Ballard - Duties, Rewards, and Risks - October 1989

Elder Ballard speaks in conference following a terrible incident in the country of Bolivia where two mormon missionaries were murdered by a terrorist group thinking they were operatives of the Bolivian government.  The church mourned for the death of these two young missionaries and continued fear and concern about terror attacks were a real concern in the country.  Elder Ballard addresses this subject head on.  He first speaks to parent that have lost loved ones while serving missions around the world.

• To all parents, family members, and friends of missionaries who have lost their lives while in the service of the Master, we extend to you our love, gratitude, and prayers for comfort and peace.
  

He speaks about terrorism and how bad it is.

• Terrorism has many victims. They include the innocent and law-abiding people residing in a troubled region who are striving to provide for their families and to do what is right. Missionaries live among the peoples of the world; and even with the protection of the members, they also can become innocent victims of acts of violence. We must not judge the people of any nation or region because of the irresponsible, cowardly acts of terrorism perpetrated by a few.
  
• Sometimes terrorists attack Church members or Church property because they believe, mistakenly, that the Church represents the interests of a country. Contrary to such misguided beliefs, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has no past or present affiliation with any government agency of any country, including the United States of America. In genuine Christian kindness and loving concern, missionaries and other Church members offer to all sincere and law-abiding peoples nothing more or less than the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. Sad experience has taught us that not all people accept these assurances of fact. Therefore, leaders and members must be prepared for any event that may occur in the future.

Elder Ballard talks about the future and the cloud that this experience will have over the church and people fear for their future missionaries.

• Preparing ourselves and our families for the challenges of the coming years will require us to replace fear with faith. We must be able to overcome the fear of enemies who oppose and threaten us. The Lord has said, “Fear not, little flock; do good; let earth and hell combine against you, for if ye are built upon my rock, they cannot prevail.”

He speaks to parents about the role that they can play in helping prepare their children for future missionary service.  Faith and a strong testimony will enhance their courage to serve.

• We parents need to begin early to prepare our children to have a strong, fervent testimony of the gospel. We must possess the faith, the courage, and the commitment that our pioneer forefathers had if we are to continue building up the kingdom of God on the earth.

Elder Ballard assures us that the work will move forward as the Lord still has work that needs to be done.

• The Lord has not yet said the work is done, so we must continue moving forward.

The work requires all of us to demonstrate our faith.

• The work of sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ in all the world will require knowledge, faith, sacrifice, and the best efforts of every member of the Church.
  

Elder Ballard concludes with a plea that we pray for the missionaries around the world for safety and protection as they share the gospel.

• Brothers and sisters, the missionaries need our faith and prayers. Pray fervently every day for their safety and protection, for this is one very important way we all can support them in accomplishing their essential assignment of proclaiming the gospel to all the world.
  

There is a Wikipedia page (click here) that talks about this incident, the churches response, and the effects it had on families, the church, and future missionary service.  It talks about these two missionaries being officially listed as martyrs for Christ upon the church records.  This was a terrible time for the church but it shows the faith of the leaders of the church to boldly declare that Christ's work with move forward and that we will continue to move forward in faith.  This is a interesting chapter in the history of the church and an incident that brings terrorism to the minds of members of the church.  But we move forward with faith, love, and hope that the Lord will continue to bless those that are in his service.