Family and friends,
Two years ago I entered the MTC
with excitement and wonder. Ready and prepared to feel the spirit so
strong and to learn a lot about Jesus Christ's Gospel. With the addition
of American Sign Language, I have ventured into a new world. Made
friends and gained respect for those whom we don't fully understand.
Flying to the Mission field, I became thankful that
we don't ride horses because of the distance I would have to travel to
visit the Deaf and Hard of Hearing and invite them to come closer to
Christ. I have received many responsibilities while providing service
for the Deaf, including District Leader and Elder's Quorum 1st
Counselor. I have gained many skills and talents, including interpreting
and I have become more social and more easy to approach people. I have
learned a ton about the Gospel.
I have read through the Book of Mormon front to back
and have gained more understanding of the Atonement of Jesus Christ and
of his role as Savior and Redeemer. I have come to love His Atonement
and have changed because of it. I have grown to appreciate the pains and
tribulations that Joseph Smith has gone through to help restored
Christ's church on the Earth again, through proper Priesthood keys and
authority, as well as restored truths and doctrines such as Baptism and
Temple ordinances.
I have learned to rely on the spirit when in doubt,
or fear, or uncertainty. I have gained many experiences on my Mission
that I hold dear to my heart. I know that Heavenly Father is our loving
Father in Heaven. He watches us every day, listens to our prayers and
encourages us to follow His Son, Jesus Christ, who set the perfect
example for us as he walked on this Earth many years ago to setup His
church and authority. I know that he died for our sins and was
resurrected so that we can live with God again someday. I know that
Joseph Smith was the first Prophet to help restored His church on the
Earth, and through the Book of Mormon we can read about Jesus Christ and
come to appreciate Him better.
All of this I know, because I have read the Book of
Mormon, and prayed about it. That is why I served for two years, away
from home and family. That is why I cannot watch TV, go to movies, date
girls or listen to worldly music. That is why I cannot do these things
for two years, so I can focus all of my time and energy on preaching His
Gospel.
I thank you for following me as I have served my
Mission. I hope you have come to learn something from my emails and will
continue to stay in contact with me as I go throughout life, college,
marriage, family, and so forth.
May God bless all of you with whatever you need!
Sincerely, with love,
