Holy Cow I cannot believe it but it's been just over one year since I entered the missionary training center in Provo Utah starting my 18 month mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. It has been a roller coaster of amazing moments and rough ones too. I can honestly say that a mission is the hardest thing I have ever done but it is the greatest thing I have ever done.
Today I want to share about missionary work and why we do it. There are roughly about 80,000 of us young volunteer missionaries all over the world proclaiming the restoration of the gospel and serving their fellow man. We go out for 18 months to 2 years leaving family, friends, jobs, school, dating etc behind. We live out of suitcases and go where ever in the world the Lord calls us. We spend countless hours knocking on doors, riding bikes, walking in all weather conditions, talking to everyone, eating weird food or no food, getting Books thrown at our heads (hehe) etc... and It's all a very small sacrifice for everything that God gives us. We go and do our best to proclaim the word of God to all that will receive His word!
The question I want to address today is why? Why is missionary work so important to us in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints? Some say it's because we want money, others say it's because are forced to do this and have no choice but I have to say those reasons just aren't the true...We follow and center around Jesus Christ and his teachings. Missionary work is one of his greatest teachings, in fact he talks about missionary work quite a bit... For example It's very interesting that at the end of all four gospels in the bible Christ gives some kind of reference to missionary work. It must be somewhat important if that is the last thing he shares with his apostles before he departs...
Matthew 28: 19-20
19 ¶Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Mark 16
15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
Luke 24
47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
John 21
15 ¶So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.
16 He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.
17 He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.
Pretty cool stuff if I do say so myself... Sounds pretty important to me! We are all called to preach the gospel to share what we know to be true. That is how our faith and testimony grow and how we align our will with our Heavenly Father. I have talked to countless missionaries who have shared their love for the gospel and their love for God and his son Jesus Chris and their desire for all to hear. They have come to know Christ and his sacrifice he made on our behalf and they feel that need to help others access that gift and sacrifice. It was because of him that we get to work to come home again. We feel a duty to him and he asks that as we have become converted and then share.
Back in June 2012 when I first really thought about a mission and weather or not I should go I thought of the truths I had and the testimony that I had built. I thought of the hard times I had experienced and the lessons I had learned and most of all I thought of that Atonement, that sacrifice Christ made for me. I thought of the joy I found in the restored gospel I thought of the times I wanted to give up and not go on anymore and how the Lord and his gospel had always been there to lift me up. I thought of my dear friend who had been baptized when we were young and the other friends who had chosen to enter the waters of baptism and taste of the fruit of Salvation. I saw their joy and felt the peace of watching those I love follow the example of our dear Savior. As I thought of these many things I felt a burning desire for EVERYONE to feel what I feel, I desired ALL to have a taste of this fruit of Salvation. The decision was sealed one Sunday morning when I was reading in the Book of Mormon in Mosiah 28:3
That scripture summed up why I needed to go, it was that last little push to take that leap into the darkness. I have that desire to go and share with all my brothers and sisters. Though it may be hard it is worth everything we experience. As I have reflected on the past year I can't help but feel an overwhelming joy and gratitude to the Lord for the changes he has helped me make. I have learned so much and I have met so many wonderful people who have changed my life forever. There is so much truth to the statement that those who loose their life in the service of God find it. I am so so grateful for this chance to serve and continue to serve the rest of my life and give everything to God and to the service of my fellow man. God lives and he is aware of all of his children. He desires for us to follow his son Jesus Christ and to come home. I am here because I want to come home with all of you ALL my brothers and sisters (no matter where they may be Virginia or Brasil or anywhere)! I desire you to feel joy that comes through the restored gospel of Jesus Christ!
3 Now they were desirous that salvation should be declared to every creature, for they could not bear that any human soul should perish; yea, even the very thoughts that any soul should endure endless torment did cause them to quake and tremble.
BAM!!!
We do missionary work because Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ asks us to. Where much is given much is required. It is one of the fundamental parts of the church in the time of Christ and now in our day as well! It is also our duty to share what Heavenly Father has so mercifully given. So next time you see those Mormon missionaries with their black tags talk to them and allow them to share with you what has changed their lives, help them to fulfill their duty and yours as well. You might be surprised by what you hear and you just might like it. Only one way to find out! I know that these things are true I know Jesus Christ lives and that he has restored his church on the earth once again. I know that he suffered and atoned for everything we have ever experienced. I know Heavenly Father has a perfect plan that will help us to come home! I will stand and testify if these things always! I love this gospel and I love all of you!!
Have a magical day!!
Have a magical day!!
If you have any questions send me a message on my facebook Sister-Michayla Egbert or check out mormon.org
