Dear Beloved Ones,
I honestly don't know what to say. My mind is just going
crazy with everything. All the members are saying "thank you for your
service" and stuffing me with food at the same time. Everything just
seemed to happen so fast! Most of all I just have a feeling of humility washing
over me all the time. I haven't been a perfect missionary by any chance. I've
made many mistakes. But I've just been praying that my sacrifice is sufficient
for the Lord. But then I remembered a scripture my trainer showed me. that
is in JST Hebrews 6:10 which says: "For God is not unrighteous, therefore he
will not forget your
work and labor of love, which ye have showed toward his name, in that ye have
ministered to the saints, and do minister." Then I also remembered the
scripture in Alma 29:9 that says: "I know that which the Lord hath commanded
me, and I glory in it. I do not glory of myself, but I glory in
that which the Lord hath commanded me; yea, and this is my glory, that perhaps
I may be an instrument in the hands of God to bring some soul to repentance;
and this is my joy."
These
are some of my favorite scriptures. They've shown me that even though you can't
be perfect. You still give all the glory to God as well as do your best. If you
do your best it's enough. If you don't do your best, you can repent and become
better. That's the beauty of the gospel.
I've learned so
much on this wonderful adventure. Truly God has been the one using me as an
instrument. There is no way I could have ever preached the gospel without his
help. I would have quit a long time ago. But I kept going because he was always
there. I can't even name all the skills I've learned that will help me be a
better person in the future. I now know that serving a mission is truly
designed by God to help you become more like him. I've gotten closer to all the
Christlike Attributes in PMG than I ever have in my life. I've understood the
gospel and the scriptures more than ever. My testimony has grown and blossomed
and my conversion process has been going forward. I can now testify with no
doubts that this church is the only correct church. Jesus Christ is the one who
is at the head. I know the Restoration took place, I know the Apostasy
happened, I know the Plan of Salvation is God's plan for us. I know that
commandments are invitations to become like God. I know the Book of Mormon is
true, and that God loves us. That's why Jesus Christ was sent. Because of him,
we can be redeemed from our mistakes. We can be clean again. We can always have
hope.
I
want to express my love to all of you, especially my family who I will hug very
soon. Thanks for all of your support. May we all meet together safely is my
prayer in the name of Jesus Christ Amen.
-
Elder Keaton Ballard 2015-2017
We got to the airport in time to have some fun times while we waited!
