"By accepting your sacred callings, you are indeed showing 'the pure love of Christ' you have for all of God's children wherever they live, whatever culture they come from, whatever language they might speak," said President Uchtdorf, second counselor in the First Presidency, alluding to Moroni 7:47.
"The Savior Himself sets the standard and gives the priorities for the ministry of His disciples — back then and now," he said. "To follow the Savior is to learn of Him and His marvelous character. You and your missionaries are truly His representatives. By striving to become more Christlike, your missionaries will discover their true identity."
Acknowledging that attaining Christlike attributes is not easy, President Uchtdorf said, "Prayer or preaching alone will not do the job. Practicing what we preach, or walking the walk, is required. You are the trusted leaders of your missionaries. They will look to you and follow you. Lead them; go with them to find and teach. As you lead by example and follow the Savior's plan, the missionaries will do the same."
Called to teach repentance, missionaries need to apply the principle in their own lives, which will allow them to have the powers of heaven, President Uchtdorf said.