Light The World
Light The World
President Quinn’s Weekly Message
California Santa Rosa Mission
December 2nd, 2024
We have begun our annual Light the World campaign. I am grateful to our Technology Elders who prepared a beautiful card for us to share this holiday season. As we begin sharing these cards, I hope we will find opportunities to share our light through service.
Years ago, I took a group of young men on a high adventure. One of the activities of the trip was an afternoon spent exploring a cave. After descending into the cave, we came to a large, cavernous room. Our guide invited us to find a place to sit against the walls of the cave. He then asked us to turn off our head lamps. After each lamp was turned off, I experienced a darkness I had never witnessed before. I could see nothing – not even my hand held inches from my face. After a few moments, our guide invited a member of our group to turn on their headlamp. That single lamp lit up the entire room. It was an unforgettable lesson for me on the power of light to pierce darkness – the darkness of the cave had no power over the light.
The Savior taught, “I am the light and life of the world...” (3 Nephi 9:18) He spoke these words to the people on the American continent during the three days of darkness that witnessed His crucifixion in Jerusalem. Later He would bring His light to bless these people. So powerful was the light He brought, that the people enjoyed nearly 200 years of prosperity and peace following His visit.
We all have the responsibility to share our light. As a mission leader in CASRM, I have witnessed many acts of service that have brought light. I remember an STL that would bring a sheet of paper to each interview. The paper contained the names of each missionary in her zone. This STL described only those things she most admired about each missionary. Her desire to focus on the good qualities of her fellow missionaries, rather than their short comings, brought me light.
I remember missionaries serving on bikes – wet from head to toe, and with smiles on their faces, they came to meet with me in interviews. They did not complain about the stormy and wet weather, “President, I love serving on a bike. Thank you for this opportunity.” Their desire to serve the Savior outweighed the dark and stormy weather. Their faithful attitudes and diligence brought me light.
I think of our senior missionaries sacrificing their well-earned ease of retirement – and time with their children and grandchildren to serve in CASRM. They bless and strengthen all of us with their kindness, devotion, and expertise. I am grateful for the light their testimonies, examples, and service provide us.
Over my next few letters to you this month, I will share other examples of light I have witnessed here in CASRM. I invite you to find ways to share your light with others, be it your companion, fellow missionaries in your district or zone, members of your assigned church unit and friends you meet as you share the gospel. This holiday season, I invite us all to find extra and inspired ways to light CASRM as disciples of Jesus Christ.
We continue to make progress towards our goal. We had 3 baptisms this last week. That makes for a total of 32 baptisms since the challenge was issued. We have 11 friends on date for next week and an additional 31 friends on date before the end of the year. Please keep working to achieve our goal.
Sister Quinn and I look forward to being with you in zone conferences this week.
Love,
President Quinn
(707) 758-6380
