Links and More Home
My Address
My Farewell
My Areas
My Letters
My Photos
December 21, 2008
Imagine that it's Sunday, you're sitting in Sacrament Meeting. It is the Christmas Program and you're looking forward to the Choir, see the speakers on the stand and wonder what the messages are that they have to share. The first speaker begins and right away you realize he is reading a letter, by the middle of the letter you realize this is from one of the missionaries in the Ward. Then you wonder will they be reading one from Devin L.? Then you realize the next speaker is reading a letter, also from a ward missionary. There is one speaker left, it must be a letter from Devin L. You then grab a tissue, you listen to the choir. You're already tearing up, you know everyone is watching you because they all know the next one is from Devin L. as well. And then the final speaker stands and begins....
These
last few months of serving as a missionary have been the most
rewarding of my life, being able to teach people about how
Christ has restored his church. This has not been an easy
task, but my companion and I continue to stay positive and
focused on the work.
One
experience that has strengthened my testimony happened just a
few weeks out into the mission field. As my companion and I
were on our way to a less active member’s house I was
prompted by the Holy Ghost. We had walked for about an hour
and were a few blocks from their residence. As we continued
walking I had a feeling that we needed to turn around and go
back. While walking back I had no idea why I had this feeling,
but I was definitely not going to ignore it.
When
arriving back a car pulled up next to us and the driver parked
and got out. He asked if we could talk and how he had
questions about our church. We taught his the restoration and
the atonement of Christ. Teaching both at the same time was
very powerful and this man started to tear up when I recited
the First Vision. He asked why he was feeling a sort of
burning sensation. I replied that is the spirit testifying
that these things we were telling him are true. We are now
teaching him and hopefully in the near future will be planning
the day for his baptism.
I
know the Father lives. This experience has helped me realize
that the Lord does prompt us on where we need to be. I have
seen the light of Christ change peoples lives. It brings them
hope and peace being able to teach someone that they can
become clean again for Christ gave His life for all of His
children that we can return and live in celestial glory with
our Father in Heaven. Christ’s example has shown me that we
must love one another and that we are all spiritual brothers
and sisters.
Brothers
and sister, I know this church is true. I have seen its
teachings literally change people’s lives. I know that my
Father in Heaven lives and he loves each and everyone of us.
He gave his only begotten son to die for us that we may return
to live with him again. I am so grateful for my family, for my
mother and father, and the examples they are to me and for the
love and support they give. I am thankful for my younger
brother.
Let
us all show our love for our Savior at this time of year in
the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Elder
Devin Holmes
Harrisburg Pennsylvania Mission
That was a very special Christmas Program for us. We went to celebrate the Savior and the special gift that he has given us all, instead we were given a very special gift. The gift knowing that our son is serving the savior and how much that means especially this time of year. Thank you to those that were a part of this special program.
Copyright © 2008 Devin Holmes