On June 23, President Thomas S. Monson addressed all of the Church's new mission presidents at the MTC in Provo. Via a recorded message, he shared what it was like when he and Sister Monson were called to preside over the Church's Canadian Mission when they were both just 31 years old with two young children, soon to be three.
"Over the years, as we reflected on our experiences in Canada, we recognized that some of the happiest times of our lives and some of our choicest and most lasting associations came during that three-year period."
President Monson also shared a few choice messages important for every missionary, member missionaries included, to know:
"President Spencer W. Kimball once made the statement that missionary work is the lifeblood of the kingdom and that if the blood stops flowing, the kingdom stops growing," he shared. "How privileged you are to be a central part of this vital endeavor."
President Monson continued with some encouragement learned through hard-earned personal experience as the head of the Church, one that everyone who has ever been overwhelmed with a church calling needs to hear:
"Your call has come through inspiration. I testify to you that whom God calls, God qualifies. You will receive heavenly help as you oversee prayerfully the work of your mission. The beautiful promise the Lord gave to the missionaries, as contained in the Doctrine and Covenants, will be yours. Said He, 'I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up' (D&C 84:88)."
At the conclusion, President Monson shared this sweet and poetic imagery:
"As you serve, you will build rich, eternal memories. In the words of the author James Barrie, 'God gave us memories, that we might have June roses in the December of our lives.' I know of no field which produces more fragrant nor bounteous roses than the mission field to which you have been called."