Today, throughout much of the world, its 𝐅𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐃𝐚𝐲.

Serving as a Mission Leader is a very special privilege.

Not only do I get to be a father to our own three children – who are simply the best! But I also get to be 𝐝𝐚𝐝#𝟐 to 100’s of missionaries from throughout the world, when they’re called to serve and assigned to the Belgium Netherlands Mission.

It has been an absolute honour to listen to, counsel with, pray with, laugh with, cry with, teach with and watch in wonder as each of them grows closer to their Heavenly Father and His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ.

There have been many pressures and frustrations along the way too, for sure.

But I am a witness to seeing all of them change, for good.

Father’s Day is when we honour, celebrate and appreciate our dads for their good deeds and support in our lives.

I am very grateful for the righteous example of my father.

Elder D. Todd Christofferson, stated, “As a Church, we believe in fathers. We believe in the ideal of the man who puts his family first. … We believe that far from being superfluous, fathers are unique and irreplaceable”

Father’s Day is an opportunity to let the men in our lives know how much they mean to us and how important their role is.

Regarding fathers, Elder M. Russell Ballard said, “You see, we’re all on a journey. Dads are a little further down the road, but none of us has yet arrived at our final destination. We are all in the process of becoming who we will one day be.”

This Father’s Day, as you honour your earthly father, don’t forget your Heavenly Father.

I invite you to talk with Him in prayer and start to make that a regular part of your life.

To all you Fathers at home, watching your sons and daughters from afar, may the blessings of heaven be poured out upon each of you on this special day as you continue to exercise your faith and hope in their success, here in Belgium and the Netherlands.

They are all well! We watch over them carefully, with lots of love and personal attention.

The photos are a selection from our final mission conference where they each received a special tartan gift!

As you think about your own father today, can I invite you to complete the following sentence…

“I love my dad because……..”