July 11, 2011Dear Elders and Sisters, As we begin this new transfer I am filled with excitement and optimism. There is a great spirit in the mission right now. The missionaries are not only full of faith and dedication, but are working hard to make personal improvements. I think a recent email from one of our missionaries captures the kind of thing that is going on. With his permission, I share part of what he wrote: “This was a learning week. It began like it was going to be the best week we have ever had. By Friday we had twelve lessons. And you'll notice that we ended the week with twelve lessons. We had 9 appointments cancel on us. At first, we were pretty devastated. But then we started discussing what could have caused those appointments to cancel. It was a great reflecting moment, because we noticed a huge weakness of ours as a companionship. It just so happens that our weakness is what the next district meeting training will be on; planning for investigators in companionship study. We had been planning for investigators, but we really didn't create lesson plans. Now that the week is over I am glad that we didn't get those 9 lessons, because if something drastic like that had not occurred we would never have evaluated our teaching. We have set some goals and now create lesson plans for every teaching appointment. We taught an investigator after creating an in depth lesson plan and the result was amazing. The spirit was so much stronger and the end result was her making a commitment, which up to this point we haven't been able to get her to do. As a result of our previous poor teaching we lost an investigator. We decided to never let that happen again. I know that this week is going to be so much better, especially since we now are teaching for commitment (which is the last district meeting topic).” I have heard several accounts from missionaries all over the mission of similar efforts to evaluate and improve. It is very exciting. Improvement comes to each of us as we evaluate and apply true principles. The time and effort we put into training becomes a great blessing as missionaries put the principles taught into practice. This week in district meetings the Zone Leaders will introduce an exciting new opportunity the Church has provided for missionaries to make such evaluations and improvements. It will not only give us an opportunity to improve our skills, but increase our faith through the righteous use of agency. I know as we honestly and effectively apply the training, we will experience the greater joy in our labors that comes from increased success in bringing souls unto Christ. President Hinckley has said, “There is room for improvement in every life. Regardless… of our circumstances, we can improve ourselves and while so doing have an effect on the lives of those about us” (Ensign, November 2002). Nowhere is that more true than in the mission field. We congratulate the following on their baptism this week: Richard Colyer in Schoharie Valley, taught by Elders Cutler and Stevens; A.J. Singh in Schenectady, taught by Elders Matangi, Pexton, and Duffin; Hattie Oliver in Albany downtown, taught by Elders Schrader and Israelsen; Elizabeth Warner in Syracuse West, taught by Elders Burbank and Duffin, and Sisters Belnap and Duncan. Have a great week, President Bulloch
July 25, 2011Dear Elders and Sisters, Yesterday was July 24th. In the Church we call July 24th “Pioneer Day.” The dictionary describes a pioneer as “a person who is among the first to enter or settle a region, thus opening it for others.” Several years ago I had an experience that deepened my appreciation for those who may be considered pioneers by taking on the challenge of starting a task from little or nothing. A friend took me to a remote valley in southwestern Utah about sixty miles West of Cedar City where I lived. In that valley, surrounded by sagebrush and a few juniper trees, he showed me a grave marker in a small pioneer cemetery of a man by the name of Zera Pulsipher. As he told me the story behind the grave, I felt like I was standing on sacred ground. Zera Pulsipher was born in Vermont. He was baptized and ordained in New York in 1832. He served as a missionary in the Eastern States and Canada. Among those baptized by him was President Wilford Woodruff. He was called as one of the First Seven President’s of the Seventy (see DC 124:138). Although much could be said about Elder Pulsipher, I simply want to point out that after he read the Book of Mormon he moved to New York and joined the Church. Later he moved with the Saints to Kirtland, Ohio to escape the persecution in New York. After living in Kirtland for a time, he was among the last group that was forced out of Kirtland to Missouri. Later he was forced out of Missouri, and moved with the Saints to Nauvoo, Illinois. From Nauvoo he went West with the Mormon pioneers to the Salt Lake Valley. However, it didn’t end there for Zera Pulsipher. His family was among those called to settle in Dixie (St. George, Utah). Later, when Zera’s boys were asked by President Erastus Snow to make yet another move, Zera joined them in settling a little outpost in what is called Hebron, Utah. It was there that he finally died in 1872 at age 83. For the gospel’s sake, Zera Pulsipher moved from Vermont to New York, to Kirtland, to Missouri, to Nauvoo, to Salt Lake, and finally to Southern Utah, where he died and was buried among the lonely sagebrush in the remote area called Hebron. As I stood over his grave, I was impressed with a new appreciation for what it means to be a pioneer for the gospel’s sake. For me, the words, “I’ll go where you want me to go, dear Lord… say what you want me to say… [and] be what you want me to be” (Hymns, 270) took on new meaning. It is my hope and prayer that the Lord will bless us with the same sense of faith and dedication in whatever pioneering effort we are called to do, wherever it may be. We congratulate the following on their baptism this week: Dawn Umstead and Joseph Fleury in Syracuse, taught by Sisters Etienne, Gifford, and Belnap; Andrea Farland in Bennington, taught by Sisters Cox and Hale; Nate Weaver in Delhi, taught by Elders Van Roosendaal, Seymour and Robertson; Carl Lane in Binghamton, taught by Elders Stratton, Tibbitts, and Nattress. May the Lord continue to bless and guide you, President Bulloch
June 20, 2011Dear Elders and Sisters, I have often said that I feel qualified to do this work because of the Lord’s statement in Doctrine and Covenants 1:23. It says, “the fullness of my gospel might be proclaimed by the weak and the simple unto the ends of the world, and before kings and rulers.” (emphasis added) I suspect there are times that many of you may feel the same way—weak and simple. Perhaps by the world’s standards you may feel a bit unqualified to do this work. I have found however, that one does not need exceptional ability to do remarkable things. What it takes for a person to accomplish noteworthy or remarkable things, was described very simply by President James E. Faust. He said, “The Lord can do remarkable miracles with a person of ordinary ability who is humble, faithful, and diligent in serving the Lord and seeks to improve himself.” (Ensign, November 1995, p.45) I too believe that humility, faith, and diligence, combined with the desire to improve, can lead to “remarkable miracles.” When we combine the humility to overcome pride, the faith to overcome fear and doubt, and the “steady, consistent… persistent…” effort of diligence (PMG, 121), with the desire to improve, remarkable things take place. The steady, consistent effort of ordinary young men and women all over this world are combining into a miracle that will cause this gospel to fill “the whole earth” (Daniel 2:35). We may indeed feel weak and incapable at times, and wonder if we are doing any good at all, but we can take courage in the fact that “God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty” (1 Corinthians 127), “and by very small means the Lord doth confound the wise and bringeth about the salvation of many souls” (Alma 37:7). I add my simple witness to the profound testimony of President Faust, that if we have the humility to be teachable and submissive, the faith to overcome doubt and fear, and the diligence to be steady and consistent in doing the Lord’s work—along with a desire to improve, “remarkable miracles” will happen. The Lord has promised, “fear not, little flock; do good; let earth and hell combine against you, for if ye are built upon my rock, they cannot prevail. Behold, I do not condemn you… perform with soberness the work which I have commanded you. Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not.” (DC 6:34-36) I invite you to continue forward—humbly, faithfully, and diligently. Doing so will lead to remarkable results. We congratulate the following on their baptism this week: Allison Smith in Auburn, taught by Elders Kunzler and Boyakin; Adam Schneider in Potsdam taught by Elders Potter and Bowles; Deanna and Trey Oderkirk in Pulaski, taught by Elder Paterson, Jensen and Cederlof; Troy Lee Pearson Jr. in Watertown, taught by Elders Miller and Erdmann; Melanie Gonzalez in Glenville, taught by Sisters Despain and Stacey. Our thoughts and prayers are with you always, President Bulloch
June 13, 2011Dear Elders and Sisters, Sister Bulloch and I have really enjoyed the interviews we have had so far this transfer. It is inspiring for us to see the maturity and growth that takes place in your young lives. It fills us full of optimism and hope as we witness your determination to overcome your weaknesses and fears in the fulfillment of your duty as missionaries. To do our duty is honorable, but it is even more significant for us to watch you grow into your potential as a child of God. It is one thing to do good things, but quite another to become the kind of person the Atonement of Jesus Christ provides opportunity to become—to really put “off the natural man” (Mosiah 3:19) and begin to fulfill our divine potential as sons and daughters of God. For some reason, this transfer we have noticed a great deal of growth and development in individual missionaries. We have seen them begin to catch the vision of what they really can do, and they have found a way to do it. It reminded me of something Elder Maxwell taught. He said, “It’s extremely important for you to believe in yourselves, not only for what you are now, but for what you have the power to become. Trust in the Lord as He leads you along. He has things for you to do that you won’t know about now, but that will be revealed later. If you stay close to Him, you will have some great adventures.” (Liahona, Friend to Friend, Jun 1984) There have been some great adventures, and they have led to tremendous growth. You may not always see the growth in yourselves, but we see it in you. Every aspect of the work helps us grow. "Thus worshiping, serving, studying, praying, each in its own way squeezes selfishness out of us; pushes aside our preoccupations with the things of the world" (Maxwell, Men and Women of Christ, p. 98), and helps us become all our Heavenly Father wishes us to become. Elder M. Russell Ballard said, “God expresses his love for us by providing the guidance we need to progress and reach our potential. … He who knows most about us, our potential, and our eternal possibilities has given us divine counsel and commandments in his instruction manuals—the holy scriptures” (Ensign, May 1988, 59). You have been searching the scriptures and applying the things you are learning, and as a result there has been much growth and development. You are not only becoming great missionaries, but great men and women. We feel it is a privilege to be “called to serve” by your side in the great work. We congratulate the following on their baptism this week: Lawrence Hooper in Saratoga Springs, taught by Elders Neal, Hall, and Shurtz; John Mayhew in Saratoga Springs, taught by Elders Neal and Hall; Matthew Ashton in Greenwich, taught by Elders Ivie and Bricker. The work it true! President Bulloch
June 6, 2011Dear Elders and Sisters, I hope each of you were as inspired by Elder Holland’s missionary message in the district meetings last week as I was. Elder Holland explained, the “these” that the Savior was referring to when He asked Peter “lovest thou me more than these” were fish, boats, and oars. However, each of us must consider what the “these” are that we are unwilling to let go of to become fully consecrated to the Lord’s work. As Elder Holland spoke of the powerful effect of his first mission on his life, it reminded me of the “mighty change of heart” (Alma 5:12-13) that takes place in each of us as our missionary service helps us come to understand what it really means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ. I thought of Elder Neal A. Maxwell’s observation that "coming unto the Lord is not a negotiation, but a surrender." If we are trying to negotiate our discipleship we are most likely trying to hang on to some behaviors we are not yet willing to surrender. However, to truly “come unto Christ” we will eventually be asked to abandon not only our sins, but anything that may be preventing complete and total devotion to the Lord and His work. Elder Maxwell taught, "Each of us might well ask, ‘In what ways am I shrinking or holding back?’ Meek introspection may yield some bold insights! For example, we can tell much by what we have already willingly discarded along the pathway of discipleship. It is the only pathway where littering is permissible, even encouraged. In the early stages, the debris left behind includes the grosser sins of commission. Later debris differs; things begin to be discarded which have caused the misuse or underuse of our time and talent" (CR, October, 1995). Elder Maxwell also taught, "If we are serious about our discipleship, Jesus will eventually request each of us to do those very things which are most difficult for us to do." We will get to the point, like Lamoni’s father, where we are not only willing to “give away all [our] sins” (Alma 22:18) in our efforts to truly follow the Savior, but sacrifice our “only son” (DC 101:4) or our very life (DC 103:27) if necessary. We can tell “the extent that we are not willing to be led by the Lord” by how much we are “driven by our appetites” or how “preoccupied [we are] with the lesser things of the day.” (Maxwell, CR, October, 1995). We can ask ourselves if our mind is on the “fish and boats” in my life, or focused on fulfilling my purpose as a missionary. That is a lot to ask of a nineteen year old, but that is why missions are so life changing. Those that are not only willing to devote all their “time and attention” (Missionary Handbook, p. 4) to the Lord’s service, but anything else He asks for, will never be the same again. In Elder Holland’s word’s, for them there will be “no going back.” We congratulate the following on their baptism this week: Kirk Stevenson in Auburn, taught by Elders Kunzler and Boyakin; and Virginia Stoll in Schoharie Valley, taught by Elders Ashton and Cutler. May the Lord bless each of you as you devote yourselves to His service, President Bulloch
May 30, 2011Dear Elders and Sisters, Today I want to comment on the importance of sticking to Preach My Gospel and the scriptures in our teaching. You have heard me use the paraphrase, “may the source be with you.” In other words, if you can’t back it from the missionary library, don’t teach it. Through the years I have heard some very interesting things that people have told me they were taught by the missionaries as they were investigating the Church. As you think about it, it is nothing short of a miracle that there isn’t a great deal more false doctrine taught by a missionary force that is so young and inexperienced. However, God has used the young and inexperienced to accomplish His work from the beginning. Although young, “Timothy was perhaps Paul’s most trusted and capable assistant” (Bible Dictionary, p. 785). However, even though Paul told Timothy “Let no man despise thy youth” (1 Timothy 4:12), he also counseled him to avoid “foolish and unlearned questions” (2 Timothy 2:23). As good as he was, Timothy needed to be guided in his teaching. Wise missionaries avoid teaching “false and vain and foolish doctrine” (2 Nephi 28:9) by teaching only those things they have been instructed to teach. Alma instructed those who were “ordained to preach” that “they should teach nothing save it were the things which he had taught, and which had been spoken by the mouth of the holy prophets” (Mosiah 18:19-19). In 1831 the Lord instructed a group of departing missionaries to avoid teaching their own view on the doctrines of the kingdom when He said, “let them journey form thence preaching the word by the way, saying none other things than that which the prophets and apostles have written…” (DC 52:9). Chapter 3 of Preach My Gospel begins by saying, “The lessons in this chapter contain the essential doctrines, principles, and commandments that you are to study, believe, love, live, and teach. They are what the living prophets and apostles have directed you to teach.” I know if we will stick to the scriptures, Preach My Gospel, and the words of the prophets we will not only avoid many problems, but teach with greater clarity and power. We congratulate the following on their baptism and confirmation: Don Brhel in Binghamton, taught by Sisters Cox and Belnap, and Elders Nattress and Stratton; Christopher and Amanda Marlowe in Herkimer, taught by Elders Hearne and Hale; Margaret Diane and Eve Marin Seals in Plattsburgh, taught by Elders Perkins, Neal, Shurtz, and Elder and Sister Bradley; Liv Anne-Marie Bryant in Albany, taught by Elders Ludlow, Ferguson, and Schrader. May the Lord continue to bless you in your efforts to study and teach the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ, President BullochP.S. In your weekly report, could each of you advise me as to your skill level in the use of computers? Rate yourself on a scale of 1-10; one being very limited computer skills, and 10 being expert (very skilled in every aspect of computer use including; programming, software, hardware, email, internet, downloading and instillation, trouble shooting, etc.)
May 23, 2011Dear Elders and Sisters Sister Bulloch and I continue to be impressed with the faith and dedication of the missionaries in this mission. We believe you are both called and chosen sons and daughters of God. The Lord told the Prophet Joseph Smith that one of the things that prevents those who have been “called” from being “chosen” is that they “aspire to the honors of men” (DC 121:35). To aspire is to earnestly desire, seek, or long for something. To seek or desire the approval of others is quite natural for most of us. However it can have both positive and negative ramifications, depending on how it affects our behavior. I suppose the negative side referred to in Doctrine and Covenants 121 comes at least in part from the fact that sometimes the way we act is dictated by our concern for what others may think, more than our concern for what God may think (see Beware of Pride, v.21). Missionaries face that dilemma every day. It becomes one of the most significant testing grounds of our faith and devotion. The sons of Mosiah were mocked and laughed at (Alma 26:23,29). Jeremiah said he was “in derision daily, every one mocketh me” (Jer. 20:7). Joseph Smith suffered “great persecution” which “was often the cause of great sorrow” (JSH 1:22-23). Yet each of them, like you and a host of others, continued forward, standing as a “witness of God at all times and in all things, and in all places” (Msh. 18:9). The Savior taught, “Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you” (Matthew 5:10-12). Most of us are not “exceedingly glad” when others say “all manner of evil against” us, much less “rejoice” over it. However, when we face the disapproval, criticism, or ridicule of others for the Savior’s sake, we demonstrate in a very real way our love and devotion to Him. I believe it is in such times and circumstances that the “called” become one of the “chosen.” It is in such moments that it becomes evident that they aspire to the honor of God more than man. Thank you so much, not only for accepting your call, but for the courage, faith and dedication that will lead you to be found among the chosen. We congratulate Spencer Savage in Albany on his baptism last week. Spencer was taught by Elders Potter and Christensen. There were several other baptisms this week, however because of conference weekend they will be confirmed next week. May the Lord bless you always, President Bulloch
May 16, 2011Dear Elders and Sisters, Ralph Waldo Emerson said something that became a code of conduct for President Heber J. Grant, the seventh President of the Church. He said, “That which we persist in doing becomes easier for us to do; not that the nature of the thing itself has changed, but that our power to do is increased.” In other words, if we persist in our efforts to improve, we will eventually develop the ability to do things that we may have felt incapable of doing. This principle applies to almost every aspect of missionary work. It applies to our ability to more effectively talk to people, our ability to teach more effectively, and even to the effectiveness of our planning. Recently we heard in Zone Conferences several sets of missionaries bear testimony of how their persistent efforts have enabled them to reach the standards of excellence—a goal they thought was almost impossible to do in their area. To persist means, to “continue steadfastly or firmly in some purpose, cause, or course of action in spite of opposition; to tenaciously endure” (Online Dictionary). The point is, persistence not only helps us accomplish our goals, but actually changes us as individuals—we become different people. We become a better, more capable person through our persistent efforts to reach our goals. It doesn’t matter whether they are goals to purify ourselves or improve our skills and effectiveness. There is a negative side of persistence as well. If we persist in negative attitudes or behaviors which we cannot muster the strength or initiative to improve, we still seem to improve in one way, and that is our ability to justify negative behavior. In other words, if we persist in our negative behaviors they will get worse, and our ability to justify those behaviors gets better. Such action leads to retrogression rather than progress. Effective missionary work requires a lot of persistence. It is generally the persistent that find both success and enjoyment in their work. They find success because persistence produces greater results. They find enjoyment because as we improve in our ability, there is an increased sense of satisfaction. Most of us have had enough experience to know that the better we get at something, the more we enjoy it. It is my testimony that if we will persistently pursue our righteous desires to become better missionaries and better people, we will do both. I believe we will not only become more Christlike, but be happier. May the Lord bless and guide you, President Bulloch
May 9, 2011Dear Elders and Sisters, In His great Intercessory prayer the Savior said, “And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” Our eternal life is dependent on how well we come to know our Heavenly Father and His Son Jesus Christ. President Ezra Taft Benson taught, “We cannot know about God and Jesus Christ without studying about them and then doing their will. This in turn will lead to additional revealed knowledge, which if obeyed, will eventually lead us to further truths. If we keep following this pattern we will receive further light and joy that will eventually lead us into God’s presence where we, with Him, will have a fullness.” (“In His Steps” BYU Speeches, March 4, 1979, p. 61) The pattern of study, understanding, and applying those things we learn are all necessary to our progress. We must study, learn, and then do. The rate of our progression is dependent on how vigorously we approach our study and how quickly we implement the things we learn. As BYU Professor Larry Dahl said, “So often our commitment to spiritual things is cautious, tentative, measured, half-hearted, wavering. And sadly, the resultant blessings are only a shadow of that which is available.” Our Heavenly Father is anxious to pour out knowledge, inspiration and blessing upon us, but is limited in doing so because He “doth grant unto the children of men, according to the heed and diligence which they give unto him” (Alma 12:9). As a result we determine by our own choices how quickly we come to know Him. It is only through choosing to do the things that our Heavenly Father has asked us to do that we can truly come to know Him. The Apostle John said, “And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him” (1 John 2:3-4). Elder Oaks taught, “the Final Judgment is not just an evaluation of a sum total of good and evil acts—what we have done. It is an acknowledgment of the final effect of our acts and thoughts—what we have become. It is not enough for anyone just to go through the motions” (CR, October, 2000). Coming to know God is a process of becoming like Him. Elder Joseph B. Wirthin taught, “We should go far beyond knowing about Jesus and about his attributes and mission. We should come to ‘know [Him]’… To know God is to think what he thinks, to feel what he feels… and to do what he does. Those who know God become like him” (CR, November, 1993). It is in learning to serve with all our heart, rather than the half-hearted effort of the natural man that we come to know our Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. It is my hope and prayer that we will do so. We congratulate the following on their baptism this week: Matthew Helm in Schenectady, taught by Elders Duffin, Matangi, and Dandridge; Jacob Poulos in Glens Falls, taught by Elders Williams, Russell, and McCleve; and Jessop Burrow in Bennington, taught by Sisters Geottsche and Takapu. May the Lord bless and guide you always, President Bulloch
May 2, 2011Dear Elders and Sisters, Sister Bulloch and I continue to hear so many good things about you and your work! We know the work can be challenging and difficult at times, but you continue to follow the Lord’s instruction to “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). Your actions remind me of the inspired words of Mother Teresa when she said, “People are often unreasonable and self-centered—forgive them anyway. If you are kind, people may accuse you of ulterior motives—be kind anyway. If you are honest, people may cheat you—be honest anyway. If you find happiness, people may be jealous—be happy anyway. The good you do today may be forgotten tomorrow—do good anyway. Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough—give your best anyway. For you see, in the end it is between you and God… It never was between you and them anyway.” President Hinckley taught, “There is no end to the good we can do, to the influence we can have with others. Let us not dwell on the critical or the negative. Let us pray for strength; let us pray for capacity and desire to assist others. Let us radiate the light of the gospel at all times and all places, that the Spirit of the Redeemer may radiate from us” (CR, April 2006). In such action, we will not only be a light unto the world, but we will find personal peace and happiness. We are so much happier when we are kind, thoughtful, patient and forgiving. I have reflected many times on a thought I heard years ago that has motivated me to continue my effort to improve in this area. It says,I have wept in the night
For the shortness of sight
That to somebody's need I was blind;
But I never have yet
Felt a tinge of regret
For being a little too kind. --Anonymous May the Lord bless us not only to be kind and thoughtful to our companions and those around us, but to everyone we meet. As the Saviors said, if you only “love them which love you… what do ye more than others?” (Matthew 5:46-47) It is my hope and prayer that the Savior’s love will fill your heart, your life, and your work. We congratulate the following on their baptism this week: Lipeng Yuan in Ithaca, taught by Sisters Bentley and Miles; Cami Jansson in Greenwich, taught by Elders Bricker, Ivie, and Smith; and Sol-Natalia Isabel Herrington-Catalan, in Corning, taught by Elders Owens and Rickords. Once again, I pray for the Lord’s choicest blessing to be with you. Have a great week! President Bulloch
April 25, 2011 Dear Elders and Sisters, I have been reflecting on why missions have such a tremendous affect on the lives of those who serve faithfully. One reason has to do with the influence it has on our character. Character is defined as the “traits that form the individual nature of some person or thing.” Our nature is “the particular combination of qualities belonging to a person… [their] character, disposition, or inherent tendencies that direct conduct” (see Dictionary.com). How we conduct ourselves is determined by our character, or what the scriptures call our nature. We follow Jesus Christ and live His gospel in an effort to develop a “divine nature” (1 Peter 1:4), or we could say a Christlike character. The challenges and difficulty of missionary work has a major impact on the development of character. It is important to understand however, that adversity does not necessarily change character as much as it reveals it. It is in difficult or stressful times that a person’s true character really comes out. For example, the irritating behavior of another person cannot “make me mad.” It just reveals that I may be lacking attributes like patience, charity, meekness, or temperance, all of which influence my ability or inability to control my emotions. Once our true character is revealed to us by the circumstances around us, we become aware of needed changes in our life. As we become aware of the weaknesses in our character, we can begin to apply gospel principles that develop areas we are lacking. For example, the rich young ruler who came to the Savior to learn how to qualify for eternal life was taught he “lack[ed] one thing” (Mark 10:21; Luke 18:22). His personal introspection after this conversation could have been on a variety of topics, such as developing greater faith or charity, overcoming greed or covetousness, learning to sacrifice, or any number of things that prevented him from giving heed to the Lord’s invitation. For him, the difficulty of the task revealed what was truly most important to him. Was it his money or gaining eternal life by following the Savior? The answer to that question reveals something about his character. Elder Richard G. Scott recently taught, “character is not developed in moments of great challenge or temptation. That is when it is intended to be used” (CR, October, 2010). Adversity tends to bring our true character to the surface. As we become more aware of it, we come to realize the needed changes in our life. We make the necessary changes in our character by applying true gospel principles, such as faith and repentance. Elder Scott taught, “Character is woven patiently from threads of applied principle, doctrine, and obedience… Righteous character is more valuable than any material object you own, any knowledge you have gained through study, or any goals you have attained…” (ibid). We congratulate the following on their baptism this week: Brian Farda in Binghamton, taught by Elders Nattress, Stratton and Paterson; Matthew Whitehead in Syracuse, taught by Sisters Duncan and Belnap. May the Lord continue to guide and bless you, President Bulloch
April 18, 2011Dear Elders and Sisters, On page 2 of Preach My Gospel it states, “As your understanding of the Atonement of Jesus Christ grows, your desire to share the gospel will increase.” It is my hope that this week, which commemorates the last week of the Savior’s mortal life, including His incomprehensible Atoning sacrifice, will be a week of study and reflection that will not only increase your understanding, but also your appreciation of what the Savior has done for each of us. Culminating Easter Sunday, it is the most sacred week in the Christian world, and commemorates the most significant events in history. Each day of this week I invite you to consider what the Savior would have been doing during this last week of his mortal life. Ponder the lessons that can be applied to our work. For example, today is Monday, and on the Monday of the Savior’s last week He cursed the fig tree that was full of leaves, but produced no fruit. It was just a “pretender” (Jesus the Christ, Chapter 30, p. 489) without fulfilling its purpose. Most think it was on Monday that He boldly cleansed the temple for the second time, declaring it to be “[his] house” (Matthew 21:13; Mark 11:17; Luke 19:46). I hope it will be of special interest to consider the events of Thursday. It would have been on that day that the Savior instituted the Sacrament, taught several magnificent lessons, and went to Gethsemane. What an appropriate day to “declare repentance” (DC 15:6). A fitting day to “Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God; For, behold, the Lord your Redeemer suffered death in the flesh; wherefore he suffered the pain of all men, that all men might repent and come unto him… And how great is his [the Savior’s] joy in the soul that repenteth!” (DC 18:10-13) It would be appropriate to spend some time in your morning study to consider the events listed on page 694-695 of the Bible Dictionary. As you begin your companionship study on Friday morning, reflect on the fact that it was approximately 9:00 a.m. that the Savior was nailed to the cross (Mark 15:25). If the days seem long to you sometimes, take into consideration that it was not until 3:00 p.m. that the Savior cried out, “My God, My God, why hast thou forsaken me? (Mark 15:34) It would have been some time after that time that He died. And what was He doing on Saturday? He went to the Spirit World where He “organized his forces and appointed messengers, clothed with power and authority, and commissioned them to go forth and carry the light of the gospel to them that were in darkness, even to all the spirits of men; and thus was the gospel preached to the dead” (DC 138:30). He was continuing His missionary labors! Then, on that beautiful spring morning, His resurrection broke the bands of death. I invite you to look around as spring bears witness of the newness of life made possible by the Savior’s victory over death. What a great time of year! What a great week this is! May it be a week of reflection, of contemplation, and of dedication for each of you. We congratulate the following on their baptism this week: Delores Hunneyman in Ogdensburg, taught by Sisters Woodmansee and Wilcox; Kaylee Duquette in Utica, taught by Elders Johnson and West; Jessie Willette in Bennington, taught by Sisters Goettche and Takapu; Chris Baker in Rome taught by Elders Williams, Ivie and Lyman; Brianna Cooney in Plattesburg, taught by Elders Neal and Perkins, and Elder and Sister Bradley.May the spirit of new beginnings fill your heart this wonderful Easter week, President Bulloch
April 11, 2011 Dear Elders and Sisters, A few weeks ago my message concluded with a question about how to deal with the struggle between striving for exact obedience and the fact that we all make mistakes. Elder Russell M. Nelson once said, “When comparing one’s personal performance with the supreme standard of the Lord’s expectation, the reality of imperfection can at times be depressing” (Ensign, Nov. 1995, 86). He went on to teach that the Greek word that is translated “perfect” in Matthew 5:48, which says, “Be ye therefore perfect,” means “to reach a distant end, to be fully developed, to consummate, or finish.” He then said, “Please note that the word does not imply ‘freedom from error’; it implies ‘achieving a distant objective.’” To realize that we will not be “free from error” as we strive to reach a lofty and “distant goal,” helps us continue forward in the pursuit of that goal with less discouragement. Elder Marvin J. Ashton said, “Somehow we need to bridge the gap between continually striving to improve and yet not feeling defeated when our actions aren’t perfect all the time” (Ensign, May 1989, 20). Elder Ashton also taught, “the speed with which we head along the straight and narrow path isn’t as important as the direction in which we are traveling.” I have come to believe that one of the major factors that determine whether or not we continue to feel the sustaining influence of the Holy Ghost in our less than perfect pursuit of our goals is our motive. In the gospel of Jesus Christ, why we do the things we do is as important as what we do. Although good can come from doing the right thing for the wrong reason, it does not have the same sanctifying influence on the doer of the deed. Good deeds motivated by “selfish or malicious desires” do not transform or enrich the doer of the deed (see Moroni 7:6-13; Doctrinal Commentary on the Book of Mormon 4:334). “Our motives for the things we do are where the sin [of pride] is manifest…. Would we not do well to have the pleasing of God as our motive rather than to try to elevate ourselves above our brother and outdo another?” (President Benson, Beware of Pride) If we are striving to do the right thing, for the right reason, we can find a sense of satisfaction and peace, even when our performance is less than perfect. I believe our Heavenly Father is pleased with those who are continually striving for exact obedience, even when they find themselves falling short quite often. As we begin this new transfer, may we find the balance between “striving with unwearied diligence” (Helaman 15:6) to improve our lives and our efforts, and not becoming discouraged when our progress is not as rapid as we may have hoped for. We congratulate the following on their baptism and confirmation this week: Holly Schaller in Utica, taught by Elders Johnson and West; Theresa Schieffer in Norwich, taught by Elders Hardinger and Spotz; Kahleb Jordon in Elmira, taught by Elders Farrens and Call; Juliette Medard in Ithaca, taught by Elders Nielson and Schrader; Kimberly Marie Anderssen in Owego, taught by Elders Butler and Becerrill; Michael McLaren in Liverpool, taught by Elders Lyman and Israelsen; Yudisniel Mesa in Syracuse, taught by Sisters Mistsula and Duncan. May the Lord bless and guide you always, President Bulloch
April 11, 2011 Dear Elders and Sisters, A few weeks ago my message concluded with a question about how to deal with the struggle between striving for exact obedience and the fact that we all make mistakes. Elder Russell M. Nelson once said, “When comparing one’s personal performance with the supreme standard of the Lord’s expectation, the reality of imperfection can at times be depressing” (Ensign, Nov. 1995, 86). He went on to teach that the Greek word that is translated “perfect” in Matthew 5:48, which says, “Be ye therefore perfect,” means “to reach a distant end, to be fully developed, to consummate, or finish.” He then said, “Please note that the word does not imply ‘freedom from error’; it implies ‘achieving a distant objective.’” To realize that we will not be “free from error” as we strive to reach a lofty and “distant goal,” helps us continue forward in the pursuit of that goal with less discouragement. Elder Marvin J. Ashton said, “Somehow we need to bridge the gap between continually striving to improve and yet not feeling defeated when our actions aren’t perfect all the time” (Ensign, May 1989, 20). Elder Ashton also taught, “the speed with which we head along the straight and narrow path isn’t as important as the direction in which we are traveling.” I have come to believe that one of the major factors that determine whether or not we continue to feel the sustaining influence of the Holy Ghost in our less than perfect pursuit of our goals is our motive. In the gospel of Jesus Christ, why we do the things we do is as important as what we do. Although good can come from doing the right thing for the wrong reason, it does not have the same sanctifying influence on the doer of the deed. Good deeds motivated by “selfish or malicious desires” do not transform or enrich the doer of the deed (see Moroni 7:6-13; Doctrinal Commentary on the Book of Mormon 4:334). “Our motives for the things we do are where the sin [of pride] is manifest…. Would we not do well to have the pleasing of God as our motive rather than to try to elevate ourselves above our brother and outdo another?” (President Benson, Beware of Pride) If we are striving to do the right thing, for the right reason, we can find a sense of satisfaction and peace, even when our performance is less than perfect. I believe our Heavenly Father is pleased with those who are continually striving for exact obedience, even when they find themselves falling short quite often. As we begin this new transfer, may we find the balance between “striving with unwearied diligence” (Helaman 15:6) to improve our lives and our efforts, and not becoming discouraged when our progress is not as rapid as we may have hoped for. We congratulate the following on their baptism and confirmation this week: Holly Schaller in Utica, taught by Elders Johnson and West; Theresa Schieffer in Norwich, taught by Elders Hardinger and Spotz; Kahleb Jordon in Elmira, taught by Elders Farrens and Call; Juliette Medard in Ithaca, taught by Elders Nielson and Schrader; Kimberly Marie Andersen in Owego, taught by Elders Butler and Becerrill; Michael McLaren in Liverpool, taught by Elders Lyman and Israelsen; Yudisniel Mesa in Syracuse, taught by Sisters Mistsula and Duncan. May the Lord bless and guide you always, President Bulloch
Dear Elder Bradford,
I just wanted to thank you for being the kind of missionary you are. I was so impressed with your attitude and efforts to improve the area in our last interview. As a Mission President, it is wonderful to have missionaries you know you can count on, and you are one of them. Thank you.
President Bulloch
April 3, 2011Dear Elders and Sisters, I hope each of you enjoyed General Conference as much as Sister Bulloch and I did. We found the messages both inspiring and helpful. I am sure each of us could point out things that touched us individually, according to our needs and interests. I would like to point out just a few of the highlights that I thought were particularly applicable. The following comments are according to my notes on the talks with some commentary. Elder Russell M. Nelson invited us to keep “all the commandments” and avoid what he called “the cafeteria approach to obedience.” He said the cafeteria approach is when people “pick which commandments they will keep, and ignore others they choose to break… This practice of picking and choosing will not work. It will lead to misery.” The happiness we seek is found in exact obedience, not selective obedience. Using Joseph Smith as an example, Elder Nelson also assured us that the challenges and difficulties of life will “give [us] experience, and shall be for [our] good” (DC 122:7) if we are faithful. Quoting President Monson he said, “The future is as bright as your faith.” Elder Oaks taught that “desires dictate our priorities; priorities shape our choices; and choices determine our actions… and our actions and our desires cause us to become something.” If our desires are good, that “something” we will become is “a new creature,” that is “changed from their carnal and fallen state to a state of righteousness” (Mosiah 27:25-26). Cultivating righteous desires, and eliminating evil desires is among the most significant lessons missionaries have the opportunity to learn. As we fill our lives with light there is a “mighty change in us, or in our hearts, that we have no more disposition [or desire] to do evil, but to do good continually” (Mosiah 5:2). We will be judged by what we have become, and what we become is determined by our desires. The topic of “becoming” the kind of people the Lord wishes us to be was also repeated by several others, including Elder Robbins. His powerful message “to be” rather than just “to do” pointed out the need for us to make the gospel “a part of our nature or our character” not just provide us a list of things we must do. If we have a correct understanding of what we want “to be” it will be the motive behind the things we “do.” Elder Paul V. Johnson put it this way; “Being good is not enough. We must want to become like the Savior.” Elder D. Todd Christofferson also spoke of God’s role as a Father, whose desire it is to help us become as He is. He is not “a butler who meets [our] needs when summoned, or a therapist whose role it is to make people feel good about themselves.” He is a Father, who will love, guide, correct and even chasten us, because He loves us, and wants us to improve. To truly “become,” Elder Christofferson said we must “willingly accept, and even seek correction.” To do so takes faith and humility. The list could go on much further. I pray you were inspired to find answers, direction, correction, and inspiration in the messages of the conference. May the Lord bless each of us to be doers of the word and not hearers only (James 1:22) by implementing in our lives those things we were impressed to do. We love you, and pray for you each day. President Bulloch
Dear Elders and Sisters,
I have heard missionaries describe General Conference weekend as “missionary Christmas.” I think that is an appropriate way to look at it for more reasons than one. We look forward to it with an excitement that is reminiscent of a child at Christmas. It is also a time when the gifts of the Spirit are manifest in many ways. Perhaps most of all, it is a time to celebrate the life and teachings of the Lord, Jesus Christ. Each week before General Conference I have expressed a hope that each of you will approach the conference humbly and prayerfully, seeking the inspiration of the Spirit to impress upon your mind and heart those things the Lord would have you know and do. If you have questions or concerns, I invite you to listen carefully to the messages and the Spirit of the Holy Ghost. I am confident that as you do, you will receive personal guidance and revelation that will provide answers and hope. What a blessing it is to be taught by living prophets and apostles. The Lord has declared, “Whether by mine own voice or the voice of my servants, it is the same” (DC 1:38). On one occasion as a young missionary, after testifying that there were living prophets on the earth, I was asked, “What have they said lately?” My mind was blank, and I was embarrassed. Needless to say, my testimony lost significance in the eyes of my investigator. I vowed that that would never happen to me again. Since that day, I have tried to listen carefully to General Conference and read the First Presidency Message each month in the Ensign, highlighting those things that the living prophets are teaching. May the messages of the prophets be impressed upon your mind in a way that you “may be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you” (1 Peter 3:15) why you are grateful for living prophets, and what they have said lately. We congratulate the following on their baptism this week: Eric Walter Keesler in Owego, taught by Elders Butler, Becerrill and Bradford; Donald Medard in Itaca, taught by Elders Nielson and Schrader; Malerie Kapp and Mary Ann Cleary in Elmira, taught by Elders Call and Farrens; Connor and Devon Smigliani in Auburn, taught by Elders Kunzler and Boyakin. Thanks again for all you do. Have a great week, and a great conference weekend. President Bulloch
March 28, 2011Dear Elders and Sisters, I have heard missionaries describe General Conference weekend as “missionary Christmas.” I think that is an appropriate way to look at it for more reasons than one. We look forward to it with an excitement that is reminiscent of a child at Christmas. It is also a time when the gifts of the Spirit are manifest in many ways. Perhaps most of all, it is a time to celebrate the life and teachings of the Lord, Jesus Christ. Each week before General Conference I have expressed a hope that each of you will approach the conference humbly and prayerfully, seeking the inspiration of the Spirit to impress upon your mind and heart those things the Lord would have you know and do. If you have questions or concerns, I invite you to listen carefully to the messages and the Spirit of the Holy Ghost. I am confident that as you do, you will receive personal guidance and revelation that will provide answers and hope. What a blessing it is to be taught by living prophets and apostles. The Lord has declared, “Whether by mine own voice or the voice of my servants, it is the same” (DC 1:38). On one occasion as a young missionary, after testifying that there were living prophets on the earth, I was asked, “What have they said lately?” My mind was blank, and I was embarrassed. Needless to say, my testimony lost significance in the eyes of my investigator. I vowed that that would never happen to me again. Since that day, I have tried to listen carefully to General Conference and read the First Presidency Message each month in the Ensign, highlighting those things that the living prophets are teaching. May the messages of the prophets be impressed upon your mind in a way that you “may be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you” (1 Peter 3:15) why you are grateful for living prophets, and what they have said lately. We congratulate the following on their baptism this week: Eric Walter Keesler in Owego, taught by Elders Butler, Becerrill and Bradford; Donald Medard in Itaca, taught by Elders Nielson and Schrader; Malerie Kapp and Mary Ann Cleary in Elmira, taught by Elders Call and Farrens; Connor and Devon Smigliani in Auburn, taught by Elders Kunzler and Boyakin. Thanks again for all you do. Have a great week, and a great conference weekend. President Bulloch
June 27, 2011Dear Elders and Sisters, It was 167 years ago today that the Prophet Joseph Smith was killed by a mob in Carthage, Illinois. Doctrine and Covenats 135:1-3 records, “To seal the testimony of this book and the Book of Mormon, we announce the martyrdom of Joseph Smith the Prophet, and Hyrum Smith the Patriarch. They were shot in Carthage jail, on the 27th of June, 1844, about five o'clock p.m., by an armed mob—painted black—of from 150 to 200 persons… He lived great, and he died great in the eyes of God and his people; and like most of the Lord's anointed in ancient times, has sealed his mission and his works with his own blood…” Hebrews 9:16-17 says, “For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth.” Joseph Smith eventually gave his life for his testimony of the fact that he had seen and spoken with the Father and the Son. From the time he first told of his vision Joseph was hated, hounded and persecuted, yet remained true to that witness in life and in death. He not only “gave up” his life for what he knew was true, but “gave his life” for that truth while he was yet alive. I think playwright Maxwell Anderson said it well when he put these words into the mouth of Joan of Arc: “Every man gives his life for what he believes. Every woman gives her life for what she believes. Sometimes people believe in little or nothing, and yet they give their lives to that little or nothing. One life is all we have, and we live it as we believe in living it, and then it's gone. But to surrender what you are and live without belief is more terrible than dying—even more terrible than dying young.” Many may declare that they would die for the Lord’s cause, but seem unwilling to live for it. Doesn’t it seem a little odd that some may declare that they would die for the Lord but are unwilling to go home teaching or open their mouth to a stranger? The strength of our witness is measured in how we live as well as what we are willing to die for. As we reflect on the life of the Prophet Joseph Smith today, perhaps it would be well to remember how he remained true in life as well as in death. We congratulate Richard Bacilieri in Potsdam on his baptism this week. He was taught by Elders Potter and Bowles. Have a great day. President Bulloch
July 4, 2011 Dear Elders and Sisters, Today is July 4th—Independence Day. The words independence and freedom are closely related. In fact, independence is defined as “being free from the control of others.” God has given us the freedom to act for ourselves, but he has warned, “whosoever perisheth, perisheth unto himself; and whosoever doeth iniquity, doeth it unto himself; for behold, ye are free; ye are permitted to act for yourselves; for behold, God hath given unto you a knowledge and he hath made you free” (Helaman 14:30). Having the freedom to act is both satisfying and dangerous. As a result, we must learn to use freedom wisely. Jeanette G. Smith wrote, “Political independence is considered so important that over the centuries countless people have been willing to fight and even sacrifice their lives to gain it. You may recognize the importance of independence in your own life, too. Your teen years are a time of practice and preparation for adulthood. And you need to become independent in order to succeed as an adult. However, your parents may not agree with you about how much independence you need, or just how much you are ready for now. Fortunately, you can win your independence without declaring an all-out war. In fact, war is the last thing you want. So, how do you go about becoming independent without [going to war]? First, understand that independence doesn’t necessarily occur as soon as you blow out the candles on a long-awaited birthday cake. It comes gradually as you prove that you can make wise choices. If time after time you prove you can make wise decisions, the day will come when you [can be trusted] to make all decisions by yourself” (New Era, March 1990). Freedom and independence are closely related to trust. The more we are trusted, the more freedom we earn. With the wise use of freedom, the more we are trusted. Perhaps that is what the Savior was referring to when he said, “If ye continue in my word… ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:31-32). The righteous application of true principles leads to freedom. The opposite leads to the loss of freedom, or bondage (see 2 Nephi 1:12-13; Alma 13:30). President Boyd K. Packer has shared an interesting insight into when he feels young people are ready for independence. He said, “In our family I have a key that I use, a kind of fatherly key. With my children I know when it is time to lift supervision. As I meet young people around the Church, they are always saying, ‘When will my parents ever think I have enough maturity to act for myself?’ I know when with my family. I have employed this key. I know that they are ready for full freedom in any field of endeavor the very minute they stop resenting supervision.” (That All May Be Edified pp. 253-261) When we mature to the point that we desire others to give us counsel and direction that will help us improve or help us avoid problems, rather than resent that counsel or direction, we will be led to truths that will help us use our freedom to become all that our Heavenly Father wants us to be. We congratulate the following on their baptism this week: Namukolo Liswaniso in Albany, taught by Elders Christensen and Lyman; Janero Ferrero Paz in the Albany Branch, taught by Elders Ludlow, Schrader, and Ferguson; Erika Layug in Schenectady taught by Elders Matangi, Pexton, and Duffin; Robyn Mede in Auburn, taught by Elders Kunzler and Boyakin; Nina Reynolds in Carthage, taught by Elders Daniels-Brown and Stanton. Happy Independence Day! President Bulloch
August 1, 2011Dear Elders and Sisters, Once again we have completed another Zone Conference tour. Thank you for your participation. As you know, we spent much of our time discussing the meaning of repentance. We decided that in simplest terms, repentance means change. That principle is taught repeatedly in Preach My Gospel (see p. 62, 195, 200). We all have things we need to change, and the “enabling power” of the grace of Christ provides us with the “divine means of help or strength” (BD, 697) to make those changes. A key to making lasting change is focusing on “small and simple things” (Alma 37:36). President Eyring has said, “My experience has taught me this about how people and organizations improve: the best place to look is for small changes we could make in things we do often” (CES address, 6 February 1998). In other words, improvement comes best by changing little things we do often, rather than making drastic changes all at once. Simple things such as changing the sincerity of our prayers, or changing the attitude with which we approach our Heavenly Father in prayer, can have a great impact. I would like to suggest such a simple change in something we do every month that I believe can have a significant impact. It has to do with fasting. Because this brief email will not allow me to expound the doctrine of fasting, I would like to simply comment on a few things that have made a difference for me. First, there is a difference between fasting and going hungry. Merely not eating for a few hours is not fasting. Fasting is an effort to draw on the power of the Spirit and should always be accompanied by sincere and heartfelt prayer. We should not only begin and end our fast with prayer, but pray often throughout the fast. Fasting without pray is most often just going hungry. Second, fasting is an effort to place the body in subjection to the spirit. Fasting is not just abstaining from food and drink, but from all of the unrighteous passions of the flesh (see Galatians 5:16-26). Being irritable and ornery during our fast not only undermines its intent, but will also undermine its effectiveness. My final thought has to do with the length of a fast. Although the missionary handbook says we should not fast for “more than 24 hours at a time” (p.18), I have found it to be a great blessing to make every effort to fast for at least 24 hours when possible. I would invite you to consider opening your fast by kneeing in formal prayer 24 hours before you plan to close your fast. If you plan to close your fast after the meeting block on Sunday, try opening it 24 hours earlier on Saturday. Although a 24 hour fast is not always necessary, I have found doing so has made my fasting more meaningful. (By the way, please consult with priesthood leaders before having refreshments at a baptism the night before fast Sunday.) Fasting and prayer are simple things that can bring about great results if done properly. The scriptures are full of testimonies of the blessings of fasting. As we approach this fast Sunday, I pray that the true spirit of fasting will bless your work and your lives by drawing you closer to your Father in Heaven. We congratulate the following on their baptism this week: Gloria Smith in Syracuse, taught by Elders Burbank and Duffin; Robert Smith in Gloversville, taught by Elders Lamborn and Nielson; Kayla Donovan in Albany, taught by Elders Checketts, Christensen, and Bergman. Once again, may the Lord bless and guide you, President Bulloch
August 8, 2011Dear Elders and Sisters, There is a phrase in the “Standard of Truth” statement made by the Prophet Joseph Smith that we often quote, yet I sometimes wonder if we understand it. It refers to one of the ways that Satan and his followers will oppose this work. It says, “calumny may defame.” The dictionary defines calumny as “a false statement made to injure someone’s reputation.” Defame means to “attack the good name of; harm the reputation of; speak evil of.” Moroni’s prophecy to the young Prophet Joseph that there would be “both good and evil spoken of [his name] among all people” (JSH 1:33) has certainly come to pass. Unfortunately, too often the proportion of evil that is spoken seems to outweigh the good. As a result, there is a great deal of misunderstanding about the Church and its members. In a talk given at Harvard University by Elder Oaks, and later referenced in the Ensign (January 2011) he said, “We Latter-day Saints know that our doctrines and values are not widely understood by those not of our faith. This was demonstrated by Gary C. Lawrence’s nationwide study published in his recent book, How Americans View Mormonism. Three-quarters of those surveyed associated our Church with high moral standards, but about half thought we were secretive and mysterious and had ‘weird beliefs.’” The Church News also referred to Brother Lawrence’s study by saying that “more Americans currently have a strongly unfavorable impression of Mormons than a strongly favorable one—by a ratio of five to one” (Church News, September 11, 2010). It seems calumny has defamed—at least to some extent. That is why it is so important that we “go forth boldly, nobly, and independent, till [we have]… sounded [the truth] in every ear.” The Church News article previously cited pointed out that the purpose of the mormon.org campaign is “to dispel myths about our religion [by having] Latter-day Saints speak for themselves.” The article goes on to say, “the best way for a person to change his or her mind about the Mormons is to meet one.” We must do all we can to engage in conversation with as many people as possible in a positive way. We must do all we can to clarify any misunderstandings that may exist about the Church by teaching truth every opportunity we get. We must do all we can to leave a favorable impression on those we meet. We must do all we can to help the members of the Church do the same. We know that “no unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing,” (HC 3:30) but if the adversary is more active in spreading rumors that we are in spreading truth it will certainly slow the work. “Therefore, dearly beloved brethren [and Sisters], let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power” (DC 123:17) to undo any calumny that may have defamed the beautiful truths of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ, and invite all to partake of its blessings. We congratulate the following on their baptism this week: Marlene Flanders in Albany, taught by Elders Checketts, Christensen, and Bergman; Jayden French in Greene taught by Elders Vicchrilli, Olson, and Spencer; Edwin and Irene Baker in Elmira, taught by Elders Call and Butler; Harley Ledbetter, taught in Carthage by Elders Nielson, Stanton, and Daniels-Brown. Our thoughts and prayers are with you always, President Bulloch
August 15, 2011Dear Elders and Sisters, Mission Presidents are given a handbook of instructions to help them manage their mission. One of the principles in the section on “transfers” counsels mission presidents to “transfer missionaries as infrequently as possible” (p. 65). When Sister Bulloch and I were in the MTC, President Monson tried to help us understand why that counsel is so important. He said, “Generally brethren, we have a tendency to transfer missionaries on an overly frequent basis… In this day and age where so much of the missionary work is member oriented, we simply must leave the missionaries in a city, and in an area, a sufficiently lengthy period so that they can have the confidence of the local members, so that the referral program might properly go forward.” Member trust and support is absolutely vital to our success, and most often it takes time to build. There is no set amount of time that a missionary should be in an area, but at least “six to eight months” is suggested. Consider how it would affect a missionary’s approach to the work if they knew they were going to be in an area for at least eight months. They would do all they could to build positive relationships. Because the demographics of our mission make it difficult to leave missionaries in an area for that long, I am afraid there is an attitude we sometimes develop that can hinder the work. It is the attitude of enduring problems rather than solving them. If we are transferred too often, whenever a difficulty develops, either with the work, or a companion, or perhaps a member, we may be tempted to just wait until the transfer ends, hoping that we will be able to run from the problem, rather than doing what is necessary to solve it. The Lord taught an important lesson to the saints in Kirtland when they were wondering how long they were expected to stay in Kirtland, knowing that Independence, Missouri had been designated as the gathering place for “Zion.” Even though the Lord knew they would be moving on in the near future He said, “the hour and the day [of their transfer, so to speak] is not given unto them, wherefore let them act upon this land as for years, and this shall turn unto them for their good (DC 51:17 italics added). The principle is, whatever area or circumstance we may find ourselves in, we should act as if we are going to be there for years and good things will happen. It is an invitation to work hard, build relationships of trust, contribute to the good of the area, and love the people. You may recall Ammon had that attitude. When asked by King Lamoni how long he intended to stay he said, “perhaps until the day I die” (Alma 17:23). That kind of attitude invites the comfort, guidance and blessings of the Spirit. We congratulate the following on their baptism this week: Dan and Loretta Trafton in Schoharie Valley, taught by Elders Cutler and Stevens; Shirly Schorer in Herkimer, taught by Elders Hale and Richins; Michele Markiewicz in Glenville, taught by Sisters Belnap and Stacey; Duncan Warner in Syracuse, taught by Elders Burbank and Duffin. Thank you for all you do to help move the work of the Lord forward, President Bulloch
February 14, 2011Dear Elders and Sisters, Happy Valentine’s Day! I have heard Valentine’s Day referred to as “singles awareness day.” For those that feel alone or unloved such days can be difficult. Perhaps all of us feel that way at times. Such feelings are well understood by the Savior who “condescended” (see Nephi 11:16) from His high and holy station in part just so He could come to completely understand such feelings. He was “despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief” (Isaiah 53:3). He did this “that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people” (Alma 7:12). He understands such feeling better than we know. On one occasion after many left Him, He asked His disciples, “Will ye also go away?” (John 6:67) Even though they were committed to stay, the Savior told them that the hour would come when even they would be “scattered… and shall leave me alone” (John 16:32). However, the Savior continued in the same verse, “yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me.” Even though He was abandoned by those closest to Him, the Savior felt His Father would never leave Him alone. On another occasion He said, “the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him” (John 8:29). It was that understanding that caused the Savior in His most difficult hour to cry out in agony, “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” What had He done that would cause His Father to leave him alone? Nothing! But it appears that it needed to happen in order for the Savior to “descend below all things” so that he could “comprehend all things” (DC 88:6), including what it was like to be left totally alone. No one will be able to say to the Savior, “You just don’t understand how I feel.” He understands. He understands, and He loves us with a love that ensures that He will never leave us alone. As the Apostle Paul said, “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?... Nay… For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:35-39). May you be assured that his words to the Prophet Joseph Smith are true for you. He said, “Wherefore, be of good cheer, and do not fear, for I the Lord am with you, and will stand by you; and ye shall bear record of me, even Jesus Christ, that I am the Son of the living God, that I was, that I am, and that I am to come” (DC 68:6). May His love fill your heart and your life as you testify of Him. Sister Bulloch and I extend our love to you as well this Valentine’s Day. We congratulate the following on their baptism this week: Shanon Guile and Tashia House in Fulton, taught by Elders Cutler and Burbank; Liana Deruchia in Plattsburgh, taught by Elder and Sister Bradley; and Mandy Vidiksis and Samantha Leonard in Watertown, taught by Sisters Cox and Palmer. President Bulloch
February 7, 2011Dear Elders and Sisters, Many years ago there was an article about missionary work in the New Era entitled “When White Shirts Turn Gray.” There are several important principles taught in the article. It concludes by saying, “As a missionary, may you come home with your shoes worn out, the cuffs of your pants frayed at the edges, your suit shiny in the knees from praying, and your shirts gray and stained with memories. Memories that will always remind you of the worth of the souls you have shared the gospel of Jesus Christ with.” (New Era, Dec. 1977) I can relate to the article. I have a suit that still hangs in my closet that I wore on my mission almost forty years ago. For some reason I have just not been able to throw it away—too many memories I guess. In principle, the article is wonderful. However, there is an aspect of the article that I think we need to avoid. It has to do with maintaining an appearance that is clean and sharp. The Missionary Handbook states, “Your appearance is often the first message others receive, and it should support what you say. Therefore, wear conservative, professional clothing that is consistent with your sacred calling. Be neat and clean” (p. 10). Unlike the article, I would suggest that when your white shirts turn gray, throw them away (or at least retire them). Sister Bulloch suggests that you use a little clorox or other whitener in your wash to keep your white shirts white. Learn to use an iron to keep your shirts looking pressed and sharp. Avoid wearing wrinkled shirts. In the winter months we have seen the evidence of hard work where the snow has left water and salt stains on your slacks. We are grateful for the hard work, but would prefer the evidence appear in your reports rather than on your clothing. If you can’t afford the cleaning bill, take a damp cloth and rub the stains out the best you can. Keep you shoes “clean and polished” as much as possible. Do your best to maintain “a clean, well groomed appearance” (MH, p. 10-11). In an effort to ensure we have an appearance that will match our message, I invite each of you to carefully review the Dress and Grooming section of the Handbook and make any needed changes. I know the Lord looks on the heart rather than the outward appearance, but we have the obligation to teach men [and women] who unfortunately often judge, “on the outward appearance” (1 Samuel 16:7). We have repeatedly been complimented by visiting authorities on how sharp and well groomed our missionaries are. We thank you for that, and invite you to do your best to continue to be so. We are so grateful for your dedicated service. As we have mentioned in the Zone Conferences, we were up in every one of the key indicators last week. The work is moving forward, and we know the Lord will continue to guide and bless us as we serve faithfully. We love you, and appreciate all you do, President Bulloch
February 7, 2011
Dear Elders and Sisters,
Many years ago there was an article about missionary work in the New Era entitled “When White Shirts Turn Gray.” There are several important principles taught in the article. It concludes by saying, “As a missionary, may you come home with your shoes worn out, the cuffs of your pants frayed at the edges, your suit shiny in the knees from praying, and your shirts gray and stained with memories. Memories that will always remind you of the worth of the souls you have shared the gospel of Jesus Christ with.” (New Era, Dec. 1977) I can relate to the article. I have a suit that still hangs in my closet that I wore on my mission almost forty years ago. For some reason I have just not been able to throw it away—too many memories I guess. In principle, the article is wonderful. However, there is an aspect of the article that I think we need to avoid. It has to do with maintaining an appearance that is clean and sharp. The Missionary Handbook states, “Your appearance is often the first message others receive, and it should support what you say. Therefore, wear conservative, professional clothing that is consistent with your sacred calling. Be neat and clean” (p. 10). Unlike the article, I would suggest that when your white shirts turn gray, throw them away (or at least retire them). Sister Bulloch suggests that you use a little clorox or other whitener in your wash to keep your white shirts white. Learn to use an iron to keep your shirts looking pressed and sharp. Avoid wearing wrinkled shirts. In the winter months we have seen the evidence of hard work where the snow has left water and salt stains on your slacks. We are grateful for the hard work, but would prefer the evidence appear in your reports rather than on your clothing. If you can’t afford the cleaning bill, take a damp cloth and rub the stains out the best you can. Keep you shoes “clean and polished” as much as possible. Do your best to maintain “a clean, well groomed appearance” (MH, p. 10-11). In an effort to ensure we have an appearance that will match our message, I invite each of you to carefully review the Dress and Grooming section of the Handbook and make any needed changes. I know the Lord looks on the heart rather than the outward appearance, but we have the obligation to teach men [and women] who unfortunately often judge, “on the outward appearance” (1 Samuel 16:7). We have repeatedly been complimented by visiting authorities on how sharp and well groomed our missionaries are. We thank you for that, and invite you to do your best to continue to be so.
We are so grateful for your dedicated service. As we have mentioned in the Zone Conferences, we were up in every one of the key indicators last week. The work is moving forward, and we know the Lord will continue to guide and bless us as we serve faithfully.
We love you, and appreciate all you do,
President Bulloch
January 31, 2011Dear Elders and Sisters, The most important element of our work is our ability to receive and respond to the influence and direction of the Holy Ghost. There are many things that influence our ability to receive, recognize, and respond to spiritual direction. One of the most important is our ability to serve “with singleness of heart” (DC 36:7), or “with an eye single to the glory of God” (DC 4:5). James taught, “A double minded man is unstable in all his ways” (James 1:8). The Savior said, “No man can serve two masters” (Matthew 6:24). An example of how we are hampered in our ability to receive the guidance of the Spirit when we are “double minded” rather than having an “eye single” is given in Doctrine and Covenants 30:1-3. The Lord told David Whitmer, “your mind has been on the things of the earth more than on the things of me, your Maker, and the ministry whereunto you have been called; and you have not given heed unto my Spirit.” When our minds are on things other than “the ministry whereunto [we] have been called,” we are less likely to perceive the guiding influence of the Holy Ghost. As we have said many times, distraction does not have to be evil to be effective. Elder Scott taught, “Sometimes the Lord reveals truth to you when you are not actively seeking it” (CR, Oct, 2009). Singleness of heart helps us to be aware and sensitive to the Spirit at all times. Elder Scott went on to say, “The inspiring influence of the Holy Spirit can be overcome or masked by strong emotions, such as anger, hate, passion, fear, or pride. When such influences are present, it is like trying to savor the delicate flavor of a grape while eating a jalapeno pepper. Both flavors are present, but one completely overpowers the other. In like manner, strong emotions overcome the delicate promptings of the Holy Spirit.” When Thomas B. Marsh was having a difficult time focusing on the work of the ministry because of family concerns, the Lord told him, “I will bless you and your family… verily I say unto you, go from them only for a little time, and declare my word, and I will prepare a place for them. Yea, I will open the hearts of the people, and they will receive you” (DC 31:2-7). As we strive with all our hearts to “go from” whatever is distracting our attention from our work for this “little time” that we are called to serve, we will develop the ability to receive, recognize, and respond to the influence of the Spirit. We have the promise that “God shall give unto you knowledge by his Holy Spirit, yea, by the unspeakable gift of the Holy Ghost” (DC 121:26). It is our challenge to focus “with an eye single to the glory of God” on the work to which we have been called in order to unwrap and enjoy that unspeakable gift. It is my hope and prayer that we will all serve with an eye single to the Lord’s work that we may receive the guidance of the Spirit we need to accomplish the work. President BullochP.S. We look forward to being with you in Zone Conference in the next two weeks. Each Zone Conference will start at 9:00 a.m. and end around 4:00 p.m. Sister Bulloch has asked if each of you will report to her whether or not you have the permethrin insecticide in your apartment. She would also like you to bring your Redbook to zone conference.
January 24, 2011Dear Elders and Sisters, The scriptures record that it is by faith that missionaries find success in their labors (see Ether 12:13-15). The Savior said, “If ye will have faith in me ye shall have power to do whatsoever thing is expedient in me” (Moroni 7:33). It is my desire to do all that I can to help faith increase. However, as Elder David A. Bednar said, “faith cannot be transferred from an instructor to a student through a lecture, a demonstration, or an experiential exercise; rather, a student must exercise faith and act in order to obtain the knowledge for himself or herself” (Seek Learning By Faith, CES Religious Educators-February 3, 2006). Increased faith is a result of acting on what we have learned. Elder Bednar taught the development of “faith requires spiritual, mental, and physical exertion and not just passive reception. It is in the sincerity and consistency of our faith-inspired action that we indicate to our Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, our willingness to learn and receive instruction from the Holy Ghost.” This is a principle that missionaries must not only know and experience themselves, but also teach to their investigators. Elder Bednar went on to say; “One of the fundamental roles of a missionary is to help an investigator make and honor commitments—to act and learn by faith. Teaching, exhorting, and explaining, as important as they are, can never convey to an investigator a witness of the truthfulness of the restored gospel. Only as an investigator’s faith initiates action and opens the pathway to the heart can the Holy Ghost deliver a confirming witness. Missionaries obviously must learn to teach by the power of the Spirit. Of equal importance, however, is the responsibility missionaries have to help investigators learn by [acting in] faith.” To increase our faith, we must act on the inspired truths we are taught. That is in all likelihood why each of you came on a mission. It was as act of faith. You didn’t just think about it, or even strongly consider it—you did something about it. As you continue to act in faith on the truths you are taught, whether they come from the Holy Ghost, or those around you, your faith will increase. Elder Bednar said, “A learner exercising agency by acting in accordance with correct principles opens his or her heart to the Holy Ghost and invites His… confirming witness.” Each time an individual responds to spiritual direction by acting, it invites increased guidance and direction from the Spirit, which, if followed, will invite an increase in the confirming witness. This is the process of increasing faith. I see this happening among you every day. I am witnessing young missionaries becoming great men and women of faith. I am excited to see the results that will surely follow.
We congratulate Cheri Stevens in Binghamton on her baptism and confirmation. Sister Stevens was taught by Elders Paterson and Boyce. Thanks again for your faith and dedicated service, President BullochP.S. Will each of you please report whether or not you have completed your reading of Preach My Gospel this past transfer as requested.
January 17, 2011Dear Elders and Sisters, Thank you once again for your support of the transfer. I am humbled by your trust and willingness to go wherever and do whatever you are asked. As we labored over the transfer this past week, I couldn’t help but notice something interesting. 52 of our 76 Elders and 8 of our 16 Sisters have been out less than one year. That is two-thirds of our missionaries. We have a very young mission. Perhaps our inexperience shows in some aspects of the work, however, I am confident we will grow in faith and ability and move the work forward at a greater pace. It made me think of the marvelous things the Lord does with those who are young. Mormon was entrusted with the plates at age 10, saw the Savior at age 15, and was appointed leader of the entire Nephite army at age 16. Captain Moroni was appointed the leader of the Nephite army at age 25.. Joseph Smith was just 14 when God appeared to him. We spoke last week of the “stripling warriors” great faith while so young. The list could go on and on. I am reminded of Paul’s words to Timothy, “Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. Neglect not the gift that is in thee..” (1 Timothy 4:12-14). President Hinckley referred to this scripture when he told the story of being asked, “‘How do you expect people to listen to these callow youth?’ In case some of you do not know the meaning of callow, it means immature, inexperienced, lacking sophistication. I replied to the reporter with a smile, ‘Callow youth?’... Yes, they are lacking in sophistication. What a great blessing this is. They carry no element of deception. They speak with no element of sophistry. They speak out of their hearts, with personal conviction. Each is a servant of the living God, an ambassador of the Lord Jesus Christ. Their power comes not of their learning in the things of the world. Their power comes of faith, and prayer, and humility… They are wholesome. They are bright, they are alert, they are upstanding. They are clean looking, and people quickly develop confidence in them.” President Hinckley went on to say, “They knock on doors… [and] approach [people] on the street and engage them in conversation. It is not an easy thing for a sensitive young man or woman to do this. But they come to believe in these further words of Paul to Timothy: ‘For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord’ (2 Tim. 1:7-8)” (Conference Report, October 1995). Yes, we are a young mission, but the Lord in His great wisdom chooses to use the young to accomplish His great purposes. He has declared, “the fulness of my gospel might be proclaimed by the weak and the simple unto the ends of the world, and before kings and rulers” (DC 1:23). It will be so in this mission. May the Lord bless you to go forward in faith. We congratulate the following on their baptism this week: Richard Grant in Fulton, taught by Elders Bur bank, Cutler, and Farrens; and Edward Tuttle in Ithaca, taught by Sisters Goettsche and Stark. May the Lord continue to guide and bless you. President Bulloch
January 10, 2011 Dear Elders and Sisters, Missionaries are compared to the armies of Helaman for several reasons. Perhaps the most obvious is their youth. The definition of a “stripling” is, “a juvenile between the onset of puberty and maturity; an adolescent or teen.” The comparison between the stripling warriors and missionaries is a good one because the stripling warriors and most of the missionary core of the Church, are not just young, but have characteristics that are not common in adolescence. The word juvenile is often used to depict a sense of immaturity, childishness, or someone that lacks good judgment. However, missionaries, like the armies of Helaman, most often display an unusual sense of maturity for their age. Like the stripling warriors of the Book of Mormon, most missionaries today have a gospel perspective that gives them a sense of vision and purpose that lifts them to a conduct not found in their juvenile peers. This uncommon maturity causes them to not only be “true” to what is expected of them, but to be “true at all times in whatsoever thing they [are] entrusted” (Alma 53:11). The relationships between the words “true” and “trust” are fairly obvious. When one is true, they can be trusted. To be true means to be “exactly conforming to a rule or standard; real, genuine, authentic; reliable; faithful; accurate; consistent; not false, fake or erroneous.” To be true at all times is a definite indication of maturity. To be untrue is to be unworthy of trust. To lose trust is a loss of such magnitude, that whatever is thought to be gained by the conduct that caused the loss, will be found not to have been worth it in the end. Being true is essential to trust. Trust is essential to faith. Faith is essential to success in everything that really matters. May the Lord bless us to be “true at all times” to that which we have been entrusted. As we do we will be blessed with the faith to accomplish all that is expected of us. We congratulate the following on their baptism this week: Daniel, D.J., and Nick Davico in Syracuse, taught by Elders McCleave, Russell, and Bamrick; Vivian Presley in Syracuse, taught by Sisters Livermore, Mitsula, and Woodmansee; Sandra Larney-Marcus in Saratoga Springs, taught by Elders Christensen, Stratton, and Kitchen; Nicole Banas in Utica, taught by Elders Cutler, West, and Kitchen. May the Lord continue to guide and bless you always, President Bulloch P.S. Please make sure you report your numbers, along with your reading of Preach My Gospel in your return email (apps.lds.org/imos).
January 3, 2011Dear Elders and Sisters, Last year at this time I referred to an article in the January 2010 issue of the Ensign, in which Elder Holland said, “The start of a new year is the traditional time to take stock of our lives and see where we are going…” To “take stock” means “to look at critically or searchingly; to examine; to ascertain the facts; to evaluate or analyze.” I invite each of us to do so. As I “take stock” of the mission, I sometimes wonder if I should address some of the negative choices and behavior I see displayed by a very few of our missionaries by speaking to the entire mission in these emails. Choices and behavior that I believe are hindering us from receiving the blessings the Lord would like to give us. However, whenever I get that urge, I think of a quote by Elder Oaks who said, “We address a diverse audience each time we speak, and we are never free from the reality that a doctrinal underdose for some is an overdose for others” (Ensign, July 1992). The call to repentance to often places a burden of guilt on those that are striving so valiantly to do the work, while those that need serious repentance go unaffected by the invitation and plea to change. So rather than chide the few, I express my deep gratitude to the many missionaries in this mission who are truly working with all their heart, might, mind, and strength. I do however, invite each of us to “take stock” of how we are doing. To critically and searchingly examine and analyze the changes that could and should be made, and look to this new year as a new beginning. It is an opportunity for a fresh start. I encourage each of us to evaluate ourselves, and make a plan to make the kind of choices that will invite the Spirit into our life and our work. To make the kind of choices that will increase our faith and brighten our hope. I invite each of us to be a positive influence for good on our companions and fellow missionaries. To “love one another; [and to] cease to be covetous… cease to be idle; cease to be unclean; cease to find fault one with another; cease to sleep longer than is needful; retire to thy bed early, that ye may not be weary; arise early, that your bodies and your minds may be invigorated” (DC 88:123-124). May we all renew our commitment to the basics of faith, obedience, and diligence. May we do as we have been asked by the Savior to do, that is, “go forth in the power of my Spirit, preaching my gospel, two by two, in my name, lifting up your voices as with the sound of a trump, declaring my word like unto angels of God” (DC 42:6). We congratulate Jamie Holmes in Watertown on her baptism. Sister Holmes was taught by Sisters Cox, Palmer and Ream. President Bulloch P.S. Don’t forget to report where you are in your reading of Preach My Gospel.
December 27, 2011 Dear Elders and Sisters, As we approach the end of another year, I couldn’t help but think of the principle of enduring to the end. Some of you have heard me tell the experience of watching my older brother wrestling for the conference championship when he was in college. It was a grueling match that went three overtimes. Both men were exhausted. He said something to me after he had won the match that I have never forgotten. He said, “I kept telling myself, one of us is going to give up, and the other one is going to win.” Having the capacity to keep going when you feel like giving up, or giving in, is an attribute that is of extreme value. Developing the capacity to endure may be one of the most important lessons we learn as missionaries. It is so important that it is included in “the doctrine of Christ” along with faith, repentance, baptism and receiving the Holy Ghost (2 Nephi 31:20-21). One of the many differences, however, between a wrestling match and the doctrine of Christ, is in the gospel of Jesus Christ we all can be winners if we learn to endure. Enduring to the end means to keep pressing forward with all your might, mind and strength when you have all the reasons to quit, to let up, to rest. Patience and persistence are two of the noble qualities we develop as we learn to endure circumstances like difficulty, suffering, loneliness, and rejection. Like faith and repentance, developing the capacity to not only endure, but “endure well” (see DC 121:8) comes from doing well the simple day to day challenges. For example, it takes persistence, faith, and dedication, after a hard day’s work to devote your time and attention to planning for the next day. It is at a time when you are often tired, and really just want to relax. It is like being at the end of the race, when winners are born by pushing themselves to actually pick up speed, and sprint to the finish line. To do so as a missionary is an act of faith that demonstrates what it means to endure to the end of your daily tasks. Such acts of faith and endurance are the “doctrine of Christ” in action. They will bring down the blessings of heaven. The 13th Article of Faith, states “we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things.” Jacob taught, “behold, the righteous… [are] they who have believed in the Holy One of Israel, [and] who have endured the crosses of the world, and despised [meaning to ignore or not worry about] the shame of it, they shall inherit the kingdom of God… and their joy shall be full forever (2 Nephi 9:18). The joy of victory comes after we have learned to endure. May the Lord bless us to do so. Thank you so much for your faith and dedication. President Bulloch P.S. In your reply to this email, will you please report where you are in the goal to read all of Preach My Gospel this transfer. If you are not sure, take your best guess today and be prepared to report again in the weeks to come.
December 20, 2010Dear Elders and Sisters In 1983 Sister Bulloch and I had the opportunity to visit the Holy Land. It was a marvelous experience to walk where Jesus walked and experience the sights and sounds of the Savior’s life. In a place called Sheppard’s Field just outside of Bethlehem, we sang the Christmas carol, “O Little Town of Bethlehem.” As we did so, a powerful spirit touched our hearts. A line in the song has become one of the most meaningful messages of my faith in Jesus Christ. It says, “the hopes and fears of all the years, are met in thee tonight.” It is my testimony that that message is absolutely true. Because of the life and mission of Savior we can have hope. All of our righteous hopes and dreams are made possible because of Him. It is also because of the life and mission of Jesus Christ that we have no need to fear. The Savior said, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27). In the Doctrine and Covenants the Savior said, “fear not, little flock; do good; let earth and hell combine against you, for if ye are built upon my rock, they cannot prevail… Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not” (6:34,36). It is for good reason the Savior, is called “The Hope of Israel” (Jeremiah 17:13) and the “Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). This week, as we celebrate the Savior’s birth, I pray His spirit will be with you to eliminate your fears and give you hope. I pray that each of you can be used as an instrument in His hands to give hope and happiness to others. Christmas day would be a wonderful day to practice “Pure religion… [by] visit[ing] the fatherless and the widow in their affliction” (James 1:27). The Savior said those “in the ministry in proclaiming the gospel… wilt do the greatest good unto thy fellow beings, and wilt promote the glory of him who is your Lord [when they are] faithful… in the office which I have appointed unto you; succor the weak, lift up the hands which hang down, and strengthen the feeble knees” (DC 81:3-5). May the Lord bless us to lift, strengthen, and bless others in our ministry. We congratulate the following on their baptism and confirmation this week: Tiffany Bagnell in Hamilton, taught by Elders Israelsen, Carter and Checketts; Matthew Doane in Rome, taught by Elders Ivie and Call; Adam Lyse in Carthage, taught by Elders Thoman and Schrader; Julie Walker in Corning, taught by Elders Bergman, Welch and Burbank; Charles Carner in Ithica, taught by Elders Neilsen and Egbert; Bruce Stinney in Ithica, taught by Sisters Goettsche and Stark. We hope you have a very Merry Christmas in the Lord’s service, President Bulloch
December 13, 2010 Dear Elders and Sisters, The tradition of giving gifts to those celebrating a birthday is something we all have become accustomed to. Yet as we celebrate the Savior’s birth we seldom think of gifts for Him. Last year in the December zone conferences we invited each of you to consider giving the Savior a special gift for Christmas. We even suggested that He has recorded in scripture the gift that would make Him the most happy. I invite you to carefully re-examine DC 18:10-16, especially the wording in verse 13. It says, “how great is his [that is the Savior’s] joy in the soul that repenteth!” Nothing will bring the Savior more joy than appreciating and taking advantage of the wonderful gift He has offered to each of us—the gift of repentance. This week in your district meetings you will be invited to consider offering such a gift to Him this Christmas. On the card you will be given there is a list of suggested gifts I am sure would be on His wish list. They include; be kind, apologize, forgo a grudge, mend a quarrel, and several others. I am sure that if we listen to the Spirit each of us will be impressed with a list of ideas of our own. For example, in my reading the Book of Mormon recently, it was impressed upon my mind the need to apply a phrase used by the Anti-Nephi-Lehi’s to our own individual efforts to come unto Christ. The scripture records that these humble people did “lay down the weapons of their rebellion, that they did not fight against God any more” (Alma 23:7, 13). I am sure that it would bring the Savior great joy if each of us would “lay down the weapons of [our] rebellion,” no matter what they are, and not “fight against God any more.” Wouldn’t it be a wonderful Christmas for the Savior if each of us were to follow His counsel in DC 88:123-124 to “love one another; cease to be covetous… cease to be idle; cease to be unclean; cease to find fault one with another; cease to sleep longer than [6:30 a.m.]…“ or “lay aside [any other] sin, which easily doth beset you” (Alma 7:15). I invite each of us, as a gift to the Savior this Christmas, to respond to the Spirit that has been telling us to give up those “weapons of rebellion” that we are hanging on to, and “submit cheerfully… to all the will of the Lord” (Mosiah 24:15). I promise you if you will do so, it will be a Christmas to be remembered. A Christmas filled with joy—both for you and the Savior. Remember, He is the reason for the season. President Bulloch P.S. Please remember to read in the Book of Mormon and at least 5-6 pages of Preach My Gospel every day this transfer. Start today if you have not already done so.
December 6, 2010Dear Elders and Sisters, Welcome to a new transfer, and another new beginning. I am so grateful for your willingness to respond in such a positive way to new assignments as they come. I am also pleased with those who are willing to continue to serve effectively in their current assignment. Each of these responses is a demonstration of faith in its own way. A new start provides opportunity for new vision, perspective and commitment. Proverbs 29:18 says, “Where there is no vision, the people perish.” I guess the opposite of that would be, when there is vision, people flourish. When we have a vision of who we are, and what we are about, miracles can happen. It is my desire that every missionary in this mission go forth with greater vision, greater faith, and greater power—even “the power of God unto the convincing of men” (DC 11:21). You will recognize that phrase, and realize that it is a promise given to those who “obtain” the word and the Spirit. In the coming transfer I would like to invite each of you to make a greater effort to “obtain the word” of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ by focusing your morning study on two things; Preach My Gospel and the Book of Mormon. I promise you, as you focus your study on these two things, the Spirit of the Holy Ghost will enlighten your mind and make you a more effective instrument in the Lord’s hands. It will give you a greater vision of who you are, what you are to do, and how you are to do it. As good as they are, set aside other study material for the most part. I am asking every missionary in this mission to carefully and prayerfully read every page of Preach My Gospel during this transfer. Read it to get an overview and a vision of what we are about. This time through, don’t spend a lot of time doing the activities, just read, ponder, pray, and write impressions. If you carefully read and ponder between five and six pages per day, every day of the transfer, you can completely read Preach My Gospel during this transfer.A suggested morning study program for this transfer could be something like this:8:00 to 8:30—Read and ponder the Book of Mormon, recording impressions in your study journal.8:30 to 9:00—Read and ponder Preach My Gospel highlighting words and phrases and making notes.9:00 to 9:15—Share impressions and ideas from Preach My Gospel with your companion.9:15 to 9:50—As a companionship, practice teaching 1) the Preach My Gospel lessons, particularly those you will be teaching, 2) lessons from the Fundamentals of Effective Teaching, 3) Preach My Gospel teaching skills or suggestions, or 4) do some of the suggested Preach My Gospel activities.9:50 to 9:59—Read the white Missionary Handbook, have companion prayer, and share testimony with each other before leaving the apartment. At some other time during the day study the Book of Mormon for at least 20 additional minutes. (This could be a few minutes during lunch or dinner hour, or in the evening after planning and before going to bed. It could be in five or ten minute periods, or all at once.) I am confident that doing so will give us increased vision, greater understanding, and invite the power of the Spirit into our work. We congratulate the following on their baptism this week: Dawn and Sophia Adams in Saratoga Springs, taught by Elders Christensen, Stratton and Daniels-Brown; Adalina Viera in Ithaca, taught by Sisters Goettsche, Stark and Cox; Anyla Melvin in Watertown, taught by Sisters Ream, Cox and Goettsche; Robert Sprague in Delhi, taught by Elders Nattress and Matangi. Our thoughts and prayers are with you always, President Bulloch
November 29, 2010 Dear Elders and Sisters, I have been reflecting on our discussion in Zone Conference about the development of faith as it relates to the righteous use of agency. It reminded me of an old Calvin and Hobbs cartoon I am going to attempt to attach to this email. It illustrates something President James E. Faust taught very well. He said, we “need to understand… that private choices are not private; they all have public consequences. There is a popular notion that doing our own thing… is our own business and affects no one but us… But this is simply not true” (Ensign, May 1987, p. 80). Each day we are faced with choices. We exercise our agency in making those choices. Each choice invites a whole new set of circumstances that require more choices, not only by us individually, but also by others. For example, if a missionary chooses not to be obedient, his companion has to make some difficult choices in relation to how to respond to his companion’s disobedience. The Missionary Handbook states, “If you notice any inappropriate situation or behavior, discuss it with your companion. If the matter is not resolved, have the courage and love for your companion to ask your mission president for help… Your loyalty is first to the Lord, then to your mission president….” (p.31-32) It requires what can be a very difficult choice to follow that counsel. Yet, a missionary cannot be completely obedient and ignore the disobedience of their companion. We cannot live independent of each other. What we do affects those around us. We must remember that each circumstance we find ourselves in presents us with an opportunity to increase our faith through the righteous use of agency. We will all eventually come to know the truth of the oft repeated phrase, “If you have not chosen the kingdom of God first, it will in the end make no difference what you have chosen instead” (Maxwell, Ensign, May, 1984; October, 1999, p. 13). Our individual choices not only have an effect on those around us, but also on our ability to receive and respond to the influence and guidance of the Spirit. Choices that influence the degree to which we have the influence of the Holy Ghost in turn will affect our investigators, potential investigators, and many others. It is comforting to know that the righteous use of agency in making correct choices invites the influence of the Spirit and an endowment of increased faith. With increased faith, miracles can happen and lives are blessed. Thus we see, that it truly is by the seemingly small and simple choices we make that great things are brought to pass (Alma 37:6). May the Lord bless us to “Choose the right, when a choice is placed before [us]” (hymn 239). We congratulate the following on their baptism this week: Mikaila Berkgren in Ithaca, taught by Elders Neilson, Egbert and Bowles; Theresa Pessler in Watertown, taught by Sisters Ream, Cox and Goettsche; Gary Zayas in Utica, taught by Elders Cutler and Swain; and Melia Steed was baptized in Elders Johnson and West’s area of the Albany 1st Ward. I hope you have a wonderful week, President Bulloch
November 22, 2010 Dear Elders and Sisters, As we complete another Zone Conference tour, Sister Bulloch and I want to express to each of you our gratitude for the spirit you bring to our meetings. We sense your goodness and your desire to be faithful and true to the calling you have received. Our association with you makes us want to be better people. I know I mentioned this last year at this time, but feel it important enough to say again briefly. On October 3, 1863 President Abraham Lincoln, recognizing God as the source of all blessings, and the need for all people to do the same, sent a “Proclamation Establishing Thanksgiving Day.” President Lincoln said in part, “The year that is drawing towards its close, has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come…[as] the ever watchful providence of Almighty God… [Therefore], It has seemed to me fit and proper that [these blessing] should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and voice by the whole American people. I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States… to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens.“ Thus, Thanksgiving Day was born. It was not a day about pilgrims, Indians and turkeys, but a day about recognizing God’s hand in our life, and giving thanks to Him. It is my hope and prayer that during this week of “Thanksgiving” we will humbly recognize and acknowledge the many blessings that our Heavenly Father has bestowed so abundantly upon us. It is very apparent this great nation was established and preserved “by the hands of wise men whom [God] raised up unto this very purpose.” And after its establishment, they and many others, “redeemed the land by the shedding of blood” (DC 101:80). And all this to the end that the gospel of Jesus Christ could be establish again upon the earth. A blessing that we not only have the privilege of knowing, but one we have the privilege of proclaiming to the world. Our Father in Heaven not only raised up great men and women to establish this land, and this Church, but also raised up great men and women to take the message of the restoration of His Church and Kingdom on earth to the world—and that is you! You are a significant part of His great eternal plan. This week especially, may we take time to “count [our] many blessings” and “name them one by one” (Hymn 241). May we humbly express thanks and gratitude to our Father in Heaven for each of them, for “in nothing doth man offend God, or against none is his wrath kindled, save those who confess not his hand in all things…” (DC 59:21). We congratulate Nathaniel Ahart in Fulton on his baptism this week. Brother Ahart was taught by Elders Farrens and A. Cutler. Thank you so much for your faithful service, President Bulloch
November 15, 2010Dear Elders and Sisters, We often sing, “Called to Serve.” Your mission may not be the first “calling” you have received in the Church, and I am sure it will not be the last. However, in the service of the Lord, “there are many called, but few are chosen” (D&C 121:34). Of the many that are called, why are only a few chosen? What does it mean to be “chosen?” What does it take to become one of the “chosen?” As with all things, we can look to the example of the Savior for the answer to these questions. In Moses 4:2 the Savior is referred to as “my Beloved and Chosen from the beginning.” The secret to why He was chosen seems to be in what follows in the verse. The Savior “said unto me—Father, thy will be done.” These words are a prelude to those the Savior would utter in Gethsemene, “Let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt” (Matthew 26:39). To become one of the chosen we must, as Abinadi taught, be willing to let our will be “swallowed up in the will of the Father” (Mosiah 15:7). When our will is “set so much upon the things of this world” or we “aspire to the honors of men” (DC 121:35), what we want becomes more important to us than what our Father in Heaven wants. Thus, the will of our Heavenly Father is swallowed up, or overpowered, by what we want, rather than the other way around. Wanting the things of the world, and worrying about what people think of us, prevent us from overcoming the natural man by making the necessary sacrifices to join those who are not only called, but chosen. As Elder Neal A. Maxwell said, “The submission of one’s will is really the only uniquely personal thing we have to place on God’s altar. The many other things we 'give,' brothers and sisters, are actually the things He has already given or loaned to us. However, when you and I finally submit ourselves, by letting our individual wills be swallowed up in God’s will, then we are really giving something to Him! It is the only possession which is truly ours to give!” (Ensign, Nov. 1995) To become like the Savior we must learn to submit our will to our Father in Heaven. As Elder Maxwell goes on to say, it is “the only unconditional surrender which is also a total victory!” We congratulate the following on their baptism this week: Wyman Simpkins in the Albany Branch, taught by Elders Boyakin, Duffin and Tanner; Johnathan Reeves in Potsdam, taught by Elders Maxfield, Miller and Swain; John Syther in Ogdensburg, taught by Sisters Despain and Zwick; and David Stams in Watertown, taught by Sisters Ream and Cox. Thank you again for all you do. May the Lord continue to guide and bless you, President Bulloch
November 8, 2010Dear Elders and Sisters, I have been reflecting on the relationship between each aspect of a brief verse in the Doctrine and Covenants. Verse 36 of Section 6 reads, “Look unto me in every thought; doubt not; fear not.” We know that doubt and fear are the enemies of faith. But what do they have to do with thoughts? I guess the answer is fairly obvious. When we begin to have thoughts of doubt or fear, our faith begins to waver. Such was the case when Peter was invited by the Savior to walk on the water. The scripture records, “But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.” (Matthew 14:30). After the Lord stretched forth his hand and saved Peter, He asked Peter, “O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?” What we focus our thoughts on has a dramatic effect on our faith. It has been my experience that the more I think about, or reflect on the things of the Spirit, the firmer my faith becomes. To ancient Israel the Lord said, “these words which I command thee… shall be in thine heart, and thou shalt… talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up” (Deut. 6:6-7). Similarly, the Lord has instructed modern Isarel that our “incomings may be in the name of the Lord; that your outgoings may be in the name of the Lord; that all your salutations may be in the name of the Lord…” (DC 88:120; 109:9). We think about what we talk about, and we become what we think about. When we focus our talk, as well as our time and attention on the Lord’s work, we will find our doubts and fears being replaced by faith. To increase our faith we must study, reflect, and discuss the accounts of those with great faith. Nephi’s brother Jacob said, “Wherefore, we search the prophets… and having all these witnesses we obtain a hope, and our faith becometh unshaken, insomuch that we truly can command in the name of Jesus and the very trees obey us, or the mountains, or the waves of the sea” (Jacob 4:6). The fact is we become what we think about. May we follow the example of Nephi who said, “my soul delighteth in the things of the Lord; and my heart ponderth [them] continually” (2 Nephi 4:16). I testify that as we “Look unto [the Lord] in every thought; doubt not; fear not” we will find the faith to make a difference in this work. We congratulate the following on their baptism this week: Kim Mallard in Ithaca, taught by Elders Neilson, Egbert and Bowles; and Charlotte Vasquez in Green, taught by Elders Perkins, Russell and Smidt. Looking forward to seeing you at Zone Conference, President Bulloch
November 1, 2010Dear Elders and Sisters, From you emails again this week it sounds like faith continues to increase, and the Lord is continuing to bless us. It is really exciting. It made me think about a comment made by Elder Pearson of the Seventy in our Mission President’s Seminar. As near as I can recall he said something like, “The greatest and most exciting experience a missionary can have is not a baptism, but the feeling that comes when they are teaching under the influence of the Holy Ghost and both they and their investigator know it and feel it.” What a great feeling it is to teach the gospel of Jesus Christ as directed by the Spirit. It is the feeling that is described in DC 50:22, when “both are edified and rejoice together.” Because “joy” is one of the fruits of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22), acting under the influence of the Spirit is the most significant factor in finding joy in our work. The importance of seeking and following the guidance of the Holy Ghost cannot be overstated. It is essential to both our success and our happiness as missionaries. That is why the role of the Holy Ghost comes up in so many of the eight lessons we have been studying in our district meetings. (By the way, we learned that these lessons are now being called “The Fundamentals of Effective Teaching.”) Learning to receive and respond to the gentle, quite, impressions of the Spirit in every aspect of our work will make all the difference. Elder Pearson taught that missionaries should not “plan to fill the day with events, but plan under the influence of the Spirit in a way to have spiritual experiences.” When we fervently pray in faith to be guided in our planning, not asking ourselves, “what shall we do?” but “what would the Lord have us do?” we will be guided in our planning. Then, as we follow our plan, listening for and expecting to be guided in where we go and what we say, the Lord will direct our work. The scriptures promise, “God shall give unto you knowledge by his Holy Spirit, yea, by the unspeakable gift of the Holy Ghost” (DC 121:26). Then as you teach those you have been guided to under the influence of the Spirit it will be given to you “what ye shall say” (DC 84:85). May the Lord bless us with the ability to perceive and respond to spiritual direction in both our finding and our teaching. Listen to the Spirit, listen to your investigators, and listen to the Spirit again. As missionaries work diligently, keep their covenants, and listen, “they shall be directed by the Spirit” (DC 42:13). As they do so, they will find “exceeding great joy in the fruit of [their] labors” (Alma 36:25). We congratulate the following on their baptism this week: Tom French in Syracuse, taught by Sisters Livermore, Woodmansee and Mitsula; Jenna Portelli in Potsdam, taught by Elders Maxfield, Miller and Swain; Tirso Simone Lara in Lake Placid, taught by Elders Kunzler, Bowles, and Lamborn; and Michelle Baker in Owego, taught by Elders Hale, Bradford, and Israelson. Our thoughts and prayers are with you always, President Bulloch P.S. For your information, Zone Conferences will be held on the following dates in November: 9th in Albany; 11th in Utica; 16th in Syracuse; 17th in Owego (Elmira); 19th in Potsdam.
February 21, 2011Dear Elders and Sisters, As you may have heard, on Saturday, February 20, 2011, Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles presided over a Priesthood Leadership Conference for priesthood leaders in the New York Rochester and the New York Utica Missions. Before the priesthood meeting Elder Scott, along with Elder Jay E. Jensen of the Presidency of the Seventy, and Elder David Cook of the Seventy, held a brief training meeting with the missionaries of the New York Rochester Mission. Sister Bulloch and I, along with my counselors and assistants were invited to join them. I would like to briefly highlight some of the instruction as I recall them from my memory and my notes. Elder Cook testified of the power that came into his life as a young missionary when he finally realized that this work was not about himself and his desires. He said, “The minute you think it is about you, you are in trouble.” He also powerfully testified how the Lord can, and does, use people in magnificent ways that view themselves as insignificant and incapable. His words reminded me of President Faust’s statement, “The Lord can do remarkable miracles with a person of ordinary ability, who is humble, faithful and diligent” (Ensign, Nov. 1995, 45). Do not accept the adversary’s ploy that you do not have what it takes to become all that your Heavenly Father wishes you to become. Elder Jensen taught how “decisions determine destiny.” He powerfully testified how his decision to serve a mission as a young man, and the decisions to serve faithfully while on that mission, have had such a significant impact on his life and his eternal destiny. Our eternal destiny will be the end result of our day to day decisions. He also talked about the importance of effective communication when we are teaching. He quoted statistics that show that about “two-thirds of your message comes from non-verbal communication.” Look people in the eye and speak with confidence. We have the most important message on the earth! Elder Scott talked about growing up in a home with a non-member father and a less-active mother. After he was told by the woman of his dreams that she would not marry anyone but a returned missionary in the temple of the Lord, he knew what he had to do. That path led him to where he is today—an Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ. Of all the things that he taught us, the most significant to me was his powerful testimony of the reality and divinity of the Savior. He spoke with great power and conviction as he said, “I know with a certainty that Jesus Christ lives! He personally guides this Church. He lives. I have been qualified to know this. I know Him!” The Spirit of the Holy Ghost witnessed to the truth of his testimony. If I could, I would have taken all of you with us. The Brethren asked me to extend to you their love and gratitude for your faithful service. Sister Bulloch and I join them in that expression to you, and pray the Lord will continue to give you the faith and determination to serve with all your heart. We congratulate the following on their baptism this week: Eleshia Bennett in Glens Falls, taught by Sisters Ream and Duncan and Elders McCleave and J. Williams. Martin Parker in Rome, taught by Elders Ivie, T. Williams, and Call. With love and gratitude, President Bulloch
February 28, 2011Dear Elders and Sisters, Good morning to each of you. I am excited for another new transfer, and another new beginning. Each week as we partake of the sacrament we have the opportunity to evaluate and commit again to improve our behavior and our lives. I feel like each new transfer is a similar opportunity. It is my hope and my prayer that each one of us will show our faith and love to our Heavenly Father by striving to improve ourselves, our companionships, and our efforts. A correct understanding of the gospel, and a testimony of its truthfulness, makes us want to improve. Lack of effort to improve can come from a variety of sources, including a lack of understanding. Typically, those who have to be commanded in all things, and do not strive for personal improvement until they are compelled, do not really understand the gospel or its significance as they should. The scriptures record, “Be ye not as the horse, or as the mule, which have no understanding: whose mouth must be held in with bit and bridle” (Psalms 32:9). If it takes outside restraints or controls rather than inner commitment and understanding to cause us to improve, it is unlikely we will make the improvements the Lord wants us to. However, understanding is no guarantee of improvement. Most of us know things we should be doing, that we are not doing. I have thought many times about the title of a lesson I was asked to teach many years ago. The title was, “Knowing Is Not Doing.” It was a lesson on the life of Solomon, who was blessed with great wisdom, yet in the end, fell from the Lord’s favor because he did not apply to his own life the things he was teaching others. Knowing, or understanding, does not always mean doing. It takes a combination of understanding, and the drive to do something about it, to become the kind of missionary our Heavenly Father would like us to become, and the kind of person the Savior has given us the opportunity to become. The scriptures teach that “to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin” (James 4:17). Such sins of omission require repentance just as well as sins of commission. When we do not have the drive and commitment to repent, or change, we often attempt to sooth our conscience through some form of rationalization. Someone once said, “Rationalizing is the bringing of ideals down to the level of one’s conduct while repentance is the bringing of one’s conduct up to the level of his ideals” (New Era, May 1974, 4). Thank you so much for your efforts to not only more fully understand the gospel, but also your efforts to put it to practice. It is an absolute thrill and constant inspiration to Sister Bulloch and me to witness the growth and development we see in the missionaries in this mission. Thank you so much! We congratulate the following on their baptism this week: Bridget Gutting in Albany, taught by Elders Checketts and Ferguson; Elaine, Daisie, and Skyler Therriault in Bennington, taught by Sisters Seabrook, Takapu and Belnap; Janet Stewart and Cody Marshall in Watertown, taught by Sisters Palmer and Cox; Tony Tourville and Priscilla Pascarelli in Lake Placid, taught by Elders Bowles and Nielsen; Ashley Ballou in Fulton, taught by Elders Burbank and Cutler. It has been a great week. Thank you for your continued faith and dedication to the Lord’s work. President Bulloch
March 7, 2011 Dear Elders and Sisters, Whenever I find myself in a particularly difficult time in life I think about a favorite quote by Rene Daumal that was shared in regard to why people climb mountains. He said, “You cannot stay on the summit forever; you have to come down again. So why bother in the first place? Just this: What is above knows what is below, but what is below does not know what is above. One climbs, one sees, one descends, one sees no longer, but one has seen. There is an art of conducting oneself in the lower regions by the memory of what one saw higher up. When one can no longer see, one can at least still know” (Deseret News, July 2-3, 1992). When I am struggling in the lower regions of life, my heart is filled with strength and happiness by the memory of the things I have seen and felt from a higher view. Peace fills my heart as I reflect on the purposes of life from the vantage point of God’s great “plan of happiness” (Alma 42:8, 16). Once we have the witness that God truly does love and care about us; that His only desire is to make us happy, and that there is purpose in adversity, we find the courage and faith to conduct ourselves in positive ways. One memory that helps us deal with the challenges in life is our understanding of the life and ministry of the Savior. His invitation to “always remember Him” (DC 20:77) can provide vision and comfort. Remembering Him will help ensure that we will “always have His spirit to be with [us].” In difficult times, remember what you have seen. Remember what you have felt. Think about what you do know more than what you don’t know. Don’t let what you don’t know rob you of what you do know. As Elder Neil L. Andersen said, “We [must] remain steady and patient as we progress through mortality. At times, the Lord’s answer will be, ‘You don’t know everything, but you know enough’—enough to keep the commandments and to do what is right. Remember Nephi’s words: ‘I know that he loveth his children; nevertheless, I do not know the meaning of all things.’” (CR, October 2008) Keep moving forward through the lower regions of life, and before long you will find the views to be spectacular. I think it was President Hinckley who said, “Things will all work out in the end. If they have not worked out, it is not the end.” May the Lord bless us to conduct ourselves at all times by the memory of what we have seen when we were “caught away in the Spirit” to our own “exceedingly high mountain” (1 Nephi 11:1), where the views of eternity provide peace, hope and direction. We congratulate the following on their baptism this week: Kyla Ribbie in Corning, taught by Elders Owens, Rickords, and Welch; and Phillip Brewer in Saratoga Springs, taught by Elders Stratton, Shurtz, and Christensen. President Bulloch
March 21, 2011Dear Elders and Sisters, Almost from the day Sister Bulloch and I arrived in New York we discovered that the missionaries in this mission had a reputation, or in mission terminology, “a culture” of obedience. Interestingly, the first few instances of companionship difficulty that I had to deal with as a mission president came as a result of differences of opinion in regard to what it meant to “obey… with exactness” (Alma 57:21). Learning to be completely obedient is among, if not the most important, lesson a missionary must learn if they want to be happy and successful. We all know that “when we obtain any blessing from God, it is by obedience to [the] law upon which [that blessing] is predicated” (DC 130:21). In his attempts to undermine the work of our Heavenly Father, the devil is cunning to lead us “carefully” (2 Nephi 28:21) into disobedience. One of his most successful tactics is to undermine complete and exact obedience by inviting and enticing us to compromise in small and seemingly innocent ways. “It’s no big deal” is one of his most successful lures. It’s no big deal to not “wear regular missionary clothes” (MH. p. 19) on p-day. It’s no big deal to keep score when we play basketball (MH p. 22), or get involved in a full court game with a few of the members (MH p. 22). It’s no big deal to listen to music that “merely entertains” (MH p. 25) or in other ways is inappropriate. Avoiding such compromise in order to be completely obedient is a demonstration of total submission to our Heavenly Father’s will. Efforts to justify such acts of disobedience may seem like “no big deal” to some, but they are the first steps off the strait and narrow path. They may be considered “baby steps,” but they are none the less steps in the wrong direction. Obedience requires sacrifice (see DC 132:50). When a missionary obeys the mission rule to get out of bed on time, they sacrifice the desire for sleep. When they obey the rule to plan at the end of a long day they sacrifice the opportunity to relax and unwind until they have completed what is expected of them. It is in that moment at 9:00 p.m. that they demonstrate their commitment and desire to endure to the end in complete obedience. When the Lord commanded us to enter the “strait gate” (Matt. 7:13) that leads to eternal life, he is referring to a restrictive passage that allows very little leeway. That is, at least in part, why obedience is referred to as “the first law of heaven” (New Era, Jan. 1990, 4). Those who do not feel it is necessary to conform to that narrow entry will not pass through it. Submitting ourselves in humble and complete obedience is one of the basic steps in the mighty change that accompanies true conversion. As we consider this important principle, it is also important to remember, that “all have sinned and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). Our actions are continually falling short. So how do we find the balance between not letting our continual shortcomings discourage us and the expectation of exact obedience? That will have to be a topic for another day, so just keep doing your best, and keep smiling. We congratulate the following on their baptism this week; Don Forsythe in Ogdensburg, taught by Sisters Woodmansee, Wilcox and Zwick; Edson Appleton and Linda Venduro in Albany downtown, taught by Elders Checketts and Ferguson; and just in case you are among the many who didn’t ever get last week’s email, Michael Shwamle in Utica, taught by Elders Johnson and West.President BullochP.S. March 26, 2011, this coming Saturday, is the 181st anniversary of the publication of the Book of Mormon (March 26, 1830). Celebrate by reading a chapter or two!
March 21, 2011Dear Elders and Sisters, Almost from the day Sister Bulloch and I arrived in New York we discovered that the missionaries in this mission had a reputation, or in mission terminology, “a culture” of obedience. Interestingly, the first few instances of companionship difficulty that I had to deal with as a mission president came as a result of differences of opinion in regard to what it meant to “obey… with exactness” (Alma 57:21). Learning to be completely obedient is among, if not the most important, lesson a missionary must learn if they want to be happy and successful. We all know that “when we obtain any blessing from God, it is by obedience to [the] law upon which [that blessing] is predicated” (DC 130:21). In his attempts to undermine the work of our Heavenly Father, the devil is cunning to lead us “carefully” (2 Nephi 28:21) into disobedience. One of his most successful tactics is to undermine complete and exact obedience by inviting and enticing us to compromise in small and seemingly innocent ways. “It’s no big deal” is one of his most successful lures. It’s no big deal to not “wear regular missionary clothes” (MH. p. 19) on p-day. It’s no big deal to keep score when we play basketball (MH p. 22), or get involved in a full court game with a few of the members (MH p. 22). It’s no big deal to listen to music that “merely entertains” (MH p. 25) or in other ways is inappropriate. Avoiding such compromise in order to be completely obedient is a demonstration of total submission to our Heavenly Father’s will. Efforts to justify such acts of disobedience may seem like “no big deal” to some, but they are the first steps off the strait and narrow path. They may be considered “baby steps,” but they are none the less steps in the wrong direction. Obedience requires sacrifice (see DC 132:50). When a missionary obeys the mission rule to get out of bed on time, they sacrifice the desire for sleep. When they obey the rule to plan at the end of a long day they sacrifice the opportunity to relax and unwind until they have completed what is expected of them. It is in that moment at 9:00 p.m. that they demonstrate their commitment and desire to endure to the end in complete obedience. When the Lord commanded us to enter the “strait gate” (Matt. 7:13) that leads to eternal life, he is referring to a restrictive passage that allows very little leeway. That is, at least in part, why obedience is referred to as “the first law of heaven” (New Era, Jan. 1990, 4). Those who do not feel it is necessary to conform to that narrow entry will not pass through it. Submitting ourselves in humble and complete obedience is one of the basic steps in the mighty change that accompanies true conversion. As we consider this important principle, it is also important to remember, that “all have sinned and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). Our actions are continually falling short. So how do we find the balance between not letting our continual shortcomings discourage us and the expectation of exact obedience? That will have to be a topic for another day, so just keep doing your best, and keep smiling. We congratulate the following on their baptism this week; Don Forsythe in Ogdensburg, taught by Sisters Woodmansee, Wilcox and Zwick; Edson Appleton and Linda Venduro in Albany downtown, taught by Elders Checketts and Ferguson; and just in case you are among the many who didn’t ever get last week’s email, Michael Shwamle in Utica, taught by Elders Johnson and West.President BullochP.S. March 26, 2011, this coming Saturday, is the 181st anniversary of the publication of the Book of Mormon (March 26, 1830). Celebrate by reading a chapter or two!
August 22, 2011Dear Elders and Sisters, I have been praying and studying the scriptures to know how we can move the work forward more effectively. As I was reading the Doctrine and Covenants I came across a passage that impressed me again with some principles we already know. It is an instruction the Lord gave to the early missionaries of the Church in the first few verses of Doctrine and Covenants 75. It says, “Hearken, O ye who have given your names to go forth to proclaim my gospel, and to prune my vineyard. Behold, I say unto you that it is my will that you should go forth and not tarry, neither be idle but labor with your might— Lifting up your voices as with the sound of a trump, proclaiming the truth according to the revelations and commandments which I have given you. And thus, if ye are faithful ye shall be laden with many sheaves.” Anciently sheaves referred to the bundles of cut grain that were harvested. It is used as a metaphor for that which we are working to harvest—in this case, souls or people that receive the gospel. Each of you have “given your name,” or we would say, “put in your papers” as one that is willing to “go forth to proclaim [the] gospel.” If we follow the instruction given in these verses, the promise is we will “be laden with many sheaves.” Several words used by the Lord in the proceeding verses are related. The instruction is to “go forth” “not tarry” “neither be idle” “but labor with your might.” We have spoken much about the importance of working diligently and avoiding idleness, but the word “tarry” was instructive to me. To tarry means “to delay or to be tardy in acting; to linger, loiter, or wait.” Among the definitions of loiter was “to move slow, making purposeless stops; to waste time; to pass time in an aimless manner.” If we spend time “making purposeless stops” or doing things simply to “pass the time” especially “in an aimless manner” we will not focus on what matters most, and as a result be unable to hold the Lord to His promise of “many sheaves.” Preach My Gospel helps us focus our aim. It says, “If you and your companion cannot see how a proselyting activity might help increase the number of people in one or more key indicators, you need to question whether the activity is worth your time” (p. 139). We should constantly strive to not just fill our time, but fulfill our purpose. It is my witness and testimony that the promises of the Lord are sure. If we faithfully (not just faithfully work, but go to work with faith) “labor with [our] might” and “not tarry” in addition to “lifting up [our] voice with the sound of a trump” we “shall be laden (loaded in abundance) with many sheaves.” The combination of focused diligence (not aimless) with “lifting up our voice” (opening our mouth; talking or teaching) “proclaiming truth” (and only truth) “according to the revelations” (in the manner we have been instructed to do) will yield the results the Lord desires. We congratulate the following on their baptism this week: Genevieve Marcy in Elmira, taught by Elders Call and Butler; and Tom Andrews in Liverpool, taught by Elders Robertson, Blanchard, and Israelsen. Thank you for your faith. Thank you for your continued effort. Thank you for being the kind of men and women you are. President Bulloch
August 29, 2011Dear Elders and Sisters, In addition to obeying “with exactness” and having “exceeding faith” the stripling warriors were described as being “exceedingly valiant for courage” and “true at all times in whatsoever thing they were entrusted” (see Alma 53:20; 57:21, 26). I have wondered what it means to be “true at all times.” It could mean that their conduct was consistently righteous no matter where they were, or who they were with. I would say they were probably faithful and loyal in doing what they were supposed to do, when they were supposed to do it. Much could be said about this phrase, but I want to make a brief comment on one thing I think it means by first saying something about what I think it does not mean. I do not think it means they never made a mistake—that they were perfect. I do not want to undermine the great admiration and respect they honestly deserve, but I do want to attempt to put what is expected of us in a proper perspective. There is a word that comes up repeatedly in the scriptures that is never used to describe the stripling warriors yet I believe is required of all such faithful men and women. The scriptures teach “the Lord requireth the heart and a willing mind; and the willing and obedient” (DC 64:34 italics added) are those that will build Zion—not the perfect. Nephi told Laman and Lemuel, “if ye were righteous and were willing to hearken to the truth… ye would not murmur” (1 Nephi 16:3 italics added). Stephen E. Robinson taught, “…our sincere willingness and honest desire are acceptable to God in the absence of perfect performance…” and “above all else, God wants our hearts. Imperfect performance can be corrected, sins can be remitted, mistakes can be erased—but God can do nothing with an unwilling and rebellious heart until it repents” (Believing Christ, 54). If we are willing to try, willing to give it our best effort, willing to admit our mistakes and weaknesses, and willing to receive counsel and correction, God can do great things with us. With the sacrament prayer we commit that we are “willing” to take upon us the name of Christ, always remember Him, and keep His commandments. I believe that means a willingness to do the very best we can. The Lord promises great blessings not only to those who “keep all [His] commandments,” but also to “him that seeketh so to do” (DC 46:9). I believe we are “true at all times” when we are constantly striving to do our duty and overcome our weaknesses. It is when our “real intent” is to do what the Lord has asked of us, the very best we can “at all times and in all things, and in all places that [w]e may be in” (Mosiah 18:9). Elder Joseph Wirthlin taught, “We don’t have to be perfect today. We don’t have to be better than someone else. All we have to do is to be the very best we can” (CR, October 2001). May the Lord bless us to be willing and “true at all times” by doing the very best we can. President Bulloch
Elder Bradford,
Thank you so much for your attitude and effort. Keep up the good work.
President Bulloch
September 12, 2011Dear Elders and Sisters, I have said many times that the choices between good and evil are easy. It is the choice between bad and worse, or good and better that are often challenging. Learning to prioritize between “good, better and best” is a very important ability. We face such decisions every day in how we use our time. I have quoted before President Eyring’s statement in regard to the use of our time. He said, “Time is the property which we inherit from God, along with the power to choose what we will do with it” (Church News, October 31, 2009). I believe our success is determined in a significant way by how we choose to use our time. It is sometimes difficult to know what the best thing to do with our time really is. I would like to cite two examples. A recent email called to my attention the first example. The missionary wrote in part, “We went to visit… not home. Then went to… no answer… then went to… no answer… went to ...” The problem is obvious—a lot of going, but no results. That can be very discouraging. A possible solution would be more effective use of the phone. However, that raises another question: Is it best to use the phone and save time, or try to go talk to people in person and risk the waste of time if they are not home? Another example came to my attention when a missionary expressed his frustration with what he viewed as a problem when his leaders came to work in their area. Instead of looking at it as a blessing to double into the area and cover more ground, he saw it as a problem because, “we had to use all our ideas to fill two schedules the same day, now we don’t have anything to do when they leave.” That is a problem of someone focusing on filling their time rather than fulfilling their purpose. Underlying each of these examples is the measure of a missionaries “commitment to find, teach, baptize, and confirm people and help them become faithful members of the Church” (PMG, 10), in comparison to simply filling their day with what may be considered missionary activities. It is true that “Nothing happens in missionary work until you find someone to teach” (PMG, 156), and missionaries will have difficulty finding people to teach if they are not using their time wisely to engage as many people as possible. Wise use of the phone can help us avoid spending time running around knocking on empty doors. Walking to save miles may not be as effective as using a car to save time. We must learn to work smarter by using our resources wisely to avoid wasting time in less productive activities. “O be wise; what can I say more?” (Jacob 6:12) We congratulate the following on their baptism this week: Robert Heitzman in Syracuse, taught by Elders Duffin, Allred and Burbank; Kaye Borden in Trumansburg, taught by Elders J. Neilsen, Chao and Syrett; William and Judith Short in Auburn, taught by Elders Daniels-Brown, Boyakin, and Miller. May the Lord continue to bless us to fulfill our purpose, not just fill our time. President BullochP.S. If you have not yet completed the survey mentioned last week, please do so today.
September 19, 2011Dear Elders and Sisters, This week is the anniversary of Moroni’s visit to the Prophet Joseph Smith. Verse 27 of Joseph Smith—History says that Joseph Smith had “continued to pursue [his] common vocations in life until the twenty-first of September, one thousand eight hundred and twenty three, all the time suffering severe persecution at the hands of all classes of men, both religious and irreligious, because I continued to affirm that I had seen a vision.” For the three years proceeding this date, Joseph had suffered “great persecution, which continued to increase” until it became very “bitter” (v.22). This “most bitter persecution and reviling” was so intense that “it was often the cause of great sorrow” (v. 23) to Joseph. He was even “persecuted by those who ought to have been [his] friends and treated [him] kindly” (v.28). This would be difficult for anyone, but especially for someone as young and inexperienced as Joseph Smith was at that time. In this circumstance he became vulnerable to “all kinds of temptations” and “fell into many foolish errors” which were “not consistent with that character which ought to be maintained by one who was called of God” as he had been (v. 28). It was in “consequence of these things” that Joseph “often felt condemned for [his] weakness and imperfections” and as a result, “on the evening of the above-mentioned twenty-first of September” turned to God in sincere prayer “for forgiveness of all [his] sins” (v.29). It was during that night between September 21st and 22nd that Moroni first appeared to the young Prophet Joseph Smith. Each year at this time, I can’t help but think of some of you, who as a result of the very challenging circumstances that come in missionary work, may have also felt “great sorrow,” disappointment, and discouragement. Others may even have found themselves “left to all kinds of temptations: and, mingling with all kinds of society” which may have led you to do many “foolish” things that are “not consistent with that character which ought to be maintained by one who [is] called of God as [you] have been.” These errors are generally not “great or malignant sins” but often foolish things that are a result of “the weakness of youth,” yet are behaviors that are “offensive in the sight of God” (v.28). They may be actions that are foolish displays of immaturity, or behaviors that are not in harmony with mission rules. As a result you may have “felt condemned for [your] weakness and imperfections” (v. 29). Please know that the Lord still loves you. That He knows your divine potential, just as He did Joseph’s. He wants you to grow and mature in your divine calling. I have talked to missionaries in this mission that may have made foolish mistakes early in their mission, yet have now grown to “put away childish things” (1 Corinthians 13:11). Some have wondered if their reputation as a missionary is marred forever. I testify that if repentance can work for young prophets, it can work for young missionaries as well. Learn from your mistakes, and go forward in faith. Turn to your Heavenly Father in “prayer and supplication… for forgiveness” (v. 29) as Joseph did, knowing that the Lord will forgive you and accept your offering of faith and dedication. Our Heavenly Father will “make an instrument” of you in His “hands unto the salvation of many souls” (Alma 17:11). Even the Prophet Joseph Smith was a young man that at times needed to be “admonish[ed]…in his faults” (DC 6:19). The key for him was that he learned to take counsel and overcome those faults. His repentance led him to become the kind of person the Lord knew he could become. It is my hope and prayer that the Lord will bless each one of us to do the same. We congratulate the following on their baptism this week: Catherine and Emily Coonradt in Carthage, taught by Elders Nielson, Stanton, and Daniels-Brown; Shantelle Renee Warren in Albany 2nd, taught by Elders Israelsen and Schrader. May the Lord bless and guide each of you. President BullochP.S. On October 13-15, 2011, Elder Paul B. Pieper of the Seventy will be touring our mission. He has asked that we meet in three smaller groups rather than an all-mission conference. We will meet in the following groups and locations: The Albany zone, along with the Herkimer, Delhi, Oneonta and Norwich areas from the Utica zone will meet in Albany, on Thursday, October 13th. The Potsdam zone, along with the Watertown, Carthage, and Lowville areas from the Utica zone will meet in Potsdam on Friday, October 14th. The Syracuse and Owego zones, and the Oneida, Hamilton, and Rome areas from the Utica zone will meet in Syracuse (Liverpool chapel) on Saturday, October 15th. Further detail will follow.
September 26, 2011Dear Elders and Sisters, I find myself reminiscing often on my experience as a young missionary. It is exciting for me to see how much the work has progressed in significant ways, such as the use of Preach My Gospel. It is such an inspired teaching approach. There have also been some “small and simple” (Alma 37:6) changes that I think have yielded significant results. I would like to comment on one simple change that you may not be aware of. When I was a young missionary, what we now call “preparation day” was then called “diversion day.” When Sister Bulloch and I were in the MTC we heard President Monson referred to that simple name change as he was counseling the new Mission Presidents and their wives on “the proper use of preparation day.” He said, “Make certain ‘preparation’ day does not become a ‘diversion’ day that puts missionaries at physical or spiritual risk” (Church News, July 4, 2009 p.3). He expressed the hope that missionaries would “do nothing on preparation day that would rob them of their spirituality.” Although the title change from “diversion day” to “preparation day” is a very small and simple one, I think it teaches a great principle. The adversary is constantly trying to divert our attention away from our work and everything that is good. He does so in a variety of clever ways. There is good reason why the Missionary Handbook counsels us to avoid activities that “become intense or competitive” and can “lead to injury” or other things that may “interfere with the work.” We have experienced that problem. Some may wonder why we have been counseled to avoid “gathering in large groups of missionaries” or larger District or Zone activities on preparation day. I am not sure of all the reasons, but I have noticed there is a greater tendency toward “light speeches… and light-mindedness” (DC 88:121) when missionaries are in larger groups. If the adversary cannot get us to blatantly violate the commandments or mission rules, he resorts to the tactics that have given him the reputation of being “subtle” (see Alma 12:4; Moses 4:5). To be subtle not only means to be clever, cunning, sly, ingenious, and devious, but the dictionary also defines it as delicate, slight, fine, or faint. In other words, using things that we may not perceive even affect us at all. His goal is to rob us of our spirituality “carefully” (2 Nephi 28:21), so we don’t even know it is happening. There are many things we may not even be “aware” of (such as pride, as we have discussed) that Satan uses to undermine the Lord’s work. That is one reason the Lord calls Prophets to set the standards that guide our work and protect us against evil. I pray the Lord will bless us to be wise and “aware” of the small and simple things that may cause a simple “diversion” from the significant work that is before us. We congratulate the following on their baptism this week: David Iocolano in Ithaca, taught by Sisters Pitts, Miles, and Bentley; Heather Roberson in Cortland, taught by Elders Tanner and Spotz. May the Lord continue to bless and guide you, President Bulloch
October 3, 2011Dear Elders and Sisters, Once again we have had the wonderful opportunity to be taught in General Conference by those the Lord has called to direct His work. I hope each of you received answers to your prayers and the guidance you needed for you and your work here. There were many things that directly apply to our current calling and service. I will mention just a few that were impressed upon my mind. The Lord has said repeatedly that the role of a missionary is to “declare repentance” (DC 14:8; 15:6; 16:6; 19:31). Alma taught that we should “declare unto every soul, as with the voice of thunder… that they should repent” (Alma 29:2). The responsibility for missionaries to declare repentance is a theme repeated throughout the scriptures. To fulfill that charge, each one of us should carefully study Elder D. Todd Christofferson’s wonderful message on repentance. We must realize that our role is to help others understand, that “repentance is a cause for true celebration” rather than “interrupting the celebration.” In the priesthood session Elder Holland asked for missionaries that are willing to “open their mouth.” He said the adversary’s efforts “will be reasonably well served if he can just bind the tongue of the faithful.” He went on to say, “Brethren, if that is the case, I am looking tonight for men [and women]… who care enough about this battle between good and evil to sign on and speak up… So I’m looking tonight for missionaries who will not voluntarily bind their tongue, but will with the Spirit of the Lord and the power of their priesthood open their mouths, and speak miracles… Brethren of all ages unbind your tongue…” The following are some conference excerpts to ponder. They are only as accurate as my notes. Elder Scott: “Great power can come from memorizing scripture.” Elder Ardern: After quoting PMG, chapter 8, he said, “We must master the use of our time… There is a difference between being busy and being productive… the poor use of time is a close cousin to idleness... I testify that when help is prayerfully and sincerely sought, our Heavenly Father will help us give emphasis to that which deserves our time above something else…” Elder C. Cook: “It’s better to look up.” Elder Yamashita: “The love that missionaries show others is a very significant message. Your message is a message of love and hope… May you continue to be missionaries that act like disciples of Jesus Christ.” Elder Richardson: “I left my mission, but my mission never left me.” Elder Oaks: “The way to get revelation is desire and obedience.” Elder Holland: “Through their faithfulness and obedience, missionaries may be led to those who will receive the gospel.” Finally, the message that had the greatest impact on me for our work came from Elder Ballard. He emphasized the fact that we are members of The Church of Jesus Christ. Our job is to bear testimony of Him, and His restored gospel. I have felt strongly our need to focus our efforts on that message. I invite you to think about how we can do so more effectively. I will speak more of this later. I am sure you have many more thoughts about conference to add to those I have mentioned. The gospel is true! We are led by prophets. May the messages of conference both lift and guide you in this important work. President Bulloch
October 10, 2011 Dear Elders and Sisters, Some time ago, I was pondering the phrase “mighty prayer” as used in 3 Nephi 27:1. My study led me to Alma 8:10 as noted in footnote b. That verse seemed to perfectly describe the prayer and desire of every missionary. It struck me as significant that after “much labor in the spirit” and “mighty prayer that [God] would pour out his spirit upon the people of the city” of Ammonihah, a man as strong and faithful as Alma would not only be rejected, but “reviled,” “spit upon” and eventually “cast out” of the city (Alma 8:13). Alma was a faithful prophet, with a righteous desire “that he might baptize them unto repentance.” The question could be asked, “Does not God hear the prayers of His prophets?” Well, of course He does—but even they must endure faithfully through the difficult times of missionary work. We know that the city of Ammonihah would eventually be destroyed because of their wickedness, yet through much difficulty and extremely challenging circumstances, Alma’s labors in that challenging area would reap a harvest of valiant souls—souls that would have a great impact for good on future missionary work. We may not know by whom or when the harvest will come, but we must press forward with faith—especially in difficult times. In the mist of the severely difficult circumstances of Alma’s mission he cried out in prayer, “How long shall we suffer these great afflictions, O Lord?” (Alma 14:26) The question of “how long” seems to not only be a reasonable question, but a common one asked by those who suffer difficulty in the Lord’s service (see Habakkuk 1:2; Revelation 6:10). “How long” was asked twice by Joseph Smith while suffering in Liberty jail (DC 121:2,3). The answer that came to the Prophet Joseph Smith in DC 121 is a study that would bless every missionary. Every missionary seems to wonder “how long” at various times in their service. How long before we find someone to teach? How long before this area turns around? How long must I endure this challenge or temptation? We must realize that “how long” is in the Lord’s hands. Our job is to continue faithful for as long as our Heavenly Father may require, knowing that He will not “require you to experience a moment more of difficulty than is absolutely needed for your personal benefit…” (Elder Richard G. Scott, CR, Nov. 1995, 16). Developing the capacity to endure is part of the experience. Ammon reflected on his experience of enduring difficult times as a missionary by saying, “Now when our hearts were depressed, and we were about to turn back, behold, the Lord comforted us, and said: Go amongst thy brethren, the Lamanites, and bear with patience thine afflictions, and I will give unto you success” (Alma 26:27). It is my hope and prayer that each of you will do the same. The principles taught by those that have gone before are still true today. To put it in a more modern vernacular, “hang in there” and allow the Lord to bless you personally, as well as the work you are doing. We congratulate the following on their baptism and/or confirmation this week: Esther Rebecca Dygert in Oneida, taught by Elders Owens, Wilkins and Gamble; Ashley Seidel in Binghamton, taught by Elders Stratton and Tibbitts. Sincerely, President Bulloch
October 24, 2011Dear Elders and Sisters,Another wonderful week has past. We hope that you are finding joy and satisfaction in your work. We are truly involved in a “marvelous work” (DC 4:1). It is no doubt challenging at times, however as we “submit cheerfully and with patience to all the will of the Lord” (Mosiah 24:15) there is a marvelous peace and comfort in knowing that the Lord is pleased with our effort. As it says in Preach My Gospel, “When you have done your very best, you may still experience disappointments, but you will not be disappointed in yourself. You can feel certain that the Lord is pleased when you feel the Spirit working through you” (p.11). We must always remember that “Your success as a missionary is measured primarily by your commitment…” (p. 10). Our commitment is measured in our faithful obedience and our willingness to sacrifice whatever the Lord asks of us. The Lord has said, “I have seen your sacrifices, and will forgive all your sins; I have seen your sacrifices in obedience to that which I have told you.” (DC 132:50). To those who “are willing to observe their covenants by sacrifice” the Lord has said they “are accepted of [Him]” (DC 97:8).Although it may seem like your efforts are in vain at times, I promise you that the Lord is aware of you and pleased with your service. He who is aware of a sparrow that may fall to the ground (Matthew 10:29-31) is certainly aware of those who labor in His name. I know that He has “seen your sacrifices,” and even though it appears that your efforts go unnoticed and unappreciated at times, you can rest assured that “thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly” (Matthew 6:6).Thank you for your faith. Thank you for your dedication to the Lord’s work. Thank you for being the kind of men and women that you are. Sister Bulloch and I feel so blessed to be able to serve with such wonderful missionaries! We love you. We are so pleased to be able to labor with you. We pray the Lord will continue to bless, guide, inspire, and watch over each of you as you work so hard to fulfill the responsibility that has come to you.We congratulate the following who were baptized and confirmed this week: Morgan Sobotka in Pulaski, taught by Elders Jensen and Gamble; Mark Bianco in Syracuse, taught by Elders Duffin and Allred; Brandon Simmons in Schoharie Valley, taught by Elders Williams and Stevens.Sincerely,President Bulloch
October 31, 2011Dear Elders and Sisters, Today I would like to share some information as well as a message. This morning Sister Bulloch and I are taking Elder Kunzler to the airport for his return home. As you know, his mission was extended 30 days. We appreciate his faithful service, and his willingness to go the extra mile in a time of need. For your information, Elder Farrens has been invited to replace Elder Kunzler as an Assistant to the President. I am confident that Elder Farrens will do a wonderful job in his new assignment. Also, we hope each of you were told that you should remain in your apartment this evening rather than go proselyting on Halloween (unless you have a specific teaching appointment with an investigator, after which you should return immediately). Please use the time for updating your area book, planning, lesson preparation and practice, or other meaningful missionary activities. It should not be spent watching DVD’s, unless they are part of the Preach My Gospel training. I have been thinking about the phrase we have used in our mission that says, “The difference between the successful and the unsuccessful is that the successful have developed the habit of doing the things that the unsuccessful don’t like to do.” I continue to see evidence of how true this is. It is often manifest in small and simple things. For example, one habit of the successful is to constantly be looking for opportunities to engage in the work, while the unsuccessful are often looking for excuses to get out of doing the work. As an illustration, I have noticed missionaries that are sincerely trying to “fulfill their purpose” rather than simply “fill their time” are very aware of how much difference it can make to plan for the effective use of the time before or after district meetings, exchanges, or zone conferences. If a missionary is looking for ways to get out of doing the difficult or challenging aspects of our work, they look to these occasions as an opportunity to spend excessive time socializing or just wasting time. Missionaries that don’t plan and use their time effectively are less likely find the success that will really bring satisfaction and joy in the work. On the contrary, missionaries that take advantage of 20 minutes here, or a half hour there, to engage in meaningful proselyting activities find greater success and happiness. Please don’t misunderstand. I believe the social aspect of being together in meetings is important. It has simply been my observation that successful missionaries are constantly looking for every opportunity they can to “be about [their Heavenly] Father’s business” (Luke 2:49). I am convinced that doing the difficult leads to success. May the Lord bless us to “not be weary in well-doing… [for] out of small things proceedeth that which is great” (Galatians 6:9; DC 64:33). We congratulate the following on their baptism this week: Bernard Palmer in Glens Falls, taught by Elders Russell and Hamilton; and Diane Lee Foster in Watertown, taught by Elders Williams, Rymer and Erdmann. With love and appreciation, President Bulloch
November 7, 2011Dear Elders and Sisters, I want to begin by expressing my gratitude for your faith and prayers on our behalf in regard to transfers. We pray each time to be guided by the Spirit to make decisions that will not only bless the work, but also be a blessing to each of you. We are thankful for your support and the guiding influence of the Spirit. Each time we begin another transfer I think of something that I mentioned over two years ago when we first began this experience. I would like to refer to it again this week. As a father of two wonderful daughters, I first became acquainted with a phrase used in the young women’s program of the Church that I have grown to love. The phrase is “New Beginnings.” Each time I participated in “New Beginnings” with my daughter’s or as a Bishop, I was inspired and edified to realize that the gospel of Jesus Christ offers many opportunities for a fresh start—a chance to start anew. The atoning sacrifice of the Savior provides us with the opportunity for new beginnings. It happens when we are baptized. It can happen each week when we sincerely and worthily partake of the sacrament. I have felt that it can also happen to missionaries each new transfer. Transfers are an opportunity to start fresh—even if we were not part of the change. It is a time of renewal. It is a time of evaluation and rededication. It is a time for change and improvement. It is a time to face our challenges with new hope and determination. To me, new beginnings are the very essence of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Through the atonement of the Savior we can find the “newness of life” (Romans 6:4) that comes through baptism in a variety of settings that also offer new beginnings. It is my hope and prayer that this transfer will be a fresh new start for each of you. I hope this transfer will be one in which you will feel a “newness of life” in a variety of ways through the opportunity the Savior has given us for new beginnings. Often our “new beginning” is simply another try to improve in an area that we have struggled with before. Remember, we have not failed until we have quite trying. The grace of Christ will see to it that we will not fail if we just keep trying to do “all we can do” (2 Nephi 25:23; see also Moroni 10:32). We are excited to extend our congratulations to a wonderful group of new members of the Church who were baptized this week: Thomas Byrne in Greenville, taught by Elders Robinson and Cederlof; Victor Vasquez in Oneonta, taught by Elders McCleave and Bricker; Lois Rabuch in Rome, taught by Elders Christensen, Farrens and Becerrill; David Maughan in Albany, taught by Elders Burbank and Checketts; David and Joyce Smith in Syracuse, taught by Elders Duffin and Allred; Edwin Nunez in Syracuse, taught by Sisters Stacey and Gifford; Angela Thompson in Glenville, taught by Sisters Belnap and Woodmansee; Dyana Roman-Gonzalez in Ithaca, taught by Sisters Takapu and Pitts. Thank you so much for your faithful service. May the Lord continue to bless and guide each of you. Very Sincerely, President Bulloch
November 14, 2011Dear Elders and Sisters, A recent conversation with a missionary has prompted me to share my testimony of our Heavenly Father’s love for us, and His willingness to forgive. Because having the Spirit of the Holy Ghost is so essential to success in the Lord’s work, we are constantly being reminded of our need to be obedient. As important as it is to be obedient, we must also realize that if we think striving for “exact obedience” means we have to be perfect before we can have the Spirit with us, we are much more vulnerable to discouragement and feelings of inadequacy. Such feelings can cause us to lose hope, undermine our faith, and hinder our progress. We must remember the Lord has said, “I, the Lord, forgive sins, and am merciful unto those who confess their sins with humble hearts” (DC 61:2). It is humility and a willingness to confess our sins that qualify us for the Spirit of the Lord, not perfection. Once, when a young woman was confessing a serious transgression to me as a Bishop, I asked her how she thought the Lord felt about her. She responded, “I think He is angry with me.” I said, He may be angry with you, but not for the reasons you think. We then read together Alma 33:16, which says, “Thou art angry, O Lord, with this people, because they will not understand thy mercies which thou hast bestowed upon them because of thy Son.” I told the young woman that if the Lord was angry with her it would more likely be because she didn’t understand and appreciate the blessings and opportunities that were hers through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. She didn’t understand the great price that has been paid to open the way for her forgiveness if she would just take advantage of the wonderful gift she has been offered. We can be forgiven if we will just humble ourselves, confess our sins, and strive with all our heart to change. It is well said in the beautiful hymn, “I stand all amazed at the love Jesus offers me” (Hymns, 193). As Alma told his son Corianton, “do not endeavor to excuse yourself in the least point because of your sins… [but let God’s] mercy, and his long-suffering have full sway in your heart; and let it bring you down to the dust in humility” (Alma 42:30). It is humility that is among the Christ-like attributes that “qualify [us] for the work,” not perfection. (DC 4:5-6). Having the humility to confess, combined with the diligence to keep trying, will always invite the blessings and guidance of the Spirit—even to the imperfect. We congratulate the following on their baptism this week: Isabelle Mashtare in Plattsburgh, taught by Elder and Sister Bradley and Elders Boyakin and Rammell. Amy LaCroix in Watertown, taught by Elders Williams and Rymer. Sincerely, President Bulloch
November 21, 2011Dear Elders and Sisters, Although a “day of Thanksgiving and Praise” to God for His blessings was officially established as a national holiday by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863, it followed a long standing tradition that even predated the traditional Pilgrim celebration in Plymouth, Massachusetts. Interestingly, designating days to acknowledge God’s hand in our lives and giving thanks and praise to Him was often accompanied by fasting rather than feasting. In his book, “The Fast and Thanksgiving Days of New England” Dr. W. Deloss Love points out our “forefathers brought from old England” this tradition of recognizing “Divine Providence” in our lives by designating regular days of fasting, prayer and thanksgiving. The scriptures repeatedly teach that we should “give thanks unto the Lord” (1 Chronicles 16:8, 34; Psalms 118:1, 29; 136:1-3, 26; Ephesians 5:20; DC 46:22; 59:7; and many more). In fact, we “offend God” when we “confess not his hand in all things” (DC 59:21). It is interesting that the Lord frequently commands us to give thanks in “all things” (Ephesians 5:20; 1 Thess. 5:18; Mosiah 26:39; DC 59:7), not just all things that are pleasant, or all things that make you happy, or everything that you enjoy. Very often, those things that are most difficult, or unpleasant, or challenging, turn out to be the things we are most grateful for. We must remember that God is our father. He loves us, and wants us to be happy. Every aspect of His plan, things that are difficult as well as delightful, are designed with that end in mind. The scriptures teach that we must experience opposition, wickedness, misery, corruption and death in order to enjoy righteousness, holiness, happiness, and life. (see 2 Nephi 2:11-13) This understanding helps us be thankful even in times of trial. The Lord has promised that “he who receiveth all things with thankfulness shall be made glorious” (DC 78:19 italics added). At this time of thanksgiving, I invite you to “count your many blessings; name them one by one, and it will surprise you what the Lord has done” (Hymns, 241). May we follow Alma’s counsel to ask God “for whatsoever things ye stand in need, both spiritual and temporal; always returning thanks unto God for whatsoever things ye do receive” (Alma 7:23 italics added). We congratulate the following on their baptism this week: Michael and Anastasia Warthen in Fulton, taught by Elders Smidt and Syrett; Christina Corpco in Saratoga Springs, taught by Elders Jensen, Tanner and Neal; and Dwight Wadley in Syracuse, taught by Sisters Stacey and Gifford. Sister Bulloch and I wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving. President Bulloch
November 28, 2011Dear Elders and Sisters, I wanted to share a couple of thoughts on the training in last week’s district meetings. Specifically in regard to the use of companionship inventory as a means of becoming more effective servants of the Lord. One of the most difficult challenges in overcoming the prideful “natural man” is developing the capacity to receive counsel and correction. President Benson taught, “The proud do not receive counsel and correction easily. Defensiveness is used by them to justify and rationalize their frailties and failures” (Beware of Pride, v. 33). Preach My Gospel teaches, “Humility is willingness to submit to the will of the Lord…” It goes on to say that the humble are not only willing to submit to “whatever the Lord requires” but “are also willing to trust His chosen servants and follow their counsel” (PMG, 120). For some of us it is much easier to follow the Lord’s counsel than it is to submit to the counsel of those that have been called to serve as our leaders. As a missionary, I may be willing to submit to the counsel of the Mission President, but find it difficult to receive counsel or correction from a Zone or District Leader. Responding with humility is especially difficult if the one giving counsel or correction is one of my peers, such as a companion. An effective companionship inventory not only requires great tact and diplomacy, but the humility to strip ourselves of pride (see Alma 5:28). Satan is eager to take advantage of the challenge of companionship inventory to stir up contention and fuel our pride. However, the Lord is also aware of the challenge, and is eager to bless the humble recipient of constructive criticism with the capacity to improve. They will also be blessed with an endowment of the Spirit that will draw them close to the Savior. Such humility and meekness creates a “lowliness of heart [which invites] the visitation of the Holy Ghost, which Comforter filleth with hope and perfect love” (Moroni 8:26). These blessings, and many more, our Heavenly Father wishes to bestow “upon all who are true followers of his Son, Jesus Christ” (Moroni 7:48). Elder Neal A. Maxwell taught us to "be grateful for people in your lives who love you enough to correct you, to remind you of your standards and possibilities, even when you don't want to be reminded” (Ensign, May 2004, 44). It is my hope and prayer that we will each develop the capacity to humbly receive counsel and correction. I have found it very helpful to invite correction from others. Others will be more open and honest in giving constructive criticism or suggestions if they are invited to do so. In our companionship inventories we should “Ask for suggestions on how we can improve” (PMG, 150). As we do so, we must be willing to listen with humility and a desire to change. Such action will help us develop the Christ like attribute of humility, strip us of pride, and invite the companionship of the Holy Ghost in greater abundance. We extend our congratulations to the following who were baptized this week: Ryan Michael Blake in Oneida, taught by Elders Neal and Wilkins; and Lateasa Hildebrand in Carthage, taught by Elders Shurtz, Simmonds, and Stanton, as well as Elder and Sister Ghiz.May the Lord continue to guide and bless you,President BullochP.S. Zone Conference will be held from 9:00-3:30 on the following dates: Albany, 11/29; Utica, 11/30; Syracuse, 12/1; Owego, 12/6; Potsdam, 12/8. As a reminder, all cars should be brought to zone conference. They should be thoroughly cleaned.
December 12, 2011Dear Elders and Sisters, We are grateful for everyone’s participation in the recent zone conferences. We really enjoy being with each of you. I would like to re-emphasize something we talked about there. Hymn #237 invites us to “Do what is right.” However, as we mature in the gospel we learn that we must not only do what is right, but do it for the right reason. If we do the right thing for the wrong reason “it is not counted unto [us] for righteousness” (Moroni 7:7). The Savior accused the Pharisees of making “long prayers” for “a pretense” (Matthew 23:14). A pretense is “the act of pretending; a false display; or make believe.” The Savior pointed out that the motive of the Pharisees was “to be seen of men” in order to get praise and recognition (Matthew 23:5,13). This is an example of doing the right thing (praying) for the wrong reason (for personal praise, or to make others think I am more faithful than I really am). The prideful natural man in all of us is vulnerable to this temptation. The inclination to “aspire to the honors of men” is in part what prevents those who are “called” from becoming “chosen” (DC 121:34-35). This tendency of the prideful natural man causes us not only to “cover our sins” at times, but also to “gratify our pride [and] our vain ambition” (DC 121:37) by seeking position or recognition. This temptation is one that young missionaries are particularly vulnerable to as they seek the “honor” that they may perceive is found in positions of leadership or even in achievement. They have the mistaken notion that position or numbers are more important than the “weightier matters of … faith[fullness],” love, and righteous service (Matthew 23:23). This sin is also manifest in those who are critical of leaders, when if the truth were really known, are generally doing so because of prideful jealousy resulting from someone else being called to a position that they were aspiring to and did not receive. This prideful inclination of the natural man is very contrary to “the man of Christ” (Helaman 3:29). The charitable nature of the man or woman of Christ “envieth not, and is not puffed up, [and] seeketh not [his or] her own” (Moroni 7:45). Those that are full of charity find that their “joy is more full because of the success of [their] brethren” (Alma 29:14) rather than being jealous of them. They are pleased that things are going well for others, rather than filled with the envy that rules the competitive natural man. Becoming the kind of person that is pleased with the success and accomplishments of others does not happen overnight. It takes “faith, hope, charity and love, with an eye single to the glory of God,” rather than an eye single to one’s own glory. “Remember, [as we develop the Christ-like attributes of] faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, brotherly kindness, godliness, charity, humility [and] diligence” (DC 4:5-6) we will experience a mighty change of heart that we also call conversion. It is being converted from the prideful motivation of the natural man to the Lord’s view of things. Elder Bednar taught, “missionaries who are converted unto the Lord, not to the exhilaration of achieving goals, or the prestige of leadership positions, but who are converted unto the Lord, never will fall away” (Mission Presidents Seminar, 2008). They will also find peace and happiness in doing the right thing for the right reason. We congratulate the following on their baptism this week: Caroline Doyle in Greenwich, taught by Elders Paterson and Bradford; Timothy Cramer in Carthage, taught by Elders Shurtz, Simmonds, and Stanton; Alys Jarred in Norwich, taught by Elders Cutler, Pexton, and Furgeson; Tim Sedgwick in Albany, taught by Elders Burbank and Checketts. Sincerely, President Bulloch
December 19, 2011 Dear Elders and Sisters, My message today includes a caution and a Christmas greeting. The caution is in regard to safe driving. Poor judgment and slick roads have already combined to cause an accident in the mission, and winter has not really hit. I ask each of you to please, please slow down and use caution and wisdom in your driving—especially in winter conditions. On a more pleasant note, I recently received a Christmas greeting from my former employers that touched me. I would like to share a portion of it with you. Throughout the world Christmas is celebrated in many ways—such as traditional meals, the hanging of decorations, special family and Church gatherings, and so forth. Participating in these activities unites us in expressing our love for the Savior. Our greatest joy comes as we focus our hearts on the pivotal role of Jesus Christ in our lives. President David O. McKay said, “True happiness comes only by making others happy—the practical application of the Savior’s doctrine of losing one’s life to gain it. In short, the Christmas spirit is the Christ spirit, that makes our hearts glow in brotherly love and friendship and prompts us to kind deeds of service… It is the spirit of the gospel of Jesus Christ, obedience to which will bring ‘peace on earth’ because it means—good will toward all men” (Gospel Ideals, p. 551). Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote, “Rings and jewels are not gifts, but apologies for gifts. The only [true] gift is a portion of thyself.” May the Lord bless each of you as you continue to give of yourself in this wonderful service. It is a true gift that will continue to give throughout the eternities to come. May your Christmas not only be merry, but memorable, as you offer “the greatest of all the gifts” (DC 14:7) which could be offered—the gift of eternal life made possible through the gospel of Jesus Christ. We congratulate the following on their baptism this week: Julie Bjork in Ogdensburg, taught by Elders Call and Tingey; Calvin Mitchell and Douglas Evans in Syracuse, taught by Elders Duffin and Allred; Alex Soulliere in Syracuse and Oneonta, taught by Elders Duffin, Allred, Nielsen and Bricker; James Taylor Lessley in Hamilton, taught by Elders Boyce and Cedarlof; Rose Mary Vieta in Herkimer, taught by Elders Schrader, Richins and Hale; Luetta Young in Carthage, taught by Elders Shurtz, Simmonds and Stanton. President Bulloch
Dear Elders and Sisters, As I sat down to type this message I found myself hoping that your Christmas gift to the Savior has helped put you more firmly on the path of discipleship. Each new transfer provides new opportunity to do so. I was inspired by an email from a mature missionary some time ago in regard to how things were going with his new companion the first week after transfer. He wrote, “We have been teaching so well together, I feel like we are one. I have never taught this well with a companion thus far on my mission. It's like our comments and teachings mesh together through the Spirit, and we testify of each other's words. From this unity, the outcomes have been great. People can feel the unity of our companionship, and our words are more convincing. We have had great conversations with almost every person we have talked to, and the Spirit works through our combined knowledge... and we have pled with the Lord to give us the Spirit.” As I reflected on what he had written, I thought about the words of the Savior in DC 38:27 which says, “be one; and if ye are not one, ye are not mine.” There is indeed a special spirit that accompanies those that are united in mind, heart, and purpose. Our Heavenly Father wants us to put aside our differences and become “of one heart and one mind” (Moses 7:18). We learn to become as one with our Heavenly Father through our efforts to become one with our fellowman. For us, that starts with our companion. I realize quite often our backgrounds and personalities are very different, but that just presents an opportunity to put to practice the virtues necessary to “put off” the selfishness and prideful tendencies of “the natural man” and develop the meekness, humility, patience and love necessary to become the kind of people the atonement of Jesus Christ has made possible for us to become (see Mosiah 3:19). I have mentioned before the Lord’s counsel for us to be “easy to be entreated” (see James 3:17; Alma 7:23; Helaman 7:7). That means to be teachable, approachable, reasonable, and willing to listen. That means to be easy to talk to, communicate with, or get along with. As we strive to be that kind of person, we will find an increase in the Spirit in our lives and an increase in our companionship unity. Such unity will increase the likelihood of the kind of experience described by the missionary quoted above. I pray each companionship will live and work to invite the blessings and guidance of the Holy Ghost by striving to fulfill the Lord’s great intercessory prayer on behalf of his disciples “that they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us… that they may be one, even as we are one” (John 17:21-22). We congratulate Earl Olsen in Schenectady who was baptized and confirmed this weekend. Brother Olsen was taught by Elders Hardinger, Spencer, Spotz and Pexton. May the Lord continue to guide and bless each of you in this great work. With love and appreciation, President Bulloch
January 2, 2012 Dear Elders and Sisters, In the January 2010 issue of the Ensign, Elder Holland began his wonderful article “The Best is Yet to Be” by saying, “The start of a new year is the traditional time to take stock of our lives and see where we are going…” He follows with a great message on the past, the future, and the need we all have for change. For me the article was one of hope and optimism which is made possible by the Savior’s Atonement. Elder Holland referred to the Apostle Paul’s message to the Philippians. As Paul admited of himself, none of us have “apprehended” (Philippians 3:13), or in other words, caught hold of, or have totally grasp or attained, everything that the Savior has made possible for us. However, if we will follow Paul’s lead, to not dwell on “those things which are behind” and reach for “those things which are before” we will eventually win the “prize,” or accomplish all that the Savior desires for us. The gospel is one of hope and faith and optimism for the future. Elder Holland said, “As the new year begins… I plead with you not to dwell on days now gone nor to yearn vainly for yesterdays, however good those yesterdays may have been. The past is to be learned from but not lived in.” We must learn from the past in order to improve the future. However, letting past mistakes hold our future hostage is completely contrary to the gospel of Jesus Christ. We have just begun a new year, and each morning we begin a new day. The future is full of days that are completely void of mistakes or regrets. How we fill them is up to us. Tomorrow brings a wonderful opportunity to be the kind of people and missionaries the Lord has provided the means for us to become. I share my testimony that the Savior’s “grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before” Him, and that through His grace we can “make weak things become strong” (Ether 12:27). Each day offers a new opportunity to improve. Once again, may this new year be another “new beginning” for each of us. As you consider setting goals or “resolutions” for the New Year, I invite you to remember that the only person you can change is yourself. Improvement in any area, whether it is behavior, relationships, or personal happiness, begins with self improvement. I invite you to focus on changing yourself, not others. I have always appreciated the fact that the temple recommend question asks, “Do you strive to keep the covenants you have made…” None of us are perfect, but we should be striving each day for improvement. May we continue to strive each new day to be a better person than we were the day before. To be able to do so is one of the great blessings the gospel of Jesus Christ provides. We congratulate the following on their baptism this week: Sara Shattuck in Pulaski, taught by Elders Gamble and King; and Joshua Corey in Albany, taught by Elders Checketts and Hardingger. Sincerely, President BullochP.S. I would like each of you to give me a brief report on how you are doing with the Book of Mormon challenge we discussed at zone conference. Where you are in your reading, and any thoughts you may have in that regard.
January 9, 2012Dear Elders and Sisters, In the past week I am sure you have received, and perhaps given a few “happy New Year” greetings. I would like to share a few thoughts that may help you make this, and every year, a happy one. The Prophet Joseph Smith taught, “Happiness is the object and the design of our existence…” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 255). The plan of salvation is also referred to as “the great plan of happiness” (Alma 42:8,16). Everyone wants to be happy. In fact, learning how to be happy is a very important part of our purpose for being here on this earth. We have much to learn in this regard. For example, if I equate happiness with fun or enjoyment, then if I am not having fun or enjoying what I am doing, I am not happy. If I think happiness means enjoying pleasure, or the absence of pain or difficulty, then I cannot be happy if I am experiencing challenges, trouble or dissatisfaction. If I think happiness is the gratification of personal desire, then I cannot be happy unless I am getting everything I want. These very narrow definitions of happiness can prevent us from finding the key to the true and lasting happiness our Heavenly Father what us to have. It is because of these narrow definitions of happiness that Satan is able to deceive many into thinking they can “take happiness in sin” (Mormon 2:13). The truth is “wickedness never was happiness” (Alma 41:10). Even though sin may bring temporary pleasure, it always leads to misery. Elder Maxwell taught, “God’s plan is not the plan of pleasure; it is the ‘plan of happiness’” (CR Oct. 2000, p. 45). We also know “there must needs be, that there is an opposition in all things,” for if there is no opposition there can be no happiness (2 Nephi 2:11). True happiness does not come from the absence of challenges, difficulty or pain, but from the ability to deal with those things in a positive way. Developing that ability is very important to our happiness. The Lord knows that no difficult or challenging situation “for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby” (Hebrews 12:11). In other words, life (and a mission) is very difficult at times, yet it is through these very difficulties that we develop the ability and perspective to find the deep, lasting happiness that is only found in living the gospel of Jesus Christ. Happiness does not come from freedom from sacrifice, service, duty, work, or hardship, but it is a result of the refining influence that these things have on us. Happiness is a fruit of the Spirit (see Galatians 5:22). These important lessons may be among the most difficult to learn, but they are among the most rewarding, and the key to happiness. As with so many things, the mission field is a “crash course” on these important lessons. As the Lord told the Prophet Joseph in the mist of such a lesson, “My son, peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment; And then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high” (DC 121:7,8). May the Lord bless each of you to find the joy and happiness you deserve and desire. May you discover from your own experience “the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God” (Mosiah 2:41). May you truly have a very happy New Year. We congratulate the following on their baptism this week: Breanna Marsh in Ithaca, taught by Elders Stratton and Papa; Walter Ledbetter in Schenectady, taught by Elders Spotz, Spencer, and Hardinger; Wayne Andrew Denton and Brandie Lee Denton in Plattsburgh, taught by Elders Boyakin, Smidt and Rammell; and Joseph Blake in Oneida, taught by Elders Neal, Menlove and Wilkins. Sincerely, President Bulloch
January 16, 2012Dear Elders and Sisters, This week Sister Bulloch received the first of the cleaning checklists she has been passing out at district meetings. It reminded me of an occasion some time ago when we dropped in on some missionaries at their apartment a bit unexpected. They were embarrassed when I asked if we could come in. Our visit to a very messy apartment seemed to add to the frustration and discouragement they were already feeling because the work in their area had been slow and difficult. On our next visit I asked how things were going. In much better spirits, they both seemed quite excited at how well the work was progressing. I asked if they would mind if we took another look at their apartment. Their response was something like, “Not at all President, we have really cleaned it up.” I am not sure if the work to clean up their physical environment had a lot to do with the success they were experiencing in their area, but I am not ruling it out. I could not help but think of something Elder Neal A. Maxwell said: “Each assertion of a righteous desire, each act of service, and each act of worship, however small and incremental, add to our spiritual momentum” (CR October, 1996:28). Could something as “small” as cleaning an apartment really have an effect on the work? The thought sounds a little foolish, doesn’t it? Not to Alma, who said, “Now ye may suppose that this is foolishness in me; but behold I say unto you, that by small and simple things are great things brought to pass…” (Alma 37:6-7). I testify that this principle is true. The Lord told the Prophet Joseph Smith, “Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great” (DC 64:33). This is especially true in the work of the Lord. It is the little things “however small and incremental” that truly do add to our “spiritual momentum.” A clean apartment, out of bed at 6:30, one more door, an extra prayer, an apology, holding your tongue, turning your eyes away from evil, a smile, a compliment to your companion, a small act of service, obeying a rule, being positive or cheerful—the list could go on and on. The accumulated effort of little things builds a reservoir of spiritual strength that can have a tremendous impact on our effectiveness as servants of the Lord. I invite you to pay attention to the little things. In the gospel of Jesus Christ it is really the little things that make the big difference. It is the little things that make the difference between those that are called, and those that are chosen; between those that are honorable and those that are valiant. President Hinckley once said, “The course of our lives is not determined by great, awesome decisions. Our direction is set by the little day-to-day choices…” (CR, October 1972, p. 106-107) May the Lord bless us to make good choices in the seemingly small decisions we make each day. We congratulate the following on their baptism this week: Lucinda Mae Toro in Auburn, taught by Elders McCleave, Matangi, and Bergman; Joseph Mitchell in Greenwich, taught by Elders Paterson, Ashton and Bradford; and Lindsey Maughan in Albany, taught by Elders Checketts and Hardinger. Sincerely, President Bulloch
January 23, 2011 Dear Elders and Sisters, If you have not already done so, I hope each of you are taking seriously the invitation from our last zone conference to study the Book of Mormon, highlighting references to the Savior (see PMG, 114). I also hope you are discovering again that “The Book of Mormon is powerful evidence of the divinity of Christ” (PMG, p. 103). Developing and strengthening our testimony of Jesus Christ will not only be a blessing to each of us individually, but it will also have a tremendous impact on those we teach. President David O. McKay taught, “The highest of all ideals are the teachings and particularly the life of Jesus of Nazareth, and that man is most truly great who is most Christ like. What you sincerely in your heart think of Christ will determine what you are, will largely determine what your acts will be. No person can study this divine personality, can accept his teachings without becoming conscious of an uplifting and refining influence within himself” (Conference Report, Apr. 1951, 93). It is a sobering thought to realize that how we act is a reflection of what we think of Christ. In other words, you can tell what a person really thinks of Christ by how they act, more than by what they say. I have heard an interesting question we could each ask ourselves: “If I were to be arrested for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict me?” Just as the Book of Mormon is strong evidence of the life and mission of Jesus Christ as the Savior of the world, your sacrifice and service as a missionary is strong evidence of your faith in and testimony of Jesus Christ. Thank you so much for the witness you bear by the things you do as well as by the testimony you verbalize. I pray the Lord will strengthen your faith as you continue to study the Book of Mormon. I also pray that the Lord will bless and guide you to effectively use the Book of Mormon as convincing evidence that Jesus is the Christ, as well as proof that “God does inspire men and call them to his holy work in this age and generation, as well as in generations of old” (DC 20:11). We congratulate Thomas Cashmen in Herkimer on his baptism this week. Brother Cashmen was taught by Elders Schrader and Richins. May the Lord continue to bless and guide each of you. Sincerely, President Bulloch
January 30, 2012 Dear Elders and Sisters, Elder Orson F. Whitney once said: “The spirit of the gospel is optimistic; it trusts in God and looks on the bright side of things. The opposite or pessimistic spirit drags men down and away from God, looks on the dark side, murmurs, complains, and is slow to yield obedience.” (CR, Apr. 1917, 43) As used in the scriptures, the word murmur means to grumble, moan, whine, complain, or express resentment. Murmuring is a negative response to the challenges in life that just makes things worse. Elder Holland taught, “I have often thought that Nephi’s being bound with cords and beaten by rods must have been more tolerable to him than listening to Laman and Lemuel’s constant murmuring. Surely he must have said at least once, ‘Hit me one more time. I can still hear you.’ Yes, life has its problems, and yes, there are negative things to face, but please accept one of Elder Holland’s maxims for living—no misfortune is so bad that whining about it won’t make it worse.” Rather than murmuring, Elder Holland invited us to “honor the Savior’s declaration to ‘be of good cheer’… Speak hopefully. Speak encouragingly, including about yourself.” (CR, April 2007) What a difference that will make! Look for the good in others and in our circumstances, and be positive and optimistic in our expressions. We would do well to follow Nephi’s counsel to “press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men…” (2 Nephi 31:20) I love the phrase, “a perfect brightness of hope.” President Hinckley had that outlook. He once said, “I am asking that we stop seeking out the storms and enjoy more fully the sunlight. I am suggesting that as we go through life we ‘accentuate the positive.’ I am asking that we look a little deeper for the good… I am suggesting… that each of us turn from the negativism that so permeates our society and look for the remarkable good among those with whom we associate, that we speak of one another’s virtues more than we speak of one another’s faults, that optimism replace pessimism, that our faith exceed our fears” (Ensign, Apr. 1986, 2–4). Such an attitude invites light, hope, and kindness, which leads to peace, contentment and happiness. As we begin a new transfer this week, I pray the Lord will bless us with a spirit of hope, faith and optimism. May we avoid the tendency to murmur and look for the good in our companion, our area, and the work. We congratulate the following on their baptism this week: Austin Smith in Green, taught by Elders Erdman, Lewis, and Olson; Elizabeth (Betty) Conboy in Delhi, taught by Elders Blanchard and Stevens; Melissa Sue Carver in Hamilton, taught by Elders Boyce and Cederlof; Caroline Texeria in Potsdam, taught by Elders Neilsen, Butler, and Matangi. Thank you for all you do. May the Lord continue to guide and bless each of you. President Bulloch
February 6, 2012Dear Elders and Sisters, Every transfer, as missionaries leave those they have labored with so diligently, in the hands of new missionaries, I think of the words of Paul in 1 Corinthians 3:6, when he said, “I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.” Such is the unified labor in the Lord’s kingdom. One missionary or member plants the gospel seed in the heart of some individual by setting an example, showing kindness, sharing a thought or testimony, or developing a friendship. Another waters and nourishes the seed by answering questions, teaching the doctrines of the kingdom, and inviting participation with the Saints. Yet another reaps the harvest through baptism. I have received many emails from missionaries that are rejoicing in the baptism of someone they had the opportunity to work with in some way or another that was baptized by another missionary. The Savior Himself referred to this unified labor of love saying, “And herein is that saying true, One soweth, and another reapeth. I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no labour: other men laboured, and ye are entered into their labours” (John 4:37-38). He was aware that after working in harmony and unity, “both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together” (John 4:36). The Lord knows who “bestowed the labor” and who reaped the baptism, and does it matter? Not at all! It is all part of fulfilling the Savior’s prayer “that they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us” (John 17:21). All this is a united effort to move the work of the Lord forward in a way that is pleasing to Him. Such selfless service is apparent in every aspect of the Lords work. Every day in temples all over the world thousands labor to bring the blessings of the gospel to those they have never met and do not know. In the great westward movement of the Saints to the Rocky Mountains, many faithful saints labored diligently to plow and plant fields on the plains of Iowa that they knew they would never harvest. Those that followed were nourished by bread from a harvest they did not plant. It is that kind of united effort that will strip us of pride, unify our hearts, and call down the blessings of a just God who loves what He sees. It is in such action that we feebly try to follow our Master, who suffered and gave His life in Atonement for our sins. A sacrifice that was made by the only person who did not need it. We congratulate the following who were baptized this week: Diana Countryman in Herkimer, taught by Elders Schrader and Richins; Chris Blake in Oneida, taught by Elders Neal and Menlove; Zulay Siba in Ithaca, taught by Elders Stratton, Cutler and Papa. May the Lord continue to bless and guide you, President Bulloch
February 13, 2012Dear Elders and Sisters, I once heard an interesting paraphrase of Luke 23:34 which said, “Father forgive us, for we do not what we know.” That of course, is called a sin of omission. A sin of omission is one in which we omit doing those things that are expected of us. James teaches, “Therefore to him that knoweth to do good and doeth it not, to him it is sin” (James 4:17). President Kimball taught, “What must I do to be damned? Nothing. That's all. You're damned—condemned—if you just sit still.” (Miracle of Forgiveness, p. 93) The Savior asked, “And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?” (Luke 6:46) There is no question that our Father in Heaven expects us to act—to be “doers of the word, and not hearers only” (James 1:22). It is not enough to simply avoid doing things that are wrong, but true gospel living also includes being “anxiously engaged in a good cause, and do[ing] many things of [our] own free will [to] bring to pass much righteousness” (DC 58:27). President John Taylor taught, “If you do not magnify your callings, God will hold you responsible for those you might have saved, had you done your duty” (Ensign, November 2002, p.53). These teachings can be very sobering—perhaps even a bit overwhelming to some of us. Most, if not all of us, know more than we do. So how do we deal with knowing that I don’t do everything I know I should do? I think President Hinckley answered that well. He said, “…I do not ask that you reach beyond your capacity. Please don’t nag yourself with thoughts of failure. Do not set goals far beyond your capacity to achieve. Simply do what you can do, in the best way you know, and the Lord will accept of your effort.” (Ensign, November 1989, p.94) To a group of missionaries in Korea President Hinckley said, “You may not bring very many converts into the Church during your mission. I do not care about that so long as you try, so long as you work hard. If you will work hard, the matter of converts will take care of itself. I am satisfied of that. Give it your very best.” (Teachings of Gordon B. Hinckley, p.357) Sister Bulloch and I thank you so much for all the hard work you are doing. We thank you for doing “your very best.” King Benjamin taught, “it is not requisite that a man should run faster than he has strength” but “he should be diligent” (Mosiah 4:27). Diligence is “steady, consistent, earnest, and energetic effort in doing the Lord’s work.” (PMG, 121) May the Lord bless each of us to strive to do the very best we can. May we “do all things that lie in our power” (DC 123:17) to accomplish that which we have been called to do. We congratulate Stacey Eddy in Owego on her baptism this week. Stacey was taught by Elders Thompson and Wilkins. Sincerely, President Bulloch
February 20, 2012 Dear Elders and Sisters, The late Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said the following of his mother. “She taught her children to trust in themselves and each other, not blame others for their misfortunes, and give their best effort in everything they attempted. When we fell down, she expected us to pick ourselves up and get going again. So the advice my mother gave to me then wasn’t altogether unexpected. It has stayed with me all my life. ‘Joseph,’ she said, ‘come what may, and love it.’” Elder Wirthlin went on to say, “For me, the Lord has opened the windows of heaven and showered blessings upon my family beyond my ability to express. Yet like everyone else, I have had times in my life when it seemed that the heaviness of my heart might be greater than I could bear… But whenever my steps led through seasons of sadness and sorrow, my mother’s words often came back to me: ‘Come what may, and love it.’ How can we love days that are filled with sorrow? We can’t—at least not in the moment. I don’t think my mother was suggesting that we suppress discouragement or deny the reality of pain. I don’t think she was suggesting that we smother unpleasant truths beneath a cloak of pretended happiness. But I do believe that the way we react to adversity can be a major factor in how happy and successful we can be in life. If we approach adversities wisely, our hardest times can be times of greatest growth, which in turn can lead toward times of greatest happiness.” Elder Wirthlin passed away on December 1, 2008, just a few weeks after he gave this talk. It was just a few months afterward that Sister Bulloch and I received our call to serve in this mission. We have read or listened to that talk several times since, and received great strength and comfort from its message. I am sure that there have been many who have been blessed by the wise counsel of Elder Wirthlin. In fact, I am sure that each of you will be blessed by his wisdom in ways that you have not realized, because I am quite sure that much of his wisdom has been passed on to his son, Brother Joseph B. Wirthlin Jr., who, along with his wife Kathy W. Wirthlin, has been called to serve as the President of the New York Utica Mission beginning July 1, 2012. Sister Bulloch and I were absolutely delighted to receive this announcement. We have spoken to President and Sister Wirthlin on the telephone and they are very excited to come, and we are excited for you to have them come. I am sure President and Sister Wirthlin will be a tremendous blessing to the mission as a whole and to each of you individually. We will share more in this regard in the future. We congratulate the following on their baptism this week: Andrew Parrillo in Syracuse, taught by Sisters Stacey and Horne; Tasha Rogers in Syracuse, taught by Elders Allred, Olson, and Vicchrilli; Katrina Western in Carthage, taught by Elders Hale, Simmonds, and Shurtz; John Sullivan in Pulaski, taught by Elders Boyce, King, and Gamble. May the Lord continue to guide and bless each of you, President Bulloch
February 27, 2012Dear Elders and Sisters, Most of us have learned from experience that fire burns, and burns hurt. The phrase “refiner’s fire” is often used to describe the blessings that can come from the pains of adversity. Isaiah speaks of being “refined… in the furnace of affliction” (Isaiah 48:10). The term “refiner’s fire” is a metaphor that is used to describe the refining influence hardship and difficulty can have on us if we let them. To be refined means “to bring to pure state; free from impurities.” Those who endure through difficulty obtain a state of refinement or purity that those who avoid or run from it never achieve. Ironically, the “fire” can be a variety of challenges, including loneliness, disease, pain, persecution, or even the bitter cold of winter. It was on the wintery plains of Wyoming that many in the Martin and Willie handcart companies gave their lives for their faith. President Hinckley referred to an incident that happened several years after that tragic winter in Wyoming that illustrates what I am trying to teach. He said, “Years later, a group in Cedar City were talking about… those ill-fated companies. Members of the group spoke critically of the Church and its leaders because the company of converts had been permitted to start so late in the season… One old man in the corner sat silent and listened as long as he could stand it. Then he arose and said things that no person who heard will ever forget. His face was white with emotion, yet he spoke calmly, deliberately, but with great earnestness and sincerity. He said in substance, ‘I ask you to stop this criticism. You are discussing a matter you know nothing about. Cold historic facts mean nothing here for they give no proper interpretation of the questions involved. A mistake to send the handcart company out so late in the season? Yes. But I was in that company... We suffered beyond anything you can imagine and many died of exposure and starvation, but did you ever hear a survivor of that company utter a word of criticism? Not one of that company ever apostatized or left the Church because every one of us came through with the absolute knowledge that God lives for we became acquainted with him in our extremities.’ ” (Ensign, Nov 1991, 52, emphasis added) It is my testimony that it is in “our extremities” or our times of difficulty, that we truly become acquainted with God. It is in times of difficulty and hardship that faith is forged. It is in soils of difficulty that newly planted faith reaches heavenward, and grows into “exceedingly great faith” (Alma 13:3). It is in the “furnace” or in some cases “the freezing” of affliction that we are purified. May each of us come to know and understand that because our Heavenly Father loves us, and understands the blessings that come through the refining influence of adversity, He may not make our challenges go away, but He will be “with you in every time of trouble” (DC 3:7), and provide the strength necessary to emerge from the “refiners fire” more pure, “even as he is pure” (Moroni 7:48). We congratulate the following on their baptism this week: Isabella Addison in Watertown, taught by Elders Rymer, and Portela with help from Elder and Sister Ghiz; Julia Volk in Albany, taught by Elders Hardinger and Williams. May the Lord continue to guide and bless each of you, President Bulloch
March 5, 2012
Dear Elders and Sisters, We have discussed several times the need we all have to increase our faith. I suppose it is a subject that cannot be emphasized too much or too often. We all know that faith is centered in Jesus Christ, and is a principle of power (see PMG, p. 116; True to the Faith, p. 54). The Savior said, "If ye have faith in me ye shall have power to do whatsoever thing is expedient in me” (Moroni 7:33). In-other-words, faith is not only a "hope for things which are not seen, which are true" (Alma 32:21), but the power by which those unseen things will come to pass. As missionaries, there are many things we hope for. It is my testimony today that with increased faith we will be able to "truly [see] with [our] eyes the things which [we have] beheld with an eye of faith" (Ether 12:19). We will in reality enjoy the blessings of that which we, in faith and truth, have hoped for. There is much that could be said in regard to the need for, and the blessings of, increasing our faith. There is also much that could be said in regard to how to increase our faith. Today, I will mention just two things.
First, "Faith is a gift of God bestowed as a reward for personal righteousness. It is always given when righteousness is present, and the greater the measure of obedience to God's laws the greater will be the endowment of faith" (Mormon Doctrine, p. 264). As we increase our desire and ability to be obedient, our faith will increase. My second point is that opposition, adversity, challenges, difficulty (or however you want to say it) are necessary elements in the development of faith. For faith to become "exceeding great faith" (Alma 13:3), it must be tried and tested (see Ether 12:6). Therefore, please do not get discouraged or lose faith when things do not work out the way you may have anticipated. The Lord has said, "...he that is faithful in tribulation, the reward of the same is greater in the kingdom of heaven. Ye cannot behold with your natural eyes, for the present time, the design of your God... and the glory which shall follow after much tribulation. For after much tribulation come the blessings" (DC 58:2-4). We must be "tried, even as Abraham" (DC 101:4), who, "by faith... offered up Isaac" (Hebrews 11:17). It is my witness that the Lord will bless us with a greater endowment of faith through our obedience and determination to be true "in whatsoever difficult circumstances [we] may be for the word's sake" (DC 6:18). May we call upon our Heavenly Father with an increased faith and assurance that He has, and will continue to prepare the hearts of the people to receive us (see Alma 13:16; 16:16). We must then plan and work under the influence of the Spirit with complete faith and confidence that He will guide us to those who have been prepared. It is my hope and prayer that we can draw down the blessings of heaven by going forward with an increased faith. President Bulloch
March 12, 2012Dear Elders and Sisters, Among the virtues included as one of the “qualifications for missionary service” in DC 4 is patience (DC 4:6). It doesn’t take long as a missionary to realize why it is on the list. Preach My Gospel says “Patience is the capacity to endure delay, trouble, opposition, or suffering without becoming angry, frustrated, or anxious. It is the ability to do God’s will and accept His timing” (p. 120). We live in a world that is out of patience. We want things to happen now, to be fixed now, to end now, to be ready now, etc. I was reminded of a saying I heard once that made me smile, I guess because I related to it a little too much. It said, “Patience is a virtue, catch it if you can; it is seldom found in women, and never found in man.” Patience is a rare virtue indeed. Yet as we think about it, aren’t we glad that our Father in Heaven is so patient with us? I have often prayed that God would grant me the ability to be as patient with others as He has been with me. I am so glad He is patient! If I want to grow to be like Him, I must learn patience. Patience is required of us in many areas. We must learn to be patient with people, with circumstances, with difficulties and challenges, and even with the Lord’s timing. The Lord has repeatedly counseled us to “bear with patience thine afflictions” (2 Corinthians 6:4; Alma 17:10; 20:29; 26:27; 34:41-41). In doing so, we will find ourselves “waiting” until the Lord in His wisdom decides to comes to our aid (Psalms 37:9; Isaiah 40:31; Mosiah 21:34). President Monson said, “Our problem is that we often expect instantaneous solutions to such challenges, forgetting that frequently the heavenly virtue of patience is required” (PMG, p. 120). The scriptures speak often of adversity. It is something we all face. Paul taught that we should “glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope” (Romans 5:3-4; see also James 1:3-4). Patience is a virtue that is necessary in overcoming the “natural man” (see Mosiah 3:19). The Lord commanded us to “Continue in patience until ye are perfected” (DC 67:13). Missionary work gives us plenty of opportunities to develop our patience. Even though things that try our patience are often annoying, we discover it is much easier to be happy if we have developed patience. We congratulate the following on their baptism this week: Steven, Julie, Georgia, and Grace Meacham in Elmira, taught by Elders Shurtz and Duffin; Michael Mastrangelo in Albany, taught by Elders Israelsen and Gasetoto; Carol S. Wilson in Ithaca, taught by Sisters Takapu, Hale, and Smith; and Kevin Curran in Herkimer, taught by Elders Schrader and Richins. Sincerely, President Bulloch
March 19, 2012 Dear Elders and Sisters, The Lord told the first missionary of the Church, Samuel H. Smith, “he that is faithful shall be made strong in every place; and I the Lord will go with you… be patient in affliction. Ask and ye shall receive; knock, and it shall be opened unto you” (DC 66:8-9). As you know, the Lord’s invitation to “Ask, and ye shall receive” was also extended to Joseph Smith Sr. when he was called as a missionary (DC 4:7). The promise that if we “shall ask” we “shall receive” is one of the most oft repeated promises God has made to his children (Matt. 7:7; 21:22; John 16:24; 1 Nephi 15:11; Msh. 4:21; 3 Nephi 18:20; 27:29; Moro. 7:26). “Asking God” for His guidance and blessings is essential to missionary success. But we must “ask in faith, nothing wavering” (James 1:6) to bind the Lord to the promise that “it shall be given you according to my word” (DC 132:40). To “ask in faith” is for a person to have an “assurance of things hoped for” (JST Heb. 11:1), and “not doubt in his heart” (Mk. 11:23). The Savior taught, “Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not… it shall be done. And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive” (Matt. 21:21-22). This principle has been proven many times. At a very difficult time in the history of the Church, the Prophet Joseph Smith was told twice by the Lord that the blessing he desired would come by the “prayer of faith.” However, the Lord also instructed the Prophet that his “prayer of faith” must be accompanied by humility and diligence (DC 104:79-80). It is my testimony that the words of James are true, that the “fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much” (James 5:16). May the Lord not only bless us to pray in faith, but to teach our investigators to do the same. Prayer is essential to spiritual life, for both us and them. We congratulate the following on their baptism this week: Carol S. Wilson in Ithaca, taught by Sisters Takapu, Hale and Smith; and Kathleen Hulbert in Schoharie Valley, taught by Elders Papa, Meidell, and J. Tanner. President Bulloch
March 26, 2012 Dear Elders and Sisters One of the qualifications for the ministry listed in DC 4 and discussed on page 118-119 of Preach My Gospel is virtue. I think it may be misunderstood at times. Often when we hear the word virtue we think of its use in reference to morality, or clean thoughts or actions. Although that is a proper use of the word in some contexts, virtue encompasses much more than that. The 13th Article of Faith says we believe in being “virtuous.” In reference to this Article of Faith, President Hinckley taught the word virtuous “may have nothing whatever to do with sexual morality; that is covered by the word chaste. Virtuous, in this case, I believe, means having strength—the strength to do whatever needs doing. Great virtue comes in doing well and consistently the everyday, often rather tedious tasks of life. Blaise Pascal said that ‘the strength of a man’s virtue should not be measured by his special exertions, but by his habitual acts’ (Pensées [1670]).” President Hinckley went on to say that virtue is an attribute of godliness that is developed by “goodly practices performed on a habitual basis” (BYU Devotional, 18 September 2007). When missionaries do “well and consistently the everyday, often… tedious tasks” of missionary work, to the point that “goodly practices” have become their habit, or we could say their “nature,” then they are “becoming” the kind of men and women who are developing a “divine nature” (2 Peter 1:4). They are truly becoming more Christ-like. When we develop the “strength to do whatever needs doing,” whether that is controlling thoughts or temper, getting out of bed in the morning, “opening our mouth,” or any other aspect of missionary work, we are becoming virtuous. Virtue is “moral excellence and rectitude [which means righteousness, goodness or decency] in every field, including personal chastity” (DNTC, 3:353). To missionaries and members alike the Lord declares, “Ye must practice virtue and holiness before me continually.” (DC 46:33) May we “practice” virtue until we get so good at it that it has become our nature to “do whatever needs doing” at the time it should be done. In so doing we will find the joy and happiness that is a result of being “doers of the word, and not hearers only” (James 1:22). We will discover “the divine power… of him that hath called us to glory and virtue” (1 Peter 1:3). We congratulate the following on their baptism this week. Chad Macready in Saratoga Springs, taught by Elders Allred, Haddock, and B. Tanner; Erin Rohe in Syracuse, taught by Sisters Stacey and Horne; and Leo Zhao in Ithaca, taught by Elders Cutler and Stratton. Thank you for all you do, and may the Lord bless and guide you always. President Bulloch P.S. The Book of Mormon was published March 26, 1830—182 years ago today. Let’s celebrate by sharing it!
April 2, 2012Dear Elders and Sisters, I hope everyone found the messages of Conference as inspiring as Sister Bulloch and I did. It made us want to be kinder, more thoughtful of others, more diligent in our service, and more responsive to the direction of the Spirit. It made us want to be more faithful disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ by more fully developing His attributes and characteristics in our lives and our service. Yet as important as the conference messages are, I feel the need to postpone sharing further comments about conference in order to focus our attention on the most significant events in history, which are celebrated this week of Easter. On page 2 of Preach My Gospel it states, “As your understanding of the Atonement of Jesus Christ grows, your desire to share the gospel will increase.” It is my hope that this week, which commemorates the last week of the Savior’s mortal life, including His incomprehensible Atoning sacrifice, will be a week of study and reflection that will not only increase your understanding, but also your appreciation for what the Savior has done for each of us. Each day of this week, I invite you to consider what the Savior would have been doing during this last week of his mortal life. Ponder the lessons that can be applied to our work. For example, today is Monday, and on the Monday of the Savior’s last week He cursed the fig tree that was full of leaves, but produced no fruit. It was just a “pretender” (Jesus the Christ, Chapter 30, p. 489) without fulfilling its purpose. Most think it was also on Monday that He boldly cleansed the temple for the second time, declaring it to be “[his] house” (Matthew 21:13; Mark 11:17; Luke 19:46). I hope it will be of special interest to consider the events of Thursday. It would have been on that day that the Savior instituted the Sacrament, taught several magnificent lessons, and went to Gethsemane. What an appropriate day to “declare repentance” (DC 15:6). A fitting day to “Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God; For, behold, the Lord your Redeemer suffered death in the flesh; wherefore he suffered the pain of all men, that all men might repent and come unto him… And how great is his [the Savior’s] joy in the soul that repenteth!” (DC 18:10-13) It would be appropriate to spend some time in your morning study to consider the events listed on page 694-695 of the Bible Dictionary. As you begin your companionship study on Friday morning, reflect on the fact that it was approximately 9:00 a.m. that the Savior was nailed to the cross (Mark 15:25). If the days seem long to you sometimes, take into consideration that it was not until 3:00 p.m. that the Savior cried out, “My God, My God, why hast thou forsaken me?” (Mark 15:34), and sometime after made His final statement, “It is finished” (John 19:30) and died. I think it is significant for us to consider what He was doing the following day—Saturday. He went to the spirit world where He “organized his forces and appointed messengers, clothed with power and authority, and commissioned them to go forth and carry the light of the gospel to them that were in darkness, even to all the spirits of men; and thus was the gospel preached to the dead” (DC 138:30). He was continuing His missionary labors! Then, on that beautiful spring Sunday morning, His resurrection broke the bands of death. I invite you to look around as spring bears witness of the newness of life made possible by the Savior’s victory over death. What a great time of year! What a great week this is! May it be a week of reflection, of contemplation, and of dedication for each of you. May your understanding of and appreciation for the Atonement fill your heart. We congratulate Jonathan Bobbitt in Watertown on his baptism this week. Brother Bobbitt was taught by Elders Rymer and Portela. President Bulloch
Dear Elders and Sisters, Elder Jay E. Jensen of the Presidency of the Seventy once said, “What you talk about, you invite.” For example, if you talk about home, you invite thoughts of home. If you talk about evil, you invite evil. If you talk of faith, you invite faith. It is most often when we are talking about, or thinking about how to best do the Lord’s work that revelation comes. If the Lord’s work is the subject of our conversations, it will invite the guidance of the Spirit. We learn from the Prophet Joseph Smith that when the work of the Lord is the focus of our daily walk and talk it “seems to occupy [our] mind, and press itself upon [our] feelings” (DC 128:1). In this process we discover that “this is the spirit of revelation” (DC 8:2-3). Those thoughts and feelings will often lead to “additional views in relation to” (DC 128:2) whatever matter we have been discussing. If it is truly our desire to receive guidance and revelation from the Spirit we must follow the Lord’s counsel to “Treasure [the truths of the gospel] up in your hearts, and let the solemnities of eternity rest upon your minds” (DC 43:34). Our thoughts and our talk are intertwined. We talk about what we think about, and we think about what we talk about. Realizing this important truth helps us understand why the writer of Proverbs teaches us to, “Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established” (Proverbs 16:3). Because we invite into our lives the things that we talk about, may the Lord bless us with a love for and a desire to discuss those things which invite faith, hope, and diligence in the Lord’s work. As we strive to avoid conversations that pull our mind and thoughts out of the work, and “devote all [our] time and attention to serving the Lord, leaving behind all other personal affairs” (Missionary Handbook, p. 4), we will invite the revelation we need to fulfill our purpose. We congratulate the following on their baptism this week: Robert Sedgwick and Diosilda Medina in Albany, taught by elders Tanner, Hardinger, and Williams; Vanessa Brumfield in Saratoga Springs, taught by Elders Allred, Haddock, and Tanner; James Vann in Trumansburg, taught by Elders Gamble, Burton, and Chao; Tom Aceillo in Corning, taught by Elders Richins, Tollefson, and Becerrill. May the Lord continue to bless and guide you in the work, President Bulloch
April 16, 2012 Dear Elders and Sisters, As many of you know, Sister Bulloch and I have spent the last few days at the Mission President’s Seminar in Washington DC. During the meetings, the Spirit witnessed once again with clarity and power to the significance and importance of understanding and applying the doctrine of Christ. I don’t know if there is a subject that I have talked about more in my emails than faith in Jesus Christ. However, I feel compelled to do it again as a result of my experience this week. The Lord told the Prophet Joseph Smith, “Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not” (DC 6:36). We know that doubt and fear are the enemies of faith. When we begin to doubt or fear, our faith begins to waver. Such was the case when Peter was invited by the Savior to walk on the water. The scriptures record, “But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.” (Matthew 14:30). After the Lord stretched forth his hand and saved Peter, He asked Peter, “O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?” Doubt and fear undermine faith. Perhaps one of the most common areas where this happens in the mission field is in finding new investigators. At the Mission President’s Seminar, we had an insightful and inspiring discussion on the first section of Preach My Gospel chapter 9 in regard to “Developing the Faith to Find.” We were taught once again that our success in finding is not a matter of discovering the right “method” but strengthening our faith in the fact that there are people in our area who the Lord is preparing to receive us, and we must find them. If the adversary can get us to doubt that the Lord has prepared people for us, our faith and our finding will both decrease. The “trial of our faith” (Ether 12:6; DC 58:2-4) is often the difficult days of labor with little or no apparent success. It is during this testing time that doubt erodes the development of faith, or diligence and hope lead to the development of faith. I am excited about the blessings that will surely come as our faith increases. And how do we increase our faith? Those of you who have been in the mission long enough will recall the training where we referred to Elder Scott’s testimony that “our faith is developed through the righteous use of agency.” I am excited to announce another opportunity to increase our faith through the righteous use of agency that came out of this year’s mission president’s seminar. Beginning immediately, missionaries are permitted to use the Church websites to help further the work. This includes lds.org, mormonnewsroom.org (or newsroom.lds.org), mormon.org, and familysearch.org. Missionaries are encouraged to spend one or two hours per week becoming familiar with these sites at times that are least effective for proselyting. Missionaries should continue to avoid using member’s computers, but may go on the computers in the family history centers or the library to help familiarize themselves with these sites. As guided by the Spirit, missionaries may also use their investigator’s computers to demonstrate how to use these resources to answer questions and help investigators deepen their gospel understanding. All other computer use policy continues to be in place. This new opportunity should be a great blessing as we seek spiritual direction and use good judgment in doing so. We will share more detail through the zone leaders at the upcoming zone leader’s council. May the Lord bless us with increased faith and a sense of urgency in this great work. We congratulate the following on their baptism this week: Nathan Randall DesRocher in Plattsburgh, taught by Elders Smidt and Sarsozo; Ginger and Olivia Stuckey in Carthage, taught by Elders Simmonds and Taylor. President Bulloch
April 23, 2012Dear Elders and Sisters, Among the things the Savior listed as evils, is one we don’t often view as such—especially in our day. It is an evil that often, unknowingly among some, undermines the blessings of the Spirit and the effectiveness of young missionaries. The evil of which I speak is referred to in the scriptures as foolishness. The Savior said, “For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: All these evil things come from within, and defile the man” (Mark 7:21-23). Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, said, We “have a great challenge in helping the rising generation identify that which is foolish in today’s world and make wise and appropriate decisions to avoid it” (Address to Religious Educators, February 27, 2009). Elder Cook explained that we are not speaking about “recreation that renews us, and joyful interaction with friends and loved ones” but behavior that exhibits a “lack of wisdom” and maturity. He said, “foolishness in all its forms and the lack of wisdom it represents are serious issues in our own day.” The Prophet Joseph Smith used “levity” as one example of the “foolish errors” that can result from the “weakness of youth” (JS-H 1:28). Levity is defined as “lack of appropriate seriousness or earnestness” or being “light-minded.” I believe our Heavenly Father wants us to be happy and enjoy life, but avoid the sometimes foolish conversations and behavior that should be abandoned with maturity. A sign of maturity is the ability to “put away childish things” (1 Corinthians 13:11). Foolish or childish behavior is often a misguided attempt to get needed attention by hoping to be seen as clever or funny, when what is really needed is the respect and confidence that comes with dignified and mature conduct. As representatives of the Lord Jesus Christ, it is very important for missionaries to avoid the foolishness that is “not consistent with that character which ought to be maintained by one who is called of God” (JS-H 1:28) as we have been. In avoiding such behavior, missionaries will not only win the “the trust and confidence of nonmembers, members and other missionaries” (Missionary Handbook, p. 7-8) but find a greater endowment of the Spirit to bless and guide them in the work. Greater success and happiness will follow missionaries that overcome the tendency to behave foolishly. I pray the Lord will bless and guide each of us to conduct ourselves in a manner that will invite the Spirit and instill confidence in those we work with. We congratulate Chad Brown from the Green Branch on his baptism this week. Brother Brown was taught by Elders Erdmann and Lewis. President Bulloch
April 30, 2012Dear Elders and Sisters I hope all of you are excited about the new transfer. I hope it will be the best transfer ever for each of you. I would like to discuss how we can make that happen. President Eyring once said, “Most of us have had some experience with self-improvement efforts. My experience has taught me this about how people and organizations improve: the best place to look is for small changes we could make in things we do often. There is power in steadiness and repetition. And if we can be led by inspiration to choose the right small things to change, consistent obedience will bring great improvement” (The Lord Will Multiply the Harvest, CES Broadcast, February 1998). The scriptures also testify that “by small and simple things are great things bought to pass” (Alma 37:6). In this week’s district meetings the zone leaders will invite all of us to consider the difference it will make if every missionary in the mission can make small improvements in each of the things we do often. We are not talking about making drastic changes, but improving just a little bit in every way. We would like to introduce as a focus for this transfer the idea of making small improvements in every aspect of our lives and our work. We invite all of us to prayerfully seek the guidance of the Holy Ghost for the “inspiration to choose the right small things to change” in our personal life, in our companionship, in our relationships with the members, in our faith and diligence, and in every aspect of the work. We are talking about small improvements in every way. That will be our theme for the transfer—Improvement in every way! We are talking about small and simple things, such as, making sure we get out of bed one minute early rather than one minute late, a little more effective morning program, smiling more, saying something kind rather than complaining or criticizing, cleaning up the apartment a little better and a little more often, opening our mouth more often and talking to a few more people, listening to the Spirit rather than listening to music, working a little harder, getting out to work a little early rather than a little late, and a hundred other possibilities. Can you imagine what will happen if we see just a little improvement in every one of the key indicators by every companionship in the mission! If every companionship can teach just one or two more lessons, have one or two more member present lessons, and put in the extra effort and develop the faith to find just one more investigator. Think of the good that will be done by the combined efforts of the entire mission! I know we can do it! As we combine our faith, our prayers, and our efforts to improve in every way—even just a little—we will see marvelous things happen. We will find an increased joy and satisfaction in the fruit of our labors. As President Eyring promised, “if we can be led by inspiration to choose the right small things to change” we “will bring great improvement” to our lives and our work. May we have the faith and determination to do so! We congratulate Carly Finn in Delhi on her baptism this week. Sister Finn was taught by Elders Blanchard and Borgia. Have a great week! President Bulloch
May 7, 2012Dear Elders and Sisters, We are excited about the new transfer. We are already seeing results from the optimistic way you have embraced the transfer focus of “Improvement in Every Way” and our goal for finding new investigators. The Oxford English Dictionary defines optimism as having "hopefulness and confidence about the future or successful outcome of something; a tendency to take a favorable or hopeful view." The word is originally derived from the Latin, optimum, meaning "best." Being optimistic means one expects the best possible outcome from any given situation. To me, optimism is captured in the gospel principle of hope. Hope is a confidence that “the desired blessing will be fulfilled in the future…” (PMG, 117) On the other hand, pessimism is the tendency to see, anticipate, or emphasize only bad or undesirable outcomes, results, or conditions. The scriptures teach us that we can have hope if we have faith. Aaron taught Lamoni’s father, “if thou wilt repent… and call on [God’s] name in faith, believing that ye shall receive, then shalt thou receive the hope which thou desirest” (Alma 22:16 ). Moroni taught that “ye may also have hope… if ye will but have faith” (Ether 12:9). He also taught, “without faith there cannot be any hope” (Moroni 7:42). Faith is the power by which our hopes are realized. The combination of faith, hope and diligence bring about such miraculous results that they are at times considered miracles (see Alma 37:40-41). It is our hope this transfer to find 500 new investigators. That is a lofty goal. Perhaps not so lofty that it will be considered a miracle when we reach it, but that does not mean that we should not expect miraculous things to happen as we combine our faith with hope and diligent effort. Because “faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone” (James 2:17), it will not only require faith and hope to reach our goal, but also the very best effort of every missionary and every companionship. Small improvements in every area will yield significant results as a mission. However, our best effort, without the Lord’s blessings will not suffice. We must live worthy of, and expect divine intervention. This is the Lord’s work. We should call upon the Lord in faith, and expect His blessings—even miracles if necessary. He will bless and guide us as we exercise faith, hope and diligence. We congratulate Carol Chamberlin in Schoharie Valley on her baptism this week. Sister Chamberlin was taught be Elders Papa and J. Tanner. I pray the Lord will bless and guide each of you. President Bulloch P.S. We will report the progress toward our goals in Zone Conferences and district meeting.
May 14, 2012Dear Elders and Sisters, This morning I want to thank you for your faith and effort in striving to achieve the goal we have set to “improve in every way.” As we have traveled to the various zone conferences we have been inspired by testimonies of faith, hope, and blessings. We did not reach our goal this week but I am confident we can if we will not give up. Even those who may not have reached some of their goals have demonstrated a sense of excitement and hope for the future. It is our hope and prayer that each of you will go forward this week with a renewed determination to improve in each of the key indicators in your area. We must go forward in faith, for we do not know “how long” (Hab. 1:2; Alma 14:26; DC 121:2-3) we will be expected to endure the “trial of [our] faith” (Ether 12:6) before we reap the blessings the Lord has in store. The test of faith and endurance will be different in each companionship. Thank you for your diligent effort to overcome your fears and “open your mouth” as the Lord has repeatedly commanded us to do (DC 30:5,11; 33:8-10; 60:2; 71:1; Moses 5:36). Thank you for your willingness to “stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that ye may be in” (Mosiah 18:9). Thank you for the sacrifices you have made to “go the extra mile” in an effort to reach your goals. Thank you for your extra effort to be more worthy of and responsive to the guiding influence of the Holy Ghost. As you know, the real goal is not just to find people, but find those whom the Lord has prepared to receive the gospel. We are looking for people that are willing to develop faith in Jesus Christ, repent of their sins, and be baptized and receive the Holy Ghost. We are looking for those that will hear and respond to the “doctrine of Christ” (2 Nephi 31:2, 21). Our Heavenly Father knows who they are and He will guide us to them as we demonstrate our faith through our diligent effort and our desire to be spiritually led. We congratulate the following on their baptism this week: Cirena Woodward in Cortland, taught by Elders Rammell and Hearne; and Janelle Elizabeth Whitman in Lake Placid, taught by Elder and Sister Overton. May the peace of the Spirit be with you in your work. May you find satisfaction in the knowledge that our Heavenly Father is pleased with your effort. Thank you so much for all you do. Sincerely, President Bulloch
May 21, 2012Dear Elders and Sisters, I believe one of the great lessons we learn in this life is that happiness is not the absence of difficulty, but the ability to see difficulty in the context of the gospel plan, and deal with it in a positive way. “For it must needs be, that there is an opposition in all things. If not so… righteousness could not be brought to pass, neither… happiness” (2 Nephi 2:11). Opposition and difficulty are necessary elements of truly understanding and enjoying happiness. If my happiness is totally dictated by the circumstances and conditions around me, my happiness will in large measure be out of my control. When I understand that lasting joy and happiness are fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22), I will find happiness in doing things that invite the Spirit. Have you noticed that it is very difficult to be pessimistic and happy at the same time? It is like trying to be happy and angry at the same time. It just doesn’t work. On the other hand, have you noticed how things change when we have an optimistic view? When we look at the bright side it invites light into our lives. As we learn to “submit cheerfully and with patience to all the will of the Lord” (Mosiah 24:15) we will learn to find peace and hope, even in difficult situations. Hope and peace create an optimistic view that invites greater happiness. I invite each of you to look for the good in whatever circumstances you find yourself. For example, have you ever noticed that “stressed” is just “desserts” spelled backwards? We can find something to smile about in almost every situation. Give it a try—you will be happier. We congratulate the following on their baptism and confirmation this week: Max and Grace Noga in Auburn, taught by Elders Matangi and Vicchrilli; Katherine Miller in Herkimer, taught by Elders Schrader, Hazelett, and Seymour; Stacey Bodway and Ashley Wright in Watertown, taught by Elders Portela, Black, and Rymer. Have a great day, President BullochP.S. I am very excited to report on our goal to “improve in every way.” We were so close to meeting our goal! As a mission we improved in total lessons, Sacrament meeting attendance, baptismal dates, and new investigators. We had exactly the same number of member present lessons. That means if we would have had just one more member present lesson somewhere in the mission we would have improved in every way! We were just one member present lesson away from improving in every way! Keep up the good work—let’s do it all this week!
May 28, 2012Dear Elders and Sisters As I have thought about the trials and challenges that you face every day as missionaries of The Church of Jesus Christ, I have prayed that the Lord would give you a vision of the blessings that will come to you as you learn to successfully deal with these challenges. Sometimes we just don’t understand why things happen the way they do, or why things don’t turn out like we expect. We must remember the Lord is at work in our lives. “Ye cannot behold with your natural eyes, for the present time, the design of your God concerning those things which shall come hereafter, and the glory which shall follow after much tribulation. For after much tribulation come the blessings…” (DC 58:3-4). It is in the fires of affliction that we are purified. In fact the scriptures teach us, “without suffering[ we can]not be made perfect” (JST Hebrews 11:40a). The Lord uses the challenges of life to refine us into what he wants us to become. Great faith is forged in the furnace of affliction. President Joseph F. Smith is a great example of this. In 1854, at the age of 15, he was called to the Sandwich Islands to serve the first of the five full-time missions that he served for the Church. He ended up serving for four years on that mission, returning at age 19, only to be called to serve in Great Britain for three more years at age 21. He went alone on that first mission, without the support structure of companions, leaders, interviews and Zone Conferences currently in the missions of the Church. Accounts of the difficulties he endured at that young age are amazing, and often heart wrenching. I have often wondered as I have read them how he was able to do it. A study of his life could cause some to wonder if God really loved him. His father, Hyrum Smith, was killed when young Joseph was just five years old. Two years later, at age seven, he began the trek West with his widowed mother, driving the team and wagon most of the way. At age 13, four years after arriving in the Salt Lake Valley, his mother died. However, it was not that God did not love him. In fact, hind-sight teaches us the opposite. Joseph F. Smith was being prepared by a loving Heavenly Father for the mantle he would wear well—that of the Prophet and President of the Church. Our Heavenly Father knows and loves each of you. He knows your potential, and He knows the experiences you need to help you reach that potential. “To deprive ourselves of those experiences… would be to deprive ourselves of the outcomes over which we shouted [for] joy” when this plan was first explained to us in pre-earth life (Neal A. Maxwell, All These Things Shall Give Thee Experience, p. 26-27). I pray the Lord will bless each of you with an eternal perspective as you face the challenges of life. We congratulate the following on their baptism this week: Nicholas Monte in Potsdam, taught by Elders Israelsen and Stratton; James Evans in Carthage, taught by Elders Simmonds and Taylor; Ann Nowak in Utica, taught by Elders Christensen and Williams. Sincerely, President BullochP.S. Goal report: As a mission we improved in total lessons from an average per companionship of 10.6 to 11.3, and we improved slightly in the number of member present lessons. However, investigators at sacrament meeting and new investigators both went down very slightly (.1%). The total number of new investigators we have found since we set the goal of 500 is 236. We encourage each of you to strive diligently to improve in every way in the coming week. We can do this if we all “lift where we stand.”
June 4, 2012Dear Elders and Sisters, I want to express my appreciation for your effort this transfer to “improve in every way.” I have been inspired by reports of your faithful efforts to do so. These reports reminded me of a wonderful conversation I had with some of our returning missionaries the night before they went home. They were discussing how their missions had changed them, and how much missionaries grow up on their missions. As they shared their experiences, and how grateful they were for the changes that had taken place in their lives, I couldn’t help but think of Moroni’s words, “Behold, are not the things that God hath wrought marvelous in our eyes? Yea, and who can comprehend the marvelous works of God? Who shall say that it was not a miracle…” (Mormon 9:6). The “mighty change” of heart (Msh. 5:2; Al. 5:12) is indeed a miracle. A miracle wrought by the power of the Atonement of the Savior, and the faithful service of wonderful young missionaries in the refiner’s fire of missionary service. President Uchtdorf said, “As these noble missionaries endure rejection, loneliness, self doubt, homesickness, and exhaustion, the refiner’s fire will purify their souls” (Mission President’s Seminar 2009). The missionaries I talked to had experienced all of these things. They testified how their experience as a missionary truly did have a purifying effect on them, and they were so grateful for it. A mission causes missionaries to face their fears, their insecurities, their pride and stubbornness, their childishness, their laziness, and so many other weaknesses, in a real and dramatic way. There is no way around these issues. We must face them head-on. In the Lord’s work there is no other way. If a missionary stubbornly hangs on to their weaknesses, they have great difficulty finding happiness in this work. They are more likely to find frustration and sorrow. There is no faking it. The Lord is patient and forgiving, but the peace and joy of the Spirit does not fill our hearts until we make a sincere and genuine effort to change and repent where necessary. Thankfully, most missionaries discover this very early in their mission—some, almost immediately. For others it may take months. Unfortunately, a very few, never do figure it out. To “return with honor” has nothing to do with numbers, but everything to do with having put “off the natural man, and becom[ing] a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord” (Mosiah 3:19). It has been a joy for Sister Bulloch and I to witness this wonderful transformation in the lives of those we have come to love so much. We testify, that “because of your diligence and your faith and your patience… by and by ye shall pluck the fruit [of your service], which is most precious, which is sweet above all that is sweet,” (Alma 32:42) and it all will have been worth it. May the Lord continue to bless you with the desire and ability to “improve in every way.” We congratulate the following on their baptism this week: Arthur and Susan Bryer in Glens Falls, taught by Elders Tibbitts, Plotkin, and Houston; Gretchen Idemudia in Albany, taught by Elders Hardinger and Tanner; Dallin Lyse in Carthage, taught by Elders Simmonds and Taylor. President Bulloch
June 11, 2012Dear Elders and Sisters, We have been taught that faith is strengthened by the righteous use of agency. Some of the choices we make in life test where our loyalties are. For the Prophet Joseph Smith, an early learning experience came when he faced the difficult, yet fairly common task, of choosing between loyalty to a friend or loyalty to God. You are familiar with the story of young Joseph’s deep feelings of gratitude to Martin Harris, who had not only been a friend to Joseph, but someone who had provided financial support in a time of great need. Joseph’s feelings of indebtedness to Martin led to a poor choice that caused both sorrow and suffering. As Joseph recovered from his mistake he was told, “you should not have feared man more than God” (DC 3:7). This was a powerful lesson in Joseph’s life. His loyalty to God greatly increased. His fears about what others would think greatly diminished. Missionaries may face similar dilemmas in companionships that test their loyalty. That is why the Missionary Handbook repeatedly states that a missionaries “loyalty is first to the Lord, then to their mission president, then to your companion” (p. 32, 62). When loyalty to other people becomes a greater priority than loyalty to God, secret combinations are born. When relationships with others outweigh ones loyalty to God, mistakes are often covered up, and repentance is neglected. Loyalty to God “means standing up for that which is right when our associates would persuade us to do wrong” (New Era, July 1976, 4). Very often such loyalty not only requires us to stand up, but also to speak up. In the Mosaic Law, if someone was aware of a sin that someone else had committed, and did “not utter it,” they were also considered guilty of the sin (see Leviticus 5:1). We have an obligation to assist one another in overcoming our sins, not covering our sins. When we “cover our sins… the heavens withdraw themselves [and] the Spirit of the Lord is grieved; and when it is withdrawn, Amen” or in other words, that is the end, “to the priesthood or the authority of that man” (DC 121:37). I express my deep appreciation to each of you for your loyalty to our Heavenly Father and His work. I am humbled by your loyalty to whoever holds the keys of this mission. As one of your “weak” and “simple” (DC 1:23) “fellowservant[s] in the Lord” (Colossians 4:7), I will do my best to live worthy of that trust. May the Lord continue to guide and bless you, President Bulloch
June 18, 2012Dear Elders and Sisters The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines the word justify as “to validate a statement with evidence.” It is used scripturally in a variety of settings, including the Lord validating the words and conduct of the righteous with evidence that their conduct is correct, or they speak the truth (see Moses 6:34; DC 132:60). However, the word is also used by the wicked in an attempt to establish their unworthy conduct as legitimate. Such justification is an attempt on the part of the transgressor “to set [themselves] free from an obligation or the consequence of guilt” that accompanies conduct that is contrary to what they know is right. When we are wrong, we can respond as the Lord would have us respond, by admitting our error and changing. We call that repentance. If unwilling to repent, we often attempt to justify our actions in a variety of ways. We may come up with explanations or excuses as to why we are an exception to the rule, and should not be expected to comply. We may also create a list of reasons why the rule is unrealistic or even inappropriate. If we are incapable of coming up with legitimate justification, we can resort to the more juvenile conduct of simply pouting and refusing to comply. President Benson taught those who are enslaved by pride use “defensiveness to justify their… failures.” They also find fault, become “offended and hold grudges… [or] withhold forgiveness to keep another in their debt and justify their injured feelings” (CR, April 1989, emphasis added). Like the Pharisees that were condemned by the Savior, we attempt to “justify [our]selves before men” (Luke 16:15) in an effort to make ourselves appear better than we are. These justifications are all feeble attempts to make ourselves feel better when we are unwilling to combine faith and works into the power to make the necessary changes to become more Christ-like. A willingness to change, rather than attempting to justify our weaknesses will bring the peace and happiness we seek, and invite the justification of the Spirit. Because we know that God wants us to be happy, Satan cleverly takes advantage of this by convincing some to “eat, drink and be merry; nevertheless, fear God—he will justify in committing a little sin” (2 Nephi 28:8 emphasis added). The scriptures are clear however, that justifying our weaknesses only leads to sorrow and misery. I pray that the Spirit will help us strive to overcome the tendency of the natural man to justify the things that need changing. We congratulate the following on their baptism this week: Josh Feliciano and Patrick Welch in Glenville, taught by Sisters Hale, Love, and Gifford; and James and Esther Doran in Potsdam, taught by Elders Stratton and Pexton. May the Lord continue to bless and sustain each of you, President Bulloch
June 25, 2012Dear Elders and Sisters, As you know, this is my last email as your mission president. Sister Bulloch and I want to express our deep gratitude and appreciation for the opportunity we have had of serving with you. Our experience has broadened our perspective, deepened our testimony, and enriched our lives. We are so grateful for the friendships we have developed, and pray that they will be eternal. We hope for the best in life for every one of you, and know that if you will live the principles of the gospel “all things shall work together for your good” (DC 90:24). The work you are doing is the work of God, our Eternal Father in Heaven! What you do every day really matters! The message you bear to the world is the most important message anyone could hear! I pray that each of you will strive to share it with “all your heart, might, mind, and strength” (DC 4:2). We are excited for you to have the blessing of being led by President and Sister Wirthlin. As you listen and respond to their inspired leadership it will take the mission to new heights. In the words of the Prophet Joseph Smith, “…shall we not go on in so great a cause? Go forward and not backward. Courage, brethren [and sisters]; and on, on to the victory!” (DC 128:22). May the Lord bless and keep each one of you until we meet again! With all our love, President and Sister BullochP.S. We congratulate the following on their baptism this week: Kevin Hackenfort in Liverpool, taught by Elders Meidell and Gibb; and Vicky Lynn Mercer in Owego, taught by Elders Baird, Felsch, and Wilkins.
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