Talk Preparation Guide for "How Great Will Be Your Joy"

In his talk, Elder Ronald A. Rasband discusses the importance of the gathering of Israel and the critical role senior missionaries play in this divine work. He shares a personal story about his parents" mission and the impact they had on a family. He encourages seniors to consider serving a mission and promises blessings for them and their families.

Topics

Understanding the Importance of the Gathering of Israel

Elder Rasband begins his talk by emphasizing the significance of the gathering of Israel in God's plan. This is described as the most important event happening on earth today.

The gathering is the ultimate recognition that ‘the worth of souls is great in the sight of God.’

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.’

Key Points:

The gathering of Israel is a key part of God's plan in the last days.
The worth of souls is significant in God's sight, and the gathering allows blessings to be poured out upon His children.

Experiences:

Have you ever participated in the gathering of Israel? How did it make you feel?
Can you share any experiences where you felt the worth of souls is great in the sight of God?
What blessings have you witnessed being poured out upon those who have been gathered into the Church?

The Need for Senior Missionaries

Elder Rasband emphasizes the urgent need for senior missionaries in the field. He shares a sobering experience from his duties as an Apostle, highlighting the vast gap between the number of senior missionaries available and the demand for them.

The Lord needs you. We need you in New York and Chicago, Australia and Africa, Thailand and Mexico, and everywhere in between.

That sobering moment has stayed with me: 10 couples to fill 300 requests.

Key Points:

There is a significant need for senior missionaries across the globe.
Senior missionaries are needed in various areas, from major cities to remote locations.

Experiences:

Have you ever considered serving a mission as a senior? What are your thoughts or feelings about this?
Do you know any senior missionaries? How have their experiences influenced your perspective on senior missions?
What obstacles or challenges might prevent seniors from serving a mission? How could these be overcome?

Personal Story: The Impact of Senior Missionaries

Elder Rasband shares a personal story about his parents" mission and the profound impact they had on a family. This story illustrates the unique and powerful influence senior missionaries can have.

My parents, Elder Rulon and Sister Verda Rasband, were serving as a senior couple in the Florida Fort Lauderdale Mission.

When I met Rebecca and her family at church, we took a photograph of her family with me. I took it home to my elderly mother, and she held it close to her heart. Then she said to me, ‘Ronnie, this is one of the happiest days of my life.’

Key Points:

Senior missionaries can have a profound impact on the lives they touch.
The joy derived from serving a mission can be one of the greatest experiences in life.

Experiences:

Have you witnessed the impact of senior missionaries in your own life or in the lives of others?
Can you share a time when you saw the joy of service in someone else's life?
How has the example of senior missionaries inspired or influenced you?

The Blessings and Opportunities of Senior Missions

Elder Rasband discusses the blessings and opportunities that come from serving a senior mission. He encourages seniors to consider various forms of service and promises profound spiritual and familial blessings.

There are so many ways senior missionaries can do what no one else can. You are a remarkable force for good, seasoned in the Church, and poised to encourage and rescue God’s children.

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.’

Key Points:

Senior missionaries have unique opportunities for service due to their experience and wisdom.
Serving a mission brings blessings, including feeling the love of the Lord, knowing Him better, and experiencing great joy.

Experiences:

Can you share a time when you felt the love of the Lord in your life?
How have you seen the blessings of service in your own life or in the lives of others?
What unique opportunities do you think senior missionaries have in the mission field?