My son, age 18, has decided to dedicate two years of his life, twenty-four hours, seven days a week, to bringing others to Christ.
In our church, young men and women apply to Church headquarters to receive an assignment where they could be sent anywhere in the world to become missionaries, teaching others about the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and inviting them to be baptized as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
While these young people are serving, they dedicate all their time and efforts to being missionaries. They separate themselves from worldly entertainment and pursuits, working from early morning to evening teaching people. They leave behind their families, hobbies, friends, cars, college, and EVERYTHING. They call their families at home only twice per year (Christmas and Mother's Day), but they can write their families once a week via email or letters.
In my extended family, we have had lots of missionaries serve. My grandfather served a mission in the Southern states, back in the late 30's, I believe. He spent most of his time in Florida on that mission, and then he and my grandmother returned together to serve in Alabama. Yes, they left behind their grandkids and hobbies to also share the good news about the Savior. It had a HUGE impact on me as a child!!!
My husband served in Arizona, my brother served in Ohio, and I have brothers-in-law, uncles and cousins (men and women) that served all over the world!
I am so grateful my son has decided that giving two years of his life to the Lord is the most important thing he can do with his life. Here's a video of him opening his call:
So if you live in Eastern Washington or Northern Idaho, watch for my boy on his bike, and maybe feed him now and then? He is looking forward to loving and serving the great people of the Washington Spokane mission!
Love,
Nice! I have family in that area. How exciting for your family! The MTC has curb side drop off now so prepare yourself for lots of tears! I'm so thankful I had all 12 kids there when we dropped him off last June. That sure made it easier on me! He is serving in the Provo mission. It's funny too because our first son served in Utah as well. I wonder where my third boy will go.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the tip! We haven't decided if we'll be driving him there, or just putting him on the plane. All the best to your missionary! :-)
DeleteOur married daughter Robyn just recently moved from Rexburg to Spokane. I'll tell her to keep an eye out for him! Cool if he ended up in her stake or ward!
ReplyDeleteThat would be GREAT! Thanks, Tricia! :-)
DeleteSo fun! My dd has been out 9 months next week...but who's counting?! :)
ReplyDeleteI never get tired of hearing about missions!
LOL! I know I will be counting! There is just something so inspiring about their willingness to serve, isn't there? :-)
DeleteWhat a wonderful blessing! The tears I shed when I dropped our son off at the MTC were tears of joy! We had successfully raised one son and gave him to the Lord to take care of for two years. It was such a relief and a feeling of elation! The two years go by FAST, just like every other phase of raising children, when you look back. Good job, Mom! Congrats on your success.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Rozy! I am so excited-- and nervous, and happy, and sad that he'll be gone, but know that he couldn't be doing anything better right now... Ah, motherhood! ;-)
DeleteRachel, I am not sure how I came across your blog, but I have been following for a while now. : ) I am so happy for you and your family on your new addition and your son's mission call. My oldest son has been out for 15 months. He is in Teresina Brazil. It has been the greatest blessing for our family. I just LOVED the video. Great job!
ReplyDeleteLisa Pennington
Thank you, Lisa! I'm happy you're here! My son made the video himself, so I'll pass on your compliments. :-)
DeleteHugs,
Rachel
It blessed my heart to read your joy in the decision your son has made to share Jesus with others in lue of so many other earthly desires of todays day. Our family is a God fearing Jesus following bible believeing family so to read your joy in your on choosing to follow in the steps of your family in beliefs is understanding even though we have differences in what we believe. I would love to see both of our children growing in the ways of the Lord with a desire to serve Him however He calls them. *smile* Have a great day and thanks for sharing your joy with all of us. Sincerely, Mommy of two growing blessings & so much more!
ReplyDeleteThank you, dear lady. I so appreciate your comments! Thank you for sharing in my joy with me! :-)
DeleteHugs,
Rachel
I am so excited to hear that you son will be serving in the Washington Spokane Mission. We lived there for 15 years before moving back to Utah. It is my favorite place to live. Right now we have a young woman in our ward that is serving there. It is an awesome mission and I know that because I served as the Mission nurse from 2003 -2005. It was a favorite calling and I always enjoyed the Zone conferences and usually got to do a health moment. Congrats to your son! I gather he is the first one. We sent 4 out of six of our children on missions. We were all greatly blessed by their service. You will just love your weekly emails.
ReplyDeleteBlessings and hugs!
Oh, really? I'm so glad to hear that it is a beloved place. I never knew they had a "mission nurse!" That is so cool that you served in that very mission! :-)
DeleteHe is my first proselyting missionary. (My 19 year old autistic daughter is serving in a service mission while she lives with my parents.)
I am really looking forward to seeing how much he grows and learns in these next two years! :-)
Hey, that's our mission district! We're south of Spokane, down in Pullman, WA. That's exciting. Right now we have a pair of sisters assigned to our ward, but I'll keep an eye out for him--and report back if we ever meet. :)
ReplyDelete