He Spoke I Went

As I have serve in the South Africa Pretoria Mission, I have the privilege of witnessing the remarkable work of our missionaries each day. Their faith, dedication, and quiet acts of service continually inspire me. They go forth with courage to share the message of Jesus Christ—to plant seeds of truth, love, and hope in the hearts of God’s children across this beautiful land.

There’s a simple but profound truth in this saying: “You can count the seeds in an apple, but you can’t count the apples in a seed.” It reminds me of the work of our missionaries—faithful young men who go forth daily to plant seeds of the gospel in the hearts of God’s children.

Each conversation, each act of service, and each testimony they share may seem small at first—just a seed. Yet as these spiritual seeds take root, they grow into something far greater than any of us can measure. They bless generations. They bring light to families. They change eternal destinies.

I feel privileged to support these missionaries in their sacred calling to share the good news of the restored gospel—to encourage them, to help meet their temporal needs, and to witness firsthand how the Lord magnifies their efforts. I have seen how the Spirit works quietly but powerfully in the lives of those who are willing to listen and open their hearts to the Savior’s message.

The Apostle Paul taught: “I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.” 1 Corinthians 3:6

Missionary work is truly a divine partnership. We may plant or water, but only Heavenly Father can cause faith to grow and bear fruit. The Book of Mormon teaches this same principle of spiritual growth and eternal potential:

“Now, if ye give place, that a seed may be planted in your heart, behold, if it be a true seed… it will begin to swell within your breasts; and when you feel these swelling motions, ye will begin to say within yourselves—It must needs be that this is a good seed.” Alma 32:28

Faith, like a seed, begins small. But when nourished by the word of God, it can grow into a tree that bears everlasting fruit—the fruit of joy, peace, and salvation through Jesus Christ.

One of the greatest joys of this work is knowing that the blessings of the gospel extend beyond this life. Families are meant to last forever. The sealing power of the priesthood binds hearts across generations and brings hope that no separation is permanent.

The Lord promised: “And that same sociality which exists among us here will exist among us there, only it will be coupled with eternal glory.” Doctrine and Covenants 130:2

I testify that families are eternal, that Jesus Christ lives, and that His restored gospel gives us the power and peace to face every challenge with faith.

I am deeply grateful for the missionaries who daily plant these eternal seeds—and for the countless unseen harvests their work will one day bring forth. For me, it took nearly fifteen years of loving and faithful individuals who continued to cultivate the dormant seed of faith planted in my youth before it began to sprout. Their consistent examples, their love, and their willingness to share their testimonies helped my faith come alive again. I will forever be grateful for those who never stopped nurturing that small seed.

Let us each find ways to plant and nourish seeds of faith—in our homes, in our communities, and in the hearts of those we love.

I know that Jesus Christ lives. He is the source of every good thing in our lives. As we share His gospel and strengthen one another in faith, we become His hands in helping others find the joy, peace, and eternal hope that only He can give.