Earlier this year, Elder Neil L. Andersen spent nine days ministering in the Philippines. He recently posted a brief video of a scripture challenge he gave to young missionaries at the Manila Missionary Training Center.
In the clip, Elder Andersen asks a room filled with missionaries to volunteer a scripture from the New Testament that they “really believe in.” In response, a young elder recites Matthew 11:28: “Come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
When Elder Andersen follows up, asking the missionary what makes him believe this scriptural promise, the missionary answers, “Because sometimes in my life, I feel down. When I turn to prayer and I turn to Christ, I can feel His love. And I feel that He’s helping me through my challenges.”
Putting a supportive hand on this missionary’s shoulder, Elder Andersen reassures him and encourages the young man to learn the verse in his mission language. Elder Andersen then poses a challenge to everyone, saying:
“Look for five scriptures that you really, really believe. Not just that you think are famous. Not just that your mother taught you. Not just that your mother believes, but scriptures you really believe, and put them deep into the memory of your mind.
“Because when you believe it like that, do you know what happens? You say it with power, and the Holy Ghost bears witness of it to the people you’re speaking to. It’s not just something that’s coming out of a book. It’s something that’s coming out of your heart.”
Many people have resonated with Elder Andersen’s message, sharing their favorite scriptures in the comment section of the post. “I can see how everyone would benefit from memorizing [five] beautiful scriptures to turn to,” one commenter wrote. “I feel God’s love for me when I read and know the words [He] has gifted us.”
One Facebook user wrote, “I’m not a full-time missionary, but I will take this challenge as I believe we all could use this.”
You can watch the full video in the Instagram player below.
President Emily Belle Freeman recently shared a similar message at the Provo MTC, inviting missionaries to cherish verses they find personally meaningful and mark them as friends. Read more about President Freeman’s message here.
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