Final Letters - M.T.C.

Dated 25 August 2013

Dear Family,

Well here it is, my last Sunday in the M.T.C. I can't believe it's already time for me to fly out. The past week and a half has flown by. This is now officially the longest time away from family members - ever! I've really learned to become close to my Heavenly Father who has been with me every second of every day out here.

I have felt all the blessings of service while I've been here. Serving my roommates/companion, serving my district or branch and above all serving my Heavenly Father.

Everyone back home prepared me to step onto that flight on Tuesday morning. I feel more ready than ever to begin the work. My purpose as a missionary has been ingrained in my heart, mind and soul: To invite others to come unto Christ by helping them receive the restored gospel, through faith in Jesus Christ and His atonement, through repentance, baptism, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost and by enduring to the end (refer to Preach My Gospel pg. 1).

My hope while I am on my mission is to bring honor to the two names on my name tag - Matua and Jesus Christ and serve in a manner that is pleasing to my Heavenly Father. I want to make my Heavenly Father happy. I am here for you guys, the people of Hawaii and my Heavenly Father. If I remember that I will grow more than I have ever grown in my 18 years of life.

I have a testimony that will never die or be taken from me. This is the fully restored gospel of Jesus Christ. Through Christ's atoning sacrifice we can all be saved and if we endure to the end we can inherit all that he has as eternal families. Along the road we will have the guidance and counsel of living prophets, the scriptures and the Holy Spirit.

I cannot wait to see what the Lord has in store for me in my life but he has commanded me to give two short years of my life and I am more than willing to do just that. Like the prophet Nephi, I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of me save he shall prepare a way for them that they might accomplish the thing which he commandeth them (1 Nephi 3:7).

It is going to be hard, but it is going to be worth it. The Lord will carry me every step of the way. I love you all!


Love
Elder Matua