How Great Will Be Your Joy

Understanding the Importance of the Gathering of Israel

Elder Rasband begins his talk by emphasizing the importance of the gathering of Israel, which President Russell M. Nelson describes as "the most important thing taking place on earth today." This gathering is about bringing God's children together in the last days so they may receive blessings and the promises of eternity.

My thoughts today are on the gathering of Israel, what President Russell M. Nelson calls "the most important thing taking place on earth today. Nothing else compares in magnitude, nothing else compares in importance, nothing else compares in majesty."

We are gathering God’s children in these last days that they might have "blessings poured out upon their heads" and the promises of "the riches of eternity."

• What is the gathering of Israel and why is it important?
• What are the blessings and promises associated with the gathering of Israel?
• How can you personally contribute to the gathering of Israel?
• What blessings have you experienced or hope to experience as part of this gathering?

Encouraging Senior Members to Serve as Missionaries

Elder Rasband highlights the need for more missionaries, particularly senior members of the Church. He shares a personal experience from 2015 to emphasize the need for more senior couples in the mission field. He also quotes President Nelson, who encourages couples to pray and ask Heavenly Father if the time is right for them to serve.

It follows that to gather Israel we need missionaries—many more than are serving. Today I am speaking to the many seasoned seniors in the Church who could serve as missionaries. The Lord needs you.

President Russell M. Nelson has encouraged couples to "get on their knees and ask Heavenly Father if the time is right for them to serve a mission." Of all the qualifications, he said, "a desire to serve may be the most important."

• Why does Elder Rasband emphasize the need for senior members to serve as missionaries?
• What advice does President Nelson give to those considering serving a mission?
• If you are a senior member, have you considered serving a mission? Why or why not?
• What steps can you take to determine if now is the right time for you to serve?

Sharing the Joy of Missionary Service

Elder Rasband shares a personal story about his parents" experience serving as senior missionaries and the joy and blessings their service brought to their lives and the lives of those they taught. He emphasizes that serving a mission can be a great chapter in a couple's life and promises that those who serve will feel the love of the Lord in their lives.

My parents, Elder Rulon and Sister Verda Rasband, were serving as a senior couple in the Florida Fort Lauderdale Mission. They were proselyting and by divine guidance knocked on the door of Rebecca’s home.

A mission might be the greatest chapter in a couple’s life. A good title might be "My Lord Will Have Need of Me." You may be on unfamiliar ground; however, the power of the Spirit will make you feel right at home.

• What joy and blessings did Elder Rasband's parents experience from their missionary service?
• What promises does Elder Rasband make to those who serve as missionaries?
• How have you experienced or observed the joy and blessings of missionary service?
• How can you prepare yourself to receive the blessings promised to those who serve?

Highlighting the Variety of Missionary Opportunities

Elder Rasband outlines the various opportunities available for senior missionaries, from serving in mission offices or temples to teaching institute or providing humanitarian service. He encourages members to explore these opportunities and pray to know what the Lord would have them do.

Out in the field, you have a smorgasbord of opportunities: you may serve in mission offices or temples, strengthen young missionaries, bolster small branches, work in FamilySearch centers or at historic sites, teach institute, provide humanitarian service, work with young adults, help in employment centers or on Church farms.

Follow the prophet’s counsel and pray to know what the Lord would have you do.

• What types of missionary opportunities does Elder Rasband highlight for senior members?
• What counsel does he give for those trying to decide how and where to serve?
• Which of the missionary opportunities Elder Rasband mentions appeals to you and why?
• How can you seek the Lord's guidance in deciding how and where to serve?

Promising Blessings for Service

Elder Rasband concludes his talk by promising blessings to those who serve as missionaries. He assures them they will feel the love of the Lord in their lives, grow closer to Him, and have great joy. He also promises that their service will inspire and bless their families for years to come.

I also promise that as you serve, you will feel the love of the Lord in your life, you will know Him, He will know you, and "how great shall be your joy." Your dedicated service to Jesus Christ will inspire and bless your family, your grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. "Peace, and love [will] be multiplied" in their lives for years to come. I promise.

• What blessings does Elder Rasband promise to those who serve as missionaries?
• How does he say missionary service will impact the families of those who serve?
• How have you experienced or observed the blessings promised to those who serve as missionaries?
• How can you prepare yourself to receive these promised blessings?