#0 傳教士 (Missionary)

In the words of Master Oogway: "My time has come"

 

The past two years have been 2 separate things, they have been first the best, and second the hardest. It seems most returned missionaries like to focus on the first part but today I wanted to talk about both a little bit. 

 

1st. These two years have been the best two years, but not just of my life, but also FOR my life. My mission is a springboard that has (and will) launch me into a future of unimaginable joy and happiness. Never before have I been able to go on the streets and testify of what I know and love with the Lords name on my chest. These past two years have been absolutely wonderful and I wouldn't trade them for anything in the world.

 

2nd. While these two years have been really fun they have also been really hard. Its no secret or surprise that preaching the gospel to random strangers you just met is scary and hard. Its no surprise that leaving hobbies and activities behind is hard. and its no secret that leaving family and friends for two years is in fact, hard. But the refining process will never be painless or without incident. If we are to eventually become like our Father in Heaven we must learn to endure and even love the challenges we face in life. My mission has given me experiences with fear, with that heat. To see if I will stand forever or fall away. 

 

Now I want everyone to know that just because my tag comes off does not mean that my purpose has changed. I will always be inviting others to come unto Christ. My testimony has grown but it is not yet complete, I am on a pathway towards true discipleship. But I am not there yet. I still have a long ways to go, but I am on my way. 

 

I know that The Book or Mormon is the word of God. I know that by my experience, by my studies, and the Holy Ghost. 

 

I know that Joseph Smith was (and is) a Prophet of God. I know that by my experience, my studies, and the Holy Ghost.

 

I know that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is Gods true and living church on the earth today. I know that by my experience, my studies, and the Holy Ghost.

 

I know that Jesus Christ is the Son of God who can make us clean and perfect. 100% perfect. I know that by my experience, my studies, and most importantly through the Holy Ghost. 

 

2 years ago I said those same things but I didn't really know them. I had a desire to believe. That desire has grown through faith into pure knowledge. 

 

I will continue to testify of these truths until I am brought forward again as a resurrected  being. When I take of my name tag I can say I have finished my missions work, but I cannot say I have finished my life as a disciple. 

 

I have loved this work with every fiber of my soul. and I will stand forever. 

 

Romans 8:38-39. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

 

God be with you till we meet again

 

 

Elder Larson

 

 

Some final photos from the departing temple trip as well as my final Zone Conference.