Pres. Bulloch's message

March 1, 2010
Dear Elders and Sisters,
Wow! It's March! They tell me winters can be long in New York, but March sounds to me like spring is near. Perhaps it is the possibility of winter lingering that has led me to my message today. Among the virtues that have been referred to as the "qualifications for missionary service" in DC 4 is patience (DC 4:6). It doesn't take long as a missionary to realize why it is listed. Preach My Gospel says "Patience is the capacity to endure delay, trouble, opposition, or suffering without becoming angry, frustrated, or anxious. It is the ability to do God's will and accept His timing" (p. 120). We live in a world that is out of patience. We want things to happen now, to be fixed now, to end now, to be ready now, etc. I was reminded of something I heard once-"Patience is a virtue, catch it if you can; it is seldom found in women, and never found in man." Patience is a rare virtue indeed. Yet as we think about it, aren't we glad that our Father in Heaven is so patient with us? I have often prayed that God would grant me the ability to be as patient with others as He has been with me. I am so glad He is patient!
Patience is required in many areas. We must learn to be patient with people, with circumstances, with difficulties and challenges, and even with the Lord's timing. The Lord has repeatedly counseled us to "bear with patience thine afflictions" (2 Corinthians 6:4; Alma 17:10; 20:29; 26:27; 34:41-41). In doing so we will find ourselves "waiting" until the Lord in His wisdom decides to comes to our aid (Psalms 37:9; Isaiah 40:31; Mosiah 21:34). President Monson said, "Our problem is that we often expect instantaneous solutions to such challenges, forgetting that frequently the heavenly virtue of patience is required" (PMG, p. 120). I noticed that the March Ensign has several articles on dealing with adversity. It is something we all face. Paul taught we should "glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope" (Romans 5:3-4; see also James 1:3-4). Patience is a virtue that is necessary in overcoming the "natural man" (see Mosiah 3:19). The Lord commanded us to "Continue in patience until ye are perfected" (DC 67:13). Missionary work gives us plenty of opportunity to develop our patience. As you do so, you will find it is easier to be happy.

We congratulate Warner and Maria Rodriguez in Greene for their baptism into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They were taught by Elders Williams, Daniels-Brown, and Nielson.

We look forward to seeing you at the upcoming Zone Conferences. Please keep up the good work.

Sincerely,

President Bulloch