Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints were given four principles that will help members in rescue efforts to bring others back to church and Christ.
In the 186th Annual General Conference, Elder Mervyn B. Arnold of the Quorum of the Seventy began his remarks by saying, “As we go to the rescue, God gives us power, encouragement, and blessings.”
He said that the Lord told Moses, “You can do it,” and Elder Arnold said, “And you know what, so can we.”
First, Elder Arnold said “We must not delay going to the rescue.” He shared the story of Elder Alejandro Patania’s brother, Daniel, who was fishing when a major storm began to approach. The storm began to intensify, but rescue crews wasted time discussing rescue strategy.
“In the end, both boats sank and their crews, including Elder Patania’s brother Daniel, were lost,” Elder Arnold said. He counseled: “We must not delay going to the rescue.”
Second, “We must never give up.”
Elder Arnold shared how he had engaged a friend in gospel conversations for over 25 years. The friend was eventually baptized.
Third, “How great shall be your joy if you bring save it be one soul unto Christ.”
Elder Arnold shared the story of a man named Fernando, whose friend noticed that Fernando was missing during priest quorum, then proceeded to search for Fernando.
Fourth, “No matter our age, we are all called to go to the rescue.”
Elder Arnold said that “Each day more and more of our children, our youth, our young single adults, and our adult members of all ages, are heeding the Savior’s clarion call to go to the rescue.”
He spoke of a 7-year-old girl named Amy who invited her friend Arianna and her family to church. After only a few months, the family was baptized.
Elder Arnold also shared other stories that each exemplified the youth of those who shared the gospel.
“The Lord has provided all of the tools necessary for us to go to the rescue of our less-active and non-member friends,” Elder Arnold said. “I invite each of you to heed the Savior’s call to go to the rescue. We can do it!”
