Called To Serve

Prior to going to The Bahamas on our mission we spent several weeks at the Missionary Training Center (MTC) in Provo, Utah. The MTC was filled to overflowing with hundreds and hundreds of missionaries preparing to serve all over the world. Those of us who were older stayed and trained at a nearby "campus" in a converted motel. Once a week we went to the MTC for a devotional held for all missionaries in training. 

At the devotional they moved the old folks to the front of the line and seated us in the front rows in the huge auditorium so we wouldn't get lost in the stampede of youthful energy. As we waited for the program to start we talked among ourselves and were vaguely aware of people coming in behind us. 

The opening song was "Called to Serve." This hymn is sung often in church, usually with great energy and enthusiasm - so it was very familiar to us. 

Called to serve Him, heav'nly King of glory,

Chosen e'er to witness for his name,

Far and wide we tell the Father's story,

Far and wide his love proclaim.

Onward, ever onward, as we glory in his name;

Onward, ever onward, as we glory in his name;

Forward, pressing forward, as a triumph song we sing.

God our strength will be; press forward ever,

Called to serve our King.

Called to know the richness of his blessing—

Sons and daughters, children of a King—

Glad of heart, his holy name confessing,

Praises unto him we bring.

Onward, ever onward, as we glory in his name;

Onward, ever onward, as we glory in his name;

Forward, pressing forward, as a triumph song we sing.

God our strength will be; press forward ever,

Called to serve our King.

This time it was different. The sound and feeling were electrifying. We turned around and saw several thousand missionaries. We intensely felt the reality and awesomeness of our mission call. We felt we were truly part of God’s army - called to serve.

What a blessing it was, and continues to be, to be part of God's army - called to serve. Each of us can heed that call.

Mormon Tabernacle Choir sings "Called To Serve"

photo - 1996 at the Missionary Training Center, Provo, Utah

hymn text: Grace Gordon, alt.; music: Adam Geibel, 1855-1933