12/6/2013

It's been a long road, these last 2 years. It’s been full of difficult, and yet ever so wonderful experiences and growing points. There is a lifetime worth of stories and lessons learned that I could put here, but instead, I want to share some remarkable results that I've seen that has influenced my testimony in missionary work. 2 years ago, a young man in Carbondale was referred by a member in Washington (the state) to take the missionary discussions. After learning, praying, and reading, his firm testimony lead him to quit smoking and was baptized. 1 year ago he was sealed for eternity to his dear wife in Washington. 2 years ago, a young lady, also in Carbondale, was referred by a really good young man in the ward...through her independent decisions, and in some ways opposing her family's core beliefs, she was baptized. She now is a faithful member, going to school at BYU-Provo. Another story; A 30 year old woman with 3 children, suffered through a divorce was left homeless. After struggling personally to keep her life in check and keep her children fed and taken care of, the Lord led her to the Church, through a Less-Active member. She was baptized a month or so later, and her children followed suit.Just last month she took out her endowments in the temple. Another 30 year old woman with 2 children and a wonderful husband, struggled to make it in somewhat of a crazy time in their life. Although life was good, things were missing and they knew it, and struggled to find it. Through interesting coincidences, her doctor suggested learning from the missionaries. Within that year, 2 of her friends had been baptized after taking the discussions, and her search for a path that was straight was finally brought to her. After taking the discussions, and truly searching her heart, she was baptized. She was endowed a month ago. 3 years ago; a young man was invited to go to a institute function. At that function the spirit whispered to him, and led him to eventually start researching the church. He began reading the Book of Mormon, and although he was skeptical, it began to speak to him, and eventually led him to pray about it. He began coming to church, and eventually stayed all 3 hours. Missionaries began to teach him the discussions and after a few lessons, invited him to be baptized. He accepted and was baptized. He went through the temple 2 years ago, and is writing this Harvester message at the end of his 2 year mission.

Elders and sisters, this is the work of God. These are just small snippets and only a handful of the absolutely amazing experiences that I have seen happen on my mission. Make your own miracles. This work is real and the God is ready to richly bless you for your faithfulness! Do not give up! Don’t take this opportunity lightly, because you will never serve in this capacity again. Believe that God is the creator of the Universe and that he is finishing his work in us and through us. It is a marvelous work! In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen