Called to the Work

By Elder David A. Bednar

Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

In the culture of the Church, we often talk of being called to serve in a country such as Argentina, Poland, Korea, or the United States. But a missionary is not called to a place; rather, he or she is called to serve. 

Three interrelated words define a pattern of preparation and progression for sons of God: priesthood, temple, mission.Sometimes as parents, friends, and Church members, we focus so extensively upon missionary preparation for young men that we may neglect to a degree the other vital steps along the covenant pathway that must be fulfilled before beginning full-time missionary service. 

You need not and should not wait for your official call to become anxiously engaged in missionary work.