By LAURIE THAYER
President Boyd K. Packer spoke of the importance of learning how The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints works to answer investigators’ questions at a fireside for prospective missionaries Wednesday night.
President Packer, acting president for the Quorum of the Twelve, opened his remarks by speaking about his own position and the revelatory process that occurred before this quorum was organized.
“The church was revealed line upon line, precept upon precept,” President Packer said. “It always works. The pattern of the church is just as the Lord revealed.”
Without the constancy of revelation the church couldn’t move forward, he said. He continued to compare the calling of stake presidents and their counselors to the call a missionary receives, saying both are called of God.
Through an experience he had working under Henry B. Moyle, President Packer said he learned the call of a missionary is a very sacred thing and to not question the assignment given. He said a missionary generally knows why they have been assigned to a particular place.
Addressing the question of who makes these assignments, President Packer said the call comes from the prophet while the assignment comes from one who holds the keys. “It is an absolute surety that one of the Twelve reviews these calls,” President Packer said.
President Packer spoke of the responsibility the priesthood has in carrying out this work. He said if a sister desires to serve a mission, she may be called, but there isn’t the same pressure. He said he was pleased many of the sisters remained seated when those who had already served and those planning to serve were asked to stand.
Speaking about those individuals that desire to serve but are unable for various reasons, President Packer said in the course of the eternities righteous desires will not go unheard. President Packer identified with those in this situation since the outbreak of World War II prevented him from serving a mission.
President Packer advised those who would serve to remember it is the Lord’s mission and it isn’t going to be easy.
“There are a lot of problems ahead and no end of disappointment,” President Packer said. “If you’re going on the Lord’s mission and you have that fixed in your mind, you won’t care.”
Sister Packer spoke briefly of the great blessing it is to have seminaries and institutes that help individuals prepare for the mission experience.
In his closing remarks, President Packer told those who were unsure of the abilities they could go with great confidence knowing it is enough to follow the spirit. “It is interesting how the Lord will look after you if you follow the spirit.”
