September Newsletter

Newsletter that was sent to the missionaries-- 

This has been an amazing month in the Great California Ventura Mission.  We had two Zone Conferences within three weeks.  We learned about being a Zion mission, JustServe, expanding our vision, “Yes Sayers”, SOS, and elevating our mission.  Elder and Sister Malm were such a breath of fresh air that helped us commit to serve the Lord.  If we can remember what touched your heart and put it into your daily activities then we can truly be a Zion mission. 

President Spencer W. Kimball shared his thoughts regarding Zion in a 1978 conference talk. 

“As important as it is to have this vision in mind, defining and describing Zion will not bring it about. That can only be done through consistent and concerned daily effort by every single member of the Church. No matter what the cost in toil or sacrifice, we must do it. That is one of my favorite phrases: ‘Do It’. May I suggest three fundamental things we must do if we are to ‘bring again Zion,’ three things for which we who labor for Zion must commit ourselves.

“First, we must eliminate the individual tendency to selfishness that snares the soul, shrinks the heart, and darkens the mind. …

“Second, we must cooperate completely and work in harmony one with the other. There must be unanimity in our decisions and unity in our actions. After pleading with the Saints to ‘let every man esteem his brother as himself’ (D&C 38:24), the Lord concludes his instructions on cooperation in these powerful words:  “‘Behold, this I have given unto you as a parable, and it is even as I am. I say unto you, be one; and if ye are not one ye are not mine.’ (D&C 38:27.)

“Third, we must lay on the altar and sacrifice whatever is required by the Lord. We begin by offering a ‘broken heart and a contrite spirit.’ We follow this by giving our best effort in our assigned fields of labor and callings. We learn our duty and execute it fully. Finally we consecrate our time, talents, and means as called upon by our file leaders and as prompted by the whisperings of, the Spirit. In the Church, we can give expression to every ability, every righteous desire, every thoughtful impulse. And as we give, we find that ‘sacrifice brings forth the blessings of heaven!’ (Hymns, no. [27].) And in the end, we learn it was no sacrifice at all.”

I invite you to lay aside differences and work together for the good of all “Yes Sayers”.  Turn on your antennas and respond to the SOS signals that you will feel.  Follow the Spirit as you teach and not necessarily the “lesson”.  The Lord will bless us all as we put “both feet in”. 

Enjoy the spirit of General Conference.  Focus on what might help those you know and share it with them. 

We love you and pray for your united success and joy in serving in the Great California Ventura Mission. 

President Dell C. Felix