Give the Lord Something to Work With
Give The Lord Something to Work With
President Quinn’s Weekly Message
California Santa Rosa Mission
January 6th, 2025
Congratulations! We finished this transfer with 37 baptisms. WOW! This is the highest number of baptisms in a transfer in CASRM since Sister Quinn and I arrived 18 months ago. We have also seen remarkable, even miraculous, growth in all our critical KIs. Thank you for the work you are doing. Your urgency to fulfill your missionary purpose, particularly since I offered the challenge back in September, is inspiring. As for the challenge, we finished with 63 baptisms. Just three short of our goal. A miraculous accomplishment by any measure. We will bring a treat to celebrate with you in our next ZC.
Sister Quinn and I were fortunate to meet with Elder Bednar in training sessions prior to beginning our mission. In one of the training sessions, Elder Bednar promised us the Lord would bless us with health. He encouraged us to find time each week to exercise. He counseled us, “give the Lord something to work with.” To follow this counsel, Sister Quinn and I are making time to exercise a minimum of 3 days each week.
I have pondered Elder Bednar’s counsel – “give the Lord something to work with” – several times. It is certainly good health advice but is also excellent advice for other aspects of life.
The Book of Mormon teaches this principle in the book of Ether, when the brother of Jared seeks the Lord’s assistance:
“And it came to pass that the brother of Jared, (now the number of the vessels which had been prepared was eight) went forth unto the mount, which they called the mount Shelem, because of its exceeding height, and did molten out of a rock sixteen small stones; and they were white and clear, even as transparent glass; and he did carry them in his hands upon the top of the mount, and cried again unto the Lord…” (Ether 3:1)
Are you able to see the things the brother of Jared did to “give the Lord something to work with?” He devises a plan, climbs a high mountain, prepares stones for the Lord to bless, and prays for the Lord’s assistance. Because of his efforts and great faith, he enjoys a miraculous experience with the Lord and is blessed in abundance. Please read this account in Ether 3.
In my own missionary service with you here in CASRM, I am trying to give “the Lord something to work with” by studying the scriptures, earnestly seeking the Lord’s guidance through prayer, and reading PMG each day. I mark and record my impressions and insights from my studies. I have found these impressions to be helpful and timely in interviews with you and in the development of training materials.
As you begin this new year, I invite you to consider ways you can “give the Lord something to work with” in fulfilling your missionary purpose. Please consider new ways and efforts in finding, teaching, studying, planning, inviting, helping your friends keep their commitments, more obedience to safeguards, enjoying more unity in your companionship, etc. I know the Lord will accept and multiply your offerings given in diligence, sincerity, and faith. Like the brother of Jared, who brought the Lord clear stones, I know that if you “give the Lord something to work with” he will magnify your offering. I promise you the results will be miraculous.
You are an inspiration to Sister Quinn and me. Thank you! We love you – and look forward to serving with you in this new year.
Love,
President Quinn
(630) 881-4030
