There will always be something you leave behind when you
respond to the prophet's call to serve.
In 1961, at age 18 and holding the Aaronic Priesthood, Sidney
Going was becoming a star in New Zealand rugby.
Because of his remarkable abilities, many thought he
would be chosen the very next year for the national All
Blacks rugby team.
At age 19, in this critical moment of his ascending rugby
career, Sid declared that he would forego
rugby to serve a mission.
Some called him crazy.
Others called him foolish.
They protested that his opportunity in rugby might
never come again.
Forty-eight years ago this month, 19-year-old Sidney
Going left New Zealand to serve as a missionary for The
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
It was evening, and he and his companion were just about to
return to their apartment.
They decided to visit one more family.
The father let them in.
Elder Going and his companion testified of the Savior.
The family accepted a Book of Mormon.
The father read all night.
In the next week and a half, he read the entire Book of
Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and The Pearl of
Great Price.
A few weeks later, the family was baptized.
After his mission, Sid Going became one of the greatest
halfbacks in All Blacks history.
How good was Sid Going?
He was so good that training and game schedules were
changed because he would not play on Sunday.
Sid was so good, the Queen of England acknowledged his
contribution to rugby.
He was so good, a book was written about him
entitled Super Sid.
A mission instead of a place on the New
Zealand All Blacks team?
Sid responded, "The blessing of bringing others into the
gospel far outweighs anything you will ever sacrifice." One
of the great miracles of missionary service in this
Church is that Sid Going and thousands just like him have
not asked, "What will I get from my mission?" but rather,
"What can I give?"
The priesthood of God has been restored to the earth, and the
Lord has set His hand to prepare the world for His
glorious return.
These are days of great opportunity and important
responsibilities.
These are your days.