THE CHURCH OF
JESUS CHRIST
OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS
HOUSTON TEXAS SOUTH STAKE
August 14, 2013
Dear
Brothers & Sisters,
We have more
full-time missionaries serving from our Stake than ever before, and at the same
time we have more full-time missionaries serving in our Stake. The service of both of these groups
coupled with the faith and prayers of their families and other members has
resulted in many miracles. We have
seen a significant increase in the number of individuals returning to church
after being away, and a meaningful increase in the number of individuals and
families joining. I am both
humbled and encouraged to see such miracles happening among us. I continue to feel impressed, however,
that we can do more. I have sat in
counsel with President Ashton, and I have pondered and prayed much to better
understand what the Lord would have me do, what He would have every member of
this Stake do to more fully participate in the real growth we are
experiencing. As a result, I've
felt impressed to ask that we as members of the Houston Texas South Stake,
together with the full-time missionaries of the Texas Houston South Mission,
focus our fasting on September 1, 2013 (Fast Sunday) on the following:
For the Lord’s help in increasing your faith, and to give you the courage, the opportunity, and the words to--during the months of September & October 2013--invite others to: (1) your home or to any activity within your comfort zone; (2) allow the missionaries to serve them; (3) attend a church meeting with you; or (4) to take the missionary lessons in your home.
If you do this, I promise that you will experience greater spiritual power and increased blessings in your personal life and within your families. You will receive specific inspiration on how you should take part in this current wave of missionary work. If we so pray and fast, and have the courage to follow the inspiration that we receive, we will begin to see and participate in a mighty miracle of sustained growth in the church (all around us, and within us). I testify that Jesus Christ lives, that He loves us, and that He wants us to draw near to Him and to help everyone do the same. In the name ofJesus Christ, amen.
For the Lord’s help in increasing your faith, and to give you the courage, the opportunity, and the words to--during the months of September & October 2013--invite others to: (1) your home or to any activity within your comfort zone; (2) allow the missionaries to serve them; (3) attend a church meeting with you; or (4) to take the missionary lessons in your home.
If you do this, I promise that you will experience greater spiritual power and increased blessings in your personal life and within your families. You will receive specific inspiration on how you should take part in this current wave of missionary work. If we so pray and fast, and have the courage to follow the inspiration that we receive, we will begin to see and participate in a mighty miracle of sustained growth in the church (all around us, and within us). I testify that Jesus Christ lives, that He loves us, and that He wants us to draw near to Him and to help everyone do the same. In the name ofJesus Christ, amen.
Kenneth S, Barrow
Stake President
