October 3, 2010 - President Bishop's Letter

Dear Elders and Sisters,


We enjoyed visiting with many of you for the Fundamentals from Preach My Gospel: Teaching More Effectively. These eight lessons are not secret. They are not really new, since all of the content comes directly from the scriptures and Preach My Gospel. Each of you should have a copy. These lessons should help all of you improve upon the great teaching skills you already have. Please study these lessons and use the principles as you teach. Practice them with your companions and others in your zone and district. Also, continue to study the rest of Preach My Gospel, especially chapter 3 as you prepare to teach investigators.

This weekend we will be able to attend conference. Please encourage all members and investigators to enjoy a conference weekend, attending all 4 or 5 of the two hour sessions. Conference is a spiritual outpouring that is the culmination of months of prayer, practice, and searching by those chosen by God to lead us today. Go to conference with questions. Take notes. Encourage those you teach to do the same. Conference is a great time of revelation and we can participate and receive our own revelation by being fully engaged.

Starting last month, we asked all missionaries to set goals and make plans on a month to month rather than based upon move call. We encourage you to plan for October and think of goals and plans in terms of this month. You will also begin receiving mission calendars for the month, instead of for the move call. This is a change that the Missionary Department has asked all missions to do.

There have been questions and some discussions about investigators partaking of the sacrament. General Handbook of Instructions says the following:

“Although the sacrament is for Church members, the bishopric should not announce that it will be passed to members only, and nothing should be done to prevent nonmembers from partaking of it.”

Because of this quote, I need to retract what I said last week in Gaoxiong. We should teach the significance of the sacrament and why partaking of the sacrament is special to us as members. We should not in any way discourage investigators from partaking of it.

A few weeks ago in my letter, I asked the Elders to shine their shoes each week. As I visit the mission, I still see many shoes which are scruffy. Elders, please shine your shoes today, and every Saturday thereafter. Put a note in your planner to remind you. This will present a professional image worthy of the Savior whom we represent. Also, our reverence and punctuality at sacrament meeting can improve. Please refer to pages 17-18 of the Missionary Handbook and pages 3-4 of the Taichung Mission rules regarding church attendance. Please read those sections again today and be a great example of how to attend church.

I am so grateful for the opportunity to serve with you. As I make suggestions, I hope you know it is out of love and my desire for you to be great missionaries. I want you to live up to the great potential you have. I love you and pray for you always.

President Bishop