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This devotional address entitled The Joyous Obligation of Missionary Work was given on

August 7th of 1977 by Carlos EAC, then a member of the first quorum of the 70 of the Church

of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

It's always a very pleasant but humbling experience to be in your presence. You of our rising generation are very special, and I salute you not only for what you are,

but for what you can become.

I appreciate that kind introduction given by Brother Gunderson.

He's been rather generous enlisting the positions held and some personal achievements.

And as is generally the case, he made them sound more auspicious and significant than they

really are.

I've often wondered how the Lord reacts to such introductions when he monitors our meetings.

You will recall that He, the resurrected Christ and Savior of all mankind, received this simple yet profound

seven-word introduction.

This is my beloved son.

Hear Him.

These past several weeks, I've prayed and I've pondered at great length about this assignment.

An uppermost in my mind has been the thought that I must instruct by the spirit of truth.

Otherwise, my words will not edify nor cause you to rejoice.

Uppermost in my heart has been the desire to present a message which the prophet would approve and endorse.

Also I've felt a nagging concern for two groups of people.

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