Hola a todos,
This past week was a tough learning experience. Many of the members, with whom we had set lessons, did not answer their doors. It’s difficult at times when all you want to do is share a message to change their lives. Thousands of missionaries today go through the same obstacles. The Savior experienced constant rejection too. Not much to do other than continue working hard praying to find those who want to hear the good news the Gospel brings.
My favorite part of the week was attending sacrament meetings for the 11th ward here in Snowflake Arizona. We had the opportunity to listen to a mission president and his wife who had recently returned from serving a 3-year-long mission in Uruguay. They spoke about having to send home 120 missionaries because of the Covid-19 Virus. I can imagine how hard it would be to have to send that many missionaries home!
It would have been tremendously difficult for me to have to be sent home because of illness. I’m glad I’m still here.
They also spoke of blessings we would receive for ourselves and for our families for serving a mission for The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter-day Saints. I have grown to love my mission. I feel the time flies when you are so focused on your purpose in doing the Lord’s work. The book Preach My Gospel states that our purpose is to “invite others to come unto Christ by helping them receive the Restored Gospel through faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement, Repentance, Baptism, Receiving the Gift of the Holy Ghost, and Enduring to the End”. (PMG pg 1)
During my time in the mission, I have come to know that Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world. I know that The Book of Mormon testifies of Christ and that there are great miracles and blessings that come from reading that book. I know that serving a mission for two years is the best thing I can do at this time. The prophet of our day President Nelson stated that:
“Every worthy, able young man should prepare to serve a mission. Missionary service is a priesthood duty—an obligation the Lord expects of us who have been given so very much.”
He also explained that for young sisters, a mission is a welcome option but not a responsibility and he finished by inviting many more mature couples to serve.
(Oct 2012 general conference)
We need Missionaries NOW! Every day the world gets darker and darker. We must encourage each other to serve one another. Thanks for the love and care and support that I have received throughout my mission so far. I appreciate the love you give me! ❤️ ✌️ 🙏 😎
Elder Baldwin
A Desert Sojourn by Elder J. Sandor Baldwin 