Exactly a month ago today I returned from my journey in the Texas San Antonio Mission. Many friends and family members asked me, "How was it?" Putting any two years into a few sentences doesn't come easily. However, I will try to convey some of the feelings that made these years so critical for my developement as a son of God.
When I entered the mission field, which is to say, when I entered Texas, I believed that because I owed a debt to God, that was why I needed to serve. Motivated by honor towards God, I pushed through numerous burdans that laid upon me. That was not the way God wanted me to serve. Instead he helped me find people who changed my life. The Rubio family, the Wozniaks, Bruno, and the Villanueva family. The McCloud Family, the Aldridge family, the Hernandez and the Fernandez. Omar, the Peña family, Aracely and her family. Jerry, Tony, Tyler, and Ken. Sister Smith, Brother Rojas, Nicole and all her family. Countless other names belong with these. And in every area that these families lived in were fellow followers of Christ who supported me and taught me more about Him. In time the Lord showed me that a love for Him would motivate me more than honor and fulfill me more than success.
During this time the Lord was mindful of my personal needs for growth. He gave me nine wonderful areas to serve in, and nineteen companions; I needed each of those companions when the Lord sent them to me. And like Moroni, I wish to speak the thoughts of my heart with clarity, to witness to God and all others that Jesus Christ is the Savior and redeemer of the world. God's ultimate act of love was to send his son to the earth (John 3:16). As the example, and as the way, the truth and the life, Jesus reclaims us from our fallen state.
The Lord deserves all our gratitude. Because of Him, there is hope. Without Him, there is none. I testify to you that God lives. I stand as a witness of Jesus Christ. His power to heal leaves a permanent mark on my soul. Without Him, I am nothing. With Him, years of miracles have passed before my eyes.
We are those who were said who are to bring the gospel to the world. This calling given of our God, our glorious God, will be reckoned one day. Jesus Christ is the one who was said to "suffer tempation of every kind" (Alma 7:11). We can do all things through Him as He strengthens us. Without Him, we are less than the dust of the earth.
Joseph Smith is Christ's first prophet of our modern day. Through him the Book of Mormon was brought into the hands of God's children on earth. By following the teachings of the Book of Mormon, we will draw closer to God than through any other Book. I promise as Mormon did that "if [you] will lay hold upon every good thing, and condemn it not, ye certainly will be a child of Christ" Moroni 7:19). Glory and gratitude to Him. In the most sacred name, Jesus Christ, amen.
-Christian Hall
