The Lord of the Vineyard
Lord of the Vineyard
President Quinn’s Weekly Message
California Santa Rosa Mission
October 14th, 2024
This last Wednesday, Sister Quinn and I joined members of the Santa Rosa Zone to assist a neighbor of ours in harvesting the grapes in his vineyard. He and his wife were in a desperate situation due to the recent heat wave that put his harvest at risk. We were happy to help. It was a wonderful opportunity for us to learn about grape harvesting, an industry so prevalent in our mission, while also fulfilling a service project. When I was harvesting the grapes, I was reminded of the allegory of the vineyard contained in Jacob 5. This chapter in the Book of Mormon shares a prophecy of latter-day missionary work written by the prophet Zenos nearly 3000 years ago:
“And it came to pass that the Lord of the vineyard sent his servant; and the servant went and did as the Lord had commanded him, and brought other servants; and they were few.
“And the Lord of the vineyard said unto them: Go to, and labor in the vineyard, with your might. For behold, this is the last time that I shall nourish my vineyard; for the end is nigh at hand, and the season speedily cometh; and if ye labor with your might with me ye shall have joy in the fruit which I shall lay up unto myself against the time which will soon come.
“And it came to pass that the servants did go and labor with their mights; and the Lord of the vineyard labored also with them; and they did obey the commandments of the Lord of the vineyard in all things.” (Jacob 5:7-72)
I testify to the truthfulness of this prophecy given to us by Zenos. I see the hand of the Lord each day in your labors. I know He labors with you. I promise that as you labor “with your might” and “obey the commandments” the Lord of the vineyard will bless you. Please always remember you are His servants. He is with you doing the greatest work on the earth today.
Zenos finishes his allegory by sharing a promise of joy for those who labor in the vineyard with the Lord:
“…And blessed art thou; for because ye have been diligent in laboring with me in my vineyard, and have kept my commandments, and have brought unto me again the natural fruit, that my vineyard is no more corrupted, and the bad is cast away, behold ye shall have joy with me because of the fruit of my vineyard.” Jacob 5:75
What a beautiful promise! I testify that you will find joy in your missionary work as a servant of the Lord of the vineyard. Please spend time reflecting on the instruction and promises given to us in this allegory. Find hope and faith for your missionary work. Always remember who works with you.
We continue to make good progress towards our mission goal of each companionship having a baptism by year end. We had 4 baptisms this weekend. That makes for a total of 9 since the challenge was issued. Keep up the good work.
This Wednesday we will bid a loving good-bye to eight departing missionaries. We send you home with our admiration and love. We pray the Lord’s richest blessings upon you as you begin a new chapter of life. Thank you for the work you have done in CASRM. Also, on Wednesday we will welcome 17 new missionaries. Please extend your loving greetings and support to these new missionaries.
Love,
President Quinn
(630) 881-4030
