December 2006
Though it's been twenty years since being in New Zealand, the experience of serving in truly the best mission of the mid-1980's has never left me. One truth from President Lasater that I have confirmed over the years is that you will never rise higher than your efforts as a missionary. Those who shared with me the experience of pushing the work forward at an ever increasing pace were stretched in ways that produced a greater capacity for future personal success and greater service in the kingdom. I'm always disappointed to hear from any return missionary that he or she did not respect nor enjoy being motivated towards greater success by their mission leaders. But every once in a while I'm introduced to an Elder or Sister whom I know "paid that price," and learned this greatest secret of the mission experience.
I'm still an adopted Maori, and love to do the Huka. My testimony is currently very strong, even in the midst of tragic apostacy of some friends and family. I've learned to pray and plead for my testimony everyday! My love for my wife and four beautiful children are blessings enough to motivate me to strive to be found worthy of the greatest gifts of God. The correlation between apostasy and disobedience is real. Everyone who has lost their personal commitment to their temple covenants has done so through disobedience to the simple principles. There are always excuses, opposition and sore trials, but these are eternally necessary to grow. (Satan keeps his temple promises too!)
Once the truths of this restored gospel have been confirmed by the "Spirit of Truth," you've truly left the middle ground of doubt and ignorance. You then will be purified in the celestial heat of the refiner's fire. (Malachi 3:3) To this end I pray that we all will heed the Maori Challenges.... Kia Kaha!! Kia Ngawari!!
Your friend and brother,
Sonny Walker Morris
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