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Show A MUTUAL IMPROVEMENT MISSIONARY LETTER. Editor, News: Thinking perhaps that the readers of our "Dixie" paper would be interested in hearing how the M. I. A. missionary work is progress-in"-. I take this opportunity to inform them of some of its workings and fruits in Utah Stake of Zion. We began our labors in the city of Prove on" the 5th of December, 18!)S. There are nine of us including Charles R. Lyman, our President, who has charge of the work in this stake. We hail from eight counties, two from Salt Lake, and one each from Weber, Davis, Wasatch, Garfield, Beaver, Iron, and Washington. We all remain together in the large places visiting in couples, and all meeting together each morning, when practicable, to hold our council meetings, giving in reports of the previous pre-vious day, and talking over any question ques-tion that may arise. President Lyman always goes on in advance, making arrangements ar-rangements with Bishops and M. I. A. presidents, so that they will have a list ready of all young men in their respective respec-tive wards that they wish us to visit. We visit them at their homes, talk Mutual Improvement at their firesides in company with their parents, always getting cooperation of the latter when possible. We also hold cottage meetings, meet-ings, inviting a number of the boys to meet at some private house; have some singing, recitations, and one or two talks on Mutual Improvement work and the necessity of attending these meetings. I think that our labors in this stake will result in much good, as we have already heard of the fruits of them in many places by the increased numbers in their Associations. This missionary work will necessarily have to be kept up each winter, as there will always be some who need converting. Each year's work will add a few who will remain active members, but a large per cent-age cent-age will again become careless and indifferent, in-different, and thus there will always be plenty of work for missionaries among the young men of Zion. I have enjoyed my labors very much so far. We are united in our work, and no doubt we have formed acquaintances acquaint-ances in this stake that will be lasting. The people treat us royally, feeding us on the fat of the land. There is good prospects for the farmer in this county; the mountains are full of snow, and it still continues to fall as I write this. I think that one could not be engaged in a greater work than trying to convert the youth of Zion, and my prayer continually con-tinually is that I may have the spirit of this labor to be with me, that I may be able to do some good in my labors this winter, Praying for the success and welfare of all the M. I. A. missionaries, and also those abroad, I remain yours for improvement Samuel Miles, Jr. Payson, Utah, January 24, 1S99. |