We are called to serve in the Missouri Independence Mission, the Alpha and Omega Mission
Sister Low with her first companion and trainer, Sister Spivey, in the fall
A journey to remember with our dear brother
Historic Liberty Jail
Visited Adam-Ondi-Ahman with our Mission President and his wife, President and Sister Vest, with all the departing missionaries
In my youth, I often talked about serving a full-time mission because I thought it would be “cool” and that I would have spiritual experiences as I “walk with God” daily.
In my youth, I often talked about serving a full-time mission because I thought it would be “cool” and that I would have spiritual experiences as I “walk with God” daily.In retrospect, I realized that those desires were blessings given after I exercised faith in Jesus Christ and learned to receive them through preparation and practice. I am not entitled to them by just being a missionary. Through the grace of God, I recognized many of my strengths and weaknesses. I understood that without the love of my Heavenly Father, the Savior’s infinite Atonement, the help of the Holy Ghost, and of all my companions, I would not have become the missionary that my Father in Heaven expected of me.
Serving in the Missouri Independence Mission was a privilege because of the rich Church history and abundant promises that are there. This was evident with locations like the Historic Liberty Jail, Independence as the New Jerusalem, Adam-ondi-Ahman, Far West temple site, and more. I have learned much about the truthfulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ and of the Church as I pondered on the Book of Mormon and the doctrine of Christ that the early Saints held close. Eventually, the Holy Ghost confirmed to me the truth that Joseph Smith shared when he said “a religion that does not require the sacrifice of all things never has the power sufficient to produce the faith necessary unto life and salvation.”
My testimony has grown as I focused on my CPR to keep my soul alive. Namely, the basic principles of the gospel—weekly Church attendance, daily Prayers, and daily Book of Mormon Reading. I witnessed how these fundamentals help everyone progress spiritually; those who were learning the gospel and the members whom I got to serve with!
Regardless of membership in the Church, I also saw how family bonds can be strengthened in a sacred way. I am convinced that “the most important of the Lord’s work you will ever do will be within the walls of your own homes” (President Harold B. Lee, Preach My Gospel, p. 3).
I know that Jesus is the Living Christ. He is the Savior of the world! I testify that the Book of Mormon is the word of God. Joseph Smith translated this ancient record by the power and authority of God. I know that he saw what he proclaimed he saw—God the Father and His son, Jesus Christ, appearing to him in the woods that 1820 spring morning. I know that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is Christ’s Church once again established on the earth. The Doctrine of Christ: learn it, live it, love it, and teach it! I humbly share this in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.