Elder Nash Inspires Butuanon Youth in Devotional for Prospective Missionaries

Elder Marcus B. Nash, General Authority Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, together with Sister Shelley Nash, inspired the youth in a devotional held for prospective missionaries in Butuan City, Philippines, on May 14, 2022.  

Joining them were Elder Taniela Wakolo, Philippines Area President, and his wife, Sister Anita Wakolo.  

The devotional was held for youth and young adults who are part of the I Will Go, I Will Serve campaign of the Philippines Area Presidency, an initiative with the goal of having 4,600 Filipino full-time missionaries serving in the Philippines by December 2022. 

Youth and young adults were gathered in meetinghouses to watch the event via Zoom. Attendance to the devotional was limited due to local health restrictions.

Elder Nash shared a profound spiritual experience during their visit in the Missionary Training Center (MTC) earlier last week. He said that the Lord knows this land and these people for His reasons and purposes. 

“It was as clear and strong as any impression I think I’ve had in my life,” he said.

In his message, he emphasized that each of us has a role to play and that this country “...will become a great exporter of spiritual power and strength to the world.” 

He ended his message by echoing President Russell M. Nelson’s invitation to the youth, “Today, I reaffirm strongly that the Lord has asked every worthy able young man to prepare for and serve a mission.” 

Sister Nash emphasized the importance of recalling stories from the scriptures that made an impact to us. 
 
“It’s been a beautiful experience for me. It reminded me of the words that I have treasured up that had blessed my life”, she said. 

Elder Taniela Wakolo then emphasized that serving a full-time mission is the most important decision we could ever make. 

The Philippines Area Presidency was inspired to organize the 4600: I Will  Go, I Will Serve campaign after the pandemic and increased health and safety restrictions saw 1,700 foreign missionaries serving in the Philippines repatriated to their home countries, which prompted a need for new missionaries in the Philippines to be self-sufficient in local missionary numbers.

“Delay in serving a mission can be led to denial. By the time we look back at our lives, we will regret that we did not serve on a mission”, he warned.

Reflections From the Youth
 
Rey Angelo Abejay, 19, a young single adult, shared, “I learned about the importance of serving a mission. I know it will build my confidence. I learned how important it is to always trust the Lord in everything we do.” 
 
Mary Lee Pedrigala, 16, from Butuan stake said, “After attending the devotional, I felt more inspired. I want to prepare myself to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ to all people. “
 
Emil John Solis, 17, reflected, “I am very grateful to have listened to our leaders today. It made me realize that I have to prioritize things that matter most.”