The Best Two Years

For what may be the last time,

Hello Everyone!

I apologise for the lack of emails up to this point. I'm afraid that "time passed away with [me], and [my mission] passed away like as it were unto [me] a dream."

It doesn't feel real, all that I've been through in this time. I wasn't sure I could accurately explain all I'd experienced through emails, so I didn't try. But it is enough for me to say that these last 7 months since my last email, these whole two years, have been remarkable.

I have been so blessed to see the change the gospel brings in people's lives. I have seen that God is a God of growth and change. I have seen people become completely overcome with the Spirit, that they will never be the same. I have seen lost, confused souls find truth and hold it close to their heart. I have seen so much growth within me and all around me.

I truly know that God loves us. I have seen that clear as day here. I have seen the blessings that His true and living gospel brings to broken lives—has brought to my life. I know I am a child of loving Heavenly Parents, and that knowledge has carried me through all the hard times in my mission.

This time to wear Christ's name on my chest and to preach of the restoration of His true church, share the good news of God's plan for us, invite others to follow His gospel path and come unto Christ, and love them through their change, has been unforgettable. I would not trade it for anything, and I'm so glad to have had this opportunity to share my testimony with others.

I am proud to have served the Lord to the best of my capabilities, to have given until there was nothing more to give. Throughout my mission I truly learned to know the Lord, and I know within my heart of hearts that my sacrifice is accepted. And while in the service and sacrifice of my Lord, Jesus Christ, I had the blessing to meet so many wonderful people—so many people that I hope to be my lifelong friends and companions, and I pray that we all continue to be lifelong disciples of Christ.

I have learned many personal lessons over my service, and it is with a full heart, filled in equal measure with sorrow and joy, that I say:

"...the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day..."

Adeus e Deus vos abençoe,

Elder Thatcher Todd Bishop
Son of God and Disciple of Jesus Christ

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