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Photo Cred: Head First Photo by Shauna

Through the Enabling Power... Called to Serve

 

On July 26th, 2013 I received the packet shown above that nearly gave me a heart attack. Why? Because inside the packet contained a piece of paper telling me that I have been called to serve in the Philippines Bacolod Mission, speaking Hiligaynon, signed by the Prophet (President Thomas S. Monson).

I think that when I read this letter, it was the closest I have ever been to fainting. Well, see for yourself.

Warning: I'm a little squeal-y...

 

 

This was such an exciting day and I have been counting down the days to December 4th since! It's humbling to know that this call for me to serve in the Bacolod Philippines Mission is personal and inspired. I feel that inspiration as I prepare to serve a mission. The closer it gets the more willing I am to make the sacrifices and put forth the effort that will be needed for me to become a successful and influential missionary.

I love this gospel because of the knowledge that it gives me that I can be with my family not only now, but for eternity. Because of this gospel, I know that I am a child of God with a divine destiny. I know that I am loved and that this love was demonstrated through the ultimate sacrifice: the Savior Jesus Christ's atonement for the sins of all mankind. The atonement is real and it has played a real part in my life. It is because of this knowledge that I want to serve a mission and that I have the desire to share the sweet message of the gospel of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The atonement of Jesus Christ has made serving a mission possible. It is the central message that I will be sharing to anyone that will listen and accept it as I serve in the Philippines. And it is through the atonement that I will be able to accomplish any of this and rise to the challenge of serving a mission... how else am I going to be able to learn Hiligaynon in a matter of 2 months?

 

Because I want to Succeed



Life can be scary, intimidating and overwhelming. But through faith in Heavenly Father's plan for us, life can become filled with peace, excitement and contentment. At least this has been my experience these past couple of years. Choosing to serve a mission has been more of a changing and shaping process than a decision made. I know that Heavenly Father has always been preparing me for this experience in choosing to serve a mission and all that has come with that decision. And what a humbling experience it has been. More than anything though, I've learned that my Father in Heaven loves me. He has a plan for me, and He wants me to succeed. The more faith and trust that I have put into Heavenly Father's plan for me, the more confidence and clarity he has blessed me with. It's much more clear to me why I need to serve a mission and the importance of sharing this gospel as a missionary for the Jesus Christ of Latter-day saints.