Email from Mom: Saturday, March 4, 2023

From: Mom
To: Christian.garcia@missionary.org
Date: Saturday, March 4, 2023
Subject: March :) 

Hello there,

How are you this week? How are things going in Dassa? How are your ami's progressing? Have you added any new ones during this week? How is your companion? If you took a minute to look back at this last week would you be able to pin point one or two things you have learned from him that you can apply not just now as a missionary but moving forward into life long term? I have come to a conclusion that mission companions hold more weight than I think any of us have ever really looked at them holding. Most are from different areas, even if it is just a different state. Things are different in each state/country/city/etc so it is an opportunity to embrace that difference and learn from it too. Maybe implement things you really like and remember the difference it made for you when it was introduced to you. I also firmly believe that the characteristics of each companion you have had as well as those that have had you, will forever play some role in life as you move forward. Not just into a new transfer but again, long term in life.

I have been focusing this week on digging into the teachings of Thomas S Monson and have loved every second of that. I just really felt as though he is one that I truly connected with when he was not just a counselor to President Hinckley (that let's be 100% honest...my all time fave) but also when he was the Prophet as well. Anyways, in his teachings under missionary he talks about how those that hold the Aaronic Priesthood and honor it, have been saved for this time. He actually calls it a 'special period in history'. I love that he made sure to call it a special period. The best part is this book was published in 2011 so I imagine that now more than ever is even more vital for missions to be served.

He also suggests a formula that will ensure success:

1. Search the scriptures with diligence

2. Plan your life with purpose

3. Teach the truth with testimony

4. Serve the Lord with love

He talks that missionary work necessitates drastic changes to ones pattern of living. He says that 'no other labor requires longer hours or greater devotion, nor such sacrifice and fervent prayer.' He also talks about how some get caught up in the 'ladder climb' of a mission. Trying to be a DL or ZL or even an AP. I love that he says that during his time as a member of the Church Missionary Committee he had missionaries who were out clearly for the wrong reason, who never really gae it their all, and who never really had that change of heart that a mission is there to do. He mentions that some were bothered by never getting a calling to being a Zone Leader or Assistant to the President. He said that his counsel would be to remind them that 'the decision to change one's life and come unto Christ, is, perhaps, the most important decision of mortality.' He nailed it. I read that and first thought how crazy (and maybe embarassing?) it would be for me to have someone of the caliber of President Monson basically call you out that you aren't doing what you agreed to do when you decided to submit mission papers but then even more so when you got to your assignment, still didn't go about 'the Fathers work'.

He talks about how the need to prepare missions should take place early on in a young man (and womans) life. He says "prepare to serve worthily, with an eye single to the glory of God and His purposes". He also says it not only applies to those who have taken the Lords name upon them in form of a badge but for those of us who haven't as well. We are ALL on His errand and we all need to engage in that work. In 3 Nephi 5:13 he reminds us that "Behold, I am a disciple of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I have been called of himi to declare his word among his people, that they might have everlasting life".

Our Heavenly Father has given each of us personalities, traits, characteristics, gifts, talents, abilities, etc in order to be able to reach, even just one, that it might bring them to Him. This week has been such a humbling week of acknowledgement that our own missions can't be done by anyone else but us and because of that, we are going to be held accountable for how we handle those. My mission will look differently than you and Kaitlyn. I never chose to serve a mission and be set apart as a literal mouthpiece for the Lord. (And honestly, at this moment I am good with that. I have A LOT of work to do and I would struggle with any additional judgement that would come my way because I am sure it would be plenty) But it doesn't remove the need for me to be open and willing and to be an example of what a missionary should be. I have learned a lot this week and I am grateful for the chance I have had to be able to take the minute to slow down and read and apply.

I hope you have had a great week and that you have been able to find some peace and progress in your time spent. I pray your companion and ami's are progressing and learning from you and your example as well. I hope you have the best rest of the weekend and that Sunday is filled with the Spirit that you need most right now. I love you.

Mom