Small and Simple Things
Small and Simple Things
President Quinn’s Weekly Message
California Santa Rosa Mission
April 28th, 2025
Sister Quinn and I returned last night from the semi-annual mission leader seminar held for the 30 mission leaders in the Church’s North America West Area. The seminar was held in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. It was wonderful to be instructed by the Area Presidency over the three days of the seminar. We also enjoyed meeting and learning from the other mission leaders in our area. We have come to love these other mission leaders. While we enjoy these seminars, it is always good to return home to CASRM and our missionaries. We will be sharing things we learned during the seminar with you over the next few months.
This week I focus my message on Alma’s teaching to his son Helaman recorded in the Book of Mormon:
“By small and simple things are great things brought to pass” (Alma 37:6).
Alma is teaching us that small and simple daily practices to grow our spiritual strength will yield long-term benefits. Just as daily physical exercise grows muscles and endurance, so too does daily spiritual exercise grow our spiritual muscles – increasing our strength and endurance. For missionaries this exercise includes, but is not limited to scripture study, prayer, study of Preach my Gospel, obedience to missionary standards, etc. In CASRM we speak of this spiritual exercise as “going deep”.
President Oaks has articulated the blessings that come from doing small and simple things to build our spiritual strength:
“Though … practices may seem to be small and simple, over time they result in powerful spiritual uplift and growth. This occurs because … small and simple things invite the companionship of the Holy Ghost, the Testifier who enlightens us and guides us into truth...” (Small and Simple Things, April 2018 General Conference)
The promise of enjoying the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost to “enlighten us and guide us to truth” should prioritize our daily activities and schedules. This promise should motivate us to be obedient in all things. No one needs the guidance of the Holy Ghost more than you do working to fulfill your missionary purpose. In Preach My Gospel we learn:
“The gift of the Holy Ghost is one of the greatest gifts that God has given His children. It is vital in your work as a missionary. You need the guiding, revelatory power of the Holy Ghost as you help people be baptized, confirmed, and converted.” (PMG page 102)
I invite you to examine your daily activities – to do the small and simple things that will deepen your discipleship to Jesus Christ. Make any necessary corrections to be more obedient to missionary standards. I promise that obedience to all the missionary standards will bless you in your missionary service. I know that your obedience will increase the strength and depth of your discipleship to Jesus Christ. I testify you will be blessed with the uplifting presence of the Holy Ghost to inspire and direct you. What a blessing!
Sister Quinn and I look forward to seeing you this week on our virtual zone conference.
Love,
President Quinn
(630) 881-4030
