October 22, 2016 will long be remembered as a highlight in our lives as we, the missionaries of the Washington Federal Way Mission, were privileged to meet with four General Authorities in one meeting with our whole mission!

 
We met with Elder Ronald A. Rasband - Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, Bishop W. Christopher Waddell - 2nd Counselor in the Presiding Bishopric, Elder L. Whitney Clayton - Senior President of the Presidency of the Seventy and Elder Robert M. Call - Fifth Quorum of the Seventy member. Each missionary was privileged to shake the hands of all the general authorities.  Words are inadequate to express the powerful experience we all had as we were instructed by the brethren and taught by the spirit.  We were told to listen and to let our thoughts and impressions teach us the things we individually needed.

• Ask your missionary what they felt the highlights of the meeting were - how it was especially meaningful for them.

     Some of the highlights: President and Sister Rasmussen bore powerful testimonies along with Elder Rex and Sister Ericson. Elder Call shared his feelings about reading his missionary journal recently.  His memories of his mission are that it was wonderful, but it seemed all he wrote about in his journal was how hard it was and all the difficulties.  He referred to D&C 93.  Struggle is natural.  Difficulties = Wonderful!

Bishop Wadell

     Bishop Wadell referred to D&C138: 56 "Even before they were born, they, with many others, received their first lessons in the world of spirits and were prepared to come forth in the due time of the Lord to labor in his vineyard for the salvation of the souls of men."  Our "Due Time" is now!
We were born to serve here and now and to serve under the direction of President Rasmussen.
He told of a talk he gave at the MTC about "Serving on a Mission" vs I "Went on a Mission".  Serve in the vineyard, don't just go to the vineyard.  Look outward instead of inward.  3rd Nephi 17 - our role as missionaries is not to heal them, but to bring them.  We invite all to come unto Christ.  Invite them- Christ heals them!

Elder Clayton

      Elder Clayton said the Book of Mormon is designed to be "evidence".  Have confidence that the Book of Mormon has power to prove the church is Christ's church and the only true church on earth.

Elder Rasband

Elder Rasband commented on how many key holders there were in our meeting, and explained some of the different keys held by the leaders of the Federal Way Mission, the Federal Way Stake and the General Authorities.

If the prophet, President Thomas S. Monson, were here he would say two things to you; "I love you" and "thank you".

Prior to the meeting, all missionaries were given the opportunity to  read and study Elder Rasband's talk given in 2010 General Conference when he was a member of the Presidency of the Seventy "The Divine Call of a Missionary". (We encourage you to read and study the talk yourself.  It carries a powerful message.)
He reminded us that our families are sacrificing with us for a season as we serve the Lord.  President Monson calls missionaries, a member of the quorum of the 12 apostles assigns missionaries, and President Rasmussen also assigns missionaries as transfers and new opportunities happen.
Elder Rasband told us to not "whine about our assignment"!  Doctrine and Covenants 109: 22-23.
Help "all" to come unto Christ.  Whatever area we are assigned to, whatever companion we are assigned are all inspired decisions.  No whining!  *Commit to being obedient missionaries*!
Learn everything you can about Christ - topical guide has 57 topics under "Christ".
Elder Rasband said the formula for success is the more you know Him,
                                                                          the more you love Him,
                                                                          the more you will want to serve Him!
Serve the Lord out of Love! He asked us "Will you strive to be obedient, 100% obedient missionaries out of love for Jesus Christ?"

The day of hastening the work of salvation is here - Doctrine and Covenants 88:73.



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Oh, how about this? (Double click on picture to get full view)   Don't we all look so happy?  It was an amazing day!

Washington Federal Way Mission                   October 22, 2016