations cast from us, as a matter of fact, it is quite to the contrary. As our resolve emboldens itself, stand on your tower and cast your eyes about you... be assured of one thing. Satan will declare war on those whom were weak in the things of the Gospel and then suddenly are seeking and finding strength. Its an all out war for him. I have experienced this in my conversion as well! We are not alone! President Hinkley also stated:

"...while there may be thorns and disappointments, while there may be heartache, even heartbreak, there can be peace and comfort and strength from the Lord for those who follow Him. For it is the Lord Himself who has said: 



“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

“Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls” (Matt. 11:28–29).

It is the Lord who has said that if we keep the commandments, “the Holy Ghost shall be [our] constant companion” (D&C 121:46) to buoy us up, to teach us, lead us, comfort us, and sustain us. To obtain this companionship, we need to ask for it, to live for it, to be loyal to the Lord."
(Living with our convictions)


Where might I be going with all this? See if you can find something in the above sited sources that could exclude the relevance of Home Teaching. Brethren, we need to put the work of the Lord first. It must needs be priority number one! If we say our Family Prayers in the morning, our burdens are easier to bear. If we put Family Scripture Study first, additional blessings and strengths are afforded us.

Elder Dallin H. Oaks of The Quorum of The Twelve Apostles once said:

"Wise are those who make this commitment: I will put the Lord first in my life and I will keep His commandments. The performance of that commitment is within everyone’s control. We can fulfill that commitment without regard to what others decide to do, and that commitment will anchor us no matter what timing the Lord directs for the most important events in our lives.

Commit yourself to put the Lord first in your life, keep His commandments, and do what the Lord’s servants ask you to do. Then your feet are on the pathway to eternal life. You do not know what will happen. Do your best on what is fundamental and personal and then trust in the Lord and His timing.

The most important principle of timing is to take the long view. Mortality is just a small slice of eternity, but how we conduct ourselves here—what we become by our actions and desires, confirmed by our covenants and the ordinances administered to us by proper authority—will shape our destiny for all eternity."
(See The Message: The Right Thing At The Right Time)

One other citation, (Which can be found at this link: Gospel Library: Gospel Topics: "Home Teaching")

Home teaching is the responsibility of all Melchizedek Priesthood holders and of those who are teachers and priests in the Aaronic Priesthood. As part of their responsibility to watch over the members of the Church, home teachers visit their assigned families at least once each month to teach and strengthen them. Home teachers establish a relationship of trust with these families so that the families can call upon them in times of need. 

In an address given at a general priesthood meeting of the Church, President Ezra Taft Benson taught:


"I feel impressed to speak to you about a priesthood program that has been inspired from its inception—a program that touches hearts, that changes lives, and that saves souls; a program that has the stamp of approval of our Father in Heaven; a program so vital that, if faithfully followed, it will help to spiritually renew the Church and exalt its individual members and families.


"I am speaking about priesthood home teaching. With all my heart, I pray that you will understand, by the Spirit, exactly my feelings about home teaching.


"Brethren, home teaching is not just another program. It is the priesthood way of watching over the Saints and accomplishing the mission of the Church. Home teaching is not just an assignment. It is a sacred calling.


"Home teaching is not to be undertaken casually. A home teaching call is to be accepted as if extended to you personally by the Lord Jesus Christ.


"The Savior Himself was a teacher. The only perfect man to walk the face of the earth was a humble, dedicated, inspired teacher who brought to His followers salvation and exaltation.


"Oh, that all the brethren of the Church would catch that vision of home teaching!


"Tonight I am not teaching new doctrine, but I am reaffirming old doctrine. Quoting from section 20 of the Doctrine and Covenants, revealed to the Prophet Joseph in April of 1830, the Lord declared to the priesthood:


" 'Watch over the church always, and be with and strengthen them;


" 'And see that there is no iniquity in the church.


" 'And see that the church meet together often, and also see that all the members do their duty' (D&C 20:53–55). 

" 'And visit the house of each member, exhorting them to pray vocally and in secret and attend to all family duties' (D&C 20:51). 

"Brethren, that is priesthood home teaching" ("To the Home Teachers of the Church," Ensign, May 1987, 48–49). 

In closing brethren, I want you all to know the great significance of Home Teaching. As I have been blessed to be a Home Teacher, I have had the privilege of seeing miracles happen. As I have bourne my testimony of The Savior and the work He has for us to do, I have seen my ability to love, even those whom I know not, grow. I only hope we can recognize the great significance of what was before mentioned by President Ezra Taft Benson when he said:

"Home teaching is not to be undertaken casually. A home teaching call is to be accepted as if extended to you personally by the Lord Jesus Christ."

Of such is my testimony brethren, and I leave it with you joyfully in the name of our Beloved Savior and Only Begotten of The Father, even Jesus Christ, Amen.