"O ye that embark..."

"If you serve a mission faithfully and well, you will be a better husband, you will be a better father, you will be a better student, a better worker in your chosen vocation. Love is of the essence of this missionary work. Selflessness is of its very nature. Self-discipline is its requirement. Prayer opens its reservoir of power." - President Gordon B. Hinckley

I found this quote on the MTC website, and I found it to be very inspirational and uplifting to those who are preparing to serve a mission, those who are thinking about serving mission, or for those who know someone serving a mission.

I have faith in our Prophet, Gordon B. Hinckley, that what he says is true. There really is no better growing experience available for young men between the ages of 19 and 25. For the young women who serve after their 21st birthday, they to get to experience life and grow in ways not readily available except through a mission.

It’s a great blessing to do the Lords work, and to receive the blessing that he promises us. We’ll be able to continue to see these blessings throughout our life on Earth, and even throughout the eternities.

"Wherefore, I call upon the weak things of the world, those who are unlearned and despised, to thrash the nations by the power of my spirit." (D&C 35:13)

We are weak, but we can become strong in the Lord. The Lord through Joseph Smith says, “at all times, and in all places, [we] shall open [our] mouth and declare [His] gospel as with the voice of a trump, both day and night. And [he] will give [us] strength such is not known among men." (D&C 24:12)

“Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God; For, behold, the Lord your Redeemer suffered death in the flesh; wherefore he suffered the pain of all men, that all men might repent and come unto him. And he hath risen again from the dead, that he might bring all men unto him, on conditions of repentance. And how great is his joy in the soul that repenteth! Wherefore, you are called to cry repentance unto this people. And if it so be that you should labor all your days in crying repentance unto this people, and bring, save it be one soul unto me, how great shall be your joy with him in the kingdom of my Father! And now, if your joy will be great with one soul that you have brought unto me into the kingdom of my Father, how great will be your joy if you should bring many souls unto me!” (D&C 18:10-16).

There are many scriptures which testify of the great work that is currently going forward, and the blessings that come to those that work in His vineyard. These gifts include but are not limited to, a greater testimony, a better understanding of the Spirit, extra strength, pure joy, love for those you bring to the gospel, and many other blessings which He promises, both through prophets of old, and modern day prophets. The scriptures also say that another gift is, "everlasting salvation in the kingdom of God." (D&C 11:3)

As Section 4 in the Doctrine and Covenants says, "For behold the field is white already to harvest; and lo, he that thrusteth in his sickle with his might, the same layeth up in store that he perisheth not, but bringeth salvation to his soul; And faith, hope, charity and love, with an eye single to the glory of God, qualify him for the work. Remember faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, brotherly kindness, godliness, charity, humility, diligence. "

"O ye that embark in the service of God, see that ye serve him with all your heart, might, mind and strength, that ye may stand blameless before God at the last day.” (D&C 4:2). To prepare for your mission, "seek to obtain [His] word, and then shall your tongue be loosed; then, if you desire, you shall have [His] Spirit and [His] word, yea, the power of God unto the convincing of men. " (D&C 11:21). "Therefore, treasure up in your heart until the time which is in [His] wisdom that you shall go forth." (D&C 11:26). The lord says, "no one can assist in this work except he shall be humble and full of love, having faith, hope, and charity, being temperate in all things, whatsoever shall be entrusted to his care." (D&C 12:8).

There’s a lot of preparation required before the Lord can use you at his full disposal. Prepare now to serve diligently. If you need to work on acquiring some of the attributes the Lord says are necessary to missionary work, start acquiring them now, so that the Lord can use you as soon as you start your mission. The Lord knows when we are striving to do his will and will bless us for our efforts.

For more information on preparing to be a missionary, search the Doctrine and Covenants. The Lord gives many great revelations which can help strengthen us in his work. I have found it to be a great source in obtaining personal revelation and leaning how to better serve the Lord. I know those preparing to serve a mission can also use it to their advantage.

This is a great talk; I would encourage those who are preparing to serve the Lord on a mission, to read. http://www.lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-947-19,00.html

The Lord asks, “What manner of men ought ye to be?” Then in the same breath he gave this answer: “Even as I am” (3 Ne. 27:27). I know that serving a mission can make us more like our savior, in fact, we are helping the Lord bring salvation to the souls of all those we teach. Being like Christ opens the doors for the Lord and lets him bring Blessings into our lives. We should prepare now to gain Christ like attributes and grow in knowledge of the gospel. This will make us the best missionaries we can be, and the best children of our Heavenly Father that we can be. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.