“Pitch It Within and Without”
“Pitch It Within and Without”
President Quinn’s Weekly Message
California Santa Rosa Mission
December 29th, 2025
I hope you were able to enjoy a merry Christmas.
Sister Quinn and I were saddened to learn of the passing of Elder Holland. We were blessed to attend BYU when he was the president of the university back in the 1980’s. He has inspired us for many years with his instruction as President of BYU and later as an Apostle. Next week in my message to you, I will share some of my favorite quotes from his many inspired talks. It will not be easy for me to do in a single letter to you. His talks have inspired me for many years.
Happy New Year! Sister Quinn and I welcome with excitement this new year. We look forward to serving with you.
My message as we approach a new year comes from two questions I am often asked by missionaries in interviews: “President, how can I more fully feel the Spirit and find joy in my missionary service? What suggestions do you have for me to be a better missionary?” In response to these questions, I usually point the missionary to pages 13 and 14 in PMG (A Successful Missionary) and invite them to study and ponder the counsel given on those two pages.
These two questions have also reminded me of the counsel the Lord gave to Noah as he was building the ark:
“Make thee an ark of gopher wood; rooms shalt thou make in the ark, and shalt pitch it within and without with pitch.” (Genesis 6:14)
Pitch is tar. Tar can be used as a viscous waterproof sealant. The Lord knew that when completed, the massive wooden structure of the ark would have large and small gaps where water could leak in. Over time, water leaking into the ark would cause it to sink. By instructing Noah to “pitch” the ark “within and without”, the Lord provided instruction for sealing the ark to prevent it from sinking due to leaks.
As we begin this new year, I invite us to consider areas in our personal missionary service and life where gaps in our behavior may do harm to our spiritual growth, worthiness, and joy. Small acts of disobedience to missionary standards can limit our ability to be guided by the Spirit or may lead to other acts of disobedience. In contrast, I know that obedience to all missionary standards qualifies us for the guidance of the Spirit and brings the joy we each seek in our labors. Remember this profound insight from the Book of Mormon:
“Now ye may suppose that this is foolishness in me; but behold I say unto you, that by small and simple things are great things brought to pass; …and by very small means the Lord… bringeth about the salvation of many souls.” (Alma 37:6&7)
Our missionary purpose is to invite and help others find salvation through the gospel of Jesus Christ (see page 1, PMG). Please take time this week to ask yourself and ponder this question: “Are there gaps in my obedience to missionary standards I need to close to qualify more fully for the Spirit?” I testify that the “pitch” available to close any gaps is the Atonement of Jesus Christ. His blood, spilt on the cross, is the perfect sealant to eliminate our weaknesses.
Sister Quinn and I look forward to the miracles and blessings of the new year in our continued and combined service to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Love,
President Quinn
(630) 881-4030
