"Love is one of the chief characteristics of Deity, and ought to be manifested by those who aspire to be the sons of God. A man filled with the love of God, is not content with blessing his family alone, but ranges through the whole world, anxious to bless the whole human race" (Joseph Smith Jr., Dec. 15, 1840; in Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1969], 174).

"All I can offer the world is a good heart and a good hand" (Joseph Smith Jr., July 9, 1843; in Teachings, 313).

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Wednesday, August 20, 1969

Jim Dallas, my roommate last year at school, wrote me a letter from Jönköping, Sweden. I thrilled to read his wonderful letter. He mentioned: "Congratulations on your being part of bringing your wonderful family into the Church. Doubt I'll ever be privileged to see one that large come in here as Swedes on the whole only have two or three kids per family. But our Heavenly Father has allowed me to be with and teach two fine young men and a Danish family who joined the Church. Isn't it wonderful to be a missionary!"

Elder Dallas and his companion had traveled all over Sweden with a display containing a pictorial explanation of the Church. Their work is directed mostly towards young people and young families by using the MIA.

"It was one of the choicest learning experiences of my life to be a guide and street contactor with the display," he wrote, "and now most of our proselyting time is dedicated to looking up and teaching the visitors who left their names and addresses."

Yes, I was warmed all over to read his good letter. Within a week they were expecting two more baptisms. His tone was one of a dedicated and faithful elder.

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