by David E Bay, High Councilor

Returned missionaries sometimes speak about the growth that occurs to them spiritually and emotionally during their missions. Often growth comes as a result of struggles.

My first missionary assignment was to the Tokyo Third Ward in Kichijoji, Tokyo, Japan. I struggled to connect and fit in. The language was difficult, and the culture was very different from what I knew and felt comfortable with. I was discouraged and darkness began to creep into my world. Surrounded by crowds, I never felt more alone in my entire life.

One day I began to think about the Primary songs that I knew. I don’t know if I sang out loud or if only in my head. However, everything began to brighten for me. I could feel the love of my Heavenly Father, not only for me but also for the people around me. For a while, I had no fear left. I began to speak to everyone on the subways in my halting and somewhat broken Japanese, I testified of Jesus Christ to businessmen, schoolboys, and even a member of the Japanese Parliament.

Later I was informed by letters from my family that on that same day, I had been so discouraged and had no answers to what to do, they had had special prayers and fasting for me in faraway Japan. I know that prayer is powerful in being able to help us receive the blessings of heaven.

We have been blessed as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost. What a difference the Spirit makes. Through the power of the Spirit, we are able to see and comprehend things with eternal value, and not to get caught up with this temporary, and imperfect world. We are encouraged to include activities that help us connect to the spirit in our everyday lives. We are encouraged to pray, not only always in our hearts, but morning noon and night, at our mealtimes, as families, and when we meet together. Daily study of the scriptures is encouraged; Come Follow Me gives us a pattern of what to study with family members, and members of the church throughout the world. Joseph Smith said, “I told the brethren that the Book of Mormon was the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion, and a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book” (History of the Church, 4:461). Personally, I find that studying from the Book of Mormon daily increases my connection to heaven. As President Ezra Taft Benson stated, “Every Latter-day Saint should make the study of this book a lifetime pursuit. Otherwise he is placing his soul in jeopardy and neglecting that which could give spiritual and intellectual unity to his whole life. There is a difference between a convert who is built on the rock of Christ through the Book of Mormon and stays hold of that iron rod and one who is not” (Ensign, May 1975, p. 65).

I found as a young missionary, that uplifting music, especially hymns referring to the Savior, Jesus Christ, powerfully brings the Spirit into our lives. Although the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has authority and ordinances, a lot of good uplifting music comes from throughout the world.

I also discovered as a missionary. bearing my testimony of Jesus Christ and His gospel as restored in latter-days through Joseph Smith and succeeding prophets brings a spiritual power as well. As we look and seek, we can find opportunities to share testimony with everyone we meet. As Saint Francis of Assisi stated, “Preach the gospel at all times, and when necessary, use words.”

Sometimes, testifying of Jesus Christ is embodied as we respond and serve those around us. Service is how Jesus lived His mortal life. He was always aware of those around Him and doing what He could to bless their lives.

I pray that our Heavenly Father will bless you to receive revelation and guidance through the Gift of the Holy Ghost as we prepare for what President Russell M Nelson teaches, “Our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ, will perform some of His mightiest works between now and when He comes again. We will see miraculous indications that God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, preside over this Church in majesty and glory. But in coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost. My beloved brothers and sisters, I plead with you to increase your spiritual capacity to receive revelation.”