Missionary Work – Quote Catch

Highs and Lows Poem
Alma 17: 1-4…1 And now it came to pass that as Alma was journeying from the land of Gideon southward, away to the land of Manti, behold, to his astonishment, he met with the sons of Mosiah journeying towards the land of Zarahemla. 2 Now these sons of Mosiah were with Alma at the time the angel first appeared unto him; therefore Alma did rejoice exceedingly to see his brethren; and what added more to his joy, they were still his brethren in the Lord; yea, and they had waxed strong in the knowledge of the truth; for they were men of a sound understanding and they had searched the scriptures diligently, that they might know the word of God. 3 But this is not all; they had given themselves to much prayer, and fasting; therefore they had the spirit of prophecy, and the spirit of revelation, and when they taught, they taught with power and authority of God. 4 And they had been teaching the word of God for the space of fourteen years among the Lamanites, having had much success in bringing many to the knowledge of the truth; yea, by the power of their words many were brought before the altar of God, to call on his name and confess their sins before him.
Alma 17:1 -18… Alma and the sons of Mosiah reunite during their missions, and give great guidance on how they found success, what their afflictions were like, and what they sacrificed to be missionaries.
Alma 17: 5…. Now these are the circumstances which attended them in their journeyings, for they had many afflictions; they did suffer much, both in body and in mind, such as hunger, thirst and fatigue, and also much labor in the spirit.
Alma 17: 6... Now these were their journeyings: Having taken leave of their father, Mosiah, in the first year of the judges; having refused the kingdom which their father was desirous to confer upon them, and also this was the minds of the people; 7 Nevertheless they departed out of the land of Zarahemla, and took their swords, and their spears, and their bows, and their arrows, and their slings; and this they did that they might provide food for themselves while in the wilderness. 8 And thus they departed into the wilderness with their numbers which they had selected, to go up to the land of Nephi, to preach the word of God unto the Lamanites.
D&C 135:3… Joseph Smith, the Prophet and Seer of the Lord, has done more, save Jesus only, for the salvation of men in this world, than any other man that ever lived in it. In the short space of twenty years, he has brought forth the Book of Mormon, which he translated by the gift and power of God, and has been the means of publishing it on two continents; has sent the fulness of the everlasting gospel, which it contained, to the four quarters of the earth; has brought forth the revelations and commandments which compose this book of Doctrine and Covenants, and many other wise documents and instructions for the benefit of the children of men; gathered many thousands of the Latter-day Saints, founded a great city, and left a fame and name that cannot be slain. He lived great, and he died great in the eyes of God and his people; and like most of the Lord’s anointed in ancient times, has sealed his mission and his works with his own blood; and so has his brother Hyrum. In life they were not divided, and in death they were not separated!
Jacob 5: 70 -72 …70 And it came to pass that the Lord of the vineyard sent his servant; and the servant went and did as the Lord had commanded him, and brought other servants; and they were few. 71 And the Lord of the vineyard said unto them: Go to, and labor in the vineyard, with your might. For behold, this is the last time that I shall nourish my vineyard; for the end is nigh at hand, and the season speedily cometh; and if ye labor with your might with me ye shall have joy in the fruit which I shall lay up unto myself against the time which will soon come. 72 And it came to pass that the servants did go and labor with their mights; and the Lord of the vineyard labored also with them; and they did obey the commandments of the Lord of the vineyard in all things.
Jacob 6:2 -3…2 And the day that he shall set his hand again the second time to recover his people, is the day, yea, even the last time, that the servants of the Lord shall go forth in his power, to nourish and prune his vineyard; and after that the end soon cometh. 3 And how blessed are they who have labored diligently in his vineyard; and how cursed are they who shall be cast out into their own place! And the world shall be burned with fire.
Mosiah 3:20 -21… 20 And moreover, I say unto you, that the time shall come when the knowledge of a Savior shall spread throughout every nation, kindred, tongue, and people. 21 And behold, when that time cometh, none shall be found blameless before God, except it be little children, only through repentance and faith on the name of the Lord God Omnipotent.
“During the time Elder Smith was in England, very few of the people there accepted the message of the restored gospel. In his two years of service, “he did not make one convert, did not have opportunity to perform one baptism, although he did confirm one convert.” 3 Unable to see many results of his labors, he found comfort in knowing that he was doing the Lord’s will and that he was helping prepare people who might receive the gospel later in their lives.” Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Fielding Smith, (2013), 262–72
Jacob 5:50 -51…50 But, behold, the servant said unto the Lord of the vineyard: Spare it a little longer. 51 And the Lord said: Yea, I will spare it a little longer, for it grieveth me that I should lose the trees of my vineyard.
Jacob 5:60 -63 …60 And because that I have preserved the natural branches and the roots thereof, and that I have grafted in the natural branches again into their mother tree, and have preserved the roots of their mother tree, that, perhaps, the trees of my vineyard may bring forth again good fruit; and that I may have joy again in the fruit of my vineyard, and, perhaps, that I may rejoice exceedingly that I have preserved the roots and the branches of the first fruit— 61 Wherefore, go to, and call servants, that we may labor diligently with our might in the vineyard, that we may prepare the way, that I may bring forth again the natural fruit, which natural fruit is good and the most precious above all other fruit. 62 Wherefore, let us go to and labor with our might this last time, for behold the end draweth nigh, and this is for the last time that I shall prune my vineyard. 63 Graft in the branches; begin at the last that they may be first, and that the first may be last, and dig about the trees, both old and young, the first and the last; and the last and the first, that all may be nourished once again for the last time
Jacob 5:41… And it came to pass that the Lord of the vineyard wept, and said unto the servant: What could I have done more for my vineyard?
Jacob 7: 24… And it came to pass that many means were devised to reclaim and restore the Lamanites to the knowledge of the truth; but it all was vain, for they delighted in wars and bloodshed, and they had an eternal hatred against us, their brethren. And they sought by the power of their arms to destroy us continually.
Jacob 5:74… And thus they labored, with all diligence, according to the commandments of the Lord of the vineyard, even until the bad had been cast away out of the vineyard, and the Lord had preserved unto himself that the trees had become again the natural fruit; and they became like unto one body; and the fruits were equal; and the Lord of the vineyard had preserved unto himself the natural fruit, which was most precious unto him from the beginning.
January 14th, 1995 – Saturday. Quito Ecuador – Jeffrey R. Holland Conference…”After, we all went to the chapel and we waited for Jeffrey R. Holland. He came in and it was a great feeling to be in his presence. During his talk his personality really showed. He has a great sense of humor. One time he went and kissed the translator on the cheek because he could not translate because the spirit was so strong. I had the opportunity to shake his hand which I’ll never forget. I also realized that the 12 Apostles love us. Elder Holland called President Hunter to tell him what he was going to do here in Quito. President Hunter told him to tell the missionaries that he loved them so much. I realized how much love the Savior has for me. I also realized that we have Angels all around us helping us and protecting us. They might even be our deceased loved ones.” – Clinton Brown Missionary Journal
January 14th, 1995 – Saturday. Quito Ecuador – Jeffrey R. Holland Conference… “He said the missionaries and the General Authorities are the only ones that can preach the gospel 24 hours a day, and be a witness of Jesus Christ. I realized how powerful we can be, and the importance of our calling to bring Souls to Christ. By way of his words, I know he has seen Jesus Christ. I know Jesus Christ lives and directs this work. It’s wonderful to think of the love that Jesus and God has for us. Without missionaries, God’s work could not continue. He needs us to be instruments.” – Clinton Brown Missionary Journal
“October 30th, 1994 – Sunday. Puyo Ecuador.… Tonight we talked to Wilson. We taught him the 3rd Charla and he became contentious. He told us that he’s seen people healed, and speaking in tongues. He and Elder Delgado were going back and forth when I decided and felt to bear my testimony. I asked him how many church’s Christ had. He said one with a ton of synagogues and messengers. I explained to him the fall of this Church of Christ & the Apostasy. He agreed. I then bore testimony that Christ restored the church through Joseph Smith, that Jesus Christ once again was the head of His church. That we had synagogues (churches) and messengers (missionaries throughout the world). I bore the truthfulness of the church & of Joseph Smith. His face changed from contention to peace & said he needs to find out for himself what is true. I told him he was exactly right & explained to him how to receive an answer. The Lord guided my thoughts & words. I know it.” – Clinton Brown Missionary Journal
Jacob 5: 2-3… And the day that he shall set his hand again the second time to recover his people, is the day, yea, even the last time, that the servants of the Lord shall go forth in his power, to nourish and prune his vineyard; and after that the end soon cometh. 3 And how blessed are they who have labored diligently in his vineyard; and how cursed are they who shall be cast out into their own place! And the world shall be burned with fire.
Alama 19: 16-31…A Lamanite Woman, Abish, was secretly converted to the gospel many years ago because of her Father’s vision, saw all that the Power of God was in action with Ammon, the Queen, the King and all the servants. She saw this as an “opportunity” could help the people believe in the power of God. So she “ran” from house to house telling everyone about it. Once the people saw what was happening, they began to argue whether it was from God or not. One man tried to kill Ammon, but before his “mission” he was blessed with protection. So that man fell dead when he tried to kill Ammon. The people began to argue even more, causing Abish to be sad and cry, and then she was prompted to go and take the hand of the Queen. As soon as she did this, the Queen arose and began to speak things of God. Her husband, King Lamoni, also rose. He saw the contention going on, and rebuked them, then taught them the gospel. All were converted because of the initial promptings and actions of the Lamanite Woman, Abish.
Alma 26: 27….Now when our hearts were depressed, and we were about to turn back, behold, the Lord comforted us, and said: Go amongst thy brethren, the Lamanites, and bear with patience thine afflictions, and I will give unto you success.
“The standard of truth has been erected. No unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing; persecutions may range, mobs may combine, armies may assemble, calumny may defame, but the truth of God will go forth boldly, nobly, and independent till it has penetrated every continent, visited every clime, swept every country, and sounded in every ear, till the purposes of God shall be accomplished and the great Jehovah shall say the work is done.” Joseph Smith, Saints: No Unhallowed Hand Volume 2, 1846-1893
“The motivation for raising the warning voice is love-love of God and love of fellowman.” 187th Annual General Conference, D. Todd Christoferson, April 2017
“When a man receives the surety in his heart that this work is true, when he gains a testimony by the power of the Holy Ghost, then he knows what the world does not know, and he can go forth and bear record of it to them.” Conference Report, Bruce R. McConkie
May 9, 1995 – Tuesday – Quito Ecuador… “Today was another spiritually uplifting day. We talked with President Farnsworth for about 4 hours! …..He also explained that the “Discussions are there to wake up what the investigators learned in the Pre-mortal life.” So the chosen are going to listen & remember only by the Spirit. The investigators that progress are chosen, those that don’t….we shouldn’t waste our time. He gave us a lot of advice & knowledge today…..I could see the importance of this missionary work. We need to find the chosen – and quick!!! I realize how important and urgent it is to inform the people. I also realized that the Lord was telling me to get prepared to not forget the changes I’d made here in the mission and to keep growing daily – spiritually. Man, I have a deep desire to learn more about the gospel and live it. Now I need to apply it. The desire doesn’t mean a thing if you don’t act on it. I pray I can live up to the calling I have now as a missionary and plus my calling I have in my life.” – Clinton Brown Missionary Journal
December 19, 1995 – Tuesday – Quito Ecuador… “I then spoke with President Farnsworth about the situation that we have in Santa Ana, how much Satan is working, and how we aren’t sure who has the blame, if we’re doing something wrong, etc. President said a lot of nice things to me. He told me that there hasn’t been on Z.L. who has had success there because Satan works so hard and the members don’t support. He told me that this is why I was there, to beat Satan. He told me that Satan was going to work even harder, and that as we keep doing our part we’ll beat him. President always knows how to hype me up.” – Clinton Brown Missionary Journal
December 28, 1995 – Thursday – Quito Ecuador… “A lot of appointments dogged us today. Satan was trying to deanimarnos (discourage us). But he can’t. THis morning we had Zone Study. Our Zone is sweet. We have a lot of fun together. Elder Herrera and I walked all over the place today. We had 3 charlas. Yesterday we had 6. Yesterday, during the Joseph Smith principle at the Bustamante’s house, the Spirit was so strong. It was in my whole body testifying that Joseph Smith is a true prophet. I have no doubt of that!!! We committed Marcelo Sifuentes and Mirian Zambrano to be baptized on the 7th of January. They’re neat people, and will be baptized. I love this work. At times I’m so tired, or want to give up, but no way. It’s like the 4th Quarter. Bear down and get ‘em. Before the mission I was worried because I had no excitement for the church. It was all Sports! I could get hyped up for Sports but not church. I prayed a lot during high school that the Lord would convert my excitement for Sports to excitement to Spread the Gospel. I tell you what, the Lord has answered my prayers. My adrenaline gets flowing to leave the house, hunt down the chosen, teach with the Spirit, and help people progress. I love it when the other team – Satan – tries to impede us or beat us. I get pumped to find out how to beat him.” – Clinton Brown Missionary Journal
December 29, 1995 – Friday (18 MONTHS as a missionary) – Quito Ecuador… “This morning we got up & felt early to do the January Calendar. It turned out funny. We then went to the Torres’ house and had a good talk with Hilda and Geovanna. They’re both going to be baptized. We next went to some inactives’ house. We were about to leave when Marcela Moreno (muy inactiva) told us to go and visit her friend. We went there, knocked on the door and we told them that we were sent by Marcela. They allowed us to go in. During the charla they had a few doubts, and a few worries but we helped them with the scriptures. In the middle of the charla, they started to cry. They told us of how Fernanda had separated from her husband last night, and she told us that she had been praying that God would help her. They told us that they know that we’ve been sent by God. We testified to them of it, and left. The Spirit was very strong. We made great contacts today. Our program is so packed. We need splits every night. We need to make a lot of contacts at the right time. I need to be worthy so that the Lord uses me as an instrument to convert many souls.” – Clinton Brown Missionary Journal
January 4, 1996 – Thursday – Quito Ecuador… “This morning Elder Abril & I took off to President Farnsworth’s house. We had a meeting with him to organize the mission, and talk about it’s 3 programs: Activate, Proselyte, Coordinate. President helped me to understand how Missionary work functions. 1st of all, the Stake President is in charge of all Missionary Work. He needs to establish a program in how to find investigators or the chosen in his stake boundaries. His program is the Stake Mission program: Stake Missionary President, Ward Mission Leaders, Stake Missionaries. The Bishop’s in their ward are in charge of fellowshipping and returning the new converts. He should plan activities and assign Home TEachers, give collings and priesthood, etc. The Regular Missionaries are there to just teach. Nothing else. They’re there to support the wards and the Stake Mission. After eating a great breakfast (by Sister Farnsworth) and finishing up the papers to send to the Area Presidency and Apostles, I waited in the office for Herrera. He got me and we took off to our citas. He taught 8 charlas in the morning. Sweet. We had a pretty successful day. Satan is getting all over me. I’m tired of him, his tricks, and his way of getting us.” – Clinton Brown Missionary Journal
March 25, 1996 – Tuesday – Quito Ecuador…“Elder Goettsche & I then left on a Split. We went to Valle de los Chillos together. Elder Batt was sick, so Elder Goettsche took over the lesson. We then went back to la Tola and our citas dogged us. We did a few important contacts, and we were very positive. That’s the key. Some missionaries get down when things don’t go their way. All we have to remember is that this is the Lord’s work. What He wants done will be done when He wants it done. Patience & Hard Work.” – Clinton Brown Missionary Journal
March 26, 1996 – Wednesday – Quito Ecuador…”We got a call from Elder Wisan last night and he told me that we needed to be in President’s house this morning. President Jay E. Jensen asked President Farnsworth to write up the Coordinator program so that he could take it up with him to Salt Lake City and the General Conference to suggest putting it in all South America. I feel it could be used in any part of the world that needs their leaders trained.” – Clinton Brown Missionary Journal