August 4, 2014    Elder Talbot’s last letter home from mission

Here's what happened with the baptism this past Saturday as I had told you about. It was wonderful. I quote from my letter to President Choi:

"We had a baptism this week! It took a long time to move a part-member family towards baptizing their son, but Heavenly Father softened their hearts and moved forward with it this past week. We're so happy! The young man was confirmed on Sunday.

The father of the family is not a member, but he has heard from the missionaries a little bit in the past. He came to the baptism. I spoke with him afterwards and he said that he felt like he wanted to be baptized as well! I explained the Doctrine of Christ and invited him to be baptized on the 16th of August. He wasn't sure, so I took him over to the cabinet which holds the baptismal clothes. 

He found his size and said that he would prepare to take the step in the future. I told him that he needed to be the example for his son so that they can stay strong in the faith, together. He agreed, and I asked if we could come and teach him this week. Tonight we will be having a lesson with their family all about following Jesus Christ to the temple! We expect him to be baptized this Saturday, the 10th of August. We will work and pray for this!

We prayed all week that the Lord would make the baptism a memorable experience for the young man. After the service everybody went outside and found a beautiful evening sky that the Lord had prepared for us. The clouds looked incredible; the rays of the sun were shining over a big pink cloud, and it looked like a golden crown in the sky. We stood next to the young man and recounted the experience at Jesus Christ's baptism when the voice of the Father said, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." We saw a similar fulfillment in this experience.

"The sky this evening is a sign from God," we told him. "Heavenly Father is pleased with you because you are an obedient son. Heavenly Father will bless you as you always keep the commandments."

I am so thankful that Heavenly Father answered our prayer and made the baptism memorable for our friend, and a spiritual experience for his soon-to-be-baptized father. I know that our prayers are answered and that Father's way is best."

This was a huge answer to prayers for us, and there will be more this week. 

As he has said, the Lord provides us with a pattern in all things, that we may not be deceived. A missionary passes through many symbolic phases that teach him the patterns of life and eternity. Finishing a mission is one of these; it teaches us to be finishers and it teaches our hearts about that great reception we are working to gain in eternity. My hope is best reflected by the pen of Brother Eliza R. Snow:

"When I leave this frail existence,

When I lay this mortal by,

Father, Mother, may I meet you

In your royal courts on high?

Then, at length, when I've completed

All you sent me forth to do,

With your mutual approbation

Let me come and dwell with you."

(Oh My Father, hymn no.292)

I barely get through this hymn without tears! I will see you soon and have that embrace with you at the close of this segment of my mission. However, my finishing this mission is something that extends into eternity as I continue to labor and care for those of my stewardship. Then when I've completed all, and my confidence has waxed strong in the presence of God, I can expect a sweet reception and embrace from a Father in Heaven. A Creator who I miss... so, so much.

We are not alone in the world; we as His children are permitted to hear His voice from time to time. For this express reason He designed and delivered a Gospel of Christ, so that "...inasmuch as they were humble they might be made strong, and blessed from on high, and receive knowledge from time to time" (Doctrine and Covenants 1:28).

This Gospel has changed my life! My mission has saved me from what would have otherwise been desolation. The Lord knows best and has promised a life full of peace and happiness, which the world could never give. 

For example. Elder DeTavis and I watch nice cars drive by ALL day long. By now he's almost getting used to one of my sayings. We'll comment on a nice house or car or clothes or something, and then give it about five seconds and add, "...but that STILL doesn't bring happiness!" We laugh every time because it's so true! What a great blessing to obtain eternal riches (Doctrine and Covenants 6:7).

I love my companion, and I've loved each one of them in some way or another. There have been difficulties and differences, but I'm very satisfied with the effort we gave towards making things work when it seemed like nothing added up. I thank Heavenly Father for each of my companions and for their patience with me, and their dedication to the Lord's causes. They are wonderful individuals.

I have learned the transforming power of charity - the mother of virtues. There are few things more powerful than a charitable heart, turned to God. It is the driving force behind Heavenly Father's occupation in bringing eternal life and immortality within reach of his children. It is the overwhelming power flowing through the prophets. It is the force that has pushed me up stairs and hills, and made morning exercise a little bit easier :P It's a virtue that comes with obedience and sacrifice, development and patience. Charity means everything to me because I have been a consistent recipient of it. 

I am so thankful for President and Sister Yoon Hwan Choi who have led me this past year of my mission. I am also thankful for President and Sister D. Keith Wilson, and the members of each Mission Presidency that I've served with. They are marvelous people from whom I have learned a fantastic way of life and discipleship. What a great method Heavenly Father has for teaching us the nature of his Son; reflecting part of him through others.

I am so thankful for the Lord Jesus Christ. His High Expectations for Life are a blessing to me as I seek to realize my full potential. A life of High Expectations will ensure that peaceful gathering as this life ends. High Expectations entails many things, but at it's foundation, it is knowing that we are children of our Heavenly Father who has provided a Plan for us.

I know that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is true, and that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints was restored miraculously by his design. Today it holds the entirety of his doctrine, and it will one day receive the fullness of his glory. I love Him.

There's much to be done this week. Thank you for all of your prayers and love.

Love,

Elder Talbot