These were the closing words of Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, Quorum of the Twelve, at Tuesday night's devotional. He held 2400 missionaries breathless as he breathed out exhortations to our young missionaries, ready to embark on their full-time missions. First, he reassured all in attendance that "I love you, honor you envy you and couldn't be more proud of you!" He continued by saying that as you go forward on your missions He exclaimed that "my mission was the most changing event in my life!" He begged that it would be the same for each of the missionaries in attendance. He even exclaimed with fervor that "I couldn't live if I didn't think it wouldn't be the same for you! Every significant thing that has happened in my life has come through the portal of my mission."

Then the warning came!!

• "Don't you dare go out and not honor your priesthood calling and mission!"
• "Don't mess up!"
• "Don't sit back and think that it will be over in two years!"
• "Don't go home with a regret! Decide now (on the front end) to be valiant!"
• "Come home with no regrets!"
• "Have fire in your bones!! (See Jeremiah)
• "Be obedient with exactness! Make sure He can count on you!"
  
• "Stand, Defend and Be True!"

The teaching came next:

• "Missionaries are God's investigators! You need to cover the course, e.g. Preach My Gospel and scripture, first! You must do it first!"
• "Study and learn in a way which is from the heart!"
• He referred to Moses 1:39 (all missionaries should have this memorized). He asked what is the most important words in this verse? "MY WORK!" He emphasized that this is not my work or your work but HIS WORK. He is the source of immortality. When we realize this, we come to grips with the rules and we do it HIS WAY. "Don't try to rewrite PMG-you are not that smart!! Save yourself a lot of grief! If taught another way, it will not be of Him."
• KEY THREAD: "Each missionary must teach with power and authority!!
• "This is His church and His mission; we get to enjoy it along the way!!"
• "You'll have down days; get over it. So did the Savior, even in Gethsemane and on the cross.
• "'Don't turn tail and run' which is the modern day vernacular of 'Don't abandon Him.'"
• "Be a minister of Jesus Christ and a Defender of His name, proudly and valiantly!"
• "Stand and defend the Church of Jesus Christ. Be true! Pledge tonight that you will bring people to the altar of God.
  
• "Plant your flag and defend Jesus Christ!!"

WOW! What a powerful spirit was experienced by all in attendance. How we love our dear Apostle Holland. I only wish that all my granchildren, including our two full-time missionaries Brittany and Brandon, could have been in attendance to hear the reminders of their great calling. We are so proud of them.