President Oaks Says Soon There Will Be More Missionaries Than Ever

Key Points:

• President Dallin H. Oaks announced that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will soon have the largest number of full-time missionaries in its history, boosted by 18-year-old sister missionaries and 55 new missions, totaling 506 worldwide.
• Oaks emphasized the historic importance of missionary work, urging new mission leaders to lead by example and focus on testifying of Jesus Christ and inviting others to join the Church.
• He reaffirmed the Church’s unique truth claims, highlighting three key characteristics: the fullness of doctrine, priesthood authority, and a distinctive testimony of Christ, which set the Church apart as “the only true and living Church.”
• Oaks addressed contemporary social challenges, particularly the Church’s teachings on eternal marriage and family, stressing the importance of maintaining doctrinal integrity against societal pressures.
• Sister Kristin Oaks shared six core truths missionaries proclaim, including God’s love, Jesus Christ’s atonement, Joseph Smith’s prophetic role, the restored gospel, covenant-making, and ongoing revelation, encouraging leaders to share these messages widely.