Bishop Sean Douglas, second counselor in the Presiding Bishopric, spoke to missionaries at the Provo Missionary Training Center on Aug. 25, 2026, regarding the importance of anchoring themselves to Jesus Christ. During the devotional, Douglas shared a personal experience involving a tired hummingbird to illustrate how individuals can find strength through the Savior.
Douglas recounted how a hummingbird recently became trapped near a high ceiling in his home. He noted that a trapped hummingbird can die of exhaustion due to the speed of its wing flaps. While attempting to help the bird with an extendable duster, the hummingbird landed on the tool. Douglas used this moment to tell the missionaries that, much like the bird, they can land on Christ in their exhaustion and find safety and strength.
Douglas and his wife, Sister Ann Douglas, addressed the missionaries on seeking the Savior and sharing His light despite personal imperfections. Douglas urged the missionaries to anchor themselves completely on Christ rather than relying on human strength. He also quoted the late President Jeffrey R. Holland, who in 1997 expressed that it wounds the Savior when His people do not feel secure in His care or trust in His commandments.
During the remarks, Sister Ann Douglas referenced the concept of an Ebenezer, a stone monument from 1 Samuel 7:10-12 that serves as a memorial of blessings. She stated that modern Ebenezers can be anything that builds testimony, such as a scripture, a painting, or a remembered experience.
Douglas reassured the missionaries that they are sufficient for the Lord's work and that God will consecrate their efforts, weaknesses, and trials for His glory. He noted that the purpose of God's plan is not only to live with Him again but to become like Him.
Missionaries in attendance reflected on the message. Elder Weston Rawson, from Visalia, California, stated that through God, imperfect beings can exceed expectations. Elder Parker Smith, from St. Louis, Missouri, expressed gratitude for the Savior's Atonement and the opportunity to become more like Him through the power of God.
