I am planning on serving an 18 month mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (it's like those guys from the Book of Mormon musical, but the real deal). A mission is when a person gives up school, work, dating, and family and goes to a place that is totally foreign to them to tell those people about the gospel of Jesus Christ and how it can bless their lives. Missionaries live by a strict set of rules and dedicate all of their time in that period to serving the Lord and the people around them. They work long days with no pay but instead receive wonderful blessings from the Lord as well as the opportunity to selflessly serve those around them.
You can come here to see what I'm up to during my mission (if you want) but for now I just wanted to share some thoughts about why I want to serve a mission. I actually can't remember not wanting to serve a mission because I always have. It's just been an essential part of my life plan. I think this desire comes from the immense amount of love that I have for my Savior and the gospel that He brought to the earth. I'm reminded of the hymn "God Loved Us, So He Sent His Son":
God loved us, so He sent His Son,
Christ Jesus, the atoning One,
To show us by the path He trod
The one and only way to God.
Oh, love effulgent, love divine!
What debt of gratitude is mine,
That in His off'ring I have part
And hold a place within His heart.
In word and deed He doth require
My will to His like son to sire,
Be made to bend, and I, as son
Learn conduct from the Holy One.
I feel so blessed to share this message with the world (or at least the part that I get called to!) and I'm so grateful to Heavenly Father for entrusting me with His work. The church is true! Life is good!
I can't wait to hear where you are going and all about your experiences. You will be an amazing missionary!!
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