Homeward Bound in Time

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