Without
doubt, this has been two of the most meaningful years of my life. I've
seen the Lord's hand so much, seen lives change, and more than anything
seen my personal relationship with the Savior improve so much while
serving as a missionary. I'm so grateful for the chance that I still
have to serve. I know that time is short, but I'm excited to give all
that I can to the Lord before it's time to return. And even after
returning, I'm excited to see how the things I have learned here will
change my life after my mission.
First and foremost, I know that God lives. I know
that we are his children and that he is our Father. I know that He loves
us and is mindful of all of his children. As missionaries, we have the
sacred blessing to act as messengers of that love. In life, I think that
the hardest or most trying times are simply when we lose sight of who
we really are. I was reminded of a talk this week by President Uchtdorf,
speaking on Our True Identity. In it he shared a similar message. He
shared about the importance of remembering where we come from, and what
we are meant to be. The knowledge of our divine origin and potential
changes everything. How we view ourselves, how we view others, each can
be seen in a new light.
When we come to know God, it awakens a desire in our
hearts. More than anything, we desire to return to Him, and are willing
to anything we can to make it possible. He has provided that plan for
us. He has showed us the way. He has given us the words of Prophets, and
the gift of personal revelation and the Spirit to guide us in our
lives. And He has given His only begotten Son, even Jesus Christ.
I know for myself that Christ is our Savior. He is
my Savior and my Heavenly Friend. I can never adequately express my
thanks for what he has done for me. He has changed my life, He has given
me hope, and He has taken away my pain. And all that He asks is that I
follow. That I would serve Him and bless the lives of others. And in
whose service, I find greater joy than I have ever experienced before.
I am a missionary of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is by
His Atonement that all men may be saved through faith on His name,
Repentance, Baptism, Receiving the Holy Ghost, and Enduring to the End.
It is because of Him that our story does not end at Death. We are
creatures of Eternity. We have a divine potential. So many live without
this knowledge, or dimmed by doubt and uncertainty. But for me, I am
certain. I have felt His love. I've been lead by His Spirit. And I know
that one day I will have the opportunity to stand before Him. I hope at
that time that I will be ready. With so many imperfections and mistakes,
I wonder sometimes how He can love me the way that He does. I want so
much to be better. To be the person He would have me be. I love Him with
all my heart, and I am so grateful for the privilege to wear His name
and participate in His work.
I know that this church is true. I know that Joseph
Smith was a prophet of God, and I know that church is led by a living
prophet today, even Thomas S. Monson. I know that this is Christ's work,
and I leave this testimony in His name. In the name of Jesus Christ,
Amen.
A few brief notes before I close.
Fun
part of the week: Yesterday I woke up in the middle of the night
feeling super sick. Diarrhea, vomiting, headache, the whole nine yards.
Plus, that day was my last day of Church in Korea. There was a Baptism
for the parents of a member of our ward, I had my farewell talk, and the
missionaries did a special musical number for the Baptism where I had a
solo. I almost died. And then the night before one of the Elders here
got a call to transfer to the office after church. He's been feeling
sick for a while, so he'll serve there for a transfer or two until he
feels better. ...Sometimes life can be unexpected. Especially as a
missionary. But I wouldn't have it any other way. This week we got to
visit a lot of members and investigators we've been meeting, and it just
reminded me again just how cool this work is. Met three new
investigators. One of which knew the missionaries a couple years ago and
seems to be really interested. Visited our Bishop who invited some
family and friends there. Talked to his nephew who is currently less
active. He had decided he doesn't want to serve of mission, but after
talking, he said that a part of him wants to again. There's just no
better experience at this part of our lives than serving a mission. (I
lean towards the opinion that raising a family probably trumps it, but
as I have not yet tried it, I'll have to go on an educated guess.)
I'll see you next week! That's hard to believe. It
feels so strange. But I'm excited to see all of you again. Until then,
stay healthy, stay safe, and have an awesome week!
~Elder Robarts
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