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The Ten Gifts

(From "The Best of Times," JKM mission newsletter - Sterrett jidai. Submitted September 26, 1999, by Grant Denton ('85-'87, DGrantAmy@aol.com) Note: The Packer Dendobu-cho version is found in Paradigms
volume three (October 1983 or thereabouts) --Todd W Furniss (tjfurn@juno.com) February 18, 2001)

Paraphrasing the words of President Gordon B. Hinckley, there are few missionaries who don't take home some gifts from their mission. They use their money and often "load up" with a lot of things, many of which are unimportant. I would like to suggest Ten Gifts that every missionary ought to take home with him. They are not "trinkets" or "souvenirs" which can be tucked away in the pockets and pouches of your luggage, or mailed in advance. These are "gifts to bring home" which will give great purpose and meaning to your life. Their acquisition and cultivation is a worthy goal for every missionary. They are the gifts of:

1. A knowledge and love for God our Eternal Father.
   Eien no chichi naru Kami ni taisuru chishiki to ai.
2. A knowledge and love for the scriptures.
   Seiten ni taisuru chishiki to ai.
3. An increased love for parents.
   Ryoshin ni taisuru ai o hagukumu.
4. A love for the people among whom you labor.
   Issho ni hataraku hitobito e no ai.
5. An appreciation for hard work.
   Kinben ya shigoto no taisetsusa o rikai suru.
6. The availability of inspiration when needed and an ability to pray and ponder the things of the spirit.
   Hitsuyo no aru toki ni reikan o erareru noryoku mata Kami ni kansuru koto o kokoro ni fukaku kangaeru to inoru koto o rikai suru.
7. An understanding of the importance of teamwork.
   Kyodo sagyo no taisetsusa o rikai suru.
8. Increased personal virtue.
   Kojin no toku no kachi o shiru.
9. The faith to act and obey.
   Kodo to junjun ni utsusu shinko.
10. A thirst for knowledge and the praiseworthy things of life.
    Chishiki ya subete no koto ni taisjite katsubo suru.

The development of these gifts will make you a missionary that will realize the purpose for which you were called. You will also become an example for good to our fellow missionaries, the members, and investigators. Upon your return home, the desire to serve God and others that has grown within you will bless the Church, the world, and your family.