President Summerhays Letter

April 4, 2011

President’s Letter

Dear Sisters and Elders,

General Conference is always so edifying. Like most of you, my love for President Monson increased and I again received the sweet witness of his prophetic mantle. I also received witness of the enormous privilege of our missionary service in this specific time . I felt so grateful to be serving with you. I love you.

Conference began with the choir singing, “Glory to God on High”. We need to remember that is really why we are here-to bring glory to God on high by bringing souls to Christ. Christ came to the earth to obey the Father and to bring Him the glory and allowing us to return. The opening prayer included the plea that we would be able to apply what we would learn in conference.

I was inspired by the humility of Elder Holland as he reminded us of the responsibilities of the General Authorities to teach us in our diversity. They go forth in their callings, not of their own strength, but in the Strength of the Lord. Therefore they go forth in peace, confidence and happiness. I have witnessed that many of you are doing that as well.

Elder Ballard confirmed that we as a mission are on the right course. He said that as our members are filled with the love of Christ, they will want to work with the missionaries. Missionary work requires the help of every member. Missionaries cannot do it alone.

Elder Walter Gonzalez (who is the General Authority for our region) pleaded for those who were once among us to please come back. We have been doing that too. His promises will be fulfilled as we make and keep sacred covenants.

Elder Bednar gave the church members magnificent promises related to receiving personal revelation as he compared the light of a light switch to the light of the rising sun. Our ability to humbly receive revelation in faith will largely determine our ability to see miracles in this work.

We can do so much more as we plead in faith and go forth “in the strength of the Lord.” We can do so much more than we could otherwise. We must all strive with all our hearts to tap into this power. Faith includes confidence in the mission and power of the Holy Ghost. Through faith you receive answers to your prayer and personal revelation to guide you in the Lord’s work.… (PMG p 117)

I have never felt more confident in you and in this work.

Much was said about God’s promises to us. Elder Carl B. Pratt reminded us that the Lord remembers and fulfills all of His promises based on our obedience to the commandments. Cecil Samuelson said that those who pay the price will receive God’s promises. Elder Nelson reminded us that ‘angels are round about us to bear us up’.

Joseph translated the plates from April 7 to June 30. It will be our goal to read it in that time.

As we read the Book of Mormon we will be specifically looking for His promises. (look for more information from your Zone Leaders at ZDM). I witness to you that God is a God of promises and pray that as you see His promises in the Book of Mormon, and if needed, may you insert them into your daily missionary life. The promise is sure-if you can do that here on your mission you can do it for the rest of your lives.

I want to add my testimony. I feel such an overwhelming love for my Savior, Jesus Christ after hearing so many witnesses of Him from His special witnesses. I love you and I believe in you.

President Summerhays