Sunday, May 31, 1970

For several weeks we have been announcing to the members that the world’s greatest missionary would be here this evening for sacrament meeting. In introducing him I pointed out that he speaks 35 different languages, that he has been a missionary during his entire life, having been born for that very purpose. As all servants of God, he was prepared from childhood for his mission. He loves to recount his missionary experiences, having already served in all parts of the world. His message is one of peace and happiness, showing how to live and how to approach God. He teaches the value and necessity of prayer, giving promise to all that they may know, as he already knows, of the truthfulness of the restored gospel. He teaches the beautiful truths of the gospel in their simplicity and purity, his purpose being to convince Jew and Gentile that Jesus is the Christ. As any missionary, he has a companion, the Holy Bible. Our missionary guest is none less than the Book of Mormon.

I then related the story of Samuel H. Smith, who sold a Book of Mormon to a Protestant minister, John P. Greene. He gave it in turn to a relative called Phineas Young, who was converted and gave the book to his brother Brigham. This latter, together with his brothers and wife and aged father, was converted. Brigham loaned the book to a friend, Heber C. Kimball, who also was converted. The book finally ended up with Joseph F. Smith. He gave it as a gift to his son Joseph Fielding Smith, the present President of the Church and prophet of the Lord. This one book helped convert two presidents of the Church, one apostle, and thousands of their relatives and friends.

Then I asked if the members would like to distribute a book that could convert future prophets and apostles. Edmilson and Inez came up at this point and demonstrated how they could easily loan a book to their friends. After a little more explanation, I committed them to placing the Book of Mormon with their friends. As an introduction to all this, the elders sang a special musical number, “Um anjo lá no ceu” [“An Angel from on High”]. Alexandre, Aldo’s son, also spoke as the first speaker.

The World Cup in soccer began today in Mexico and will continue for some three weeks until a world championship is earned. Brazil plays its first game on Wednesday. The more vital games are televised live to Brazil via satellite. England holds the title now, having won in 1966. Brazil has won twice in the past.