The First Presidency has sent a letter to General Authorities and to priesthood leaders in the United States and Canada encouraging contributions to the General Missionary Fund.
The letter, signed by President Ezra Taft Benson and his counselors, President Gordon B. Hinckley and President Thomas S. Monson, states:"Increasing numbers of young people are serving full-time missions. Many of them being called from areas outside the United States and Canada could not serve without assistance from the General Missionary Fund. Increased contributions to this fund are urgently needed.
"We invite individuals, family organizations, and priesthood quorums to send contributions to the General Missionary Fund. During tithing settlement and on other occasions, bishops and priesthood leaders should make members aware of this fund and encourage them to give as liberally as their circumstances permit. Leaders are not, however, to establish quotas or assessments or exert undue pressure.
"We invite Area Presidencies to work with stake presidents in considering ways of increasing contributions to the fund within the above guidelines, including seeing that quorum, ward and stake funds are not left idle. Funds not needed for current or planned operations, as well as surplus money in ward or quorum missionary funds, should be contributed to the General Missionary Fund.
"We appreciate your support of this important phase of the worldwide missionary effort."