Tuesday, July 15, 2014

My Mission is Complete! (sorry so late)

Sorry so late in posting this, but we were on vacation picking up Elder Gardner, that I forgot to post.

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,

Elder Gardner.

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