Message to bishops and branch presidents as they consider delivering a message to their ward members

21 May 2020

Bishops and Branch Presidents…

I have been pleased to find in my visits that nearly all of you, if not all of you, are planning to create a video message to deliver to your ward or branch members in the next week or two.

In my opinion, a 5th Sunday message would be an excellent time. But it’s your call. If we can be of help on how to create and post a video, let us know.

What to speak about?

You may have noticed at the bottom of the May 13 Notes from the Area 70 Conference Call there was a reference to something Elder Quentin L. Cook, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, said right at the end of the latest Area Training meeting attended by Elder Blunck, our Area 70.

Elder Cook apparently said to the Area 70s and mission presidents, “Brethren focus on two messages: the Restoration Proclamation and Hear Him!”

You may want to consider that counsel.

If you do, here are a couple of thoughts that came to me as I contemplated those topics. Feel no obligation to use them, they’re simply thoughts that may be of help.

RESTORATION PROCLAMATION

As you know, we just reviewed in our Come, Follow Me study Mosiah 18:9 where we are reminded that our baptismal covenant includes a promise by us to “stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places.”

In a recent podcast, I was intrigued by this insight:

When we talk about “witnesses” it’s usually in a court setting. A court setting means someone is being accused. 

So who is being accused? God is being accused.

We’ve all heard people say things like...

“If there was a God, He would not allow people to suffer like we see in the world.” 

“If God were real, there would be no wars.” 

“If God truly loved us, innocent children would not die.” etc.

So…are we ready to stand as witnesses on behalf of God? The Restoration Proclamation is indeed an example where modern-day prophets are standing as witnesses that Heavenly Father and His Son Jesus Christ live and love us. There is a Plan. “God is making known His will for His beloved sons and daughters.”

HEAR HIM!

President Nelson delivered a stirring address on Sunday morning in the last general conference where he declared, “It has never been more imperative to know how the Spirit speaks to you than right now."

In that message, President Nelson pointed out that the words “Hear Him” were uttered by God on three occasions when those present were in serious distress—with Peter, James and John on the Mount of Transfiguration, with Nephites at the temple after major destruction and darkness, and with Joseph Smith pleading for his life in the grove.

“Our Father knows that when we are surrounded by uncertainty and fear, what will help us the very most is to hear His Son,” President Nelson reminded.

Elder Bednar also presented some wonderful thoughts in a video on how he hears the Lord.

I hope the above is helpful. Again, feel no obligation to use these thoughts, I share them only with a desire to give you something to contemplate while seeking the Lord’s direction.

Thank you for presenting a gospel message to your ward members through video or email message. You were all called of God and I know He will sustain you in His own special way.

President Lewis