What’s up to all my fam, friends, and coaches back home, at school, serving around the world, and also here in Minnesota! This week has been really great and was a fun way to cap off the last two years in the Lord's service. I’d like to just share a few quick highlights and then my testimony with you all!
On Sunday, Elder Akins and I were able to pass the sacrament with Thome for the first time. He was baptized here like a month ago and this was his first time being able to exercise his Priesthood authority in a Priesthood ordinance. It was an awesome experience for me to be able to participate in that with him. I’ve come to gain such an appreciation for the sacrament on my mission. I believe it is truly one of the “saving ordinances” of the Priesthood because it allows us the ability to renew the covenants we’ve made with God each week and in turn, have the spirit with us to cleanse us and offer an opportunity for spiritual rebirth each week. It’s such an amazing thing!
Coolest thing of my life was being able to see my parents for the first time in 2 years yesterday! They met us at Mission President's fireside last night, and I ran through the church with Elder Akins and met them on the other side of the church. I of course hugged my mom first, and she shed a few tears haha. Dad was next, and I don’t think he cried much, if at all, which was good because I’m not much of a crier haha. It was amazing to see them and talk to them and hug them and introduce them to everyone I’ve grown to love on my mission thus far! Such a sweet experience to have with my parents! Thome spoke at the fireside and he did an excellent job. He bore a great testimony and shared such good stories of his conversion process. It was a night to remember for sure! I don’t think I’ve smiled that much in a single day for a long time haha.
Basically all we’ve done this week is normal proselyting stuff and visiting members to say good-bye to them. So nothing like super crazy happened this week as far as missionary work goes, but it was fun to share my testimony with them and continue to strengthen them a lot! I love the members here in Minnesota and I’m really going to miss them. They’re awesome!
Well, it’s been a ride here in Minnesota. I’ve grown to love the Lord and the people here more than I ever thought possible. I’m so grateful that I’ve been able be a missionary and represent the Lord, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and my family. I’ve grown so much in my knowledge of the gospel and of my understanding and ability to apply the atonement of Jesus Christ in my life. I know the Book of Mormon is true without a doubt. Each time I read it I learn more, and I completely know it was written for our day by inspired prophets of God. Our current prophet, Russell M. Nelson, has asked us to read to read it each day and I know that as we follow his counsel, we will be kept safe from the fiery darts of the adversary. I’m grateful for my family and for the blessing they are to me. The family unit is one of God’s greatest gifts to us, and I know as we follow His commandments and the counsel of the prophets and apostles, our family will be strengthened and blessed.
I look forward to seeing you all soon! Much love to you all. Thanks for the prayers and support throughout my mission. Couldn’t have done it without you all! God bless you all until we meet again!
Much love,
Elder Beach
Still working hard!
The taco truck!
Dinner appointment.
P-day with the district.
Basketball with Ke and De.
Final good-byes with those I have come to love.
Service at Feed My Starving Children.
Reppin' the Mesa Pride!
