When the new year started, we have been reading the entire Book of Mormon in 60 days with an emphasis of finding references to the Doctrines of Christ (ie. faith, repentance, baptism, etc.) It has been a very powerful experience for me to see, once again, just how Christ centered this book really is. It seems that every day we find new insight to the way we should live and (as a missionary) the things we need to teach to our investigators.
We had our transfers yesterday and I had the opportunity to speak to the newly called trainers. It was my responsibility to speak on their expectations as trainers, the things they need to be doing, as well as give them encouragement and advice for their new assignment. I focused my talk around the 2,000 sons of Heleman and what made them so strong. I focused my thoughts around the fact that: 1) they were a covenant making people and 2) they were taught by their mothers the righteous way to live. As I gave the talk the spirit began to make itself present very strong in the room and I knew that I had followed the Lord's council to address the new trainers on this subject.
For the past few days I have been pondering on this same story of their preparation, their life, and the profound effect they had on the Nephite armies. I just want to emphasize how important it is to teach our children the right ways to live. I look back on my own growing experience and realize that I was taught by goodly parents, I was taught the right way to live, I was taught the standards I need to follow, and I was taught the importance of serving a mission. When we took the departing missionaries to the airport and brought back those who were just arriving I could see the profound effect of good parenting.
Being a missionary is the best decision I have ever made. I have had the opportunity to rub shoulders with some incredible men and women and to have a difference in the lives of others. To those who maybe on the fence, if you are willing and able in all facets to go on a mission, GO. I once heard that we will never know the profound effect we will have on people while we are missionaries but as we grow older and look back, we will see the fruits of our labors. Then comes the fulfillment of the promise given in D&C 18.
As part of that profound change, Elder Bingham and I had the opportunity to witness the baptism of two of our investigators this past Saturday: Luis and Lupe Urrea. We had received them as a referral from HQ and were ready to be baptized from the very first visit. They were baptized 3 weeks after our first contact with them. This is a binding testimony to me that the Lord is always preparing us for bigger and better things in life regardless of the position we are in. I know that this is the work of the Lord. I know that because of my service others can have the happiness I personally have in this life. I know that our Savior lives and that he knows each and every one of us. If we don't know him, his invitation will always be available: "Come, Follow Me." In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Sincerely,
Elder Klemme
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