Small and Simple Things

Small and Simple Things

President Quinn’s Weekly Message

California Santa Rosa Mission

August 7th, 2023

Hello!  I hope this letter finds you healthy and happy.  Sister Quinn and I enjoyed visiting the Napa, Fairfield, Vacaville, and Woodland Zones last week for interviews.  It was a delight meeting and seeing you!  We look forward to interviews this week in Ukiah, San Rafael, and Santa Rosa.

This week I focus my message on Alma’s teaching to his son Helaman, recorded in the Book of Mormon:

“By small and simple things are great things brought to pass” (Alma 37:6).

Alma is teaching us that small and simple daily practices to grow our spiritual strength will yield long-term benefits.  Just as daily physical exercise grows muscles and endurance, so too does daily spiritual exercise grow our spiritual muscles – increasing our strength and endurance.  For missionaries this exercise includes, but is not limited to scripture study, prayer, study of Preach my Gospel, obedience to missionary standards, etc.  President Oaks has articulated the blessings that come from doing small and simple things to build our spiritual strength:

“Though …  practices may seem to be small and simple, over time they result in powerful spiritual uplift and growth. This occurs because …  small and simple things invite the companionship of the Holy Ghost, the Testifier who enlightens us and guides us into truth...”  (Small and Simple Things, April 2018 General Conference)

The promise of enjoying the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost to “enlighten us and guide us to truth” should prioritize our daily activities and schedules.  This promise should motivate us to be obedient in all things.  No one needs the guidance of the Holy Ghost more than you do working to fulfill your missionary purpose.

I invite you to examine your daily schedules and to make necessary corrections to be more obedient to missionary standards.  Can you exercise more discipline and obedience in doing the daily “small and simple” things asked of you as a missionary?  I promise that obedience to all the missionary standards will bless you in your missionary service.  Your obedience will increase the strength and depth of your discipleship to Jesus Christ.  I testify you will be blessed with the uplifting presence of the Holy Ghost to inspire and direct you.  What a blessing!

Sister Quinn and I pray for your safety and success.  Please reach out to us if there is anything we can do for you.

Love,

President Quinn