Primary Program Talk

Hayden Hall Talk on Missionaries

In Doctrine and Covenants chapter 42 verse 6 it says  “And ye shall go forth... preaching my gospel two by two, in my name, lifting up your voices...declaring my word...”

Many people in my family have served missions all over the world speaking different languages. Some have served here in the United States speaking English. But it doesn’t matter where they served or language they spoke, the message was the same. They teach about Jesus Christ, scriptures, prophets, and forever families. 

I have a cousin serving in Arkansas and one in Norway. My mom and dad served in Missouri. My Grandpa Earl served in England.  And my Great Grandpa Earl served in France.  But today I want to tell you about my Great Great Great Grandpa John Frederick Ferdinand Dorius.

In 1852 he was called to serve in Norway.  He and his companion were put in jail for preaching the gospel.  After six months, they were told “if they would stop teaching about their church they would let them out of jail.”  My great-great-great grandpa said no and stayed in jail.  

There is a photo of him in jail.  He always wanted to look like a missionary and in the photo he is wearing a nice vest with a pocket watch over his jail clothes. 

He still taught people in jail about the gospel.  Many were baptized and taught their friends about the Mormons.  Hundreds of people joined the church because my great-great-great grandpa fulfilled his promise to “go forth and preach the gospel”.  

I know he changed many peoples lives. I am grateful he chose to be a missionary. I know when I am a missionary it won’t be easy but it will be worth it.  

I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.