A plea to help parents prepare more diligently their young men to serve missions

25 April 2018

Bishops, Branch Presidents and Stake Leaders,

I must confess I’ve become a bit disheartened lately as I’ve begun to visit individually with all high school seniors in our stake (or as many as will accept an invitation to visit with me). So far I’ve met with four young men from the Damascus, Estacada, Sandy River and Walters Hill wards.

First let me say, these are still boys. They’re teenagers! So I need to remember they're still young and consequently cut them some slack. Also, I recognize that meeting with four doesn’t mean this is a valid reflection of all 20 of our high school seniors (9 YM, 11 YW). But all are 18 years of age and on the brink of graduating from high school thus being eligible to receive the Melchizedek Priesthood, make covenants in the temple and serve a full-time mission. 

All four YM come from active homes where the father holds the Melchizedek Priesthood. So, frankly, I expected a bit more.

So far, I have found that…

…none are reading scriptures daily;

…none are praying daily (usually 2-3 times per week);

…none are even attempting to say morning personal prayers in addition to their occasional evening prayers;

…none have personally read the Book of Mormon cover to cover;

…none have been taught by their father about the Melchizedek Priesthood;

…only one fasts regularly;

…only one attends the missionary prep class at the Institute;

…only two pay tithing consistently;

…only two received their patriarchal blessing;

…only two are on track to serve a full-time mission.

I forgot to ask about a current, limited-use temple recommend. My guess is that there would be two.

You can see why this has been a disheartening experience. 

This is NOT an indictment of the youth in our stake. But it may be an indication that parents are not stepping up to prepare their sons to (1) receive the Melchizedek Priesthood, (2) make covenants in the temple and (3) serve a full-time mission.

I am attaching an updated version of the Expectations of Full-Time Missionary Candidates that the stake presidency first issued four years ago. Please consider using this document to teach parents about their sacred role in preparing their children at an early age—as early as eight years of age, if not earlier—to understand the expectations and importance of their sons (and daughters) being prepared to (1) receive the Melchizedek Priesthood (for YM), (2) make covenants in the temple and (3) serve a full-time mission (optional for YW).

Regular family prayers, family scripture study, Family Home Evening, and personally ministering to each of their children have never been more important in the lives of our youth. We need parents who are engaged in their children’s personal devotions—helping them become converted so they are prepared for a life of enjoying the blessings of the gospel.

Please make this a topic of discussion in stake, ward, quorum (RS class) and family councils. 

As stake and ward leaders, our role is to minister to parents and do all that we can to assist them in preparing their families—their posterity—for the Second Coming. Hopefully the Brethren’s emphasis on ministering will give us an even more effective vehicle for reaching and aiding parents.

Gratefully,

President Lewis

P.S. Feel free to forward this email, if you choose.