Come Unto Christ, I Will Go, I Will Serve: A “Heightened Vision to Serve”
“Filipino Saints have been a light to all the world in answering the call to serve full-time missions. …[But] coming unto Christ and going to the temple are inseparably connected. This is what we want to impress upon the youth as they prepare to go and serve.”
The call to a more “heightened vision to serve” was issued by Elder Steven R. Bangerter, Philippines Area President, during the recent “I Will Go, I Will Serve” fireside held at Lahug, Cebu City, on November 20, 2022.
The “I Will Go, I Will Serve” campaign was launched by the Philippines Area Presidency in May 2021 to increase the number of Filipino missionaries to 4600 by December 2022. Since then, almost 3,200 Filipino missionaries have joined the youth battalion.
Elder Bangerter praised Church leaders and members’ concerted efforts in preparing the youth. He then urged the Saints to “focus more precisely, more fully, more fervently on how [you] can draw nearer to Christ through the ordinances and covenants made in the temple.”
He then introduced a new theme—“Come Unto Christ: I Will Go, I Will Serve”—alongside a new logo depicting the temple with youth entering it.
Elder Bangerter added: “We must not see the temple and receiving temple ordinances and covenants merely as a box to be checked off on the way to serving a full-time mission. Our focus on coming unto Christ causes us to recognize the critical role the temple plays in bringing us to Him.”
Speaking about the covenant path, Elder Carlos G. Revillo Jr., Philippines Area Presidency Second Counselor, added, “Just as following the covenant path is a consistent, lifelong process, so is learning about the covenant path.”
Elder Yoon Hwan Choi, First Counselor of the Philippines Area Presidency, emphasized that a “gospel-centered home, established by righteous parents, is the best place for the rising generation to start developing their testimonies.”
Following the fireside, here’s what Filipino Saints shared:
“This broadcast helped deepen my understanding of the importance of missionary work! As someone who wants to be part of the Lord’s army, I realized that my desire to serve should be a lifelong commitment.”
June Darlene, Mandaue Philippines Stake
“As Church leaders, we aren’t just preparing the youth to serve missions; we’re helping them become our future leaders by helping them stay on the covenant path.”
Renz Adlaon, Iligan Philippines Stake
“Missionaries who understand the value of covenants will most likely teach people to make and keep covenants too. My daughter, who is currently a missionary, has shared how this increased vision helped them prepare 3 families to get sealed in the temple.”
Ma. Tria Joy Paguio, Dasmarinas Philippines Stake
“I was reminded of continued temple attendance and being a missionary even after my service. While watching the broadcast, I got prompted to text one of my Missionary Preparation students to finish the course and serve a mission. It felt good to feel like a missionary again!”
Jhan-Jhan Agustin, Camiling Philippines Stake
“I am proud to be one of the 4600! That broadcast reminded me of my purpose as one of God’s future missionaries. This work is not easy, but I know He will help me succeed.”
Ellen Grace Bangos, Iligan Philippines Stake
Watch the full fireside broadcast on the official Facebook page and YouTube channel of the Church.