Elder Ronald A. Rasband
Elder Ronald A. Rasband’s talk is a call to action for senior members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to serve as missionaries in the gathering of Israel. He emphasizes the importance of missionary work and shares a heartwarming story of a family’s conversion through senior missionary service. Elder Rasband encourages senior members to use their life experiences to bless others through missionary service.
The Gathering of Israel
Elder Rasband discusses the significance of the gathering of Israel and its importance in the eyes of God.
“The gathering is the ultimate recognition that ‘the worth of souls is great in the sight of God.’ It is as simple as that.”
Scriptural references for further study:
- Doctrine and Covenants 18:10: “Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God.”
- Doctrine and Covenants 82:3: “For of him unto whom much is given much is required; and he who sins against the greater light shall receive the greater condemnation.”
The Need for Senior Missionaries
Elder Rasband highlights the shortage of senior missionaries and the need for experienced senior members to serve missions.
“That sobering moment has stayed with me: 10 couples to fill 300 requests.”
Scriptural references for further study:
- Doctrine and Covenants 4:3: “Therefore, if ye have desires to serve God ye are called to the work.”
- John 4:36: “And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together.”
The Guzman Family Conversion
Elder Rasband shares a touching story of a family’s conversion through the efforts of his parents serving as senior missionaries.
“Your father always had a sparkle in his eyes as he was teaching us about Jesus Christ. He tried to include my father in discussions and eventually won him over.”
Scriptural references for further study:
- Mosiah 28:3: “Now they were desirous that salvation should be declared to every creature, for they could not bear that any human soul should perish; yea, even the very thoughts that any soul should endure endless torment did cause them to quake and tremble.”
- Doctrine and Covenants 18:15: “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!”
Calls to Action:
- “I now invite you to take your know-how, coupled with your time-honored testimonies, and go on a mission.”
- “Mission fields around the world are pleading for your help. President Nelson has said of our senior missionaries, ‘They are young in spirit, wise, and willing to work.’”
- “As an Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ, I ask you to serve as a missionary in the gathering of Israel and perhaps even serve again. We need you—we need you. I now invite you to take your know-how, coupled with your time-honored testimonies, and go on a mission.”